Salt Lake City — A quick guide
Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah. Residents of the city and its surroundings make up 80% of Utah’s 3.2 million people, leaving much of the state unpopulated. The City was founded in 1847 by Brigham Young, president of the Mormon Church, and it remains the world center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Millions visit Salt Lake City every year on business, vacation, and religious missions. If you’re flying to the United States to visit Salt Lake City, you need a USA ESTA if you are eligible.
There are many reasons to visit Salt Lake City, but most people head for Temple Square in the center of downtown. The LDS Temple remains one of the most heavily visited tourist attractions in the U.S. The tall elegant spires loom over the square and its reflecting pool.
Classic architecture and landscaping amaze visitors as do the hospitality of tour guides and LDS representatives.
The Temple Square includes its famous heritage research libraries, historic buildings, and cultural activities. This 35-acre area attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Free tours in Temple Square are available in 30 different languages by the local guides. While the Temple Square is closed, the visitors can go to the Salt Lake Tabernacle, which was built in 1867. It is the home of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
West of the Temple Square, there is the Family History Library, the world’s largest genealogical center. It is a great place to research your family history and learn more about your ancestors. There is also, the Church History Museum, which represents the history of the worldwide church through educational programs and exhibits.
You can also take in the fragrances and flowers at Red Butte Garden, the largest botanical garden in Intermountain West. Part of the University of Utah, the garden is landscaped with millions of blooms. You’ll find peace and serenity while walking through this floral heaven, an excellent place for couples professing their love or planning their wedding ceremonies.
Downtown Salt Lake City also hosts unique restaurants and upscale, bars and clubs. You might check out Squatters’ Pub Brewery, Fiddler’s Elbow, and Bayou to satisfy your taste in beer. There’s Café Molise for Italian food, Feldman’s Deli for sandwiches, or Forage for fine dining. For a special event, you can reserve a table at The Rooftop with its stunning nighttime views of the illuminated Salt Lake City Temple.
Salt Lake City also boasts the exquisitely restored and expanded Capitol Theater featuring world-class performances by the SLC Symphony, Opera, and Ballet companies. Other folks prefer sports competition by the Utah Jazz, Utah Royals FC, and Real Salt Lake (soccer). This city has something for all kinds of people despite their age or taste.
The city is named after The Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere (75 miles long and about 35 miles wide). The lake is up to eight times saltier than the ocean. The Great Salt Lake draws people well north of SLC for a variety of recreational experiences and to experience what John Muir called “one of the great views on the American Continent.”
Besides of all this sightseeing, Salt Lake offers tourists a great chance to marvel at its natural beauty, such as caverns, canyons, and caves. Among the most visited caves of Utah are Mammoth Lava Tubes, Bloomington Cave, Red Canyon in Zion National Park. Most of the caves across Utah are easily accessible and can be explored on your own, without requiring advanced technical skills or specialized gear.
You will never run out of things to see or do around the Salt Lake City. Also, it´s a great place to visit with families as there are various kid-friendly activities to engage in, from splash pads to interactive museums.
However, if Salt Lake City is on your agenda when flying to the United States, you must complete the online ESTA to clear your identity and ease your traveling plans.
