10 Best Free Things to do in Salt Lake City!

Salt Lake City is full of free attractions that make it easy to explore without spending money. From historic landmarks like Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol to outdoor gems such as Liberty Park and the International Peace Gardens, the city offers culture, nature, and history without spending a dime. In this guide, we’ll take you through 10 best free things to do in Salt Lake City, explain each spot in detail and showing you how to enjoy the city without worrying about your budget.

1. Tour Utah State Capitol

Touring the Utah State Capitol is one of the best free things to do in Salt Lake City, and it sits high on Capitol Hill, overlooking the city and the Wasatch Mountains, which makes the location itself worth the visit. Inside, you can walk through marble halls, see murals that tell the story of Utah’s pioneer past, and explore exhibits about the state’s government and history. Free guided tours are offered on weekdays, but you can also take a self‑guided walk if you prefer to move at your own pace. In spring, the cherry blossoms around the Capitol make it one of the most popular spots for locals and travelers alike.

2. Kayaking on Great Salt Lake

Kayaking on the Great Salt Lake is a unique way to enjoy nature without spending money. The lake is well-known for its high levels of salt water, scenic views, and sunsets that paint the sky with color. Visitors often bring their own kayaks or canoes to the marina or shoreline, where access is free. Paddling on the calm water gives you a chance to see birds, small islands, and the reflection of the mountains in the distance. The lake is home to many species of birds, so it feels like a natural wildlife tour while you paddle. While the water is safe for kayaking, it is always good to check conditions before heading out.

3. Explore Temple Square

Exploring Temple Square is one of the most popular free things to do in Salt Lake City, and it gives visitors a chance to see both history and culture in one place. The square covers several blocks downtown and is home to gardens, fountains, and historic buildings connected to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints. Visitors can step inside the visitor centers to learn about the city’s pioneer past and see exhibits that explain the history of the church and the area. The Tabernacle is open to the public, and if you visit on a Thursday evening, you can attend a free rehearsal of the world‑famous Tabernacle Choir.

4. International Peace Gardens

The International Peace Gardens are one of the most peaceful free attractions in Salt Lake City, located inside Jordan Park. This place was created to promote friendship and understanding between nations, and each section of the garden represents a different country. Walking through the paths, you’ll see plants, flowers, and small monuments that reflect the culture of places like Japan, Switzerland, and many others. The gardens are especially beautiful in spring when everything is in bloom, while families enjoy visiting because kids can explore safely, and couples find it a nice spot for an evening walk.

5. Visit Wheeler Historic Farm

Visiting Wheeler Historic Farm is one of the most family‑friendly free things to do in Salt Lake City. This working farm gives visitors a look at Utah’s rural past while still being an active community space today. The grounds are open daily, and you can walk around historic barns, see farm animals like cows, horses, chickens, and ducks, and enjoy the open fields without paying anything. Families often bring kids here because it feels safe and fun, with plenty of space to run and play. The historic farmhouse and barns show what life was like in the 1800s, and signs around the property explain the history in detail.

6. Gilgal Sculpture Garden

The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is one of the most unusual free places to visit in Salt Lake City. Hidden in a quiet neighborhood, this small garden was created by Thomas Child in the mid‑1900s and features sculptures that mix art, religion, and personal vision. The most famous piece is a sphinx with the face of Joseph Smith, but there are also carved stones, figures, and inscriptions scattered throughout the garden. Walking through feels more like exploring a secret outdoor museum than a traditional park. Visitors often spend time looking closely at the details, since each piece has its own meaning and story.

7. Fort Douglas Military Museum

The Fort Douglas Military Museum is one of the most interesting free places to visit in Salt Lake City, especially if you enjoy history. Located on the University of Utah campus, the museum is part of the historic Fort Douglas, which was built in the 1860s during the Civil War. Today, the museum preserves artifacts, uniforms, weapons, and stories from different periods of military history, including World War I and World War II. Visitors can walk through exhibits that explain the role of the fort and the soldiers who lived there, and takes an hour to explore, yet full of details that make the past easy to understand.

8. Hike the Ensign Peak

Hiking Ensign Peak is one of the most rewarding free activities in Salt Lake City, especially if you enjoy simple outdoor adventures. The trail is short, less than a mile, and most people can reach the top in about 20 minutes, so it doesn’t take much planning. From the top, you can see downtown Salt Lake City, the Great Salt Lake, and the Wasatch Mountains. The hike is easy enough for beginners, yet the view at the summit feels like a big reward. The peak also has historical importance, as it was the spot where early pioneers first looked out over the valley in 1847, while signs along the trail explain this history.

9. Stargazing at Clark Planetarium

The Clark Planetarium is one of the best free attractions in Salt Lake City for anyone curious about space and science. Visitors can walk through interactive displays that explain how planets move, how gravity works, and what life is like in space. Kids especially enjoy hands‑on exhibits where they can touch, play, and learn at the same time. The planetarium also has large models of rockets and space equipment, which make the experience feel real and exciting. While the IMAX and dome theater shows require tickets, the main exhibits are completely free, making it a perfect stop for visitors travelling on budget.

10. Relax at Sugar House Park

The Sugar House Park is one of the most popular free outdoor spots in Salt Lake City, and it’s loved by both locals and visitors. The park covers more than 100 acres and has wide open fields, walking paths, and a large pond in the middle. Families enjoy bringing kids because there is plenty of space to play, and couples often use the park for evening walks. The pond is a favorite spot for watching ducks and geese, and the surrounding trails make it easy to explore without feeling crowded. In summer, the park hosts community events and fireworks, while in winter it becomes a quiet place for walks in the snow.

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