Whether you’re visiting Salt Lake City for TravelCon, a convention, or another event at the Salt Palace Convention Center, one of the best parts of being downtown is how easy it is to step outside and immediately find great food, local experiences, and places to explore.

Salt Lake City has a surprisingly walkable downtown with rooftop restaurants, local coffee shops, mountain views, museums, shopping, and quick adventures that are all within minutes of the convention center.

If you have a lunch break, a free evening, or an extra day before flying home, here are some of the best places to eat and things to do while you’re in town.

Best Places to Eat Near the Salt Palace Convention Center

Pretty Bird

If you want something quick but memorable, Pretty Bird is one of Salt Lake City’s most talked-about local spots. Their Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches are a favorite with both visitors and locals. Expect bold flavor and a casual atmosphere that works well between conference sessions.

Best for: Fast lunch, casual groups, spicy food lovers (though they have options for non-spice lovers as well)

The Red Iguana

A Salt Lake City classic known for rich, flavorful Mexican food and legendary mole sauces. This is hands-down my favorite Mexican food in SLC.

If you only have time for one sit-down meal during your trip, this is often one people recommend.

Best for: Dinner, groups, local favorite

The Copper Onion

For something slightly more elevated without feeling overly formal, The Copper Onion is one of downtown’s go-to restaurants. Expect seasonal American dishes and a comfortable atmosphere that works well for business dinners or catching up after conference sessions.

Best for: Networking dinners, date night, elevated casual dining

Gourmandise

Part bakery, part café, part dessert destination. Great if you want breakfast, coffee, pastries, or a lighter meal before heading into the convention center.

Best for: Breakfast, coffee meetings, dessert

HallPass Food Hall

Traveling with a group that can never agree where to eat? HallPass gives everyone options in one stop.

Best for: Groups, quick dinners, variety

Coffee Shops for Early Sessions or Remote Work

The Rose Establishment

A bright downtown café that feels made for laptops and slow mornings.

Eva’s Bakery

My personal favorite Cafe in town. There’s also lunch options here as well, but their drinks and pastries are to die for! Plus, it’s just one street away from the Salt Palace Conference Center.

Things to Do Near Downtown Salt Lake City

Walk Temple Square (or attend a free organ recital)

Even if you’re not interested in religious history, the area offers architecture, gardens, and a peaceful break from conference crowds.

If you like organ music, there’s a free organ recital at the Tabernacle every day except for Sunday at 12 pm. You don’t need tickets, just find a door that’s open and you can find a seat.

Time needed: Anywhere between 10 and 60 minutes

Visit City Creek Center

Need shopping, a break indoors, or somewhere to wander between sessions? City Creek combines shopping with open-air spaces and restaurants. It’s right across the street from the convention center and can be a nice change of scenery without having to go too far.

There’s also a large food court on the east end with lots of chain restaurants if you get hungry.

Time needed: 30 min – 2 hours

Explore the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

A small but easy-to-visit museum located downtown with rotating exhibitions. It’s pay-what-you-can admission, so you can go for free, they just ask for donations. It’s right next to the conference center (a 3 minute walk from the front doors) and you can spend as little or as much time as you’d like there.

Time needed: 10–90 minutes

Visit the Utah State Capitol, or watch the sunset from the front steps

The Utah State Capitol Building is open from 10 am to 6 pm everyday. It’s free to enter and explore, and can be a great activity that’s not too far away from the salt palace conference center. There’s even free tours on the hour.

The outside of the building is made of mostly granite and the inside mostly marble. It’s a stunning building full of history that’s definitely worth the visit.

The Utah State Capitol building is also one of the best viewpoints in the city to watch the sunset from. With great mountain and skyline views, it’s absolutely stunning at night.

Time needed: About 45 minutes

Visit Ensign Peak

If you have a little extra energy and want one of the best views of Salt Lake City, this short hike rewards you quickly.

Time needed: 1–1.5 hours

Spend an Evening at The Gateway

At the Gateway mall, you’ll find restaurants, public art/murals, seasonal events, and space to walk around after a full day indoors. There’s some stores to shop at and tons of activities that are great for all ages.

Time needed: Flexible

If You Have Half a Day

Antelope Island State Park

See bison, open landscapes, and views over the Great Salt Lake.

You can book a tour with a company or drive there yourself in a rental car. There’s TONS of wildlife so just be smart and remember to give wildlife the space it needs.

Antelope Island is one of my favorite places to go to from SLC to get into nature and see some animals!

Drive time: About 45 minutes

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a stunning canyon to drive through and also has tons of options for hiking!

It’s one of the quickest ways to experience Utah’s mountain scenery without committing to a full-day trip.

Drive time: About 30 minutes

Bonneville Salt Flats

If this is your first Utah trip and you have extra time, this iconic landscape makes an unforgettable add-on. I would book with Southwest Adventure Tours on their Bonneville Salt Flats Day tour.

Time needed: About 6 hours to make the drive worth your time

Tips for Visiting Salt Lake City During Conferences

• Downtown Salt Lake City is very walkable.
• The TRAX light rail makes it easy to move around without renting a car.
• Temperatures can shift quickly—bring layers.
• Restaurants near the convention center get busy immediately after events end, so reservations can help.
• If you’re extending your trip, Utah’s mountains and national parks are closer than some visitors expect.

Whether you’re attending TravelCon or another event at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City makes it easy to turn conference downtime into part of the trip. Grab a great meal, explore a new neighborhood, or stay an extra day and you might end up liking the city as much as the event itself.

Have a great time at TravelCon 2026!