Local favorites, hidden gems, and budget-friendly ways to explore SLC
BRUCE BIGFORD
Salt Lake City has a way of surprising people. Some of its best experiences are obvious, others are easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.
This list covers 25 of the most worthwhile things to do in Salt Lake City, the kinds of places and experiences visitors look for and locals return to again and again. Whether you’re here for a weekend, new to town, or simply in the mood to explore your own city, these are the essentials done right.
⭐ 1. Explore the Utah State Capitol & Scenic Overlook
(Free Views of Salt Lake City)
Address: 350 State St, Salt Lake City, UT
Best for: Photography, sunsets, peaceful walks, panoramic city views
The Utah State Capitol is one of the most beautiful and photogenic public spaces in Salt Lake City. Sitting high above downtown, the grounds offer sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley, the skyline, and the Wasatch Mountains. Whether you're walking the landscaped paths, admiring the historic architecture, or relaxing on the broad steps, this is easily one of the top free things to do in SLC year-round.
Why It’s Special: • Stunning cherry blossoms each spring • Golden-hour sunsets with unobstructed valley views • Iconic city skyline photography spots • Historic statues and monuments around the grounds • Plenty of easy, free parking
Insider Tip: Walk to the west-side overlook just before sunset — locals quietly consider it one of the best free viewpoints in all of Salt Lake City.
⭐ 2. Memory Grove Park (A Quiet Urban Escape Near Downtown)
Address: 300 N Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT
Best for: Quiet walks, dogs, photos, peaceful greenery
Memory Grove is one of Salt Lake City’s most peaceful urban escapes — a shaded, scenic park tucked right below the State Capitol. The park features stone bridges, flowing water, grassy lawns, memorial monuments, and a quiet pathway that leads deeper into City Creek Canyon.
Why People Love It: • Dog-friendly walking paths • Relaxing scenery with water and trees • Easy access from downtown • Great for photography and quiet morning strolls
Insider Tip: Continue up the canyon trail past the park entrance for a serene, shaded walk that feels far removed from downtown.
⭐ 3. Hike Ensign Peak — Classic City Overlook
Trailhead Address: 1002 N Ensign Vista Dr, Salt Lake City, UT
Best for: Sunset hikes, visitors, easy viewpoints, families
Ensign Peak is a short, iconic hike overlooking downtown
Salt Lake City. The trail is steep but brief — only about 0.8 miles
round-trip — making it one of the easiest ways to get a postcard
perfect view of the entire valley. It’s a favorite for locals and
visitors alike.
Why It’s Great: • Fast, beginner-friendly hike • Unmatched sunset views over the valley • Ideal for visiting friends or family • Stunning photos from the summit
Insider Tip: Go at sunrise or sunset for the best color. Bring water — the trail
is exposed with little shade.
⭐ 4. Gilgal Sculpture Garden — Salt Lake’s Strangest Landmark
Address: 749 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT
Best for: Unique art, curiosity seekers, hidden gems
Gilgal Sculpture Garden is one of Salt Lake City’s most unusual attractions — a small, quiet outdoor park filled with surreal sculptures inspired by religion, local history, and the imagination of artist Thomas Battersby Child. It’s weird, memorable, and unlike anything else in Utah.
Why People Visit: • The famous Joseph Smith Sphinx statue • Dozens of quirky stone sculptures • Calm, tucked-away location in the city • Free, fast, and fun stop
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning — the lighting makes the sculptures perfect for photos.
⭐ 5. Walk Through City Creek Center (Beautiful Indoor–Outdoor Mall)
Address: 50 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT
Best for: Architecture, window shopping, rainy days, families
City Creek Center is more than just a shopping mall — it’s one of the most architecturally impressive areas in downtown Salt Lake City. A real creek runs through the center, complete with trout, fountains, bridges,
and landscaped walkways.
What You’ll Experience: • Waterfalls and fountains • Garden-style walkways • Public art and skybridges • Beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces
Insider Tip: This is a perfect activity on hot summer days or rainy weather since much of the center is covered.
⭐ 6. Salt Lake City Public Library Rooftop (Free Downtown Overlook)
Address: 210 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT
Best for: Architecture, rooftop views, reading, quiet afternoons
The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most stunning public buildings in the state — a curved glass structure filled with natural light, wide walkways, reading nooks, and an open six-story atrium. Best of all, you can access the free rooftop terrace, which overlooks downtown and the Wasatch Mountains.
