Salt Lake City Highlights - half-day tour
Joined 2021
Known as the Crossroads of the West in the mid-1800s, Salt Lake City is a capitol city and university town, a religious mecca and a diverse melting pot, and a place where the mountains meet metropolitan. On this tour, you'll get an introduction to all of this history, culture, and life. You'll visit magnificent architecture and learn fascinating stories about people who made Utah into a highly sought after place to live and work.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
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.
Scenic City Drive - Liberty Park, South Temple Street, City Creek Canyon
We'll next drive into downtown past several significant places including Fort Douglas, Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah where the opening and closing ceremonies were held for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Liberty Park, Trolley Square, Salt Lake Masonic Temple, Thomas Kearns' Mansion (Governor's Mansion), First Presbyterian Church, Cathedral of the Madeleine, and through the Avenues.
Vista Mound on Ensign Peak
We'll take a short paved trail up to Vista Mound just below Ensign Peak for grand views of the whole valley.
Utah State Capitol Building
Next, we'll visit 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.
Historic Temple Square
Our last main destination is 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 you to join a tour of the historic buildings with representatives of the Church (outside guides are not permitted to lead tours on Temple Square) to go inside the Assembly Hall, Tabernacle, and learn about the glorious Salt Lake Temple. 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. 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.
Scenic City Drive - Salt Palace, Pioneer Park, Union Pacific Depot, Salt Lake City and County Building
After Temple Square, we'll meander back to your hotel passing other significant and beautiful places in the city including the Salt Palace Convention Center and Abravanel Hall, Vivant Smart Home Arena, Union Pacific Depot, Rio Grande Depot, Pioneer Park, Salt Lake City and Country Building, and the Salt Lake City Public Library.
Your Salt Lake City Hotel
I'll return you to your Salt Lake City hotel or other nearby destination of your choosing.
Ending Point
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
admissions (if necessary)
meals
souvenirs
additional personal expenses
Tour Important Information
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.
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.
$375/ per group
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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.
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