Salt Lake City, Utah Has Broken Barriers, Though Some Things Will Never Change

Utah has come a long way from concealing alcohol behind curtains in bars and setting up partitions to separate the drinkers from the non-drinkers (referring to the Zion Curtain Law, which was enforced in the late 2000s after decades of strict alcohol consumption laws in the state and has since been repealed via NPR).

Although the Mountain West state still has widespread communities that are devout members of the Church of Latter Day Saints, a faith that has caused considerable controversy since its inception in the 1800s — and a hard-fast rule that businesses can’t sell alcohol within several hundred feet of a school, it has evolved significantly over the years, becoming one of the most desired destinations.

This is largely in part to its sought-after national park scene (i.e., Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon), breathtaking mountain views, and year-round accessibility to the ski slopes, and it’s a contender to host the 2034 Winter Olympics! Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital and most populous city has been particularly spotlighted in the hit reality series The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, giving viewers a somewhat inside look at the area.

Thanks to the Visit Salt Lake and the Maven District teams, I recently had the opportunity to explore Salt Lake City, which was perfect for me, given I knew very little about it. I purposely went in blindly, resisting the urge to watch TV shows or research the good and bad about the city’s neighborhoods so I could gather my own picture of what Salt Lake City is really like.

And I’m so glad I did it that way. I got to immerse myself in the city as a true tourist, experiencing everything from its bustling downtown, close-knit communities, outdoor adventures, and the not-so-enticing parts that aren’t always showcased.

You might recall my recent stories highlighting the Maven District, a quaint neighborhood of Salt Lake City that includes an entire block of mostly women-owned local businesses and a slew of offerings in the shopping, dining, and residential space. When I wasn’t exploring the district during my three-day stay, I was checking out the rest of Salt Lake City in traditional Utah fashion — on foot, biking, and high up in the mountains.

Salt Lake City from the Mountaintops

In my previous post, I briefly mentioned my early-morning venture on a hike at Bonneville Shoreline Trail, led by Maven Co-Founder and CEO Tessa Arneson. I’ll be honest: I wasn’t particularly enthused about waking up before the sun to catch its rise at the mountaintop, but after hearing that most others in the group did this weekly, I happily obliged. According to the website, the trail stretches from North Salt Lake to Parley’s Canyon, giving us remarkable views of the Salt Lake Valley.

Fellow early birds brought their dogs or opted to run or mountain bike up the steep hill, showing that it was a frequent outing for the locals. I was thankful that we took the less aggressive route of the two, with slightly flatter terrain and a less challenging climb (the other, I was told, is an intimidating 25-foot incline all the way up).

Originally from New Jersey, where my version of an active lifestyle didn’t seem to compare with that of the Utahns, I was initially worried about how I’d fare, especially with the much higher altitude. However, after overcoming some labored breathing during the climb, I reached the top with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude, quietly taking in the view with the others. I don’t think my words can do what I witnessed justice, so I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

Tip: While there are multiple signs along the trail to keep dogs on a leash, many people don’t follow that rule, so be mindful that there may be other furry friends not tethered to their owners (which I didn’t exactly love as it caused some clashes with unfriendly canines, and some repeatedly wandering off).

Also, be aware that although the gorgeous scenery makes it difficult to imagine the startling wildlife, there are creatures like mountain goats and moose that you may encounter (thankfully, that wasn’t the case during my visit). The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources advises that if you find yourself in this situation, give the animals plenty of space, don’t try to approach them, and keep dogs leashed to avoid them feeling threatened and reacting.

Utah’s Loud and Proud

Utah Pride Parade People in Street Holding Happy Pride Rainbow Sign and Flags in Street — Image Credit: speakeasy/Shutterstock.

A few hours after our hike — and after some much-needed downtime — Jenna Bree, the Communications Manager at Visit Salt Lake, guided us on a nine-mile bike tour along the 9 Line Trail, with stops at the 9th and 9th District to explore. According to the official Salt Lake City website, the 9 Line has been praised for being “the best use of an overpass” for its all-level accessibility, shady spots, and rest areas along the way.

It was also a favorable way to see the sights up close, like the setup for the Salt Lake City Pride Weekend (which I was partially in town for, June 6th to 8th). Large tents were arranged before the Salt Lake City Public Library as organizers prepared for the flocks of LGBTQ+ members and supporters to hit the streets in celebration.

Although the area hasn’t always been considered progressive in the rainbow sphere, it has turned a corner in the last decade, becoming one of America’s queerest cities, per a 2023 report from the Salt Lake City Tribune.

This year, the Salt Lake City Pride Weekend fell at the same time as the Utah Pride Festival, with the latter’s theme of “Radical Love” radiating through town. (Salt Lake City Pride’s theme this year is “Outlaws,” and after a successful 2024 event, the Utah Pride Festival secured 2008 American Idol winner and openly gay performer David Archuleta as the headliner).

