Weekend In Salt Lake City Itinerary

If you’re looking for an unexpected gem of a weekend getaway, this Salt Lake City itinerary might just surprise you. I recently kicked off a Utah road trip here and was struck by how young, hip, and vibrant the city felt.

I’ll admit that Salt Lake City was never really on my list of must-see destinations, but after spending some time here I’ve come to realize there’s a surprising number of things to do in SLC, plus many great day trips in the area!

With stunning mountain backdrops, excellent food, quirky neighborhoods, and tons of outdoor access, SLC is more than just a pit stop on the way to Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks.

Whether you’re into hiking, art, history, or just great eats, Salt Lake City offers a little something for everyone. Here’s how to spend a fun, adventure-filled weekend in Salt Lake City.

In this article:

• My 3 day Salt Lake City itinerary + map
• Downtown Salt Lake City activities
• How to get around + where to stay
• Day trips from Salt Lake City

Disclaimer: This article features some affiliate links. I only endorse things I’ve personally used or that come highly recommended by trusted peers. If you purchase anything I mention using my referral links from Amazon, REI or other retailers I may receive a small commission. However, there is never extra cost to you. You can read more here. Thank you for your support.

Why Spend A Weekend In Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City blends outdoor adventure with urban culture in a way that few places do. Nestled against the Wasatch Mountains, it’s a haven for hikers, bikers, skiers, and nature lovers. But it’s also packed with cool coffee shops, breweries, restaurants, and artsy corners.

• It’s an ideal launching point for a Utah road trip to the Mighty 5 National Parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands)
• Walkable downtown and accessible neighborhoods make it easy to explore without stress
• Great for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want a low-key trip filled with unique local culture, memorable food stops, and easy access to outdoor fun
• Rich in history, from pioneer heritage to indigenous culture
• A perfect mix of big-city amenities and small-town friendliness

Salt Lake City’s unique cultural blend comes from its roots in Mormon history, balanced by a growing community of creatives, entrepreneurs, and outdoor enthusiasts.

3 Day Weekend In Salt Lake City Itinerary

Here’s a brief overview of my 3 day weekend in Salt Lake City itinerary. I’ll cover this in more detail below!

Where To Stay In Salt Lake City

There are a few popular neighborhoods to stay in during your visit to Salt Lake City:

Downtown SLC: Ideal for first-timers, close to historic sites and the nightlife scene
Sugar House: One of the oldest neighborhoods, now a hub for hip cafes and unique shops
9th & 9th: A quirky area filled with local boutiques, yoga studios, and vegan-friendly eateries

I think the best place to stay is in central downtown where you’ll find tons of cafe’s, restaurants, shops and things to do within walking distance.

Here are a few of my top picks for where to stay in Salt Lake City:

📍Grand America Hotel – luxury hotel with full on-site spa
📍Evo Hotel – mid-range, pet-friendly option with hip amenities like a rock climbing wall
📍Bposhtels SLC – budget-friendly hostel with co-ed rooms
📍Downtown Penthouse – 1 bedroom vacation rental that’s walkable to nearby highlights

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly location and are ok driving around a bit then check out Midvale. My Place Hotel and Tru by Hilton are both good mid-range options.

How To Get Around Salt Lake City

The best way to get to Salt Lake City is to fly into SLC airport. It’s a fairly large airport, so finding affordable flights and direct routes from other US cities is common.

TIP: SLC airport is a hub for Delta, so definitely check out their prices because they tend to be the most affordable with the best flight times.

The airport is only 4 miles from downtown, so it’s easy to get around. For $2.50 one-way you can catch the TRAX train from the airport to downtown.

However, the best way to see Salt Lake City is with your own vehicle, especially if you’re only visiting for a weekend or if you want to access nearby hikes.

TIP: I recommend booking rental cars through DiscoverCars.com because they have the most affordable rates and offer a very generous cancelation policy.

Salt Lake City Itinerary Map

Use this map to plan your weekend in Salt Lake City itinerary! The icons on each location indicate the type of activity.

Salt Lake City Itinerary: Day 1

Your weekend in Salt Lake City kicks off with an afternoon arrival and a chance to get settled. After checking in to your hotel, head out to Antelope Island State Park and enjoy Great Salt Lake for the afternoon.

Antelope Island State Park

💰 Admission: $15/vehicle

While Antelope Island State Park looks close to SLC on the map, the entrance is over a bridge on the north end of the Island, so it’s around an hour and a half drive from downtown Salt Lake City.

Antelope Island is home to a herd of Bison and several great hiking trails. It’s also a great way to explore Salt Lake.

While you’re here I recommend checking out Lady Finger Trail (half a mile, easy trail) or Lakeside Loop (5 miles, easy trail) which takes you along Great Salt Lake with many opportunities to spot bison grazing.

