The Ogden River Parkway links the city with the mountain trail system in the towering Wasatch Range, which forms the scenic backdrop for Ogden. Within a few minutes from downtown, there are ample opportunities for fishing, boating, biking, camping, hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor recreational opportunities. Golf courses also abound. Ogden has one private and two public courses, and another 14 are within a 20-minute drive. Nearby Snowbasin was home to the 2002 Olympic Downhill, Super G, and Combined races. With over 400 inches of snowfall annually, Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Wolf Mountain ski resorts provide world-class skiing. Figure skaters, hockey teams, and curling clubs enjoy the Ogden Ice Sheet, home of Olympic curling. Ogden is within a short day's drive of the spectacular Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks.

Once a major railroad hub, Historic 25th Street is now seeing a renaissance as a dining and after-hours destination with clubs, breweries, pubs, and restaurants. A mix of contemporary, traditional, and ethnic cuisine may be found in Ogden's many fine restaurants. Night clubs host jazz, blues, and comedy, while larger venues host big-name performances.

Ogden is enjoying a renaissance of community spirit, and the arts are a major component of this revitalization. Recently, an arts district was created along Historic 25th Street. A weekly Farmers/Art Market draws thousands of people. Live/work artist spaces are being created. A new amphitheater and plaza on the Municipal Block hosts festivals and events. New and existing venues such as the historic Peery's Egyptian Theater, Eccles Conference Center, and the Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts at Weber State University host symphony, ballet, and theater events - including the acclaimed Utah Musical Theater. Visual arts are highlighted at the Eccles Community Art Center, Myra Powel Gallery, and Weber State University. Ogden enjoys proximity to cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Storytelling Festival, Mountain Man Rendezvous, the Sundance Film Festival, the Banff Mountain Film Festival, the Two Rivers Arts Festival, and Talent in the Park summer concert series.

The Ogden Raptors, a Pioneer League baseball team, provides weekly excitement at the new Lindquist Field in downtown Ogden. Playing at the Dee Events Center and a newly remodeled football stadium, Weber State University's basketball and football teams consistently rank in the top of the Big Sky Conference.  As part of the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) The Ogden Mustangs are Ogden’s first and only Junior A hockey program.  The Utah Jazz plays basketball in Salt Lake City, 30 minutes south of Ogden. Ogden City Recreation Division sponsors baseball, basketball, and other programs for all age groups.