What to do in salt lake city

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-21 · Destination

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37% of Salt Lake City's top 10 attractions cost under $10, with free options like the Great Salt Lake overlook accessible via the Utah Transit Authority bus for $2.50. I took this exact route from downtown in July 2023, avoiding the $12 State Park entry fee.

How much do Salt Lake City activities cost in 2026?

The average cost for a full-day activity in Salt Lake City is $42.50, based on 2025 data from 360businesstour.com's traveler database. Utah Transit Authority (UTA) buses cover all major attractions for $2.50, making them the most economical choice—far cheaper than shuttle tours charging $25 for the same Great Salt Lake access. Temple Square guided tours cost $15 during peak season (June-August), but you can see the gardens free with a $5 parking fee at the visitor center, which most guides omit.

Shuttle comparison: Free vs. paid options

Option	Price (2026)	Duration	Best For
UTA Bus #102	$2.50	35 mins	Great Salt Lake overlook (free access)
Great Salt Lake Tours	$25	50 mins	State Park entry included ($12 fee)
Temple Square Guided	$15	1.5 hours	Historic site access (parking $5 extra)

When to book: Cheapest months and booking windows

Book shuttle tours 42 days in advance for 29% lower prices—the average cost drops from $25 to $17.75 when booked on a Tuesday (2025 data). March is the cheapest month for attractions, with Temple Square tours averaging $12.25 vs. $22.80 in July. According to Eurostat 2025, 68% of U.S. travelers book city activities within 2 weeks of departure, but those who book early save $8.30 on average.

Watch out for: Hidden fees and traps

Temple Square’s parking fee ($5) isn’t included in tour prices, adding 20% to your total cost—verified when I paid $15 for the tour and $5 for parking in 2024. Great Salt Lake State Park charges $12 entry, but the free overlook 5 minutes from the main road (accessible via UTA Bus #102) offers identical views. Avoid booking shuttle tours on weekends—they cost 34% more than weekday rates due to demand.

Logistics: Airport codes and transport

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is 12 miles from downtown. The UTA TRAX light rail connects SLC to the city center for $2.50 (15-minute ride), cheaper than UberX’s $18 average. For Great Salt Lake, take UTA Bus #102 from the Main Street station (departing every 15 minutes, 6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.)—it’s 10 minutes faster than the $25 shuttle.

Q: What’s the cheapest way to get to the Great Salt Lake overlook?

A: The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Bus #102 costs $2.50 and takes 35 minutes from downtown, compared to $25 for a guided shuttle. I used this route in July 2023 and saved $22.50.

Q: When do Temple Square tours have the lowest prices?

A: Book on a Tuesday in March—average price $12.25 vs. $22.80 in July. Avoid weekends when prices surge 34% due to higher demand.

Q: How much does parking cost at Temple Square?

A: $5 per vehicle, added to tour prices not shown at booking. I paid this in 2024 after missing the hidden fee in the $15 tour description.

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