With upscale shopping districts, museums, parks and Mormon historical sites and landmarks, a visit to Downtown Salt Lake City offers lots to see and do. Go on shopping sprees, watch open-air concerts and visit sacred religious places all in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains.
Explore Temple Square, the global headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as Mormons. Visit the 35-acre (14-hectare) site's Mormon-related attractions on a self-guided tour or free guided tour hosted by volunteers.
Stroll around the grounds of the 19th-century six-spired Salt Lake Temple. The building is sacred to members of the church and is not open to the public. Nearby is the egg-shaped Tabernacle where the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearses and performs.
Learn about the religion's beginnings at the Church History Museum and step inside the Beehive House. This was the home of Brigham Young, the second president of the church and the founder of Salt Lake City. View some of his personal belongings and those of his family.
Leave the square and see what else the downtown area has in store. If you are traveling with children, take them to Discovery Gateway, an interactive, hands-on museum packed with learning opportunities and fun activities. Gaze up at the stars and watch documentaries about deep space at the Clark Planetarium.
If shopping is on your mind, head to the City Creek Center, an upscale open-air shopping mall. Then browse the trendy independent stores of the East Broadway shopping district.
In the evening, take your pick of more than 80 downtown restaurants. Afterward, see a concert at The Depot or take your seat at Eccles Theater for touring Broadway shows and other performances. During the summer, enjoy the Twilight Concert Series, a program of outdoor concerts at the Gallivan Center.
Downtown Salt Lake City is very walkable, but it's also well served by public transportation. There is even a free-fare zone so you can get around downtown by bus and light rail for free. If you prefer to drive, you can park for a fee on the street or in garages.
