Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass

If you’re considering a sightseeing pass for Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass promises to streamline your exploration with convenient access to some of the city’s most popular attractions. While it’s not a high-profile tour with guided commentary, it’s a flexible and budget-friendly way to see several highlights without the hassle of individual ticket purchases.

What we love about this pass is its simplicity—you get a straightforward way to visit up to three attractions from a curated list, with the added bonus of saving money compared to buying tickets separately. The wide range of options from museums to gardens and zoos means there’s something for all, whether you’re traveling alone, as a family, or with friends.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the pass doesn’t include transportation between sites, so you’ll need to plan your route accordingly. Also, the process of redeeming tickets can sometimes be a little tricky, as one reviewer noted, which might add a few minutes to your plans. Still, for travelers who enjoy a flexible itinerary and want to maximize their time, this pass offers good value.

This experience is best suited for those who want a relaxed, multi-attraction day in Salt Lake City without the stress of ticketing and planning each visit separately. It’s especially appealing if you’re already planning to visit several sites on the list.

Good To Know

• Flexible multi-attraction access within Salt Lake City’s downtown area.
• Cost-effective way to visit three top spots from a select list.
• Valid for 120 days after purchase, with a 9-day window for use.
• No included transportation, so plan your route in advance.
• Tickets are issued via a barcode that some venues may not be familiar with, leading to potential delays.
• Suitable for families, solo travelers, and cultural explorers wanting a relaxed pace.

In-Depth Review of the Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass

What’s Included and How It Works

At $56.99 per person, you get access to three attractions from a list of nine options, each offering a slice of Salt Lake City’s cultural, natural, and family-friendly scenes. The pass must be used within 120 days of purchase, so it’s flexible enough if your trip is a bit spread out.

The attractions include:

• Utah Museum of Fine Arts and Utah Museum of Contemporary Art for art lovers
• Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum and This Is The Place Heritage Park for families
• Natural History Museum of Utah and Red Butte Garden for nature and outdoor enthusiasts
• Clark Planetarium with its Dome and IMAX theaters
• Utah’s Hogle Zoo for animal lovers

Planning Your Itinerary

Because the pass covers up to three attractions, you’ll want to choose the sites that best match your interests. The itinerary is flexible, but you’ll need to coordinate timing and opening hours, which are generally from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

One key detail — tickets are only available on a first-come, first-served basis for Clark Planetarium, and films are only shown in the afternoons. So, if you’re eager to catch a specific film or show, arriving early and checking availability at the ticket counter is essential.

The Attractions Breakdown

Clark Planetarium offers an immersive experience with its Dome Theatre and IMAX screenings, but reviews note that tickets are not always guaranteed in advance, and you’ll need to check upon arrival. One reviewer, Chelsea G, mentioned, “the pass is well worth the cost, but I was sent a barcode to scan and none of the places we went knew how to use it.” This suggests that venue familiarity with the barcode system can vary, possibly causing delays or confusion.

Discovery Gateway is perfect for families with young children, offering hands-on exhibits that encourage learning and creativity. Its two-hour window makes it a manageable stop that keeps kids engaged without exhaustion.

The Natural History Museum of Utah is a highlight for those interested in the natural environment, providing insights into the region’s geology, flora, and fauna. According to reviews, advanced reservations are recommended—a good tip to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

Red Butte Garden is a favorite among plant lovers and those seeking tranquil outdoor spaces. Its extensive collections of display gardens and a springtime bloom of half a million bulbs make it worth a visit, especially if you enjoy botanical sights and outdoor concerts.

The Leonardo Museum offers a creative space where art and science intersect, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Travelers can wander, ask questions, and get inspired to think differently about innovation and creativity.

This Is The Place Heritage Park lets visitors experience pioneer life firsthand—think train rides, Native American village visits, and pioneer chores. It’s very interactive and great for kids and history buffs alike.

