72 Hours in Salt Lake, Utah

Salt Lake might be best known as the gateway to Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks, but it’s a destination that easily stands on its own. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Wasatch Mountains, the Beehive State’s capital combines world-class skiing, breathtaking natural beauty and a vibrant downtown scene that’s quickly catching the eye of international travellers.

Credit: Visit Salt Lake

From remarkable stays and elevated dining to inspiring culture and outdoor adventures just moments away, here’s how to spend 72 hours discovering the Beehive State’s most surprising destination.

Day 1

Morning: Liberty Park & Temple Square

Kicking off the first day in The Crossroads of the West with breakfast, make your way to The Park Café just south of Liberty Park in the heart of Downtown, where a hearty, family-style meal awaits overlooking the lush greens of the park from the dining room.

Credit: Visit Salt Lake

Working off breakfast with a stroll through Liberty Park, the city’s oldest and second-largest park, visitors have a chance to soak in effortlessly tranquil views of the lush greens and urban amenities, including swimming pools, tennis courts and even the Tracy Aviary, home to over 300 species of birds, surrounded by the city skyline and Wasatch Mountains.

Following lunch, take a short stroll to one of Salt Lake’s most iconic landmarks: Temple Square. Spanning five landscaped city blocks, this historic site serves as the spiritual heart of Downtown and the global headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even as the Salt Lake Temple undergoes partial renovations, there’s no shortage of things to experience here.

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Visitors can explore the striking Assembly Hall and the Salt Lake Tabernacle, home to the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Those visiting on a Thursday can even attend a live rehearsal, where the harmonious sounds of the 360-voice choir fill the space in a moving celebration of music and faith.

Beyond its religious significance, Temple Square also offers engaging visitor centres, interactive exhibits and guided tours that bring to life the stand history behind this remarkable landmark. Set amid manicured gardens and seasonal floral displays, it’s a place that beautifully captures Salt Lake’s balance of heritage, artistry and community.

Afternoon: Utah State Capitol Building

Heading into the early afternoon, venture north of Temple Square towards the Utah State Capitol Building, taking in some of the city’s iconic urban art murals along the way, some of which paying homage to community activists, rock legends and even the Utah Jazz basketball team.

Credit: Dennis Zhang via Unsplash

Visitors will be stunned as they approach the Capitol Building, one of Salt Lake’s most standout landmarks, and, depending on the season, may even be lucky enough to see it encircled by blossoming trees in the spring. Open seven days a week to the public, the building has stood as a centre for the state government for almost a century. For those curious to venture inside, free guided tours are available to join on the hour from 10am to 5pm on weekdays, offering insight into not only the building’s awe-inspiring and artfully guided interior, but also it's history, architecture and the workings of government processes themselves.

Approaching dinnertime, head for an anything-but-ordinary dining experience at Junah. An unlikely pairing of Italian and Japanese cuisine in what’s known as Itameshi, Junah delivers one of the most unique menus in the city, featuring everything from matcha tiramisu to gyoza ravioli. Having opened early in the spring of 2025, suffice to say it’s a new and certainly notable stop for foodies on any Salt Lake itinerary.

Day 2

Morning: This Is The Place Heritage Park

Day two begins by heading eastward with a visit to where it all began for Salt Lake. This Is The Place Heritage Park pays homage to the very spot where the city’s first pioneers laid eyes on the valley that would later blossom into the destination we know today. From interactive exhibits depicting earlier life to the towering monument marking the historic moment Brigham Young declared, “this is the place,” the park offers a vivid window into Utah’s pioneering past.

Credit: Visit Salt Lake

Visitors can step into a recreated 19th-century village complete with blacksmith shops, log cabins and working farms, or simply take in the sweeping views over the Valley that inspired the city’s founding. With its blend of history, hands-on experiences and scenery, it’s a fitting way to connect with the roots of the Beehive State before diving back into the modern energy that defines the city today.

Leaving This Is The Place Heritage Park, it’s time to head a few minutes further east via Emigration Canyon Road where brunch awaits at Emigration Brewing Company. From breakfast classics to an array of brunch-only cocktails, a seasonal menu and craft brew rotation, this rustic yet elevated eatery ties itself in deeply with the region’s roots, celebrating Utah’s vibrant brewing history.

