Salt Lake City Favorites
Last summer my and one of best friend decided to add Salt Lake City to our itinerary because it was the closest and biggest airport for our road trip to Wyoming — and I’m glad we did! Salt Lake City isn’t a city we’d think of visiting at first, but what started as a quick stop turned into such a fun few days of exploring! Between the mountain views, the calmer energy, and all shopping options, SLC ended up being the perfect place to start our adventure.
Here are my favorite things to do, eat, and shop while in Salt Lake City 👇
🌿 What to See
Salt Lake City Temple
Even if you’re not religious, the Salt Lake Temple is absolutely stunning. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Utah and is definitely worth a walk around. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go inside because it was under construction (Salt Lake City will be hosting the Winter Olympics in 2034!). It was still worth passing by, though!
Utah State Capitol
Perched on a hill, the Capitol has beautiful architecture and offers a great view of the city below. It’s perfect for an afternoon stroll or some quiet time surrounded by history. You can of course, go inside and tour it by yourself!
Great Salt Lake
You can’t go to Salt Lake City without seeing the lake itself! It’s surreal — super calm, vast, and unlike any other lake I’ve visited. Depending on the time of year, you might even spot a pinkish tint from the salt flats, which luckily was our case (we went in early August).
St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral
Another must-go, whether you are religious or not! I am not a Christian, but I still adore visiting churches and cathedrals when I’m traveling, and this one was definitely worth the visit! The atmosphere was calm and peaceful, the stained glass windows were magnificent, and the cathedral isn’t located too far from downtown.
East High School
Yes… that East High School from High School Musical! Whether you’re a fan or not, it’s a fun little stop for a photo and to witness the real American High School experience!
☕️ Where to Eat
Tulie Bakery
This cozy bakery is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Their pastries are beautiful and so good — the kind of place that makes you want to sit down and stay a while. I opted for the sourdough avocado toast (which was delish) and took a GF cardamom muffin for the road, which was PHENOMENAL. Staff were also super kind and helpful! I 100% recommend :)
Aubergine Kitchen
If you’re looking for something fresh and healthy, Aubergine Kitchen is a must. Their bowls, smoothies, and desserts are packed with flavor, and it’s the kind of food that makes you feel good after a day of exploring. Prices are a bit rough though!
Sunroom Coffee
A light-filled café with great coffee and calm vibes — basically the ideal spot. It’s ideal for catching up on a bit of journaling between activities. Their teddy bear latte was divine.
Lake Effect
If you’re in the mood for a night out, Lake Effect is the place to go. It’s a stylish cocktail bar with live music, great ambiance, and a creative drink menu. Perfect for ending the day with something a little more special. The shrimp tacos and amaretto sour were delish!
🛍 Where to Shop
City Creek Center
Right in the heart of downtown, City Creek has a little bit of everything — Anthropologie, J. Crew, Nordstrom, Lululemon, Sephora, and more. It’s also a beautiful open-air mall with fountains and a retractable roof.
Trolley Square
A more historic spot with tons of charm! You’ll find Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and West Elm here — perfect if you’re in a home decor & hosting lover.
The Shops at South Town
A great mix of affordable favorites like American Eagle, H&M, HomeGoods, Lululemon, Target, Old Navy, and some local shops like Refresh Streetwear (which I LOVED! I found some vintage Harley Davidson t-shirts for reasonable prices).
Junction Commons
This outlet-style area is ideal for a little bargain hunting. Think Abercrombie Outlet, American Eagle Outfitters, Coach Outlet, Columbia Factory Store, J. Crew, Levi’s, and more.
Station Park Mall (the biggest one!)
My personal favorite — Station Park is massive, with a ton of great stores including Altar’d State (which I really fell in love with), Nordstrom Rack, HomeGoods, World Market, Sephora, and even another Aubergine Kitchen for a post-shopping meal.
Whether you’re stopping by for a weekend or passing through on a longer Utah road trip, Salt Lake City has so much to offer — especially if you love a balance of city life, and scenic nature.
