Sober Travel Guide: Salt Lake City

…different by nature

Salt Lake City is a hidden gem for sober travelers, offering much more than just mountain views and fresh air. This city is about balance—outdoor adventure, history, and a growing arts and culture scene.

Whether you're hiking trails, exploring cool museums, or grabbing some amazing local food, Salt Lake has everything to keep you entertained, no alcohol needed. It's the perfect spot if you're looking for a chill, mindful trip where it's all about real experiences.

I had visited a couple of times for work at my corporate job, but while this was a short trip, I felt like I could do and see a lot. Everyone said it was the perfect time to visit, and I’ll be back.

Getting to SLC:

I love Southwest for domestic flights. I’ve been flying with them for years and have had great experiences using points for flights.

If you’re considering flying with Southwest (or any airline, honestly), I recommend signing up for their Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card.

Getting around SLC:

Renting a car in Salt Lake City is super convenient and often the best way to explore the city and its incredible natural beauty.

I love being able to head downtown and visit nearby national parks, and having my own car gives me the freedom to do so. Major rental companies are available right at the airport, and driving around Salt Lake is generally easy, with well-maintained roads and plenty of parking. Plus, even your commute becomes part of the adventure with those mountain views.

I like Avis, and this time around, they gave me a massive Dodge Ram truck. Thank you? Lol.

I like driving a boat, even if it takes multiple men helping me out to make sure I can back out of the rental car facility parking lot without hitting another vehicle.


Staying in SLC:

When it comes to hotels in Salt Lake City, there’s no shortage of options, whether you're looking for something chic downtown or a cozy mountain retreat.

I loved staying in Park City, and my go-to is the Pendry—it’s stylish, modern, and has the perfect blend of luxury and comfort.

This might be one of my favorite hotels in the world.

To make your trip to Salt Lake City even more enjoyable, book your hotel using this link. You’ll receive VIP amenities, upgrades, and other exclusive offers.


Park City Hikes

Shout out to the Pendry, for curating this amazing list of hikes in Park City:

  • Holly’s Trail: this hike is within walking distance from the Pendry, and is a 4.5 mile out-and-back trail near Park City. It’s considered a moderately challenging route, and takes an average of 2 hours to complete. It’s a super popular area for hiking so you’ll most likely run into a few other people while hiking.

  • Holly’s Trail to Mid Mountain: This is a 9.8-mile out-and-back trail also near Park City. It’s considered a moderately challenging route and takes an average of 4 hours and 40 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for bird watching and hiking but you should be able to enjoy some solitude during the quieter times of the day.

  • Farm Trail: The Farm Trail is a 3.6 mile out-and-back trail that is considered an easy route, and takes an average of 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. It’s a popular trail for road biking, running, and walking. It’s a 5 minute drive from the Pendry or a 25 minute walk.

  • Blood’s Lake Trail: Blood’s Lake is a 2.7 mile out-and-back trail near Park City. Considered a moderately challenging route, it’s s very popular area for hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. You’ll definitely encounter others while hiking here. Get early to avoid a line for parking.

  • Armstrong Trail to Dawn’s Trail Loop: A 3.3 mile loop trail considered moderately challenging and takes an average of 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete. It’s an 11-minute drive the Pendry or a 25-minute bike ride.

This list is also great for staying in the loop on new hikes in Park City.

Historic Main Street in Park City

Long before Park City became a world-class mountain resort, it was famous as a silver mining town in the 1800's. How cool is that?

These days, Main Street is the heart of Park City, packed with an awesome mix of galleries, unique shops, great restaurants, and cafes. You can find everything from local art and handcrafted jewelry to high-end boutiques, and there’s always something going on—especially during events like the Sundance Film Festival, when the whole street buzzes with energy. Because I was in a time crunch, I didn’t spend any time walking around, but I drove through, and it was super lively and full of a diverse crowd.

Next time you visit, try to stay on a Friday at the end of the month when they host a Park City Gallery Stroll. It’s the perfect way to explore the Park City art scene while enjoying scenic Historic Main Street and the beautiful alpine evenings.


