Your Salt Lake City Neighborhood Guide
Getting around Salt Lake City couldn't be simplerwhether you prefer strolling on foot, taking a scenic drive, or riding the convenient TRAX light rail system. We've curated our favorite local gems within easy reach of our hotel.
September 22, 2025
Downtown
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Home to the landmark Latter-day Saints temple constructed from 1853 to 1893, Temple Square also encompasses the Church History Museum, Pioneer Log Cabin, Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and additional historical sites. This destination is essential for anyone curious about Utah's heritage and religious ties. Visitors can engage with missionaries from across the globe, observe Tabernacle Choir practice sessions, or join guided tours through the Conference Center.
This premier venue serves as the official home for two major professional sports franchises: the Utah Jazz basketball club and the Utah Mammoths hockey team. Beyond sports, the arena regularly welcomes top-tier musical acts and entertainment, with recent performances by Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, and Zack Bryan, among other chart-topping artists. Be sure to take a look at what's scheduled during your visit!
As one of Salt Lake City's most notable cultural destinations, Eccles Theatre has been enchanting audiences since its 2016 opening. It presents Broadway musicals, dramatic productions, live concerts, and diverse entertainment programming. The 2,500-capacity theater draws inspiration from Southern Utah's natural beauty in its design, featuring an enchanting star-filled ceiling that mirrors the night sky above, offering guests an extraordinary theatrical experience.
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Recognized as one of Utah's most beloved establishments, Gourmandise was founded by an immigrant family with European roots. Guided by the philosophy that "everyone deserves to feel cherished while enjoying exceptional cuisine, " the bakery cafe offers reasonable prices, exquisite flavors, and the ideal setting for a relaxed, welcoming meal.
Urban Hill is downtown Salt Lake City's premier fine dining destination. It operates under the culinary leadership of celebrated Executive Chef Nick Zocco, who recently triumphed on Beat Bobby Flay. This sophisticated restaurant transforms each dining experience into a memorable celebration. Urban Hill's innovative menu, comprehensive cocktail and wine program, and carefully crafted atmosphere combine to create an extraordinary culinary journey.
Established in 1989 as Salt Lake City's pioneering brewpub, Squatter's has evolved into a cherished neighborhood institution renowned for its family-welcoming atmosphere. Housed within a beautifully restored historic hotel building, the restaurant features distinctive, inviting interiors and serves a delectable menu crafted from local ingredients, complemented by an ever-changing selection of seasonal handcrafted beers.
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Standing as Salt Lake City's premier retail destination, City Creek Center extends across two full city blocks beneath an innovative retractable glass canopy, delivering a distinctive open-air shopping atmosphere. The complex houses over 75 retail stores and more than 20 dining establishments, with 22 shops found exclusively in Salt Lake. Additional amenities include a children's play zone in the dining area, complimentary wireless internet, covered parking facilities, and special discount booklets for visitors traveling from more than 50 miles.
Housed within a beautifully preserved 1893 church structure, Church & State showcases stunning exposed brick walls, soaring archways, and magnificent stained glass features. This transformed space now hosts an eclectic collection of independent local enterprises, including a coffee house, garden center, grooming salon, tattoo parlor, and many more unique businesses.
Located just steps from our hotel, Everything Utah is your premier destination for locally themed keepsakes and mementos. When seeking a convenient location to purchase quality remembrances from your journey or special gifts for family and friends, Everything Utah comes highly recommended.
Central City
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As the Intermountain West's longest-running commercial art gallery, Phillips Gallery boasts more than six decades of uninterrupted service. Positioned within Central City's bustling heart, this respected institution displays an outstanding collection of works from predominantly Utah and regional creators, along with carefully selected national and international artists connected to Utah. Guests can browse three levels of varied artistic mediums, featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, and mixed media works ranging from classical to cutting-edge styles.
As Salt Lake City's most historic green space, Liberty Park continues serving as a vital community cornerstone. This expansive 80-acre sanctuary offers walking and jogging trails, an Aviary, museum facilities, playground equipment, swimming facilities, tennis courts, and numerous other recreational amenities. For those seeking natural tranquility without venturing beyond city limits, Liberty Park provides the perfect urban oasis.
The magnificent humpback whale sculpture "Out of the Blue" emerges spectacularly from the traffic circle at 9th and 9th, standing as Salt Lake City's Central City neighborhood's cherished symbol. Crafted by artist Stephen Kesler, this life-sized masterpiece embodies the district's inclusive atmosphere and celebrates a community where individuals from diverse walks of life can gather.
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Branding itself as a "genuine sanctuary for all your senses," Oasis Cafe presents a rejuvenating interior space and outdoor seating area abundantly adorned with colorful blooms and lush greenery. This distinctive establishment offers a complete coffee service, creating an ideal spot for morning brunch or midday meals with its inventive and satisfying recipes. It's hidden away like a private botanical retreat, yet still easily accessible.
A treasured member of the Salt Lake dining scene since 2009, Pago occupies the bustling 9th and 9th corner, offering an ideal setting for refined yet relaxed dining. Their culinary creations draw inspiration from New American and Mediterranean traditions, with seasonal menu updates ensuring the highest quality farm-fresh ingredients. The restaurant particularly excels with its extensive collection of rotating international wines and has earned multiple "Outstanding Wine Program" recognitions.
Central 9th Market unites a dedicated team of culinary artisans and makers who share an enthusiasm for premium ingredients and neighborhood connection. This delightful marketplace just beyond downtown has gained recognition for its exceptional house-made focaccia creations and exemplifies the fresh, handcrafted philosophy central to their vision. Whether picking up a satisfying meal or browsing their thoughtfully selected local offerings, you'll discover the same locally-sourced dedication that inspires their entire operation.
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Trolley Square represents Salt Lake City's legendary festival shopping destination, transformed from historic trolley facilities in 1972 and featuring distinctive local businesses. Since 2013, proprietor Khosrow Semnani has dedicated efforts toward returning this cultural treasure to its original splendor through comprehensive renovations, modern LED illumination for the historic water tower, refreshed landscaping, and welcoming new establishments like Orangetheory Fitness and CorePower Yoga. This shopping destination maintains its longstanding position as both a commercial hub and community meeting point in the city center.
Salt & Honey Market offers a welcoming, intimate boutique committed to highlighting handcrafted items and regional creators. This carefully assembled shop presents a constantly changing collection of vintage accessories, regional artwork, and distinctive gifts sourced throughout Utah and beyond. Founded on a commitment to supporting local and small-scale commerce, they focus on premium brands and enduring pieces you can purchase with confidence.
Maven District hosts more than 100 enterprises, with 85% representing female-led businesses committed to delivering distinctive, premium products to the community. This dynamic area flourishes because of the passionate business owners who operate everything from Petal Coop and Chantel Lauren shops to CHIP cookies, Normal Ice Cream, and other local favorites. The area seamlessly blends retail, dining, co-working space, and residential apartments, all designed to champion local, women-led small enterprises.