From scenic sunrise hikes and indie shows to kid-friendly museums and train rides, Salt Lake City is a perfect destination to choose your own adventure. Whether you’re flying solo or traveling as a family, here are two ways to spend a memorable day in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Day 1: For the Solo Traveler
Morning
Start your morning before the sun with a short hike to Ensign Peak. Just half a mile from the trailhead, bask in sweeping sunrise views over the Salt Lake Valley and Great Salt Lake. Stand where Brigham Young stood in 1847, when that very view was all it took to choose Salt Lake City as the settlement for his pioneers. Brace for a steep but beginner-friendly hike, and keep an eye out for songbirds, hawks, and deer along the way.
Fuel up at The Rose Establishment, a laid-back café set inside a restored 1918 meat-packing plant. Expect high ceilings and whitewashed brick with a rooftop herb garden and a cozy patio. You won’t find WiFi here, as this hotspot encourages its guests to connect IRL. Slide into a bar stool or a seat at one of the communal tables. Try an inventive pour-over like Espresso Rodeo or Nutty by Nature, and dig into the 9 to 5 Breakfast Sandwich or the Turkish Eggs.
Head to the Utah State Capitol, a marble and granite building surrounded by cherry blossoms that look especially dreamy in the springtime. Step inside to admire the grand staircases, ornate details, and historical murals. Take a self-guided tour of the rotunda, then stroll the manicured grounds for monuments, plaques, and striking views of downtown Salt Lake City. With four floors of artwork and informative displays about Utah’s rich heritage, it’s an ideal place to kick off your journey.
Wrap up your morning with a visit to the Natural History Museum of Utah, tucked into the foothills above the city. Discover billions of years of history spanning four floors, with nearly two million specimens to see. Marvel at dinosaur skeletons in the Past Worlds exhibit and check out Indigenous art and cultural artifacts in the Native Voices exhibit. Explore interactive displays of the region in the Land exhibit and experience ancient sights and sounds in the Great Salt Lake exhibit. Budget around two hours to see it all.
Afternoon
Grab lunch downtown at Pretty Bird, a small-but-mighty shop that’s been dubbed by the locals as the best fried chicken joint in Salt Lake City. Order a sandwich at your preferred spice level and pair it with crispy fries or Mexican street corn. Chef Viet Pham has appeared on shows like Iron Chef America and Food Network Star, and garnered a cult following of hot chicken enthusiasts. Don’t skip the slaw, pickles, or Pretty Bird sauce—it’s all part of the magic.
Craving some time on the water? If you’re up for a 30-mile drive, head to Highland Glen Park for a peaceful paddle with calm waters and panoramic views of Lone Peak. Rent a paddleboard from a local outfitter or bring your own. Soak up the quiet charm of a breathtaking pond where no motorized boats are allowed. Afterward, join a game of sand volleyball or walk the trail around the park before driving back to the city.
Alternatively, go for a more exhilarating outdoor adventure by hiking or biking a stretch of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST). Follow the ancient Lake Bonneville shoreline from the City Creek Trailhead for rewarding views of the valley and lake. For a stunning ride through a hidden canyon, opt instead for the intersecting 6.6-mile City Creek Canyon Trail. The moderately difficult trail is only open to bicycles on odd-numbered days, so plan your visit accordingly.
Trade natural beauty for urban charm with a stroll through the 9th & 9th District—an ultra-walkable neighborhood known for its quirky shops and creative spirit. Shop for handmade goods and trendy clothing at indie shops like The Stockist, Hip & Humble, and Salt & Honey. Grab an afternoon pick-me-up at Coffee Garden, snag Swedish candies at Curriculum, and look for pop-up events and street festivals. For solo travelers, it’s a people-watching paradise.
Evening
Settle in for dinner at The Copper Onion, one of the city’s most beloved restaurants. Expect a cozy yet elevated vibe with a modern-industrial feel and a lively atmosphere. Sit at the bar or request a seat at the chef’s counter for a front-row view of the action. Dig into standout dishes like the housemade ricotta dumplings, the Copper Burger with duck fat aioli, or the wagyu beef stroganoff. For a solo dining experience that feels immersive rather than lonely, this is your spot.
