Temple Square in Salt Lake City: A Romantic Getaway Guide
Temple Square is one of the most recognizable destinations in Salt Lake City. It attracts visitors interested in Utah history, architecture, gardens, genealogy, music, and the heritage of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in the heart of downtown, the historic complex can be enjoyed during a brief sightseeing stop or as part of a full day exploring Salt Lake City.
Before planning your visit, there is an important update to understand. Temple Square has undergone a major multiyear renovation. The new Temple Square Visitors’ Center opened in May 2026, but preparations associated with the Salt Lake Temple and its scheduled 2027 open house may continue to affect access, walking routes, and operating schedules.
The historic Salt Lake Temple itself remains closed during the renovation period. Current plans call for a public open house from April through October 2027 before the temple is rededicated. Since schedules and access can change, visitors should consult the official Temple Square website shortly before arriving.
For couples who want to combine sightseeing with a memorable overnight experience, The Anniversary Inn offers an appealing alternative to a conventional hotel. Its Salt Lake South Temple location places guests east of downtown and within a short drive of Temple Square. More importantly, its individually themed, adults-only suites are designed to make anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons, and romantic weekends feel special.
What Is Temple Square?
Temple Square is a historic complex centered on the Salt Lake Temple in downtown Salt Lake City. The site is closely connected to the development of the city and the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Salt Lake Temple is its best-known landmark. Construction began in 1853, and the building was dedicated in 1893 after 40 years of work. Its granite exterior and six spires have become enduring symbols of Salt Lake City.
The temple is only one part of the destination. Depending on current access and scheduled activities, visitors may also encounter landscaped gardens, religious artwork, historical exhibits, the Salt Lake Tabernacle, and other buildings associated with the Church.
People of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome in the public areas. However, visitors should remember that Temple Square is an active religious destination rather than simply an architectural attraction.
Is Temple Square Open During the Renovation?
Temple Square is welcoming visitors, although certain buildings and areas may not always be accessible.
The Temple Square Visitors’ Center opened in 2026 with exhibits, artwork, and interpretive experiences. Guests can also see a detailed scale model that provides a view of the rooms and organization of the Salt Lake Temple.
General admission to the Visitors’ Center does not usually require a ticket. Some individual experiences, including the guided “Inside a Temple” presentation, may require a reservation. Checking availability in advance can help you avoid disappointment, particularly during weekends, holidays, and major events.
Construction barriers, entrances, tour availability, and operating hours may change as work progresses. Do not rely exclusively on an older map, travel guide, or itinerary if seeing a particular building is central to your plans.
Things to See at Temple Square
Temple Square Visitors’ Center
The Visitors’ Center is a useful first stop for anyone visiting Temple Square for the first time. Its exhibits explain the religious, cultural, and historical importance of the site while helping guests understand what is currently available to explore.
The center is generally open daily, but holiday schedules and special events can affect its hours. Visitors who want to participate in a guided or reservation-based experience should check the official calendar before traveling.
The Salt Lake Tabernacle
The Salt Lake Tabernacle is famous for its distinctive domed roof and exceptional acoustics. It is historically associated with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and continues to host music and other gatherings.
Performance and rehearsal schedules vary. Travelers hoping to hear the choir should consult the current official schedule rather than assume a performance will take place during their visit.
Even when there is no scheduled performance, the Tabernacle remains an important part of Temple Square’s history and architecture when it is open to visitors.
Gardens, Sculpture, and Architecture
Temple Square’s outdoor spaces bring together landscaped gardens, religious sculptures, monuments, and views of historic buildings. Despite its central urban location, the grounds can provide a peaceful setting for walking, photography, and reflection.
The appearance of the square changes throughout the year. Spring brings colorful flowers, summer offers abundant greenery, autumn can provide pleasant walking weather, and the holiday season is known for its festive atmosphere.
Renovation work may occasionally change pedestrian routes or photography angles. Following signs and confirming the latest entrances will make your visit easier.
How Long Should You Spend at Temple Square?
A short Temple Square visit may take between 60 and 90 minutes. This should provide enough time to see the Visitors’ Center and walk around the accessible parts of the grounds.
Allow two or three hours if you want to explore the exhibits carefully, take photographs, or visit an additional historical attraction nearby.
Travelers with a strong interest in religious history, genealogy, architecture, or music could spend most of a day in the wider Temple Square district. You should also allow more time if you plan to attend a performance, join a reserved tour, or visit during a major conference or holiday event.
Attractions Near Temple Square
Temple Square’s downtown location makes it easy to combine with several other Salt Lake City attractions.
The FamilySearch Library is a major genealogy research destination. It offers resources for visitors who want to investigate their family histories, whether they are experienced researchers or complete beginners.
The Church History Museum presents exhibits, artwork, and artifacts related to the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
City Creek Center is a convenient destination for shopping and dining next to the Temple Square district. It can be especially useful when you want to add a meal or a relaxed shopping break to your itinerary.
The Utah State Capitol sits on a hill north of downtown. Visitors are drawn to its architecture, public spaces, and wide views over Salt Lake City.
