The Perfect 2 Day Weekend in Salt Lake City Itinerary You’ll Love
Last Updated on 1st March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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You can effortlessly spend a 2 day weekend in Salt Lake City and see most of the city’s sites and get a taste for what the mountainous area has to offer.
It can be hard to plan a two-day itinerary for a place you’ve never been to, we’ve done all of the work for you, including travel recommendations and the to places to visit in Utah’s capital city.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, or just have two days to spare, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Salt Lake City.
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Why visit SLC?
Salt Lake City is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a mix of outdoor activities and city sights. In SLC, you can explore the downtown area one day and take in some of the amazing natural landscape this beautiful region has the next.
With its picturesque mountain backdrop (though there’s not a snowcap on the mountains year ’round), unique culture, and easy-to-access outdoor activities, it’s no wonder why this city is popular among travelers.
What is Salt Lake City known for?
SLC is best-known as being the largest and capital of Utah. Nestled between the states of Nevada (check out the best hidden gems of Nevada here) and Colorado, the landlocked state is situated in the mountain west portion of the USA.
The city is most famous for being the religious center of the Mormons (who are otherwise known as the Latter Day Saints). If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in the USA, then consider SLC.
Is a weekend enough time to discover SLC?
Thanks to the fact that most of the major sites are located within short proximity of one another (i.e. in the Downtown area), you can easily see all of Salt Lake City over the course of a weekend and even have time to do a quick trip out of the city to nearby attractions such as the Bonneville Flats (but more on that in a bit!) If you have more time to discover Utah, be sure to check out our perfect Utah road trip itinerary.
Day 1 in Salt Lake City – Downtown Destinations
We recommend you spend the first day in Salt Lake exploring the city itself. There are plenty of activities and sites to visit that will help you make the most out of your trip.
As you make your way through the city, you’ll be able to see the city’s impressive skyline, colorful murals, and check out the multitude of eateries, shops, and boutiques. In the spring time, the city is awash with beautiful sakura, which add pleasant pops of pink across SLC.
Head to Temple Square
It would be hard to talk about Utah without mentioning its religious scene. Utah has a rich history with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). Home to the magnificent Salt Lake Temple, Temple Square offers visitors an enlightening glimpse into the religious culture of one of the state’s oldest and most influential faiths.
If you’d like to learn more about this church or its history in Utah, we recommend you start your morning at Temple Square, where you can take a guided tour through the grounds and make your way through the visitor’s center.
Missionaries from the church can be found in the area and will be happy to answer your questions about the church or its history. Even if you aren’t religious, the grounds and gardens around Temple Square are beautiful and worth exploring. If you make your trip during December, the area will be lit up with beautiful holiday lights.
Whether you’ve been a student of religion all your life or this is your very first visit, a trip to Temple Square promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Have Lunch at City Creek Center
Just across from Temple Square is City Creek, a shopping center with many great stores and restaurants and a creek running through its center. You can grab a quick bite to eat before the next attraction or enjoy your time strolling through the mall with a unique atmosphere. Whether you stay for a little or a long time, City Creek will be a highlight of your day.
Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah
At the Natural History Museum of Utah, you can explore a vast array of interactive exhibits while taking in the world-class collection. Experience the fascinating interactive ecology displays and discover incredible life forms that have inhabited Utah for millions of years.
Learn about Utah’s diverse landscape and its connection to the history and culture of the region. Take part in programming that covers topics ranging from geology to anthropology and everything in between.
Spend however long you want here, whether that’s a couple of hours or the whole afternoon. Whether simply browsing or actively engaging, guests are sure to leave with a newfound appreciation for the fascinating natural history of Utah!
Check Out the Hogle Zoo or Tracy Aviary
Depending on how long you stay at the previous sites, you may have time to visit Utah’s Hogle Zoo or the Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens. Hogle Zoo has over 800 animals living across 42 acres, so you won’t be at a loss for something to look at.
Enjoy feeding giraffes, interacting with lorikeets, and visiting the infamous sea lion pool! If you want to take your animal love to the skies, head over to Tracy Aviary in nearby Liberty Park. Get up close and personal with hundreds of birds from across the world!
Dine Downtown
Salt Lake City has a diverse range of restaurants, from cozy little cafes serving home-cooked dishes to high-end establishments offering local and international cuisine. Whether you are looking for a romantic evening or something fast and easy, you’re sure to find something that will please everyone in your group.
You can take a culinary adventure by tasting the food of different cultures at some of the city’s ethnic eateries or enjoy some classic American dishes in one of Salt Lake City’s diners.
