Temple Square Tours

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


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.

Reviews of Temple Square

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1008
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
431
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
95
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
13
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
15
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We took a city tour which gave us lots of information about Utah and SLC, plus getting us into see the Mormon Tabernacle choir and orchestra, not to be missed!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We didn't allow enough time to tour the conference arena and, in hindsight, wish we had! The entire Temple Square area is impressive and the church hosts (tour guides) were so kind, passionate, and informative - never pushy (or preachy).

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beehive House open Mon-Saturday, closed on Sundays and last tour starts at 5:30 on Saturday nights. Lion House is a great place to stop in and eat. The Joseph Smith Memorial Building is also closed on Sundays however, Mon-Saturday it is worth stopping in and talking a walk around the lobby area as well as going to the 10th floor for the East/West Observation areas. There are also some great restaurants there. The Visitor's Centers (South and North) provide a lot of historic information, really worth visiting. Assembly Hall, the Tabernacle (home to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square), and Visitor's Centers are all open seven days a week. The walk around the Square is awesome, particularly if you like all types of flowers, fountains, etc. A "must" is to visit the LDS Church Buiding--tallest building in the square at 26 floors. You can view beautiful artwork on the first floor and then they will escort you to the 26th floor outside observation decks. The aerial view of Temple Square included here is from one of those observation decks. Visit before December 2019!!!! A good portion of the Square will be closed/gone/remodeled, etc. as part of the earthquake proofing project that will last four (4) years.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Free organ concerts daily at noon at Tabernacle. Even if you don't care about the organ, the building's acoustics are remarkable.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go to ten tabernacle to hear the organ demonstration from 12-–12:30 sharp Easy to get to through the free tram

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Take advantage of the free tours! amazing!!

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
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
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
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
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
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
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 offers a rich array of activities, including sightseeing opportunities, live music performances, and dancing events. Visitors can explore the stunning architecture, attend various events at nearby venues, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. For additional recreational options, nearby parks and basketball games provide great alternatives. This destination promises a blend of cultural experiences and entertainment for every tourist.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is City Creek Center, just 322m from Temple Square, offering a lively atmosphere with various shops. Gateway Mall is 966m away, and Trolley Square is 1.6km away, both featuring entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore more options in the area.

Recreation

Rice-Eccles Stadium, two miles from Temple Square, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Salt Lake Tabernacle, right at Temple Square, provides a unique musical experience with its stunning acoustics. For a relaxed vibe, visit the Regional Athletic Complex, four miles away, featuring tranquil parks and recreational activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Snowbird Ski Resort, located 29.0km from Temple Square, offering stunning slopes and breathtaking views. For family fun, visit Seven Peaks Waterpark, a mere 4.8km away, featuring exciting water rides. Don't miss hiking the scenic Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, only 1.3km away.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife near Temple Square with a show at Eccles Theater, just 483m away, offering romance and culture. For family fun, visit Clark Planetarium, 966m away. For an adrenaline rush, head to Nightmare on 13th, 3.2km away, filled with adventure and excitement.

*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 iconic Salt Lake Temple and the historic grounds surrounding it. Visitors can enjoy cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and outdoor spaces like urban parks. Additionally, there are several top hotels conveniently located near Temple Square, making it easy to explore the area's event venues and entertainment facilities while immersing yourself in the local culture.

  • University of Utah: Located 4.8km from Temple Square, the University of Utah offers a vibrant city atmosphere with stunning mountain views. Explore its beautiful campus and art installations, and enjoy the cultural experiences offered by its museums and theaters.
  • Salt Palace Convention Center: Just 0.4.8km away, the Salt Palace Convention Center is a bustling hub for events and conferences. Experience the dynamic business atmosphere and check out any ongoing exhibitions or events during your visit.
  • Delta Center: Situated 805m from Temple Square, the Delta Center is the place to catch thrilling sports events and concerts. With a lively family-friendly vibe, it promises an exciting experience for all ages.

Best time to go to Temple Square

The best time to visit Temple Square is dependent 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 during your visit to Temple Square, plan to travel in May or October to November when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Thursdays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting options from lowest to highest price and filtering for eco-friendly accommodations. Consider booking a package deal to combine your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Take advantage of free activities at Temple Square 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: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can sort your results to display hotels from the lowest to highest price, allowing you to find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Temple Square hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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