If you only have a long weekend in Salt Lake City, a little structure helps. This 3-day plan builds each day around a top-rated tour, leaving flexible time for meals, wandering and rest.
Quick Answer: How to Spend 3 Days in Salt Lake City
Use day one for the main sights with a guided tour, day two for a scenic or active outing, and day three for food, culture and relaxation. The most popular months for a trip are June to September, and December to March for skiing.
Day 1: Get Your Bearings
Spend your first day on the main sights. A guided tour is a good way to learn the layout of Salt Lake City and hear the background stories from someone local.
Salt Lake City Guided Bus Tour
Rated 4.8/5 from 1,766 Viator reviews, from about $69 per person. Guided city and sightseeing tours are a popular first-day choice in Salt Lake City, since the guide handles the route and the background stories. Read our full Salt Lake City Guided Bus Tour review.
Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
Rated 4.7/5 from 738 Viator reviews, from about $89 per person. Guided city and sightseeing tours are a popular first-day choice in Salt Lake City, since the guide handles the route and the background stories.
Day 2: Get Out and Explore
Day two is the time for something more active or scenic. These are among the best-reviewed outdoor and on-the-water experiences around Salt Lake City.
45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour
Rated 4.7/5 from 1,038 Viator reviews, from about $39 per person. Water-based tours are a staple of any trip to Salt Lake City, and this one is well reviewed by travelers who have done it.
Antelope Island Wildlife Expedition
Rated 4.9/5 from 217 Viator reviews, from about $126 per person. If you want to get outside while you are in Salt Lake City, this nature and adventure experience is one of the better-reviewed options.
Day 3: Local Flavor and Relaxation
Wind down with a more relaxed day built around food, local culture or a lighter experience, leaving time for souvenirs and a final stroll.
Tips for Your 3 Days in Salt Lake City
- Book the tours you care about most first, then fit other plans around them.
- Leave a little breathing room each day, since tours can run longer than expected and weather can change plans.
- The ski season generally runs from about December to March, and spring weather is changeable.
- Reserve popular tours a few days ahead in busy periods such as July and August and the winter ski season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Salt Lake City?
Three days is enough to cover the main highlights at a comfortable pace, with a guided tour on each day and some free time. If you like to explore slowly, add a day.
How should I book tours for a 3-day trip?
Choose one main activity for each day and book those first. Check the booking page for free cancellation, start times and pickup points before you commit.
When is the best time to visit Salt Lake City?
Most travelers find June to September, and December to March for skiing the most comfortable time to visit. See our best time to visit guide for details.
How much will tours cost over 3 days?
Prices for the top-rated tours start from about $39 per person, with mid-range options around $89. Your total depends on which experiences you choose.
Disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Ratings, review counts and prices come from Viator listings checked in October 2026 and may have changed.
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