Ensign Peak: The Perfect Sunset Makeout Spot

Off Ensign Vista Dr. | Open daily, sunrise to sunset

Head to Ensign Peak before or after that romantic date night splurge. This quick 0.8-mile trek rewards you with panoramic views of downtown Salt Lake and the Great Salt Lake that no restaurant view can match. The sunset here transforms the valley into a canvas of oranges and pinks—perfect for that romantic selfie or quiet moment together.

Tip: Get there early for an uncrowded view—or wait for sunset and get that glow-up shot.

Sugar House Park: Where Romance Meets Relaxation

1330 2100 S | Open 7 AM - 10 PM

Just about 10 minutes from downtown, Sugar House Park offers 110 acres of green space where couples can wander hand-in-hand along tree-lined paths, cycle around the pond, or simply spread a blanket on the grass. The park's rolling hills create natural pockets of privacy—perfect for conversations that flow as easily as the nearby stream. Sugar House Park is the perfect jumping-off point before heading out to eat at Ekamai Thai or grabbing drinks at Campfire Lounge.

Pro Tip: Pack a little something (hello, picnic!) and find a quiet spot by the pond for the ultimate chill hangout.
 

Star Parties: A Night Under the Stars (Literally)

Trade city lights for starlight at one of Salt Lake's regular Star Parties. Local astronomers bring powerful telescopes and boundless enthusiasm to locations like the County Library, University of Utah's South Physics Observatory (Wednesday evenings), Antelope Island, and Wheeler Historic Farm. You'll spot planets, star clusters, and maybe even a passing satellite—all while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with your favorite person.

Tip: Check our event calendar for exact times—and remember to bring some warm layers, it can get chilly at night!
 

Albion Basin Wildflower Walk: Nature's Own Color Festival

Albion Basin | Best viewing late July to early August

Just a quick, scenic drive from downtown sits nature's most vibrant art show—Albion Basin's legendary wildflower meadows. While others snap photos from their cars, you'll be wandering hand-in-hand through head-high columbines, scarlet paintbrush, and purple lupine that carpet the alpine slopes. Skip the $10 access fee by parking at Albion Grill and taking the scenic 15-minute walk up to the meadows—the extra steps reward you with quieter trails and more dramatic reveals as you climb.

Pro Tip: Time your visit for early morning when the dew still clings to petals and most visitors haven't arrived yet. Bring a field guide to identify some of the 120+ flower species—turning the walk into a playful scavenger hunt adds another layer to the experience.

Utah Museum of Fine Arts (Free Days): Art, Culture, and All the Free Feels

410 Campus Center Dr | Open 10 AM - 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday

On designated free days, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts opens its doors to everyone—no ticket required. Wander through global art collections spanning 5,000 years, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to bold contemporary pieces. It's the perfect place to spark conversations that go deeper than "What should we get for dinner?"

Tip: Check out the museum’s website for free days—because who doesn’t love a little free culture?

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art: Where Creativity Pushes Boundaries

20 S W Temple St | Open 11 AM - 6 PM Tuesday through Saturday

Just steps from Temple Square, UMOCA has been challenging perspectives since 1931. Utah's only museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art hosts exhibitions that spark conversations and sometimes even beautiful disagreements—exactly what makes for a memorable date or friend outing. The suggested $5 donation is optional, making this creative powerhouse accessible to everyone.

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tip: Keep an eye out for rotating exhibitions—there’s always something fresh and unexpected to discover!
 

Downtown Art Stroll: Artsy Vibes and Good Times

Every third Friday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

On the third Friday of each month, downtown Salt Lake transforms into an open-air gallery. Local artists and curators throw open their doors for extended hours, offering free access to exhibitions that range from edgy installations to traditional landscapes. Add live music, refreshments, and conversations with the artists themselves, and you've got a night out that's cultured, social, and completely free.

Tip: Grab the art stroll map from any participating gallery to explore the full art scene.

The Gateway Art Stroll: A Stroll with Style

Every third Friday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

As part of the citywide Gallery Stroll, The Gateway adds its own distinctive flair. Walk down Rio Grande Street to discover themed window displays and pop-up studios where Art Shop Artists showcase their latest work. With live music setting the mood from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, you can turn art appreciation into a full evening of urban exploration.