During a conversation with City Weekly, Salt Lake City Pride Festival Director Bonnie O’Brien shared that, despite the celebration, the challenges faced by the queer community remain at the forefront, particularly taking aim at Utah becoming one of the first states to ban LGBTQ+ pride flags in public school classrooms earlier this year. While there were an overwhelming number of supporters for All Love Matters over the weekend, protestors still rang their message from the sidelines.

Tip: Many of the restaurants and businesses I spotted in Salt Lake City welcome the LGBTQ+ community with open arms, hanging pride flags outside their storefronts and inviting all walks of life through their doors. One night, we gathered at the Water Witch, a James Beard Award Winner for Outstanding Bar in 2025 located in the Maven District, which offered good vibes and tropical cocktails on the patio all weekend long (per a Facebook post).

Clashing Artistry

It’s clear not everyone in Salt Lake agrees with the current state of the city. This was brought to light again during our ride while viewing the infamous artwork of a giant, colorful whale centering a roundabout in the 9th and 9th area.

The structure titled “Out of the Blue“ was created by Lake Oswego, Oregon resident Stephen J. Kesler in 2022, symbolizing his feelings of being an outcast, growing up as a gay man in a disapprovingly straight society. Although its powerful meaning holds value for many, much of the town is divided over the massive piece.

One nearby shop owner was vocal about her distaste for the sculpture, not because of its symbolism but due to its unnecessary size, which she claimed is an eyesore for drivers. She also pointed out that the whale didn’t exactly align with its location, being on dry land and not near the water, which I had heard through the grapevine that many others agreed. Lucky for them, the artwork may be only temporary as it typically changes every few years as part of the city’s rotating art program.

Room for Growth

Our biking journey included many other landmarks and attractions, like the vibrant downtown area, quaint residential spots, and beautiful greenery and lakes (unfortunately, we didn’t make it to The Great Salt Lake — the largest in the Western Hemisphere).

However, Disney lovers would appreciate; at one point, we passed by East High School in Salt Lake City, which is where the beloved film franchise and subsequent TV series, High School Musical, were filmed. We also ventured past the former location of the iconic Sundance Film Festival, established in Salt Lake City in 1978, before moving to nearby Park City in 1981. (Plans are underway for some Sundance programming to expand to Boulder, Colorado, per the event’s website).

According to the Deseret News, the move aims to ensure the growth and evolution of the yearly event, which has raked in billions of dollars throughout its over 40-year run in Utah. As does any change, this has ignited large-scale protests and has many questioning if the political climate is to blame (via Salt Lake Magazine).

But the location has still drawn attention, with tons of eateries, shops, and major hotels flooding the heart of the city. Salt Lake City is comprised of over a dozen neighborhoods or districts, including Sugar House, Liberty Park, and Central City (via Utah Realty Group), as well as others that I got to ride through.

Tip: We rode electric bikes, which made the four-hour tour more bearable for non-frequent bikers like myself. E-bikes, regular bikes, and E-scooters are available to rent via the BCycle App. I suggest reviewing the map to ensure there are bikes available at your desired port. For those using electronic transport, be sure to frequently check the remaining charge you have to avoid running out prematurely.

Final Impressions

Some other highlights worth noting are the tasty restaurants I checked out, such as the popular lunch spot Caputo’s Deli & Market, the Japanese town favorite Takashi, and Urban Hill, which is considered to have one of the best food options in Utah, per multiple outlets.

Since I stayed in the Maven District, these destinations allowed me to explore more outside of that neighborhood and experience what the locals call “Small Lake City” for the downtown area’s walkability and ease of getting around.

It seemed like the whole town came together for the Farmer’s Market in Pioneer Park, which takes place every Saturday from June to October. I attended the first one of the year, and it was packed with food and craft vendors, live entertainment, food trucks, and plenty of other things to peruse. After doing a couple of laps, I settled in a more desolate side of the park with a book. Others had the same idea and gathered on the grass with bread and sweet treats they acquired at the market.

It was a serene moment that allowed me to reflect on the last few days before my flight home. I’m not sure if I would abandon my rural-suburban life in Maryland to transfer to Salt Lake City, but I would absolutely visit again because the city, and Utah itself, has so much more to offer. I now have a hint of what the Salt Lake City scene is about, and I have a few things on my radar to experience next time, and I’m eager to plan that adventure.

Tip: Bring comfortable attire, as Salt Lake City is an active destination with so many outdoor activities (and rarely any rain), and always have a filled water bottle on hand. I mistakenly didn’t bring one, so I was constantly fetching water throughout the day. Especially if you’re not used to the higher altitude, you’re going to need it.

One final point: I had the Visit Salt Lake team guide me through the city, and not everyone has that luxury when traveling. This was especially useful in navigating the streets and the best scenic spots. Visitors can also take advantage of E-Bike Tours and other guided attractions to ensure they tackle the most worthwhile parts of the city. I also utilized Uber when necessary and followed a carefully curated itinerary to see as much as possible, and you can do the same with a bit of forward planning.

Those intrigued by my story are encouraged to follow Visit Salt Lake on social media (@visitsaltlake) for updates on what’s happening around the city.