Salt Lake City Adventure Guide

If you're taking a trip to Salt Lake City, or will be traveling through, here are a few ideas of what to eat, see, drink and do! Since moving to the northwest and having Salt Lake so close, I've spent a fair amount of time there in these past fews months. Here are some adventure ideas!

EAT SALT LAKE! First stop, food, so no one gets hangry:

Breakfast/snack: Pulp Lifestyle kitchen

If you’re looking to stay on the healthier side, Pulp Lifestyle Kitchen has lots to choose from. Great breakfast options from egg dishes to oat dishes, smoothies and acai bowls.

They have lunch and dinner options asl well.

Quick lunch: Even Stevens “a sandwich shop with a cause”

Scrumptious sandwiches here!!! I had the “Do Gouda” because I’ll always pick anything that contains Gouda! P.S. there are more options than just sandwiches.

Dinner (or lunch): Red Rock Brewery (my FAV. restaurant in SLC)

Whatever you do, get the sweet potato fries! Sweet potato fries are one of my favorite foods and I would say these are my all-time favorite! Crispy and waffle shaped, yum! The chipotle-ish dip that they serve alongside make them even more scrumptious. My parents and I ate here twice in one weekend trip. The pizza, Cuban sandwich, and brussel sprouts are some other delicious items from their menu that I’ve had. (This is the fresh fish sandwhich, it was seasame crusted and the soy glaze on top is amazing.)

Visit Temple Square:

Temple Square is one of Utah’s greatest tourist attractions! Temple Square sits on a large piece of land in the city center. It’s full of history and beautiful architecture! It's a must see when in SLC. The Temple is a famous icon of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are free walking tours which are very informative if you want to learn more about Temple Square.

If it’s winter, hit the slopes at the many ski resorts that surround Salt Lake City:

We skied Snowbird (it was about a 40 minute drive from downtown Salt Lake) and it was such an incredible ski experience. It was my first time to ski in Utah and the mountains are definitely steeper than New Mexico and southern Colorado! It is such a big, beautiful resort. There was a recent 35 million dollar renovation to the resort that included building ‘The Summit,’ a new upscale cafeteria-style eatery at the top of the mountain. 11,000 feet up to be exact and the views are breathtaking! So incredible. There are so many other resorts and ski areas around Salt Lake City, choose the one that looks like it would suite you!

If the weather isn't frigid, find one of many hiking trails:

The little trail I hiked in October is behind the Natural History Museum of Utah by Red Butte Gardens and Arboretum. There were some awesome views along the trail. I hear "The Living Room Trail" is a great place for a hike, too!

Grab a cocktail at a fun bar:

You can always grab a brew at Red Rock Brewery. (with your sweet potato fries *wink*)

The Green Pig Pub is probably my favorite place to grab drinks! Great drinks, food & atmosphere!

Twist is a neat bar/eatery, I’d suggest reserving a table ahead of time!

I’ve been to Squatter’s in Park City but I’m sure there Salt Lake City location is great, too.

(Extra tidbits below:)

Another great place I’ve stayed, that also has a great location and a shuttle to the airport is the SpringHill Suites Marriot. Breakfast is included and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful! P.S. how adorable, huge and efficient is this Peace Love World roller luggage?!

If you want to make some cocktails while in the heart of Salt Lake City, I would suggest bringing alcohol with you. The State Liquor Store at 205 400 South is always packed. When we drove past on New Years Eve, the line was wrapped around the building to even get IN!

Shop at the City Creek Center:

The City Creek Center is an open-air shopping and dining center; if you forget anything during your trip to SLC or if your bag gets left in Houston by United… (This happened to J…) then you can surely fill any clothing or accessory need here. Plus, if you have any extra time you can browse around Restoration Hardware and plan your dream house! Beware: I have Verizon and I did not have service at the mall, so if anyone is trying to get ahold of you, remember that. Also, it’s closed on Sundays.

Cheer on the Utes:

If it’s football season you can always go to a University of Utah football game, if there is a home game that weekend. Or attend any other Utes sporting event while you're in. I had so much fun at a football game this past fall when the Utes were ranked fourth! Great views from the stadium and the atmosphere is great, such passionate Utes fans! You can stroll through campus, it’s right near downtown too.

Watch Utah Jazz shoot some hoops or attend one of many events at Vivint Smart Home Arena:

Perhaps... Justin Bieber!!!! *no shame* I’ll be seeing Bieber there in April… umm, CANNOT wait! The Vivint Arena is a huge multi-functional venue and event center in SLC and home to the Utah Jazz! There is a Courtyard Marriot across the street and if you’re going to be in Salt Lake City just for an event at Vivant (or even if you’re not) than I would definitely suggest staying there. Great location, great new rooms and great staff that upgraded us to a suite because it was open for the night!

Visit the Great Salt Lake:

The views are gorgeous and it’s quite tranquil in the winter. (I have yet to go in the summer.)

Enjoy this adventure guide and enjoy your trip. If you're popping over to Park City during your trip to Salt Lake, check out my Park City Adventure Guide!

Safe travels, xxo!