One Day in Salt Lake City Itinerary: What to See And Do in Utah’s Capital
Have you been looking for the best Things to Do With 24 hours in salt lake city? I’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re visiting for work, pleasure, or simply on a long layover at Salt Lake City International Airport, there is plenty to do and see in SLC. Of course, 24 hours isn’t ever long enough to explore every nook and cranny of a city–and for Salt Lake City one day is certainly not enough. But this blog post will provide you with some of my personal recommendations and favorite spots to get a taste of the “salt air” and natural beauty.
This blog post will mainly highlight key museums and cultural activities, but considering how close Salt Lake City is to Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, I’ll also touch upon some fun outdoor adventures suitable for a day visit and those just passing through.
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what to see in salt lake city in one day
Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah is undoubtedly worth a visit if you only have 24 hours in Salt Lake City. The museum’s collection includes over 1.6 million objects and specimens, ranging from dinosaur fossils to Native American artifacts and botanical specimens. It’s probably one of the coolest (and biggest) collections of dinosaur fossils I’ve ever seen in my entire life!
There are several interactive components to this museum for visitors of all ages. Even as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed some of the fun exhibits like searching for bones at a pretend dig site! I spent a few hours here, and I’d recommend planning for at least 1-2 hours to explore the whole museum.
🤩 The Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass gives you access to 3 SLC attractions of your choice (including the Natural History Museum of Utah) for one low price!🤩
Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, and if you have the option of visiting it for the day I’d highly recommend it! Because of the water’s salinity, many people compare the floating experience to that in the Dead Sea. If you decide to go swimming in Great Salt Lake, only do so in designated swimming areas–Antelope State Park has several that feature facilities for visitors.
A word of caution: swimming (especially swimming in salt water) can dehydrate your body extremely quickly. Make sure to limit your time in the water and bring proper methods of rehydration to help your body refresh after a swim. The salt in the water can also burn any cuts or your eyes, so it’s recommended to avoid full-body submersion.
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
Perhaps one of my favorite arboretums I’ve visited so far is Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, affiliated with the University of Utah. The diversity of flora present in this garden facility is insane! Not to mention the stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley and the foothills of the Wasatch Range.
My personal recommendation is to pack a light picnic or refreshing beverages to enjoy during your walk around the property. There are several private, quaint sitting spots throughout the gardens, and it’s incredibly tranquil and serene. I’d also recommend packing a book and sunscreen!
Utah State Capitol Building
The Utah State Capitol Building is a gorgeous example of the perfect blend of unique artwork and architecture coming together for the benefit of the public. Did you know you can take a free self-guided tour of the Capitol Building during your visit to Salt Lake City? Guided tours are also available during certain parts of the year.
Temple Square
I wouldn’t be doing this post about what to see in Salt Lake City in one day justice if I failed to mention Temple Square. There’s a reason it’s such a popular tourist site, and it’s certainly worth visiting at least once!
Regardless of whether you’re religious or not, Temple Square provides insight into part of what makes Salt Lake City so prominent among the LDS community. Plus, the Temple Square grounds are beautiful and this is also where you’ll find the Tabernacle, home to the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Tracy Aviary
Tracy Aviary is home to over 400 birds representing more than 135 species from around the world. What’s even more impressive than the feathered friends that reside there is the Aviary’s extensive list of conservation initiatives throughout the Salt Lake area and around the country.
As an animal lover, conservation is huge to me. I love supporting and highlighting groups and organizations that are actively working to restore wildlife populations and habitats. If you’re in Salt Lake City one day (or for one day!), please consider checking out Tracy Aviary and supporting their efforts! You can learn more about their conservation projects and plan your visit on the Tracy Aviary website.
The Living Room Trail
I love being outdoors and in nature. So, of course, I had to throw a hike on this list! Chances are if you’re reading my blog, you likely enjoy a little bit of adventure.
This 2.5-mile out-and-back trail behind the Natural History Museum of Utah takes about 2 hours to complete. But don’t let that fool you… It’s actually a pretty steep and challenging hike, and it’s definitely not easy if you’re not prepared. Also, please don’t attempt this hike without bringing water. That’s a sure way to put yourself in a crisis-like situation, most especially when it’s hot outside.
You can find the route details on AllTrails or VisitUtah.
