Nestled in the heart of the South Valley, Sandy, Utah, stands as a vibrant testament to the allure of suburban living interwoven with the majesty of the natural world. As one of Salt Lake City’s most prominent suburbs and Utah’s sixth-largest city, Sandy offers a captivating blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures. Situated at the base of the Wasatch Mountains and bordering the picturesque Little Cottonwood Canyon, this dynamic locale provides an array of experiences, from exhilarating outdoor recreation to enticing shopping, delectable dining, and captivating entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Sandy promises a memorable sojourn filled with discovery and delight.
This article serves as your comprehensive guide to unlocking the best that Sandy has to offer, ensuring you make the most of your time in this captivating corner of Utah.
1. See the Sandy City Balloon Festival
Each August, the skies above Storm Mountain Park in Sandy come alive with a kaleidoscope of colors as the Sandy City Balloon Festival takes flight. For two days, visitors and locals alike gather to witness the breathtaking spectacle of hot air balloons ascending into the azure expanse. This annual event offers a unique opportunity to not only marvel at the beauty of these airborne vessels but also to learn about the intricate mechanics and meticulous preparations involved in launching them into the heavens.
The festival’s highlight, the Balloon Glow event, illuminates the Saturday evening at the South Towne Promenade. As dusk settles, the balloons become glowing beacons, casting a warm and enchanting light upon the festivities. Live music fills the air, while food trucks tantalize taste buds with an array of culinary delights. For the young and young at heart, face painting and bounce houses add to the merriment, creating a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere. For those seeking a more active pursuit, a 5K run commences as the sun dips below the horizon, offering a chance to explore the area under the magical glow of the balloons.
2. Get Your Fill of the Performing Arts
For those with a penchant for the dramatic arts, the Hale Centre Theatre at the Mountain American Performing Arts Centre stands as a cultural beacon in Sandy. This renowned theater is the premier destination for live performances, showcasing a diverse repertoire of productions that cater to a wide range of tastes. From timeless classics like "Singin’ in the Rain" and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" to enchanting tales such as "The Little Mermaid" and heartwarming holiday traditions like "A Christmas Carol," the Hale Centre Theatre offers something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Whether you’re simply passing through Sandy or planning an extended stay, attending a performance at the Hale Centre Theatre is an excellent option for a memorable night out. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories, be swept away by the talent of the performers, and create lasting memories in this vibrant hub of artistic expression.
3. Learn About Wildlife at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Venture just a short 15-minute drive from downtown Sandy to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, a captivating destination that immerses visitors in the wonders of the aquatic world. Here, you can encounter penguins and stingrays up close, delve into the fascinating lives of sharks and turtles, and discover a myriad of other creatures that call the ocean home.
The aquarium boasts a comprehensive array of educational exhibits, including the Deep Sea Lab, where you can explore the mysteries of the ocean depths; the Penguin Research Center, offering insights into the lives of these charismatic birds; and the Ocean Explorer exhibit, showcasing the vastness and diversity of marine ecosystems. Beyond the ocean’s inhabitants, the aquarium also features areas dedicated to animals from Asia, South America, and local species from around Utah. Observe the graceful wood duck, the playful North American river otter, the vibrant Bonneville cutthroat trout, and the resilient desert tortoise, gaining a deeper appreciation for the diverse wildlife that inhabits our planet.
4. Explore One of Sandy’s Best Parks
Sandy boasts a remarkable collection of over 30 parks, each offering a unique blend of recreational opportunities and natural beauty. These parks are managed by both the city of Sandy and Salt Lake County, ensuring a wide range of amenities and experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Dimple Dell Regional Nature Park stands out as a true gem, encompassing 644 acres of pristine wilderness. Here, you can embark on scenic hikes, exhilarating bike rides, or leisurely horseback riding adventures along miles of well-maintained trails. The park also features natural history study areas and interpretive sites, providing opportunities to learn about the local flora and fauna. Ponds and streams meander through the landscape, creating a tranquil ambiance, while native plants and diverse wildlife add to the park’s allure. An outdoor amphitheater hosts community events, and restrooms and picnic facilities provide added convenience for visitors.
For a more structured recreational experience, head to Flat Iron Mesa Park, the largest of Sandy City’s parks. This sprawling park boasts six soccer fields, two baseball fields, a volleyball court, two playgrounds, four tennis courts, and two outdoor lighted pavilions. Three distinct jogging trails cater to various fitness levels, making it an ideal destination for outdoor exercise.
