Our name might be Salt Lake but downtown serves up something decidedly sweeter. Take one part soaring peaks, add a splash of urban energy, and garnish with a twist of the unexpected. Here's where world-class theater mingles with trail-dusted hikers, and food truck festivals pop up in the shadow of historic temples.
Our perfectly gridded downtown is like that friend who makes everything look effortless - want to catch a Jazz game and squeeze in a sunset hike? Done and done, with time left for craft cocktails at Copper Common. The Wasatch Mountains aren't just a backdrop here; they're more like that cool friend who shows up at all your parties, making even your morning coffee run feel like an adventure.
Sure, most downtowns have performing arts centers and pro sports - but only Salt Lake lets you go from mountain trail to orchestra seats in under an hour. That's not just convenient - that's our signature move. Ready to taste the sweet life? Here's your guide to downtown's greatest hits, complete with all the local flavor you won't find on the menu.
The Downtown Grid: Your 15-Minute Guide
We like to joke that even our street grid is overachieving - numbered in perfect hundreds from Temple Square, it's basically impossible to get lost here. (Though if you're going to get "lost," the skybridge at City Creek Center offers an excuse).
From Temple Square's central spot, downtown's highlights are all within an easy stroll. The Delta Center? fifteen minutes west. Eccles Theater? ten minutes south. That artisanal coffee and pastry at Eva’s Bakery you've been craving. Just 2 blocks to sugar and caffeinated bliss.
More Inspiration: Picture this: Start your day at Eva’s Bakery around 9:30 AM (trust us, their stuffed French toast is worth setting an alarm for). Head to the City Creek for a quick shopping spree and access to the indoor creek. By midday, you've got options: duck into the Gallivan Plaza, where food trucks and local musicians make lunch more of an event than a meal, or cool off at the Water Walk, an interactive piece of art that turns on every summer afternoon into a mini refreshing celebration.
Cultural Core: Temple Square & Eccles Theater
Temple Square
Step into Salt Lake's living room - a 35-acre oasis where pioneer history meets present-day peace. In spring, up to 250 flower beds with 750 varieties of plants paint the ground in technicolor. Enjoy year-round, daily organ recitals in the Tabernacle (those famous pipes sound even better during the noon concerts). Come fall, the gardens glow with autumn colors, and winter? That's when 40,000 Christmas lights transform the square into a luminous wonderland.
Walking Distance: Less than 5 minutes from City Creek Center.
Insider Tips:
- Time your visit for the daily organ recitals at noon.
- Visit at dusk to catch both daylight and evening lighting.
- Best photo spots: reflection pool at sunset and gardens in the spring.
Eccles Theater
Broadway meets the Wasatch at the Eccles Theater, where Hamilton and Hadestown share the spotlight with those gorgeous mountain views. Early birds get more than the worm here, arrive in the area 30 minutes before showtime for a pre-show cocktail at Ivy & Varley.
Time of Day Recommendation: Plan your visit to Eccles Theater in the late afternoon or early evening.
Sports & Entertainment: Delta Center & The Depot
Delta Center
Where basketball meets hockey in the heart of downtown. Home court of the Utah Jazz and our new NHL team The Utah Hockey Club, the Delta Center dishes up double the action. Just 2 blocks from City Creek for pre-game shopping or 3 blocks from dozens of restaurants for post-game celebrations. During playoff season, the whole city comes alive – join the locals at Beer Bar or head to Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club, in the The Gateway plaza, a block from the Delta Center.
Walking Distance: 15 minutes from Eccles Theater.
Game Day Tips:
Discount Tip: The Delta Center offers discounted prices for fan-favorite concessions like water, popcorn, nachos and more at select concessions.
The Depot
History meets harmony in what was once the Union Pacific Station, now hosts intimate shows where you are always in view of the stage. The industrial brick walls and exposed beams aren't just Instagram-worthy - they create perfect acoustics for everything from rock shows to acoustic sets.
Time of Day Recommendation: Evening shows are the highlight here—aim to arrive around 7 PM to grab a good spot in the upstairs balcony for the best sight lines.
Insider Tip: Head to your event a bit early and check out The Bar at Asher Adams next door! Sip on hand-crafted cocktails as you sit in the Historic Union Pacific Train Station.
Shopping & Leisure: City Creek Center & Main Library
City Creek Center
Salt Lake pulled off something pretty special here - a shopping center where actual creek waters flow beneath a retractable roof during the spring, summer and fall months. Sit by the creek next to Macy’s or catch snowflakes falling in the open courtyard while you shop for holiday presents. Whether browsing at Anthropologie or hunting for that perfect Utah souvenir, every corner offers a uniquely Salt Lake spin on shopping.
