As you plan your trip through the West, Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City, is the perfect place to begin or end your adventure. Often known as a gateway city to the national parks both north and south, Salt Lake has a lot to offer, and most will enjoy the easy access of more than 750 daily flights in and out of Salt Lake City International Airport.
Salt Lake is alive with new hotels, from the five diamond rated Grand America Hotel to mountain properties like the Cliff Lodge at Snowbird. You can enjoy attractions like the Discovery Gateway and the Clark Planetarium and IMAX Theater. Shopping is a delight at one of the downtown malls, the Gateway Center or historic Trolley Square. Pubs, bistros, coffees houses, restaurants and bars offer a variety of entertainments and cuisines. Whether your tastes run to an evening of Stravinsky at Abravanel Hall or a superstar concert at the Energy Solutions Arena, we’ve got just the ticket.
For sports fans, well, Utah Jazz isn’t just a form of music. It is also Utah’s NBA team. You’ll also find AAA baseball with the Salt Lake Bees, professional hockey with the Utah Grizzlies and major league soccer with Real Salt Lake.
The spirit of the 2002 Winter Games lives on at the Olympic Cauldron Park, a stunning museum set adjacent to Rice-Eccles Stadium, on the University of Utah campus, site of the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies.
Visit Temple SquareThe centerpiece of downtown Salt Lake City is The Church History Museum, a monumental tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Mormon Pioneers, and world headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.
Visitors are invited to attend hundreds of free concerts along with the rehearsals of the world renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the newly renovated Tabernacle.
While in Salt Lake, spend a day building your personal family tree at the interactive FamilySearch Center in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, or take in the interactive exhibits and beautiful artwork on display in the north and south Visitors Centers. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll through award-winning gardens en route to touring Brigham Young’s historic home, the Beehive House.
History buffs will delight in the opportunity to relive the pioneer trek west, and view stunning southwestern art at the Museum of Church History and Art.
Be sure to sample the fine dining of one of the four world-class restaurants: The Garden, an airy, patio-style lunch or dinner experience; and The Roof, a gourmet buffet with breath-taking city views. Use the Salt Lake Connect Pass at the Lion House Pantry, the best home cooking in the area; or stop by the new Nauvoo Café for great food and gifts to go. If time permits, you’ll want to see the free film showing all day at the Legacy Theater.
Clark Planetarium Located in the heart of The Gateway shopping center in Salt Lake City, Clark Planetarium explores the wonders of space and science through two state-of-the-art theatres, free exhibits and the unique Planet Fun Clark Planetarium store.
More Attractions in Salt Lake City:
• Utah Museum of Natural History
• The Utah State Capitol Building
• Heber Valley Historic Railroad
• Utah Olympic Oval
• Fort Douglas Military Museum
