The New Salt Lake

If you stroll into La Barba, you can pick out green coffee beans and wait for them to be roasted on the spot. While this level of coffee curation sounds indicative of a trendy coffee bar in San Francisco, it’s just another cup of joe being made in Salt Lake City.

And it’s just one of many venues that constitute the city’s eclectic cultural ecosystem that offers a ton of surprises, a world-class theater scene and outdoor experiences that are minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. For another caffeine fix to kick off your day, head to Sugar House Coffee. You can get breakfast, lunch or dinner here – think breakfast bagels or chia pudding in the morning and avocado, bacon and egg toast for dinner. You can listen to live music several evenings a week, including Jazz Jam on Thursdays.

Night skyline view from Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City (Photo: by Steve Greenwood courtesy of Visit Salt Lake)

Experience the great outdoors at Memory Grove Park, which is in the city but feels worlds away with its small creek that flows into Harbor of Beauty, a small pond built in memory of fallen U.S. sailors. Dogs are welcome here, and there’s enough green grass and ADA-compliant paths to unwind and listen to the birds. For great views of the city, hike the easy, one-mile round-trip trail to Ensign Peak. It’s here Brigham Young and others looked out over the valley and plotted out what would become Salt Lake City.

At This is the Place Heritage Park, which was the end of the 1,300-mile Mormon Trail, you can dig for gems, pan for gold, go on pony and train rides and explore Navajo hogans, see a medicine wheel and learn more about the five main tribes that live in Utah. The air-conditioned and heated teepee seats 110 guests.

Watch the blacksmith at This is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City (Photo: by Austen Diamond Photography courtesy Visit Salt Lake)

Despite having incredible outdoor experiences minutes away, Salt Lake’s cultural scene rivals its scenery. See Broadway hits like Les Miserables at Hale Centre Theater, which has a modern, 900-seat stage (think arena-like seating) or catch a concert at the larger Eccles Theater. You’ll find live improv and political satire at Off Broadway Theatre.

Lobby of the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City (Photo: Courtesy Visit Salt Lake)

And then there’s the foodie scene with innovative chefs. Chef Milo Carrier owns Arlo, which opened in 2020 in the Marmalade District a few minutes walk from downtown. Committed to sustainability, he serves locally grown produce and is a whole animal butcher. Chef Cory Harwell serves reimagined comfort food with a refined twist at Carson Kitchen downtown.

Enjoy eclectic food and cocktails in downtown Salt Lake (Photo: by Austen Diamond Photography courtesy Visit Salt Lake)

Despite all the innovation, you can still experience the city’s traditional religious roots — the state was founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Utah is number one in the nation for volunteering, a core value of the church, and The FamilySearch Center at Temple Square is still the best place in the world to find out more about your family tree, regardless of your religion.

Don’t miss the four nearby ski areas that offer summer and winter activities. Take the Snowbird Tram up nearly 3,000 feet to Hidden Peak. In Alta, you can sample that light powder Utah is known for and base out of the Snowpine Lodge, a new hot spot that’s home to The Nest, Alta’s first fully stocked game room. In case you’re wondering, that means you’ll find Pac-Man, foosball, pool tables, ping-pong and even karaoke. Choose between standard rooms, luxury suites and even dorm rooms with fancy bunk beds that sleep 2-4.

Ride the Snowbird Tram in summer (Photo: by Adam Barker courtesy Visit Salt Lake)

Learn more at VisitSaltLake.com and get your city attraction pass at SaltLakeConnectPass.com.

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