Why It’s Special: • Free rooftop garden with panoramic city views • Modern architecture and peaceful community spaces • Great place to read, work, or relax • Beautiful photo opportunities
Insider Tip: Visit the rooftop an hour before sunset — the warm light makes the entire city glow.
⭐ 7. Jordan River Parkway Trail (40+ Miles of Free Scenic Pathways)
Multiple Access Points: Popular entry near 6400 S & Jordan River Blvd
Best for: Biking, long walks, nature escapes, wildlife spotting
The Jordan River Parkway is one of the best free outdoor experiences in the Salt Lake Valley — a 40+ mile paved trail running through wetlands, shaded paths, bridges, parks, and quiet green space. It’s ideal for biking, jogging, photography, or peaceful strolls along the river.
Why It’s Great: • One of the longest continuous free trails in the valley • Plenty of shaded areas and wildlife sightings • Flat, beginner-friendly path for all ages • Beautiful year-round scenery
Unbelievable biking and ebiking.
Insider Tip: Start near Winchester Street for one of the most scenic and less-busy sections of the trail.
⭐ 8. Kennecott Copper Mine Overlook (Unique and Surprisingly Affordable)
Visitor Center: Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience
Tickets: About $6 (nearly free for what you get)
The Kennecott Copper Mine is the largest open-pit copper mine in the world, and it’s truly jaw-dropping to see in person. While not completely free, the $6 ticket makes it one of the most affordable activities in the entire valley — and absolutely worth the experience.
Why It’s Great: • Incredible photography of a massive open pit mine • Excellent visitor center with displays and history • Self-guided tour that takes about 90 minutes • Fascinating look at Utah’s mining history
Insider Tip: Book your reservation ahead of time — the visitor center can fill up during peak months.
⭐ 9. Temple Square Gardens & Public Grounds
Address: 50 N Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
Best for: Architecture, gardens, peaceful walks, photography
Regardless of your beliefs, the Temple Square grounds are among the most beautifully maintained public spaces in Utah. With fountains, immaculate gardens, pathways, and historic architecture, it’s a quiet and scenic place to explore for free.
Insider Tip: The reflecting pool offers some of the most unique photo opportunities in downtown Salt Lake.
⭐ 10. Murray City Park (Family-Friendly Outdoor Fun)
Address: 296 E Murray Park Ave, Murray, UT
Best for: Families, sports, picnics, playgrounds
Murray Park is one of the valley’s best family-friendly outdoor spaces — packed with huge trees, walking paths, sports fields, picnic areas, and modern playgrounds. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon with kids, pets, or friends.
Why People Love It: • Big shaded trees and wide open grass areas • Pickleball, sand volleyball, soccer fields, softball diamonds • Multiple playgrounds for kids • Great spot for gatherings and picnics
Insider Tip: Reserve a pavilion in advance during summer weekends — the park is a popular spot for large family events.
⭐ 11. Great Salt Lake Shoreline (Free, Otherworldly Scenery)
Best Access Points: • Great Salt Lake Marina Overlook • Saltair Beach Area • Stansbury Island (for adventurers)
Best for: Photography, sunsets, solitude, unique landscapes
The Great Salt Lake offers some of the most surreal scenery in Utah — wide open views, soft light, and incredible sunsets reflecting off the water. This is one of the easiest and most peaceful free outdoor experiences near Salt Lake City.
Why It’s Special: • Unreal sunset colors over the lake • Expansive, quiet shoreline views • Great for long walks and photos • Unique, dreamlike atmosphere
Insider Tip: Visit in the evening — the pink and orange horizon colors are unlike anywhere else in Utah.
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon — lower trailheads including Mill B, Donut Falls approach, and Willow Heights area
Best for: Families, beginners, wildflowers, casual hiking
Lower Big Cottonwood Canyon offers easy-to-reach hiking trails with mountain-level scenery just minutes from the city. Expect waterfalls, shaded forests, wildflowers, and wide-open canyon views — all free and incredibly accessible.
Why It’s Great: • Canyon scenery with minimal hiking effort • Frequent wildlife sightings • Family-friendly paths • Gorgeous views year-round • Access to hundreds of miles of additional trails
Insider Tip: Check Trailforks.com or AllTrails.com before you go — both have accurate trail conditions and routes.
