Jun 3, 2021

Salt Lake City Travel Guide

A couple creators and I met up in Salt Lake City for a content work trip. We planned our weekend to include the best things to do near Salt Lake City in the summer that you don't want to miss if you're going in the warmer months. I do have to say that I just love my job. We worked with quite a few companies on our trip. Although we worked all weekend, we had the most amazing time getting to know each other and do what we love most. The bonds formed on this trip will last a lifetime! Now on to the travel stuff.

Rental Car:

If you are wanting to rent a car, I suggest using the car sharing service Avail. I've had amazing experience with Avail in the past and couldn't recommend them enough. Basically, Avail is a car sharing service where you can borrow or share your car. We borrowed a car, and the lot is located at the SLC airport. The process is super easy - just download the app and verify your drivers license. On the shared side of things, you can have the option to drop off your car at the airport on your way out of town and get paid (even if no one uses it). Plus a free car wash and vacuum! Vehicles borrowed or shared with Avail are protected by AllState.

Hotel:

We wanted to be in an area that is central to everything, so we stayed in the city at Kimpton Hotel Monaco. This beautiful hotel was situated in a great part of downtown Salt Lake City with shopping and restaurants all within walking distance. Kimpton Hotel Monaco was rated #2 hotels in Salt Lake City in 2020, and one of the top hotels in the Pacific Southwest in 2019... and for good reasons.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco has been a staple in SLC since the 1860s. Several elements of the hotel's history can still be found in its decor and architecture. Our double queen room seamlessly achieved both charm and modern aspects. It was spacious, cozy, and the perfect size for our girls weekend. We enjoyed a delicious room service breakfast on our last morning, and I am still drooling over that bacon...

The amenities offered tailor to every kind of individual. If you are a yoga lover like me, then you'll enjoy the fact that every room provides a yoga mat. Also, you can enjoy savoring delicious food and drinks at the award-winning Bambara and The Vault right inside the hotel. Other incredible amenities include great high-speed Wifi, hosted social hour in the lobby from 5-6pm, complimentary morning coffee, fitness center access, and get ready for it...the hotel is pet friendly!

If you are looking for a hotel in a great area in the city with great amenities, Kimpton Hotel Monaco is the perfect choice. You can book your stay here.

Things to Do:

Salt Flats

This popular attraction is worth the visit in my opinion. About two hours away from SLC is the Bonneville Salt Flats. The Salt Flats were formed when Lake Bonneville dried up. It eventually shrank below its outlet and in turn, its water became salty. As water continued to evaporate, salt deposits were left throughout the area. My friends and I had a blast walking around the salt flats, and you can even drive your car on it! We rented these gowns from @utahgowns on Instagram...because why not? Sometimes you have to get dressed up and take some fun photos with your besties. Thank you to @wonderstruckliz on Instagram for taking our group photos! And you can find more photos on my Instagram account here.

Provo Canyon

Provo Canyon is a well-known mountainous spot near SLC with plenty of hiking and exploration opportunities. We drove up the canyon and saw such gorgeous wildflowers. We walked along a trail and took in the views. I highly recommend visiting Provo Canyon if you want to see some amazing views of the mountains.

Little Sahara Sand Dunes

I had never visited any sand dunes, and Little Sahara was one for the books. This destination is absolutely breathtaking. If you love to adventure, I recommend renting an ATV to explore around. And it's much easier to navigate through the dunes that way. Apparently it is windy all the time (as wind helps form sand dunes). We experienced this crazy wind, but it was still worth it. Make sure to cover yourself and your belongings, sand got everywhere.

Alpine

If you are visiting in the summer months, I suggest stopping by Alpine, Utah which is right outside of the city. This gorgeous foothills town has wildflowers galore!

Utah Lake

We picnicked for lunch one day on Vineyard Beach. This made for such a relaxing afternoon. This area is very family friendly, and you can even take canoes out on the lake. There's a bunch of wildflowers around here, too!

Restaurants:

The Ivy

Blue Iguana

Wildwood

Arlo Restaurant

Caffe Molise

Sweet Lakes Biscuits and Limeade

Feldman's Deli

Settebello Pizzeria Napolentana

Takashi

Valter's Osteria

I don't often hear of many people visiting Salt Lake City for fun, so I think it's underrated. There's so much to do in the city and the great outdoors. The variety of nature to see and enjoy in Northern Utah is unmatched, and I was so impressed. Thank you for reading this far, and if you are visiting the Salt Lake City in the near future or wondering weather to give it a try, I highly recommend visiting!