For more of a challenge, hike to Frary Peak – the highest peak on Antelope Island. This is a hard hike with over 2300 feet in elevation gain over 7.1 miles, but the lake views from the top are stunning.

During the summer, you can swim in Great Salt Lake near Bridger Bay.

TIP: If you’re here for sunset bring bug spray as it can get a little buggy in the evenings.

You can watch sunset over the lake here, or stop by Ensign Peak on your way back to downtown Salt Lake City.

NOTE: If you don’t see Ensign Peak on day 1 you can do it on day 2 instead!

After, head to downtown SLC for dinner and drinks. Salt Lake City has an incredible food scene so you don’t have to look too hard to find a great spot for dinner.

I recommend Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen or Bodega and The Rest for a speakeasy vibe with creative menu items.

Salt Lake City Itinerary: Day 2

With just a weekend in Salt Lake City there’s a lot to pack into this itinerary so I recommend spending day 2 checking out the sights in downtown Salt Lake City, and then taking a day trip out of town on day 3 to explore.

There’s more than enough downtown Salt Lake City activities to keep you busy for a full day! These are some of the best options to experience SLC’s local art, culture, food and outdoor activities:

The Living Room Hike

One of my favorite things about Salt Lake City is it’s instant access to nature. Start your day with a dose of fresh air (especially if you’re visiting in summer, because it’ll get hot in the afternoon.)

The Living Room trail is one of the most popular hikes in Salt Lake City!

It’s a 2.3 mile path up to an overlook. At the overlook you’ll find boulders shaped like couches and chairs — hence the name “Living Room”.

Red Butte Garden

💰 Admission: $14

Red Butte Garden has more than 21 acres of gardens, including Four Seasons Garden, Fragrance Garden, Medicinal Garden, Herb Garden, and more.

It was founded in 1930 by a University of Utah professor as a way to study native and exotic trees for his botany classes. Today, it’s still operated by the university.

TIP: If you’re visiting Salt Lake City in the summer you might catch one of their renowned Red Butte Garden Outdoor Concert Series.

Hogle Zoo

💰 Admission: $25

Hogle Zoo is another great stop for a weekend in Salt Lake City! It’s home to over 800 animals and is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) — meaning Hogle Zoo upholds high standards in animal care and conservation efforts!

There are a variety of exhibits here, including African Savanna, Asian Highlands and Wild Utah habitats.

TIP: If you’re planning to hit a bunch of the main attractions while you’re in town, the Salt Lake City Connect Pass is a great cost-effective option to save money (and skip ticket lines). It includes free admission to more than a dozen popular spots like the Natural History Museum of Utah, Hogle Zoo, Tracy Aviary, and Red Butte Garden—plus a few hidden gems you might not have thought to visit.

Natural History Museum Of Utah

💰 Admission: $23

The Natural History Museum of Utah is a must-see during your trip to Salt Lake City. It’s especially great during the hot summer months as a way to escape the heat outdoors.

There are 10 permanent exhibits on display (like dinosaur fossils, gemstones and interesting history of Great Salt Lake and it’s ecology) as well as special rotating exhibits.

TIP: Visit the Natural History Museum in the afternoon so you can escape the heat in some cool air conditioning.

Maven District & Liberty Park

Head to Maven District for the afternoon. It’s a vibrant neighborhood with tons of locally owned shops (especially women owned businesses). I recommend spending the afternoon here shopping and grabbing lunch.

Three blocks east of Maven District is Liberty Park – another popular spot in downtown Salt Lake City. It was purchased from Brigham Young by the city in 1881 and turned into a public park.

Tracy Aviary is located inside the park and is home to over 400 birds. It was established in 1938 when Russell Lord Tracy donated his private bird collection and now spans 8 acres and includes an Owl Forest.

💰 Admission to the aviary is $15.

Temple Square – Most Iconic SLC Landmark

Be sure to make time to visit the most iconic landmark in Salt Lake City – Temple Square!

Temple Square is a 5 block area in downtown SLC that’s owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You don’t have to be religious to enjoy exploring this area – it’s open to everyone!

There are several key sights in this area, including Salt Lake Temple, and the Tabernacle.

There are also free guided tours available from the Visitors Center.

NOTE: One block away is the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, which is also worth a visit. It holds 6 gallery spaces with rotating exhibitions that highlight local artists as well as national and international art. Admission is pay-what-you-can with a recommended $10 donation.

Check Out The Murals All Over Salt Lake City

One thing that surprised me about Salt Lake City is how big they are about street art! There are dozens of murals across the city – even if you aren’t searching for them you’ll probably stumble upon a few without trying!