⭐ 13. Liberty Park + Tracy Aviary Outer Grounds
Address: 600 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT
Best for: Walks, people-watching, photography, family outings
Liberty Park is one of Salt Lake City’s oldest and most beloved parks. With shady walking loops, ponds, playgrounds, and open lawns, it’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon. The Tracy Aviary’s outer grounds border the park — you can see several birds without paid admission.
Highlights: • Shaded perimeter walking loop • Ponds, fountains, and gardens • Tons of bird activity near Tracy Aviary • Historic features and large green spaces
Insider Tip: If you have kids or love birds, consider visiting the full Tracy Aviary — the donation fee is worth the experience, especially during bird shows.
⭐ 14. The Gateway Plaza (Murals, Fountains & Free Family Fun)
Address: 400 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT
Best for: Kids, families, murals, interactive fountains
The Gateway is a large outdoor plaza with free fountains, murals, public art, and wide walkways perfect for families. Kids can play safely in the splash pads while adults enjoy the open-air atmosphere.
Why It’s Fun: • Colorful murals and public art installations • Interactive splash fountains • Open, stroller-friendly walkways • Free family-friendly environment
Insider Tip: Come in the evening — the lights, murals, and fountains feel even more vibrant after sunset.
⭐ 15. University of Utah Campus Walk (Historic & Scenic)
Address: 201 Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City, UT
Best for: Architecture lovers, peaceful strolls, photos
The University of Utah campus is surprisingly beautiful — filled with historic buildings, mountain views, sculptures, and tree-lined walkways. It’s a quiet, relaxing place to wander for free.
Why It’s Worth Visiting: • Beautiful landscaping and walkways • Historic architecture on Presidents Circle • Scenic mountain views • Peaceful, safe environment
Insider Tip: Start your walk on Presidents Circle — it offers the most iconic architecture and the best photo spots.
Multiple Trailheads: Avenues Foothills, Dry Creek, City Creek, Red Butte
Best for: Easy hikes, sunsets, mountain views, families
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) runs along the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains and offers some of the easiest, most accessible hiking in Salt Lake City. With rolling paths, wildflowers in spring, and constant views of the valley, it's perfect for anyone wanting a quick outdoor escape without committing to a long hike.
Why It’s Popular: • Easily accessed from dozens of trailheads • Fantastic views of the city and mountains • Great for sunrise and sunset walks • Family-friendly, dog-friendly options • Wildflowers and wildlife in the warmer months
Insider Tip: Start from the Avenues trailheads for some of the most scenic, high-elevation viewpoints with minimal effort.
⭐ 17. International Peace Gardens (A Quiet World Tour)
Address: 1160 Dalton Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT
Best for: Gardens, quiet walks, photography, culture
The International Peace Gardens is one of Salt Lake City’s most peaceful hidden gems. Designed to represent different nations from around the world, each garden features unique structures, landscaping, and cultural elements — all tucked away along the Jordan River.
Why It’s Special: • Dedicated gardens representing more than 25 countries • Quiet pathways perfect for reflection • Beautiful flowers, trees, and landscaping • One of only two peace gardens in the United States
Insider Tip: Go early in the morning for soft, golden light and crowd-free photography.
⭐ 18. The Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural Museum History of Utah is an amazing experience you do not want to miss. The dinosaur display is one of the best in the country. The exhibits do not fail to impress. Located near the University of Utah, the display is open during these hours.
Daily: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesdays: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Rio Tinto Center | University of Utah
301 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
While not entirely free for everyone these are the free opportunities that are available.
University students, staff, and faculty Free admission with a valid U Card.
Veterans: Free admission for veterans and one guest on Veterans Day weekend.
Homeschool families: One free self-guided field trip day each school year for homeschool families, provided they bring a letter of intent from their local school district to receive free admission.
Utah public and charter school students, teachers, and chaperones: Free admission on a first-come, first-served basis through a program for up to 40,000 individuals.
Other ways to get free admission:
Museum membership: Members receive free admission for an entire year.
Children 2 and under: Children aged 2 and under are admitted for free.
⭐ 19. UMOCA — Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (Always Free)
Address: 20 S West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
Best for: Art lovers, quick visits, modern exhibits
UMOCA is Salt Lake City’s award-winning contemporary art museum, featuring bold exhibitions from local, national, and international artists. With rotating galleries, thought-provoking installations, and free admission year-round, it’s an easy and inspiring downtown stop.
