Top Salt Lake City Tours: Explore the Best of Utah's Capital
Wondering what Salt Lake City tours are worth your time? The famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a key attraction in Salt Lake City, hosting concerts that enhance the visitor experience. Our guide highlights the top options, from walking and biking to Segway and specialty tours. Explore the city’s rich history, vibrant art scene, delicious food, and stunning outdoor landscapes.
Key Takeaways
Salt Lake City offers a variety of tour options including guided walking, bike, Segway, bus, and specialty tours, catering to diverse interests like history, art, food, and outdoor adventures.
Popular tours such as the Historic Downtown Tour and the Great Salt Lake Shoreline Tour highlight the city’s rich culture, architecture, and natural beauty.
Unique experiences like the Haunted Trolley Tour and the Antelope Island Wildlife Safari allow visitors to explore the city’s eerie history and amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Guided Walking Tours
Guided walking tours offer an excellent opportunity to delve into the core of Salt Lake City. Lasting between 2.5 to 3 hours and covering about 3 miles, these tours provide ample time to appreciate the city’s unique history and architectural charm.
Recognized as a ‘City 2.0’ due to its vibrant culture and growing allure, Salt Lake City offers diverse walking tours catering to various interests, ensuring every visitor discovers something captivating.
Historic Downtown Tour
The Historic Downtown Tour is essential for those keen on exploring Salt Lake City’s rich history. This tour covers key landmarks like Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol, central to the city’s identity.
Temple Square, known for its religious architecture, is the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and features informative tours of its beautiful gardens and significant buildings. The Capitol Building, with its stunning dome, showcases the architectural beauty of downtown Salt Lake City.
Pioneer Park, another highlight, offers a glimpse into the early days of the city’s settlement. Walking through these historic sites deepens your appreciation for Salt Lake City’s heritage and the stories that shaped it.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or rediscovering the city, the Historic Downtown Tour offers a compelling journey through time.
Art and Mural Tour
Art enthusiasts will find the Art and Mural Tour of Salt Lake City enchanting. The city features an impressive array of street art, including over 80 murals and installations, reflecting the diverse perspectives of local artists. Each mural tells a unique story, providing a vibrant and dynamic cultural experience.
Notable exhibitions, like the mixed-media display on Salt Lake’s homeless population at The Leonardo, offer thought-provoking insights into contemporary social issues. This tour blends urban exploration with artistic appreciation, making it a must-do for visitors.
Foodie Tour
Culinary enthusiasts will find the Foodie Tour delightful. Salt Lake City’s culinary landscape is creative and diverse, offering dishes beyond traditional cuisine. White Horse, known for locally sourced ingredients and craft cocktails, and Tony Caputo’s, famous for its Italian and artisan delicacies, are highlights. The Fisher Brewing Company is also a notable part of Salt Lake City's craft beer scene, offering a unique atmosphere and food truck offerings.
Coffee lovers will also be pleased. Spots like Three Pines Coffee and Publik Coffee Roasters are popular for their excellent brews and unique twists on classic favorites.
The Salt Lake City Farmers’ Market adds a vibrant touch to the culinary scene with live music and local products. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to enjoy a great meal, this tour offers a delicious journey through the city’s best dining spots.
Bike Tours
Bike tours in Salt Lake City offer an excellent way to explore the city’s scenic beauty and vibrant streets at your own pace. With a relatively flat topography and bike stations every few blocks, cycling around the city is both accessible and enjoyable.
The Greenbike program offers bright green cruisers popular among locals and tourists, making it easy to start your adventure. Whether cycling through downtown or along the shores of the Great Salt Lake, these tours offer a unique perspective on the city’s diverse landscapes.
Downtown and Liberty Park Loop
The Downtown and Liberty Park Loop is popular among cycling enthusiasts. This route takes you through downtown Salt Lake City to Liberty Park, a picturesque urban oasis with lush landscapes and a serene atmosphere. Enjoy the natural beauty and vibrant city streets, blending urban exploration with outdoor adventure.
The tour also includes stops to explore various attractions, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable ride.
Great Salt Lake Shoreline Tour
The Great Salt Lake Shoreline Tour offers a unique biking experience along the shores of one of Utah’s iconic natural features. Guided tours provide insights into the lake’s ecology and the beauty of its surroundings, making it a fascinating journey for nature lovers.
The tour highlights the ecological significance of the Great Salt Lake and allows participants to appreciate the stunning landscapes bordering Salt Lake City. It’s ideal for those seeking to combine outdoor adventure with ecological education.
