Sight Capitol Hill, Downtown Salt Lake City
Utah State Capitol
A sight in Capitol Hill, Downtown Salt Lake City, free to visit and worth about an hour. Best time to go: Afternoon Dec 30.
Why go
1916 domed capitol on the hill above downtown, with a marble rotunda and a view south over the valley.
It is one of 7 curated places we feature in Downtown Salt Lake City, alongside 2 places to eat, 1 activity and 1 place for a drink. 3 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Temple Square and Temple Square.
- Type
- Sight · Culture
- Neighborhood
- Capitol Hill
- Price
- Free
- Time needed
- 1 hr
- Best time
- Afternoon Dec 30
Nearby
Our closest curated picks, including 3 beyond Downtown Salt Lake City. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.
- 1Temple Square
Ten-acre square around the Salt Lake Temple, with trees wrapped in holiday lights through December.
Sight · 0.5 mi straight-line - 2Temple Square
The 10-acre Latter-day Saint headquarters, strung with lights and nativity scenes from late November through December.
Sight · Salt Lake City · 0.5 mi straight-line - 3Cathedral of the Madeleine
Salt Lake's 1909 Catholic cathedral, with painted interiors and Christmas concerts by its choir school in December.
Sight · Salt Lake City · 0.6 mi straight-line - 4Bar X
One of the city's oldest bars, open since 1933, with a long wooden bar and classic cocktails.
Drinks · 0.8 mi straight-line - 5Ballet West's Nutcracker at the Capitol Theatre
Ballet West dances Willam Christensen's Nutcracker, descended from the first full-length American staging, in a 1913 theater.
Activity · Salt Lake City · 0.9 mi straight-line - 6Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Hotel in the 1924 Continental Bank Building on Main Street, a short TRAX ride from The Gateway.
Stay · 0.9 mi straight-line
On these curated routes
Utah State Capitol is a stop on our Salt Lake City New Year's Eve route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.
More to do in Downtown Salt Lake City
Utah State Capitol is our only sight pick in Downtown Salt Lake City; here is what else we recommend there. See the full Downtown Salt Lake City guide.
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The Gateway
Outdoor shopping district by the old Union Pacific depot, home of the free Last Hurrah and midnight fireworks in 2025.
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Red Iguana
Family-run Mexican restaurant on North Temple since 1985, known for its long list of house moles.
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Market Street Grill
Seafood and steak house open since 1980 in the old New York Hotel building on Market Street.
When to go: weather by month, based on Salt Lake City
Our climate figures for Downtown Salt Lake City come from nearby Salt Lake City. Average daily highs in Salt Lake City run from 37°F in January to 93°F in July; April is usually the wettest month. For Utah State Capitol itself, we suggest: Afternoon Dec 30.
Modelled monthly averages for Salt Lake City from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Salt Lake City weather by month (covers Downtown Salt Lake City).
Getting there
Map links open a live search for Utah State Capitol, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
- Coordinates
- 40.77722, -111.88806
- Destination
- Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah
- Website
- utahstatecapitol.utah.gov
Utah State Capitol: quick answers
How much time do you need at Utah State Capitol?
Plan on about an hour at Utah State Capitol. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit Utah State Capitol?
Our pick: Afternoon Dec 30. Insider tip: Visit on Dec 30 and check holiday hours; the steps face the downtown lights at dusk.
Is Utah State Capitol free?
Yes, we list Utah State Capitol as free to visit. Check the official website before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.
Which TripsCircle routes include Utah State Capitol?
Utah State Capitol appears on Salt Lake City New Year's Eve, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add Utah State Capitol to your crew's plan
Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Downtown Salt Lake City.
Plan Downtown Salt Lake City
- Downtown Salt Lake City travel guide 7 places
- Salt Lake City weather (covers Downtown Salt Lake City) weather by month
- Downtown Salt Lake City to Big Cottonwood Canyon 20 mi straight-line
Lists & regions
Also in Downtown Salt Lake City
- Market Street Grill Food
- The Gateway Activity
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.