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

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Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City/Sandy
evo Hotel Salt Lake City
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City by IHG

Popular places to visit


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
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
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
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
Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel

Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel

4 out of 5
150 W 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT
Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel
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
The Metropolitan Inn

The Metropolitan Inn

2.5 out of 5
524 S West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
The Metropolitan Inn
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
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

Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, offers a variety of activities for visitors, including theatre, dancing, and live music. While exploring the area, you can also plan exciting ski vacations in nearby Park City, known for its excellent ski areas. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the stunning architecture and rich history of Temple Square, making it a memorable part of your trip.

Shopping

Enjoy shopping at City Creek Center, a vibrant mall just 322m from Temple Square, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. The Gateway Mall is also nearby at 966m, and Trolley Square, 1.6km away, features unique shops and dining options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Rice-Eccles Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a concert at the Salt Lake Tabernacle for an entertaining evening. For a more tranquil retreat, visit the Regional Athletic Complex, where you can unwind in nature and rejuvenate your spirit.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Snowbird Ski Resort, located 29.0km from Temple Square, offering breathtaking mountain views and outdoor adventure. For a scenic hike, explore the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, only 1.3km away, showcasing stunning landscapes. Families will enjoy the fun at Seven Peaks Waterpark, situated 4.8km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Temple Square by catching a show at the Eccles Theater, just 483m away, or explore the wonders of the universe at Clark Planetarium, located 966m away. For some adventure, visit Nightmare on 13th, 3.2km away, for an exciting arcade experience.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Temple Square

Temple Square in Salt Lake City offers a variety of attractions for tourists, including the historic Salt Lake Temple, the Salt Palace Convention Center, and the scenic urban parks nearby. Visitors can immerse themselves in culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and partake in outdoor experiences. Don't miss checking out the Salt Palace and exploring the vibrant atmosphere of the area, making it a perfect destination for your vacation.

  • University of Utah: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, located 4.8km from Temple Square. The campus features stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and a lively student community, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick coffee break.
  • Salt Palace Convention Center: Just 0.4.8km away, this bustling venue hosts a variety of conferences and events. Its modern design and business vibe make it an intriguing spot to explore, especially if you're interested in the local professional scene.
  • Delta Center: Located 805m from Temple Square, this arena is a lively hub for family entertainment, hosting concerts and sporting events. It's a great place to enjoy some local culture and excitement with the family.

Best time to go to Temple Square

The best time to visit Temple Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January27.5°F (-2.5°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
February30.7°F (-0.7°C)No RainMostly 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 RainSunnyAverageAverage
July77.5°F (25.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August74.7°F (23.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
September66.0°F (18.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October50.9°F (10.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November38.5°F (3.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Temple Square

To save money on your visit to Temple Square, plan your trip for May or October to November, when accommodation prices are lower, and consider staying on a Monday for the best rates. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find eco-friendly hotels and sort prices from lowest to highest. Look for package deals that combine your hotel with flights and activities for potential savings. Additionally, take advantage of free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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 Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Temple Square is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you can view a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your Temple Square hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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