Tip: When you work up an appetite from all your strolling, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of The Gateway's amazing restaurants!

Fort Douglas Military Museum: For History Buffs and Curious Souls

32 Potter St, Fort Douglas | Open 10 AM - 4 PM Tuesday through Saturday

Nestled on the University of Utah campus, Fort Douglas Military Museum chronicles Utah's military history from the Civil War through modern conflicts. The museum occupies original 1860s buildings where soldiers once lived and worked, creating an authentic backdrop for exhibitions of uniforms, weapons, and personal artifacts that bring the past to life.

Tip: Step outside to explore the collection of historic military vehicles and artillery pieces displayed on the grounds.

Pioneer Memorial Museum: For Those Who Love a Good Story

300 N Main St | Open 9 AM - 4:30 PM Monday through Saturday

This isn't your typical yawn-inducing history collection—it's the world's largest assembly of pioneer artifacts, packed into a historic building that practically buzzes with stories. Four floors display everything from delicate hand-stitched quilts to massive wagons that crossed the plains, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of Salt Lake's founders. The museum's slightly quirky, cluttered charm makes exploring feel like a treasure hunt.

Tip: Look for the personal journals and letters—they reveal the human side of history through firsthand accounts of triumphs and hardships.

Living Room Hike: Your Perfect Mountain Escape

Lake St E | Open daily, sunrise to sunset

Just minutes from downtown, the Living Room Trail offers a 2.8-mile round-trip adventure with a uniquely Salt Lake payoff. The path climbs through scrub oak and wildflowers before revealing its namesake—flat sandstone rocks arranged like sofas and chairs, perfectly positioned for taking in sweeping valley views. It's the kind of spot where conversations flow easily and time seems to slow down.

Tip: For the ultimate experience, time your hike for sunset when the valley lights begin to twinkle and the mountains turn gold—just remember to bring headlamps for the descent.

Red Butte Garden Free Days: Nature’s Best Freebie

300 Wakara Way | Monday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

On designated free days, Red Butte Garden opens its gates to everyone, inviting visitors to explore 21 acres of meticulously cultivated gardens and natural areas. Wander through themed spaces like the Fragrance Garden and Water Conservation Garden, or follow trails that wind through native mountain terrain with views of the Salt Lake Valley. It's a place where you can literally stop and smell the roses—or the sage, depending on the season.

Tip: Spring brings tulips by the thousands, while fall transforms the maple grove into a blaze of red and gold—both seasons offer peak Instagram potential.

Scenic Drive up Cottonwood Canyons: The Ultimate Mountain Road Trip

In Salt Lake, spectacular mountain scenery isn't hours away—it's minutes. Big Cottonwood Canyon (15 miles, roughly 30 minutes one way) and Little Cottonwood Canyon (8 miles, roughly 20 minutes one way) carve dramatic paths through the Wasatch Range, offering windshield views that rival national parks. Pull off at overlooks to photograph granite cliffs and cascading streams or stretch your legs on easily accessible trails like Donut Falls or Lisa Falls.

Tip: These canyons transform with the seasons—catch wildflower meadows in summer, blazing maples in fall, and snow-draped evergreens in winter. Weekday mornings offer the lightest traffic and best photo opportunities.

Pioneer Park Farmers Market: Fresh Finds & Local Vibes

350 S 300 W | Saturdays, May - October 8 AM - 2 PM

Since 1992, this downtown market has been the Saturday morning ritual Salt Lakers won't miss. More than just a place to grab local produce, it's a weekly festival where you'll find everything from farm-fresh peaches to artisanal cheese, handcrafted jewelry to local honey. Live music fills the air while food trucks serve up global cuisines, creating an atmosphere that's equal parts community gathering and culinary adventure.

Tip: The early bird gets the heirloom tomatoes—arrive before 9 AM for first pick of seasonal produce and shorter lines at popular vendors.

