Top 5 Salt Lake City Tours You Can't Miss
Planning a trip to Salt Lake City? Discover the top Salt Lake City tours that will make your visit unforgettable. From historical sites to natural wonders, find out what these tours offer and how to choose the right one for you.
Key Takeaways
Salt Lake City offers a variety of tours, from essential sightseeing to unique outdoor adventures, catering to diverse interests!
Don’t miss the Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour, which provides a thorough overview of top attractions – a perfect choice for first-time visitors!
Families will love engaging excursions at Hogle Zoo and Red Butte Garden, combining fun with educational experiences for all ages!
Essential Sightseeing Tours in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City’s tours are known for their reliability and popularity, making them a favorite for visitors keen on exploring the city’s attractions. Whether you’re interested in comprehensive guided bus tours, the charming Salt Lake Trolley Tour, or informative walking tours at Temple Square, there’s a perfect tour for everyone. Expert local guides lead these tours, providing a thorough understanding of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Temple Square is a must-visit when exploring city sights and museums, with several stops along the way. This cultural and historical hub offers free walking tours by friendly missionaries, providing an in-depth look at its significance.
The Salt Lake Trolley Tour showcases top sights and hidden gems, combining a memorable ride with fascinating tales from the city’s past on a sightseeing tour.
Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour
The Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city. Spanning approximately 20 miles, this tour has been a favorite for over 44 years. Starting at the Radisson Downtown Hotel, the tour takes you to key attractions like Temple Square, the Utah Capitol, and the Great Salt Lake. It’s perfect for first-time visitors eager to see the best of Salt Lake City in a short time.
Highlights include a comfortable, air-conditioned bus with large panoramic view windows offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Expert local guides share entertaining stories and insider information about the city’s history and culture. Operating Monday to Saturday at 10:00 am, with additional times during the summer, it’s convenient for visitors with various schedules. This transport option ensures a memorable experience.
Priced at $59 for adults and $30 for children, it offers incredible value for money. This 2.5-hour tour covers both popular attractions and lesser-known spots, making it truly unforgettable. Seize the opportunity to explore Salt Lake City with local insights and the comfort of a premium bus tour.
Great Salt Lake Tour
For those fascinated by natural wonders, the Great Salt Lake Adventure is a must-do. This tour explores the myths, mysteries, and unique properties of the Great Salt Lake, offering a two-hour sightseeing experience with a local expert. You’ll learn about the lake’s high salinity, which reaches up to 28 percent, making it impossible for fish to live there. Instead, the lake hosts brine shrimp, crucial for the millions of migratory birds that visit annually.
Spanning 75 miles in length and 28 miles in width, the Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere. Its unique properties, including the ability to float effortlessly due to high salinity, make it a fascinating destination. The tour offers ample opportunities to capture breathtaking scenery and learn about the lake’s ecological significance.
To secure your spot, book the Great Salt Lake tour in advance. Packed with entertaining stories and fascinating facts, this tour is perfect for nature lovers and those keen on exploring one of Utah’s iconic natural landmarks.
Historic Salt Lake Trolley Tour
The Historic Trolley Tour, known as one of Salt Lake City’s most entertaining attractions, allows you to step back in time. This 90-minute adventure is suitable for all ages, making it ideal for families. Combining theatrical performances, music, and storytelling, the tour brings the city’s history to life through entertaining narration.
Starting at the Radisson Downtown Salt Lake City hotel, the Trolley Adventure operates at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Participants will enjoy lively narration and theatrical performances by tour guides, sharing numerous historical tales from when pioneers settled in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. With three photo stops lasting between 5 and 15 minutes, there are ample opportunities to capture the city’s historic sites.
The Trolley Adventure Tour offers a unique way to explore Salt Lake City’s history, granting access to special locations and hidden gems. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for an engaging way to learn about the city, this tour promises a memorable ride for all.
Tabernacle Choir & Temple Square
Experiencing the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is a must when visiting Salt Lake City. This tour combines a performance by the renowned choir with a guided tour of Temple Square, offering an unforgettable cultural journey. As one of the largest and oldest choirs in the world, it has performed at the inaugurations of six U.S. presidents and is a true highlight for visitors.
Guided tours at Temple Square delve into the historical significance of the site, often including live performances by the Tabernacle Choir and a theatrical performance by theatrical performers. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir + SLC Bus Tour allows visitors to enjoy both the choir’s performance and the Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour, providing a comprehensive exploration of the city’s top attractions.
Seize the opportunity to begin experiencing the harmonious melodies of the choir and the rich history of Temple Square. Don’t miss out on this unique experience.
