Perfect One Day in Salt Lake City Itinerary for First Timers
Looking to make the most of your day trip to Salt Lake City?
Great, because I’ve assembled an action-packed one day in Salt Lake City itinerary highlighting the best experiences I had during my 10 day winter escapade here.
If we weren’t remotely working or hitting any of the 9 ski resorts around the city, we were taking a breather by hiking to hot springs and getting the best city views.
Although I spent a generous amount of time in this city, you’ll be surprised at how much you can see in Salt Lake City in a day. It’s enough time to get the essence of the city. But I think the coolest parts are in its day trips, so spare some more days if you’ve got it.
So, let’s fill your day with activities, starting with a walk around Temple Square, a sunset over the Great Salt Lake, and an evening hike to an amazing cityscape spot. I’ll also recommend additional places if your schedule allows and a brief travel guide to help you plan your trip.
Sample One Day in Salt Lake City Itinerary
So here’s a suggested itinerary in one scroll, but I will go into much more detail below about each activity.
Winter Itinerary! If you’re coming in winter and are sporty, I highly recommend going to one of the ski resorts around Salt Lake City.
Morning
- Start your day with breakfast at a local café in downtown Salt Lake City.
- Walk around Temple Square, home to the Salt Lake Temple and other historic buildings.
- Get the views from the Utah State Capitol building.
Afternoon
- Check out one of the nearby hot springs around Salt Lake City!
- If you’d rather stay in town: go to the Natural History Museum or the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening
- Make a short road trip to Antelope Island State Park to see wildlife like bison and antelope.
- Walk across the muddy Great Salt Lake for a sunset that perfectly mirrors the sky.
- Head back for dinner and drinks at one of the many fantastic restaurants in Downtown Salt Lake City.
Evening
- Hike to Ensign Peak for the jaw-dropping twinkling of the city lights.
Quick Facts to Visiting Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, Utah, is a buzzing hub of outdoor adventures, striking mountain vistas, and Mormonism. From swooshing down world-class ski slopes, the beauty of the Great Salt Lake, to diving into the brewpub scene, there’s fun to be had in this friendly mountain metropolis.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Northwestern United States, in the state of Utah |
| Best Time to Visit | Winter for skiing (December – April) Summer for hiking and festivals (June – August) |
| Famous For | Great Salt Lake, Ski Resorts, Mormon Pioneer heritage, Sundance Film Festival |
| Population | About 199,355 (as of 2020) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (MST) |
| Best Way to Get Around | Trax Light Rail system, buses, bikes, and cars |
| City Airports | Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – about 6 miles from downtown |
What to Do in Salt Lake City in One Day
Morning: Downtown Salt Lake City
Get your day started in downtown Salt Lake City with a delicious breakfast at one of the many local cafes like Publik Coffee Roasters or Blue Plate Diner.
Temple Square
After charging up, make your way to the historic Temple Square, the symbolic heart of Salt Lake City. Spread across 10 acres, this spot is home to some of the city’s most significant landmarks.
Temple Square houses the Salt Lake Temple, a granite tower that took 40 years to complete and a reminder of the early pioneers.
Next to the temple, you’ll find the Tabernacle, a venue known for its exceptional acoustics and where the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs. You can go for a show here.
During the summer, the gardens around the complex are filled with thousands of beautiful flowers. The visitor center, where you can learn about the history and beliefs of the Mormon Church, is open to everyone and offers free guided tours.
Utah State Capitol Building
The neoclassical Utah State Capitol Building is perched on a hilltop with views of Salt Lake City and the mountains. If it looks strangely similar to the United States Capitol, it’s because the design was inspired by it.
You can take a free tour of the building’s interior or walk around the grounds and admire the sculptures and memorials.
Afternoon: Downtown or Go for a Hot Springs Trip
After a morning of exploring, it’s time for some adventure in the afternoon. You have two options: explore more of downtown Salt Lake City or take a short trip to nearby hot springs.
Downtown Salt Lake City
If you’d rather stay in town, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Here are some in downtown:
- Natural History Museum of Utah: A museum that houses over 1.6 million objects to help you understand the region’s biodiversity, native cultures, and geological developments over millions of years.
- Red Butte Garden and Arboretum: 100 acres of plant collections in thematic areas, such as the Fragrance Garden, Rose Garden, Herb Garden, and the Water Pavilion.
