
Best Train Station & Airport Layover Destinations in Salt Lake City, United States
1. Temple Square
Historic Mormon temple complex offering guided tours, exhibits, and beautiful gardens.
- Historical Significance: Offers a unique insight into the history and beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Free Admission: Visitors can explore the grounds, museums, and historic buildings without paying an entry fee.
- Central Location: Easily accessible from both the airport and train station, making it a perfect layover destination.
2. City Creek Center
Upscale shopping mall with a mix of local and national retailers, restaurants, and a rejuvenated creek.
- Shopping Variety: Provides an extensive selection of stores, catering to various tastes and preferences.
- Natural Features: Includes a rejuvenated creek with waterfalls, creating a serene atmosphere in the heart of the city.
- Easy Accessibility: Conveniently located near both the airport and train station for hassle-free shopping.
3. The Leonardo - Museum of Science, Art, and Technology
Interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, art, and technology, along with workshops and events.
- Hands-on Learning: Allows visitors to engage in interactive experiences that promote understanding and creativity.
- Continuously Changing Exhibits: Features new exhibitions regularly, ensuring there's always something fresh to explore.
- Family-friendly Atmosphere: Offers activities and displays suitable for visitors of all ages, making it a great choice for families.
4. This is the Place Heritage Park
Living history museum showcasing Utah's pioneer heritage through historic buildings and interactive exhibits.
- Authentic Artifacts: Features original artifacts, structures, and costumes from Utah's pioneer history.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours that provide an in-depth look at Utah's early settler life.
- Interactive Experiences: Allows visitors to participate in activities, such as blacksmithing and spinning wool, for a hands-on experience.
5. Utah State Capitol
Impressive government building with a beautiful dome, intricate architecture, and guided tours.
- Architectural Marvel: Features a stunning Neoclassical Revival architectural design.
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours that offer insights into the history and functioning of Utah's government.
- Panoramic Views: Offers panoramic views of Salt Lake City from its observation deck.
6. Red Butte Garden
Beautiful botanical garden featuring a variety of plants, walking trails, and seasonal events.
- Extensive Plant Collection: Showcases over 5,000 plant species, making it one of the most diverse botanical gardens in the Intermountain West.
- Seasonal Events: Hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts and art exhibits.
- Scenic Trails: Features scenic walking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
7. Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Comprehensive art museum with a diverse collection spanning various cultures and time periods.
- Cultural Diversity: Features works from around the globe, representing a wide range of cultures.
- Changing Exhibits: Regularly updates its exhibitions to keep visitors engaged and interested.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and lectures for visitors of all ages.
8. The Natural History Museum of Utah
Museum dedicated to the exploration of Utah's natural history, with interactive exhibits and a stunning atrium.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features hands-on exhibits that encourage visitor engagement.
- Stunning Atrium: Includes the Rice Eccles Oval, a beautiful, geodesic dome structure with a 65-foot tall dinosaur skeleton.
- Research Focused: Collaborates closely with scientists and researchers to ensure the accuracy of its exhibits and programs.
9. Discovery Gateway Children's Museum
Interactive children's museum dedicated to fostering learning through play, featuring various exhibits and workshops.
- Hands-on Learning: Provides interactive exhibits that promote hands-on exploration and learning.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly updates its exhibitions to keep the content fresh and engaging.
- Educational Workshops: Offers workshops that focus on various topics, such as science, art, and technology.
10. Antelope Island State Park
State park featuring Antelope Island, a large island with wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking trails, and a historic ranch.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers the chance to observe bison, antelope, and other native species in their natural habitat.
- Hiking Trails: Provides various hiking trails of varying difficulty levels for visitors to explore.
- Historic Ranch: Features the Fielding Garr Ranch, a historic ranch that offers insights into Utah's pioneer past.
11. Great Salt Lake State Park
State park located near the Great Salt Lake offering scenic views, bird watching opportunities, and a marina.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning vistas of the Great Salt Lake and its surrounding landscapes.
- Bird Watching: Allows visitors to observe a variety of bird species, particularly during migration seasons.
- Marina Activities: Offers boat rentals, fishing, and other marina activities for visitors to enjoy.
12. Liberty Park
Central city park featuring walking trails, a lake, playgrounds, and various events throughout the year.
- Recreational Activities: Provides opportunities for picnicking, swimming, biking, and other recreational activities.
- Scenic Lake: Features a picturesque lake that offers scenic views and chances to spot waterfowl.
- Community Events: Hosts various events, such as concerts, festivals, and farmers markets, throughout the year.
13. Tracy Aviary
Zoo specializing in birds with over 400 species, exhibits, and educational programs.
- Bird Conservation: Focuses on the conservation of bird species through research, breeding, and reintroduction programs.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn more about various bird species.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs, such as guided tours and workshops, for visitors of all ages.
14. The Beehive Coffee Roasters
Popular coffee shop chain offering a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, and a unique Utah-themed atmosphere.
- Unique Atmosphere: Embraces Utah's pioneer history with its beehive-inspired decor.
- High-quality Coffee: Serves freshly roasted coffee using top-notch beans from around the world.
- Delicious Pastries: Offers a selection of tasty pastries, sandwiches, and other snacks to accompany your coffee.
15. The Garden Café
Vegetarian restaurant serving innovative dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
- Local Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes.
- Creative Menu: Offers an ever-changing menu that features innovative, flavorful vegetarian and vegan options.
- Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere: Provides a cozy, welcoming environment for visitors to relax and enjoy their meal.