Outdoor Adventures and Nature Tours
Salt Lake City serves as a perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities. Surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains and the Great Salt Lake, the city offers breathtaking scenery and numerous hiking and nature exploration opportunities. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to enjoy natural beauty, there’s something for everyone.
The Great Salt Lake Tour offers a fantastic way to experience the saltiest lake in the western hemisphere. It provides unique scenic views and insights into the lake’s ecological significance. Guided by local expertise, you’ll uncover the mysteries and wonders of this remarkable natural landmark.
Join one of these tours for exploring slc to fully appreciate the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that Utah’s Salt Lake City offers on your trip.
Family-Friendly Activities
Salt Lake City is a fantastic destination for families, providing tours that blend fun with educational experiences. Many family-oriented tours are enjoyable for all ages, perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones. From interactive exhibits to engaging storytelling, there’s something for everyone.
These diverse family-oriented excursions offer a blend of entertainment and education, ideal for families exploring Salt Lake City together. Whether visiting the zoo, gardens, or taking a historic tour, you’ll find plenty of fun and informative activities.
Zoos and Gardens Exploration
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a must-visit for families, offering opportunities to see polar bears and enjoy animal encounters. The zoo features guided tours where families can view unique wildlife and participate in interactive experiences. Seasonal events like ZooLuminate, showcasing large light sculptures, create a magical atmosphere for families.
Hogle Zoo also offers interactive exhibits and special animal encounters, providing a more engaging visitor experience. It’s an ideal destination for families wanting to explore wildlife and learn about animal conservation in a fun, interactive way.
Red Butte Garden is another fantastic family spot, offering scenic views and beautiful plant displays. The garden offers educational programs that engage children and families, making it a great place to learn about nature and enjoy the outdoors together. Combining beauty and education, Red Butte Garden is a delightful destination for families visiting Salt Lake City.
Planning Your Salt Lake City Tour
Consider a few key factors when planning your Salt Lake City tour to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. The Ultimate Salt Lake City Tourhas been a trusted choice for over four decades, so book early to secure your preferred date and time. Booking early, especially during peak tourist seasons, is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Check the cancellation policies of your chosen tour to understand your options if plans change. Using reliable websites or platforms for booking ensures secure transactions and valuable customer reviews for informed decisions.
Also, consider the weather and season when scheduling your tour to enhance your overall experience.
Choosing the Right Tour
Choosing the right tour involves considering your interests, available time, and budget. With numerous tours available, find activities that resonate with you and fit your schedule. Whether interested in history, nature, or family-friendly activities, there’s a tour that caters to your preferences.
Aligning your interests, time constraints, and budget will lead to the best possible tour experience in Salt Lake City. Research and choose city sights that align with your interests to spend the most of your visit.
Booking and Reservations
Booking your Salt Lake City tour in advance secures your spot. Refer to the tour operator’s schedule to ensure the timing fits within your plans. Most tours start at the Radisson Downtown SLC Hotel, so arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.
By planning ahead and following these insider tips, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable show tour unique experience. Explore the city’s rich history, natural beauty, and family-friendly activities with confidence.
Summary
In summary, Salt Lake City offers a wide range of tours that cater to different interests, from history buffs to nature enthusiasts and family travelers. The Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s top attractions, while the Great Salt Lake Bus Tour and Historic Salt Lake Trolley Tour offer unique and entertaining experiences. The Tabernacle Choir & Temple Square tour is a cultural highlight that shouldn’t be missed.
Whether you’re planning your visit or already in the city, these tours provide a fantastic way to explore Salt Lake City and create unforgettable memories. Book your tour today and embark on an adventure that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for this vibrant and historic city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular tour in Salt Lake City?
The Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour is definitely the must-do experience, as it covers all the city's top attractions in one awesome adventure! You won't want to miss it!
How long does the Great Salt Lake Bus Tour last?
The Great Salt Lake Bus Tour is an exciting two-hour sightseeing bus tour that showcases the lake's stunning natural beauty! Get ready for a memorable experience!
What can I expect from the Historic Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour?
You'll love the Historic Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour! It's a 90-minute adventure filled with theatrical performances, music, and captivating storytelling that brings Salt Lake City's history to life.
Can I see the Tabernacle Choir during my visit to Salt Lake City?
Absolutely, you can see the Tabernacle Choir during your visit! Catch a live performance that showcases their incredible talent at Temple Square – it's an unforgettable experience!
Are there family-friendly tours in Salt Lake City?