Memory Grove Park, near the Capitol, provides a pleasant setting for a walk. It can be a refreshing contrast to the busy downtown streets.
The Salt Palace Convention Center is also nearby. Travelers attending a convention can easily include Temple Square in their visit, although major events may increase demand for parking and accommodations.
Operating hours vary among these attractions. Always confirm current information directly with each venue, particularly on Sundays, holidays, and dates involving large events.
Getting to Temple Square
Temple Square is accessible by car, on foot, and by public transportation.
Temple Square Station is the nearest TRAX light-rail stop. Rail can be a convenient choice for travelers who prefer not to search for downtown parking.
Some transit trips in central Salt Lake City may qualify for the Utah Transit Authority’s Free Fare Zone. Check the current boundaries and conditions before boarding.
Drivers can choose from several downtown garages and parking facilities. Rates, validation policies, and opening times differ by location. Special events can also affect availability.
Walking is practical for exploring Temple Square, City Creek Center, nearby museums, and other parts of the downtown core. A car or rideshare may be more comfortable when traveling from accommodations east of downtown, returning late at night, or visiting during cold or snowy weather.
Why Stay at The Anniversary Inn Near Temple Square?
Most downtown hotels focus on convenience and standard accommodations. The Anniversary Inn offers a different experience through individually themed suites created for couples.
This approach makes the hotel particularly relevant for anniversaries, honeymoons, birthdays, proposals, romantic weekends, and other occasions when the accommodation should feel like part of the celebration.
The Anniversary Inn operates two properties in Salt Lake City:
The Salt Lake South Temple inn is located at 678 East South Temple and offers 13 themed suites.
The Salt Lake 5th South inn is located at 1000 East 5th South and offers 36 themed suites.
These are separate properties, so guests should confirm the address when making a reservation.
The South Temple property is closer to Temple Square. It is not located directly on the square, and most guests will find a short drive or rideshare more convenient than walking. Its position east of downtown still provides practical access to Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, and central Salt Lake City.
The 5th South property is farther southeast but offers a larger selection of suite themes. Your choice may therefore depend on whether proximity to Temple Square or the widest possible range of rooms matters more.
Themed Suites at The Anniversary Inn Salt Lake South Temple
The Salt Lake South Temple property has 13 individually themed suites. Current themes include Phantom of the Opera, Mountain Hideaway, Secret Garden, Savannah Nights, “007,” Sultan’s Palace, Mysteries of Egypt, Enchanted Forest, and Jungle Safari.
The Anniversary Inn is not a historic hotel located within Temple Square, nor is it affiliated with the attraction. It is an adults-only romantic inn on South Temple Street. This distinction is important because couples should choose it for its imaginative accommodations and convenient access to downtown, not because they expect to stay inside the Temple Square complex.
Suites vary in design and layout, so couples should examine the photographs and description of the exact room they intend to reserve. Selecting a specific suite is part of the experience rather than simply choosing a general room category.
A Romantic Temple Square Itinerary
Begin your day with a late-morning visit to Temple Square. Explore the Visitors’ Center, walk through the accessible grounds, and enjoy the architecture and gardens at a relaxed pace.
Next, visit the FamilySearch Library or Church History Museum, depending on your interests. Stop near City Creek Center for lunch, shopping, or coffee.
In the afternoon, explore the Utah State Capitol and take a walk through Memory Grove. You can then have dinner downtown before returning to your chosen themed suite at The Anniversary Inn.
Breakfast delivered to your room the following morning creates an unhurried ending to the getaway.
Check-in times depend on the suite category. The Anniversary Inn currently lists check-in from 3 p.m. for Diamond suites and from 5 p.m. for Ruby and Emerald suites. Checkout is before noon. The South Temple property offers Ruby and Emerald suites, while Diamond options are available at the 5th South location. Review the current terms during booking because hotel policies can change.
The Best Time to Visit Temple Square
There is no single best season to visit Temple Square.
Spring offers flowers and comfortable walking conditions. Summer provides longer daylight hours for combining multiple downtown attractions. Autumn can bring cooler temperatures and colorful scenery, while winter gives travelers a chance to experience Salt Lake City’s seasonal atmosphere.
Major conferences, concerts, holiday activities, and the 2027 Salt Lake Temple open house may increase demand for accommodations and downtown parking. If you plan to visit for a fixed celebration or special event, reserve your suite and any ticketed experiences early.
Plan Your Temple Square Getaway
Temple Square combines architecture, faith, music, gardens, art, and Utah history in one central Salt Lake City destination. Although renovation has changed parts of the visitor experience, the opening of the new Visitors’ Center and the approach of the 2027 Salt Lake Temple open house make this a noteworthy time to plan a trip.
For couples, The Anniversary Inn adds something a standard sightseeing itinerary cannot: an overnight stay that feels like a celebration of its own.
Choose between 13 themed suites at Salt Lake South Temple and 36 suites at Salt Lake 5th South. Then plan your Temple Square visit around the room that best matches your occasion.
Ready to turn your Temple Square visit into a romantic Salt Lake City getaway? Explore the available suites, compare locations, and book directly with The Anniversary Inn at anniversaryinn.com.