This map, created by Bryant Heath, shows many of the Murals in Salt Lake City.

If time allows, consider booking a Salt Lake bike tour or mural walk to explore the city’s growing public art scene.

Taste SLC Craft Food

Join a downtown walking tour and enjoy some of the most famous foods in Salt Lake City! If you’re a foodie you’ll enjoy the variety of Utah cheeses, salami, chocolate and Nashville hot chicken.

This is a great way to learn more about the city while also being able to experience its culinary highlights at the same time.

Ensign Peak For Sunset Over SLC

Ensign Peak is located just north of Salt Lake City and sits just over 1,000 feet above the valley. That makes it the perfect spot to watch sunset in Salt Lake City, where you can get a panoramic view of the cityscape and Great Salt Lake!

The trail to Ensign Peak is 0.9 miles out-and-back with just under 400 feet in elevation gain. It takes around 40 minutes to hike in total.

Salt Lake City Itinerary: Day 3

On the last day of your weekend in Salt Lake City it’s time to explore the highlights just past the city! Utah has so much going on that you can find tons of cool things to do near Salt Lake City, even without trying!

Unfortunately, you can’t do them all with just a weekend in Salt Lake City, so you’ll have to pick a direction (or come back again to keep exploring!)

East: Big Cottonwood Canyon & Heber City

If you head about 40-minutes east of downtown Salt Lake City you’ll find the beautiful Big Cottonwood Canyon. There are some fantastic hikes here, but you don’t even need to leave your car to enjoy the scenic drive.

🥾 Donut Falls – easy 3.3 mile hike to a waterfall
🥾 Lake Catherine Trail – moderate 4.6 mile hike past Lakes Mary & Martha and around Lake Catherine
🥾 Silver Lake Loop – easy, scenic 0.9 mile loop around the lake
🥾 Lake Blanche Trail – challenging 6.4 mile hike with nearly 2,800 feet in elevation gain, but the views at the top are well worth it!

Another 1 hour drive will bring you through Park City (a good place to grab lunch!) into Heber City – home to Homestead Crater Mineral Dome.

Homestead Crater is one of the best hot springs in Utah. It’s located in a giant limestone dome, so it’s also referred to as an “indoor” hot spring.

💰 Admission for Homestead Crater is around $80 per adult

The water comes up from a source 2 miles below the hot spring and stays 94°F year-round!

TIP: I recommend booking tickets in advance as they tend to sell out.

From Heber City it’s about an hour back to Salt Lake City. Or, you could take a detour to soak in Fifth Water hot spring (which adds another 1.5 hours in the car – but it’s worth it!)

Fifth Water is another great hot spring in Utah! It’s free, but you’ll have to hike in on a moderate 4.6 mile trail.

I did this hike with a friend and my dog and while it’s a fairly easy hike, the path can be muddy and extremely narrow in some places. Some people were hiking in flip flops and I cannot imagine how tricky that is on the slippery sections of the trail.

Once you arrive to the hot springs you’ll find lots of pools cascading down from a waterfall. It’s very pretty! We visited on a week day and there weren’t many other people there.

NOTE: The parking lot here is TINY. I doubt if it’ll even fit 20 cars. Be prepared to wait for a spot to open up, or to park farther away and hike in.

From Fifth Water it’s just over an hour and a half back to Salt Lake City. You’ll drive through Provo, which is the best place to stop for dinner along this route.

West: Bonneville Salt Flats

The second option for the final day of your Salt Lake City itinerary is to head west to Bonneville Salt Flats, located about 2 hours west of Salt Lake City. It’s a really easy highway drive, which helps to offset the distance.

Bonneville Salt Flats is one of the neatest things to see in Utah. Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll either see endless cracked white salt or a thin layer of water that reflects the mountains and sky perfectly. Both are incredible.

If you visit in the spring, when there’s standing water, be extra careful about driving across the salt flats as it’s very easy to get stuck.

If you prefer not to drive, there are also guided tours from SLC to Bonneville Salt Flats, too.

Extend Your Salt Lake City Itinerary

If you have more time to explore Utah I recommend adding a few days and heading south. There are a ton of amazing things to see within a few hours of Salt Lake City.

Mystic Hot Springs

💰 Admission: $30 per person

Mystic Hot Springs is just over 2.5 hours from Salt Lake City. It’s one of the more unique hot springs in Utah because it features cast iron bathtubs you can soak in right out in the beautiful landscape!

These hot springs are funky and unique. A 2-hour soak costs $30, and you can purchase tickets in advance on their website.

Meadow Hot Springs

Meadow Hot Springs is also around 2.5 hours south of Salt Lake City, and another great hot spring in Utah to visit! The best part is this one is free to enjoy.

