Salt Lake City has become a great destination for a local getaway. Here’s why:
- Where to Stay: Downtown offers luxury hotels like The Grand America and Kimpton Hotel Monaco, while neighborhoods like Sugar House and The Avenues provide quieter, family-friendly or romantic options.
- Things to Do: From hiking trails like City Creek Canyon and The Living Room to museums like the Natural History Museum of Utah, there’s plenty to explore. Don’t miss Antelope Island for wildlife and stunning views.
- Food and Drinks: Enjoy top-rated spots like The Copper Onion, Red Iguana, and breweries like Epic Brewing Company. Sugar House adds a mix of casual and upscale dining.
- Neighborhoods: Downtown is walkable and lively, Sugar House is artsy and laid-back, and The Avenues offers a peaceful, historic vibe.
With its mix of outdoor activities, vibrant dining, and charming neighborhoods, Salt Lake City is perfect for a staycation any time of year.
Things To Do In Salt Lake City - A Local's Month To Month Guide #saltlakecity #utah
sbb-itb-863a0bb
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has options for every traveler, from affordable stays to luxurious retreats. Whether you prefer the vibrant downtown area or a quieter neighborhood, you’ll find accommodations that put you close to the city’s top attractions. Downtown is perfect for exploring major landmarks on foot, while the neighborhoods provide a more relaxed vibe with easy access to parks and trails.
Downtown Hotels
Staying downtown keeps you close to iconic spots like Temple Square, the Delta Center, and City Creek Center. For a high-end experience, The Grand America Hotel is a standout. Its spacious 700 sq. ft. rooms feature marble bathrooms and large windows, and the 10-acre property includes both indoor and seasonal outdoor pools. Guests can also enjoy a Forbes Four-Star spa, with a 60-minute massage priced at about $200. Rates start at $179 per night, with valet parking at $34 and self-parking at $24. The hotel boasts an impressive 9.3/10 rating from 755 verified guest reviews.
Another great option is Kimpton Hotel Monaco, ranked as the #2 hotel in Salt Lake City by U.S. News & World Report. This boutique hotel is pet-friendly - welcoming pets at no extra charge - and even offers a special pet menu. Its central location near the Eccles Theater and Delta Center makes it a convenient choice.
For a more classic experience, Little America Hotel is known for its spacious rooms and traditional dining options, including the Lucky H Buffet and a charming coffee shop. History lovers might enjoy The Peery Hotel, a historic gem built in 1910. Part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, it showcases Prairie and Classical Revival architecture paired with vintage-inspired decor.
If you’re looking for a more local experience, the neighborhoods around Salt Lake City have plenty to offer.
Neighborhood Stays
Sugar House is a trendy spot filled with indie galleries, boutique shops, and the sprawling Sugar House Park. This area is ideal for families or extended stays, with modern all-suite hotels like SpringHill Suites and Home2 Suites offering plenty of space and convenience.
For a touch of historic charm, check out The Avenues and Capitol Hill, located just north of downtown. These areas are known for their Victorian-style mansions, making them perfect for bed-and-breakfast stays or romantic getaways.
Central City offers a mix of affordability and outdoor access. It’s close to Liberty Park, an 80-acre green space with walking trails, tennis courts, and the Tracy Aviary. Here, you’ll find themed suites and apartment-style accommodations that provide comfort at moderate prices.
Things to Do in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is nestled against the stunning Wasatch Mountain Range, offering quick access to Big Cottonwood, Millcreek, Emigration, and City Creek canyons - all just minutes from downtown. Whether you're into hiking, museums, or tasting craft beers, this city has something for everyone.
Outdoor Activities
Need a quick nature escape? Check out City Creek Canyon, reachable from downtown via Memory Grove Park. This paved trail takes you into a peaceful wilderness where you might even spot deer or moose. For breathtaking views of the Salt Lake Valley, hike The Living Room, a short but steep trail starting near the Natural History Museum.
For seasoned hikers, the 7-mile Lake Blanche Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon is a must. This challenging route leads you past waterfalls and offers views of Monte Cristo and Dromedary Peak. If you're looking for something a bit different, try Jack's Mountain on the East Bench. This 2.4-mile loop features a quirky tradition where hikers leave notes in mailboxes at the summit.
Want a mix of nature and entertainment? Red Butte Garden covers 100 acres with native plants, mountain vistas, and even doubles as a concert venue. For a more offbeat adventure, head to Antelope Island State Park in the Great Salt Lake. The island is home to bison and pronghorns, and you can hike to Frary Peak, the island's highest point, or experience floating in the ultra-salty lake - 10 times saltier than the ocean.