One place we recommend is Ivy & Varley. Located in the heart of downtown, this is a modern American bar and restaurant that features eclectic American cuisine. Wherever you choose to go, chances are you’ll have a delicious dinner.
If you enjoy guided city tours, then one of the more unusual ways to spend your evening while visiting Salt Lake City is to embark on a ghost tour. For example, this Salt Lake Ghosts and Hauntings Tour will reveal little known stories about the city while taking you on an evening walk of the city.
Day 2 in Salt Lake City – Exploring Nature
Your second day in SLC is the perfect day for exploring the beautiful outdoors. Depending on the season you visit, there are a few options for you. Salt Lake City is a year-round destination (as long as you don’t mind the cold in winter), so there is plenty to do no matter what time of year.
Drive Up Big Cottonwood Canyon for a Hike or Nature Walk
If you visit when it’s warm, Big Cottonwood Canyon is the perfect place to go hiking or walking! Located just 20 minutes from Salt Lake City, this breathtaking canyon offers stunning landscapes of red-rock formations and forested trails.
On warm days, you can even dip your feet into the cool glacial waters of Silver Lake. You can spend the whole day up here if you’d like, or you can explore the easier walking trails for a bit, then head out to do something else.
Drive to Antelope Island State Park for Incredible Views of the Great Salt Lake
We can’t talk about Salt Lake City without talking about the Great Salt Lake! This lake is an impressive example of nature’s endless wonders. The saltiness of these waters is almost as amazing as its sheer size.
It is estimated that the salinity of this lake is almost six times greater than ocean water and by some accounts, it is second only to the Dead Sea. Home to a variety of birds and plankton, the Great Salt Lake’s timeless beauty and influence are not to be overlooked.
Antelope Island is a great place to see the lake from. Located at the northern edge of the Great Salt Lake, it boasts some of the best views around and offers an amazing variety of outdoor activities.
Ski or Snowboard at One of Utah’s Many Ski Resorts
Every experienced skier knows that Utah is one of the top skiing destinations in the world. With ski resorts like Alta and Snowbird providing challenging runs and fresh powder, outdoor adventurers flock to the Beehive State each year to experience the numerous activities and incredible scenery available.
If you visit during the winter, whether you’re an enthusiast searching for steep terrain or an amateur looking to learn the basics of skiing, Utah has something to offer.
If you choose to hit the slopes, it will likely take up all the daylight hours. The great snow conditions are totally worth it though!
Take In the Picturesque Bonneville Salt Flats
Visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats is quite simply an amazing experience. You won’t believe your eyes when you walk onto this vast expanse of land and see the shining white blanket that stretches for miles in every direction.
The salt flats are made up of nearly 30,000 acres of smooth salt crust that was laid down thousands of years ago.
If you’re lucky enough to visit after good rainfall, you’ll find yourself jumping and splashing in the sparkling liquid-filled cracks that reach across the flat terrain—and you’ll likely find dazzling opportunities for photos. During dry periods, on the other hand, dust devils erupt in mini tornadoes, making it easy to imagine yourself stepping into a scene from another world.
It can get hot during the summer and muddy during the wet season. Check the weather before you go and prepare accordingly with suitable shoes and clothing, but whatever you do, don’t forget to bring your camera along!
The Bonneville Salt Flats are about an hour and a half outside of the city, but they are well worth the day trip. A visit here will leave you with both stunning photos and unforgettable memories.
Where to stay in Salt Lake City
If you want to be close to all of the attractions and close to the nightlife, then you’ll want to book to stay in the downtown area of the city. Whenever you choose to visit, be sure to book your accommodation as soon as you’ve decided on your dates so as to avoid disappointment and ensure that you get to stay at the place that most suits your needs and budget. Here are some of the best places to stay based on location and price:
Mid-range: This four-star well appointed hotel is located in downtown SLC and highlights include a pool and hot tub. Check prices and availability here.
Luxury: For an unforgettable experience during your time in SLC, you’ll want to check into this five-star accommodation. Boasting amenities such as a spa, it’s a stay you won’t forget anytime soon! Check prices and availability here.
A final note on visiting SLC
Salt Lake City is an incredible place to explore, and you won’t regret taking the time to visit. With its breathtaking scenery and rich culture, it’s no wonder why so many people fall in love with this city.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, urban experiences, or a bit of both, Salt Lake City has something for everyone! We hope you’ve found this Salt Lake City itinerary helpful! Plan your trip today and happy traveling!
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About the author: Lexi Cooper is a freelance editor and writer. Her parents taught her a love for traveling, seeing new sights, and learning about the world. Along with her passion for travel, she loves stories and dreams of spending her days reading and writing books and wandering the globe.
