HOST DMO – Visit Salt Lake

I’m visiting Salt Lake for the first time – what are some must-see places?

Visit Site

The Hilton Salt Lake City Center is right in the heart of downtown and is within walking distance of some incredible destinations. Within only a few blocks radius, there are two outdoor shopping and dining centers, City Creek Center and The Gateway. The famous Temple Square is a ten-minute stroll. The theaters that host the Utah Symphony, Broadway at the Eccles, and multiple acting companies are a short walk away, and historic Capitol Theater, the home of Ballet West, is literally across the street.

If you get a little further out, try the Utah State Capitol, with sweeping views of the Salt Lake valley, or go the Natural History Museum of Utah or Red Butte Garden near the University of Utah Campus.

Those mountains are absolutely gorgeous, how can I see them up close?

Here’s an amazing fact: when we say you can be in the mountains within minutes, we MEAN it. The closest trailhead into the towering Wasatch mountain range is the City Creek trail that begins in Memory Grove Park, one mile from the Hilton. It follows through the park up a mountain stream to the base of City Creek Canyon, and is popular with hikers, bikers, runners, and dog walkers.
With seven canyons providing easy access to recreation and alpine beauty, and four world-class ski resorts located a little more than a half-hour’s drive from downtown in those canyons, visitors can find themselves in some of the most beautiful natural surroundings within minutes.

Are the restaurants and bars downtown any good?
From the much-lauded Italian cuisine of Valter’s Osteria, to the convention district standards of Blue Iguana, J. Wong’s Thai & Chinese Bistro, and the brand-new Mar Muntanya, to the nearby Regent Street quick-service bistro meals of Pretty Bird Hot Chicken, Maize, and FreshFin poke, the hundreds of delicious culinary options that dot the downtown map will give you something new to try for every meal. And if you’re looking for the next great beer or the most delicious cocktail, pubs, clubs, speakeasy-themed spots, gritty lounges, and upscale cocktail bars abound.
 
DESTINATION: SALT LAKE
Salt Lake is a city of surprising contrasts that never fails to upend visitors’ expectations in captivating ways. It’s an urban oasis surrounded by breath-taking outdoor beauty, where traditional outlooks mingle with progressive ideals. The stunning Wasatch mountains that surround the city provide limitless opportunities for the adventure-minded, from the skiing that made us famous in the 2001 Winter Olympics, to hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, scenic drives, or simply admiring the staggering view of snow-topped peaks from afar.

Downtown Salt Lake offers things to do for those with more cosmopolitan tastes. A city known for its pioneer history has now also become an up-and-coming food mecca, with James Beard award-winning restaurants, minimalist cafés, and trendy bars. And speaking of bars, the microbrewery and pub scene is a must-try when visiting. The arts are thriving here, with professional dance companies, theaters, the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera, and dozens of art galleries. There’s also live music venues and concert arenas. Let Salt Lake surprise you, and see why we say Salt Lake is West of Conventional.