5-Day Summer Adventure in Salt Lake City, Utah: Nature, History & Local Flavors

Day 1: City Highlights

Salt Lake City, Utah on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Park Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring classic American dishes with fresh, local ingredients in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Open from 7am.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Temple Square Tour

Explore the iconic Temple Square with its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Learn about the history of the LDS Church and the city's origins. Guided tours available starting at 9am.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Utah State Capitol Visit

Walk to the Utah State Capitol nearby for panoramic views of the city and guided tours showcasing Utah's government and history. Open 8am-5pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Red Iguana

Savor some of the best authentic Mexican cuisine in Salt Lake City, famous for its vibrant moles and flavorful dishes. Open 11am-9pm.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Natural History Museum of Utah

Discover fascinating exhibits on Utah’s natural history, paleontology, and native artifacts in a modern architectural landmark. Open 10am-5pm.
USD15, 2h

4:30pm

Relax at Liberty Park

Unwind in Salt Lake City's largest park with walking trails, ponds, and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for rest before dinner.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pago

Dine on innovative farm-to-table dishes crafted from seasonal, local ingredients in an intimate setting. Reservations recommended. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD40, 2h
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Day 2: Mountain Exploration

Wasatch Mountains, Utah on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Eva's Bakery

Start the day with fresh pastries, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches at this cozy bakery downtown. Open from 7am.
USD12, 45m

8:00am

Hiking Cecret Lake Trail

Drive to Little Cottonwood Canyon and hike the Cecret Lake Trail, a moderate 3-mile roundtrip offering wildflower-filled meadows and alpine lake views. Best done in cool morning hours. Trail is open summer only.
Free, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Silver Fork Lodge

Enjoy rustic mountain cuisine with scenic views inside the dining room or on the deck. Open 11am-3pm.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Alpine Slide at Snowbird

Experience a thrilling alpine slide and scenic chairlift rides at the Snowbird resort for family-friendly fun. Open daily 9am-6pm in summer.
USD25 per ride, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Salt Lake City

Head back to the city for a relaxing evening.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Copper Onion

Sample contemporary American dishes with strong local ingredient focus in a vibrant downtown atmosphere. Open 5pm-10pm.
USD35, 2h
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Day 3: Outdoor Adventure

Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Grab hearty breakfast options and fresh-baked goods before a day of outdoor activities. Open at 7am.
USD15, 1h

8:45am

Mountain Biking or Hiking at Big Cottonwood Canyon

Choose from scenic mountain bike trails or popular hikes, such as Donut Falls Trail, perfect for all skill levels. Consider bike rentals available nearby.
Bike rental approx USD40, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Silver Lake Lodge

Nestled in the mountains, this lodge offers a menu with fresh sandwiches and burgers with spectacular lake views.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Granite Hot Springs

Relax in natural hot springs about an hour south of the canyon, perfect for soothing muscles after hiking. Open daily.
USD12, 2h

5:30pm

Drive Back to Salt Lake City

Return to the city and recharge for the evening.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at SLC Eatery

Experience inventive American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a casual atmosphere. Open daily 5pm-9pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Great Salt Lake & Island

Great Salt Lake, Utah on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Gourmandise Bakery

Enjoy French-style pastries and coffee in an elegant setting. Open at 7:30am.
USD15, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Antelope Island State Park

Travel northwest to the Great Salt Lake's largest island known for wildlife viewing and scenic hiking trails. Park opens 6am-10pm.
USD15 vehicle entry fee, 45m drive

9:30am

Wildlife Viewing and Hiking on Antelope Island

Spot bison, deer, and numerous bird species while exploring trails like the Buffalo Point Trail for stunning lake views.
Included in park fee, 4h

1:30pm

Picnic Lunch at the Island Visitor Center

Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch with food you can bring or purchase at the Visitor Center’s concession stand.
USD10-15 (picnic supplies), 1h

3:00pm

Visit Great Salt Lake Marina

Explore the marina area with boat rental options and learn about the lake’s ecology through nearby exhibits.
Boat rental USD30/hour, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Salt Lake City

Drive back to the city for dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Valter's Osteria

Treat yourself to Italian fine dining with attentive service and exquisite traditional dishes. Open 5pm-9pm. Reservation recommended.
USD50, 2h
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Day 5: Culture & Shopping

Salt Lake City, Utah on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bruges Waffles & Frites

Start your day with authentic Belgian waffles and specialty coffees. Open from 8am.
USD12, 45m

9:00am

Visit the Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Explore an impressive collection of art spanning from ancient to modern works, located on the University of Utah campus. Open 10am-5pm, closed Mondays.
USD12, 2h

11:30am

Walk and Shop at City Creek Center

Enjoy open-air shopping with a variety of retailers and dining options in the heart of downtown Salt Lake.
Free to browse, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Takashi Sushi

Relish creative sushi and Japanese dishes at one of the city’s top-rated sushi restaurants. Open 11:30am-9pm.
USD30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Gilgal Sculpture Garden

Discover unique stone sculptures and a tranquil garden in the city center, perfect for a quiet and artistic stroll.
Free, 45m

4:00pm

Departure Preparation

Return to your accommodation to pack and prepare for departure.
Free, Rest of day
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