A First-Timer’s Guide to Salt Lake City

Utah’s capital city stands out as an beautiful place of culture and mountains, home to Temple Square – famously home of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – that draws visitors.

Washington’s informal neighborhoods such as University-Foothill district and Capitol Hill-Avenues should also be explored, along with its food scene.

1. Temple Square

Salt Lake City’s Mormon history can be seen throughout its streets and squares, especially its namesake square. Here visitors can gain an understanding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through guided tours of temples and historic sites.

Salt Lake Temple, an impressive white structure set against Utah mountains, serves as the centerpiece of this attraction. Although only members of this particular church are permitted to enter it directly, visitors can still see glimpses through windows or tour exhibits within.

Other top sites to see in Salt Lake include the Tabernacle and Assembly Hall, both renowned for their stunning acoustics, which regularly host year-round hour-long concerts by bands, choirs and orchestras. Also of note is the Family History Library with its unparalleled genealogical resource collection.

2. Salt Lake City Museum of Art

Utah State University’s Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art features art exhibitions, classes, and activities that interpret, present, and foster learning about visual art. Through these initiatives they strive to deepen public appreciation of fine art as an expression of human creativity.

The Chase Home Museum in Utah is home to one of the state’s only collections of folk art, featuring wood carvings, saddles and beadwork from rural, occupational and ethnic communities throughout Utah.

Explore an engaging selection of interactive and role play exhibits designed to encourage children’s imagination, creation, and discovery! Men- and women-specific restrooms can be found near both galleries; one on the first-floor temporary exhibitions gallery, and two more near modern and contemporary gallery.

3. Hogle Zoo

Utah also has a Zoo, with all types of animals that you’ll find at most zoos around the nation. Giraffe, Elephants, and even some of our local animals like the grizzly bear, mountain lion, bobcat, and many more.

4. Salt Lake City Library

Most people imagine libraries as rows of bookshelves with librarians shush-shushing them away, yet this library stands out from the pack as being completely modern and an architectural work of art.

The downtown library resides on one corner of Library Square and is surrounded by shops, restaurants and a rooftop garden. Its glass walls and roof-top garden provide breathtaking views of both the city and surrounding mountains.

The Salt Lake City Library offers visitors an ideal space to relax, read, write or surf the Internet on one of its 160 computers. Furthermore, its main library hosts events like Alt Press Festival and poetry readings – making it well worth your while during your stay in Salt Lake City.

5. Liberty Park

Most major attractions can be found in Downtown and Capitol Hill-Avenues neighborhoods, with Temple Square as the centerpiece. Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy hiking and biking through nearby Wasatch National Forest; park ranges like Tracy Aviary hold over 135 species of birds for additional outdoor enjoyment.

Within Temple Square, admire the iconic Mormon Temple with its striking spire-studded roof as well as Assembly Hall and Mormon Tabernacle, both with historic structures dating back hundreds of years. Also prominent within this neighborhood is the Family History Library which holds over two billion names for genealogical research purposes – must-see buildings include these.

6. Salt Palace

Salt Lake City offers something to appeal to every traveler. From its lively downtown scene and easy access to outdoor adventure to its rich mountaintop history and vibrant nightlife scene – Salt Lake City makes an irresistibly exciting travel destination.

History lovers will appreciate visiting Temple Square and historic monuments, while nature enthusiasts should visit Utah’s Hogle Zoo and City Creek Center. There are plenty of lodging options in the area from boutique B&Bs like Ellerbeck Mansion Bed & Breakfast to upscale options like The Hotel at Salt Lake.

Experience an effortless tour of Salt Lake City’s top attractions by booking one of the city’s best limo tours. Forget navigation hassles, traffic gridlocks and parking difficulties by leaving everything up to an experienced chauffeur!

7. Caffe Molise

Caffe Molise is a downtown Salt Lake City highlight, showcasing authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Its elegant yet welcoming ambiance makes it perfect for any occasion, from romantic dinners to casual gatherings. The menu emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, delivering rich and nuanced flavors true to Italian cooking. Located in the heart of the city, it's a convenient spot for both locals and tourists. The beautiful outdoor dining area offers a serene dining experience. Caffe Molise promises an unforgettable Italian meal in Salt Lake City.

8. Current

Salt Lake City has numerous museums and cultural venues, and also boasts several colleges and universities.

Salt Lake City and Park City was host to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, and they proved a huge success despite some minor disagreements and protests.

Early pioneers forged an intimate community, under Brigham Young’s direction establishing a system of crop sharing among ward houses.

Since World War II, Salt Lake’s economy has flourished. Defense industries found refuge here as their raw material needs increased, leading Hill Air Force Base to establish itself. Today the city specializes in government services, transportation utilities and professional/business services; furthermore revitalization efforts are also under way downtown.

9. Ski Resorts

Utah is known for its ski resorts and is known as the “Greatest Snow on earth”. We have ski resorts all of the Wasatch Mountains and into park city. You can have limousine take you up to the ski resorts if thats something your interested in.

Conclusion

Utah is a place of adventure and history. It goes through all four seasons and has amazing land and amazing people.