No Car? No Problem?
Whether you don’t like driving, don’t have a car, or you’re just trying to save gas, there are many alternatives to driving throughout Salt Lake City, including the UTA Trax and Frontrunner (both free for U of U Students). With 4 light rail lines throughout the Salt Lake valley and a train that has stations between Provo and Ogden, there are plenty of places to go to and sights to see that don’t require a car. Without further ado, here’s a list of our favorite places to go via public transportation!
Salt Lake City:
Trolley Square: Trolley Square is an outdoor shopping center just outside of campus. With a variety of restaurants and shops, Trolley Square makes a great place to hang out with friends!
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Trolley Station
City Creek: Located right in the center of downtown, City Creek is Salt Lake’s premier shopping mall, filled with in-style retail stores and great places to eat! Outside of the mall, the downtown area has many cafes, restaurants, and stores to check out.
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Courthouse Station, then transfer to a Northbound Blue or Green Line train to City Center Station
Vivint Arena: Vivint Arena is the center of all entertainment. From live music, to shows, to Jazz games, this arena is jampacked with events that can cater to anyone!
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Courthouse Station, then transfer to a Northbound Blue or Green Line train to Arena Station
The Gateway: If you want to have a fun night out, look no further than The Gateway! As you walk through this outdoor mall, you’ll find some great local eats and shops, as well as a movie theater, an arcade, and a planetarium.
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Courthouse Station, then transfer to a Northbound Blue Line train to Planetarium Station
North Temple:
Utah State Fairpark: While the main show, the Utah State Fair, is in September, the fairgrounds host plenty of festivals, events, and concerts year-round!
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Courthouse Station, then transfer to a Northbound Green Line train to Fairpark Station
South Salt Lake:
Smith’s Ballpark: A little-known fact about Salt Lake City is that we have a minor-league baseball team, the Salt Lake Bees! Their 150-game season starts in March, and it’s always a fun time at their games. Along with the Bees, our U of U baseball team also plays at Smith’s Ballpark!
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Ballpark Station
Sugarhouse Park: Right in the heart of Sugarhouse, Sugarhouse park is one of the largest parks in the area! With picnic tables, a pond, and walking trails, this park is a must-visit.
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Central Pointe Station, then transfer to an S Line train to Fairmont Station
Chinatown: While it may be small, Salt Lake’s Chinatown has much to offer. From a large Asian supermarket to an all-you-can-eat Hotpot restaurant, Chinatown is one of the top things to do in the area.
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Millcreek Station
West Valley:
Maverik Center: Salt Lake’s smaller arena, the Maverik Center, has an endless list of events year-round. The arena hosts concerts, events, and games for the City’s minor league basketball and hockey teams.
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Courthouse Station, then transfer to a Southbound Green Line train to Decker Lake Station
Valley Fair Mall: The Valley Fair Mall is one of the few malls throughout the valley. While the mall falls short when it comes to retail stores, Valley Fair has a large bowling alley and a movie theater!
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Courthouse Station, then transfer to a Southbound Green Line train to the West Valley Central Station
Murray:
Fashion Place Mall: Fashion Place is Salt Lake’s largest, completely indoor shopping mall. Filled with a wide variety of retailers and restaurants, this mall is one you can’t miss out on.
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Fashion Place Station
Sandy:
Mountain America Convention Center: Located in Sandy, the Mountain America Convention Center hosts large expos year-round. From auto shows to golf expos, the convention center is sure to have something you’d like!
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Courthouse Station, then transfer to a Southbound Blue Line train to Sandy Expo Station
America First Field: After the thrilling Qatar World Cup, there’s no better way to support soccer in the states than to go to a local Major League Soccer game! Salt Lake’s championship-winning soccer team, Real Salt Lake, plays matches at the field from February to October!
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Courthouse Station, then transfer to a Southbound Blue Line train to Sandy Expo Station.
West Jordan:
Gardener Village: Gardener Village is one of the most unique places to visit in the Salt Lake area. Gardener Village imitates a small village (who would’ve thought), and is filled with cafes, bakeries, seasonal stores, and restaurants! The village also has great decorations, and it’s fun to see what it looks like each season.
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Historic Gardener Station
Farmington:
Lagoon: “An amusement park just north of Salt Lake? That can’t be.” Well, it’s true! Lagoon is Utah’s flagship amusement park. Filled with rollercoasters, rides, and shows, Lagoon is a great place to visit on weekends with friends!
How to get there: Take a Southbound Red Line train to Courthouse Station, then transfer to a Northbound Blue Line train to the Salt Lake Central Station. At Salt Lake Central Station, take a Northbound Frontrunner train to Farmington Station