Absolutely! Salt Lake City is packed with family-friendly tours, from Hogle Zoo to Red Butte Garden, ensuring an exciting and educational adventure for everyone!
Salt Lake City Tours: Rice–Eccles Stadium, Olympic History & Beyond
As a local guide for Tours of Utah (City Sights), I’m thrilled to show you around one of Salt Lake City’s crown jewels: Rice–Eccles Stadium and its Olympic heritage. Salt Lake might be famous for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and its five national parks, but we locals also know it’s a sports and winter-fun paradise. Picture this: the sun glistening on the Great Salt Lake to the west and the Wasatch Mountains to the east, with this huge stadium and a sea of red seats right in between. Rice–Eccles Stadium isn’t just a football field – it was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony , and rumor has it we’re dusting it off for the 2034 Games as well. In this guide, I’ll give you a local’s tour of its history, fun facts, and how you can see these sights on a Salt Lake City tour.
Rice–Eccles Stadium: Salt Lake’s Olympic Arena
The Rice–Eccles scoreboard looms above the field, proudly displaying the University of Utah’s giant crimson “U” against the bright Utah sky. This stadium was specifically built for the 2002 Winter Olympics Opening and Closing ceremonies – and it’s expected to reprise that role in 2034. Before Rice–Eccles, Salt Lake’s largest stadium was the old Rice Stadium (originally “Ute Stadium,” built in 1927) . In 1998, Spencer Eccles and friends tore down the old stands and rebuilt this new arena in less than a year – talk about construction on Olympic time!
Here are some fun facts and highlights of Rice–Eccles Stadium:
Built for the Olympics: Salt Lake City won the 2002 Winter Games bid, and Rice–Eccles was ready just in time. The old stadium was replaced with this new one in about ten months , an Olympic-caliber effort!
Ceremony Venue: For 2002, the grass field was covered with asphalt and a huge stage went up so the stadium could host both Opening and Closing Ceremonies . They even added about 50,000 seats and draped Olympic flags everywhere. The stadium was briefly renamed “Rice–Eccles Olympic Stadium” for the Games .
Miracle on Ice Reunion: One of the most iconic moments was when Mike Eruzione and the 1980 U.S. hockey team lit the Olympic cauldron here . The sold-out crowd at Rice–Eccles chanted “USA!” in unison – a real goosebump moment.
Historic First: President George W. Bush became the first U.S. president to open a Winter Olympic Games when he declared the Salt Lake Games open on this field . In a patriotic tribute, eight American athletes also ran in carrying a tattered flag that had flown at the World Trade Center on 9/11 .
High Altitude: At 4,637 feet above sea level (about 400 feet above downtown), Rice–Eccles is one of the nation’s highest college football stadiums. Every touchdown here comes with a stunning mountain view – and visiting teams often take an extra breath before that fourth quarter.
More Than Football: Rice–Eccles has also hosted mega-concerts. U2, Imagine Dragons, NSYNC, Garth Brooks, Luke Combs – they’ve all packed these stands . And Utah’s great rivalry games fill it up: in 2024 a Utah–BYU game drew 54,383 fans , a new record.
University of Utah Campus: History & Highlights
The University of Utah campus is right next door – and it’s full of surprises. Founded in 1850, it was the first state university west of the Mississippi River . Today “The U” is a major research powerhouse and Salt Lake’s largest employer. The 1,500-acre campus sits on the east bench (at about 4,700 feet elevation ), offering sweeping views of the city, the Great Salt Lake, and the mountains beyond. You’ll spot beautiful old buildings (the old Park Building looks a bit like a 19th-century castle) and modern architecture.
Campus highlights and fun facts for your tour:
Firsts and Figures: The U opened on Feb 28, 1850 as the University of Deseret . Now it enrolls over 34,000 students and awards about 8,500 degrees a year . Its athletic department even has the largest budget in Utah – we love our Ute teams!
State Arboretum: The campus plus the adjacent 100-acre Red Butte Garden form the State Arboretum of Utah . That means landscaped gardens, native plant trails, and even wildflower fields right here. Perfect for a peaceful stroll on a Salt Lake City tour day.
Natural History & Mines: On campus is the Natural History Museum of Utah (the big copper-colored Rio Tinto Center). It’s stuffed with dinosaurs and Utah minerals – fun fact: one exhibit includes copper from Utah’s Bingham Canyon Mine, the world’s deepest open-pit mine .
Fine Arts: The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (also on campus) has a collection of over 20,000 works . If you can squeeze it in, art lovers will love the gallery of Native American and Western art.
