Adventures in Sweets

Salt Lake City, the Capitol city of Utah, is nestled in a picturesque valley bordered by the famous Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, part of the Rocky Mountain range. It boasts some of the most stunning views in the country and is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute tribes.

As the host city for the 2002 Winter Olympics and future host of the 2034 Olympics, Salt Lake City is a world-renowned ski and snowboard destination in the winter. In the summer, outdoor adventure activities are also plentiful, so adrenaline and thrill seekers have endless options. But, what if you are not the outdoorsy type or would instead sip hot chocolate next to a fireplace rather than ride the ski lift? Is Salt Lake City still worth the trip? Definitely!
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Here’s a quick guide to visiting Salt Lake City to give you ideas for your first trip to the Beehive State.

Where to Stay

In downtown Salt Lake City, the premier hotel is The Grand America Hotel and its sister, The Little America Hotel. They are centrally located and have all the 5-star amenities of a luxury hotel, including an indoor and outdoor pool, dining options, and a spa. Downtown Salt Lake City also has hotels from all the major hotel brands. If you are not going to be renting a car, staying downtown allows for easy walking or a short rideshare fare from the main attractions.

If you rent a car, you could consider staying in one of the suburbs of Salt Lake City. You will be able to find options from all the major hotel chains at more affordable rates but still within a 15 to 20-minute drive from central Salt Lake City.
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For those prioritizing outdoor activities, Park City is a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City and offers a quaint downtown area with dining and shopping options. Various lodging options are available that cater to solo travelers, couples, and families.

How to Get Around

In most cases, having a car is the most efficient way to get around Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas. Public transportation, scooters, rideshare, and taxi services are available for getting around the downtown area. However, if your plans take you outside downtown, a rental car will come in handy. Unlike some other major cities in the US, public parking in Salt Lake City is abundant and reasonably priced. If you are visiting during the winter months, it is recommended that you reserve a snow-worthy vehicle, especially if you plan to visit the mountains.

Weather

Salt Lake City experiences four distinct seasons. The summer months, June through mid-September, can be hot with average temperatures in the 80s, but peaking into the 90s or even the 100s in mid-July. Likewise, the winter is cold. From the end of November through the end of February, the area sees average temperatures in the 30s and 40s. This means Salt Lake City is a great shoulder, or off-peak, destination to visit in May or in October.

Things to Do

One way to appreciate the geography of the region is to hike Ensign Peak at sunrise or sunset. This is a short, but moderately strenuous hike, that provides some of the most stunning views of the city and the valley. The trail is paved up to the first vista point and then there is a marked dirt path up to the top. Flashlights are encouraged for hikers at sunset.

Former (or current) library kids must visit the main branch of the Salt Lake City Public Library. The architects who designed it are also responsible for other Instagram-worthy architectural wonders, including the Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore. It contains an impressive collection of over 500,000 books but also contains public art, fireplaces, reading nooks, a seed library, a computer lab, and a rooftop terrace. A parking garage is adjacent to the library with two hours of free parking with validation from the library.

Across the square from the library (and in the building that formerly housed the library) is The Leonardo, a museum dedicated to the fusion of science and art. Two full floors of hands-on exhibits await visitors and their creativity. Their current exhibits include the exploration of flight and aviation, perception, and mental health. Past exhibits have focused on the human body, race, mummies, and the Dead Sea scrolls.
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Lastly, it is worth the drive out of Salt Lake City into the mountains to Park City. Main Street is the heart of the historic downtown and home to numerous locally-owned businesses. The vibe is quaint but sophisticated. There are art galleries to peruse, community events throughout the year, and dining options for every palette. Park City is the perfect day trip, but also worth a few nights to take advantage of the mountain life.