After soaking in the great outdoors, dive into Salt Lake City's rich history and vibrant cultural scene.
Museums and Historic Sites
The Natural History Museum of Utah, located in the eastern foothills, is a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils and exhibits about the Great Salt Lake Valley and Indigenous history. Its striking design enhances the experience as you explore exhibits that take you from the top of the museum down to its fossil-packed base.
At This Is The Place Heritage Park, history comes alive across 450 acres. With over 50 period-accurate buildings and costumed interpreters, you can try your hand at blacksmithing or visit an old-fashioned candy shop. During summer, grab a sweet treat from Brigham's Donuts or hop on the replica train for a ride. For a dose of grandeur, visit the Utah State Capitol, where you'll find a stunning rotunda, murals, and a bronze statue of television pioneer Philo T. Farnsworth, along with sweeping valley views.
Shopping and Breweries
Salt Lake City also shines with its shopping options and thriving brewery scene. City Creek Center is a downtown gem with open-air shopping, a retractable roof, and even a creek running through it. For a more local vibe, head to the 9th and 9th District, home to unique shops like The Stockist (small-batch clothing) and Vantage Thrift (vintage denim and leather). The Maven District is another hotspot, highlighting women-owned businesses such as Lovebound Library for romance novels and Pantry Products for eco-friendly home goods.
Beer lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Salt Lake City. Epic Brewing Company is a favorite for hop-forward craft beers, while Uinta Brewing Company offers long-standing local staples. At Beer Bar, co-owned by actor Ty Burrell, you can pair an impressive beer selection with locally made sausages. For a mix of craft beer and elevated dining, Avenues Proper delivers with its on-site brewery and modern American menu in a sleek, industrial space.
Where to Eat in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has a dining scene that caters to every taste, from casual Mediterranean street eats to refined New American dishes. Whether you're strolling through downtown or exploring the Sugar House area, you'll find plenty of places to indulge and elevate your staycation experience.
Downtown Restaurants
If you're downtown, you're in for a treat with some standout dining options:
- The Copper Onion: Known for its elevated take on New American comfort food, this spot is a local favorite. Dishes like Wagyu beef stroganoff and house-made pastas are must-tries.
- Oquirrh Restaurant: This gem focuses on seasonal American dishes. Don’t miss their creamy milk-braised potatoes or the confit chicken pot pie with a flaky puff pastry crust.
- Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana: For authentic wood-fired pizza, this is the place to go. Certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, their Margherita and Diavola pizzas boast perfectly charred crusts.
- Spitz: A Mediterranean street food haven, offering crowd-pleasers like loaded doner fries and flavorful wraps.
- Red Iguana: Famous for its seven varieties of house-made mole, including Mole Negro and Mole Poblano, this iconic spot serves dishes like Puntas de Filete a la Norteña that locals rave about.
If you venture beyond downtown, the Sugar House neighborhood offers its own distinct culinary vibe.
Sugar House Restaurants
Sugar House brings a mix of upscale and relaxed dining options, perfect for a staycation food tour:
- Hearth and Hill Sugar House: This stylish restaurant offers globally inspired dishes in a chic, spacious setting. Entrees range from $20 to $42, with highlights like Scallop Saffron Risotto and Sea Bass Brodetto. Don’t miss their "Three Buck Shuck", offering West Coast oysters for $3 each during happy hour (2:30–5:00 PM, Monday through Friday).
- Finca: Specializing in Spanish tapas, this spot emphasizes sustainable ingredients and pairs them with a selection of natural wines.
- Mazza: A go-to for Lebanese cuisine, Mazza boasts one of the largest Mediterranean wine and beer collections in the country. Their bone-in lamb shank, braised with allspice, ginger, and fenugreek, is a standout.
- Saffron Valley: Home to the city’s largest Indian buffet, this restaurant also supports refugee culinary training. With many dishes priced under $10, they offer extensive vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
These dining destinations showcase the unique flavors of Salt Lake City's neighborhoods, making your staycation as delicious as it is memorable.
Salt Lake City Neighborhoods
Salt Lake City Neighborhoods Comparison: Downtown vs Sugar House vs The Avenues
Salt Lake City offers a mix of vibrant, walkable neighborhoods perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. With the city boasting an impressive bikeability score of 80, you can easily navigate its streets without a car.
Downtown
Downtown serves as the bustling center of Salt Lake City, where historic landmarks blend seamlessly with modern attractions. Highlights include Temple Square, the Delta Center - home to the Utah Jazz and the Utah Mammoths - and the stunning Eccles Theatre, a 2,500-seat venue. All of these are within a quick 10-minute walk. Thanks to the city's grid system, finding your way is straightforward. For instance, "900 East" simply means nine blocks east of Temple Square.