5. Watch a Performance at the Sandy Amphitheater
Throughout the summer months, the Sandy Amphitheater comes alive with a vibrant array of concerts and arts events. This outdoor venue hosts a diverse lineup of performers, ranging from internationally renowned touring acts to beloved local favorites and productions by the Sandy Arts Guild. From the comedic rock of Tenacious D to the alternative rock of Third Eye Blind, the captivating vocals of Regina Spektor, and the soaring melodies of the American West Symphony and Chorus, the Sandy Amphitheater offers a performance to suit every taste.
Tickets are affordably priced, and the amphitheater’s innovative "flash" ticketing system allows you to purchase them conveniently using your smartphone and a credit card, eliminating the need to wait in long lines.
6. Watch Major League Soccer at Rio Tinto Stadium
Sandy is home to Rio Tinto Stadium, a stunning 25,000-seat venue that serves as the home of Real Salt Lake, the city’s Major League Soccer club. The stadium’s design incorporates breathtaking views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains, creating a truly memorable setting for sporting events and concerts.
Beyond soccer matches, Rio Tinto Stadium also hosts a variety of other sporting events and concerts, making it a versatile entertainment destination for the entire community.
7. Go for a Hike
Sandy’s proximity to Little Cottonwood Canyon provides unparalleled access to a network of exceptional hiking trails. These trails wind through breathtaking mountain landscapes, offering stunning views and invigorating outdoor experiences.
Bell Canyon, a popular choice among hikers, leads past a picturesque reservoir before culminating at a cascading waterfall. Cecret Lake, an easy 1.5-mile hike to a serene alpine lake, is another local favorite. During the spring and summer months, these trails come alive with vibrant wildflowers, creating a truly enchanting experience.
8. Work Out at Dimple Dell Fitness and Recreation Center
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor seeking to maintain your fitness routine, the Dimple Dell Fitness and Recreation Center offers a comprehensive range of amenities and programs. The center features sports programs for both children and adults, a swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness floor, a jogging track, a basketball gym, sports leagues, and a variety of exercise classes.
In addition to its on-site facilities, the recreation center also organizes off-site classes and lessons, including horseback riding and rock climbing, providing opportunities to explore the surrounding natural landscape.
9. Visit the Sandy Museum
Step back in time at the Sandy Museum, housed in a historic 19th-century building that once served as the ZCMI Co-Op store, a gathering place where locals would buy, sell, and trade goods. The museum’s exhibits chronicle Sandy’s rich history, tracing its evolution from its initial settlement in the 1860s as a Mormon farming community to its transformation into a bustling mining town and, ultimately, a modern suburb.
Admission to the Sandy Museum is free, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all. Donations are gratefully accepted to support the museum’s preservation efforts.
10. Admire the Sego Lily Gardens
The Sego Lily Gardens showcase the beauty and importance of water conservation in the arid landscape of Sandy. These gardens were established to demonstrate how to create stunning landscapes while minimizing water usage, a crucial consideration in a region that receives limited rainfall.
The gardens encompass 2.5 acres of lush, water-friendly plantings, providing a tranquil oasis for visitors to explore. Throughout the year, the Sego Lily Gardens host various events, including a spring butterfly release, adding to the garden’s charm.
11. Hit the Links at River Oaks Golf Course
Nestled amidst the wetlands of the Jordan River, River Oaks Golf Course offers a challenging and rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course boasts a dramatic mountain backdrop, adding to its scenic appeal.
With affordable greens fees, River Oaks Golf Course is an accessible option for both experienced golfers and those new to the sport. The clubhouse features a pro shop and a spacious banquet hall, making it a versatile venue for events.
12. Go to the Sandy Balloon Festival
Reiterating its importance, the annual hot air balloon festival, held each August at Storm Mountain Park, is a must-attend event. The two-day celebration offers free admission and includes early morning balloon launches, craft workshops, and an evening balloon glow party with food and music.
13. Have Dinner at One of Sandy’s Best Restaurants
Sandy’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its population, offering a wide range of dining options to satisfy every palate. From fast food chains to upscale restaurants, the city boasts a plethora of culinary establishments.
For a truly special dining experience, La Caille, inspired by French chateaus, serves classic dishes such as escargot à la Bourguignonne, foie gras, and steak tartare. Their upscale brunch, complete with freshly baked croissants, is an absolute must-try. For a more casual meal, Tin Roof Grill, featured on Food Network’s "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," is a top choice for hand-tossed pizzas.
With its captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, Sandy, Utah, offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, artistic inspiration, or simply a relaxing getaway, Sandy is sure to leave a lasting impression.