Afternoon: Exploring the Ski Scene

This afternoon calls for a journey towards Big Cottonwood Canyon for adventures at altitude at Brighton Ski Resort. Come summer or winter, the resort offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor thrills and recreation.

Credit: Visit Salt Lake

Alongside being one of the destination’s premier ski resorts during the snowy season with plenty of action for avid skiers and snowboarders, Brighton Ski Resort offers everything from scenic hiking trails to mountain biking and even disc golf in the warmer months, making it the perfect stop either for an afternoon carving fresh tracks in the powder, or soaking in the sights on an idyllic lift ride.

Once back on ground level, the evening calls for something with a little atmosphere Downtown. Repeal brings a moody, jazz-infused energy to the city’s nightlife. Low lighting and nightly live music set the tone, while its Mediterranean-inspired menu channels the spirit of the Prohibition era with a modern twist. With craft creativity and a touch of elegance at the core of the experience, Repeal also holds one of the state’s largest rare bourbon collections, promising an evening as memorable as it is flavourful.

Day 3

Morning: Coffee & Culture

Begin your final morning in Salt Lake with breakfast at The Rose Establishment, a gem that blends the buzz of morning coffee with eclectic specials and mouth-watering takes on breakfast favourites, elevating the senses early and setting the pace for the day ahead.

Credit: Natural History Museum of Utah

Afterwards, head east towards the Natural History Museum of Utah, perched on the edge of the Wasatch foothills and home to a vast collection of nearly 2 million objects to discover. Immersive exhibits tell the story of Utah’s natural and cultural past, from dinosaur fossils and ancient minerals to Indigenous artistry and modern ecology.

By lunchtime, make your way to the 9th & 9th neighbourhood, one of Salt Lake’s most characterful (and walkable) corners. Independent shops, public murals and tree-lined streets give it a distinctly local feel, perfect for exploring on foot. For lunch, opt for Sapa if sushi is calling, or stay close to the action in 9th & 9th with a relaxed bite and a craft beer at East Liberty Tap House, a neighbourhood staple perfect for sunny patio moments.

Afternoon: A Touch of Nature

This afternoon, venture beyond the city to Antelope Island State Park, the crown jewel of the Great Salt Lake and the largest of its islands. A haven for wildlife lovers and photographers alike, it’s known for its sweeping lake views, rolling landscapes and a 500-strong roaming bison herd, the nation’s largest and oldest public herd, in fact.

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Return to the city for a memorable dinner at Table X, where farm-to-table cuisine meets minimalist design. Dishes are crafted around locally sourced produce, changing with the seasons to showcase Utah’s flavours at their best. Elegant, creative and unpretentious, it’s the perfect way to end three unforgettable days in Salt Lake.

Notable Stays

Asher Adams Hotel

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For a stay that reflects the culture and essence of Salt Lake City as much as its elegance, the Asher Adams Hotel is one to watch. A thoughtful reimagining of the city’s historic Union Pacific Depot, this Autograph Collection by Marriott property pays homage to its railroad roots through restored architectural details and subtle design flourishes, even extending to the charcoal-infused flavours at on-site bar No. 119. Balancing moody sophistication with contemporary comfort, its plush interiors and locally inspired touches make this downtown landmark a fitting reflection of Salt Lake’s evolving identity.

Kimpton Monaco Salt Lake City

Credit: Kimpton Hotels

For a stay that blends bold design with boutique personality, Kimpton Monaco Salt Lake City brings its signature sense of style to the heart of downtown. Housed in a beautifully restored bank, this hotel pairs playful interiors with thoughtful amenities, from its nightly happy hours to stargazing kits that invite guests to make the most of Utah’s famously clear skies. With its personable service, it’s a chic yet down-to-earth choice that embodies Kimpton’s signature charm.

Grand America Hotel

Credit: Visit Salt Lake

The Grand America Hotel is just that, grand in every sense. A landmark of luxury in downtown Salt Lake, its marble-lined interiors, glittering chandeliers and manicured gardens set a scene of timeless elegance. With a full-service spa, fine dining and the city’s most celebrated afternoon tea, every detail speaks to classic refinement. For travellers seeking an experience that pairs European sophistication with western warmth, this is one of Salt Lake’s most distinguished stays.