BRB moving to Salt Lake City.... Luke and I visited his friend back in February, and wow I had no idea there was so much to do within driving distance of Salt Lake City! The whole city in general is just STUNNING. I was constantly in awe just driving around. So if you're in need of an adventurous weekend, Salt Lake City is absolutely the place!
THINGS TO DO
• Hit the Slopes at Snowbird: Salt Lake City has some INCREDIBLE places to ski, and there's typically fresh powder too! #ShredThePowPow. Luke and our friends went skiing at Snowbird, and he said the slopes were UNREAL. Snowbird is about 30 minutes from downtown, SLC. You can also head over to The Cliff Spa after (which is on site) and hang out at the rooftop pool / hot tub! You have to make a reservation, which I think is around $30, but it includes access to the fitness center, sauna, full service locker room, and even includes a complimentary yoga class!
• The Cliff Spa at Snowbird: I'm not much of a skier, so while everyone hit the slopes, I hit the spa! It worked perfectly because we all rode to Snowbird together, and just went our separate ways in the parking lot! I booked a full body massage, chilled in the solarium (where you can watch people coming down the ski slopes), hit up the rooftop pool + hot tub for a while, and even did a complimentary yoga class! I ended my day with a few minutes in the sauna, and a steamy shower to freshen up! I think we all know who had the better day here ;)
• Fifth Water Hot Springs: This was for sure my favorite thing we did on our trip. It's about 1 hour 20 minutes from Salt Lake City, but so so worth the drive. It's a 4.5 mile out and back trail to some natural hot springs! The hike itself is SO GORGEOUS. It had also snowed the night before, so there was fresh powder on the ground and in the trees. I felt like I was in a winter wonderland. Once we arrived at the hot springs, we soaked for a while and ate some snacks! Be sure to drink plenty of water, because the hot springs are HOT. We started the hike around 8 am, and I'm so glad we did! We had the hot springs all to ourself, and we passed a TON of people on the hike back. I would say it's a moderate hike - mostly just up and down small hills.
• Park City: Park City, Utah is about 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, and it's the CUTEST little ski town. The historic Main Street has tons of cute restaurants, bars, and shops, so you can spend all day here if you want! Park City is known for their ski slopes as well - if you're wanting to ski some more.
• Bonneville Salt Flats: The Salt Flats are remnants of Lake Bonneville, and it's essentially miles and miles of salt. You've probably seen pictures before on Instagram, and it is truly just as stunning in person! We took a camping stove and made quesadillas, watched the sunset, and took some fun photos!
• East High School: What team?! WILDCATS!!! Ok so this one is a quick, 5 minute thing... but if you're a Wildcat at heart, like myself, you can't pass up this fan girl opportunity!
Places To Eat
• Lake Effect (Dinner): Lake Effect is downtown and had the coolest vibe! It's a craft cocktail bar with tasty drinks and delicious food. It's more of a dark, moody vibe, and there was live music when we went! Tin can nachos with pulled pork are an absolute must.
• Porcupine (Dinner): This was the perfect post ski day restaurant! It's super laid back, and located at the bottom of the mountain heading back into the city! I got the beer battered shrimp and fries which hit the SPOT, and Luke got the Veggie Stir Fry which was also really tasty!
• Oasis Café (Brunch): We didn't actually make it to Oasis Café since we ate breakfast at home every day, but this was highly recommended to me and the menu looks great! They have a variety of brunch options; from sweet to savory. It's also located downtown, so I'm sure it's a cute atmosphere as well!
• Pretty Bird (Lunch or Dinner): OH MY GOSH. Y'all know I love my fried chicken, and WOW. Pretty Bird did not disappoint. Get the Fried Sando Combo, crinkle cut fries, and an extra side of PB sauce! Trust me. There are 2 locations both near downtown.
• High West Saloon: High West is located in Park City, and it's a super cool whiskey distillery. I'm not a big Whiskey drinker, but they offer other cocktails as well! It has a rustic, mountain, vibe and is a must visit if going to Park City. The brussel sprouts were crisped to perfection and super flavorful, but that was the only food we tried.
• Fiiz Drinks: Because Mormonism is so big in Utah, they have a ton of soda shops all around! There are a TON of flavors to choose from, and they were actually really refreshing! You can usually build your own, or they have a bunch of options on the menu. Thirst is another similar soda shop in Salt Lake City with multiple locations.
Where To Stay
*So we actually stayed with our friends that we were visiting, but these are a few great options I found for you guys; with a few different price points! I am actually going back in July for a Wyoming / Montana road trip, and we are staying at Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Downtown for our first night.
• Hyatt Place Salt Lake City / Downtown / The Gateway ($): If you're looking for an affordable, reliable option, in a great location - I would suggest Hyatt Place Downtown! I am always a big fan of Hyatt's, they've never let me down thus far! Complimentary breakfast too.
• The Grand America Hotel ($$): If you're willing to spend a bit more money, The Grand America Hotel is GORGEOUS. It's surprisingly not TOO expensive though for a 5-star hotel. My best friend actually just stayed here and sent me videos; it was dreamy!! They have tons of great amenities; including an indoor AND outdoor pool, a cute little café, and a spa!
• Airbnb ($-$$$): Airbnb is always a great option when traveling, because of the prices and space! Here a few of my fav Salt Lake City airbnbs for a couple, small group, or a large group!
WEEKEND ITINERARY
Day 1: Park City + Bonneville Salt Flats
10:30 am - Brunch at Oasis Cafe
11:30 pm - Head to Park City & walk around historic Main Street
2:00 pm - Grab a drink & snacks at High West Saloon (Park City)
4:30 pm - Visit East High School #WILDCATS
5:00 pm - Head to the Bonneville Salt Flats for sunset // grab food on the way
Day 2: Skiing
9:00 am - Hit the slopes at Snowbird!
4:00 pm - Relax at the rooftop pool + jacuzzi at The Cliff Spa
6:00 pm - Shower / freshen up in the spa locker rooms
7:00 pm - Dinner at Porcupine
Day 3: Hiking
8:00 am - Hike to the Fifth Water Hot Springs (1 hr 15 min from SLC)
12:30 pm - Stop for a post hike soda at Fiiz
2:00 pm - Lunch at Pretty Bird!
4:00 pm - Shower & freshen up at the Hotel
5:30 pm - Explore downtown Salt Lake City
7:00 pm - Dinner & Drinks at Lake Effect
I hope you love Salt Lake City and all the beauty it has to offer! Feel free to DM or email me any questions. Tag me in your pics if you do something from our itinerary! I love to see y'all traveling and enjoying my recommendations :)
Xo,
Blaire
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