3-day Salt Lake Bucket List Itinerary

Three days is enough to experience Salt Lake City’s unique mix of urban attractions and mountain adventure—from Liberty Park and the Utah State Capitol to Antelope Island and Big Cottonwood Canyon. This itinerary highlights iconic sights, outdoor experiences, and standout local dining. Updated for 2026

Quick Facts

Best for:	First-time visitors, couples, outdoor enthusiasts
Duration:	3 days / 2-3 nights
Best time of year:	Summer - Fall, year-round options available
Getting around:	Car recommended for mountain, canyon, and Antelope Island access
Insider tip:	Start early for Antelope Island to avoid the heat and crowds

Day 1: Explore the City

Start your trip with Salt Lake’s most iconic downtown experiences, parks, and dining.

Breakfast: The Park Cafe

The Park Café is a beloved local breakfast spot known for hearty classics like Michigan Hash, French Toast Foolishness, and Huevos Mexicanos.

Address: 604 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City
Why it’s worth it:: A local favorite with generous portions and bold flavors
Practical Info: Near Liberty Park ·Expect a wait on weekend mornings

Morning: Liberty Park & Tracy Aviary

Liberty Park is Salt Lake’s largest urban green space, featuring a 1.4-mile walking loop, paddle boats, and access to Tracy Aviary.

Address: 589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City
Why it’s worth it: A relaxing stroll after breakfast and engaging exhibits of native and world-wide birds
Practical Info: The park (and parking) is free, the Aviary is ticketed (included in some Salt Lake Attractions Passes)

Afternoon: Utah State Capitol

The Utah State Capitol offers stunning architecture and panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley..

Address: 350 N State St, Salt Lake City
Why it’s worth it: One of the best viewpoints in the city with historic significance
Practical Info: Free admission, open daily. Tours take 45-60 minutes
Insider tip: The cherry blossoms are stunning in spring

Dinner: Red Iguana

Red Iguana is a must-visit restaurant known for its award-winning mole and vibrant Mexican cuisine.

Address: 736 W North Temple St, Salt Lake City
Why it’s worth it: The mole is amazing, making it one of Salt Lake’s most iconic dining experiences
Practical Info: At dinner, expect waits after 5 pm

Evening: Eccles Theater Performance

The Eccles Theater hosts Broadway productions, concerts, and major performances in a modern downtown venue.

Address: 131 S Main St, Salt Lake City
Why it’s worth it: : Wind down the day with a cultural experience in the heart of the city
Practical Info: Ticketed evening shows, check their site for availability

Day 1 Tips:

Book Eccles Theater tickets in advance
Downtown Salt Lake offers a wide variety of restaurants to meet your taste preferences
The Capitol at sunset provides stunning views of the Salt Lake valley

Day 1 Featured (and Nearby) Locations

Eccles Theater

Tracy Aviary

Liberty Park

Utah State Capitol Building

Red Iguana - Original Location

The Park Cafe

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

Venture beyond downtown for a day of adventure in the mountains and at nearby attractions

Morning: Utah Olympic Park

Located near Park City, Utah Olympic Park offers zip lines, bobsled rides, and Olympic exhibits. Some activities season dependent.

Address: 3419 Olympic Pkwy, Park City
Why it’s worth it: A unique mix of adrenaline and Olympic history.
Practical Info: 45 minute drive, reservations for experiences recommended

Lunch: Central 9th Market

This market serves fresh, high-quality dishes with a focus on house-made focaccia sandwiches and seasonal specials.

Address: 161 W 900 S, Salt Lake City
Why it's worth it:: A local gem with creative, fresh ingredients.
Practical info: lunch hours offer casual dining

Afternoon: Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon offers hiking, biking, and is a spectacular scenic drive. Easy trails include destinations like Lake Mary.

Address: Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (SR-190)
Why it's worth it: Easy access to alpine scenery just minutes from the city
Practical info: 20-30 minute drive. Trail difficulty varies.

Dinner: Copper Onion

Copper Onion features modern comfort food with a farm-to-table approach.

Address: 111 E Broadway #170, Salt Lake City
Why it's worth it: Elevated dining with locally sourced ingredients.
Practical info: Downtown, dinner reservations recommended

Evening: Fisher Brewing Company

Fisher Brewing Company offers craft beer, rooftop views, and local food trucks.

