Temple Square Tours and Activities

Temple Square featuring a garden, heritage architecture and a fountain
Temple Square
Temple Square which includes a square or plaza as well as a small group of people
Temple Square featuring a park and a city
Temple Square featuring a statue or sculpture and a park

This historical central square spans three city blocks, with gardens and some of the most significant buildings of the Mormon Church.

The tall spirals of the ornate Salt Lake Temple are a landmark in Temple Square. This gathering place is of great importance to Mormons and fascinating for all visitors interested in history and architecture. The 35 acres (14 hectares) includes some historical and sacred Mormon buildings. Explore the neo-Gothic temple, the domed Tabernacle, and the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Stroll among gardens and flowerbeds in summer.

The land on which Temple Square sits has been an integral part of the Mormon faith since 1847, when Mormon pioneers from Illinois arrived in Utah under the leadership of Brigham Young. The church president instantly picked this place to become the religion’s sacred center in Utah. Young’s gravesite is in the Mormon Pioneer Memorial, and a commemorative statue overlooks the square. His mansion, the Beehive House, is now a museum.

Visit the Temple, the centerpiece of the square. Go next door to the North Visitors’ Center to learn more about Mormon culture. The domed center was once a temporary annex to the temple. Volunteers point tourists in the direction of key attractions. The South Visitors’ Center focuses on family relations, which is an integral part of the Mormon religion.

The fascinating Church History Museum showcases Mormon artifacts and artwork. During summer, join a free tour of the colorful gardens with reflecting pool on the Main Street Plaza. The soaring Church Office Building, the LDS headquarters, offers superb views from its observation deck. At the end of the day, enjoy dinner inside the impressive Joseph Smith Memorial Building. You can also listen to a moving performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the domed Tabernacle building or in the Conference Center.

Temple Square is open daily. Check the LDS website for visitor center opening hours. Most sites are closed on Sundays. Parking in the city center can be expensive and difficult to find, but there are numerous public transport options.

Plan a trip to see Temple Square

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Maven Stay

Maven Stay

4 out of 5
Central City
Price was CA $1,033, price is now CA $822 per person
CA $822
per person
Oct 23 - Oct 26
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Edmonton (YEG) to Salt Lake City (SLC)
9/10 Wonderful! (81 reviews)
The accommodations were exactly what I needed! Communication was great! Had to travel a bit to get to the stores I needed, but Uber made that very easy.

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

Asher Adams, Autograph Collection

Asher Adams, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
Downtown Salt Lake City
Price was CA $2,013, price is now CA $1,323 per person
CA $1,323
per person
Oct 23 - Oct 26
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Edmonton (YEG) to Salt Lake City (SLC)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (74 reviews)
Beautiful clean and high class. We paid for $28 breakfast which gave us a $20 credit to the on site restaurant, so that didn’t make sense, but otherwise it was wonderful

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

evo Hotel Salt Lake City

evo Hotel Salt Lake City

3.5 out of 5
Downtown Salt Lake City
Price was CA $1,253, price is now CA $1,020 per person
CA $1,020
per person
Oct 23 - Oct 26
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Edmonton (YEG) to Salt Lake City (SLC)
8.4/10 Very Good! (435 reviews)
I loved everything about the property and the experience. The overall vibe was very cool and unique. The front desk staff was friendly and helpful. The only thing that I didn't love was the atmosphere of my "courtyard view" patio. The high metal front wall made it feel like a prison yard, and the open slat side walls didn't offer any privacy from my neighbors (maybe some greenery would help both?). I only attempted to sit out there once, but retreated inside within a few seconds. Everything else was fantastic.

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

Popular places to visit

Tabernacle featuring interior views and a church or cathedral as well as a small group of people

Salt Lake Tabernacle

4.5/5(47 reviews)

Experience the architectural and acoustic wonder of this landmark structure, which has awed visitors and worshippers with its unique design since 1875.

Salt Lake Tabernacle
Temple Square which includes a city

Salt Lake Temple

4.5/5(40 reviews)

This neo-Gothic centerpiece of Temple Square is an imposing sight that is closed to the general public, but highly revered by followers of the Mormon Church.

Salt Lake Temple
Salt Lake Assembly Hall which includes heritage architecture and a garden

Salt Lake Assembly Hall

Be awed by the grandeur of one of Salt Lake City’s most important congregation halls and appreciate its Gothic architecture and rough-hewn stonework.

Salt Lake Assembly Hall
Church History Museum showing interior views as well as a small group of people

Church History Museum

Through a series of interactive exhibits, learn about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and discover the stories of its founders.