Why People Love It: • Free admission (donations appreciated)
⭐ 20. Explore Main Street Downtown (Shops, Bars & Free TRAX)
Location: Main Street, downtown Salt Lake City
Best for: Nights out, restaurants, bar hopping, free transportation
Main Street is the heartbeat of downtown Salt Lake City — packed with restaurants, local shops, music venues, and nightlife. Best of all, TRAX is free to ride within the downtown core, making it easy to hop between City Creek, Gallivan Plaza, and Main Street without spending a dime.
Why It’s Fun: • Dozens of restaurants and drink spots • Live music, bars, and nightlife • Safe, walkable streets • Free TRAX access through the downtown zone
Insider Tip: Stop by the dueling piano bar — it’s one of the most popular and entertaining nightlife spots in the city.
⭐ 21. Wheeler Historic Farm (Free Grounds & Family Fun)
Address: 6351 S 900 E, Murray, UT Phone: (385) 468-1755
Best for: Families, kids, animals, outdoor walks
Wheeler Historic Farm is a 75-acre working farm and public park offering free access to its beautiful outdoor grounds. Visitors can wander past barns, historic buildings, farm animals, open fields, and shaded walking paths. While wagon rides and certain seasonal events cost extra, exploring the farm is completely free — and perfect for families.
Why It’s Worth Visiting: • Open farmland, animals, and historic barns • Free walking paths and outdoor areas • Picnic spots, playgrounds, and open lawns • Year-round events and farmers markets
2Insider Tip: Visit in the morning to catch the animals when they’re most active and the lighting is perfect for photos.
⭐ 22. The Avenues Scenic Drive (Historic Neighborhood With Views)
Location: South Temple St → Avenues District
Best for: Scenic drives, historic homes, neighborhood exploring
The Avenues is one of Salt Lake City’s most historic neighborhoods, known for its Victorian homes, winding hillside streets, and sweeping views of the valley. It’s a beautiful area to drive through — or even better, park and explore on foot.
Why It’s Charming: • Beautiful Victorian and early 1900s homes • Hillside streets with city and mountain views • Quiet cafés, small shops, and hidden gems • Easy access to local trailheads
Insider Tip: Start your drive on South Temple Street, heading east — it naturally flows into the Avenues and showcases some of the most historic architecture in the city
Best for: Architecture, history, gardens, peaceful walks
Temple Square is one of Salt Lake City’s most historically significant and most visited locations. Guests can explore its gardens, fountains, walkways, historic buildings, and visitor centers free of charge while learning about the pioneers and the history of the area.
Why It’s Significant: • Rich history of Salt Lake City and early settlers • Beautiful gardens and fountains • Iconic architecture and reflecting pools • Visitor-friendly grounds with free walking paths
Insider Tip: Visit near sunset when the reflecting pool captures the warm glow of the surrounding buildings.
Best for: Scenic drives, hiking, picnics, fall colors
Millcreek Canyon is a local favorite — a beautiful canyon lined with picnic spots, scenic drives, dog-friendly trails, and year-round outdoor access. While the canyon charges a small fee on certain days, there are designated free access days, making it one of the best low-cost nature experiences in the city.
Why People Love It: • Dog-friendly trails and creekside paths • Gorgeous fall colors and summer greenery • Dozens of picnic areas • Easy-to-access viewpoints and photo spots
Insider Tip: Check online for free-access days — it’s worth timing your visit to avoid the entry fee on peak weekends.
⭐ 25. Self-Guided Historic Neighborhood Walks
Best Areas: • Marmalade District • The Avenues • Capitol Hill • Old Sugar House Murals
Best for: Architecture, history lovers, quiet strolls
Salt Lake City is filled with historic neighborhoods offering quiet streets, beautiful old homes, and walkable charm. These neighborhoods are perfect for self-guided explorations, photography, and peaceful afternoon walks.
Why It’s Great: • Unique early 1900s homes and architecture • Quiet, walkable streets • Great photo opportunities • Local cafés, bookstores, and corner shops nearby
Insider Tip: If you love local food trucks, visit foodtruckleague.com/utah before heading out — you might find a nearby food truck gathering to finish your walk with lunch or dessert.
Salt Lake City offers no shortage of memorable experiences that don’t cost a dime. From scenic canyon trails and historic landmarks to peaceful gardens, public art, and vibrant downtown spaces, the city is packed with free things to see and do year-round.
Whether you’re exploring iconic spots like Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol, enjoying nature at Ensign Peak or Memory Grove, or discovering local culture through museums, murals, and public spaces, Salt Lake City proves you don’t need a big budget to experience the best of the city.
