The Salt Lake Temple is the centerpiece of Historic Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. While only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are allowed to enter inside the temple, all visitors to the temple can enjoy its beauty and grandeur from the outside and marvel at the history behind the construction of this iconic building.
Parking and Public Transportation at the Salt Lake Temple
If you are not going inside the temple, the best place to park is in the underground garage at City Creek Center across the street to the south. If you are going inside the temple, there is an underground lot just north of Temple Square and west of the LDS Conference Center specifically for that purpose. There are plenty of public transportation options as well. Visitors can ride UTA buses or the UTA TRAX light-rail system and get off at multiple stops around the temple.
Best and Worst Time to go to the Salt Lake Temple
If you are a photographer and interested in getting an iconic picture of the temple, the best time to go is after dark when the temple lights are on display. Christmastime is also a great time to see the temple surrounded by the square bathed in Christmas lights. Christmas Eve can be a particularly busy time to go, though, so avoid that day if possible.
Admission to the Salt Lake Temple
As mentioned above, only worthy members of the Mormon faith are allowed to enter the temple. Those members are allowed inside for free and take part in sacred ceremonies such as marriage and baptism.
Must See/Do at the Salt Lake Temple
Just south of the temple is the South Visitor's Center where visitors can see a scale model of the both the outside and inside the temple. Be sure and stop here to get a glimpse of what the inside of the temple looks like. There are also some interactive displays of the temple that help visitors understand the importance of the temple to members of the LDS church.
Other Places to Visit Near the Salt Lake Temple
Just around the corner from the temple is the Beehive House, a home built in 1854 that was home to Brigham Young and other LDS church leaders. Free tours are offered daily here, and visitors can catch a glimpse of what life was like for Brigham Young and his family. If you get hungry, be sure and stop by the Lion House Pantry nearby which is well known for its rolls and breads. Finally, the Utah State Capitol is just a few blocks to the north and deserves a visit.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Salt Lake Temple
If you want to know more about the temple, or anything located at Historic Temple Square, there are scores of young missionaries willing to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to ask them about anything from historical questions to church doctrinal issues, as well as where to find a bite to eat. They can point you in the right direction.
Author's bio: Clint T. has lived in Utah on and off for the past 20 years and will never grow tired of the great outdoors.