Only get to spend one day in Salt Lake City? This is the perfect itinerary for you to make the most of your time in Utah’s capital city!
Side note: did you know that Salt Lake City is one of the best international airports to have a layover in? Free shuttles run from the Salt Lake City International Airport directly to Temple Square, located in the heart of Salt Lake City!
One Day in Salt Lake City
Ideally, you’ll want to spend at least 2 days in Salt Lake City, as there are so many fun things to do. Salt Lake City attractions range from basketball games to live entertainment to a booming restaurant scene to world-class skiing and everything in between. There’s no way to cram everything into 24 hours in Salt Lake City!
But that’s where I come in!
Fortunately one day in Salt Lake City is enough time to see the highlights, when delving deeper into the city isn’t an option!
Having lived in Salt Lake City since 2009, I’ve played host to many friends and family members visiting from all over the world. Based on my experiences with them, I’ve put together some of the best things to do in Salt Lake City when you only have one day.
Before we dive into the itinerary, I want to share some tips and need-to-know information for visiting Salt Lake City.
Tips for visiting Salt Lake City
Transportation
Downtown Salt Lake City is fairly easy to navigate and is best explored on foot. The city center is flat, laid out on a grid system, and fortunately has a number of city blocks that offer unobstructed views of the beautiful mountains.
If you’re not ready to walk all day or if you have limitations, time or physical, there are plenty of other options to reach the Salt Lake City attractions!
Trax: Salt Lake City’s light rail train system runs through downtown, connecting visitors with the airport, University of Utah, and numerous other attractions. Tickets can be purchased on the platforms for $2.50 one-way.
Bus: Salt Lake City’s bus system recently underwent a major increase in frequency and run time. Many of the heavily-trafficked bus lines now operate every 7-10 minutes between 7am – 6pm. Tickets can be purchased in cash onboard each bus for $2.50 one-way.
Downtown Salt Lake City has a free-fare zone, where Trax and bus rides cost $0, so long as you enter and exit the transport within the zone. Click here for the map! If you’re still unsure if your ride is in the free-fare zone, ask the driver or other passengers.
Local tip: download the transit app on your phone for real-time updates and route options!
Uber/Lyft: Salt Lake City has a few taxi companies, but the cheaper option would be to use ride-share. Uber and Lyft are extremely popular with visitors and locals alike and can help you get door-to-door service.
Bicycles and Scooters: bike and scooter rentals are becoming a popular mode of transportation for both visitors and locals alike in downtown. Download the Lime or Bird apps to find electric scooter close to you. GreenBike bike share has stations throughout downtown. Check out their website here for more details.
Where to stay in Salt Lake City
Like any major city, Salt Lake City has an abundance of hotels and AirBnB options. Depending on your budget and preference, we’ve got you covered. You could also Couchsurf if you’re only spending one day in Salt Lake City.
One Day in Salt Lake City Itinerary
Breakfast at Ruth’s Diner
Tucked up Emigration Canyon, a short drive from downtown Salt Lake City, Ruth’s Diner beckons hungry patrons from all over the world. The diner’s slogan, “A Tradition Since 1930,” speaks to the immense popularity and rich history of the diner.
(Read the full story about Ruth and the evolution of her diner here!)
Although the menu includes lunch and dinner items, Ruth’s Diner is best visited for breakfast. Be sure to order their famous Mile High Biscuits! Don’t fret – their menu is also vegetarian- and vegan-friendly.
When to visit: Sunday – Thursday, 8am – 9 pm; Friday – Saturday, 8am – 10pm
Pro tip: if you’re spending your one day in Salt Lake City during the winter, be sure to check road conditions prior to heading up Emigration Canyon. When in doubt, catch a Lyft and let a local drive you.
Address: 4160 Emigration Canyon Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Temple Square
It’s impossible to come to Salt Lake City and never step foot in Temple Square. Not only was Salt Lake City originally designed with Temple Square at the center focal point, but the buildings and grounds are beautiful.
No matter what your religious affiliation (or unaffiliation), Temple Square should be at the top of your agenda when visiting Salt Lake City. Temple Square has an amazing history, is absolutely beautiful no matter what time of year, and has unique architecture.
Interested in family history? You can get lost for hours amongst your ancestors in the Family History Library.
