Salt Lake City can make for a great Utah romantic destination due to its combination of historical and modern culture along with unbeatable outdoor recreation and scenery. With something for everyone, this capital city is gorgeous in any season and is brimming with excitement at every hour.
From unforgettable stargazing in national parks to fine dining, sunset picnics and more, this guide will help you find the eight best date night ideas in Salt Lake City during your next vacation.
1. Red Butte Garden
- Address: 300 S Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
- Venue: Outdoor garden
Red Butte Garden is a vast 100-acre botanical garden with miles of winding paths and endless flowers and exhibits right on the mountainside. Located in the University of Utah, the garden is open year-round with an entry fee of just $16. Some days allow for free admission and there are also themed events such as Halloween night exhibits and other seasonal festivities with lights, decorations, plus live music and more.
You can spend an hour here or even more if you wish to hike the endless trails and take in all the gorgeous natural scenery. Along with ponds, rare flowers, plus unique views of the mountains, this is a great Salt Lake City date spot for couples wanting to spend time together in breathtaking nature.
2. Stargazing Tour in Antelope Island State Park
- Address: Antelope Island State Park
- Venue: Outdoor, unique experiences, romantic
The Antelope Island State Park is part of the International Dark Sky Parks, which is a group that highlights locations with incredible and unique views of the night sky. With a guided nighttime tour, you and your partner can enjoy an unforgettable date night by experiencing the cosmos like never before.
You’ll effortlessly see the Milky Way along with faraway galaxies and other awe-inspiring dropping sights and you’ll also learn about the various constellations and objects in view from your expert guide.
3. Sunset Picnic and Leisure in Liberty Park
- Address: 600 Harvey Milk Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
- Venue: Outdoor, relaxing, sport
Liberty Park is the city’s oldest park and one of its largest at over 80 acres. Inside, you’ll find a lush and spacious area with endless trees, winding ponds and incredible trails with unbelievable views of the surrounding landscape.
Bring some local foods for a romantic sunset picnic and wander along the winding paths for stunning golden hour views. You can also rent paddleboats and bicycles depending on the weather, which can make for an extra special evening as well.
4. Haunted Salt Lake City Ghost Tours
- Address: Downtown Salt Lake City
- Venue: Indoor and outdoor, cultural, offbeat
Dive into local legends and lore with one of Salt Lake City’s numerous haunted ghost tours for a spooky date night event. Whether you believe in the supernatural or simply find the idea entertaining, these tours are a great way to explore the city at night and learn about the town’s often bizarre past.
You’ll hear tales of crime, passion and potential hauntings in many landmark areas from the historical courthouse to Whiskey Street, along with numerous hotels and restaurants.
Some tours provide transportation to various locations while other tours are walking only, so make sure to check out the options to find the best date night option for you.
5. An Unforgettable Meal at Log Haven
- Address: 6451 E Mill Creek Canyon, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
- Venue: Indoor and outdoor, fine dining, unique experiences
Log Haven boasts a AAA Three Diamond Designation and is one of Salt Lake City’s most romantic and unique restaurants. Located on a tranquil 40-acre property, the historical log cabin is gorgeous inside and out and makes for a wonderfully romantic setting.
Even with such a picturesque location, the food still manages to surpass expectations with classic American dishes along with unexpectedly modern surprises. Enjoy seasonal offerings from wasabi salmon to honey fried quail, along with a wonderful assortment of appetizers and desserts made from fresh, local ingredients.
The wine list is expansive and you can dine indoors or on the scenic outdoor patio. With a sophisticated charm and a welcoming quaintness, this is a great date night spot for any couple visiting Salt Lake City.
Reservations are required and are worth booking as early as possible.
6. Clark Planetarium
- Address: 110 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
- Venue: Indoor, educational, fun and unique
Science lovers will have a blast at the downtown Clark Planetarium, which features numerous exhibits along with a full-dome viewing area, IMAX screen and much more.
For a special date night, you can also check their calendar for unique events such as adults-only nighttime exhibits and other rotating offerings. You can also enjoy rock-and-roll laser shows featuring the music of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and other classic bands at night for an exciting event.
Plus, the museum is open until 10:45pm most nights, making it a great place to casually explore after a nice meal downtown.
7. Sunset Flying Tour
- Address: 7799 Airport Rd, West Jordan, UT 84084
- Venue: Unique, outdoor
With a sunset flying tour, you and your partner can get extraordinary views of the Great Salt Lake and surrounding nature in a small, private aircraft.
Although this is one of the pricier date night options on this list, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience that may become the highlight of your trip.
8. Nighttime Sledding and Winter Events
- Address: Various Salt Lake City resorts
- Venue: Outdoor, recreational
If you're visiting in the winter, some of the Salt Lake City top date spots are the ski resorts all around town. Check for special events such as nighttime sledding, guided tours and other seasonal festivities.
Many of these events are adults-only as well, which can help to enhance the atmosphere. With festive lights and drinks, you can't go wrong with a romantic evening in the snow at one of Salt Lake City's world-class resorts.
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