- Downtown Farmers Market: A place filled with local produce, artisan foods, and homemade crafts.
- Trolley Square: A shopping center housed in the historic trolley car barns with unique shops and eateries.
- Attend a performance at the Eccles Theater: State-of-the-art venue for Broadway shows and concerts.
- Clark Planetarium: Free exhibits and affordable shows about space and science.
Hot Springs Trip
If you can get out of town, I highly recommend going to one of the nearby hot springs around Salt Lake City. Personally, I’m all about hot springs, so that’s how I’d prefer to spend my day.
A few are relatively close to the city, each with a different level of adventure. But keep in mind, they all require a bit of driving.
Ogden: Most accessible
Ogden is about an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, and it’ll be easy to go to Antelope Island afterward. The Crystal Hot Springs are developed natural hot springs with two large soaking pools, one hot and one warm, with water slides and a lap pool.
There are also some local spots that people go to, which are undeveloped and free. The one we went to was more like sitting pools of muddy water, not exactly the cleanest. Although I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that exact spot, I’m sure you could ask around to find a better one in Ogden.
Saratoga Springs: Most family-friendly
Saratoga Hot Springs Resort is about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City and has amenities that cater more to families. The natural hot spring pools are maintained at a comfortable temperature, and there is a kiddie pool and a playground for the little ones.
Homestead Crater: Most unique
If you’re looking for an extraordinary hot springs experience, head to Homestead Crater, about an hour and a half from Salt Lake City. This is a 55 foot tall limestone formation with a geothermal spring inside the crater!
You can soak in the warm waters or go scuba diving or snorkeling! It is one of the only places to scuba dive in warm water. Reservations are required to access the crater.
Spanish Fork: Most adventurous
Besides the snow sports, the Fifth Water Hot Springs in Diamond Fork Canyon is probably my favorite activity in Salt Lake City.
Aside from the 1.5 hours to get to the start of the trailhead, it’s a challenging four-mile hike with some steep drop-offs. Because of road closures, the trail becomes even longer and slick with ice in the winter.
But once you arrive, you’ll find a series of multi-colored river pools, going from emerald to milky blue, with different temperatures against the stunning mountain backdrop. We found one where we had a little overhang that acted as a mini-cave.
No amenities are available here, so bring snacks and plenty of water.
Coming to this river may take a significant amount of time, so if you decide to visit, you might need to sacrifice a bit for other activities.
Late Afternoon: Antelope Island State Park & Great Salt Lake
Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island State Park, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, is just over an hour’s drive north of Salt Lake City. The island is home to a free-roaming herd of 500 bison, antelope, and various species of birds, making it an exciting spot for wildlife viewing.
One of the primary attractions is the 25-mile network of trails, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trails range from easy to challenging, with the Frary Peak trail leading you to the top of the island’s highest point with a view of the Great Salt Lake.
Also, make a stop at the Fielding Garr Ranch, a historic ranch at the southern end of the island. The ranch, built in 1848, is Utah’s oldest continually inhabited home and is now a museum.
Sunset over the Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake, often called “America’s Dead Sea,” is a must-add to your itinerary. Its shimmering waters cover over 1,700 square miles, making it the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
Hopefully, you’ve already had time to go bird-watching and wildlife viewing at Antelope Island State Park. Sailboats on the lake’s south shore dot the horizon at the Great Salt Lake Marina.
The best part is hanging out by the lake for the sunset. In certain spots, the water is pretty shallow, so you can walk right into the lake and get a perfect reflection of the sky.
We watched the sunset from Saltair Resort, an architectural reconstructed gem of the original 1893 resort, which now regularly hosts concerts and other events.
Travel Tip! The lake bed becomes very muddy the further you go out and can have a distinct smell.
Evening: Ensign Peak
Ensign Peak is awesome during the day too. I went at night, and the view of the sparkling city was simply amazing. I highly recommend it for your trip as well!
After having dinner in downtown, head up to the northern edge of the Salt Lake Valley. Ensign Peak is a prominent hill with panoramic views of Salt Lake City, the Oquirrh Mountains, and the Great Salt Lake.
The trailhead begins near a small park off Ensign Vista Drive. The hike to the top is relatively short, just about 0.5 miles long, but it involves a steady uphill climb. After enjoying the view, the descent is the same route back to the trailhead.