Cap off your night with drinks at Beer Bar, co-founded by actor Ty Burrell of Modern Family fame. Pull up a chair at one of the communal tables inside this relaxed beer hall and choose between 80+ rotating drafts, from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs. Sip solo or chat with locals—the crowd here leans hip and friendly. Want to taste the local brew? Order the Munich Mayhem, Lemon Bomb Ale, or Hop Rising.
Alternatively, pair your nightcap with live music at Urban Lounge in the artsy Central City neighborhood. Catch indie rock, underground hip-hop, or an experimental DJ set in the intimate, low-key venue. Rub shoulders with local music lovers and prepare yourself for a ‘standing room only’ vibe—don’t worry, there’s not a bad spot in the house. Try a local beer like the Squatters Juicy IPA, or keep it classic with a Johnny Walker on the rocks.
Day 2: For the Family with Kids
Morning
Kick off your day of family fun with breakfast at Ruth’s Diner, a 1930s roadside gem in Emigration Canyon. Dine in a historic trolley car decked out in vintage photos of Ruth Evans, a local cabaret singer turned restaurateur. Or, find a shady table on the tree-lined patio. Indulge in the famous mile-high biscuits with country gravy or the chicken-fried steak and eggs. Treat the little ones to cinnamon roll French toast or chocolate chip pancakes. Arrive on the early side to beat the weekend rush.
Next, make your way to Hogle Zoo—one of Utah’s most popular family attractions. Wander the grounds to find more than 800 animals spanning 42 acres, from elephants and lions to polar bears. Feed the giraffes, watch zookeeper talks, and explore the barnyard to pet farm animals. Rest your legs on the carousel, or climb aboard the Eccles Express for a train ride around the African Savanna. Need to cool off? Stop by the Lighthouse Point Splash Pad before you go.
Continue your adventure at the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Immerse yourself in three floors of interactive, STEM-based play. Dig for fossils, work on cars, experiment with water, and make your own comic strip. Stop by the Sensory Room to tickle your senses, and climb into a helicopter in the Saving Lives exhibit. Check the calendar for daily activities like rock painting, scavenger hunts, and clay making.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at The Dodo, a lively bistro-style joint in Sugar House Park. Embrace the warm, welcoming vibes and spot eclectic murals of the extinct bird throughout the dining room. Order the smoked turkey sandwich, or go for the house-made beef stroganoff for something heartier. For the “Lil Dodos,” choose between simple staples like grilled cheese, pasta, and PB&J. Save room for dessert—the Toll House and banana cream pies are award-winning for a reason.
Step back in time at This Is The Place Heritage Park for an afternoon steeped in fun and frontier history. Stroll the village to explore the homes of pioneers and chat with costumed interpreters in the place where Mormon pioneers settled nearly two centuries ago. Take the kids on a pony ride, pan for gold, and watch candlemakers hand-dip their creations. When you’re done exploring, let the kids run loose on the playground or grab a cone at the ice cream parlor.
Escape into nature at Red Butte Garden—a vibrant oasis of themed gardens, kid-friendly trails, koi ponds, and hands-on exhibits. Soak up 360-degree views of the Salt Lake Valley on foot, or ask for a complimentary tram tour. Meander through stone walkways, around cascading water fountains, and under wisteria-covered arbors. For an extra-special visit, plan around exciting events like art exhibits, poetry walks, and outdoor concerts.
Evening
Bite into Detroit-style pizza at Bricks Corner, a casual spot that’s a crowd favorite among kids and adults alike. The laid-back setting with communal tables and friendly vibes makes it a great pick for a family dinner. Expect thick, crispy slices served in shareable square pans. Start with an order of loaded tots, then get the Sweet Salty Pig pizza or the SLC—it’s got white panna sauce, basil pesto, marinated tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
Treat the family to Rockwell Ice Cream for dessert to find out why it’s often ranked among the best in the state. Savor dense, creamy flavors like Honeycomb and Muddy Buddy inside the spacious, two-story shop. You won’t find artificial flavors or colors here, just hand-crafted batches made with local ingredients and designed to taste like nostalgia in a cone.
Not ready to call it quits? Catch a Broadway show on Main Street at Eccles Theater, a dynamic venue with a six-story grand lobby and a massive auditorium. Get swept up in dazzling performances of family-friendly shows like Wicked, Annie, and Back to the Future. Grab wine or sparkling cider and concession snacks during intermission or before the show. It’s the perfect end to a fun-filled day in Salt Lake City.
