The Best of Downtown Salt Lake City in 2025 (And Why the Salt Lake Trolley Tour Steals the Show)
The Best of Downtown Salt Lake City for Sightseeing Tourists in 2025…And Why the Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Should Be the First Thing on Your Itinerary
If you’re heading to Salt Lake City in 2025 and you want to know what to do first, here’s your answer: book a seat on the Salt Lake Trolley Adventure. Yes, that’s a bold statement. Yes, there are plenty of things to do in Salt Lake City—but trust us, this isn’t just any tour. This is the tour that turns sightseeing into storytelling, city history into comedy, and your vacation photos into the kind your friends will actually care about.
Before we get to all the other incredible stuff downtown has to offer, let’s dig into why this one-of-a-kind Salt Lake City tour deserves to be your very first stop.
The Salt Lake Trolley Adventure: History and Humor
This isn’t your average city bus tour. This is part historical deep dive, part comedy show, part vintage joyride—and 100% unforgettable.
Climb aboard a classic, open-air, red-and-gold trolley that looks like it rolled straight out of a charming movie set. But what really sets the Salt Lake Trolley Tour apart are the guides: professional performers dressed in vintage garb who don’t just “tell you about the city”—they perform the city.
The characters switch throughout the ride, each representing a unique moment or figure from Utah’s storied past. And if you think history is dry, you haven’t seen it delivered with this much energy, cleverness, and occasional irreverence.
This tour has quickly become a favorite among first-time visitors and locals playing tourist alike, and it’s one of the most memorable guided tours in Utah—by a long shot.
Resumes in May 2025: Perfect Timing for Spring & Summer Travelers
Mark your calendar: the Salt Lake Trolley Adventure officially returns for the 2025 season in May. It runs through the warmer months and into fall, giving you plenty of time to catch a show on wheels.
Spring and summer are prime sightseeing seasons in SLC, and the city blossoms with color and activity just as the trolley clangs its bell once again. If you’re planning a trip for Memorial Day weekend, a summer vacation, or even early fall foliage, make this your kickoff.
🚋 You can find tour dates, times, and ticket booking here: saltlaketrolley.com
What You’ll See on the Trolley Tour
The Salt Lake Trolley Tour covers a 20-mile loop through downtown Salt Lake City, stopping at or passing by some of the most iconic and historically significant spots in the area. Among the highlights:
• Temple Square – One of Utah’s most visited landmarks, Temple Square is the spiritual heart of the city, home to the world-famous Salt Lake Temple and Tabernacle. You’ll get insight into its origins, architecture, and cultural significance—all with a theatrical twist.
• Utah State Capitol – Perched on a hill with panoramic views, the Capitol building is stunning on its own, but it’s even better with the stories the guides share as you pass by.
• Cathedrals, Mansions & Historic Homes – See the elegant homes of early Utah pioneers and railroad tycoons. Each one has a story, and on this tour, those stories are told with flair.
• Mountain Vistas – Expect more than a few “wow” moments as you catch glimpses of the Wasatch Range rising over the city.
• Quirky Local Legends – It’s not just architecture and politics. Expect colorful tales, strange laws, and plenty of Utah oddities.
By the time you step off the trolley, you’ll feel like you got the “greatest hits” of the city—with the bonus of actual laughs along the way.
Why It’s More Than Just a Tour
The Salt Lake Trolley Adventure is part show, part ride, part crash course in local history—and it’s seriously entertaining. The guides break into song. They banter. They play off the crowd. You’ll leave with more than just facts—you’ll leave with stories.
In a city where there are multiple tours and guided day tours, this one stands out for how fun it is.
What Other Sightseeing Options Are Worth Doing in Downtown SLC?
Okay, once you’ve checked off the trolley (which you absolutely should), there are still plenty of other top-rated Salt Lake City tours and attractions to explore. Here are some of the best:
1. Temple Square
While the trolley gives you the overview, Temple Square is worth a deeper dive. The square is undergoing a major renovation, but many areas remain accessible. Stop by the Family History Library (it’s one of the best genealogy centers in the world) or catch a live organ recital in the Tabernacle.
2. The Utah State Capitol
The Capitol is free to enter and open year-round. You can explore exhibits about Utah’s political history or take a stroll through the scenic grounds. It’s especially beautiful in the spring, when the cherry blossoms line the walkways.
3. City Creek Center
Yes, it’s a mall—but hear us out. With a retractable roof, a creek running through the center, and high-end shopping nestled alongside Utah-based boutiques, this is no ordinary shopping stop. There’s also great dining nearby.
4. The Beehive House & Pioneer Landmarks
Utah’s pioneer history is on full display at homes and museums near Temple Square. The Beehive House (former home of Brigham Young) and the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum give fascinating glimpses into life in 19th-century SLC.
5. The Ultimate Salt Lake City Bus Tour
If you’re looking to go even deeper, this longstanding Salt Lake City day tour with City Sights has been a fan favorite for over 40 years. It’s a more traditional guided tour compared to the trolley—but it hits a lot of great stops and gives you a well-rounded look at both downtown and beyond.
If you have extra time, take a half-day trip out to the Great Salt Lake. It’s a totally different side of Utah—wild, open, salty (literally), and completely worth seeing.
Planning Your Trip Around the Trolley
Here are a few tips to help you build your trip around the Salt Lake Trolley Tour:
• Book Early: The trolley tour often sells out, especially in the summer and on weekends. Booking in advance is a smart move.
• Schedule It First: It’s the perfect introduction to the city. Do it early in your stay and then decide where you want to dive deeper.
• Dress for the Weather: The trolley is enclosed and climate-controlled, but you’ll want comfortable clothes and shoes for exploring before or after.
• Bring Questions: The guides love interaction. Ask them anything. Seriously—they’re encyclopedias in suspenders.
To keep things walkable and convenient, stay in downtown SLC. Some solid hotel options:
• The Grand America Hotel – Luxury, classic, and right in the heart of the action.
• Kimpton Hotel Monaco – Trendy, modern, and close to everything.
• Hyatt Regency – A new addition with great amenities and sleek rooms.
Food, Drinks, and Downtown Bites
You’ll definitely work up an appetite after your trolley adventure. Good news: downtown Salt Lake has a rapidly growing food scene.
• Red Iguana – The most famous Mexican food in the city (get the mole).
• The Copper Onion – Elevated comfort food, local ingredients.
Other Seasonal Events in May and Beyond
While you’re in town for the trolley, you might also catch:
• Living Traditions Festival (May) – A celebration of cultural heritage, food, and music from around the world.
• Twilight Concert Series (Summer) – Local and national acts in downtown parks.
• Utah Arts Festival (June) – Art, food, live performances, and creative energy everywhere.
Final Word: Make the Trolley Your Jumping-Off Point
Downtown Salt Lake City is full of surprises. But if you want the kind of experience you’ll still be talking about months later, don’t miss the Salt Lake Trolley Tour.
It’s the perfect mix of quirky and classy, funny and factual. Whether you’re into history, theater, sightseeing, or just want to sit back and let someone else drive while you learn a thing or two—it delivers.
So here’s your plan:
Step 1: Go to saltlaketrolley.com
Step 2: Pick your tour date
Step 3: Get ready to laugh, learn, and fall in love with Salt Lake City
This isn’t just one of the best Salt Lake City tours—it’s one of the best things to do in Salt Lake City, period.