Salt Lake City is Utah’s vibrant capital, located in the centre of the American west, where the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains frame the city streets.
Compact and walkable, Salt Lake is packed-full of independent restaurants and bars, numerous museums and locals who are renowned for their friendly nature. For ease, there’s also a fare-free light rail system connecting hotels, retail centres, and visitor attractions within the downtown area.
The city takes its name from the Great Salt Lake, the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River and the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere.
Two of Utah’s state parks – Great Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island State Park – are close by and offer a chance to get up close with the lake.
Described as a city of four seasons, Salt Lake is an adventure lover’s paradise.
In spring the region comes alive and baby bison can be spotted on Antelope Island. Summertime is all about hiking and biking through the mountains, while autumn paints the mountain canyons in gold with the change of the leaves.
When winter arrives, Salt Lake becomes a base to explore one of the four ski resorts which are located within 35 miles of the city and dubbed ‘The Greatest Snow on Earthâ’. The resorts of Alta, Brighton, Solitude, and Snowbird cater for all levels and abilities as well as non-snow sports enthusiasts.
When it comes to other sports, Salt Lake hosts a number of professional sports teams including the NBA’s Utah Jazz, the Utah Hockey Club and Major League Soccer team, Real Salt Lake.
Visitors feeling inspired by sport can take a trip to Utah Olympic Park where there’s a chance to ride the bobsled and take the zip line, tour the 2002 Olympic Museum and watch Olympic athletes in training. Salt Lake City is also gearing up to host the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
The city is home to several museums to give visitors a glimpse into Utah’s culture. The Natural History Museum of Utah celebrates Utah’s geology, archaeology, ecology and Native American cultures.
Art is at the heart of Salt Lake, with galleries and museums showcasing the city’s passion for creativity. Start at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts for a global art history journey, then explore modern works at the free Urban Arts Gallery and Utah Museum of Contemporary Art.
The most visited attraction in Utah is the Historic Temple Square, home to the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The 35-acre area contains attractions related to Mormon heritage and beliefs. This includes the Tabernacle which was built so speakers could be heard from a long distance. The building’s acoustics allow a pin drop to be heard from 170 feet away!
This Is The Place is a 450-acre family-friendly state park that encourages visitors to step back in time and see Utah during its early settlement stages. It pays tribute to pioneer life, Utah history and area Native American tribes. Here you can explore a pioneer village, pan for gold and ride trains and ponies. Plus, guests can visit the new Native American Village and see the largest teepee in America.
Salt Lake City is also perfectly placed to explore Utah’s ‘Mighty 5â’ national parks. Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park are all less than 4.5 hours’ drive.
Delta Air Lines offers direct flights to Salt Lake City from London Heathrow.
You can hear more on Salt Lake City during this Take 5 with Travel Gossip.
For more information, go to visitsaltlake.com
