How to Visit Salt Lake City, UT

Brigham Young, second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, led a group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. This began the settling of Salt Lake City, Utah. This date is celebrated as Pioneer Day and there are parades, fireworks and celebrations across the state every July 24. Salt Lake City, capital of the "Beehive" state, has it all: museums, fine dining, top-noch shopping, historical sites, and of course, the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Whether you'd like to enjoy the Utah Symphony or an evening dinner cruise on the Great Salt Lake, you'll find something for everyone.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Secure lodging. There are many hotel options in Salt Lake City, from the economy motels to the luxury hotel suites. The Hilton Garden Inn is a great value and is in a convenient downtown location. The Salt Lake City Marriott is another option, and was voted as one of the best values in 2008 on the Budget Travel World website. If you're looking for a little adventure, try staying at the Anniversary Inn (see Resources below). With 36 different themed rooms, you can experience sleeping in a treehouse in the Swiss Family Robinson Suite, or you can sleep like a Pharoah in the Mysteries of Egypt room.

2. Visit Temple Square. As one of the most visited place in Salt Lake City, Temple square consists of a large granite six-spire temple, the domed Mormon Tabernacle, the gothic-style Assembly Hall, two visitors' centers and many monuments around the beautifully landscaped grounds. While you're visiting, try to catch a concert at the Tabernacle, home to the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Attend one of the daily scheduled organ recitals, featuring the 12,000-pipe Mormon Tabernacle Organ. During the Christmas season, Temple Square is lit up by thousands of twinkling lights.

3. Visit the Gateway shopping center. There are over 130 stores and restaurants at this open air mall (see Resources below). Shop for name-brand clothing, shoes, fine jewlery, books, furniture, teddy bears and just about anything else you could possibly want. There is a movie theater and a couple of museums. See IMAX movies and space exhibits at the Clark Planetarium (see Resources below). Discovery Gateway has four floors of hands-on exhibits for the whole family.

4. Eat. If you like Chinese Food, go to P.F. Changs restaurant--and don't forget to end your meal with the Great Wall of Chocolate. If you're in the mood for Mexican food, eat at the Rio Grande Cafe in the historic Rio Grande Train Station. Perhaps you want Indian food and an elegant dining experience--try the Bombay House. Eat at the Roof Restaurant for a spectacular view of the city while you dine.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider visiting during one of the festivals or concerts in the area.
• If you are a winter sports lover, plan your visit during the colder months; Salt Lake City is close to many ski resorts.
• Navigating your way through Salt Lake City is fairly easy because the roads are laid out in a grid system. If you choose to use public transportation, there are cabs available, as well as a bus system and an above-ground subway system called the TRAX train.

Resources

• Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Temple Square Information
• The Gateway
• Clark Planetarium
• The Anniversary Inn