Innovation: The U’s labs are a startup factory. Since 2000, Utah researchers have spun off around 300 new companies and 750 products . (That’s part of why Utah’s called Silicon Slopes – many of those tech firms start here.)
Local Legends: Guides love pointing out quirky campus things. See the sundial on a building? It’s calibrated to the Mormon Tabernacle’s clock. Spot the old log cabin? That’s an authentic pioneer house moved to campus. And if you’re lucky, you might pass by the red “Pioneer Bell” tower – ring it for good luck on tour.
In short, the University of Utah is more than just the stadium’s home – it’s a hub of history, science, and scenery. Many Salt Lake tours will drive by or even stop on campus to soak in these highlights.
2002 Winter Olympics: Opening & Closing Ceremonies
Salt Lake City truly became Olympic Salt Lake in 2002. To get ready, crews turned Rice–Eccles into a pageant stage: they paved the turf, built elaborate sets, and raised an enormous steel arch (designed by Chuck Hoberman) . The Olympic cauldron blazed on the south stands each night, while fireworks and laser lights filled the sky. Over 50,000 fans jammed into the stadium, and an astounding 3.5 billion watched worldwide . Locals remember those days with pride – downtown parks showed the ceremonies on big screens, and the whole city buzzed with excitement.
Some ceremony highlights we still talk about:
Stadium Transformation: For Feb 8, 2002, Rice–Eccles was temporarily rechristened “Rice–Eccles Olympic Stadium” . It looked nothing like a normal game-day venue – it was a state-of-the-art Olympic arena for those two nights.
Miracle Return: Mike Eruzione and the 1980 U.S. hockey team surprisingly lit the torch , surprising the crowd. Twenty-two years later, we chanted “USA!” with as much gusto as those Lake Placid crowds did.
Presidential Debut: President George W. Bush stepped onto the field to open the Games – the first time a U.S. president has ever opened the Winter Olympics. (Quick tip: our guides like to joke about which grandstand he was aiming at!)
Symbolic Flag: Eight U.S. athletes carried a torn American flag that had flown at Ground Zero into the stadium , a powerful tribute on that stage.
Jake the Dog: No ceremony talk is complete without Jake, the Utah terrier. He ran a lap with the torch around the track – an adorable moment that took the internet by storm.
Citywide Celebration: Meanwhile, everyone in Salt Lake was partying. We had viewing gatherings, special events at Temple Square, and more. In fact, when Salt Lake won the bid again in 2024, about a thousand locals showed up at 3 a.m. to celebrate on Temple Square dressed in ski gear . That’s just how this town does joy.
Looking Forward: Salt Lake and the 2034 Olympics
Yes, the Olympics are coming back! In 2024, Salt Lake City was officially awarded the 2034 Winter Olympics , making us the only U.S. city to host twice. We essentially bid alone (climate/costs scared off others) , promising a repeat of the 2002 magic. Locals started celebrating immediately – we even joked on Facebook about cancelling our summer plans.
So what’s on the 2034 agenda? We’re still planning, but here’s what we know:
Park City Is Party Central: About half of 2034’s events will be held in Park City area venues (Deer Valley, Park City Mountain, Utah Olympic Park). Think ski racing at Deer Valley and skeleton at Utah Olympic Park. The rest, including Opening/Closing ceremonies, will be here in Salt Lake, likely again at Rice–Eccles.
Reuse and Refresh: The great thing is almost all 2002 venues are still standing . Those ski jumps and bobsled tracks are already in place, just needing a bit of a facelift. So for 2034, we won’t waste time rebuilding – we’ll just modernize and move right in.
New Tech & Tradition: Rumor has it 2034 will use lots of new tech – maybe drone light shows or augmented reality displays. But rest assured, Salt Lake still loves a good fireworks finish. We’re itching to find out how the cauldron flame will burn this time.
Local Buzz: Businesses are already dreaming up Olympic-themed menus. Schools call Fridays “Future Olympian Day.” We’ve even started salting sidewalks early (just kidding, but nearly!). The community pride is real – we’re all ready to welcome visitors again.
Looking Ahead: While the stadium and resorts get polished, Salt Lake is also improving transit, hotels, and trails for 2034. As your local guide, I can’t promise we’ll have jetpacks for 2034 tours – but hey, maybe the city will surprise us!
Whether you came for 2002 or will come for 2034, Salt Lake City’s Olympic legacy is a big part of our identity. It’s woven into the city’s spirit – which is why on our tours we love pointing out old Olympic logos, relics in museums, and even the lane lines in hotel pools (yes, they remember!).
