The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Salt Lake City, Utah Now
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED JUNE 2022 • 4 min read
Salt Lake City, Utah is a place where elevation meets aspiration. A modern city set at the foot of spectacular mountains, it’s a place for open minds and fresh perspectives.
Image courtesy of Visit Salt Lake City
1. THE SHOPPING
Located across from Temple Square and other tourist attractions, City Creek Center offers world-class shopping and dining in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. With a mix of luxury retailers from Louis Vuitton, Coach, Kendra Scott and Tiffany & Co., you’ll also find Salomon and Lululemon, as well as Nordstrom and Macy's. A must-see attraction with a fully retractable glass roof that opens and closes—the architecture is unique to any shopping center in the United States.
A pedestrian sky bridge over Main Street unifies the center on two city blocks. City Creek Center water features include a creek that runs through the center, a fish pond with local trout and waterfalls. Hourly and feature shows with fire elements are added to the fountain shows after dusk.
2. THE ART
Located in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art believes in the power of the art of our time. Through programming, advocacy, and collaboration, we work with artists and communities to build a better world. UMOCA is a six-time recipient of funding from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and a two-time recipient of the Art Works Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Image courtesy of Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
The original museum, Art Barn, gained credibility as an art institution, exhibiting nationally and internationally renowned artists, including a series of oil paintings by Vincent van Gogh. Today, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art presents rotating exhibitions by local, national and international contemporary artists throughout its six gallery spaces. Admission is free, although an $8 donation is suggested.
Salt Lake City’s mural scene is heating up—turning the city into a street art city to watch. These massive pieces of art, painted on iconic and not so iconic walls wait ever so patiently for someone to come and admire them, to Instagram them, to feel something from them. Click here to locate must-see murals through Salt Lake City.
3. THE COCKTAILS & CUISINE
As one of Utah’s oldest fine dining traditions, Five Alls Restaurant has been serving gourmet English fare for over 50 years. Enjoy beautiful views of the sunset over the Salt Lake Valley as you indulge in a signature, five course meal. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying the The 6th All—concocted with Absolut vodka, Perrier and Château Monet served over ice, and garnished with fresh raspberries.
Five Alls Restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah
Serving up gourmet English fare with a traditional ambiance to match, signature five course meals at Five Alls Restaurant include Fresh Salmon braised for color then poached to perfection, lightly seasoned with a house-made paprika seasoning, Chicken Kiev made with garlic butter, breaded and deep fried, then baked and topped with house-made hollandaise sauce, Lobster & Filet Mignon topped with sautéed mushrooms, onions and au jus sauce, as well as Cauliflower Steak sautéed with olive oil in garlic salt, and served with parsley and hollandaise sauce. Traditional accompaniments include a baked potato (with butter, sour cream or Norshire garnish), English chips or blended wild rice. Vegetable du jour, non-alcoholic beverages and fresh braked bread are included with each entrée.
For those craving something sweet, end your experience with an opulent, made-from-scratch cheesecake for dessert.
4. THE GARDENS
Red Butte Garden is Utah’s botanical arboretum. On over 100-acres, you’ll discover themed gardens, stunning natural areas, five miles of hiking trails, and Cottam’s Oak Grove. Being located along the foothills provide wonderful views of the valley, extending mountain ranges, and the Great Salt Lake.
Themed gardens at Red Butte Garden include the Four Seasons Garden, Herb Garden, Children's Garden, Fragrance Garden, Floral Walk, Medicinal Garden, Water Pavilion Garden, Rose Garden, Wildflower Meadow, Water Conservation Garden, amongst others. Enjoy events such as “Poetry in the Garden” and tantalizing art exhibits. Admission is free for garden members.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
The Kearns Mansion is now the Historic Governor’s Mansion of Utah’s governor. This magnificent French châteauesque home was completed in 1902 by Thomas and Jennie Kearns, Park City magnates who made their fortune in silver mining. They chose the world’s finest craftsmen and materials to create an architectural masterpiece on Salt Lake City’s South Temple Street which soon became the dazzling center of Utah's elite social life.
Historic Governor’s Mansion in Salt Lake City, Utah
Public tours of the Historic Governor’s Mansion are held the 1st Wednesday of every month. Glimpse the gold-leafed dome and see Teddy Roosevelt's hat rack on a 45-minute guided tour of the Kearns Mansion 's first floor.
WHERE TO STAY IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Towering over downtown Salt Lake City, this five-diamond hotel offers spacious luxury rooms and suites with step-out balconies and stunning views of the mountains, skyline, and sunset. Grand in every way, guest rooms at The Grand America Hotel are decidedly generous with space, elegant style, and extraordinary details. Floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy seating, and well-appointed spa-style bathroom add more layers of luxury.