Church History Museum
Joseph Smith Memorial Building showing a memorial, heritage architecture and a city

Joseph Smith Memorial Building

This heritage building is a popular breakfast, lunch and dining destination in Temple Square.

Joseph Smith Memorial Building
Conference Center which includes modern architecture and a square or plaza

Conference Center

4.5/5(29 reviews)

Tour the massive auditorium of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which seats over 21,000 people and is anchored by a 7,667-pipe organ.

Conference Center

Best Lodging Options Near Temple Square

Little America Hotel

Little America Hotel

4 out of 5
500 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT
Little America Hotel
Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City

Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City

3 out of 5
230 W 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT
Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City
Salt Lake Plaza Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western

Salt Lake Plaza Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western

3 out of 5
122 W South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake Plaza Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western
Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City

Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City

4 out of 5
170 SOUTH WEST TEMPLE, Salt Lake City, UT
Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown

Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown

4 out of 5
215 W South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown
Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek

Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek

4 out of 5
75 S West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek
Hyatt House Salt Lake City Downtown

Hyatt House Salt Lake City Downtown

3 out of 5
140 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, UT
Hyatt House Salt Lake City Downtown
Hilton Salt Lake City Center

Hilton Salt Lake City Center

4 out of 5
255 S West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
Hilton Salt Lake City Center
The Kimball at Temple Square

The Kimball at Temple Square

3 out of 5
150 N Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT
The Kimball at Temple Square
See all 1,895 properties in Temple Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Temple Square

Visiting Temple Square in Salt Lake City offers a delightful array of activities, including captivating theatre performances, lively dancing, and engaging live music. Make the most of your trip with helpful tips for navigating the area, exploring photo tours, and attending several concerts. Don't miss out on the diverse entertainment options that make Temple Square a must-visit destination for a memorable experience.

Shopping

For shopping near Temple Square, visit City Creek Center, only 322m away, featuring family-friendly shops and entertainment options. Gateway Mall is 966m away, offering a similar vibe. Trolley Square, 1.6km away, provides a unique shopping experience with its historical charm.

Recreation

At Rice-Eccles Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of sports events, just 3.2km from Temple Square. Experience the captivating performances at the Salt Lake Tabernacle, located right next to Temple Square. For a serene escape, visit the Regional Athletic Complex, 6.4km away, offering wellness and relaxation opportunities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Park City Mountain Resort, located 29.0km from Temple Square, where you can enjoy exhilarating slopes and vibrant sports vibes. Alternatively, explore the scenic Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, only 1.3km away, offering breathtaking views and a true outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Temple Square! Enjoy a romantic show at Eccles Theater, just 483m away, or explore the family-friendly wonders of Clark Planetarium, located 966m away. For an adventurous night, head to Nightmare on 13th, 3.2km away, for some thrilling arcade fun.

Find the best attractions near Temple Square

Temple Square in Salt Lake City offers a variety of attractions, including event venues, entertainment arenas, and modern universities, perfect for those seeking cultural experiences, family outings, and outdoor activities. Key points of interest include the Salt Lake Tourism Center and the iconic Salt Lake Temple, making it an ideal destination for visitors looking to explore the rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere of the area.

  • Salt Palace Convention Center: Located 483m from Temple Square, this modern venue buzzes with business energy. It's a hub for conferences and events, showcasing impressive architecture and ample space for gatherings, making it perfect for networking and experiencing local culture.
  • University of Utah: Situated 4.8km away, this vibrant university offers a unique city vibe with its stunning campus and modern facilities. Visitors can explore beautiful gardens, art installations, and attend various cultural events that reflect the dynamic spirit of student life.
  • Vivint Arena: Only 805m from Temple Square, this entertainment facility is a family favourite. Hosting concerts, sports events, and shows, it guarantees an exhilarating atmosphere for all ages, making it a must-visit for entertainment enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Temple Square

Visitor numbers around Temple Square is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Temple Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Temple Square falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Temple Square falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January27.5°F (-2.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
February30.7°F (-0.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
March39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June67.8°F (19.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July77.5°F (25.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August74.7°F (23.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September66.0°F (18.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October50.9°F (10.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November38.5°F (3.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Temple Square

Visiting Temple Square in Salt Lake City can be budget-friendly with free entry and nearby attractions like City Creek Center and Salt Lake Temple. The best times to visit are in May or from October to November for lower prices, avoiding the peak winter months. Opt for a Tuesday stay for the best rates. Utilize Expedia's tools to find eco-friendly hotels and package deals that include flights and activities. Keep an eye out for discounts and affordable rates to enhance your travel experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Temple Square are May and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January to March, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Temple Square is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Temple Square is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near Temple Square with your flights and activities.