By Expedia Team, on March 5, 2020

Salt Lake City Vacation Ideas for Planning an Itinerary

Salt Lake City Vacation Ideas for Planning an Itinerary

There’s so much more to Salt Lake City than what meets the eye. Along with countless attractions showcasing a proud Mormon heritage, Salt Lake City is brimming with green spaces, outdoor adventures and a vibrant culture. Many travelers take the quick flight from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City to kick off their vacation. There’s just so much to do here that we’ve put together a Salt Lake City video to take you on a virtual tour of the city. Use this blog as your personal travel guide and let the footage from our video help inspire an epic Salt Lake City itinerary.

Places to visit in Salt Lake City

With so many places to visit in Salt Lake City, it can be tricky to put together a vacation plan. Below are all of the best spots to add to your travel itinerary. These Salt Lake City attractions are listed in the order of their appearance in our video so that you can refer to the stellar footage and plan your adventure accordingly.


Museum of Church History, Salt Lake City, Utah

Museum of Church History

(1:05 in the video) Learn about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church, with a visit to the Museum of Church History. Follow the stories of the church and its leaders, from the early 1800s onward through via exhibits, demonstrations and interactive media.


Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah

Temple Square

(1:45 in the video) Temple Square is the spiritual heart of Salt Lake City. If you’re exploring the culture of the city, you can’t miss this landmark. Discover age-old monuments built when members of the church first settled in Salt Lake Valley, and see new landmarks dedicated to the history and heritage of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints.


Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake Temple

(1:57 in the video) Salt Lake Temple is the centerpiece of Temple Square. One of the top attractions on any sightseeing schedule, the temple is a revered house of worship. Though it is usually only open to church members, it is well worth visiting to admire the epic marble construction and stunning sculptures adorning the building. Having stood for more than 100 years, the temple is currently undergoing renovations due to be completed in 2024, so that it can stand firm for generations to come.


Beehive House, Salt Lake City, Utah

Beehive House

(2:44 in the video) Visit the former residence of Brigham Young, the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints and Utah’s first governor. For many years the house also hosted offices of the church. Check out the beehive structure on the building, symbolic of the vision and labor of the church’s Salt Lake Valley settlers.


Lion House, Salt Lake City, Utah

Lion House

(2:49 in the video) This 1856 home is one of Salt Lake City’s most renowned and enduring landmarks. The house was built to accommodate the wives and children of Brigham Young. Today you can dine at The Lion House Pantry restaurant and enjoy some hearty home-style fare.


The Salt Lake Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake Tabernacle

(2:58 in the video) Unlike Salt Lake Temple, the general public is welcome in this spiritual attraction. The dome-like structure has extraordinary acoustics and is built to accommodate up to 7,000 people. If you’re lucky, you’ll visit when the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir is performing.


Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Salt Lake City, Utah

Joseph Smith Memorial Building

(3:30 in the video) Having welcomed guests for more than 100 years, Salt Lake City’s leading venue and event space knows how to provide great service and hospitality. Don’t go sightseeing on an empty stomach; explore the lower levels of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building then climb to the Roof Restaurant to enjoy a meal with a fantastic view of the city as a backdrop.


City Creek Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

City Creek Center

(4:00 in the video) Check out the fantastic shopping and dining precinct at City Creek Center. This open-air mall features a skybridge and award-winning retractable roof as well as pocket parks, roof gardens, and a creek winding through its pedestrian areas.


Sugar House, Salt Lake City, Utah

Sugar House

(4:09 in the video) When it comes to community and entertainment, Sugar House is a neighborhood that delights locals and visitors alike. Choose from the many cafes, restaurants and bars to taste Salt Lake City’s finest fare or check out the best shopping spots and green spaces to explore.


Liberty Park, Salt Lake City, Utah

Liberty Park

(4:32 in the video) Salt Lake City spoils its residents and visitors with 80 acres of green space in Liberty Park. Enjoy this leafy oasis complete with ponds, tennis courts, a swimming pool, an aviary, a museum and more.


Utah State Capitol, Salt Lake City, Utah

Utah State Capitol

(4:44 in the video) The State Capitol building is one of Utah’s most prominent landmarks and has been for more than a century. The Capitol Building is open for free guided tours on weekdays and 7 days a week for general public access.


Ensign Peak Nature Park, Salt Lake City, Utah

Ensign Peak

(5:03 in the video) At the northern end of Salt Lake Valley, find the perfect picnic spot where you can treat yourself to views of the city and a sunset at day’s end. It was from this summit that Mormon pioneers surveyed the valley and envisaged the city they wanted to build.


Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Salt Lake City, Utah

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

(5:29 in the video) Comprising one of the largest botanical gardens in the region and an arboretum together with the University of Utah, this garden offers a multifaceted visitor experience. The garden spans 100 acres and showcases a huge plant collection and display gardens. It also hosts award-winning education programs for horticulture as well as an outdoor summer concert series.


Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, Utah

Big Cottonwood Canyon

(6:00 in the video) Your Salt Lake City adventure will reach new heights on the world-class ski slopes, hiking and biking trails, and rock-climbing routes of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Admire the alpine scenery from your fast-paced outdoor activity or from the comfort of your picnic blanket.


Park City Olympic, Salt Lake City, Utah

Park City

(6:21 in the video) This town is one of the country’s top winter destinations, having hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and boasting two renowned ski resorts. As well as a love of outdoor fun, Park City is home to a rich appreciation for storytelling and hosts the annual Sundance Film Festival.


Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City, Utah

Great Salt Lake

(6:47 in the video) Check out the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. With ever-increasing mineral density, the high salinity of the lake makes swimming in its waters feel like floating. Given its greatly fluctuating surface area, much of the shoreline remains undeveloped.


Antelope Island, Salt Lake City, Utah

Antelope Island

(7:17 in the video) Take advantage of the hiking and biking trails when you visit Antelope Island. Keep watch for the wildlife, from bison to birds, that enjoy this untouched prairie wilderness.

Need more Salt Lake City vacation ideas?

Want some more travel inspiration for your next vacation? Browse through our Salt Lake City photo gallery to see more unique pictures of this incredible destination. If you want to broaden your horizons, our wider photo gallery houses pictures from around the world to help you envision that soon-to-be unforgettable vacation.

We have hundreds of travel videos from around the world. Let them inspire your next adventure.

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