Brewery Bike Tour
The Brewery Bike Tour is perfect for those who enjoy craft beer and biking. This tour combines the thrill of cycling with the pleasure of tasting local craft beers at multiple breweries throughout Salt Lake City. It’s an excellent way to explore the city’s burgeoning craft beer scene while enjoying a fun and active outing.
Craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of brews and the unique experience of visiting different breweries on two wheels.
Segway and Scooter Tours
Segway and scooter tours provide a fun and efficient way to cover more ground while exploring Salt Lake City. Whether gliding through the streets on a Segway or zipping around on a scooter, these tours blend sightseeing with local culture.
Iconic landmarks like the Salt Lake Temple and the Utah State Capitol are often included, along with trendy areas like Sugar House, known for its historic charm and vibrant nightlife. It’s an enjoyable way to see the city’s highlights without the fatigue of walking.
Temple Square and Capitol Hill
The Temple Square and Capitol Hill tour is essential for history and architecture enthusiasts. The Natural History Museum of Utah is another key cultural attraction in Salt Lake City, showcasing extensive exhibits on geological, biological, and cultural history. Temple Square, a historic area in downtown Salt Lake City, spans 35 acres and includes significant landmarks such as the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the Conference Center. Although undergoing renovations, the Salt Lake Temple remains a centerpiece of the square.
Free guided tours are available in more than 40 languages, offering insights into the rich religious and political history of the area. During the holiday season, the square’s festive light displays attract thousands of visitors, adding a magical touch.
Sugar House Exploration
Sugar House is a trendy neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of shops, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife. The Sugar House Exploration tour lets visitors discover this unique cultural atmosphere, with stops at vintage boutiques, contemporary art galleries, and cozy cafes.
The area’s historic charm combined with modern amenities makes it delightful to explore on a scooter. Whether you’re looking to shop, dine, or enjoy the lively ambiance, this tour offers a comprehensive look at one of Salt Lake City’s most beloved neighborhoods.
Bus and Trolley Tours
Bus and trolley tours offer a comfortable and convenient way to see Salt Lake City’s major attractions. Ideal for visitors who prefer a relaxed pace, these tours allow you to enjoy the city’s sights and sounds. The air-conditioned buses, equipped with panoramic windows, ensure optimal viewing of attractions like Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol.
With over 40 years of popularity, these tours are a proven way to experience the city’s highlights.
City Highlights Tour
The City Highlights Tour provides a comprehensive overview of Salt Lake City’s top sights and activities. Covering a 20-mile journey, it showcases significant locations throughout the city, offering an engaging and informative experience. From historical landmarks to modern attractions, this tour ensures you don’t miss any key sights that make Salt Lake City unique.
It’s perfect for those seeking an all-encompassing view of the city in a short amount of time.
Haunted Trolley Tour
The Haunted Trolley Tour offers a spine-chilling journey through Salt Lake City’s eerie history and folklore. Featuring stories of local ghost encounters and visits to infamous haunted sites, this tour provides a unique perspective on the city’s darker side. Participants will hear chilling ghost stories from the past, making for an unforgettable and hauntingly fun experience.
If you’re a fan of the supernatural, this tour is a must-do during your visit.
Outdoor Adventure Tours
Salt Lake City is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of adventure tours that showcase the area’s natural beauty. From hiking and biking to snowshoeing and wildlife safaris, there are countless ways to explore the great outdoors. If you want to experience it all, be sure to visit salt lake. The Wasatch Mountain range serves as a stunning backdrop for many activities, while the Great Salt Lake and its unique ecosystem add an extra layer of intrigue.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a casual nature lover, these tours provide excellent options for experiencing the best of Salt Lake City’s natural attractions.
Hiking Trails Tour
Hiking enthusiasts will find several popular trails in Salt Lake City catering to various skill levels. Ensign Peak and Living Room Trail are two of the most well-known routes.
The Ensign Peak hike, though brief at 0.8 miles, offers stunning views and typically takes around 40 minutes to complete. The Living Room Trail is longer at 2.7 miles, providing a more extended adventure with equally rewarding vistas.
Hikers should bring sunscreen and water, especially on the Ensign Peak trail, which lacks shade. These trails offer a perfect blend of exercise and scenic beauty for nature lovers.
Snowshoeing and Winter Sports
Winter sports enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Salt Lake City’s surrounding canyons, including little cottonwood canyon. Park City, a significant destination for outdoor recreational activities, is also nearby, offering a variety of adventures and cultural events. Snowshoeing offers a serene way to explore the snowy landscapes, with multiple canyons providing scenic routes. Popular ski resorts like Brighton Ski Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort boast impressive snowfall and excellent skiing conditions.