NOTE: Meadow Hot Springs is on private property. The owners allow the public access, but it’s incredibly important to respect the land and pack out all of your trash!

To get to Meadow Hot Springs there’s an easy 1-mile loop from the parking lot. However, you don’t have to hike the entire loop, you can soak in one of the closer hot springs if you’d like.

Moab

From Salt Lake City to Moab is around a 3.5 hour drive. While the drive itself isn’t incredibly exciting, there are a ton of things to do in Moab, Utah.

I recommend spending one day in Arches National Park, which is a fairly small park and easy to see in a short trip. It’s also only 10 minutes from Moab, so you can check both places off your list!

Best Time To Visit Salt Lake City

There really isn’t a bad time to visit Salt Lake City. All of the seasons offer some amazing activities and in general the weather is great year-round!

Spring In Salt Lake City

Spring in Salt Lake City is known for mild weather and cherry blossoms. Plus, skiing is still possible in the nearby Wasatch peaks.

Average Temperatures: 40s–70s°F
Crowds: Not too bad, and good rates on hotels
Events: KaBLOOM festival, Utah Arts Festival

Summer In Salt lake City

Summer is the most popular time to visit Salt Lake City, and tends to be a bit more crowded.

Early summer is the best time to see wildflowers, and temperatures at night are more favorable for camping.

Average Temperatures: 60s–90s°F
Crowds: Peak during July and August
Events: Wasatch Wildflower Festival, Utah Pride Festival, Sandy Balloon Festival, fireworks on July 4, movie nights in Pioneer Park

Fall In Salt lake City

Salt Lake City in autumn has some stunning fall foliage, and the daytime temperatures are perfect for hiking.

The Aspen groves peak during late September or early October and turn the mountains golden.

Average Temperatures: 60s–90s°F
Crowds: Moderate with some holiday crowds during Labor Day weekend
Events: Utah State Fair, Oktoberfest

Winter In SLC

One of the best seasons to visit Salt Lake City is during the winter, during skiing season. With several fantastic slopes just a short drive away, like Alta and Snowbird, a weekend in Salt Lake City is a fun winter getaway.

Average Temperatures: 20s–40s°F
Crowds: Holiday crowds, but generally mild
Events: First Night New Year’s Eve, Temple Square holiday lights

Tips for First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first trip to Salt Lake City here’s a few important factors to keep in mind while planning your itinerary and packing list:

• The SLC airport is just 15 minutes from downtown.
• If you plan to explore parks or take day trips from Salt Lake City to spots like Antelope Island or Big Cottonwood Canyon, I recommend booking your rental car through DiscoverCars. They consistently offer the best rental rates and have a very flexible cancellation policy.
• The city is high desert, so hydration is key
• Expect a mix of casual and upscale dining—pack accordingly
• Alcohol laws are looser than they used to be, but some restrictions remain (beer is capped at 5% ABV on draft in many places)

Best Restaurants In SLC

The food scene in Salt Lake City is incredibly diverse and delicious! There are a ton of great restaurants to choose between, and it’s hard to make a bad choice. These are a few local favorites.

Coffee & Brunch In Salt Lake City:

☕️ The Rose Establishment: Trendy coffee shop with an excellent avocado toast
☕️ Publik Coffee Roasters: Minimalist space with locally roasted beans and artisan toasts
☕️ Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade: Famous for their hearty biscuit sandwiches and fresh limeades

Popular Dinner Spots In SLC:

🍽️ The Copper Onion: Famous for its ricotta dumplings and seared scallops
🍽️ Eva: Tapas-style menu in a cozy setting, perfect for sharing a bunch of small plates
🍽️ Red Iguana: Iconic for its mole sauces (expect a wait, but it’s worth it)
🍽️ HSL: Elegant, modern American dishes in a lush, plant-filled setting
🍽️ Pago: Seasonal and locally sourced menu items in a casual-chic environment.
🍽️ Pretty Bird: Chef Viet Pham’s hot chicken restaurant is a must for spice lovers

Best Cocktails In Salt Lake City:

🍸 Lake Effect: Live music and swanky cocktails
🍸 Water Witch: Intimate craft cocktail bar with an ever-changing menu
🍸 Avenues Proper: Craft brewery with a neighborhood feel and inventive small plates

🍦 Normal Ice Cream: Creative flavors served from a cute trailer in downtown

More Great Spots To Visit In Utah

Keep planning your Utah trip with these resources!

Zion National Park

• One Day In Zion National Park Itinerary
• Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip + Map

Arches National Park

• Salt Lake City To Arches National Park Road Trip Itinerary
• Arches National Park Itinerary And Travel Guide
• Guide To The Best Hikes In Arches National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

• One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park
• 15 Bryce Canyon Hikes – Easy To Hard