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Salt Lake Valley Local Guide

Downtown city life with the Cottonwood Canyons forty minutes up the road.

Top Sights

Must-See Salt Lake Sights

Iconic mountain canyons, world-class ski destinations, and panoramic valley views.

Snowbird

Snowbird

World-renowned big-mountain skiing in Little Cottonwood Canyon with 3,240 vertical feet and the iconic aerial tram. Summer brings hiking, scenic tram rides, and alpine activities.

Ski & Mountain Resort
  • snowbird.com
  • 9385 S. Snowbird Center Dr, Snowbird, UT 84092
  • 40 min
  • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Donut Falls Trail

Donut Falls Trail

A popular family-friendly trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon ending at a unique waterfall that plunges through a natural opening in the rock. Watershed rules apply (no dogs allowed).

Scenic Waterfall Hike
Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island State Park

The largest island in the Great Salt Lake, known for free-ranging bison herds, scenic hiking and biking trails, panoramic lake vistas, and incredible sunset viewpoints.

State Park & Wildlife
Temple Square & Downtown

Temple Square & Downtown

The historic heart of Salt Lake City, featuring lush landscaped grounds, historic architecture, and the adjacent open-air City Creek Center with shopping and dining.

Historic Landmark & Center
Things to Do

Local Attractions

World-class museums, botanical gardens, wildlife encounters, and Olympic heritage.

Natural History Museum of Utah

Natural History Museum of Utah

Set against the Wasatch foothills, this striking copper-clad museum showcases impressive dinosaur collections, Native American artifacts, and interactive science exhibits.

Museum & Architecture
  • nhmu.utah.edu
  • 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
  • 15 min
  • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden

Over 21 acres of themed botanical gardens and miles of hiking trails through natural foothills, plus a renowned outdoor summer concert amphitheater.

Botanical Garden & Arboretum
Utah's Hogle Zoo

Utah's Hogle Zoo

Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, home to diverse wildlife exhibits including African Savanna, Asian Highlands, and Rocky Shores.

Zoo & Wildlife
  • hoglezoo.org
  • 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
  • 15 min
  • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Utah Olympic Park

Utah Olympic Park

Built for the 2002 Winter Games, offering summer bobsled rides, alpine ropes courses, guided facility tours, and free access to the Olympic museum.

Olympic Heritage & Adventure
Dining & Drinks

Recommended Restaurants

Handpicked Salt Lake eateries ranging from iconic Mexican classics to farm-to-table dining and craft brewpubs.

Red Iguana

Red Iguana

A Salt Lake institution famed for its legendary Mexican cuisine and signature multi-layered moles, drawing foodies and locals alike since 1985.

Traditional Mexican & Moles · $$
Oasis Cafe

Oasis Cafe

A serene Salt Lake favorite known for fresh breakfast, brunch, and casual dining alongside a tranquil garden patio.

Cafe & Brunch · $$
Red Rock Brewing Company

Red Rock Brewing Company

An independent downtown Salt Lake brewpub since 1994, offering award-winning craft beers and an extensive menu of wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and entrees.

American Brewpub · $$
Mazza Cafe

Mazza Cafe

A celebrated Salt Lake City destination serving handcrafted Middle Eastern specialties and authentic Mediterranean favorites.

Middle Eastern & Mediterranean · $$
Local Partners

Local Business Spotlight

Trusted local outdoor shops, markets, and independent community favorites.

Saturday Cycles

Saturday Cycles

A dedicated neighborhood bike shop specializing in commuter, touring, and adventure bicycles, gear, and expert tune-ups.

Bicycle Shop
Vosen's Bakery

Vosen's Bakery

An authentic German bakery known for traditional hearth-baked breads, Bavarian pretzels, pastries, and European specialties.

German Bakery
King's English Bookstore

King's English Bookstore

A long-running community bookstore in the 15th & 15th neighborhood offering curated titles, local literature, and author events.

Independent Bookstore
  • kingsenglish.com
  • 1511 S 1500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
  • 5-10 min
  • Daily, 10am - 7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Sugar Moose Candy Company

Sugar Moose Candy Company

Welcome to Sugar Moose, your neighborhood Swedish candy shop! Choose from over 60 colorful, chewy, sour, and chocolatey treats—all imported straight from Sweden. It’s candy the way it’s meant to be: natural, nostalgic, and full of flavor.

Candy & Sweets · $$
  • sugarmoosecandy.com
  • 1058 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
  • 5-10 min
  • Daily 11am - 10pm, Sunday 12-7pm

Ready to Explore Salt Lake Valley?

Book direct with Utah Escapes for your stay near downtown Salt Lake and the Cottonwood Canyons.