Places to Visit with More Time
Other Places around Salt Lake City
- Mill Creek Canyon: A fantastic destination for hiking, mountain biking, or picnicking. During winter, it’s a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Big Cottonwood Canyon: Renowned for its breathtaking scenic views, it is home to Solitude and Brighton ski resorts and numerous hiking and biking trails.
- Hogle Zoo: A family-friendly destination with various wildlife from different ecosystems.
- Sugar House Park: A large park with a pond, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Utah Olympic Park: The site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, the park offers bobsled rides, zip lines, and a museum.
Day Trips from Salt Lake City
- Bonneville Salt Flats: A stark, other-worldly landscape with a neon blue river flowing through a salt flat.
- Park City: Home to world-class ski resorts and the Sundance Film Festival.
- Bear Lake State Park: Known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its intense blue water, where you can boat, camp, and hike.
- Moab: A famous outdoor town with nearby national parks, Canyonlands and Arches.
- Capitol Reef National Park: This lesser-known national park has a Waterpocket Fold, a geologic landform running almost 100 miles.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City
For short-term travelers, Downtown Salt Lake City is the best place to stay. It’s close to the airport, transportation, and where you’ll spend most of your time.
Alternatively, Sugar House is another dynamic neighborhood known for its nightlife, local boutiques, and Sugar House Park. The historic district, the Avenues, is a quieter option with Victorian homes and local cafes.
Best Hotels in Downtown Salt Lake City
Here are three highly recommended hotels in Downtown Salt Lake City, each catering to different budgets:
| Hotel | Budget | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Regency | Luxury | – Elegant, modern rooms with world-class service – Great view of Oquirrh mountains to the west, – High-class restaurant |
| Homewood Suites | Mid-range | – Friendly and accommodating staff, complimentary breakfast – Close walk to central areas – Central location |
| Comfort Suites Airport Salt Lake City | Budget | – Comfortable budget-friendly rooms – Indoor pool and on-site diner – Easy access to downtown attractions |
Is 1 Day Enough for Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City itself is big, but the tourist area is small and can be explored in a day. You could visit key landmarks like the Antelope Island State Park, the Great Salt Lake, downtown, and Ensign Peak in a single day.
However, Salt Lake City’s charm extends beyond these attractions. With more time, go on day trips to Bonneville Salt Flats or Park City. And I also find learning about Mormon norms from locals to be fascinating.
Best Time To Visit
Salt Lake City’s appeal spans all seasons, but each season’s weather looks very different. Spring shakes off the cold enough for hiking and cycling amidst cherry blossoms, while summer, despite the heat, buzzes with outdoor festivals and national park explorations.
Fall bring autumn colors, fewer crowds, and events like Oktoberfest, whereas winter transforms the city into a snowy paradise, perfect for skiing and enjoying festivities like the Sundance Film Festival.
Getting to Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, located in the heart of Utah and the western United States, is incredibly accessible from many parts of the country and the world.
By Air: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a major hub approximately 6 miles west of Downtown Salt Lake City. Once you land, rent a car, rideshare, or take public transit (bus or TRAX light rail system) to reach the city center.
By Car: If you’re driving, Salt Lake City is served by two major interstates. These routes provide direct access to the city from the closest nearby cities, like Boise, Las Vegas, or Denver.
By Public Transportation: The California Zephyr Amtrak runs daily between Chicago and San Francisco, stopping in Salt Lake City. Long-distance busses like Greyhound and Megabus also serve Salt Lake City.
Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Salt Lake City
Even though our trip focused on hitting the ski resorts, Salt Lake City totally surprised me. We ended up having a blast with tons of fun activities. We checked out game entertainment centers, went bowling, ice skating, and many more hiking spots. Kept ourselves busy all the time!
And if you’re in a hurry to head somewhere else in the area, take a look at some of our other Utah guides below.
Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Utah?
Utah may very well be one of the most underrated, beautiful places in the world. I’ve traveled all through this great state, snowboarding down some of the best resorts and hiking through godly monoliths. If you’re heading elsewhere in Utah, check out these posts.
- One Day in Zion National Park Itinerary for Adventurers
- One Day in Arches National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
- Perfect One Day in Canyonlands Itinerary for First-Timers
- Perfect One Day In Salt Lake City Itinerary For First Timers
- Perfect One Day In Bryce Canyon Itinerary For First-Timers
| MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES |
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