SALT LAKE CITY IN ONE DAY
Image courtesy of Saul Flores
As a traveler, you may have found yourself wondering what to do in a day when you get to a new city. While this can feel overwhelming, it can also be an exciting and fun way to see a new city!
However, when you live in a city, there isn’t that same pressure to explore or see something new. What if you pretended you only had one day though? What would you do in YOUR city?
Whether you are a visitor to Salt Lake City or a local looking to explore the city more frequently, Salt Lake Days is here to be your guide to all the things to see in Salt Lake City in one day!
What to See in Salt Lake City in One Day
The key to seeing Salt Lake City (or any city) in a day is to begin with what your favorite things are to do as a traveler.
Are you a foodie who wants to explore the local cuisine? Then, begin with planning a day around the best places for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Want to spend your time exploring? Then, grab coffee and a pastry at one of the best coffee shops in the city and have breakfast on the go. After your explorations, wind down with a cocktail at a local bar or lounge.
Speaking of exploring, what type of explorer are you? Do you want to go on an adventure in the great outdoors or stay within the city limits? Whatever your desire, focus on choosing to explore something unique to the city you are in.
To help you plan your perfect day in Salt Lake City we have shared some of our favorite places below. From the best brunch and coffee spots to unique places in Salt Lake City, and of course - the best dinner and cocktails in town, you can use our suggestions below to plan a day that hits ALL of the things you seek as a traveler.
Not sure where to start? Then check out our One Day on Main DAYcation Travel Guide. This one day itinerary will guide you through some of the best places in downtown Salt Lake City that are all located right on Main Street.
One Day on Main Travel Guide
Places to Eat in Downtown Salt Lake City
If you are planning your own one day itinerary for Salt Lake City you will definitely want to include some local eateries. Below you will find some of the most popular (and some of our favorite) places to eat in downtown Salt Lake City.
Breakfast Places in Downtown SLC
Eva’s Bakery
Bambara
Cupla Coffee
Honest Eatery
The People’s Coffee
Lunch Places in Downtown SLC
Maize Tacos
Pretty Bird Chicken
Makam’s Fresh Indian
Squatter’s Pub
Red Rock Brewery
Dinner Places in Downtown Salt Lake City
Bambara
Eva Restaurant
Cafe Molise
Takashi
Market Street Grill
Bars in Downtown Salt Lake City
The Rest
The Vault
The Red Door
Whiskey Street
Lake Effect
Places to Explore in Salt Lake City
When choosing where to explore in Salt Lake City there is a variety of options. From outdoor parks to historical landmarks, you can create an itinerary around the things you find most interesting.
Historical Places in Salt Lake City
A lot of the history in downtown Salt Lake City is centered around the Mormon Pioneers and the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Saints. This is a unique aspect of Salt Lake City and something you won’t find anywhere else. Therefore, if you are not familiar with how the city was founded, you may find it interesting to explore some of these unique Salt Lake City landmarks.
Temple Square
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building
The Tabernacle
In addition to the local history of how the city was founded there is a unique art installation that depicts this history in a, peculiar shall we say? way. This particular adventure will take you a few blocks away from the city center but is worth a quick car ride or ride on TRAX but is a truly uniquely Utah place to visit.
Gilgal Gardens (this is a unique place you will only find in Salt Lake City)
Outdoor Places to Visit in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake is surrounded by some seriously beautiful outdoor spaces. From parks to canyons, the city is surrounded by nature. So, if getting outside is on your list of things to do in a day in Salt Lake here are some places you may want to explore that are near downtown.
Memory Grove Park or any of the parks around the valley
Red Butte Garden (10 minute drive from downtown)
Millcreek Canyon (15 minute drive from downtown to the mouth of the canyon)
The Spiral Jetty (this is about an hour drive from downtown)
Indoor Places to Visit in Salt Lake City
Depending on what time of year you visit Salt Lake you may find yourself wanting more indoor activities, rather than outdoor adventures. Luckily, there are several fun things to do indoors in or near downtown Salt Lake City.
The Capitol Building
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
The Leonardo
Trolley Square (indoor shops at a historic location)
The National History Museum (10 minute drive from downtown)
Places to Walk in Salt Lake City
One question you may be wondering is if Salt Lake City is walkable. Yes! Downtown is a very walkable city. Even during winter. Therefore, we definitely suggest exploring the city on foot or jumping on and off of TRAX (the city train).
Walking will not only allow you to see the city from a new perspective but it also adds an element of wellness. What better way to get your steps in than by exploring the city?
If you want to elevate your wellness practice while downtown, then add in a yoga class.
Yoga in Downtown Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is home to several amazing yoga studios. These studios can be found across the valley and offer a variety of classes.
For those looking for a class downtown, there are a couple of great options. One is Salt Lake Power Yoga located at 250 East 300 South. While it is a little bit of a walk from Main Street, this studio is easy to get to from any downtown hotel. You can walk, jump on a scooter, drive, or take a Lyft or Uber.
And, if cycling is more your speed - sign up for a class at Torrent Cycle which is located next door to Salt Lake Power Yoga.
If you want a yoga class that is a bit closer to the center of downtown, then check out one of the classes offered by Salt Lake City local, Nicole Mickelson. Nicole offers two yoga classes a month at Hotel Monaco. Don’t worry if you are not staying at the hotel, you can still join the class!
Nicole’s classes are held on Wednesday (at 7:00 a.m.) and Saturday mornings (at 10:00 a.m.) at Hotel Monaco. They are free for guests or by donation for other visitors or locals. And, did you know that Hotel Monaco provides FREE yoga mats to use!
Where to Stay in Downtown Salt Lake City
We have shared a lot of fun places to eat and explore around the city, but what about where to stay? If you are visiting Salt Lake City for one day then we highly suggest spending the night at one of the many historic hotels in the city. This is also a great option for locals because, while you can easily come downtown just for the day, wouldn’t it be more fun to make an entire night out of it?
Whether you are a local looking for a DAYcation or a visitor who only gets one night in the city, any of the historic hotels are perfectly situated on or near Main Street. Making it easy for you to walk anywhere you may need to go or make a quick drive to other nearby places.
In addition to our five favorite historic hotels, there are plenty of other beautiful places to stay in the city. From the new Hyatt Regency to any of the Marriott or Hilton properties, any of these cozy hotels will provide the perfect location for exploring Salt Lake City in a day.
Wherever you stay, we hope that you enjoy your one day in the city and that it sparks a desire to continue exploring Salt Lake City.
