Attractions and Lodging in Downtown Salt Lake City

Econo Lodge Downtown Salt Lake City

Econo Lodge Downtown

With the designation of being the largest city in Utah and the state capital, Salt Lake City enjoys hosting many visitors each year. While the lure of the nearby ski slopes is a major draw, downtown Salt Lake City is a popular destination for visitors as well.

Historic Temple Square in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City is the most visited attraction in the whole state, drawing in millions of visitors each year. Construction on this walled religious site began in 1847 by Brigham Young, and today the area features the Mormon Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, the Mormon Temple, the Family History Library, and several other buildings. You can take a guided tour of Temple Square from Mormons on-site at the gates of the Square. However, only those belonging to the Church of Latter Day Saints are permitted to enter inside the Temple itself.

Visitors of all ages love spending time at the zoo, and the Hogle Zoo is a true treat. This large zoo is located in the northeastern section of downtown Salt Lake City and is home to more than 1,100 animals representing 250 species from across all seven continents. As you walk from exhibit to exhibit at the 42 acre Hogle Zoo, you can see African Elephants, African Lions, a variety of primates, bears, kangaroos, snakes and other reptiles, and many more. You will also enjoy the chance to see the 21 endangered species that call Hogle Zoo home.

Not far from the Hogle Zoo, you will find the Fort Douglas Museum. With a self-guided tour of this museum, you can learn more about the military history of Utah dating from the arrival of Johnston's army in 1857 through the Vietnam War. Admission to this museum is free, including admission to the many special events and history talks the museum hosts regularly.

If you are visiting Salt Lake City with the kids, the Children's Museum of Utah is a 'must see' for your family. This exciting museum sits just north of downtown Salt Lake City and gives the kids a hands-on discovery experience with over 140 permanent exhibits. The interactive exhibits focus on the arts, sciences, and humanities, opening on the possibilities for learning and fun at the same time. The museum also hosts daily arts and crafts activities and a puppet theater, as well as special weekly events and performances.

Don't miss your chance to get some great shopping done while you're in town. The Downtown Mall is a premier shopping destination in downtown Salt Lake City on South Main Street. The Downtown Mall is actually two different shopping centers located close to each other, the Crossroads Plaza and the ZCMI Center Mall. Altogether, the Downtown Mall offers you a fabulous shopping experience at over 130 specialty shops including large department stores, top name designer boutiques, locally owned shops, and great restaurants. Some of the stores and restaurants you can find here include Meier Frank, Nordstrom, Mervyn's, Chiang Mai Thai Grill, Cilantro's, and more.

If you want to stay close to the action in downtown Salt Lake City, you will have many great lodging options to choose from. You can make yourself right at home at such fine hotels as the Econo Lodge Downtown Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake City Plaza Hotel at Temple Square, Hotel Monaco, the Hilton Salt Lake City Center, the Shilo Inn Salt Lake City, and many others.

Whether you're traveling to the Salt Lake City area on your own or with the whole family, downtown Salt Lake City is the perfect destination for sightseeing and exploring!