10 Must-See Public Parks in Salt Lake: A Traveler’s Guide
In Salt Lake, our parks aren't just green spaces—they're front-row seats to the Wasatch Mountains. Where else can you picnic with snow-capped peaks as your backdrop or finish a morning coffee in time for a walk among nature within the city? Our parks blend urban amenities with alpine views in a way that's uniquely Salt Lake. Whether catching a summer concert or sledding down winter hills, these parks showcase the sweet spot between city life and outdoor adventure.
Ready to explore? Here are ten parks that prove Salt Lake knows how to do urban-outdoor right
Just 8 minutes from downtown, Liberty Park is Salt Lake's answer to Central Park—except ours comes with mountain views. This 80-acre urban oasis packs in everything from an aviary to an honest-to-goodness amusement park. Bike over on the 900 South bikeway, cool off at the splash pad, or channel your inner local with a game of sand volleyball. You can even rent a paddle boat for a lazy afternoon on the pond, all with the Wasatch Mountains creating your personal backdrop.
Pro Tip: Time your visit for the 2:15 pm Bird Talk at Tracy Aviary, where the Bird Care Team shares fascinating insights about our feathered friends.
Delicious Foodie Tip: Combine your visit to Liberty Park with a stopover at The Park Cafe, serving breakfast since 1982, for one of the best brunches in Salt Lake. Snag an outdoor seat to admire views of Liberty Park with their French Toast Foolishness, Park Potatoes or ginormous pancakes (perfect for kids with big appetites).
Seasonal Highlights:
Spring: Hit the Liberty Park tennis courts for a great workout with the locals
Summer: Fire up the grill for a cookout, then cool off with paddle boating on the pond
Fall: Don't miss Eat Drink SLC at Tracy Aviary in September—wine tasting among the birds? Yes, please
Winter: Find the perfect sledding hill, particularly near the southern end of the park (trust us, locals know all the best spots)
Imagine finding a slice of tranquility just 5 minutes from downtown's buzz. Memory Grove Park, tucked at the base of City Creek Canyon, feels like stepping onto a movie set—complete with historic war memorials and a burbling canal fed by mountain streams. It's where downtown meets mountain charm, and yes, it's as magical as it sounds.
Helpful Tips: Can't snag parking at the base? Park by the Capitol, take in those spectacular city views, then walk down to the park. Note: This is an off-leash park, so expect to meet plenty of four-legged locals.
Seasonal Highlights:
Fall & Spring: Catch the leaves changing colors—it's basically nature's own Instagram filter
Ever wondered what it's like to have a picnic with a 360-degree mountain view? Sugar House Park delivers just that. Less than 15 minutes from downtown, this 110-acre crown jewel serves up postcard-worthy views of both the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains. Grab some local takeout from nearby Sugar House, find your perfect spot on the hill, and settle in for what might be the most scenic lunch of your life.
Visitor Tips: Sunrise and sunset here are absolutely legendary. Pack a layer for summer evenings—when the sun dips behind the mountains, the temperature follows.
Seasonal Highlights:
Summer - Sprawl out on the hill for a lazy afternoon of mountain-gazing
Winter - Join the locals for the city's best sledding—just try not to have fun, we dare you
2660 & 2667 Heritage Way | Open 7 AM - 10 PM (Parley opens up even earlier.)
Where city trails meet mountain vibes, you'll find this dynamic duo of parks. Just 15 minutes from downtown, these connected spaces, Tanner Park and Parley’s Historic Nature Parl offer that classic Salt Lake combo: urban accessibility meets natural escape. Follow Parley's Trail for valley views, take in the natural vegetation along Parley's Creek, or test your skills on the BMX tracks. As a bonus, it's one of Salt Lake's most popular dog-friendly parks, complete with off-leash areas and creek access.
Visitor Tips: Water stations bookend the main trail. If you're bringing a four-legged friend, pack some backup waste bags—better safe than sorry!
