25 Salt Lake City Bachelorette Party Ideas Your Group Will Obsess Over

The Knot recently found that nearly 80% of brides are opting for destination bachelorette parties, but let’s be real—everyone and their mother is going to Nashville or Scottsdale. If you’re looking for something that isn’t just cowboy hats and crowded bars, you need to look at Utah. I’ll admit, I used to think of Salt Lake City as a “dry” town with strict rules and quiet streets. But after actually planning a trip there, I was proven completely wrong. The mountains are insane, the food scene is totally underrated, and yes—there is actual nightlife.

This isn’t just a list of places to go; it’s a survival guide. Utah has its quirks (looking at you, liquor laws), and if you don’t know the ropes, it can put a damper on the weekend. But if you want a trip that balances outdoor adventure with just the right amount of luxury and partying, this is it. Here is the blueprint for an SLC weekend that your group will actually talk about for years—for the right reasons.

Quick Resources:

• Build your full weekend itinerary with the Bachelorette Party Planner

• Explore every option available in All Bachelorette Party Tools

TL;DR

Look, before you book the flights, you need to know what you’re getting into. Salt Lake City isn’t Vegas. There are environmental factors and laws that you can’t just ignore. Check out our ultimate planning guide for the general basics, but here is the SLC-specific cheat sheet you need to memorize:

• The Liquor Laws are Weird: You usually have to order food to get a cocktail at a restaurant. Grocery store beer is weaker (capped at 5% ABV). And don’t even try to buy liquor on a Sunday—the state stores are closed.

• The Altitude is No Joke: You’ll be partying at 4,200 feet. One drink hits like two, and hangovers are brutal if you don’t drink water.

• Check the Calendar: January is for skiing; July is for hiking. Don’t mix them up or you’ll be miserable.

• You Need Wheels: Downtown is walkable, but the good stuff is spread out. Rent a car or budget heavily for Ubers.

The Boring But Necessary Stuff (Logistics)

If you ignore the geography or the law here, you’re going to have a bad time. You can’t just pop into a CVS for a bottle of tequila on a Sunday morning—it doesn’t work like that here. You have to be strategic.

Map out your entire weekend before you arrive with the Bachelorette Party Planner

Liquor Laws & Nightlife

Utah makes you work a little bit for your drink. The biggest thing to remember is the “intent to dine” law. At most restaurants, you can’t just sit and drink; you have to order food. Also, bring your ID everywhere. Even if you look 40, they will scan it. And seriously, stock the Airbnb fridge on Saturday, because on Sunday and holidays, the state liquor stores are locked up tight. If you have a sober bride or just don’t want the hassle, you might want to pivot to some non-drinking games to keep the vibe high without the red tape.

Avoid last-minute surprises by planning ahead with the Bachelorette Party Planner

The Issue	Normal City	Salt Lake City
Buying Beer	Get whatever you want at 7-11	Grocery beer is capped at 5% ABV
Sunday Booze	Stores open	State Liquor Stores are CLOSED
Ordering Drinks	“I’ll have a martini”	“I’ll have a martini… and a plate of fries” (Must order food at restaurants)
Pour Size	Bartenders free pour	Strict, metered 1.5 oz pours

Weather & Seasonality

Utah is extreme. In the summer, it’s dry heat—often over 90°F. In the winter, the canyons are snowy and the roads can be scary if you aren’t used to driving in powder. Pack accordingly.

Getting Around

The city is a grid, which is great for people who get lost easily. But the mountains are a 30-45 minute drive from downtown. You really need a car or a private shuttle if you want to leave the city limits.

Altitude Awareness

I cannot stress this enough: Drink water. You are high up. Alcohol hits harder, and dehydration happens faster. Altitude sickness feels exactly like a severe hangover, and you don’t want to double down on that.

The “One Drink” Rule: If you’re coming from sea level, pace yourself. Tell the group to drink one glass of water for every cocktail on the first night. Trust me.

Outdoor Adventure & Nature

This is the main reason you come to Utah. The backdrop is stunning, and you don’t have to be a marathon runner to enjoy it. Just remember to check the bug report (gnats are a thing) and the weather before you go.

Balance adventure and downtime using the Bachelorette Party Planner

1. Hike to Donut Falls

It’s exactly what it sounds like—water falling through a donut-shaped hole in a rock. It’s an easy hike, so you won’t ruin your makeup, but you will need a car to get up Big Cottonwood Canyon.

2. Paddleboarding at Antelope Island

The water looks like glass here. It’s surreal. Just a heads up: late spring is “biting gnat” season, so check the park reports before you drive out there. Also, state parks are strict on booze, so keep this one low-key.

3. The Homestead Crater Swim

It’s a geothermal spring inside a hollowed-out limestone rock. It feels like a fancy spa but cooler. You have to book this weeks in advance, though—it fills up fast.

4. Bonneville Salt Flats Photoshoot

You know those photos that look like they were taken on the moon? That’s here. It’s a 1.5-hour drive, but if you want *the* photo of the trip, it’s worth it. Go in summer or fall when the salt is dry.

5. Tubing the Weber River

Basically a floating party. It’s about 45 minutes north of the city. Just remember: no glass bottles allowed on the river, and you have to wear the life jacket.

Wellness & Relaxation

If the bride is stressed (or everyone is just hungover), you need a reset day. SLC has some surprisingly high-end options for chilling out.

6. The Grand Spa at The Grand America Hotel

This is the splurge. It feels like a European palace. The indoor pool is gorgeous, and the robes are the kind you never want to take off.

