Things To Do
in South Salt Lake
South Salt Lake is a small city on the southern edge of Salt Lake City, Utah, known for its blend of residential neighborhoods and light industry. It serves as a convenient base for exploring the Wasatch Front while staying close to downtown Salt Lake City. The area offers affordable lodging, diverse dining options, and easy access to outdoor recreation along the Jordan River and foothill trails.
Its proximity to services, parks, and public transit makes it a practical starting point for both city wandering and mountain adventures.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a peaceful stroll in Liberty Park, one of Salt Lake City’s oldest and most beautiful parks. Enjoy the serene surroundings as you watch ducks swim in the pond and admire the lush trees. Don't miss a visit to the Tracy Aviary, where you can learn about various bird species.
After a delightful morning, grab lunch at a nearby café, savoring the local flavors of South Salt Lake. Post-lunch, explore the park's paths by renting a bike or rollerblading along the scenic trails. For a bit of adventure, consider joining a yoga class offered in the park.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot to unwind with a picnic dinner or head to a local restaurant. Enjoy the ambiance as the park lights illuminate the pathways and the serene environment shifts into a magical evening. Wrap up your day by attending a spirited concert or performance at the nearby venue.
Dive deep into the vibrant world of art with a visit to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. As you wander through their diverse collections, let the creativity of local and international artists inspire you. Participate in a guided tour to fully appreciate the stories behind the artwork.
After a morning filled with inspiration, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery that offers farm-to-table dining. Spend your afternoon engaged in a hands-on workshop organized by the museum, where you can create your own masterpiece under the guidance of an experienced artist. Take the opportunity to embrace your creativity and explore new artistic avenues.
Come evening, consider attending a lecture or special event at the museum to deepen your understanding of art. Then, take a short drive to the nearby downtown area for an upscale dining experience. End your night with a stroll through the city lights, reflecting on the beauty you encountered throughout the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $3-5 |
| 🏠One-bedroom apartment in city center per month | $1,200-1,800 |
| 🚌Transit pass (monthly) | $60-110 |
| 🧺Grocery bill per week | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Salt Lake City and outdoor recreation
- Diverse dining options and access to Wasatch Mountains
- Affordable accommodations relative to nearby ski towns
- Walkable neighborhoods in core areas
- Limited nightlife within SSL itself; many options require travel to SLC
- Winter driving can be challenging in snowy months
- Smaller city with fewer high-end attractions compared to central SLC
Places to Visit in South Salt Lake
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic river corridor with seasonal reeds, birds, and cityscape views, especially at golden hour.
Painted murals and vintage storefronts along Salt Lake’s 36th Street provide colorful urban photography topics.
Red-brick civic buildings with surrounding parks and clean lines, ideal for architectural shots.
Green space with water features and skyline glimpses from the park’s edges.
Food in South Salt Lake
South Salt Lake Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Utah staple dip served with burgers and fries, widely available across SSL and the SLC area.
Must-Try!
Slow-braised meat tacos that have become popular in local taquerias; look for abundant, flavorful fillings.
Traditional masa-based street-food wrapped and steamed, available at markets and taquerias around SSL.
Pho, pad thai, and other noodle dishes are common across local Asian eateries and casual spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market with local produce, prepared foods, and occasional street-food stalls, typically held in warmer months.
Markets and vendor stalls along major corridors offering spices, fresh produce, and ready-to-eat bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake or nod is typical; be respectful at religious sites and in residential areas; avoid loud behavior in quiet neighborhoods.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and neighborhoods; ask permission before photographing people when appropriate.
Safety
Tipping in South Salt Lake
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, standard tips are 15-20% before tax; for bar service and coffee, $1-2 per drink is common; if a service charge is included, additional tipping is optional.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; some small places may take cash only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with low humidity and long daylight hours; stay hydrated, use sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Cold temperatures with potential snowfall; dress in layers, check road conditions, and enjoy indoor venues plus short, scenic outdoor strolls.
Mild temperatures with blooming flowers; be prepared for occasional showers and rapidly changing conditions.
Comfortable temperatures and scenic foliage; great for hikes and city photography.
South Salt Lake at Night
Hiking in South Salt Lake
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Instagram-worthy viewpoint of the valley and city, a popular short-to-moderate hike in Millcreek Canyon.
Popular foothill hike with rewarding views of Salt Lake Valley; moderate-difficulty.
Easy family-friendly trail to a small waterfall, great for a shorter hike.
Popular long hike around a mountain lake with lake views and alpine scenery.
Airports
How to reach South Salt Lake by plane.
Main regional airport, about a 15–20 minute drive from SSL depending on traffic; served by major airlines with domestic and international routes.
Smaller regional airport located about 40-50 minutes north; occasional regional flights.
Southern Wasatch front airport about 40-60 minutes south; regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority group in the area, with growing Hispanic/Latino and Asian communities.
A sizable community contributing to the region’s culture and cuisine.
Growing communities adding diversity to the area.
Residents from across the United States and internationally.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in the region with local leagues and neighborhood pick-up games.
World-class resorts in the Wasatch Mountains (e.g., Alta, Snowbird) are a short drive away for winter sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting South Salt Lake.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most SSL and SLC-area restaurants offer vegetarian dishes; look for curries, Mexican veg options, and veggie burgers; ask about broths and dairy use.