Salt Lake City is a great date city because it packs a lot into a small footprint. In one evening you can hike to a viewpoint, eat in a walkable neighborhood, and still be home at a reasonable hour. Add the canyons on the east side and you have options year-round.
Here are date ideas in and around Salt Lake City, organized by vibe.
Views and short hikes
Ensign Peak
A short, fairly steep hike above the Avenues with a wide view of downtown, the valley, and the Great Salt Lake. Go before sunset, bring a light layer, and leave time to sit at the top.
Utah State Capitol grounds
The Capitol sits on a hill with some of the best city views around. Walk the grounds in the evening, or join a free building tour during the day.
Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon
The canyons are roughly half an hour from downtown. In summer and fall, drive up, find a pullout or short trail, and enjoy the cooler mountain air. In winter, check road conditions and traction requirements first.
Gardens, museums, and culture
Red Butte Garden
A botanical garden in the foothills by the University of Utah, with paths through themed gardens and valley views. It also hosts a well-known outdoor summer concert series.
Natural History Museum of Utah
Housed in the Rio Tinto Center, with dinosaur halls and big windows looking over the valley. It is easy to spend two hours here talking about what you see.
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
On the University of Utah campus. Smaller and quieter than a big-city museum, which makes it great for conversation.
The Leonardo
A hands-on science and art museum downtown. Interactive exhibits give you something to do together, which helps on early dates.
Salt Lake City Public Library
The main downtown library is an architectural landmark, with a rooftop you can walk and plenty of light-filled spaces. It is free and surprisingly date-worthy.
Parks and neighborhoods
Liberty Park
One of the city's biggest parks and home to Tracy Aviary. Walk the loop, see the birds, and bring a picnic.
Sugar House Park
Wide lawns and a pond with mountain views. Afterward, head over to the Sugar House business district for food or dessert.
9th and 9th
A small, walkable neighborhood with independent shops, restaurants, and cafes. Perfect for a wander-and-eat date with no fixed agenda.
Downtown Farmers Market
Held on Saturdays in summer and early fall at Pioneer Park. Graze through the vendors and share whatever looks best.
Nights out
For a bigger night, catch a Utah Jazz game at the Delta Center, a touring show downtown, or a concert. Pair it with dinner at City Creek Center or The Gateway so the evening has a clear start and end.
Salt Lake also has a strong local food scene. If you are planning dinner, pick a place in a walkable area so you can extend the date with a stroll afterward.
Planning tips for Salt Lake dates
Traffic and parking can eat up time downtown, so pick one neighborhood and stay in it. Give a specific time and place, and keep a first date to about two hours.
If one of you lives in Utah County, consider plans near a TRAX or FrontRunner stop, or meet in the middle. Thanksgiving Point in Lehi is a popular halfway point.
Post or request a plan like this on Rove
On Rove, every date starts as a specific plan. Here are a few plans inspired by this page. Men can post one like it, and women can browse and request the ones that sound fun.
- “Sunset hike up Ensign Peak, then tacos. Friday at 6:45.”
- “Natural History Museum of Utah, then a walk around 9th and 9th. Saturday at 1.”
- “Red Butte Garden stroll, then dinner in Sugar House. Sunday at 4.”
Frequently asked questions
What is a good first date in Salt Lake City?
A short sunset hike up Ensign Peak followed by food, or a walk around the 9th and 9th neighborhood, are easy and public. Museums like the Natural History Museum of Utah also work well.
What are free date ideas in Salt Lake City?
Ensign Peak, the Utah State Capitol grounds, Liberty Park, Sugar House Park, and the downtown Salt Lake City Public Library are all free.
Where can I meet a date between Provo and Salt Lake City?
Lehi is a convenient halfway point. Thanksgiving Point has gardens, museums, restaurants, and a movie theater in one area.
