Salt Lake City, located in the mountain valley of Northern Utah, is a colorful and unique city that blew away all of my expectations. Utah has always been one of my favorite states (what’s not to love about vibrant red rock and the outdoor lifestyle?) I was eager to explore more of what this state has to offer. So, when the time came for a solo adventure, Salt Lake City quickly became my top choice.
Why I Love Salt Lake City
Surrounded by nature in every direction, it feels like a city for people who don’t like cities. Here, you’re never far from the wilderness. Just a short drive takes you to breathtaking trails, serene lakes, and snow-capped peaks. During your stay, you’ll find the perfect balance between fresh mountain air and a vibrant, welcoming city atmosphere.
Salt Lake City has so much personality. From the colorful murals, to the one-of-a-kind food options, Salt Lake City isn’t shy about sharing its originality. You could spend endless amounts of time exploring and appreciating the details of the city.
What to Know Before Visiting
Mountain weather can be unpredictable. And depending on what time of year you visit, Salt Lake City’s desert location can result in hot days and cold nights. So remember to pack accordingly.
When to Go
Visit Salt Lake City year-round. I visited during the fall and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The mountains exploded in color, and the weather was chilly but not too cold. Visit during the spring to catch Salt Lake City’s Tulip Festival and experience this mountain city saturated in color. If you’re a creative, visit in late January for Sundance Film Festival.
Entering/Traveling Through Salt Lake City
You can fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, located in the northwest corner of the city. If you’re driving, you can enter the city from any of the 4 directions.
Best Places to Eat
c a f e s / j u i c e b a r s
The Big O Donuts – The BESTTT vegan doughnuts I’ve ever had. Big O Doughnuts is a must-visit if you’re in Salt Lake City. There are so many unique flavors to choose from- (my favorite is the matcha) and the staff is so friendly.
Three Pines Coffee – I struggled to find a good matcha latte during this trip. Maybe I wasn’t looking in the right places, but on my last day, I found Three Pines Coffee and finally got the matcha I was looking for.
Coffee Garden – I wandered in here for a pumpkin iced latte and was pleasantly surprised to see they had many plant-based pastries like doughnuts and muffins.
Passion Flour – Stopped here for brunch one morning and it ended up being one of my favorite cafes I’ve ever been to. This all-vegan pastry shop is as delicious as it is aesthetically pleasing. I loved the vegan bruschetta with fresh, in-season heirloom tomatoes.
Brass Smoothies – A yummy spot for fresh smoothies and smoothie bowls. I got the matcha-colada bowl.
Old Cuss Cafe – Vegan matcha pancakes!!!!! Kind of just wanted to leave the description at that. This healthy plant-based cafe makes sustainability a priority.
r e s t a u r a n t s
All Chay – Delicious Vietnamese vegan food. I will be dreaming about those spring rolls and peanut sauce forever.
Vertical Diner – This plant-based diner was voted top 10 best places for wings by PETA.
The Pie Pizzareia – If you know me, you know that I make it my mission to find the best vegan pizza when I visit a new city. Voted the best pizza in Salt Lake City,
Zest Kitchen and Bar – Yummy, gluten-free and vegan! I loved the pesto grilled cheese (I added some avocado for extra yumminess).
Mark of the Beastro – A vegan diner downtown with a punk rock theme.
Things to Do
a r t / m u s e u m s
I teamed up with Visit Salt Lake to explore this unique city. Using my Connect Pass, I was able to explore many different museums during my visit.
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum – Colorful plants line the walkways of this botanical garden. Spend 1-2 hours in this garden oasis.
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art – Walk the halls of this contemporary art museum for interesting pieces that really get you thinking.
Murals – This artsy, mountain city seemingly has murals around every corner. The art scene is one of my favorite things about Salt Lake City. Your visit will definetly be enhanced by the colorful art woven into the city.
Utah Museum of Fine Art – I always love visiting a city’s art museums. And Salt Lake City’s did not disappoint. I especially loved all of the art influenced by the surrounding landscapes.
n a t u r e / h i k i n g
Big Cottonwood Canyon Drive – One of the best drives near Salt Lake, especially during the fall.
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest – A vast national forest located right outside of the city.
- Silver Lake – An easy .09 mi hike with many intersecting paths that take you deeper into the Utah wilderness.
- Desolation Trail – A popular trail with amazing views, especially if you’re chasing fall color. It’s 5.2 miles out and back, and is considered moderately challenging. For an easier route, just hike the switchbacks at the begining of the trail.
Mount Olympus Wilderness – Also a short drive from Salt Lake City, the Mount Olympus Wilderness offers breathtaking views and hikes that wind throughout this natural area.
o t h e r
Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market – Wander through Pioneer Park on a Saturday morning (April-November) to experience Salt Lake City’s farmer’s market. The booths are filled with fresh produce, art, ceramics, and more.
Mineral + Matter – A cute and whimsical store downtown that sells jewelry, home goods, minerals, and more. I bought a few crystals and a new oracle deck while I was here.
Wellness
Salt Lake City constantly finds its way into the top 5 healthiest cities in the U.S. across multiple reports. I can attest to this as well after my visit here. Healthy eating is highly valued, and consistent movement is the norm. Holistic, naturopathic wellness services can also be found throughout the city.
Yoga – Yoga Six located in Sugarhouse was a transformational experience for me. The classes I attended here were the perfect way to end my days. With many different high-quality yoga studios throughout the city, I hope to try out some new ones in future visits.
Movement – With so many hiking trails woven throughout the wilderness surrounding the city, there’s no lack of opportunities when it comes to running, hiking, or biking.
