16 highest-rated free things to do in Utah, according to Tripadvisor
Data-driven rankings reveal Utah’s highest rated free experiences based on visitor reviews and engagement.
The financial burden facing Americans today has reached unprecedented levels. Despite wages climbing 80% over five decades, these increases pale in comparison to the ever-growing cost of living, as detailed in a 2024 Consumer Affairs analysis. The stark reality: while wages crept up 80% from 1970 to 2022, the consumer price index skyrocketed over 500%.
This economic squeeze has created widespread financial stress across American households. Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies analysis of Census Bureau data reveals that cost-burdened households hit an 11-year peak in 2022. Adding to the pressure, Redfin’s June 2024 data showed the median U.S. home sale price reached a record $394,000.
With essential expenses consuming larger portions of household budgets, Americans increasingly prioritize debt payments, savings goals, and basic living costs over vacations. Yet entertainment and recreation don’t require breaking the bank. Utah provides numerous exceptional experiences that cost absolutely nothing.
Consider typical vacation activities: exploring scenic overlooks, visiting historical sites, or taking peaceful nature walks. Perhaps you prefer quiet reflection time or educational experiences. Utah delivers all these options and more without requiring any financial investment or travel beyond state borders.
Using comprehensive Tripadvisor data, Stacker identified Utah’s top-rated free attractions and activities. The ranking system incorporates multiple data points including user ratings, total reviews, and website traffic patterns. This methodology means a perfect 5-star attraction might rank below a 4-star location with significantly more engagement. All data reflects conditions as of June 12, 2024.
Discover your next cost-free adventure below!
1. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
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Rating: 5/5 (1,517 reviews)
Location: 5001 Angel Canyon Road Kanab, Utah
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This renowned animal sanctuary in Kanab tops our list as Utah’s premier free attraction. Visitors can tour the facility, meet rescued animals, and learn about animal welfare initiatives in a breathtaking red rock setting.
2. Big Cottonwood Canyon
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Rating: 5/5 (1,171 reviews)
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon Road Uintah-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Salt Lake City, Utah
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Just minutes from Salt Lake City, this spectacular canyon offers year-round beauty. Drive the scenic route to experience towering peaks, pristine wilderness, and world-class hiking trails without paying park fees.
3. Temple Square
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Rating: 4.5/5 (5,066 reviews)
Location: 50 N. West Temple St. Salt Lake City, Utah
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Salt Lake City’s most visited attraction features beautifully maintained gardens, historic buildings, and architectural marvels. Free guided tours provide insights into Mormon pioneer history and the area’s cultural significance.
4. The Tabernacle
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Rating: 4.5/5 (1,355 reviews)
Location: 50 North West Temple St. (at the Temple Square Tabernacle) Salt Lake City, Utah
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This historic oval-shaped building showcases remarkable acoustics and stunning architecture. Free tours demonstrate the building’s unique sound properties and offer glimpses into its role in Utah’s cultural heritage.
5. Utah State Capitol
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Rating: 4.5/5 (1,576 reviews)
Location: 350 North State St. Salt Lake City, Utah
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Utah’s government seat features neoclassical architecture and sweeping valley views. Free self-guided tours explore the rotunda, legislative chambers, and extensive art collection while learning about state government.
6. Corona Arch
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Rating: 5/5 (1,036 reviews)
Location: 82 East Dogwood Moab, Utah
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Often called “Little Rainbow Bridge,” this massive natural arch requires a moderate 3-mile hike but rewards visitors with one of Utah’s most impressive geological formations. The trail offers stunning desert vistas throughout.
7. Highway 12 Scenic Byway
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Rating: 5/5 (780 reviews)
Location: Torrey, Utah
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This designated All-American Road winds through some of Utah’s most diverse landscapes. Experience everything from red rock canyons to alpine forests while connecting multiple national parks and monuments.
8. Forrest Gump Point
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Rating: 4.5/5 (607 reviews)
Location: Highway US 163 Mexican Hat, Utah
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This iconic stretch of Highway 163 gained fame from the movie “Forrest Gump.” The viewpoint offers unobstructed views of Monument Valley’s towering buttes and endless desert horizons.
9. Bonneville Salt Flats
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Rating: 4.5/5 (627 reviews)
Location: Greenhaven Wendover, Utah
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These otherworldly salt flats create a surreal landscape that seems almost alien. The vast white expanse offers unique photography opportunities and serves as a natural speedway for land speed records.
10. Valley of the Gods
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Rating: 4.5/5 (633 reviews)
Location: Mexican Hat, Utah
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This scenic 17-mile dirt road winds through towering red rock formations and ancient spires. The route provides intimate access to dramatic geology without the crowds found at nearby national parks.
11. Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
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Rating: 5/5 (404 reviews)
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This vast wilderness encompasses nearly 1.9 million acres of rugged canyon country. Explore slot canyons, natural bridges, and ancient petroglyphs across three distinct geographic regions.
12. Hill Aerospace Museum
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Rating: 4.5/5 (729 reviews)
Location: 7961 Wardleigh Rd, Building 1955 Hill Air Force Base Ogden, Utah
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Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate this extensive collection of military aircraft and aerospace artifacts. The museum displays over 90 aircraft and missiles spanning decades of aviation history.
13. Salt Lake City Temple
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Rating: 4.5/5 (1,638 reviews)
Location: 50 North West Temple St. Salt Lake City, Utah
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This iconic granite temple took 40 years to construct and stands as Salt Lake City’s most recognizable landmark. While temple interiors are restricted, the impressive exterior and surrounding gardens welcome all visitors.
14. St. George Temple & Visitors’ Center
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Rating: 4.5/5 (926 reviews)
Location: 250 East 400 South St. George, Utah
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Utah’s first completed temple features beautiful architecture set against red rock backdrops. The visitor center offers exhibits about Mormon pioneer history and the temple’s construction challenges.
15. Park City Main Street Historic District
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Rating: 4.5/5 (1,442 reviews)
Location: Main St. Park City, Utah
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This charming historic mining town preserved its Victorian-era architecture while transforming into a world-class resort destination. Stroll the wooden sidewalks and browse unique shops in this picturesque mountain setting.
16. Red Canyon
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Rating: 4.5/5 (796 reviews)
Location: Highway 12 Panguitch, Utah
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Often overshadowed by nearby Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon offers similar hoodoo formations with easier access and fewer crowds. Multiple short trails provide close-up views of unique red rock spires.
Data compiled from TripAdvisor rankings as of June 12, 2024. Rankings consider overall ratings, review counts, and page views to determine the highest-rated free attractions in Utah. Stacker is the original source of this story.
