The Best Sight in Salt Lake City, Utah

Background Illustration for Sights

Start with a stroll around the city center, making sure to stop at the architecturally impressive Temple Square, the heart of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Within blocks, you’ll find museums, theaters, historic buildings, and shopping havens, including the Gateway and Center outdoor malls. Then, branch out into the surrounding neighborhoods to capture more of the flavor of the city.

Then, branch out into the surrounding neighborhoods to capture more of the flavor of the city. Like most Utah municipalities, Salt Lake City is based on a grid plan that was devised by Brigham Young in the 19th century. Most street names have a directional and a numerical designation, which describes their location in relation to one of two axes. Streets with "East" or "West" in their names are east or west of (and parallel to) Main Street, which runs north–south; and "North" and "South" streets run parallel to South Temple Street.

The numbers tell how far the streets are from the axes. (For example, 200 East Street is two blocks east of Main Street.) Addresses typically include two directional references and two numerical references—320 East 200 South Street, for instance, is within the east 300 block of 200 South Street. Generally, in speech and in written addresses, abbreviations shorten these to, for example, 320 E. 200 S or South; the word "street" is never used. Three of Salt Lake's most prominent streets are named after the Mormon Temple: North Temple, South Temple, and West Temple, indicating that the streets run parallel to the north, south, and west borders of Temple Square. Main Street borders the Square's east side.

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

Fodor's Choice

With more than 21 acres of display gardens and another 80 undeveloped acres laced with 5 miles of hiking trails, this tranquil, mesmerizing nature space provides many enjoyable hours of strolling. Of special interest are the Perennial, Fragrance, and Water Conservation gardens, the Daylily Collection, the Water Pavilion, and the Children's Garden. Lectures on everything from bugs to gardening in arid climates, workshops, and concerts are presented regularly. The popular Summer Concert Series attracts well-known musicians, from Bonnie Raitt to Pink Martini, as well as prominent performing arts companies like Ballet West. The pristine amphitheater seats approximately 3,000 people on its expansive lawn. The excellent Botanic Gift Shop offers books, soaps, sculptures, and fine gifts.