Kick off the day with a sunrise hike to Ensign Peak. It’s a quick, steep half-mile climb to big views over the Salt Lake Valley and Great Salt Lake. This is where Brigham Young stood in 1847 and said, “This is the place.” Keep it chill, this trail’s short and beginner-friendly. Watch for hawks, deer, and songbirds as you go.

Grab breakfast at The Rose Establishment, a chill café inside a restored 1918 meat-packing plant. Think high ceilings, white brick, and a rooftop herb garden. There’s no WiFi, so it’s all about real conversation. Go for a pour-over like Espresso Rodeo or Nutty by Nature. The 9 to 5 Breakfast Sandwich and Turkish Eggs are local favorites. Sit at the bar or join a communal table on the cozy patio.

Head to Ruth’s Diner, a 1930s roadside staple tucked in Emigration Canyon. Slide into a seat in the vintage trolley car or grab a shady spot on the patio. The mile-high biscuits with gravy are a must, and the chicken-fried steak holds its own. For the kids: cinnamon roll French toast or chocolate chip pancakes. It’s classic comfort food in a historic setting.

You’ve got to check out the Utah State Capitol, a marble-and-granite icon with sweeping views of downtown Salt Lake City. In spring, the cherry blossoms around the grounds are next-level. Inside, you’ll find grand staircases, murals, and four floors of exhibits on Utah’s history. Take a self-guided tour of the rotunda or wander the landscaped grounds filled with monuments and plaques. It’s one of the city’s most scenic and history-packed stops.

Don’t miss the Natural History Museum of Utah, tucked into the foothills above Salt Lake City. With nearly two million specimens across four floors, it’s packed with dino skeletons, Indigenous art, and hands-on exhibits. Highlights include the Past Worlds, Native Voices, Land, and Great Salt Lake exhibits. It’s interactive, family-friendly, and full of wow moments. Plan for about two hours to explore it all.

Grab lunch at Pretty Bird, a downtown favorite serving up some of Salt Lake City’s best fried chicken. Pick your spice level, then go for the sandwich with fries or Mexican street corn. Chef Viet Pham, a Food Network alum, brings the heat and the flavor. Don’t miss the slaw, pickles, and signature Pretty Bird sauce—they seal the deal.

Craving outdoor adventure? Hit the Bonneville Shoreline Trail from the City Creek Trailhead for big views over the valley and Great Salt Lake. Want something more off-the-radar? Try the 6.6-mile City Creek Canyon Trail, perfect for a scenic ride through a tucked-away canyon. Just note: bikes are only allowed on odd-numbered days. Whether you’re hiking or biking, both trails deliver fresh air and solid terrain.

Places. Travel Content Creator said: Settle in for dinner at The Copper Onion, a local favorite with a cozy, modern-industrial vibe. Grab a seat at the bar or the chef’s counter for front-row kitchen views. Must-try dishes include the ricotta dumplings, the Copper Burger with duck fat aioli, and wagyu beef stroganoff.

Catch live music at Urban Lounge in Central City, where indie rock, underground hip-hop, and experimental DJ sets take the stage. It’s intimate, all standing room, and packed with local energy. There’s no bad view, just good vibes. Grab a Squatters Juicy IPA or a classic whiskey and settle in for a night of legit sound.

Make your way to Hogle Zoo, a family favorite with over 800 animals across 42 acres. See lions, elephants, and polar bears, feed the giraffes, and catch a zookeeper talk. Kids can pet farm animals in the barnyard, ride the carousel, or hop on the Eccles Express around the African Savanna. On hot days, cool off at the Lighthouse Point Splash Pad before heading out.

Grab lunch at The Dodo, a laid-back bistro in Sugar House Park with quirky murals and a neighborhood feel. Go for the smoked turkey sandwich or the beef stroganoff if you're hungry. Kids have easy picks like grilled cheese and PB&J. Whatever you do, save room for dessert, the Toll House and banana cream pies are local legends.

Red Butte Garden offers a vibrant mix of themed gardens, koi ponds, and kid-friendly trails tucked in the foothills above Salt Lake City. Walk winding stone paths, pass shady arbors, and take in panoramic views of the valley. Free tram tours are available if you want to kick back. Check the schedule for art exhibits, poetry walks, and outdoor concerts—it’s a scenic spot that blends nature, culture, and quiet moments.

Rockwell Ice Cream serves up some of Utah’s top-rated scoops, made in small batches with local ingredients and no artificial flavors. Inside the bright, two-story shop, try standouts like Honeycomb or Muddy Buddy. It’s dense, creamy, and full of throwback flavors that hit just right in a cone or cup.