Families can also enjoy snowshoeing together, with rental shops available for those without equipment. Layer up and prepare for an unforgettable winter adventure in Utah’s pristine snow-covered landscapes.
Antelope Island Wildlife Safari
Nature lovers will be thrilled by the Antelope Island Wildlife Safari, an outdoor adventure that offers the chance to view a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. The Salt Lake Valley, with its natural beauty and cultural attractions, adds to the allure of the region. Antelope Island, accessible via a causeway, is renowned for its stunning backdrop of the Great Salt Lake and its diverse animal life, including bison, antelope, and numerous bird species.
This tour allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the island while observing the rich biodiversity that makes it a unique destination.
Specialty Tours
Specialty tours in Salt Lake City cater to unique interests and provide tailored experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions. These tours are perfect for visitors looking to delve deeper into specific aspects of the city’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
From sports and heritage to photography, there’s a specialty tour for every interest, making your visit to Salt Lake City even more enriching.
Utah Jazz Game and Arena Tour
Sports fans will find the Utah Jazz Game and Arena Tour an exhilarating experience. Attending a Utah Jazz game at the Vivint Smart Home Arena not only offers the excitement of live basketball but also includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the arena.
This exclusive tour provides insights into the operations of the Utah Jazz and the history of the team, enhancing the overall experience for sports enthusiasts. It’s a fantastic way to combine the thrill of a live game with an informative look at the venue and team.
Mormon Heritage Tour
The Mormon Heritage Tour offers visitors a comprehensive look into the history and cultural significance of the Mormon faith in Salt Lake City. The famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, a key attraction at Temple Square, hosts concerts that enhance the experience of visitors in the area. This tour features visits to key historical sites, such as the famous mormon tabernacle choir and other significant locations, providing deep insights into the religious and cultural heritage of the Mormon community at the utah museum.
It’s an enlightening experience for those interested in understanding the profound impact of Mormon culture on the city and its development.
Photography Tour
Photography enthusiasts will find the Photography Tour of Salt Lake City particularly rewarding. Guided excursions take participants to visually stunning locations, including urban murals and natural landscapes like the Bonneville Salt Flats.
These tours focus on capturing the unique beauty of Salt Lake City, from its vibrant street art to its breathtaking natural scenery, ensuring that photographers of all levels can capture memorable images. It’s a perfect way to explore and document the city’s most picturesque spots.
Summary
From guided walking tours that delve into the rich history and vibrant art scene to bike and Segway tours that offer unique perspectives on the city’s landscape, Salt Lake City is brimming with exciting adventures for every type of traveler. Red Butte Garden is a premier attraction for nature lovers, offering stunning botanical displays, diverse flora, and serene hiking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore stunning hiking trails, snowshoe through picturesque winter landscapes, or embark on a wildlife safari on Antelope Island. Specialty tours provide tailored experiences that cater to specific interests, enhancing the overall visitor experience. No matter what your interests are, Salt Lake City promises an unforgettable journey filled with discovery and adventure. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of Utah’s capital city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best walking tours in Salt Lake City?
You can't go wrong with the Historic Downtown Tour, the Art and Mural Tour, or the Foodie Tour in Salt Lake City; each one gives you a fantastic glimpse into the city’s vibrant history, art, and food culture. Choose one that intrigues you the most!
Are bike tours available in Salt Lake City suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, bike tours in Salt Lake City, like the Downtown and Liberty Park Loop, are perfect for beginners since they feature flat terrain and convenient bike stations along the way. You'll have a great time exploring!
What can I expect from a Segway or scooter tour?
You can expect a fun and efficient adventure as you glide through Salt Lake City, checking out iconic spots like Temple Square and Capitol Hill while enjoying the fresh air. It’s a great way to see the city from a unique perspective!
Are there any unique specialty tours in Salt Lake City?
Absolutely, there are unique specialty tours in Salt Lake City like the Utah Jazz Game and Arena Tour, the Mormon Heritage Tour, which includes a visit to see the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and even a Photography Tour that cater to specific interests. These tours offer exclusive experiences that stand out!
What outdoor adventure tours are available in Salt Lake City?
If you're looking for outdoor adventure tours in Salt Lake City, you can enjoy hiking trails like Ensign Peak and Living Room Trail, hit the slopes for snowshoeing and winter sports, or go on a wildlife safari at Antelope Island. They all offer an exciting way to experience the great outdoors!
