So you just got to SLC. You put in “tourist info” or “visitor center” in your GPS and it takes you to The LDS Temple. Yeah, we’ve all been there. Here’s what you should really do when you arrive in SLC:
Core Historic Walk
Drive to The Capitol Building and park anywhere. Parking is free! Walk around the Capitol, walk up the steps, take in the view. Head toward the East entrance and go inside the Capitol Building. Make sure you stop into the Utah History Museum, and take a look at all the maps and other exhibits on the first floor. Walk up to the upper floors to enjoy the artworks and history – don’t forget to read the plaques!
Once you’ve had your fill of pioneer history, walk across the street to the Salt Lake City Council Hall. The old City Hall is now the Utah Office of Tourism & museum (& gift shop).
+ Downtown
After buying some T-shirts and trinkets, walk south on N State Street until you arrive at City Creek Park. Once there, cross the street twice until you arrive at Temple Square (you’ll see the Church Office Building). Walk around Temple Square and visit the visitor centers to get a better understanding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Then, go inside the Joseph Smith Building (the best entrance is from S Temple). Admire the beautiful lobby, and then head up to the top floor for some great views. If it’s the right time, you could even enjoy a 5-star meal at one of the top-floor restaurants.
When you’re back on S Temple, cross the street to arrive at City Creek shopping mall. It’s really lovely to walk through, even if you don’t go into any of the stores. The three stores that anyone visiting Utah should visit, though, are Salt Lake Souvenir & Gift, Uniquely Utah, and Deseret Book.
If you want to grab a bite to eat, there are some great local options toward 200 S, including Beerhive Pub, Murphy’s Bar & Grill, Siegfried’s Delicatessen, Taqueria 27, Bar-X, Beer Bar, and many others.
Head Back to the Capitol
Once you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, it’s time to head back to the car. Unless, of course, you have tickets to one of Ballet West’s performances. If you do, just walk south one block to the Capitol Theater and enjoy the show!
Afterwards you’ll want to get back to your car anyway, and you have a few options. I think the most fun would be to rent an electric scooter (Lime, Byrd, Spin, etc.). They really are a lot of fun, even if they’d be slow going uphill. You could also take a bus -- the 200 services 4 stops around the Capitol Building! You could also take an Uber or Lyft. Or, of course, you could walk. But it is a bit steep and tiresome.
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