There are 2 cities I claim in America, and Salt Lake City is one of them! Welcome to my city! The city of Salt and Lakes. It's still a little sleepy, but if you know the right people, you'll have the greatest adventures for daaaays. I was born in Los Angeles, but grew up in Utah, and Salt Lake City has such a special place in my heart. It's here I made all my friends from middle school to the University of Utah (go Utes!) and the best memories. As a local & Hollywood Location Scout, here's my guide to Salt Lake City:
Hidden Gems in Salt Lake
Uncover the city's best-kept secrets, food, and natural adventures.
Great Salt Lake
The best way to see the Great Salt Lake is flying into Salt Lake International Airport. The next best way, is at a Great Salt Air rave. The next best way is Antelope Island and the next best way is Spiral Jetty. When I don't like to be around other humans, I go deep into the lake off the I-80 west to Tooele. Keep heading West to Wendover, and you'll be in the Boneville Salt Flats. I love to bring productions to shoot here, and I love to watch the cars race here. I know people who like to watch the sunset near the Great Salt Lake, but it stinks. If you insist, wear bug spray, for sure.
The Gateway
During the 2002 SLC Olympics, humans from all over the world converged at The Gateway. It was THE PLACE to shop, see, and be seen until City Creek dominated the downtown retail scene. I'm not crazy about shopping, but I do love the nightlife here. My favorite is Wise Guys Comedy Club SLC (the greatest comedy club in the world). I love to perform here, and I love to hang out with my friends on the swings, near the fire, or skating through the mall.
Gallivan Plaza
In the middle of Salt Lake City's little beating heart, there's a plaza great for strolling and looking up at the humble skyline. I love the random art, sculptures, and events they have here. This used to be the place for Twilight Concerts until they moved to Pioneer Park. Connected to the Marriott, Gallivan Plaza is a great area to stay in the heart of the city.
Ms. Backer's Pastry Shop
Only OGs will recommend you to Ms. Backer's Pastry Shop. She knows how to frost a cupcake! Over a 100 years old, this shop's magical energy will sweeten your spirit. Grab a cake, frosted cookie, or cupcake from this classic Salt Lake pastry shop.
Gilgal Garden
If you're looking for a place that's so uniquely Salt Lake, then you'll love Gilgal Gardens. It's as if L. Ron Hubband and Brigham Young's offspring made a sculpture garden for their boy scout project. From the Joseph Smith Sphinx to Elijah's Cave, there's a lot of unpack (or not). If you're looking for hidden gems in Salt Lake City, Gilgal Gardens is a gem not to miss! 749 East 500 South
This chocolate is delicious and made in Salt Lake City. Now, I cannot confirm this myself, but rumor has it that this chocolate is made by little people, and if that's the case, then it's even more delicious.
Sugarhouse Park
Next to Liberty Park, Sugarhouse Park is the biggest/coolest park to hang out in Greater Salt Lake. Sugarhouse is one of my favorite neighborhoods. The houses are cute, the shops are unique, and the park maintains! Grab a picnic blanket and pick a tree. I love to lay in the sunshine here for hours. In the Winter, the sledding here is great too! My first time ever sledding in snow as a child was at sugarhouse park. We literally brought plastic sheets, paid nothing at all, and lots of fun for hours. Sugarhouse Park is a great place to hang all year around.
Whether you're Mormon or not, listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a rare delight. They sing to the frequency of angels. You can hear them officially play at "Music & The Spoken Word" every Sunday, or a less formal rehearsals open to the public every Thursday evening at 7:30pm in the Tabernacle at Temple Square.
The Coffee Shop @ Little AmericaÂ
I LOVE breakfast. It has the most delicious food & Little America knows what to do. They have everything from classics to comfort foods. I like to split the traditional pancakes, bacon & eggs with a friend (because the proportions can feed 2 people). I love staying here and inviting friends to breakfast, lunch or dinner and hang out by the fire. It's a classic diner, decorated with photos of Salt Lake history, right off the train line in the heart of downtown SLC.
Stay @ Grand America HotelÂ
The Grand America is the nicest hotel in Salt Lake City. This pool don't play! In fact, there's 2 pools. One indoor and outdoor, and they're both real luxurious. The spa is great too (although some of the massage therapists do not have the skills to command $200+/hr - I can confidently say this as I travel the world for massages and the price and skill level here aren't justified. The facial, however, was excellent. It's expensive, but it's totally worth a spa pass just to take a shower in a marble room with 17 shower heads. Pure luxury). Grand America is the best place to stay in Salt Lake City.
Fly with the butterflies @ The Butterfly Biome - Thanksgiving Point
The Butterfly Biome at Thanksgiving Point is the most magical place in the Greater Salt Lake Valley region. I say greater because it's 30 minutes south from Salt Lake City in Lehi/Alpine. From the Museum of Ancient Life to the Children's Museum of Natural Curiosity, everything @ Thanksgiving Point is incredible. Especially, for families.
Best Food in Salt Lake City:
With all this adventure, you gotta eat. Here's my guide to the best, most delicious places to find food in Salt Lake City:
The Pie
Oasis Cafe
Sawadii Thai
Skewered Thai
Bombay House
Stoneground Italian
Mrs. Backer's Pastry Shop
Banbury Cross Donuts
Little America Diner Red Iguana
Craft
Outdoor Adventures
From scenic hiking trails to beautiful national and state parks, Utah is a great home for outdoor adventures. Here are my favorite outdoor adventures in Salt Lake City.
Snowbird
Ski the steep terrain, or watch the leaves change throughout the fall. Hike the majestic mountains at Snowbird and drink a brewski at Oktoberfest.
Red Butte Gardens
if you just want to park. your car and boop be at a spot, go to Red Butte Gardens. Salt Lake's botanic garden. Desert landscape nestled in the mountains on the University of Utah campus. Summer concert series.
Ensign Peak
If you want to park and hike a little bit to see alot, Ensign Peak is the perfect place. In downtown, on the north mountains of Salt Lake City, there's a peak called Ensign that one can hike and gain a panoramic view of the Great Salt Lake, oil refineries and city.
Unwind @ The Grand America.
Ja!
Val Douroux Location Scout & Manager (LMGIâ„¢)
Bonus:
a Google Map of all the locations & more.
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