7. Fifth Water Hot Springs (Diamond Fork)

If you prefer your spa day with a side of nature, hike here. It’s natural blue pools and waterfalls. It requires a bit of a walk, but the water is magical.

8. Kura Door Holistic Japanese Spa

This is in the Avenues neighborhood and it’s very zen. Think deep soaking tubs and quiet vibes. If the bride is on the verge of a meltdown, check out our guide for stressed-out brides and book her an appointment here.

9. Yoga in Liberty Park

Save some money and hire a private yoga instructor to meet you at the park. It’s huge, beautiful, and a great way to start the morning without spending a fortune.

10. Mobile IV Therapy

Honestly? Just budget for this. You can have a nurse come to the Airbnb and hook everyone up with hydration IVs. Between the altitude and the tequila, it’s a lifesaver.

Schedule recovery time into your weekend with the Bachelorette Party Planner

Pro Tip: If you go out hard on Friday, schedule the IVs for Saturday morning and don’t plan anything active until the afternoon. Give your bodies time to bounce back.

Food & Drinks

The food scene in SLC is actually really good, you just have to know where to go. From greasy spoon mexican food to high-end Italian, we’ve got you covered.

11. Sunday Brunch at The Grand America Garden Café

The buffet here is legendary. Just know that alcohol service usually doesn’t start until late morning (around 10:30 or 11:00), so don’t show up at 9 AM expecting mimosas.

12. Brewery Hopping (Squatters & Red Rock)

SLC loves its craft beer. Just remember the rule: if you’re at a table, you usually need to order a plate of fries or something to get a beer. Some places have designated “bar” areas where you don’t, but it varies.

13. Dinner at Valter’s Osteria

If you want to dress up and feel fancy, go to Valter’s. The pasta sampler is life-changing. You need to book this months in advance, though.

Vibe	When to Book	The Lowdown
Fancy Italian (Valter’s)	4-6 Weeks out	Hardest table in town to get.
Sunday Brunch	2-3 Weeks out	Make sure they can handle large groups.
Casual Breweries	1 Week / Walk-in	Usually first-come, first-served.
Food Trucks	None	Just show up.

14. High Tea at The Grand America

Finger sandwiches, champagne, and feeling like royalty. It’s a nice change of pace if you want to actually hear each other talk.

15. Mexican Food at Red Iguana

This place is an institution. There will be a line. You cannot make a reservation for a small group. Wait in the line. The mole is worth it.

Nightlife (Yes, it exists)

Don’t let the reputation fool you—you can definitely party here. Just bring your ID. Seriously, bring it.

16. The Westerner Club

If you want to ride a mechanical bull and line dance, this is the spot. It’s a bit of a drive (West Valley City), but it’s always a rowdy time.

17. Tavernacle Social Club

Dueling pianos and karaoke. They love bachelorette parties here, so expect to get pulled on stage. Note: This is a “Bar” license, meaning 21+ only, no exceptions.

Wait, what’s a “Bar” vs “Restaurant” license? If the sign says “Bar,” you don’t have to order food to drink, but no kids allowed. If it says “Restaurant,” you can bring your underage cousin, but you have to order a burger to get a beer. Check the sign on the door.

18. Lake Effect

This place is super chic. Craft cocktails, live music, moody lighting. It’s the place to go when everyone is looking their best.

19. Drag Brunch at Quarters or WhyKiki

High energy, inclusive, and super fun. These sell out fast, so grab tickets as soon as you know your dates.

20. Urban Axe Throwing

Throw axes, drink beer. It’s a great ice-breaker if the group doesn’t know each other well yet.

Keep nights organized and drama-free with the Bachelorette Party Planner

Day Trips Worth the Drive

If you have rented a car, take advantage of it. These spots are just outside the city and offer a totally different vibe.

21. Park City Main Street

Park City is adorable. It’s an old mining town turned ski resort. It’s more expensive than SLC, but the shopping and bars (like the No Name Saloon) are great. If you’re thinking of spending more time up there, read our Park City party guide.

22. Olympic Park Bobsledding

You can ride the actual bobsled track from the 2002 Olympics. It’s fast, terrifying, and expensive. Adrenaline junkies only.

23. The Wick Lab

Make your own candles. It smells amazing, you get a custom souvenir, and it’s a nice sober activity to break up the drinking.

24. Grimm Ghost Tours

If you like spooky stuff, this is fun. They have a bus, so you don’t have to walk around in the cold if you visit in winter.

25. Jordanelle Reservoir

Rent a pontoon boat and have a lake day. It’s fresh water (unlike the Great Salt Lake), so you can actually swim without getting salty.

How to Outsource the Stress

Okay, so you have the list. But actually coordinating 10 girls, an Airbnb, dinner reservations, and altitude sickness? That’s a whole other beast. That’s where Bridesmaid for Hire comes in. Think of us as your professional fixers. We have planning tools to build the itinerary, or you can literally hire us to come along and manage the chaos. We handle the splitwise math, the lost Ubers, and the drama so the bride can just have fun.

Turn chaos into a clear plan with the Bachelorette Party Planner

The Headache	Doing it Yourself	Hiring Us
The Plan	Hours of Googling laws	Done for you.
The Drama	Awkward fights over the bill	We play the bad guy so you don’t have to.
Logistics	MOH is stressed and sober	MOH actually gets to party.
Disasters	Panic	Handled.

Final Thoughts

Salt Lake City is different, but that’s what makes it cool. It’s not the cookie-cutter bachelorette trip. As long as you respect the altitude and plan around the liquor laws, you’re going to have an incredible time. Enjoy the mountains, eat the mole, and drink plenty of water!