The Avenues
The Avenues neighborhood is located just north of Downtown Salt Lake City and south of Capitol Hill. It’s known for its small town charm, historic homes, and tree-lined streets. The Avenues is the quintessential family friendly neighborhood in Salt Lake. Stroll down the beautiful, hilly streets overlooking the city and you’ll find charming bungalows and Victorian mansions built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The architecture reflects the fascinating mix of influences present when Mormon pioneers first settled here. Pop into indie boutiques and eateries along 11th and 13th Avenues. Grab a coffee at Lazy Day Cafe or indulge in French pastries at Les Madeleines Bakery. Browse home decor at Anthropologie or hunt for vintage treasures at Decades. With so many locally owned gems, you’ll love exploring The Avenues’ walkable commercial district.
Sugar House
Sugar House is one of Salt Lake City’s hippest areas. Centered around the Sugar House business district, it’s filled with trendy restaurants, bars, shops, and public art. Young professionals and students flock to Sugar House to take advantage of the neighborhood’s vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. Stroll down 2100 South to find an eclectic mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Shop for locally designed fashions at City Creek Boutique or Black Diamond Vintage. Satisfy your sweet tooth with artisan chocolates at Solstice Chocolate. Catch an independent film at the historic single-screen Tower Theatre. Don’t miss the towering “I Am Here” public art installation off 2100 South and Highland Drive. The reflective pillar changes color depending on the weather and time of day. It’s just one example of Sugar House’s dedication to public art and creativity.
9th and 9th
Nestled between two major streets, 9th South and 9th East, this hip district offers a unique vibe. Local businesses, murals, and green spaces blend seamlessly with historic single-family homes. Stroll down 9th South to experience the walkable commercial area or simply admire the charming residential streets. Bibo Coffee and Anthropologie help give 9th and 9th its artsy reputation. But you’ll also find yoga studios, pet stores, bakeries and gourmet grocers sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. The 9th and 9th area comes alive on summer nights during the 9th and 9th Street Festival. Local artists and vendors set up booths while residents enjoy local eats, cocktails, and live music. Visitors rave about the neighborhood’s inviting atmosphere and family-friendly amenities like Liberty Park’s playground, basketball courts, and tennis courts.
The Gateway
The Gateway offers a mix of entertainment, nightlife, dining, and shopping conveniently connected to Salt Lake City’s TRAX light rail system. If your group wants to experience Salt Lake’s city center without venturing too far from your hotel, The Gateway should top your list. Catch a comedy show at Wiseguys Comedy Club or a concert at The Complex music venue. Families will love the IMAX movie theater. Foodies can dine at one of almost two dozen restaurants, with options ranging from sushi to barbecue to Mediterranean flavors. Outdoor enthusiasts should visit the 60-foot Olympic fountain known as The Ragdoll. This whimsical and colorful public art piece erupts on the hour during spring and summer. It’s surrounded by green space perfect for relaxing or letting kids run free.
Downtown Salt Lake City
Downtown Salt Lake City packs all the energy of an urban center into an area flanked by gorgeous mountain views. Skyscrapers, government buildings, museums, and parks blend seamlessly with historic Mormon sites and modern development. Must-see landmarks include the neoclassical Salt Lake Temple, the Utah Capitol building topped with its distinctive statue of maiden Columbia, and the elegant City and County Building resembling an old-world cathedral. Public art adds splashes of color along Main Street. When you need a break from sightseeing, stop for a sweet treat at one of Downtown’s beloved local businesses. Try salted caramel gelato at Caputo’s Market & Deli or a chocolate-dipped coconut macaroon at The Chocolate Conspiracy. You’ll love experiencing SLC’s vibrant, walkable downtown core.
The University of Utah
The University of Utah campus offers a scenic oasis just minutes from the heart of Salt Lake City. Shaded by the towering Wasatch Mountains, The U blends collegiate architecture with outdoor recreation opportunities. Stroll through The A. Ray Olpin University Union to peek at the eclectic mix of restaurants, study spots, event venues, and retail options on campus. Snap photos of the stately Park Building or iconic block U sculpture. Walk along Campus Way to admire the well-manicured grounds. For art lovers, a visit to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts is a must. This free-admission art museum houses one of the country’s premier collections of 20th and 21st century art. Grab lunch on the outdoor patio at The Pie Pizzeria or The Red Iguana’s new University location.
15th and 15th
On the northeast side of Downtown Salt Lake, 15th and 15th charms visitors with historic architecture and a walkable retail district. Many homes in the area are lovely 15th Street Historic District residences built between 1890 and 1930. Stroll along the nearby 15th East commercial corridor to find Everything But The Kitchen Sink Vintage, Yoga in Common studio, and Orange Tree Imports. Rest up with an iced mocha at Alchemy Coffee or a craft cocktail at Whiskey Street. The charming neighborhood cafe Trolley Wing Co. is known for its chicken wings and weekend brunch. With locally owned boutiques, hip eateries, and a bike-friendly vibe, 15th and 15th captures Salt Lake City’s eclectic energy. It’s the perfect neighborhood for an afternoon of urban exploration with friends.
Granary District
Formerly a neglected industrial area, Salt Lake City’s Granary District has transformed into a trendy hub filled with breweries, distilleries, and hip events spaces. Art galleries and coffee shops add to the neighborhood’s creative vibe. Utah’s booming craft beer scene shines at Epic Brewing and Kiitos Brewing, which both offer tours and tasting rooms. At Sugar House Distillery, learn how spirits like rum and vodka are produced and sample award-winning cocktails. Performance venues like The Commonwealth Room and The State Room attract well-known musicians to the neighborhood. Outdoor murals and rotating art exhibits showcase local talent and turn Granary’s once-abandoned warehouses into creative canvases.
Book a Bus With Us
Now that you know a bit about Salt Lake City’s must-visit neighborhoods, it’s time to start planning your group tour! Salt Lake City Party Bus Company offers charter bus rentals and transportation services to simplify exploring Utah’s capital. Whether your group is coming from across town or across the country, our expert team will get you where you want to go in comfort and style. We offer everything from intimate mini-coaches to spacious 56+ passenger buses equipped with luxury amenities. Contact Salt Lake City Party Bus Company at 385-230-6303 to receive a complimentary quote for Utah charter buses. We look forward to helping your group discover Salt Lake City’s vibrant neighborhoods!