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and Utah Museum of Fine Arts showcase broad collections, from ancient artifacts to modern art, offering a cultural perspective that appeals to art enthusiasts.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo provides a fun, educational experience with diverse animals, and is a favorite for families. The zoo fosters respect for wildlife through its exhibits and conservation programs.

Authentic Insights and Practical Tips

From the single review available, we learn that ticket management can be a bit frustrating. Chelsea G mentioned that the barcode system used for ticket verification wasn’t always straightforward, which could mean waiting in lines or dealing with venue staff unfamiliar with the process. Planning ahead and arriving early might save you some hassle.

Transport between sites isn’t included, so remember to account for your own transportation—whether that’s walking, driving, or using public transit. Salt Lake City’s downtown is walkable, but some sites like the zoo or botanical gardens might require a short drive or ride-share.

Timing is key—since attractions vary in opening hours and film screenings are only in the afternoon at Clark Planetarium, a well-planned schedule will help maximize your experience. Also, since tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis, lining up early is advisable if you’re eager to see specific films or shows.

The Value Proposition

At just under $57 for three attractions, the pass offers significant savings over buying individual tickets, especially for popular spots like the zoo or the museums. For example, a visit to Hogle Zoo alone can cost around $20-$25, so hitting two or three sites makes this an economical choice.

However, the lack of included transportation and potential ticketing hiccups mean you should prepare accordingly. If you’re a flexible traveler who enjoys planning day trips and managing logistics, this pass can be a time- and money-saver.

Who Should Consider the Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass?

This pass is ideal for families with kids, as it covers engaging, kid-friendly attractions like Discovery Gateway and Heritage Park. Culture and art lovers will appreciate the museums and the creative vibe of The Leonardo.

Outdoor enthusiasts benefit from the proximity to Red Butte Garden and the zoo, especially if spontaneous outdoor visits appeal to you.

It’s probably less suitable for visitors who prefer guided tours or want transportation included, or those on a very tight schedule. If you’re someone who enjoys flexible, self-guided exploration and a variety of experiences, it offers genuine value.

Final Thoughts

The Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass offers a practical way to explore Salt Lake City’s core attractions without the hassle of individual ticketing. While there are some minor inconveniences, such as ticketing processes and the need to arrange your own transport, the overall value for money and the diversity of sights make it an attractive option.

It’s especially well-suited for families, cultural explorers, and outdoor lovers who want a relaxed, varied day in Salt Lake City. If you’re okay with managing your timing and transportation, this pass can help you see a lot without breaking the bank.

For those who love outdoor gardens, interactive museums, or wildlife encounters, this ticket bundle can serve as a handy, budget-conscious way to make the most of your trip.

FAQ

How long is the pass valid for after purchase?
The pass must be used within 120 days of buying, giving plenty of flexibility for planning your trip.

How many attractions can I visit with one pass?
You select and visit three attractions from a list of nine options.

Are tickets issued in advance?
No, tickets are only available on a first-come, first-served basis, especially at Clark Planetarium. Arrive early to secure your preferred films or screenings.

Does the pass include transportation between attractions?
No, you will need to arrange your own transport between sites, which are generally within walking distance or a short drive.

Can I visit the same attraction more than once?
No, the pass is valid for one visit per attraction within the 9-day usage window.

Are there any restrictions on attraction opening hours?
Yes, hours are generally from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but check ahead for specific site hours or special events.

Is this pass good for solo travelers and families?
Absolutely. It’s flexible enough for individuals and fun for families thanks to its variety of kid-friendly and adult attractions.

Can I upgrade or extend my pass?
No, the pass is fixed at three attractions and cannot be extended or upgraded.

What should I do if a venue doesn’t recognize my barcode?
You might face some delays; arriving early and confirming your reservations can help. Be prepared with your confirmation email or reservation code as backup.

Is it worth buying this pass over individual tickets?
If you plan to visit multiple sites, it generally offers good savings. However, consider your schedule and whether the included attractions match your interests before purchasing.

This detailed review shows that the Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass is a flexible, money-saving way to enjoy Salt Lake City’s highlights—just plan ahead and manage your transport to get the most out of it.