Things To Do
in South Jordan

South Jordan is a family-friendly suburb in the southwest corner of Salt Lake County, Utah, known for the large planned Daybreak community and proximity to the Oquirrh Mountains and Jordan River Parkway. The city blends suburban neighborhoods, parks and lakes with quick access to Salt Lake City's cultural attractions and the Wasatch Range for outdoor recreation. Its population skews family-oriented and community-focused, with visible influence from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in local culture and calendar rhythms.

Visitors will find a quieter pace than downtown Salt Lake City, easy access to trails and ski areas, and growing options for dining and breweries within a short drive of major transit routes.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the South Jordan Historical Museum, where you can learn about the rich history of the area through engaging exhibits. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, taking in the beautiful architecture and lush landscapes. Don't forget to grab a coffee at a local café to fuel your adventures ahead.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head over to the South Jordan City Park, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Afterward, take a relaxing walk along the Jordan River Parkway Trail, soaking in the scenic views and perhaps spotting some local wildlife. The park's playgrounds and sports facilities also offer great opportunities for some fun and recreation.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, treat yourself to dinner at one of South Jordan's renowned local restaurants, where you can savor delicious dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. After your meal, consider attending a community event or concert at the nearby South Jordan Community Center to experience the vibrant local culture. Conclude your evening with a peaceful walk along the Jordan River, enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

day 2
Adventure at the Water Park
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local diner before making your way to the Cowabunga Bay Water Park. Spend the morning enjoying thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, perfect for families or anyone looking for a splash of fun. Make sure to apply sunscreen to stay protected while you enjoy the sun and water.

afternoon
:

Continue the fun in the afternoon with a leisurely lunch at the park's café, where you can refuel with tasty options while still soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Join in on water games and activities offered throughout the park, creating memorable moments with friends and family. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos to capture your exciting day.

evening
:

As the park begins to wind down, head to a nearby ice cream shop for a sweet treat to cool off after a fun-filled day. Enjoy your dessert while reflecting on the day’s adventures before heading back to your accommodation. For a relaxing end to your evening, catch a movie at a local theater or unwind at a cozy pub.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
☕️Coffee (regular café)$3-5
🍺Domestic beer (bar)$5-7
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$100-160
🚗Local taxi / short rideshare$10-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Family-friendly neighborhoods and parks
  • Easy access to outdoor recreation and ski areas
  • Close to Salt Lake City cultural attractions
  • Well-maintained trails and lakefront amenities
  • Quieter nightlife and dining scene compared with larger cities
  • Hot summers and winter driving conditions can be challenging
  • Limited public transport coverage late at night
  • Some dependence on a car for full convenience

Places to Visit in South Jordan

Visit one of these nice places.

Daybreak Lake

Picturesque lakefront with boardwalks, modern architecture and reflections at sunrise/sunset; great for family and lifestyle shots.

Oquirrh Mountain Foothills

Elevated viewpoints with sweeping valley and mountain vistas—excellent for golden-hour landscape photos and city skyline backdrops.

Jordan River Parkway

Wetlands, bridges and trail scenes with seasonal birdlife and long trail perspectives—good for nature and wildlife photography.

Bingham (Kennecott) Mine Overlook (nearby)

Dramatic industrial landscape and vast open-pit views—powerful abstract and wide-angle photography, best from official viewpoints and safe distances.

Culinary Guide

Food in South Jordan

South Jordan's food scene is rooted in American comfort food with growing variety: Mexican taquerias, family diners, neighborhood cafés, and several craft breweries. The nearby Salt Lake Valley brings broader culinary options within a short drive, while seasonal farmers markets supply fresh local produce. Expect hearty portions, friendly service and some regional Utah specialties in many home-style restaurants.

South Jordan Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fry Sauce

A Utah classic condiment (mayo + ketchup-based) served with fries and burgers; you'll find it at diners and burger joints across South Jordan.

Must-Try!

Funeral Potatoes

A creamy, cheesy potato casserole common at potlucks and many comfort-food menus—ask at local cafés or community events.

Mexican Street Tacos

Authentic-style tacos from local taquerias or food trucks are popular and widely available for an affordable meal.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Daybreak Farmers Market (seasonal)

A summer/early-fall market offering local produce, baked goods and prepared foods near Daybreak Lake—great for picnic supplies and local flavors.

Neighborhood Food Trucks and Taquerias

Informal spots and food trucks close to shopping centers and parks serve tacos, burgers and quick bites—ideal for casual dining.