Sign up for an 7-day free AllTrails+ trial for access to trail maps, wrong-turn alerts, and more!
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
If you’re an art-lover and wondering what to see in Salt Lake City in one day, a visit to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts at the University of Utah would be a great option!
The UMFA houses works by famous artists such as Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Jackson Pollock. The museum also has significant holdings of Native American art, including pottery, textiles, and paintings.
You can also attend curator talks, unique wellness programming, artist lectures, docent tours, and other events at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts depending on when you visit Salt Lake City. You could honestly plan a whole Salt Lake City one day itinerary of just museum-hopping, and this museum would be a perfect addition to any museum-centric plan.
Check out what’s on view now at the UMFA!
Best Day Trips from Salt Lake City
There are several great day trip options from Salt Lake City! Drive time, weather, and activity-levels are some important things to consider in order to plan a fun trips to take outside of Salt Lake City in one day. I’ve included some options below to consider!
Park City, Utah – Only 30-40 minutes driving outside of SLC! Great option for skiers and snowboarders, as well as travelers interested in shopping on the cute main street in Park City!
Provo, Utah – About 45 minutes south of SLC! Quieter option with good hiking and restaurants. Perfect for those wanting to venture outside of SLC without going too far.
Ogden, Utah – Roughly 40 minutes north of SLC! Great choice if you love museums and nature, as well as a fun downtown area. Check out Ogden’s historic 25th Street!
Logan, Utah – 1.5-2 hours outside of SLC! Logan is home to Utah State University and it’s a great place to visit if you love the college town vibes. There are also some cool hiking opportunities near Logan!
Jackson, Wyoming – A longer day trip considering it’s about a 4-hour drive to Jackson from SLC. So worth it, though! It’s the gateway to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, and also has a charming historic downtown area.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has a ton of different neighborhoods and places to stay depending on your interests and trip itinerary. If you’re planning to stay overnight, or even for a few nights, I’ve included a detailed breakdown below of some possible areas you might want to consider as a “launch pad” and respective hotels in each area.
Downtown Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City’s downtown area has several hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions all within walking distance. Staying downtown might be ideal if you want to be close to the city’s cultural amenities, such as Temple Square, the Capitol Theatre, and the City Creek Center shopping mall.
- Luxury Hotel Option: The Grand America Hotel
- Mid-Range Hotel Option: Evo Hotel
- Budget Hotel Option: Comfort Inn Downtown
- Hostel Accommodation Option: Bposhtels SLC
Sugar House
Located southeast of downtown, Sugar House is a trendy, cute neighborhood known for its historic charm, nightlife, and diverse dining options. It’s home to Sugar House Park, as well as a number of fabulous boutiques, cafes, and art galleries!
- Luxury/High-Range Option: VRBO – 4bd/2br Home in Sugar House
- Mid-Range Hotel Option: Springhill Suites Salt Lake City Sugar House
- Budget Hotel Option: Extended Stay America Salt Lake City – Sugar House
University/Foothill
The University and Foothill areas are located east of downtown and home to the University of Utah campus! This area offers easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby Wasatch Mountains, as well as cultural attractions like the Natural History Museum of Utah and Red Butte Garden. Three of my siblings are UofU students/alumni, so I am partial to this area and highly recommend staying near the gorgeous campus!
- Mid-Range Accommodation Options: Salt Lake City Marriott University Park or VRBO – 4bd/3br Home Near Federal Heights
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) Area
If you’re looking for accommodations close to the airport or want to explore attractions on the west side of the city, the Airport and West Valley City areas are great options. These areas offer a range of hotels and easy access to destinations like the Utah Cultural Celebration Center and the Maverik Center! Plus, if you’re just planning one day in Salt Lake City and need to fly out early the following day–it might be nice to have a short commute to SLC airport!
- Mid-Range Hotel Options: Courtyard By Marriott Salt Lake City Airport (When I stayed here, I loved their airport shuttle service–super convenient!) or Holiday Inn & Suites Salt Lake City-Airport West, and IHG Hotel
- Budget Hotel Option: Best Western Plus Airport Inn & Suites
You can find more Salt Lake City hotels on TripAdvisor or Booking.com!
Final Thoughts: salt lake city in one day
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