Whether you’re visiting SLC to hit the slopes or sightsee, Salt Lake has a rich history and many exciting corners to explore. Even if you’re a local looking for places to take your visiting guests, here’s an overview of the best things to do!
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The NFDA Annual Convention is being hosted by our hometown, Salt Lake City, Utah! We thought it would be helpful to put together a guide of things to do, places to see, and most importantly…places to eat. So let’s get to it. You can download the full guide in a PDF at the bottom of the post, or read through it below!
Attractions
Temple Square A foundational history of Salt Lake includes the Latter-day Saint pioneers that settled the area. Walk around this beautiful square and appreciate the architecture of their huge, Gothic temple in a free-guided tour. Listen to the world-renown Mormon Tabernacle Choir for free in the Conference Center across the street every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM, and in the temple square tabernacle every Thursday evening at 7:30.
City Creek Shopping Center Directly south of Temple Square, this heated mall has a retractable glass roof (for the summer months) and an actual creek running through it. Enjoy shopping and the various fountain shows.
State Capitol Building Only a few blocks north of temple square is the historic capitol, which is open to the public and has prime viewing of mountains and valley below.
Hikes & Outdoor
Ensign Peak For being a short, easy hike (.8 mile), the payoff is huge. This trail-head is just north of the capitol building and gives you a 225-degree view of the valley. We highly recommend going in the evening around sunset.
Big Cottonwood Canyon This incredibly scenic drive will lead you up to Silver Lake, with its famous boardwalk and frequent moose sightings. The moose even get spotted swimming in the Lake!
Park City A stone’s-throw from Salt Lake, Park City is full of celebrity vacation homes and is one of the biggest snow sport destinations in the country. Walk down Main Street and enjoy the Historic District and many art galleries.
Red Butte Gardens Next to the Museum of Natural History (which also comes highly recommended) are the amazing Red Butte gardens. Check out the Fall Bonsai Tree show, October 13th and 14th. Hours are 9-5, with tickets being $14 for adults and $12 for seniors.
Food
Café Rio Originating in Utah, Café Rio is a local staple for fast, delicious Mexican food. Try the sweet pork salad: it’s definitely the most popular menu item.
Cubby’s Modern vibes and high-quality food make this burger and BBQ joint a top-tier locale. The different flavored fries are life-changing, and there is no going back after you try the buttermilk blueberry milkshake.
Aubergine & Company French for eggplant, ‘Aubergine’ is a local favorite for fresh Mediterranean food. Favorite menu items include excellent pitas, salads, and smoothie bowls, made by workers in a production line.
Pizzeria Limone known for artisan and gourmet pizzas, this affordable restaurant is well-loved in Salt Lake. The menu includes non-pizza options as well.
Lone Star Taqueria Featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” the fish tacos at this location have been voted the best in Utah several times. Their burritos are some of the best you’ll ever try.
Bars
Bar X Originally opened in 1933 and owned by Modern Family’s Ty Burrell, this old-fashioned sidecar is a master of mixes. Jump next door to Beer Bar for a robust beer selection and great service. Drinks are very affordable, and their gourmet brats are an excellent complement to your brew.
Prohibition One of my personal favorites, this unassuming antique shop is not what it seems. Saying something like, “I’m here to buy some antiques…” will tip your cashier off to reveal the secret door in the shelves and the concealed speakeasy behind them! This 1920’s, prohibition-modeled juice joint is complete with live music, dancing, and giggle water (of course). Your friendly servers—dressed in flapper and mobster garb—add to the fun ambiance. The food is tapas style, and there is a mocktail menu available if you’re not looking for moonshine.
Whiskey Street This bar gets as much praise for its food as it does for spirits. They have parmesan fries cooked in truffle oil…you can’t get much better than that.
Transit
Aside from Salt Lakes UTA-TRAX public transportation, GREENbike, Bird Rides Inc., and Lime all offer shareable bikes and electric scooters to get around the city. They’re usually a dollar per ride, and you’ll find them at docks or simply sitting outside most locations. We hope you come visit soon!