Climate Guide

Weather

South Jordan has a semi-arid mountain climate: hot, dry summers and cold winters with snow in the valley and heavier accumulation in nearby mountains. Spring and fall are transitional with variable weather; high elevation nearby leads to cooler temperatures and more precipitation in the canyons than the valley.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Friendly, Reserved Interaction

Residents are generally polite and community-minded—greet people with a hello and be courteous in public spaces. Conversations about religion (LDS) can come up; be respectful and avoid making assumptions.

Respect for Family Schedules

Many community events and businesses follow family-friendly hours and community calendars—respect quiet hours in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is good with typical suburban low violent-crime rates, but property crime (car break-ins) can occur—don't leave valuables visible in parked vehicles. Summer heat and mountain weather changes are the primary environmental concerns; carry water for hikes, check avalanche reports in winter, and drive cautiously on icy roads. Emergency services are accessible and cell coverage is generally reliable in the valley but can be spotty in remote mountain areas.

Tipping in South Jordan

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary: 15–20% in restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and around 10–15% for food delivery. Tip hotel staff and taxi drivers appropriately (few dollars for bell service, 10–15% for valets where applicable).

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Cash is accepted but less necessary; keep small bills for tips and small vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and dry with daytime highs often in the 80s–90s°F (27–35°C). Great for hiking early/late in the day, water activities at Daybreak Lake, and outdoor festivals—pack sun protection and stay hydrated.

Fall

Mild temperatures and colorful foliage in higher elevations; ideal for hiking and photography. Cooler mornings/evenings mean layers are essential.

Winter

Cold with regular snowfall in the mountains and occasional snow in the valley; ski resorts are accessible within 30–45 minutes. Roads can be icy—carry winter gear and check mountain weather.

Spring

Variable weather with spring runoff and blooming parks; trails can be muddy early in the season, and temperatures can swing widely—dress in layers.

Nightlife Guide

South Jordan at Night

South Jordan's nightlife is low-key compared with Salt Lake City: expect family-friendly restaurants, a handful of neighborhood bars and local breweries with live music on occasion. For a broader nightlife scene—clubs, larger concert venues and diverse late-night dining—head into downtown Salt Lake City (about 20–30 minutes by car or transit).

Hiking in South Jordan

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Oquirrh Mountain Trails

Local trails in the foothills offering valley views, short to moderate routes and access close to South Jordan neighborhoods.

Daybreak Trail Loops

Gentle lakeside and neighborhood trails ideal for walks, runs and family outings—paved and easy to navigate.

Big Cottonwood Canyon (nearby)

A 30–45 minute drive to alpine trails, waterfalls and higher-elevation hikes; excellent for wildflowers in summer and access to more challenging backcountry routes.

Jordan River Parkway

Extensive flat trail system along the Jordan River that connects parks and wetlands—good for long easy hikes and birdwatching.

Airports

How to reach South Jordan by plane.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Primary airport for the region, about 20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic—offers domestic and international flights and good ground-transport connections.

Provo Municipal Airport (PVU)

Smaller regional airport about 45–60 minutes south by car, useful for limited regional flights and general aviation.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is high within the Daybreak community and around local shopping centers and parks, with paved trails and sidewalks. Outside these nodes the suburb is more car-dependent, though many neighborhoods include pedestrian-friendly parks and trail connections.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families and Suburban Residents

Large proportion of households are families with children; neighborhoods emphasize schools, parks and community programming.

LDS Community

A significant portion of residents are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which influences community events and local culture.

Growing Diverse Communities

Increasing Hispanic/Latino and other minority populations add cultural diversity, restaurants and community events.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Nearby Wasatch Range resorts host world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding during winter; many locals take day trips to the slopes.

Mountain Biking and Trail Running

Growing participation thanks to nearby foothills and trail networks offering routes for varying skill levels.

Basketball (Utah Jazz fandom)

Basketball is popular regionally, with many locals following the NBA's Utah Jazz and supporting local youth leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic peaks during weekday commuter hours on I-15 and arterial roads like Bangerter Highway; expect congestion heading to and from Salt Lake City in mornings and evenings. Public transportation includes UTA bus service and the TRAX light-rail system with a Daybreak extension—useful for commuting but less frequent late at night. Driving is the most convenient option for many visits.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting South Jordan.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are increasingly available at cafés, pizza places and many Mexican restaurants (beans, grilled vegetables, cheese). Ask for substitutions and check menus online—larger nearby cities offer more vegetarian and vegan specialty restaurants.

Vegan/Gluten-Free

Vegan and gluten-free choices exist but are more limited locally; look for health-food–style cafés or drive into Salt Lake City for greater variety. Many establishments will accommodate allergies if notified.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is well-served by regional systems (Intermountain Healthcare is the major provider) with urgent care clinics and hospitals within short drives. For specialized care or major hospitals, facilities in Salt Lake City and Murray are easily accessible by car or transit.

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