The view of the valley is much different in South Jordan than the rest of Salt Lake. So is the attitude. Salt Lake’s youngest on-average population wants you to know that they aren’t just another suburban development run amok. They take pride in their town’s history, innovative urban planning, a thriving arts scene, worth-the-drive-from-the-city restaurants, and some astounding off-the-beaten path places, parks and trails. They’re even willing to share their town’s little-known secrets, although they would prefer to keep the hustle and bustle out of their neighborhood. Here’s how to spend a day in South Jordan like a local—horse fields, Hindu temples, Himalayan food and all.
RISE & SHINE
Bike, Hike or Run—South Jordan has more than 35 city parks, 2 county parks, more than 9 miles of trails, and 250 acres of natural open space. Start your morning at the Oquirrh Lake Park/Trails, Jordan River Parkway, or Mountain View Corridor. Looking for a little healthy competition? Check out the SoJo race series, they host a monthly race February-October.
South Jordan Fitness and Recreation Center—Swim, tennis, fields, and rec programs for adults and kids. One stop fitness fun for the entire family at a reasonable, publicly-subsidized price.
Lifetime Fitness—Forget the morning, you and your family could spend a whole day here, maybe a week. Full-service gym, indoor/outdoor pool, basketball courts, massage, restaurants, day care, med spa, and cafe. Plus they’ve got on-site daycare and kid camps for those looking for a little extra “me” time.
STROLL & SHOP
South Jordan Farmer’s Market—Local produce grown by the farmer next door. August-October, 1600 W Town Center, Utah Farm Bureau at the South Jordan Towne Center.
The District—Big Box meets mom and pop stores in this meandering outdoor mall development. One of the largest mixed-use developments of its kind in Utah, you’ll discover 120 acres of theaters, restaurants, retail, housing, shopping and office space. Anchor tenants include Target, JC Penney, Office Max, Ross, Harmons, Petco, and Hobby Lobby. Plus a healthy number of small business shops where you can buy local.
SoDa Row—The heart of Daybreak’s trendy downtown area hosts a vibrant collection of restaurants, boutiques, and cafes. Spend an afternoon strolling and shopping; all of the restaurants and stores are worthy of our accolades. And the modern, small-town ambiance can’t be beat.
LAZY AFTERNOONS
The Angry Korean—Authentic Korean BBQ with some flavorful fusion twists. What started as a humble street taco cart is now permanently located in The District. May we recommend grabbing lunch and dinner here.
Porch Restaurant— Stick-to-your-bones, comfort, low-country food in the heart of Daybreak. The perfect spot for brunch or lunch with a deep, hearty menu and indulgent desserts. Enjoy strolling around SoDa row after while walking off the grits and cornbread pudding.
Mulligans—Load your friends, kids and your kids’ friends in the car for an afternoon of miniature or foot (aka soccer) golf. Courses, batting cages and driving ranges are open until 11pm in the summer. They even have league play when you’re ready to take it to the next level. Good, clean fun for everyone.
GRAB A TREAT
Rockwell Ice Cream—Utah County’s original specialty ice cream parlor has fittingly found a home in Daybreak’s SoDa row. An impressive array of seasonal flavors and classics with a twist. We recommend Vanilla Lime Blackberry Habanero Jam. And say it ten times quickly when you order.
Schmidt’s Pastry Cottage—Pop by anytime by for an eclair, sugar cookie, or frozen rolls to take home for dinner, no excuse needed. Also the place to go for holiday bakes.
FOR THE KIDS
Find a Park—There’s a public park in the center of almost every housing development. Some of our favorites: Brookside, Oquirrh Shadows, and Oquirrh Lake Park.
Youth Fishing Club—Daily and week-long camps for kids are held Spring to Fall at the South Jordan Fishing Ponds, 11200 S River Front Pkwy. South Jordan also has several public fishing ponds and rivers accessible to all ages.
Holt Farmstead—A working farm until 2001, this historic landmark is now a community park. Take the self-guided farm tour, picnic at the pavilion, stroll the gardens, and end the day roasting s’mores in the fire pit. Catch a glimpse of what life was like in South Jordan a hundred years ago.
Utah Dance Artists—Over 240 classes and 55 teachers with experience in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and tumbling. Training for dancers at any level, ranging from 1 year to 18 years of age. One of Utah’s premier dance studios.
DINNER & NIGHTLIFE
Himalayan Kitchen—This award-winning Indian restaurant has locations in Downtown SLC and South Jordan. No need to drive to the city for some of the best Indian food in the state.
Market Street South Jordan—Utah’s most well-known and iconic seafood restaurant. Locals, visitors and newbies alike will enjoy the coastal vibe and fresh fish flown in daily.
The Break at SoDa Row—The place in South Jordan where everyone knows your name. A classic neighborhood sports bar with comfort pub food and beer on tap. Must be 21 to enter, so leave the kids at home.
Movies in the Moonlight —Grab a blanket, a pillow and a picnic and head to one of many free outdoor movie events. Each movie plays in a different South Jordan park throughout the summer.
Kensington Theatre—Community quality, family-friendly productions running January-April. This neighborhood theater organization with a heart of gold is provides meaningful educational and performing opportunities for children and adults.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Hindu Temple—Explore the grounds of one of Salt Lake’s lesser known temples. Festivals, religious services, and kitchen open to the public. Take the chance to expand your cultural horizons while staying close to home.
South Jordan Equestrian Center—Spectacular views of the Wasatch Mountains and some of the finest amenities in the Intermountain West for racing, training, boarding, showing and rodeos. The Equestrian Park and Event Center also hosts concerts, shows and other events like the Salt Lake County Fair.
Salt Lake County Fair—While farmland is disappearing in this part of the valley, the agricultural tradition is alive and well in South Jordan. Learn more about the area’s rich cultural heritage every August.
SoJo Summerfest—The first weekend of September. Race in the 5k, savor a Chuckwagon breakfast, watch fireworks or enjoy carnival rides. Something to entertain every age and interest.
Want to know more about South Jordan? Get a better feel for the neighborhood with our South Jordan Photo Tour. Interested in buying property in South Jordan? Contact us or find property information and current listings on our South Jordan page.
Niche Homes is a full-service real estate agency specializing in the Yalecrest neighborhood and surrounding Salt Lake enclaves. Contact us if you are interested in buying or selling a home.