Guided Tours and Top Attractions in Salt Lake City
Now that you’ve got the scoop, let’s talk about seeing it all. The best way to hit these highlights is with a guided tour. City Sights (Tours of Utah) has been showing visitors around for over 44 years – we’re Salt Lake’s longest-running, most trusted tour company. We operate daily sightseeing tours on comfortable buses and trolleys, led by friendly local guides. They know all the Utah jokes (and where to find the best fry sauce, we tell ya).
For example, our classic Salt Lake City Guided Bus Tour (a 20-mile loop) is a can’t-miss . It starts downtown and winds up the hillside. On this loop you’ll learn fun Utah trivia and get all the must-see views. We stop at Temple Square (the Mormon temple and Tabernacle), the City-County Building, the State Capitol, the University of Utah area (you’ll even catch a glimpse of Rice–Eccles), and scenic overlooks like City Creek Canyon. It’s often called “the Best First Thing to Do in Salt Lake City” (and I’m not just tooting our own horn!). Expect entertaining commentary and maybe a photo stop or two.
Here are a few more City Sights tour options:
Tabernacle Choir + City Tour – A combo of city sights plus the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir (also known as Music & the Spoken Word). You’ll enjoy the 30-minute choir performance at the historic Tabernacle after the standard city bus route . (Insider tip: even if you’re not Mormon, the acoustics will give you goosebumps.)
Salt Lake Trolley Adventure – For fun, hop on a vintage trolley and ride through downtown. Actors in pioneer costumes will jump onboard, cracking jokes and telling local legends as you roll past historic sites . It’s like a mini Broadway show on wheels – perfect for families or anyone young at heart.
Great Salt Lake Tour – We head out of the city on a 50-mile loop to the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island . Learn why the lake’s so salty, see where flamingos hang out, and meet the wild bison roaming free on Antelope Island. By the time the sun sets on the sparkling salt flats, you’ll get why locals call it the “Dead Sea of the West.”
Park City/Wasatch Loop – (By special request) We also offer tours up Parleys Canyon to Park City, where you can visit the Utah Olympic Park (bobsleds and ski jumps!) and tour this charming ski town. As 2034 approaches, half of the Winter Games will happen here , so it’s a great add-on for Olympic fans.
Beyond these guided tours, Salt Lake City itself has tons to do if you have more time. Some best things to do in SLC include:
Temple Square & City Creek Center: The downtown heart – free to explore. Enjoy the tabernacle organ concerts (especially on Sundays), the beautiful gardens around the temple, and the City Creek shopping area with a stream running through it.
Utah State Capitol: Perched on a hill, it’s a short ride from downtown. Free tours are available, and the panoramic view of the city and valley is fantastic.
Red Butte Garden: Utah’s largest botanical garden is right on campus hills. A lovely place for flowers, outdoor concerts, or just a peaceful hike.
Natural History Museum: As mentioned, great for families or geology buffs. (Many tours will at least drive past it in the University area.)
Hogle Zoo: Also near Red Butte, great for kids and animal lovers.
Snowbird/Alta: Just 30 minutes up Little Cottonwood Canyon. In summer, take the tram or chairlift for amazing mountain views – not on a standard city tour, but well worth a half-day.
Bonneville Salt Flats: If you have a rental car and an adventurous spirit, a day trip out west to the Salt Flats is unforgettable – a moonlike desert that begs for photos.
Park City: About 30 minutes from Salt Lake. A pretty town with shops, restaurants, and ski areas – plus, Salt Lake’s big winter athletes still train here.
Salt Lake City has history, culture, great outdoors, and unique local quirks. The easiest (and most fun) way to see it all is with a guided tour. Sit back and relax – your guide will handle the driving, storytelling, and even those dad jokes.
Plan Your Visit: Book a Tour Today!
Ready to experience Salt Lake City for yourself? City Sights (Tours of Utah) has you covered. We run daily guided Salt Lake City tours (bus and trolley) and day trips, year-round. Just head to www.ToursOfUtah.com to see all the options and book your spot. Our website often has exclusive deals and it’s the easiest way to grab seats on the tour you want.
Don’t just take it from me – travelers rate our tours as the highlight of their visit (we’ve literally been called “the Best First Thing to Do in Salt Lake City” !). Let us show you where to find the best city views, the Olympic landmarks, and even the yummiest fry sauce in town.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip, pick a Salt Lake City tour, and let’s make some Utah memories together. The stadium, the mountains, and all the local stories are waiting for you – we can’t wait to show you around!