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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Picturesque lakefront with boardwalks, modern architecture and reflections at sunrise/sunset; great for family and lifestyle shots.
Elevated viewpoints with sweeping valley and mountain vistas—excellent for golden-hour landscape photos and city skyline backdrops.
Wetlands, bridges and trail scenes with seasonal birdlife and long trail perspectives—good for nature and wildlife photography.
Dramatic industrial landscape and vast open-pit views—powerful abstract and wide-angle photography, best from official viewpoints and safe distances.
Food in South Jordan
South Jordan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
A creamy, cheesy potato casserole common at potlucks and many comfort-food menus—ask at local cafés or community events.
Authentic-style tacos from local taquerias or food trucks are popular and widely available for an affordable meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A summer/early-fall market offering local produce, baked goods and prepared foods near Daybreak Lake—great for picnic supplies and local flavors.
Informal spots and food trucks close to shopping centers and parks serve tacos, burgers and quick bites—ideal for casual dining.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
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.
Many community events and businesses follow family-friendly hours and community calendars—respect quiet hours in residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in South Jordan
Ensure a smooth experience
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).
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...
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.
Mild temperatures and colorful foliage in higher elevations; ideal for hiking and photography. Cooler mornings/evenings mean layers are essential.
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.
Variable weather with spring runoff and blooming parks; trails can be muddy early in the season, and temperatures can swing widely—dress in layers.
South Jordan at Night
Hiking in South Jordan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local trails in the foothills offering valley views, short to moderate routes and access close to South Jordan neighborhoods.
Gentle lakeside and neighborhood trails ideal for walks, runs and family outings—paved and easy to navigate.
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.
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.
Primary airport for the region, about 20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic—offers domestic and international flights and good ground-transport connections.
Smaller regional airport about 45–60 minutes south by car, useful for limited regional flights and general aviation.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large proportion of households are families with children; neighborhoods emphasize schools, parks and community programming.
A significant portion of residents are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which influences community events and local culture.
Increasing Hispanic/Latino and other minority populations add cultural diversity, restaurants and community events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Nearby Wasatch Range resorts host world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding during winter; many locals take day trips to the slopes.
Growing participation thanks to nearby foothills and trail networks offering routes for varying skill levels.
Basketball is popular regionally, with many locals following the NBA's Utah Jazz and supporting local youth leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting South Jordan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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.