Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah's capital, sits high above the waters of the floatable Great Salt Lake and the snow-capped peaks of the Wasatch Mountains. A bustling city surrounded by natural wonders, it has an interesting and unusual past and a bright future. The vibe is friendly and laid-back, and access to urban and outdoor adventures creates opportunities for all visitors.

While Salt Lake's original history includes the typical Wild West themes, its cast of characters is extraordinary. The valley was settled in 1847 by Mormon pioneers who crossed the country, overcoming incredible odds, in the hopes of practicing their religion and way of life without hardship. You can learn more about the city's history at some of Salt Lake's most iconic attractions, such as downtown's Temple Square, where tours are offered in more than 40 languages. Evidence of the city's heritage can also be found in the lively, ongoing dialogue between Salt Lake's contemporary religious and secular citizens, who now make up the majority of the city's population.

There's a reason Salt Lake was recently named America's "least stressed city." From the moment you arrive, you'll notice that things here are relatively simple. Services and attractions are always close by: the streets are easy to navigate, public transportation is punctual, and an extensive bike-sharing program lets you zip around downtown for a few bucks.

Salt Lake's cityscape is changing exponentially, and the fruits of this transformation are becoming more and more enjoyable every day. The Natural History Museum of Utah houses world-class exhibits in a beautiful building nestled in the foothills. The open-air City Creek Shopping Center features more than 90 shops and restaurants, and has two fully retractable roofs, ensuring a climate-controlled environment year-round. Other notable attractions include the stunning Salt Lake Public Library, the Leonardo Science and Culture Museum, and Rio Tinto Stadium, home of the Real Salt Lake soccer team. The Eccles Theater performing arts center opened on Main Street in 2016.

Salt Lake is also a great place for foodies. Those with discerning tastes should reserve a table at Valter’s Osteria for an authentic taste of Tuscany, or at La Caille restaurant for an evening of elegant French cuisine. You’ll be enchanted by Log Haven’s romantic mountain setting, modern American menu, and award-winning wine list. Downtown, you can’t miss Pago’s seasonal and locally sourced dishes, Frida Bistro’s incredible Mexican brunch, and the city’s most famous restaurants. or German sausages from Beer Bar. Salt Lake has an abundance of nationally recognized breweries and creative bartenders, so don't pass up the chance to sample their craft beers and cocktails.