Are you a fan of music? Catch a performance by the world-famous Tabernacle Choir, dubbed “America’s Choir” by former President Ronald Reagan.
Curious about the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Check out the North and South Visitor’s Centers and speak with sister missionaries from all over the world!
Or just take some time to walk around the grounds, marveling at the beauty all around. During the Christmas season, join the crowds and check out the millions of festive lights and Nativity displays from around the world.
When to go: Open daily 9am – 9pm
Address: 50 W North Temple St, Salt Lake City UT 84150
Catch a Game
Salt Lake City is home to numerous sports clubs and teams. Depending on how good your timing is when you spend your one day in Salt Lake City, you might be lucky enough to catch one of the teams! One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to see which local teams are in town and catch a game and dip into local culture.
Utah Jazz: basketball
Real Salt Lake: soccer
Utah Royals FC: soccer
Utah Warriors: Rugby
Salt Lake Bees: baseball (minor league)
Utah Grizzlies: hockey (minor league)
University of Utah: football, gymnastics, etc (PAC-12 league)
Drink a Dirty Soda
Boston has beans, New York has bagels, Chicago has pizza. Los Angeles has avocado toast on a gluten-free slice of bread. Utah? We have dirty sodas. The first dirty soda shop originated in St. George, a town 4 hours south of Salt Lake City.
Today, you can find a handful of soda shops selling a wide variety of dirty sodas: Thirst, Swig, Sodalicious, Fizz, and Quench. Each local will have their own shop preference based on location, customer service, and menu (mine is Thirst!). But if you’re only able to spend one day in Salt Lake City, take your pick.
The best part? Each location features a drive through. Think Starbucks, but with soda. The concept is simple: start with a base fountain soda or lemonade, add a mix of Torani syrup shots and a splash of coconut cream or half and half, mix it all together and voila! You have a dirty soda.
Do yourself a favor and try a signature mixer at whichever location you choose – you’ll most likely get the local favorite!
Shop at Gateway or City Creek
The Gateway and City Creek Center are amazing shopping centers that are within walking distance of each other (or 2 stops along Trax in the free-fare zone!). If you’re not into shopping like me, there are a few other things you can check out!
The Gateway has recently undergone a renovation and plays host to numerous events and celebrations: Festa Italiana, Hispanic Heritage Festival, Goga (goat yoga), and the Made in Utah festival. Interested in space? Check out the Planetarium. Enjoy comedy? Stop in at WiseGuys Comedy Club for a show. Into street art? Peruse the numerous installations around The Gateway.
Address: 400 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
City Creek Center opened in 2012 across the street from Temple Square. Not only are the walkways lined with lush vegetation, but the center actually houses a creek, complete with bridges. The Center also is outfitted with a retractable roof, which closes in inclement weather! My favorite part, aside from just strolling along the creek, is catching the nightly fountain shows next to Nordstroms!
Address: 50 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Eat at The Red Iguana
Moles. Tacos. Killer Mexican food at its finest. The Red Iguana is a local and visitor haven for real Mexican food (not the Tex-Mex that seems to masquerade around). Popular before being featured on Diners Drive-ins, and Dives, The Red Iguana should be on everyone’s itinerary. And with a Trax station just across the street, it’s easier than ever to visit!
Whether it’s their addicting chips and salsa, enticing moles, or a straight-up taco, you’d be hard-pressed to find something less-than delectable on the menu. My personal favorites: Tacos Don Ramon and Cochinita Pibil!
When to visit: Monday-Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-9pm
Pro tip: consider eating at The Red Iguana for lunch. Wait times for dinner can range from 30 minutes up to over an hour, depending on your party size and which conventions are in town.
Address: 736 W North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Add-on: Hike up Ensign Peak
If you still have time during your one day in Salt Lake City, take a quick hike up Ensign Peak and get rewarded with unobstructed views of the entire Salt Lake Valley: from Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake to the west, to the Bingham Copper Mine to the south, and the University of Utah to the east.
This 1/2 mile hike behind the Utah State Capitol Building is a great way to stretch your legs before a long drive or flight home, and is perfect for all ages.
When to visit: Open daily, trail closes at sunset
Address (trailhead): 1002 Ensign Vista Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84103
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