Address: 320 W 800 S, Salt Lake City
Why it's worth it: A relaxed way to unwind with mountain views
Practical info: Casual atmosphere, local craft beer

Day 2 Tips:

Book Utah Olympic Park activities ahead of time, some are limited
Bring layers for canyon weather changes
For cooler temps, swap Big Cottonwood Canyon to the morning for hikes

Day 2 Featured (and Nearby) Locations

Utah Olympic Park

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Lake Mary to Twin Lakes Reservoir Loop Trail

The Copper Onion

Fisher Brewing Company

Day 3: Natural Wonders & Culture

Wrap up your trip with iconic landscapes and cultural attractions.

Morning: Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island offers wildlife viewing, hiking, and sweeping views of the Great Salt Lake.

Address: 4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse
Why it’s worth it: This one-of-a-kind lake combines an otherworldly landscape with bison, birds, and lake views.
Practical Info: 45+ minutes drive, entrance fee required

Lunch: Laziz Kitchen

Laziz Kitchen serves modern Mediterranean cuisine in a welcoming setting.

Address: 912 S Jefferson St, Salt Lake City
Why it’s worth it: Fresh flavors and a vibrant, local dining experience
Practical Info: lunch hours, casual

Afternoon: Museums (Science, Art & Space)

Choose your own adventure to experience Salt Lake's top cultural attractions.

What it is: 3 options for exploration and learning
- Utah Museum of Fine Arts - Utah's premiere art museum with galleries that explore art and artistic expression around the world.
  Address: 410 Campus Center Dr, Salt Lake City
- Utah Museum of Natural History - from prehistoric days as you peek in on a working paleontology lab, through the ancient history of Salt Lake and Lake Bonneville, to modern times.
  Address: 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City
- Clark Planetarium - venture out into space with IMAX and star dome theater presentations
  Address: 110 400 W, Salt Lake City
Why it's worth it: Meet your interests as you explore the culture and history of Salt Lake
Practical Info: Ticket prices vary, make reservations in advance for movies at the planetarium.

Dinner: Eva

Eva is a popular tapas restaurant offering shareable small plates in a cozy setting.

Address: 317 S Main St, Salt Lake City
Why it’s worth it: Perfect for a relaxed, social final dinner
Practical Info: located in downtown Salt Lake, reservations recommended

Evening: The Depot

Located in the historic Union Pacific Building, the Depot is a top live music venue.

Address: 13 N 400 W, Salt Lake City
Why it’s worth it: A lively way to end your trip with music and nightlife
Practical Info: Events are ticketed, evening shows

Day 3 Tips:

Arrive early at Antelope Island for best light and wildlife viewing
Bring water and sun protection
Choose your afternoon museum based on interest
Check show schedules at the Depot in advance

Day 3 Featured (and Nearby) Locations

Natural History Museum of Utah at the Rio Tinto Center

Clark Planetarium

Utah Museum of Fine Arts

The Depot

Eva Restaurant

Great Salt Lake & Antelope Island 1-Day Tour

Antelope Island State Park

Salt Lake Antelope Island Dark Sky Experience

Laziz Kitchen

Questions for Planning Your Visit

Is 3 days enough for Salt Lake City?

Yes—three days is enough to experience the highlights of Salt Lake City, including downtown attractions, mountain adventures, and a visit to Antelope Island. If you want more outdoor experiences or more time in Salt Lake's museum scene, add another day.

Explore all Salt Lake Attractions

What are the must-see places in Salt Lake City?

Top must-see places include Utah State Capitol, Utah Olympic Park, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Antelope Island State Park.

Do you need a car for my Salt Lake vacation?

Yes. Though Salt Lake has a public transportation system, a car is recommended, especially for accessing hiking trails and canyon areas. Downtown is walkable and public transportation can be an option, but a car provides the easiest access to the mountains and trailheads.

Is Salt Lake City good for outdoor activities?

Yes—Salt Lake City is one of the best destinations for outdoor recreation, with hiking, biking, skiing, and scenic drives all within minutes (not hours) of downtown.

All our Outdoor Adventures

When is the best time to visit Salt Lake City for outdoor activities?

Salt Lake has an active population with year-round recreation, so it depends on the outdoor activities you want to do

Summer (June - September) is best for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor festivals.
Spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds, though trails may be snowy or muddy from snowmelt.
Winter (December - March) is best for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and holiday festivals.

Check out Annual Events