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Salt Lake City Highlights - full day tour
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.
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
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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 guide
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
