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Salt Lake City Highlights - full day tour
Joined 2021
Salt Lake City, Utah, is the capitol city of one of the fastest growing states in the U.S., the headquarters to a world religion, and an Olympic host city. On this tour, we'll drive through the city seeing its highlights along the way. At some of Utah's most popular attractions and some of its hidden treasures we'll get out and explore including Temple Square, Ensign Peak, the Utah State Capitol Building, Gilgal Sculpture Garden, and more.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your Salt Lake City hotel
Your Salt Lake City Hotel
I'll pick you up for your tour at your Salt Lake City hotel or meet you at a convenient location in town.
This Is the Place Heritage Park
First, we'll visit the place it all began at This Is the Place Monument and the Pioneer Center at This Is the Place Heritage Park to learn about the different groups of people who had a part in Utah’s exploration and settlement.
Liberty Park and Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts
We'll drive around one of Salt Lake City's oldest and biggest city parks where we'll visit a museum showcasing contemporary Utah folk art housed in a historic home.
Gilgal Sculpture Garden
After driving by several interesting sights including the location of the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Fort Douglas, and Liberty Park, we'll get out and take a stroll through Gilgal Sculpture Garden, a visionary art environment that was a passion project for a local masonry contractor that reflects his religious devotion and mastery of his craft.
Cathedral of the Madeleine
Driving down South Temple Street, we'll see Salt Lake's historic masonic temple, a few magnificent mansions including the governor's residence, and a couple of historic non-Latter-day Saint churches. At the Cathedral of the Madeleine, we'll stop and go inside (if available) to see the stunning interior decoration that, in my opinion, rivals the more venerated and historic cathedrals of Europe.
Historic Temple Square
At the intersection of South Temple Street and Main Street, we'll come to the heart of Salt Lake City at Historic Temple Square of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We should arrive in time for the daily organ recital in the Tabernacle. After the recital, I recommend that you join a tour of the square with representatives of the Church or explore the rest on your own (outside guides are not permitted to lead tours on Temple Square) to see the Assembly Hall and learn about the glorious Salt Lake Temple. Please note that although I'm not allowed to lead tours on Temple Square, I'm very happy and capable to answer your questions about the buildings and Church before and after we've been on the square. We will also walk by or drive by other significant and historic buildings that make up the Church's headquarters campus including the Lion and Beehive Houses, Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Conference Center, Family History Library, and others.
Lunch
From Temple Square, we'll find a place for lunch. I can make recommendations depending on your preferences. Many guests enjoy The Red Iguana, Salt Lake's favorite Mexican food. Or, when they've reopened, there are some wonderful dining options in the Church's headquarters campus.
Utah State Capitol Building
After lunch, we'll head up Capitol Hill to the iconic neoclassical Utah State Capitol Building. We'll go inside the building to see the magnificent rotunda and learn more of Utah's history and culture. You'll peek into the legislative chambers (if open) and learn why Utah is nicknamed the Beehive State.
Ensign Peak - Vista Mound
Continuing up the hill from the Capitol Building, we'll take a short paved trail up to Vista Mound just below Ensign Peak for grand views of the whole valley.
Your Salt Lake City Hotel
After driving by some other interesting sights in downtown, I'll return you to your Salt Lake City hotel or other nearby destination.
Ending Point
At your Salt Lake City hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Salt Lake City
Transportation and fuel (during the tour)
Bottled water
Lunch
Admissions (as necessary)
Souvenirs
Additional personal expenses
Tour Important Information
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as we will be getting out and walking at several points along the tour.
I will have complimentary bottled water and snacks in the car.
Please note that times are estimates. Depending on availability and other factors, times and even access to locations on the itinerary are subject to change.
Also, I can tailor this tour to your requests including specific interests (art, architecture, religious heritage, military history, sports, etc.), mobility issues, etc. Please contact me to customize this tour for you.
Important message from the supplier
For larger groups, an additional fee will be charged to rent a vehicle large enough for the group unless the group provides the vehicle.
I'm happy to be a step-on guide for larger groups.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2021
About Tour Guide Kevin E.
Hello! My name is Kevin. I was born and raised in Texas and have lived in Utah off and on for seven years. I've lived in four countries, including China, Australia, and Hungary, and experienced many other amazing places around the world. I love getting a glimpse into the culture and history of places I visit through their architecture, art, beliefs, and people.
Traveling has helped me better understand the value of a great tour guide, something I’ve worked hard to become. I've been blessed (or cursed) with a knack for remembering interesting facts and details. I channel this experience and information into my tours, so that my guests get more than a basic tour. By giving tours, I'm helping people expand their understanding and appreciation of diverse ideas to help make the world a better place.
Although a native Texan, my roots go deep in Utah, six generations back, to the pioneers who settled here in the mid-19th century. It is a beautiful and fascinating place. Utah should definitely be on your list of places to visit, not just for its natural wonders but also for its history.
Despite being raised on stories of the pioneers, I didn't fall in love with the history, places, and stories of Utah until I lived in downtown Salt Lake City as a young college student. That's when I began to explore the city's streets and neighborhoods, which led to an appreciation of the historic architecture and stories of people who helped make Utah what it is today. And, I began to learn how my own ancestors fit in to the fabric of Utah's story.
Utah has changed a lot since my ancestors moved here, growing from frontier settlements founded under the direction of a prophet to a tech hub drawing talent from around the globe to live within easy reach of outdoor recreation. I’d love to share the stories of the people and places that have impacted Utah with you on a tour of Salt Lake City or other nearby attractions. I am a member of the Utah Tour Guide Association, currently serving as president.
$595/ per group
Reserve
