Pass offers package deal for S.L. area attractions

Visiting the Salt Lake area's most popular attractions this summer may only require a small card and good company.

The Visit Salt Lake City Connect Pass, in existence for about five years, admits holders to 13 of the area's top attractions in one-, two-, or three-day increments.

"It's a wonderful addition to what Salt Lake has to offer visitors," said Shawn Stinson, director of communications for the Salt Lake City Visitor's Bureau. "Locals can see great opportunities in their own backyards —all in one day!"

The pass can be purchased at the visitor's center in the Salt Palace Convention Center or online at VisitSaltLake.com. Once the pass is scanned at the first attraction, the pass is activated for the number of days chosen by the cardholder.

Stinson said it is very challenging to visit all the attractions in one day. He recommends that visitors buy a two- or three-day pass to take full advantage of the admission card.

Downtown Salt Lake City offers nine of the sites on the Connect Pass, with the other four being spread from Park City to Lehi.

Stinson also noted that the pass has a lot of diversity, with attractions for all interests.

Visitors who want to see wildlife can visit Tracy Aviary and Hogle Zoo, both included with one admission on the pass. The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy is an aquatic animal stop for pass holders.

History buffs can check out This is the Place Heritage Park and the Utah Museum of Natural History, also including admissions on the Connect Pass.

Art enthusiasts can check out the latest exhibit at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

Many of the stops on the pass are kid-friendly, such as admissions to Discovery Gateway and the Clark Planetarium's I-MAX and Star Theatres.

Salt Lake's mountain attractions are not left out. Take a trip on Snowbird's scenic tram ride or visit Utah Olympic Park in Park City with a guided tour.

Hungry? The Lion House Pantry Restaurant's buffet lunch is included with the purchase of a Connect Pass.

Rounding out the Connect Pass' featured locations are the gardens of Thanksgiving Point and Red Butte Garden. Admission to Thanksgiving Point's Museum of Ancient Life is included with the Connect Pass.

If you go...

Salt Lake Connect Pass

1 day, adult $20, senior (65+) $18, child (12 and younger) $16

2 days, adult $30, senior (65+) $27, child (12 and younger) $24

3 days, adult $40, senior (65+) $36, child (12 and younger) $32

Email: jnicholls@desnews.com