Time of Day Recommendations:
- Early afternoons (12-2 PM) for prime natural lighting.
- Weekday mornings for the quietest shopping.
Hidden Gems:
- Creek-side benches near the food court.
- The outside fountains (perfect for hot summer days).
Salt Lake City Public Library – Main Library
Imagine a four-story glass lens aimed at the Wasatch Mountains and the scenic foothills - that's our showstopping library, designed by Moshe Safdie. The rooftop terrace (Open Spring of 2025) isn't just a quiet reading spot; it's downtown's secret viewing deck where you can watch sunset paint the mountains while surrounded by flowering herbs and native plants.
Library Life:
- Summer: Enjoy reading on the rooftop with scenic mountain views.
- Fall: Attend a bookfair and locate the best new books out!
- Winter: Get cozy by the windows as you watch snow fall on the mountains.
- Spring: Attend a local art exhibit.
Sweet Spots:
- Rooftop at gold hour.
- Life size chess on the first floor.
- Reading nooks hidden throughout the 3rd and 4th floor.
Government & History: Utah State Capitol
The Utah State Capitol
Perched on Salt Lake's highest hill, our Renaissance Revival-style Capitol does more than just house politicians - it serves up some of the best views in town. The marble-clad building makes quite a first impression but just wait until you see what's inside: at 165-feet above the floor of the rotunda, the ceiling mural depicts seagulls, the state bird, soaring among sunset-tinted clouds. Murals, sculptures, portraits and more tell Utah's story better than any history book (you’ll just have to wander around a bit)!
Insider's Guide:
- Free guided tours Monday-Friday (pictured dome looks even better with local context).
- Hit the steps at sunrise or sunset for that perfect city-meets-mountains photo.
- In the summer months, join 100+ other yogis for State of Mind: Yoga at the Capitol.
Make a Day of It:
- Start at Memory Grove Park (the hidden gem connecting downtown to the outdoors).
- Walk up N State Street, through the historic neighborhood.
- Circle the Capitol grounds for valley views.
- Explore the charming Capitol Hill neighborhood's historic homes.
- End at Arlo for a chef-driven restaurant located perfectly near the capital.
Seasonal Magic:
- Spring: Cherry blossoms frame the building in pink.
- Summer: State of Mind: Yoga at the Capitol with stunning sunsets.
- Fall: Memory Grove's trees put on quite a show.
- Winter: Snow-dusted dome almost looks like a giant snow globe.
Walking Distance: 15-20 minutes from Temple Square. Trust us, the uphill trek is worth it.
Spring (March-May):
- 250 flour beds bloom at Temple Square (April – May).
- Gallivan Plaza opens its outdoor dining scene with food truck roundups (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11AM – 2PM).
- Capitol Hill bursts with Yoshino cherry trees (early April).
- Living Traditions Festival brings global flavors downtown (mid-May).
Fall (September-November):
Winter (December-February):
- Temple Square's 40,000 Christmas lights (late November-December).
- Ice skating at the Gallivan Center (November-February).
- Holiday Window Stroll along Main Street (December).
- Winter Market at The Gateway (Saturdays, November-April).
- Santa at the City Creek Center (late November - December).
Practical Planning: Transit, Parking & Walking Tips
TRAX Free Fare Zone: Use it to get around downtown quickly and easily between Library Station and Arena Station, covering North Temple to Courthouse Station. It’s especially handy if you’re hopping on and off between events.
Parking: Multiple garages and street parking options are available. Try City Creek Center for convenient access to major attractions. Pro tip: download a parking app to check real-time availability.
Walking Tips: Wear comfortable shoes—downtown is best explored on foot, and you’ll want to be ready for spontaneous detours to hidden gems!
- Most blocks are exactly 1/8 mile - perfect for tracking your steps.
- Street numbers count out from Temple Square (helpful for navigation).
- City Creek pedestrian skybridge connects the mall during the winter.
- Main Street between City Creek and Gallivan Plaza is always lively.
Navigate Salt Lake like a pro!
Come see why we put the sweet in Salt Lake! Whether you're catching a Jazz game with mountain views, discovering your new favorite rooftop bar, or mixing morning hikes with afternoon shopping sprees, downtown's perfect grid makes every adventure effortless. Our streets are numbered, our mountains are calling, and your next memory is just waiting to be made.