Catching up with old friends

I got to catch up with my friend Kileigh while recently, which was amazing. She drove all the way from just outside Salt Lake to Park City so we could finally reconnect after, what, almost 20 years? Yikes.

It was so cool hearing about her life and everything she’s been up to since we last saw each other. We had some really beautiful conversations, and I loved how open she was about her experiences—it made me feel super connected to her. Even after all this time, it felt like we picked up right where we left off, and she’s good people.

Love you, Kileigh! It was so good to see you again! We still look like we’re in highschool, right?

The day really made me appreciate how meaningful it is to reconnect with people who’ve been in your life for so many years, and I’m so thankful she went out of her way to come see me.


Food & Dranks:

  • KITA - Located in The Pendry, which I’m convinced is the best hotel in Utah, KITA is the spot for an elevated dining experience. If Jack’s working, make sure to say hi—he’ll take great care of you! You’ll have to ask for a custom mocktail so you can enjoy something fun without the alcohol.

  • Arempas - If you’re craving Venezuelan food, Arempas is where it’s at. Their arepas are top-notch, and they do a fantastic job with flavors. Yum.

  • Flower Child - This is the healthy stop you need, especially if you’re on your way to Provo. Super fresh bowls and salads, and while it’s a chain, it doesn’t feel like one. They’ve got some fresh juices that I love. Anytime I see a Flower Child I stop for a snack.

  • The Bagel Den - I saw what felt like 900 of these, and I’m kicking myself for not grabbing a bagel. Seriously, get one for me when you’re there. And while they don’t have mocktails, a good bagel is all you really need, right?

  • Laurel is an elegant spot with a chic vibe. It offers great food and an atmosphere, and it has a mocktail list, too. It's the perfect place for a fancier night out in Salt Lake City with friends.

  • The Ruin - This is a laid-back cocktail bar in SLC, but they’re more than happy to whip up a killer mocktail. The vibe here is relaxed and cool, so it’s perfect for a chill evening.

  • BackDoor - A hidden gem with a speakeasy vibe, BackDoor offers great drinks in an intimate setting. They’re good about creating mocktails if you ask—perfect for when you want to feel a little fancy without the booze.

  • Van Ryder - Perched on top of the Le Méridien hotel, Van Ryder gives you killer rooftop views of Salt Lake City. They can easily make a mocktail or two for you while you enjoy the skyline.

  • Nightengale - This place has an inviting, cozy atmosphere and a creative menu. Their staff is super accommodating, so if you’re looking for a mocktail, just ask and they’ll put their skills to use.


Ski Resorts

Snowbird: Snowbird is a year-round resort tucked away in the stunning Little Cottonwood Canyon of the Wasatch Mountains. While it's famous for having the longest ski season in Utah, the fun doesn't stop when the snow melts. In the warmer months, Snowbird offers tons of alpine activities, relaxing spa treatments, summer events, and mountain dining, making it a great getaway no matter the season.

Snowbird is North America’s most accessible alpine resort destination, located just 29 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport. Featuring the new state-of-the-art Aerial Tram with access to 2,500 acres of legendary terrain, Snowbird provides year-round big mountain experiences at the top of Utah.

Here’s a great list of other resorts across Utah.


Soda Shops:

My high school self would have loved this place. 34 year old me? Not so much.

There’s literally not one thing on the menu that I would want to consume. I'm not judging, especially because this place is like Starbucks for high schoolers in Salt Lake.

Sodalicious has 19 locations in Utah, spread across various cities, including Salt Lake City, Orem, and Provo. They are known for their unique soda combinations and treats, making them a popular spot for those looking to enjoy a refreshing drink​ aka sodas mixed together.

Again, it's not my cup of tea, or soda if you will, but it's an iconic spot in Utah.

Follow them on IG: @sodalicious

Juice Shops: Baya Bar

Baya Bar in Salt Lake City is one of those perfect little spots to grab fresh juice while you're on the go. I love juice, especially when traveling—it’s a great way to recharge. I got a juice with garlic in it, and let me tell you, I could taste it for the entire day—so worth it! It’s fun to stop into smaller places like Baya Bar, where you can grab something healthy and local while exploring the city.

