Morning: Utah State Capitol & Eva’s Bakery
Location: Utah State Capitol – 350 N State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Featured in: Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde and Drive Me Crazy
Kick off your movie-themed journey at Eva’s Bakery for a picturesque morning in a french patisserie that makes you feel like you’re in a romantic comedy! Next, head up to the Utah State Capitol, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The Capitol building has been featured in several films. Take a tour during the week and explore the beautiful intricate designs inside the building.
Travel Tip: The distance from Eva’s Bakery to the Capitol is about a 25 minute walk or a 6 minute car ride. After exploring the Capitol, take a scenic walk down to Memory Grove Park (a featured location in SLC Punk!) for a quiet, picturesque break before heading downtown.
Afternoon: Salt Lake Public Library & Current: Fish & Oyster
Location: Salt Lake City Public Library – 210 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Featured in: SLC Punk!
This modern architectural gem played a backdrop in SLC Punk!, showcasing Salt Lake’s alternative culture. The library’s rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the city—perfect for a quick break. For lunch, stop at Current: Fish & Oyster, just a short walk from the Main Library downtown for a taste of Salt Lake’s renowned dining scene.
Travel Tip: If you want to combine days, use UTA TRAX (Library Station) to reach the —East High School, the set for High School Musical.
Morning: Liberty Park & The Park Cafe
Location: 700 S, between 1300 S and 900 S
Featured in: The Sandlot
Want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Head for breakfast at The Park Cafe right across the street from Liberty Park. Start your day off with a large stack of pancakes and head to the park for more.
Travel Tip: Walk, bike, visit the Tracy Aviary, swim in the Liberty pool or visit the children’s amusement park all in Liberty Park!
Afternoon: East High School & The Coffee Garden
Location: East High – 840 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Featured in: High School Musical (1, 2 & 3), High School Musical, The Musical, The Series and Minutemen
No movie-themed trip to Salt Lake is complete without a visit to East High, the real-life school where Troy, Gabriella, and the Wildcats made history. You can take a self-guided tour Monday through Friday after school hours and see the famous cafeteria from “Stick to the Status Quo” and the basketball court where “Get’cha Head in the Game” was filmed.
Travel Tip: East High is in walking distance from the 9th & 9th neighborhood and of Liberty Park. Before you head to the high school, head to the 9th & 9th neighborhood for shopping and a coffee at the popular Coffee Garden (where many of the stars grabbed coffee when filming)!
An Afternoon at the Salt Flats
Location: Bonneville Salt Flats – 110 miles west of Salt Lake City
Featured in: Independence Day, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, The World's Fastest Indian
End your cinematic adventure with one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth—the Bonneville Salt Flats. This otherworldly setting has doubled as alien planets and endless dreamscapes in Hollywood films. Sunset is the best time to visit, as the light reflecting off the salt creates an unforgettable visual experience.
Travel Tips: Rent a car for this trip, as public transport doesn’t extend this far. If you’re visiting in summer, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as temperatures can soar above 100°F. Winter visits may require four-wheel drive due to occasional flooding.
A Sunset at Brighton
Location: Brighton Resort 8302 S Brighton Loop Rd, Brighton, UT 84121
Featured in: Johnny Tsunami
If you are feeling extra adventurous, head up Big Cottonwood Canyon and check out Brighton Ski Resort. Dependent on the time of year, you can either shred the slopes like Johnny in Johnny Tsunami or hike one of the many trails open in the summer months.
Travel Tips: Rent a car or take the bus! The UTA provides service in the winter months during ski season. If you visit is the summer, bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Temperatures drop in the mountains, so make sure to bring a second layer. Winter visits will require four-wheel drive.
Pro Tip: If you are heading up later in the day, Brighton is one of the few ski resorts open for night skiing (4 - 9pm Monday through Saturday).
