Great Salt Lake State Park Tours

Great Salt Lake State Park featuring a lake or waterhole
Great Salt Lake State Park featuring desert views as well as a couple
Great Salt Lake State Park which includes tranquil scenes, landscape views and a lake or waterhole
Great Salt Lake State Park which includes interior views
Great Salt Lake State Park featuring a lake or waterhole, tranquil scenes and landscape views


Visit the beautiful shoreline of this famous lake to see breathtaking sunsets, launch a boat, hike along the sand or swim in the unusually salty water.

Walk along the spacious reserve of Great Salt Lake State Park to experience the beauty and recreational opportunities of the Western Hemisphere’s largest salt lake. Entwined with myths and legends of Native American tribes and early settlers, Great Salt Lake is an important landmark in Utah’s scenery. Watch a spectacular multihued sunset from the sandy shoreline and spot wildlife and flocks of migratory birds. Go on a boating adventure and spend the night camping near the water.

Stop at the Great Salt Lake State Park’s small visitor center to ask about the park’s seasonal highlights during your stay. The visitor center contains interesting displays, where you can learn about the 1,500-square-mile (3,900-square-kilometer) lake’s formation, its significance to local Native American peoples and European settlers and its history and changing water levels. Pick up souvenirs and maps from this helpful center.

Rent a boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the park’s rental operator. You can also organize boat tours from here. Make your way to the Great Salt Lake State Marina and boat launch to set out on your adventure. Join sailors from Great Salt Lake Yacht Club and sail on waters that are saltier than the ocean.

Enjoy 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) of varied shoreline and take in views of white sandy beaches, Black Rock mountain and Antelope and Stansbury islands. Antelope Island is renowned for its hiking and biking trails. You might see bison in the shoreline marshes, as well as migratory birds that make a stopover here to refuel at freshwater inlets. Find a secluded spot for a swim and marvel at your buoyancy in the salty water.

In the evening, relax at your campground or RV site and enjoy a magnificent sunset. You might also catch a concert at the charming old Great Saltair building.

The visitor center and marina of the Great Salt Lake State Park are located on the park’s southern end, which is less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City. The park is open daily and charges an entry fee per vehicle. Pay an extra fee to camp overnight.

Plan a trip to see Great Salt Lake State Park

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Black Rock Mountain Resort
Raintree's Park Plaza Park City
The Caledonian by All Seasons Resort Lodging

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Great Salt Lake State Park

Comfort Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport

Comfort Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport

2.5 out of 5
202 N Jimmy Doolittle Rd, Salt Lake City, UT
Comfort Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport
Fairfield By Marriott Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Southwest

Fairfield By Marriott Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Southwest

2.5 out of 5
2878 South 5600 West, West Valley City, UT
Fairfield By Marriott Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Southwest
Quality Inn & Suites Airport West

Quality Inn & Suites Airport West

2.5 out of 5
315 Admiral Byrd Rd, Salt Lake City, UT
Quality Inn & Suites Airport West
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Salt Lake City Airport

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Salt Lake City Airport

4 out of 5
5151 Wiley Post Way, Salt Lake City, UT
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Salt Lake City Airport
Suburban Studios Salt Lake City Airport

Suburban Studios Salt Lake City Airport

4 out of 5
5575 W Amelia Earhart Drive, Building B, Salt Lake City, UT
Suburban Studios Salt Lake City Airport
Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport

Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport

2.5 out of 5
307 Admiral Byrd Rd, Salt Lake City, UT
Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport
Best Western Plus Airport Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus Airport Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
5433 W Wiley Post Way, Salt Lake City, UT
Best Western Plus Airport Inn & Suites
Clarion Inn Salt Lake City Airport

Clarion Inn Salt Lake City Airport

3 out of 5
5575 W. Amelia Earhart Dr, Salt Lake City, UT
Clarion Inn Salt Lake City Airport
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City-Airport West by IHG

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City-Airport West by IHG

3 out of 5
5001 W. Wiley Post Way, Salt Lake City, UT
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City-Airport West by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Great Salt Lake State Park

Great Salt Lake State Park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking trails that showcase the area's stunning natural beauty. You can enjoy a glamping trip for a unique outdoor experience, while also exploring nearby attractions. The quiet campground provides a perfect retreat, and you'll find opportunities for dancing, live music, and theater in the vicinity, making it an exciting destination for all types of travelers.

Food and drinks

For a great dining experience near Great Salt Lake State Park, check out The Copper Onion for farm-to-table dishes and local flavors. For a casual bite, visit The Pie Pizzeria, famous for its delicious slices and unique toppings, perfect for a quick meal after exploring the park.

Shopping

The nearest shopping options near Great Salt Lake State Park include Jordan Landing, located 14 miles away, offering a variety of family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, check out City Creek Center and Gateway Mall, both around 16 to 17 miles away, featuring diverse entertainment and shopping experiences.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Rice-Eccles Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a round of golf at Stansbury Park Golf Course, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. For a unique adventure, visit the Utah Olympic Oval for ice skating and entertainment, all within a short drive from the park.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Utah Motorsports Campus, located 14 miles from Great Salt Lake State Park, where adrenaline meets speed. For a scenic hike, explore the Pony Express National Historic Trail, 17 miles away, offering stunning outdoor views. Enjoy water sports with Paddle Wasatch, situated 19 miles from the park.

Nightlife

At Great Salt Lake State Park, nightlife thrives with options like Eccles Theater, offering a romantic and cultural vibe, and the Clark Planetarium, perfect for family fun. For adventure seekers, Nightmare on 13th provides an exciting arcade experience, ensuring memorable evenings just a short drive away.

Find the best attractions near Great Salt Lake State Park

While visiting Great Salt Lake State Park in Magna, Utah, explore a variety of attractions, including local event venues, entertainment facilities, and churches. Engage in cultural experiences and outdoor activities, perfect for families. Don't miss the stunning Great Salt Lake, nearby Liberty Park, and the vibrant Salt Lake City for a well-rounded vacation filled with fun and adventure.

  • Salt Palace Convention Center: This bustling venue is ideal for conferences and events, offering a professional atmosphere that caters to business needs. With modern facilities and spacious meeting rooms, it’s perfect for networking and engaging with industry leaders.
  • Vivint Arena: A hub of family entertainment, Vivint Arena hosts concerts, sports events, and shows, making it a vibrant place to enjoy a thrilling atmosphere. Whether you’re cheering for the home team or enjoying a live performance, it promises a memorable experience.
  • University of Utah: This picturesque campus blends modern architecture with scenic views. Explore its cultural offerings, including museums and art galleries, while enjoying the lively city vibe that surrounds this prestigious institution.

Best time to go to Great Salt Lake State Park

Visitor numbers around Great Salt Lake State Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Great Salt Lake State Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January27.0°F (-2.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February30.4°F (-0.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April46.6°F (8.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June68.7°F (20.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
July78.3°F (25.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September66.2°F (19.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October50.9°F (10.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November38.3°F (3.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December27.7°F (-2.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Great Salt Lake State Park

To save money during your visit to Great Salt Lake State Park, consider traveling between November and January when prices are lower. Explore nearby free attractions like Benson Grist Mill, and use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering for eco-certified hotels. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotel stays for additional savings, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards. Lastly, always compare prices and seek out last-minute hotel deals to ensure you’re getting the best rates for your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Great Salt Lake State Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Great Salt Lake State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.