Follow them on IG @Bayabar.


Another Juice Shop: The Juice Bar

The Juice Shop in Salt Lake City, located in the vibrant Maven District, is a community-inspired juicery and wellness destination.

It's the perfect spot to grab a fresh, nutrient-packed juice, whether you're exploring the area or just need a healthy pick-me-up. Their menu is all about clean, fresh ingredients that are perfect for recharging during a busy day. I love stopping by places like this when I travel, and The Juice Shop is worth a visit if you're in town.

The Juice Shop SLC


Maven District:

The Maven District is Salt Lake City's Largest Community of Local Women-Owned Small Businesses

Their Mission Statement?

”We are gathering and building our tribe. We attract people that dare to go after the life they’ve always dreamed. Our Maven community is made up of doers, thinkers, risk takers, rule breakers, question askers, boundary pushers, explorers and bold humans who aren’t here to settle…”

Here for that, WOW.

Utah also recently made it easier to start a small business by upgrading its business registration platform. According to the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, the upgrade creates a more modern system that allows business owners to control access to their filings. The effort addresses previous issues with an outdated and complex registration process.

Utah recently made it easier to start a small business by upgrading its business registration platform. According to the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, the update modernizes the system and adds new security features, such as allowing business owners to control access to their filings. The first phase of these improvements is complete, with a second phase set to launch in November. This effort addresses previous issues with an outdated and complex registration process. You can read the full article here.

Follow the Maven district on IG: mavenslc.

Just Dance:

I’m not saying I’m a pro yet, but I’m definitely getting better at putting myself out there and hitting the dance floor. I love taking random dance classes - my friend Kim taught one earlier this year and it was amazing. Notice I didn’t say I was amazing but it’s still so fun!

I was excited to see that a new 18-and-over club called SHOUT! opened up in Salt Lake this summer. It’s downtown and offers a nightlife vibe without the booze, which is pretty cool for anyone under 21 or those of us who just want a fun, sober-friendly spot. They’ve got everything —dance floor, lights, fog machines—and some cool extras, like a game area with card games, cornhole, and even a video gaming setup with couches and big-screen TVs.

They serve mixed drinks like dirty sodas and mocktails, which I love, and they’ve been throwing themed parties that sound like a blast. Not sure exactly what kind of crowd will end up here long-term, but honestly, it’s worth a try. Shout-out to SHOUT! (see what I did there?) for creating a space where we can dance and enjoy a night out without the usual pressures.

Follow them on IG: @shoutslc

Another dance studio, DF Dance, also offers salsa dancing in addition to other styles of dance, which literally intimidates me because salsa is all about letting the other person take the lead.

They offer drop-in classes for pretty much every style—salsa, ballroom, swing, bachata, and even hip-hop. I like that they have it set up for people who are beginning. I imagine the community vibe is amazing, and the instructors are super chill.

This would be a great spot to meet new people, try something new, and keep yourself moving and learning. Definitely on my list to check out.

Follow them on IG: @dfdancestudio


Temple Square:

I got to make a quick trip to check out Temple Square, and honestly, it was such a cool experience. I’ve been really curious about other religions, and seeing this place up close was so cool. The architecture is seriously impressive - and while the temple was undergoing construction, you could still tell how massive and gorgeous it was. The whole area has this peaceful vibe.

Of course, everyone was super welcoming and I love to hear people’s experiences and perspectives. I’m super glad I went - it definitely gave me a lot to think about and sparked even more curiosity to learn about different beliefs and cultures.


Tracy Aviary:

Why is it that as I age, my interest in birds increases? Can anyone explain this?

Tracy Aviary has a cool collection of birds from all over the world - we’re talking flamingos to owls and it’s set up in a way where you can get pretty close to them. I loved walking around and since it’s in Liberty Park, the vibe was lovely.

Of course, Tracy Aviary focuses on conservation and educating the public about protecting birds and their environments. They did a great job of making it interesting and fun. Such a chill and unique spot.


Book Stores:

Lovebound Library might be one of my favorite places ever.

