Things To Do
in Woods Cross
Woods Cross is a small suburban city in Davis County, northern Utah, located just north of Salt Lake City and within easy commuting distance of the Wasatch Front. It has a family-oriented vibe with residential neighborhoods, local parks, light industry and quick access to regional attractions like Antelope Island and ski areas. The city serves as a practical base for exploring Utah’s mountains, Great Salt Lake shoreline and the larger restaurant and cultural scene in nearby Bountiful and Salt Lake City.
Visitors will find basic services and a quiet atmosphere rather than a dense urban core — ideal for day trips and outdoor activity access.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a scenic drive to Antelope Island State Park, where you can marvel at the stunning views of the Great Salt Lake. Enjoy a leisurely hike along the numerous trails that weave through the park, spotting bison and various bird species. Capture the breathtaking sunrise over the island as you connect with nature.
After a morning of exploration, settle down for a picnic lunch on the shores of the lake, where the soothing sounds of water enhance your dining experience. Spend the afternoon biking or walking along the shoreline, taking in the unique landscapes and perhaps even dipping your toes in the saline waters. Consider visiting the historic Fielding Garr Ranch for a glimpse into the pioneering past of the region.
As dusk descends, prepare for an unforgettable sunset over the lake that paints the sky with vibrant hues. Find a cozy spot to relax and reflect on your day, perhaps doing some stargazing as the night sky illuminates with stars. Wind down with a drive back to Woods Cross, feeling rejuvenated from your day of adventure.
Start your morning at Hogle Zoo, where you can watch the animals come to life as they enjoy their breakfast. Take your time exploring the exhibits, from exotic reptiles to playful primates, ensuring you don’t miss any of the interactive presentations. Engage with the zookeepers during special sessions to learn more about conservation efforts.
After lunch at one of the zoo's cafes, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the nearby Liberty Park, where you can relax among the natural beauty. Visit the Tracy Aviary, located within the park, and experience close encounters with fascinating birds from around the world. The afternoon offers ample opportunity to take photos and enjoy educational activities for the whole family.
As the sun begins to set, head to a local restaurant for dinner, sharing your favorite moments from the day. If you're in the mood for some evening excitement, check out a nearby theater for a show or live performance. The day's exploration culminates with a relaxed return to your accommodation, reflecting on the exciting wildlife experiences you've had.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Regular coffee (cafe) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-7 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare ride | $10-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to outdoor recreation (mountains, trails, Great Salt Lake)
- Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with lower cost than central Salt Lake City
- Close proximity to Salt Lake City’s cultural, dining and airport access
- Good base for day trips to ski resorts, Antelope Island and state parks
- Limited nightlife and high-end dining within the city itself
- Car-dependent — limited dense public transit within the immediate area
- Winter inversions can cause poor air quality at times
- Traffic congestion on I-15 during commute hours
Places to Visit in Woods Cross
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake, wildlife (bison, antelope), and dramatic sunsets — excellent for landscape and wildlife photography.
Trail viewpoints overlooking the valley and lake, especially attractive at sunrise and during fall foliage.
Birdlife and reflective water surfaces provide opportunities for wildlife and abstract reflective photos, especially in calm conditions.
Vibrant evening lights, motion shots and family-candid photography during the park season; can add playful contrast to natural scenes.
Mountain landscapes, alpine meadows in spring and summer, and snow-covered scenes in winter close to Woods Cross for varied compositions.
Food in Woods Cross
Woods Cross Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Utah condiment (ketchup + mayo) often served with fries and burgers; widely available at local burger joints and diners.
Must-Try!
A creamy, cheesy potato casserole popular at family gatherings and potlucks — often found on local diner menus and church luncheons.
Fried dough served sweet or savory at some local fairs and markets; available at regional Native American food vendors and events.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Nearby mixed-use center with eateries, seasonal events and a farmers’ market schedule in warmer months where you'll find vendors and prepared foods.
Seasonal market (summer/fall) offering local produce, baked goods and occasional food trucks — a good spot to sample regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are generally polite and friendly; casual greetings and small talk are common. Respect personal space and privacy.
Many residents are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and community life often centers on family and church activities; be respectful of religious customs and conservative social norms in some areas.
Car travel is the norm; be punctual for appointments and organized when driving in winter conditions with snow or ice.
Safety
Tipping in Woods Cross
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping is 15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and rounding up or $1–2 for coffee shops and takeaway. Tip taxi and ride-share drivers around 10–15% for good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are increasingly common. Cash is accepted but less necessary for routine purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with low humidity — daytime highs can reach the 80s–90s°F (27–35°C). Great for hiking early or late in the day; expect busy weekends at lakes and parks.
Mild days and crisp nights; excellent foliage in the Wasatch foothills and decreased mosquito activity. Layering is recommended as temperatures can vary.
Cold with snow in the mountains and valley; urban areas see periodic snowstorms and road conditions can be hazardous. Winter inversions can cause poor air quality in the Salt Lake Valley.
Variable weather with warming temperatures, wildflowers at higher elevations and occasional late-season snow; trails may be muddy early in the season.
Woods Cross at Night
Hiking in Woods Cross
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive trail system along the Wasatch foothills with accessible trailheads near Bountiful and Woods Cross that offer valley and lake views.
Popular local trails with steep climbs, forested stretches and rewarding overlooks; good for hiking and mountain biking.
More challenging hike to the island high point with panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake and frequent wildlife sightings.
A variety of trails in the nearby canyons for day hikes, wildflowers in spring and alpine scenery in summer and fall.
Airports
How to reach Woods Cross by plane.
Primary international airport for northern Utah, about 20–30 minutes’ drive from Woods Cross depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights and good ground transportation options (rental cars, shuttles, ride-shares).
Smaller regional airport and nearby Hill Air Force Base area provide limited commercial or charter services; Ogden is roughly 20–30 minutes north, useful for regional access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Woods Cross has a high proportion of family households with children and family-oriented community activities.
A large portion of the population are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), which shapes community life and events.
A significant and growing Hispanic/Latino population contributes to the cultural and culinary landscape of the area.
Many residents commute south to Salt Lake City for work, making Woods Cross a suburban bedroom community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The nearby Wasatch Range hosts world-class ski resorts and is a major recreational focus for residents and visitors in winter.
Basketball is popular; regional support for the Utah Jazz (NBA) and college teams draws fans to games in Salt Lake City.
High school football, baseball and basketball have strong local followings and community support.
Hiking, mountain biking, trail running and water-based activities on the Great Salt Lake and reservoirs are widely enjoyed.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Woods Cross.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are widely available in chain and independent restaurants; salads, veggie burgers and customizable sides are common. Salt Lake City has more vegetarian/vegan specialty restaurants if you need a larger selection.
Many cafes and modern eateries list vegan and gluten-free options, but always ask staff to confirm cross-contamination practices; larger nearby cities provide the most extensive choices.
Some restaurants and community events reflect local conservative dining preferences; alcohol availability is normal but neighborhood drinking culture may be quieter than in larger metro areas.