One Day in Salt Lake City: Perfect Things to Do
If you’re looking for a fun city break in Utah, Salt Lake City is the perfect destination. Here are my top recommendations for things to see during your one day in Salt Lake City.
Key takeaways
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With a population of just over 200,000 Salt Lake City is the largest in Utah, but not so big that those who avoid large cities might be scared off. There are plenty of things to do without a car in this beautiful city, so be sure to check out Temple Square, the State Capitol Building, and more on your one-day trip to Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City is one of my top recommended things to see in Utah.
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Temple Square
Anytime anyone goes to Salt Lake City for some sightseeing, I’m going to recommend they start their day at Temple Square. It’s essentially the historical and cultural heart of the city.
Temple Square in Salt Lake City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah. It is one of the largest religious complexes in the world and is home to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The square is also home to the Tabernacle Choir, the oldest continuously operating choir in America.
The vast Temple Square complex covers five city blocks and features gardens, administrative and office buildings, museums, monuments, libraries, auditoriums, pavilions, and restaurants.
When visiting Temple Square, you can expect to find several different attractions, including the following:
- The Mormon Temple
- The Salt Lake Assembly Hall
- The Salt Lake Visitor’s Center
- The Museum of Church History and Art
Guided tour of Temple Square
One of the best ways to learn about Temple Square is to take a free guided tour. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will share information about the history and significance of the square. You can experience an in-person tour or a live virtual tour.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
The Tabernacle Choir is one of the most popular attractions at Temple Square. The choir is made up of 360 members who sing a vast repertoire of music, from classical to contemporary.
The choir has been featured on television, radio, and film and has performed for presidents and other dignitaries.
Their Music & the Spoken Word program has been running on TV and radio for many years. If you’re in Salt Lake City on a Sunday morning, you can see this program for free in person.
Combine a Tabernacle Choir performance with a bus tour of Salt Lake City with this tour.
Beehive House
The Beehive House is one of the most iconic buildings in Salt Lake City. The home was erected in 1855 and served as the residence of Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The house gets its name from the beehive on top of the house, which is a symbol of industry and is Utah’s state emblem.
You will enjoy taking a tour of this historic house and learning about the life of Brigham Young. The tour includes a look at the office Brigham Young used when he was territorial governor and president of the church as well as his carpentry tools.
City tours
There are a variety of Salt Lake City tours you can try if you want to get an overview of the city.
This Salt Lake City guided bus tour includes some of the city’s top sites like Temple Square, the Mormon Trail, Old Deseret Village, the state capitol building, and sites from the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Or try a bike tour of Salt Lake City that includes stops at important sites in the city’s historic downtown.
Other sites to add to your Salt Lake City Itinerary
If you covered Temple Square during the morning of your Salt Lake City day trip, now you have the hard task of choosing how to fill your afternoon.
Below are some of the top recommended sites in Salt Lake City and the immediate vicinity. You’ll find a variety of options here from historical sites to outdoor excursions, museums, and more.
Utah State Capitol Building
The State Capitol Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Salt Lake City. It was built in 1912 and houses the Utah State Legislature. The Utah State Capitol is one of the most beautiful capitals in the country.
The building features gorgeous original artwork that has been restored. The interior of the Capitol features a grand staircase and a rotunda with an intricate dome.
Visitors can take a free tour of the building that is docent-led, self-guided, or virtual, and learn more about its history, government, and architecture.
Pioneer Memorial Museum
The Pioneer Memorial Museum is one of Salt Lake City’s most popular tourist destinations. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Mormon pioneers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who traveled from Nauvoo, Illinois, and settled in Utah.
The museum features a number of exhibits that tell the story of the Mormon pioneers. You can see quilts, pianos, guns, dresses, and other artifacts from the pioneer era. The museum also features relics from the short-lived theocratic State of Deseret.
This is the Place Heritage Park
This Is The Place Heritage Park is a great place to experience lots of fun all year long. Take a trip back in time to view Utah’s early days as they were in the 18th century.
Visitors to This is the Place Heritage Park will have a pleasant time riding one of three trains, the Jupiter, Blackhawk, or the 119, around the park. They will also enjoy being taken for a scenic cruise on the Mini Train around the pond.
Liberty Park
Liberty Park is one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors in Salt Lake City. The park is located in the center of the city and is a great place to relax, have a picnic, or take a walk.
The park is also home to the Tracy Aviary, one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the United States.
Tracy Aviary
The Tracy Aviary is the United States’ biggest and oldest free-standing aviary, and it’s one of Salt Lake City’s most fantastic attractions.
Tracy Aviary is a Salt Lake City-based bird sanctuary that provides up-close encounters with birds and nature.
The aviary has a number of different exhibits, including Pelican Pond, Expedition Kea, Eagle Ridge, Owl Forest, and more. It’s a great place to see a variety of birds and learn about their ecology and natural history.
Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah is part of the large, over 160,000 square feet Rio Tinto Center. In the hills above Salt Lake City is where you’ll find The Rio Tinto Center. The museum is a community effort, and the structure is a testament to that.
The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the best museums in Salt Lake City. It has exhibits on Past Worlds, Native Voices, and much more.
Ensign Peak
Ensign Peak is one of the best places to get a panoramic view of Salt Lake City. The Ensign Peak Hike is about a mile round trip and is considered moderately challenging.
Brigham Young and seven other pioneering leaders went to the top of a mountain on the second day after they arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. They drew a city in their minds from the top of the hill. A stone marker now perches on the peak.
Visitors to Ensign Peak can take a picnic lunch and watch the beautiful sunset.
Hogle Zoo
Hogle Zoo is home to more than 800 animals, including lions, tigers, western lowland gorillas, and giraffes. You can also see a variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
The Hogle Zoo has several educational exhibits, so you can learn about the variety of animals that live there.
Where to stay in Salt Lake City
Here are a few suggestions for great places to stay in Salt Lake City.
Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast—If you’re looking for bed and breakfast accommodations near Temple Square, you should check this out. It’s just a 12-minute walk to the Temple. They offer Wifi and free parking, and it’s just 9 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport.
Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Downtown/The Gateway—In my book, Hyatt Place is always a great option if you’re looking for affordable and reliable accommodations. It’s a few minutes’ drive to Temple Square.
Hampton Inn Salt Lake City Downtown—Enjoy a 20-minute stroll to Temple Square. It’s just a few miles from the airport and the Salt Palace Convention Center.
The bottom line
Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to stay and explore. Even with only one day in Salt Lake City, you can see at least a few of the top sites. If you’re short on time, be sure to check out Temple Square, This Is The Place Heritage Park, and the Natural History Museum of Utah.
If the outdoors is more your speed, make sure to do the Ensign Peak hike and check out Liberty Park (with Tracy Aviary) and the Hogle Zoo.
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our list of the essential travel planning resources.
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