Public Events & Festivals in Downtown Salt Lake City: Fun All Year Long

Salt Lake's community calendar stays packed with free events that showcase the city's playful spirit. Summer brings outdoor movie screenings to parks and plazas, while street festivals fill downtown with music, food, and local artisans several times a year. From the Living Traditions Festival and the Utah Pride Festival celebrating diverse cultures to the Utah Arts Festival transforming downtown into a creative playground, these events offer no-cost entertainment with a distinctly Salt Lake flavor.

Tip: Follow Visit Salt Lake's events calendar to catch upcoming festivals—the best ones fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early for prime spots.

Gilgal Gardens: Quirky, Cool, and Totally Instagrammable

749 E 500 S | Open 8 AM - 8 PM

Tucked between residential buildings in a central neighborhood, Gilgal Gardens is Salt Lake's most delightfully bizarre attraction. This small sculpture garden features 12 unusual stone carvings created by Thomas Child, including a sphinx with Joseph Smith's face and a self-portrait of the artist emerging from stone. The cryptic biblical inscriptions and unexpected imagery make this garden a conversation starter like no other.

Tip: Look for the stone etched with odd-shaped letters—they're actually footprints arranged to form text, just one example of the garden's playful eccentricity.

Olympic Cauldron: Relive the 2002 Olympic Magic

451 1400 E | Open 10 AM - 6 PM Monday through Friday

When Salt Lake hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, the world watched as athletes reached for gold against our mountain backdrop. Today, the Olympic Cauldron stands as a gleaming 117-foot glass and steel sculpture commemorating those 17 days that transformed the city. Walk among the nearby plaques and displays to discover stories of triumph and community that continue to shape Salt Lake's identity.

Tip: Pair your Cauldron visit with a trip to Olympic Legacy Plaza at The Gateway downtown, where you can see monuments to athletes and volunteers If you fly into Salt Lake, make sure you watch for the Hoberman Arch that once framed medal ceremonies on your way out of the airport area.

Cathedral of the Madeleine: Awe-Inspiring Beauty

331 E S Temple St | Open 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday

Step through the heavy wooden doors of this 1909 cathedral and enter a world of unexpected grandeur. Soaring Gothic arches draw your eyes upward to intricate stained glass windows and hand-painted murals that tell ancient stories in vivid color. The cathedral serves as both an active parish and a cultural treasure, offering visitors of all faiths a moment of tranquility in the heart of the city.

Tip: Don’t just glance at the stained glass—look closely! Each window tells a different story, and when the sunlight hits just right, the colors are absolutely mesmerizing.

Historic Temple Square Tours: A Walk Through History

50 North Temple | Open daily, tour times vary

At Temple Square, Salt Lake's origin story comes to life through architecture and landscape. Free guided tours take you through 35 acres of meticulously maintained grounds, historic buildings, and visitor centers that showcase both Mormon heritage and modern faith. The gothic Assembly Hall, domed Tabernacle, and soaring Temple create a distinctive skyline that's been the heart of the city since 1853.

Tip: Visit in the evening when the buildings glow under the city lights—it’s seriously so beautiful!

FamilySearch: Discover Your Roots Together

35 N W Temple St | Monday: 9 AM – 6 PM, Tuesday–Thursday: 9 AM – 8 PM, Friday–Saturday: 9 AM – 6 PM

To the east of Temple Square is of the world's largest genealogical libraries—and it's completely free to explore. FamilySearch combines cutting-edge technology with the world's largest collection of family records to help visitors discover their personal connections to history. Interactive displays allow you to map your genetic heritage, explore migration patterns, and even find famous relatives, turning family history into an unexpectedly engaging group activity.

Tip: Challenge friends to a friendly competition—who can trace their lineage back furthest or find the most surprising ancestor? The staff genealogists are happy to help beginners get started.

From scenic hikes with city skyline views to quirky sculpture gardens hidden in plain sight, Salt Lake proves that the best experiences often come without a price tag. Whether you're planning a memorable date night or gathering your friends for a weekend adventure, these free attractions offer authentic ways to experience the city's unique culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming spirit. The hardest part? Deciding which free adventure to try first.