Salt Lake City, UT
Canyons fifteen minutes from downtown, a lake that isn't what you think, and a food scene that outgrew its reputation.
Best time: May to June, September to October
Best time to visit
May to June, September to October
Canyon roads open and the Wasatch is walkable before the snow returns. Ski season runs December to March; midsummer is hot, and winter inversions trap haze in the valley for days.
Local gems
The kind of local gems Runes weaves into your plan — beyond the obvious landmarks.
- 01Big Cottonwood Canyon drive
- 02Red Iguana
- 03Liberty Park
- 04Red Butte Garden
Know before you go
Salt Lake City sits directly at the base of the dramatic Wasatch Range, offering alpine wilderness fifteen minutes from city sidewalks. Long defined by its quiet reputation, the city has evolved into a vibrant hub with a thriving craft beverage culture and an ambitious food scene. It is clean, open, and built around quick transitions from mountain trailheads to neighborhood bistros.
The TRAX light rail connects the airport to downtown and the university quickly, but you will need a car to reach canyon drives and mountain trailheads. Downtown is walkable, but the city's extra-wide blocks mean walks take longer than they appear on a map.
- The street grid is a coordinate system based on Temple Square; an address like 900 South 200 East simply means nine blocks south and two blocks east of center.
- Drive Big Cottonwood Canyon for sweeping granite peaks and alpine lakes, but carry proper snow chains or AWD/4WD if visiting in winter.
- Pair a morning stroll around Red Butte Garden's foothill paths with access to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail right behind it.
- Liberty Park is the city's social backyard; head there on Sunday afternoons for prime people-watching and local gatherings.
- Stay hydrated and take it easy on your first day—the valley sits at over 4,200 feet above sea level, and canyon trails climb past 9,000 feet quickly.
Neighborhoods to know
The urban core, featuring historic architecture, the city's main cultural venues, and a dense concentration of cocktail bars and chef-driven restaurants.
A walkable, leafy neighborhood with a distinct collegiate energy, filled with indie bookshops, local breweries, and mid-century bungalows.
A charming, bohemian pocket centered around independent boutiques, specialty coffee roasters, and intimate neighborhood dining near Liberty Park.
A quiet historic district of Victorian homes set on steep hillside streets that back directly into foothill trails overlooking the valley.
What to eat
Frequently asked
Can you actually buy a drink in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Outdated private-club laws are long gone. You can order full-strength cocktails, wine, and bottled craft beer at normal bars, though draft beer on tap is capped at 5% ABV.
Can you actually buy a drink in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Outdated private-club laws are long gone. You can order full-strength cocktails, wine, and bottled craft beer at normal bars, though draft beer on tap is capped at 5% ABV.
Is the Great Salt Lake worth visiting?
Skip the city-adjacent marinas and drive an hour north to Antelope Island State Park instead, where you'll find bison herds, white sand beaches, and dramatic lake views.
When is the best time of year to visit?
Late spring through autumn offers pristine hiking and lively neighborhood patios, while December through April brings world-class powder skiing less than an hour away.
Do I need to rent a car?
If you're only staying downtown, transit is fine. For canyon drives, ski resorts, and mountain trailheads, a car is essential.
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