The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Guide to Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is home to stunning landscapes, rich history, and, of course, the drama-filled lives of the MomTok squad in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” After premiering in September 2024, the Hulu reality series follows these women as they navigate religion, friendship, and family lives across Salt Lake City, with many iconic local spots making cameos throughout the show.

If you’re planning a trip to Salt Lake City, we’ve rounded up the key spots that the MomTok gang frequent in the series, from dirty soda shops to that penthouse where a truth box led the group to nearly split. Here’s how you can plan your visit to the capital of Utah — home of television’s most recognizable Mormon wives.

The MomTok Guide to Salt Lake City

Visit the Temples

A trip to Salt Lake City wouldn’t be complete without exploring its iconic temples, which are central to the city’s cultural and spiritual identity. While the Provo Utah Temple — featured in the title sequence of the Hulu series — is closed for reconstruction (and a name change!), there are still plenty of sites to explore.

The Salt Lake Temple at Temple Square is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture and a symbol of the city’s heritage. Although the temple is closed for renovations, the area remains a worthwhile destination with beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and exhibits offering insights into Latter-day Saints’ traditions. You can also visit the Salt Lake Tabernacle, where the Tabernacle Choir rehearses and performs for free on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings.

Indulge in Dirty Soda

As Demi explained in the series, Mormons don’t drink coffee or alcohol, so their “vice” of choice is often dirty soda, leading to the rise of soda shops around the state. Jessi even called Utah the “land of the Mormon bar,” given how many soda shops can be found along the streets. Soda shops, which open early just like cafes, have become a staple in the area, with people lining up at drive-thrus as early as 8 a.m. But even though there’s a soda shop on every corner, the MomTokkers have some favorites, including Thirst and Swig.

Swig is the ultimate destination for “dirty sodas” — or as Layla calls it, “Mormon crack.” The shop boasts a massive selection of, uh, creative mix-ins to combine with your soda choice, but if you’re unsure what to order, you can always try Demi’s regular order: a 44-oz Fighter with sparkling water with sugar-free coconut, vanilla, raspberry, pineapple, and coconut cream. If that doesn’t call your name, you can go for Layla’s pick: a Bloody Wild with coconut cream!

Try Indoor Recreational Activities

Indoor recreational activities can transform a gloomy, rainy day in Salt Lake City into an exciting adventure packed with fun for everyone. When the weather isn’t cooperating, there’s no need to settle for sitting around at your hotel — and the MomTok girls have you covered for plenty of weather-proof activities.

Let loose at Smash It Rage Rooms, the state’s premier rage room. Smash glass, demolish old appliances, or get artistic with vibrant splatter paint — a cathartic and creative way to spend your day. For a more traditional outing, head to Jack & Jill Bowling Lanes, a lively and family-friendly venue perfect for groups of all ages (also where the MomTok “sinners” spent a Saturday evening while the “saints” were at Jen and Zac’s baby blessing ceremony). Makayla hosted her birthday party at Classic Skating & Fun Center (and as she noted: you don’t have to be professional to look good doing it.)

Where to Eat in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City’s food scene has expanded to include a variety of diverse restaurants, with many local spots appearing in the series. Start your day with breakfast at Brunch Mehard, a go-to for inventive morning fare. You can have lunch at Flanker Kitchen & Sporting Club, a casual sports bar and cocktail club (with a private karaoke room). For dinner, enjoy elevated American cuisine at Midway Mercantile, a family-owned fine-dining establishment.

Other cameos include Bismarck Doughnuts for a sweet treat or a refreshing pick-me-up from Joy Popsicles.

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City and Surrounding Areas

The MomTok gang celebrated Mayci’s birthday in a luxurious penthouse suite complete with jacuzzis and stunning mountain views. This glamorous setting is actually located at Black Rock Mountain Resort, just outside of Park City. The resort offers a mountain-modern experience with a hotel, restaurant, and event space, all overlooking the breathtaking Jordanelle Reservoir and Deer Valley’s ski runs. You can book a stay in the very same penthouse, though you might want to leave any truth boxes behind to avoid the drama that unfolded on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives!”

But if you prefer to stay just a little closer to Salt Lake City, Demi and her husband went on a “cozy Christmas” birthday staycation at Sundance Mountain Resort, located between Provo and Salt Lake City.

Enjoy a Spa Day in a Salt Cave

Nothing says vacation like a day trip to the spa. You can relax and rejuvenate with a visit to the Purify Wellness Center, where you can experience the healing benefits of a Himalayan salt cave — just like Layla, Whitney, and their children did in the show. The salt’s natural properties are known to boost the immune system, making the location Whitney’s go-to spot for when she or her kids are feeling under the weather. The center also offers massages and yoga classes (and earned the top yoga studio by Utah Valley Magazine four years in a row).

Get Your Hair Done at MomTok Jessi’s Hair Salon

If you’ve ever wondered how all the girls managed to rock identical “Utah curls,” it’s probably because they’re regulars at JZ Styles — Jessi’s hair extension company and hair school, which became a favorite hangout spot for the MomTok crew.

Jordana Comiter is a Florida-based freelance writer who loves writing about entertainment, wellness, and dating trends. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, People, and Business Insider, among others. She is a proud graduate of Tulane University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.