A guide to Salt Lake City's best attractions from The Grand America Hotel, located within the Downtown and Central City neighborhoods.
September 18, 2025
Downtown Explore
Temple Square Temple Square houses the historic Latter-day Saints temple built between 1853 and 1893, as well as the Church History Museum, Pioneer Log Cabin, Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and more. For those interested in Utah history and culture, this is a must-visit. Come speak to missionaries from around the world, sit in on a Tabernacle Choir rehearsal, or take a guided tour of the Conference Center.
Delta Center The Delta Center is home to two professional sports teams: the Utah Jazz basketball team and the Utah Mammoths ice hockey team. The venue also hosts concerts, often featuring some of the industry's hottest artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Zack Bryan, and more. Be sure to check what events are going on during your stay!
Eccles Theatre Eccles Theatre is one of Salt Lake City's most beloved downtown venues for the arts. It opened in 2016 and hosts musicals, plays, concerts, and other entertainment events. The 2,500-seat performance hall incorporates elements of Southern Utah's landscape in its architectural design, and features a star-field ceiling, reminiscent of a real-life night sky, which creates a unique viewing experience.
Eat
Gourmandise Gourmandise is Utah's most award-winning cafe and bakery and has been a beloved local staple for 30 years. Inspired by European influences, it was first opened by an immigrant family with the belief that "everyone should have the chance to feel special and enjoy great food." With affordable prices, divine flavors, and a massive array of desserts, Gourmandise is the perfect place for a casual, cozy meal.
Urban Hill Urban Hill is the leading establishment for fine dining in downtown Salt Lake City. Led by the culinary expertise of the award-winning Executive Chef Nick Zocco, who recently went on Beat Bobby Flay and won, this restaurant makes every meal a "special occasion." Urban Hill's unique menu, expansive cocktail and wine selection, and thoughtful architectural design make for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Squatters Pub Brewery When Squatter's was founded in 1989, it was Salt Lake City's first and only brew pub. Today, it is a local favorite and known for being a family-friendly dining spot. Located in the historic building of a former hotel, it has an eclectic and welcoming interior and boasts a tasty menu made with locally sourced ingredients, and includes a rotating selection of seasonal craft beers.
Shop
City Creek Center City Creek Center is Salt Lake City's ultimate shopping hub. The mall spans two city blocks and features a retractable glass roof, which creates a unique, open-air shopping experience. It contains 20+ places to dine and 75+ stores, 22 of which are exclusive to Salt Lake. They have a children's play area located in the food court, free Wi-Fi, and underground parking, and they even provide a booklet full of deals and offers for guests from more than 50 miles away.
Church & State Marketplace Church & State is located in a former church building was built in 1893 and is known for its exposed brick interiors, towering arches, and stained glass windows. The space now features a variety of independent small businesses, including a coffee shop, plant store, barbershop, tattoo studio, and more.
Everything Utah Just a short walk from us, Everything Utah is your go-to place for Utah-themed gifts and souvenirs. If you're looking for a convenient spot to get a quality memento from your trip or a gift for a loved one, we recommend Everything Utah.
Central City Explore
Phillips Gallery Phillips Gallery is the oldest commercial gallery in the Intermountain West, with over 60 years of continuous operation. Located in the heart of the Central City neighborhood, this established gallery showcases an impressive range of artwork from primarily Utah and regional artists, as well as select national and international artists with Utah connections. Visitors can explore three floors of diverse media, including paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, and mixed media pieces spanning traditional to contemporary styles.
Liberty Park Liberty Park is the oldest park in Salt Lake City and remains a central location of our community. The massive park spans 80 acres and features walking and running paths, an Aviary, a museum, a playground, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and more. If you're looking for a nature escape without leaving the city, visit Liberty Park.
The 9th & 9th Whale The iconic humpback whale sculpture "Out of the Blue" breaches dramatically from the roundabout at 9th and 9th, serving as the beloved landmark of Salt Lake City's Central City neighborhood. Created by artist Kesler, this full-size sculpture symbolizes the area's welcoming spirit and celebrates a community where people from all backgrounds can come together and feel a sense of belonging. The whale represents the neighborhood's unexpected nature, resilience, and harmonyperfectly capturing the unique character that makes 9th and 9th a special gathering place.
Eat
Oasis Cafe Oasis Cafe describes itself as an "authentic retreat for the senses." It features a refreshing indoor space and patio fully decked with various flowers and indoor plants. This unique cafe boasts a full coffee bar, making it the perfect place for breakfast or brunch with its creative and hearty dishes. Tucked away like a secret garden, but still just a short drive away.
Pago Pago has been a beloved part of the Salt Lake community since 2009. Located at the popular 9th and 9th intersection, Pago is the perfect place for a slightly more casual fine dining experience. Their cuisine is inspired by New American and Mediterranean flavors, and the menu changes seasonally to provide the freshest quality farm-to-table ingredients. Notably, the establishment has a wide selection of ever-rotating wines from all over the world and has received several "Best Wine List" awards.
Central 9th Market Central 9th Market brings together a passionate group of cooks and creators who share a love for exceptional ingredients and community. This charming market just outside downtown is famous for its delicious homemade focaccia sandwiches and showcases the fresh, artisanal approach that at the heart of their mission. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or exploring their curated selection of local products, you'll experience the same farm-to-table passion that drives everything they do.
Shop
Trolley Square Trolley Square stands as Salt Lake City's iconic festival marketplace, originally converted from historic trolley barns in 1972 and home to unique local tenants. Since 2013, owner Khosrow Semnani has been working to restore this cultural landmark to its former glory through extensive renovations, new LED lighting for the historic water tower, updated landscaping, and the addition of businesses like Orangetheory Fitness and CorePower Yoga. The shopping center continues its decades-long role as both a retail anchor and community gathering place in the heart of the city.
Salt & Honey Market Salt & Honey Market is a warm, cozy boutique dedicated to showcasing handmade goods and local artisans. This thoughtfully curated shop features an ever-evolving selection of vintage jewelry, local art, and unique gifts sourced from Utah and beyond. Born from a passion for shopping local and small, they specialize in quality brands and lasting treasures you can feel good about.
The Maven District Maven District is home to over 100 businesses, 85% of which are female-owned enterprises dedicated to bringing unique, quality products to the neighborhood. This vibrant district thrives on passionate entrepreneurs running everything from Petal Coop and Chantel Lauren boutiques to CHIP cookies, Normal Ice Cream, and other locally loved establishments. The community combines shopping, dining, co-working spaces, and residential living, all built to support local, women-owned small businesses.