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My ultimate guide to Salt Lake City, Utah

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Getting to Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the main airport you’ll most likely fly into. The airport is just a quick 10-minute drive from downtown, so you’ll be in the heart of the action shortly after you land.

Picture yourself here

Where to stay

  • Salt Lake City: if you plan on visiting different parts of Northern Utah like Cliff Spa at Snowbird and Bonneville Salt Flats – I recommend staying here for the centralized location.
  • Park City: If you plan on doing winter activities and don’t care to explore SLC, I highly recommend staying in Park City which is only 40 min east of SLC, and also visiting nearby cities like Midway & Heber City.

Budget friendly stays

Old trains on a railway against the backdrop of the city skyline and rugged mountains.

Holiday Inn – South Jordan

8.4 rating (277 reviews)

Super clean, comfy, and in a perfect spot for easy access to both SLC downtown and the mountains. Very good for the price. I loved how spacious the double-bed rooms were.

Holiday Inn – South Jordan
A ski slope with a view of the ski village's urban setting and the crowded ski lift station.

My Place Hotel – West Jordan

8.6 rating (63 reviews)

Feels like a mini apartment with a full kitchen. It’s perfect for longer stays, and crazy affordable for what you get.

My Place Hotel – West Jordan

Embassy Suites by Hilton – South Jordan

8.8 rating (274 reviews)

You get a full suite, free breakfast, and a great vibe. I think it’s honestly one of the best bang-for-your-buck stays in town.

Embassy Suites by Hilton – South Jordan

Luxury options

A public park with manicured gardens and a church in the heart of a city's downtown.

Sheraton – Salt Lake City

8.0 rating (1044 reviews)

Right in downtown, sleek and stylish, with a beautiful pool and amazing views. 100% worth the price.

Sheraton – Salt Lake City
A city skyline against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains.

Courtyard by Marriott – Salt Lake City

8.7 rating (364 reviews)

Super modern, close to everything, and the rooms are spotless. Perfect for a luxe, stress-free stay.

Courtyard by Marriott – Salt Lake City
A straight street with the buildings and cars next to it is seen from a narrower angle as it extends far beyond the horizon.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Salt Lake City Downtown

8.4 rating (705 reviews)

Gorgeous modern rooms, top-notch service, and you get a warm cookie at check-in. It’s the little luxuries that make it feel special.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Salt Lake City Downtown

Renting a car

If you’re looking to venture outside of Salt Lake City to see sites like the Bonneville Salt Flats, it helps to rent a car.

Deciding when to visit

Summer

Expect high crowds just because its the summer… However, also expect a vibrant mix of nature, culture, and good vibes. The average temperature in the summer months range from 89°F to 67°F. It is the perfect time for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Fall

I’m honestly stuck between Fall or Winter being the best time to visit Salt Lake City. With the mountains turning red, orange and yellow, the views you would experience is every nature lovers dream. Expect temperatures to range from 40°F to 75°F.

Spring

If you hate the semi-hot summers and/or cold winters, visiting Salt Lake City in the spring might be the perfect time for you to visit. Temperatures range from 40°F to 70°F. It’s also a great time to visit Antelope Island, where you might spot bison and other wild animals.

Winter

In MY personal opinion, visiting Utah in the winter may be the best time to visit throughout the year. If you enjoy the snow, outdoor activities, and the holiday season, visiting during the winter season is a MUST. Temperatures are going to range from 20°F to 40°F. Expect bigger crowds at ski resorts but less crowds in the towns.

Where to eat

Coming from someone born and raised in Texas, I was blown away by how great the food was in Salt Lake City. Here are some of the most popular food options in the city you should consider:

A group of friends making a toast over a wooden table laden with food.