To get around, take advantage of the TRAX "Free Fare Zone" or rent a GREENbike (library cardholders can snag free ride codes). The Maven District is a must-visit, featuring over 100 businesses, 85% of which are women-owned. Meanwhile, City Creek Center anchors the downtown area with its walkable layout and shopping options.
"Compact, walkable core mixing religious heritage with modern dining and nightlife." – Jan Křenek
Downtown's mix of history, culture, and accessibility sets the tone for the unique character found in other neighborhoods.
Sugar House
Sugar House is a lively neighborhood with a creative edge that locals love. Known for its independent boutiques along Highland Drive and a thriving craft beer scene, this area exudes a laid-back charm. The S-Line streetcar, running every 15 minutes during peak hours, makes it easy to hop between shops and eateries.
Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy Parleys Trail, a dedicated bike path that cuts through the neighborhood and leads to Sugar House Park. The park is ideal for a casual stroll, and from April through October, it hosts a vibrant Saturday farmers market. Sugar House attracts young professionals, artists, and families with its blend of local businesses and strong community spirit, making it a perfect spot for an engaging staycation.
"Sugar House feels like the cool part of Salt Lake City – creative, walkable, and full of energy." – Alexander K
From the buzz of Sugar House, you can step back in time with a visit to The Avenues.
The Avenues
The Avenues offers a tranquil retreat where history and nature come together. This residential neighborhood is famous for its steep, tree-lined streets, Victorian-era homes, and early 20th-century architecture. It's an ideal spot for those seeking scenic walks and a quieter atmosphere, all while staying close to the city's more dynamic areas.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Ensign Peak Trailhead and Avenues Twin Peaks, both offering stunning views of the city. The neighborhood's steep hills reward visitors with breathtaking vistas and charming architecture. Plus, downtown is just a 10-minute downhill walk, making The Avenues a convenient base for exploring other parts of the city.
"Quiet, leafy hillside streets with Victorian and early 20th‑century homes." – Jan Křenek
Conclusion
Salt Lake City is far more than just a pit stop. From the historic charm of the Asher Adams Hotel to the elegance of the Grand America, the city offers a range of accommodations to suit any traveler’s taste. Its dining scene is also making waves, with Utah restaurants vying for Michelin stars for the first time in 2026 and beloved spots like Felt earning James Beard nominations.
"Salt Lake City has genuinely become a place you'll want to return to - not just pass through." – Jessica Chapel, Commerce Writer, Condé Nast Traveler
This city brims with experiences that cater to every interest. Whether you're browsing women-owned shops in the Maven District, savoring a 10-course omakase at Aker Restaurant and Lounge, or enjoying stunning cityscapes, this guide is packed with tips to help you make the most of your staycation. Salt Lake City’s unique mix of outdoor adventures - like skiing at nearby Alta and Snowbird - and dynamic urban culture makes it a destination worth exploring any time of year.
With over 220 sunny days annually and neighborhoods that range from the historic charm of The Avenues to the artistic vibe of Sugar House, Salt Lake City is ready to be rediscovered. Use this guide to uncover new reasons to love your city and enjoy a local getaway that feels anything but ordinary.
FAQs
What’s the best area to stay in Salt Lake City without a car?
If you're visiting without a car, the best place to stay is downtown near Temple Square. This area is highly walkable and gives you access to a variety of attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues. Plus, there's a convenient TRAX transit connection to the airport.
Staying here means you’re close to landmarks like the Utah State Capitol, several museums, and plenty of restaurants. For first-time visitors or anyone looking for a central spot to explore and enjoy day trips, this neighborhood offers the perfect blend of accessibility and convenience.
What’s the best 1-day staycation itinerary in Salt Lake City?
Start your day with breakfast at a central spot like the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. Afterward, head out for a morning adventure - try a hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon for some fresh mountain air or take a leisurely walk through Liberty Park. In the afternoon, dive into some local history and art at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts or visit the iconic Temple Square. Wrap up your day with some shopping at City Creek Center or enjoy a downtown dinner. For a perfect end, catch the sunset from Ensign Peak.
When is the best time of year for a Salt Lake City staycation?
The ideal time to plan a Salt Lake City staycation is between fall and spring. Winter stands out as a favorite, especially for snow enthusiasts, as the city's close proximity to ski resorts and various winter activities makes it a haven for cold-weather fun.
