Utah: Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass

If you’re visiting Salt Lake City and want a straightforward way to explore its biggest attractions without fussing over tickets, the Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass could be just what you need. For $57, this pass grants you access to three of the most popular spots in the downtown area, all within a 9-day window after activation. It’s a simple, flexible way to see key sights, especially if you’re short on time but eager to get a taste of Salt Lake’s cultural and natural highlights.

What really catches the eye about this pass is its multi-entrance flexibility. You can choose your destinations in any order, making it adaptable to your schedule and interests. Plus, it covers a diverse range of attractions—from museums and gardens to family-friendly spots—catering to different tastes. However, one thing to keep in mind is that transportation, food, and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan those expenses separately.

This pass is perfect for travelers who value independent exploration and want a cost-effective way to experience Salt Lake City’s top spots without the commitment of individual tickets. If you’re someone who enjoys customizing your sightseeing itinerary and prefers a relaxed pace, you’ll likely find this pass a good fit. On the flip side, if you’re hoping for guided tours or transportation services, you’ll need to arrange those separately.

Key Points

• Flexible choice of 3 attractions from a curated list of top Salt Lake City sights
• Cost-effective way to access multiple attractions over 9 days
• No transportation included—plan your own way to get around
• Ideal for independent travelers who enjoy customizing their visits
• Includes a variety of attractions such as museums, gardens, and family fun spots
• Easy to use—present your mobile pass at each location for quick entry

Exploring the Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass

What Is the Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass?

The Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass is designed to make seeing Salt Lake City’s highlights straightforward. For $57, you can select three attractions from a list that includes museums, gardens, and family entertainment venues. Once activated, it remains valid for 9 days—offering plenty of flexibility for planning your days at your own pace.

This approach suits travelers who like hands-on control of their itinerary, especially those who prefer to explore independently and enjoy spontaneous decisions. The pass eliminates the hassle of buying individual tickets, saving both time and potential expenses, and makes it easy to hop between different spots without worrying about missed opportunities.

How Does It Work?

Once you purchase the pass, you can visit any three locations in any order within the 9-day period. Present your mobile pass at each attraction, and staff will redeem it and grant you entry. It’s a simple process that’s designed to make your experience seamless.

While the pass doesn’t include transportation, it’s worth noting that all attractions are close enough to each other to be accessible, especially if you’re comfortable walking or using local transit. Also, since food and drinks aren’t included, you might want to pack snacks or plan meal stops around your chosen attractions.

The Attractions: What You Can Expect

Utah Museum of Fine Arts

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is a top choice for art lovers. It offers a collection that spans continents and centuries, providing a broad perspective on world art. Visitors often mention the modern renovations and the insightful curatorial work, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in culture and history.

Discovery Gateway: The Children’s Museum of Utah

If you’re traveling with kids, Discovery Gateway is a must-visit. It’s packed with interactive exhibits designed to entertain and educate. Reviewers highlight the engaging hands-on activities, from science experiments to art zones, perfect for families or curious young minds.

The Leonardo Museum

The Leonardo blends art, science, and technology, fostering creativity and innovation. Guests appreciate the engaging exhibits that challenge perceptions and inspire ideas. It’s a space that encourages exploration, ideal for those who enjoy both art and tech-oriented attractions.

Natural History Museum of Utah

Nature buffs and science fans will love the Natural History Museum. Its extensive exhibits about Utah’s geology, paleontology, and ecology provide a comprehensive look at the region’s natural environment. Many visitors find it fascinating, especially the dinosaur displays and interactive features.

Red Butte Garden

For lovers of greenery and stunning views, Red Butte Garden offers beautiful botanical displays and peaceful walking trails. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained landscape and the picturesque backdrop of the mountains, perfect for a relaxed stroll or a picnic.

This Is The Place Heritage Park

History enthusiasts enjoy exploring This Is The Place Heritage Park, which reconstructs Utah’s pioneer past. Hands-on activities, historic buildings, and live demonstrations provide a lively, educational experience. It’s a good choice if you want to understand local history in an engaging setting.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Animal lovers will appreciate the Hogle Zoo, home to diverse species from around the world. Reviewers note that it’s a family-friendly spot with well-maintained enclosures and engaging exhibits, making it a good choice for a relaxing yet fun-filled day.

Clark Planetarium

Science fiction and space buffs will love the Clark Planetarium. The domed theater and IMAX films offer immersive experiences that educate while entertaining. Reviewers mention the high-quality presentations and the knowledgeable staff, making it a highlight for many visitors.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

Based on feedback, guides at these attractions tend to be quite knowledgeable, often providing extra insights that enhance the visit. For example, at Red Butte Garden, staff shared tips on the best spots for photography, which many visitors appreciated.

Travelers also pointed out the value of planning your visits in advance—especially if you want to see the most popular spots during busy hours. The flexibility of the pass is a major advantage, allowing you to shuffle your schedule if a certain attraction captivates you longer than expected.

Since transportation isn’t included, consider how you’ll get between sites. Salt Lake City’s public transit is fairly reliable, and many attractions are within walking distance, especially if you’re staying downtown. For convenience, some visitors prefer to rent bikes or use ride-shares, particularly if you want to maximize your sightseeing time.

What’s the Overall Value?

For $57, this pass offers a cost-effective way to explore some of Salt Lake City’s best attractions, especially if you’re keen on visiting multiple sites but don’t want to pay for individual tickets. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value independent exploration and want to customize their experience without the constraints of guided tours.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to organize your own way to get around. Also, if you’re only interested in one or two attractions, the value diminishes. It’s best suited for those genuinely interested in multiple spots or with flexible itineraries.

In The Sum Up

The Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass succeeds in offering a simple, flexible, and affordable way to see Salt Lake City’s highlights. Its strength lies in the freedom it provides—allowing you to pick the attractions that appeal most to your interests and visit them at your own pace. For families, art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and science geeks alike, it covers a broad spectrum of experiences, making it a practical choice for a city trip.

The included attractions are well-regarded, with knowledgeable guides and engaging exhibits that elevate the visit beyond mere sightseeing. The stunning views at Red Butte Garden and the fascinating exhibits at the Natural History Museum are often rated as memorable highlights. Plus, the ability to explore at your own pace, over 9 days, means you won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed.

This pass is best for travelers who love independent discovery and are looking for an economical way to get a taste of Salt Lake City’s diverse cultural and natural offerings. It’s not ideal if you prefer guided tours or need transportation included, but for those wanting flexibility and value, it hits the mark.

FAQ

Can I visit the attractions in any order?
Yes, the pass allows you to visit your chosen three attractions in any order you prefer.

How long is the pass valid?
Once activated, it’s valid for 9 days, giving you ample time to plan your visits comfortably.

Are transportation costs included?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to get between attractions.

What should I bring for using the pass?
Just a charged smartphone and internet access are needed to present your mobile pass at each location.

Is the pass wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the pass and all included attractions are wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel the pass if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I buy the pass and pay later?
Absolutely, you can reserve now and pay later, which offers flexibility if your plans aren’t finalized.

Do I need to choose my three attractions before starting?
No, you can pick your three attractions once you’re in Salt Lake City. There’s no pre-selection required.

Is this pass suitable for families?
Yes, especially with options like Discovery Gateway and the Natural History Museum, making it family-friendly and engaging for kids.