3 Days in Salt Lake City: A Local-Inspired Utah Itinerary

Breakfast time! Honest Eatery offers healthy options such as avocado toast, smoothies and açai bowls. If greasy-spoon diner (and I mean that in the best way), is your preferred breakfast, take a quick drive to Penny Ann’s Café. While known for their Heavenly Hotcakes (that’s a registered trademark, and you can even take a bag of mix home with you), they also have classic diner hits and loaded options such as the ultimate biscuits and gravy or a veggie skillet.

After breakfast, head over to Temple Square, which spans five city blocks. Stop in one of the visitor’s centers and catch views of the Temple. The Salt Lake Tabernacle, designed by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for large gatherings, is located on the west side of Temple Square and is also home to the Tabernacle Choir. Stop in at 12:00pm noon Monday-Saturday, or 2:00pm on Sundays, to hear the live organ recitals. Recitals are open to the public and last about 30 minutes.

For a midday pick-me-up, head to The Rose Establishment for coffee or tea (they close at 2:0pm). Try their signature baklava latte (it’s more aromatic than sweet) or a seasonal specialty like the slingshot espresso tonic (unique iced option with espresso, bubbles and a hint of citrus).

Check out nearby locally owned boutiques for everything from vintage / consignment and boutiques to eclectic home goods and curated foodie finds. Great options are Re-finery Salt Lake City, Scout Shop, Atelier, Caputo’s Market & Deli, Two Roads Hat Company and GiGi Pip Hat Shop. Most of these shops open mid-morning, around 11:00am.

If shopping isn’t your thing, Pioneer Park is located just to the south, perfect for a stroll when the weather is nice. It hosts a farmers' market on summer Sundays. Or you can head to the State Capitol Building and take a tour.

Lunch time! If you weren’t already lured in by the sandwich offerings at Caputo’s (a must on any Utah itinerary), head to Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana or Squatters Brew Pub for an easy, unpretentious meal. Both are walkable from the shops above. Settebello offers wood-fired pizza, including a delish gluten-free crust option that’s bubbly, crispy and chewy, just like the real thing. Squatters Brew Pub is a local favorite, a large space that gets busy at peak times, offering typical American pub fare such as wings, burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads.

If post-lunch snooze mode hits, head back to the hotel for a little break time before heading out to happy hour at Under Current. If you don’t want to make a move for dinner, Under Current has a cozy food menu with staples like oysters, burgers, and fish & chips. For a more substantial evening meal try local favorite Red Iguana (the original location) that offers delicious Mexican food and housemade moles at the first-come, first-serve original “hole-in-the-wall” location. Or give Sapa a try for Asian fusion and sushi in a funky eclectic dining space.

Round out the evening with a fun cosmic laser light show, offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at the Clark Planetarium Hansen Dome. If the skies are clear and you want to catch great star views IRL, you can head to Antelope Island State Park, a designated Dark Sky Park that offers astronomy programs and special events. Check their calendar for details.

On day two of your Salt Lake City, Utah itinerary, head to the 9th & 9th neighborhood to start your day. It's a local community with re-imagined historical buildings and a laid-back vibe.

Try breakfast at Publik Kitchen or brunch at Tradition. Don’t miss out on the latter's funeral potatoes: they’re creamy, savory, sweet and crunchy all at the same time. Spend the rest of the morning browsing local shops, satiating your sweet tooth and viewing local public art and murals.

Next up, explore the Natural History Museum of Utah (a must on any Utah itinerary) followed by a leisurely stroll through Red Butte Garden if the weather permits.

If you prefer more active outdoor adventures, take a hike in Mill Creek Canyon for stunning views. There are plenty of trail options to choose from, with varying difficulty levels.

As the day winds down, indulge in Middle Eastern cuisine at Mazza. Delicious picks include the muhamarra, Lebanese salad and sweet kanafe dessert.

Looking for a night cap? Head to Bar-X for classic mixed drinks or Water Witch for inventive craft cocktails.

First things first: head to Tulie Bakery for a caffeine hit (or decaf, if you’re so inclined) and a super delicious selection of pastries and baked goods. The frangipane (almond) croissants, morning buns and sticky buns are my indulgent go-to’s, but they have a large selection of options from savory to sweet. If you are looking for something more substantial, and don’t plan to make a stop for a full breakfast, order up one of their “toast” options from the handwritten chalkboard menu, with flavors ranging from apricot honey chèvre to a classic avocado toast. If you’re looking for a snack for the road, or gift for a friend, Tulie has pre-packaged goodies like homemade granola and trail mix, or cookies in a variety of flavors (lemon, shortbread, ginger).

As you head to the town of Wanship for your wellness experience, make a breakfast / brunch stop in Park City at Five5eeds. Sip a healthy green juice and snag a banana bread with espresso cream as a breakfast appetizer. Hit the savory note with a main such as their local mushroom & crispy polenta breakfast dish, or shakshouka. This location can definitely have a wait on weekends. Check the restaurant website to view and join the waitlist.

After breakfast, pop over to the Edge Spa at The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, for some relaxation and restoration. Be sure to reserve an appointment in advance, as there are limited spa appointments for non-resort guests. Arrive an hour early to relax in the lounge with a cup of herbal tea and peaceful mountain views, and then a quick warm up in the sauna to loosen your muscles before your treatment. After a post-treatment swim and shower, let the good vibes sink in as you mosey on to your next stop.

If you are feeling particularly ravenous, try the refined mountain cuisine at Yuta on The Lodge at Blue Sky property. If you can hold off, make your way back to SLC and enjoy an early dinner.

Swing by Finca for a delicious Spanish tapas dinner. Or, if you’re not adverse to a somewhat dimly lit speakeasy-style dinner with craft cocktails, visit Bodega and The Rest. Be sure to make reservations! This cozy experience is a great way to end your three days in Salt Lake City.