Seasonal Highlights:
Summer: Looking for a quick break from a jam-packed itinerary? Grab some breakfast at Eggs in the City and hit the park for some sunshine and good vibes. Enjoy the playgrounds of Tanner Park or the hiking trails of Parley’s Historic Nature Park
Fall: Get ready for an outdoor experience that is “absolutely breathtaking in the fall”. Enjoy the winding paths, turning leaves and crisp autumn air as you explore Parley’s Historic Nature Park
Just 15 minutes from downtown, Canyon Rim Park is where community vibes meet outdoor fun. This 16-acre spot comes with all the fixings—pavilions, pickleball courts, volleyball, tennis, and even an amphitheater. But it's the Millcreek Summer Jam Concert Series that really shows off Salt Lake's sweet spot between culture and nature.
Pro Tip: Plan your visit around Monday nights in summer for live music under the stars.
Seasonal Highlights:
Summer: Catch one of the many festivals featuring everything from recreation clinics to outdoor movie
History meets modern life in this downtown gem. Home to the stunning City and County Building (thanks, 1890s Freemasons!), this one-block park sits where the original Mormon pioneers first camped in 1847. Today, it's your perfect urban lunch spot, and come 2025, you'll have a front-row seat to the newly opened library rooftop views.
Pro Tip: Make it a culture double-header: lunch in the park, then explore the architecturally stunning Main Library next door.
Seasonal Highlights:
Spring: Don't miss the Living Traditions Festival—free performances and global cuisine? Yes, please
Summer: Join the celebrations at Utah Pride Festival and Utah Arts Festival
Think mining meets modern fun at this 60-acre West Valley City Park. With a Utah Jazz basketball court, tennis and pickleball courts, plus a mining-themed playground complete with zipline, Lodestone Park proves Salt Lake knows how to mix history with adventure.
Pro Tips: Beat the summer crowds by visiting in the morning, and don't forget your mountain bike—the new trails are calling!
Seasonal Highlights:
Summer: Join Hawkwatch International for "Birds in your Backyard"—because who doesn't want to be a bird expert?
Bluffdale's 80-acre wonderland is where Salt Lake shows off its playful side. With splash pads, climbing nets, pickleball courts, climbing walls, two ziplines, and a bouldering wall, it's like someone took all our favorite things and put them in one spectacular spot.
Pro Tips: The splash pad opens at noon on weekends—arrive early to stake out your perfect spot.
Seasonal Highlights:
Summer: Pickleball fan? Check the calendar for Ultimate Summer Park Day in July and enjoy free events including live music, pickleball, and fun game challenges like Basket Dink Challenge, Test Your Serve challenge and more!
All Year: Wardle Fields is THE destination for ultimate playground fun! With TWO ziplines, a bouldering wall and a Splash pad (seasonal), you’ll be wondering if one day in the park is enough.
Who knew you could travel the world just 7 minutes from downtown? The International Peace Gardens showcase 26 different nations through their native plants, sculptures, and architecture. It's like a global tour without the jet lag, right along the Jordan River.
Visitor Tips: Make a full day of it—between the greenhouse, skatepark, and three different playgrounds, you might need to!
Seasonal Highlights:
Summer: Watch the gardens come alive as native plants bloom alongside cultural sculptures
All-Year: Check their calendar for cultural celebrations representing all 26 nations
These Sandy siblings offer a perfect pairing of developed park amenities and natural escape. Lone Peak Park brings 29 acres of views and activities, while Dimple Dell adds 600 acres of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It's like getting two parks for the price of none (they're both free!).
Visitor Tips: Heading into Dimple Dell? Pack water and check the weather—10+ miles of scenic hiking means you'll want to be prepared.
Seasonal Highlights:
Spring & Summer: Don't miss Family Night at the Skate Park—where else can you shred with this kind of mountain backdrop?
Make Salt Lake's Best Parks Part of Your Trip
Ready to experience Salt Lake's perfect blend of urban energy and mountain majesty? Our parks are just the beginning. Head over to our Things to Do section to discover more ways to play in Salt Lake, or check out our events calendar to see what's happening at these amazing spaces during your visit. Trust us—once you've watched a sunset from Sugar House Park or caught a summer concert at Canyon Rim, you'll understand why we can't stop talking about our sweet spot between city and mountain life.
