Salt Lake City Travel Guide: Why Utah's Capital Surprised Me
I'll admit it. Salt Lake City wasn't a destination that had ever sat particularly high on my travel wish list. But after spending time there recently, I left wondering why more people don't talk about it. Nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City surprised me in all the right ways. It felt clean, welcoming, easy to navigate and, perhaps most importantly as a female traveller, incredibly safe. From the moment I arrived, getting around was straightforward. The city has a relaxed feel, wide streets and plenty of green spaces, all framed by spectacular mountain views that seem to follow you wherever you go.
A Great Base for Exploring Utah
One of the things I loved most about Salt Lake City was how easy it was to use as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
I hired a car and headed out to Antelope Island, located within the Great Salt Lake. The drive itself was beautiful, but the real highlight was spending time immersed in nature, searching for bison roaming freely across the landscape.
There's something quite special about seeing these enormous animals in their natural environment, with mountains and open plains stretching into the distance. It felt like stepping into a completely different world from the city.
I also had the opportunity to spend time on a local ranch, which offered a wonderful insight into Utah's western heritage and slower pace of life.
Park City: A Wild West Film Set
Another highlight was a day trip to Park City, located less than an hour from Salt Lake City.
If someone told me I had wandered onto the set of a Western movie, I would have believed them.
The historic Main Street is lined with colourful wooden-fronted buildings, independent shops, restaurants and galleries. It's easy to see why filmmakers love the area and why it hosts the famous Sundance Film Festival each year.
The town has a unique atmosphere that feels like a blend of Wild West charm and modern mountain luxury. Whether you're visiting in winter for skiing or in summer for hiking and outdoor activities, it has a character all of its own.
Good Food, Great Coffee and a Dirty Soda
No trip would be complete without sampling the local food scene.
Salt Lake City offers far more variety than many people expect, from casual diners and trendy cafés to excellent steakhouses and international cuisine.
Of course, I couldn't leave without trying one of Utah's famous "dirty sodas". For anyone unfamiliar, it's a soft drink mixed with flavoured syrups and cream. It sounds unusual, but after seeing them everywhere, curiosity got the better of me. I can confirm they're surprisingly addictive.
And yes, there may have been some shopping along the way too.
The shopping scene was another pleasant surprise, offering everything from local boutiques to large retail centres. As someone who is always on the lookout for a good shopping opportunity while travelling, it would have been rude not to.
Where I Stayed
During my stay, I experienced two very different hotels.
The Grand America felt like stepping into a classic American movie, with elegant décor, spacious suites and a timeless sense of luxury.
Meanwhile, the Hyatt Regency offered a more contemporary experience, with modern rooms, excellent facilities and fantastic city views.
Both provided a great base for exploring the city and the surrounding area.
Would I Recommend Salt Lake City?
Absolutely.
Salt Lake City often gets overlooked in favour of some of America's more famous destinations, but that would be a mistake.
Whether you're planning a USA road trip, looking for a city break with easy access to nature, or wanting to explore more of Utah, it offers a fantastic combination of outdoor adventure, culture, food and friendly hospitality.
For me, it was one of those destinations that quietly exceeded expectations.
And sometimes, those are the trips that leave the biggest impression.