Lovebound Library is an independent bookstore located in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the Maven District. They are a woman-owned store devoted to all things romance: books, gifts, and bookish merchandise. IT’S A LOVE STORY, BABY JUST SAY YES.

Follow them on IG @loveboundlibrary.

If you have other favorite bookstores in SLC/Utah, send them my way! hello@michelleplante.com


Metaphysical Stores:

When I’m traveling, I love stopping into cool/cute metaphysical stores because 1) the vibes are always right and 2) it’s a nice place to get grounded and also meet some pretty cool people like the time when I was in Reykjavik and had one of the most beautiful experiences during a cacao ceremony.

Here are a couple I would check out on your next visit to SLC:

  • Mineral and Matter: I could only stay in this store in the Maven district for 5 minutes because I wanted to buy everything. Mineral and Matter is a growing jewelry company with handmade and minimally designed pieces. Their brand empowers women, and they are committed to the social community. Photos of their adorable boutique are below.

    Follow them on IG: @mineralandmatter

  • Sacred Energy Empowerment Center:

    Follow them on IG: @sacredenergyslcc

Young Living Lavender Farm:

Are you obsessed with essential oils? If yes, keep reading.

The Young Living Lavender Farm in Utah is one of the brand’s iconic locations. It is known for its sprawling lavender fields, where the company cultivates the essential oils it is famous for.

The farm highlights Young Living’s dedication to sustainable farming and offers experiences with events, tours, and their annual Lavender Day.

It’s a beautiful mix of agriculture and wellness, all set against the stunning backdrop of Utah’s landscapes. Perfect for anyone looking to see where their oils are sourced.

I’ve tried a few Young Living oils over the years and recently talked with a friend who had done her research on ALL essential oils, and she has said that Young Living is the cleanest and highest quality product on the market.

Follow Young Living on IG: @youngliving


Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden: Utah’s Botanical Garden and State Arboretum has 100 acres, including display gardens, walking paths, a natural area, and hiking trails.

It’s a nonprofit organization and one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West. It tests, displays, and interprets regional horticulture.

I visited here on a Saturday in September and it was HOT. It was a lovely experience and there was a wedding, I didn’t get the see the bride and groom but the set up was stunning.

I love places like this that showcase different species of plants - it’s like a zoo for flowers… but less depressing.

If you have the time in Salt Lake and want to see some beautiful flowers and butterflies, I definitely recommend checking it out.

Follow them on IG: @redbuttegarden

Go Cougars!

I had the chance to sit with the BYU fans at the BYU vs. K-State game, and it was ABSOLUTELY EPIC. Shoutout to Michael, who gave me a free ticket!!

From the moment I stepped into the stands, I could feel the energy—BYU fans really know how to create great vibes. Everyone was decked out in navy and white, and the excitement was contagious. Plus, let’s be honest: BYU fans might just be some of the most attractive people I’ve ever seen in one place.

The Cougar Tails were another highlight. If you haven’t had the pleasure, they’re these gigantic maple-glazed donuts, easily a foot long. They’re a bit of a legend in the BYU fan experience. The stands were filled with fans clutching Cougar Tails - which is the perfect combination of sweet and satisfying.

And then there’s Cosmo the Cougar—BYU’s mascot, who is an absolute GANGSTER. From incredible dance moves to hyping up the crowd with flips and stunts, Cosmo was everywhere. He also did a back flip holding a barbell? Like .. we get it dude, you lift. Lol jk!

Overall, the game was incredible, not just because of the action on the field but also because of the camaraderie in the stands. The great vibes, delicious Cougar Tails, and Cosmo’s antics made it a memorable experience. If you ever get the chance to sit with the BYU fans, take it—you won’t regret it! I love you, BYU!!

Next Steps for Sober Travel:

I hope this Sober Travel Guide to Salt Lake gives you great ideas and helpful tips for your next alcohol-free trip. The views in Utah are STUNNING and I’m still dreaming about that hike in Park City.


Here are ways you can travel better:

If you have any questions, need more info, or want to share your own travel stories, send an email to hello@michelleplante.com

Happy Travels!

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