Salt Lake City in 5 days

Mountain gateway: world-class ski resorts, national parks and Utah's outdoor adventure capital. Best time to visit: December-March (ski) and June-September (hiking). Average daily budget: $150 to $280 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Downtown, Walkable centre with Temple Square, City Creek shopping, restaurants and the convention scene.

Morning: Ski or snowboard the Wasatch resorts. World-famous powder at Park City, Alta, Snowbird, Solitude and Brighton, all under an hour from the city.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown, Walkable centre with Temple Square, City Creek shopping, restaurants and the convention scene.

Evening: Explore Temple Square. The historic religious heart of the city, with the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle and gardens.

Eat: Utah scones with honey butter

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Temple Square, The historic heart of the city, home to the iconic Salt Lake Temple and Tabernacle.

Morning: Float in the Great Salt Lake. Visit Antelope Island State Park for the surreal, super-salty lake, bison and birdlife.

Afternoon: Explore Temple Square, The historic heart of the city, home to the iconic Salt Lake Temple and Tabernacle.

Evening: Hike the Wasatch trails. In summer, the canyons offer alpine lakes, wildflowers and stunning day hikes minutes from the city.

Eat: Farm-to-table Mountain West cuisine

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: The Avenues & Capitol Hill, Historic hillside neighbourhoods with leafy streets, bungalows and skyline views.

Morning: Road trip to Utah's national parks. Use SLC as a base for Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon and the rest of the Mighty 5.

Afternoon: Explore The Avenues & Capitol Hill, Historic hillside neighbourhoods with leafy streets, bungalows and skyline views.

Evening: Craft breweries and a surprisingly strong local food scene.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Local craft beer and spirits

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: 9th & 9th and Sugar House, Hip, local districts of indie shops, cafés, breweries and an artsy vibe.

Morning: Sunset over the Great Salt Lake from Antelope Island.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore 9th & 9th and Sugar House, Hip, local districts of indie shops, cafés, breweries and an artsy vibe.

Evening: Soaking in the historic Homestead Crater hot spring nearby.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Pastrami burgers, a Utah specialty

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Cottonwood Canyons (nearby), Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons lead to the legendary ski resorts of Alta, Snowbird, Solitude and Brighton.

Morning: Scenic drives and fall colours through the Cottonwood Canyons.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Cottonwood Canyons (nearby), Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons lead to the legendary ski resorts of Alta, Snowbird, Solitude and Brighton.

Evening: Dinner at Utah scones with honey butter, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Cottonwood Canyons (nearby).

Eat: Utah scones with honey butter

Hidden gems

Craft breweries and a surprisingly strong local food scene.
Sunset over the Great Salt Lake from Antelope Island.
Soaking in the historic Homestead Crater hot spring nearby.
Scenic drives and fall colours through the Cottonwood Canyons.

Getting around

Downtown Salt Lake City is walkable and served by the TRAX light rail and a free downtown fare zone, with the airport just minutes away. However, a rental car is highly recommended for reaching the ski resorts, the Great Salt Lake and the national parks, as that's the real draw. In winter, resort shuttles and buses serve the canyons, but a car (with winter tyres) gives the most flexibility for mountain adventures.

Safety

Salt Lake City is one of the safer major US cities, with low crime in its central and tourist areas and normal urban caution advised downtown at night. The main risks are outdoor-related: mountain weather, avalanche danger in the backcountry, altitude, and winter driving in the canyons. Check conditions, carry layers and water, and respect resort and park guidance when heading into the mountains.

Salt Lake City in 3 days | Salt Lake City in 7 days | Full Salt Lake City guide