Inbound Insider Magazine: Discover the Unexpected in Salt Lake City, Utah

Cradled between two looming mountain ranges—the Wasatch Mountains to the east and north and Oquirrh Mountains to the west—Salt Lake City stands as a beacon of adventure and culture in the heart of the Western frontier. While international travelers often overlook this vibrant city in favor of better-known destinations, they shouldn’t, as a myriad of experiences await those seeking something off the beaten path. Not only is Salt Lake City the chosen Preferred Host City for the 2034 Winter Olympics, but it will also host the next IITA Summit 2025 from February 9-12, 2025. Be sure to save the date and visit the IITA website for details.

SALT LAKE CITY’S NEW AIRPORT

Arriving in Salt Lake City is now more convenient than ever, thanks to the new Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Travelers are welcomed by an impressive art composition recycled from the 2002 Winter Olympics. The grand sculpture’s representation of a human iris comes to life each evening, lit up in brilliant colors. With modern airport amenities and streamlined processes, your journey begins and ends with ease, leaving more time to explore all that the city has to offer. The state-of-the-art facility provides a seamless and convenient entry point for those arriving by air, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey. Fun facts about Salt Lake City’s new airport: it’s Delta Airlines’ fourth-largest hub; 2023 was a record-setting year with 27 million passengers.

SALT PALACE CONVENTION CENTER

The Salt Palace Convention Center is a premier Salt Lake City venue offering everything from one-room meeting spaces to full-facility accommodations coupled with a professional, detail-oriented staff. Located inside the Salt Palace Convention Center, the Visitor Information Center provides information about tours, attractions, parking, lodging and events, and sells Salt Lake City souvenirs.

MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR

Dive into Salt Lake City’s heritage with a stop at Temple Square’s iconic Tabernacle. Home to the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir, this architectural wonder echoes centuries of history and culture. Groups can marvel at its beauty on a guided tour or attend a performance.

TEMPLE SQUARE’S ATTRACTIONS

While it is currently undergoing exciting renovations and will relaunch in early 2027, the following attractions remain open and await your arrival. Visitors can find friendly tour guides throughout Temple Square waiting to assist in a Salt Lake City sightseeing excursion. All tours are free and can be done at your leisure with or without a guide. Glimpse culture and art along with historic areas at Temple Square, Utah’s most visited attraction. Check out the Pioneer History Walking Tour of Salt Lake, the most popular of Temple Square tour offerings. History buffs and genealogy enthusiasts alike will find solace and intrigue in the vast archives of the FamilySearch Library, also located in Temple Square.

SALT LAKE CITY TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS

This vibrant community is full of unique experiences waiting to be discovered: Salt Lake City Trolley and Bus Tours provide safe and comfortable transportation that incorporates city sites and heritage. City Sights Utah is Salt Lake’s #1 tour company, providing outstanding downtown tours. On a journey along city streets, friendly tour guides will teach you all there is to know about Salt Lake’s history and culture. 

• Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point comprises 50 acres, offering stunning botanical gardens, expansive green lawns and the world’s largest man-made waterfall. During summertime, explore Dinosaur Island and see animatronic dinos lurking in the lush fauna.
• Fox School of Wine provides entertaining 3-hour tours for groups of up to 40 participants who wish to learn about Mormon heritage while sipping wines from across the globe.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES SURROUND SALT LAKE CITY

One of Salt Lake City’s prime draws is its proximity to world-class skiing and snowboarding. Just a short drive from the city center, visitors can find themselves carving through fresh powder at some of the best ski resorts in the country. With over a dozen resorts within an hour’s drive, there’s something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned experts.

NATIONAL PARKS

Perhaps Salt Lake City’s greatest appeal lies in its role as the gateway to some of the United States’ most breathtaking national parks. From the otherworldly landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands to the majestic beauty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton, the city serves as the perfect base camp for exploring the wonders of the American West. With easy access to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches and other parks, outdoor enthusiasts can embark on epic adventures amidst towering red rock formations, winding rivers and lush forests.

SAVE WITH A SALT LAKE ATTRACTIONS PASS

Salt Lake City also offers The Salt Lake Connect Attractions Pass, which allows visitors to bundle attractions for substantial savings. A brewery pass and specialty passes are also available, adding to the convenient packages that allow groups to explore the city’s diverse offerings. Participating businesses and attractions include Clark Planetarium, Discover Gateway Children’s Museum, Dreamscapes (an immersive art experience), the Aerial Tram at Snowbird, Utah Olympic Park, Utah’s Hogle Zoo and many more. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the slopes, clues to your family history or peeks at some of the country’s most stunning natural landscapes, Salt Lake City offers an experience like no other.