Things to Do Near Bluffdale, Utah: From Salt Lake City to the Wasatch Mountains
Use Bluffdale as your home base for Utah adventures, from pickleball, hiking and mountain recreation to museums, skiing, family attractions, waterfalls, Park City, Utah Valley and unforgettable road trips across the state.
- Salt Lake City
- Ski & Mountain Recreation
- Family Attractions
- Utah Valley
- Park City
- Utah Road Trips
Your Utah Adventure Starts Here
Bluffdale Puts Your Group Between Salt Lake City and Utah Valley
Bluffdale works especially well for groups because you do not have to build the entire trip around one attraction. Spend one day exploring Salt Lake City, another in the mountains, another in Utah Valley, or divide into smaller groups and reconnect at the property in the evening.
From parks and trails close to home to skiing, museums, waterfalls, mountain towns, state parks and Utah’s famous red rock destinations, the region gives families and groups an unusually wide range of ways to build a trip.
Start Close to Home
Things to Do in Bluffdale, Utah
You do not have to leave Bluffdale to spend time outdoors. The city maintains parks, athletic fields, pickleball facilities, open space and an extensive local trail network.
- Bluffdale city parks and playgrounds
- Walking and biking trails
- Jordan River Parkway Trail connections
- Pickleball
- Tennis
- Soccer and athletic fields
- Baseball and softball facilities
- Equestrian recreation
- Seasonal splash pads
- Picnic areas and pavilions
- Open-space walks
- Family bike rides
- Sunset walks and mountain views
Draper, Sandy and the South Salt Lake Valley
Some of the Region’s Best Family and Outdoor Attractions Are Just North of Bluffdale
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Explore marine life, penguins, sharks, stingrays, international ecosystems and immersive exhibits in nearby Draper.
Point of the Mountain
Watch paragliders and hang gliders, enjoy broad valley views, picnic, hike or arrange instruction with qualified local operators.
Draper Trails
Explore foothill trails for hiking, mountain biking, running and scenic views along the southern Wasatch Front.
Jordan River Parkway
Walk, run or bike sections of the regional trail system along the Jordan River corridor.
South Valley Shopping
Build an easier arrival or rest day around shopping, dining, groceries and entertainment throughout Draper and South Jordan.
Indoor Recreation
Bowling, climbing gyms, trampoline parks, escape rooms, cinemas and other indoor activities can provide weather-independent options.
Family Attractions
Utah Makes It Easy to Build a Day Around Children and Teenagers
Families can choose from animals, dinosaurs, science, gardens, children’s museums, historic sites and outdoor recreation.
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Aquarium exhibits in Draper include marine habitats, sharks, penguins, stingrays and immersive learning experiences.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Spend part of the day exploring animal habitats and family attractions at the foothills of Salt Lake City.
Natural History Museum of Utah
Dinosaurs, fossils, geology, Utah ecosystems and human history make this one of the area’s strongest all-ages museum stops.
Clark Planetarium
Explore interactive space and science exhibits and check the schedule for dome and theater presentations.
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
Hands-on exhibits and creative play make this a useful option for families with younger children.
Tracy Aviary
Visit birds from around the world inside Salt Lake City’s Liberty Park.
Red Butte Garden
Walk botanical gardens and foothill landscapes next to the University of Utah.
This Is the Place Heritage Park
Explore Utah pioneer history through historic structures, demonstrations and family-oriented activities.
Liberty Park
Enjoy green space, playgrounds and seasonal recreation while pairing the visit with Tracy Aviary.
Thanksgiving Point
An Entire Family Day Can Be Built Around Thanksgiving Point
Located south of Bluffdale in Lehi, Thanksgiving Point combines multiple attractions in one destination and works especially well for families with children of different ages.
- Museum of Ancient Life
- Museum of Natural Curiosity
- Butterfly Biosphere
- Ashton Gardens
- Curiosity Farms
- Jurassic Jungle
- Seasonal festivals and special events
- Dining and family activities
Explore Salt Lake City
Culture, History, Museums, Shopping, Sports and Downtown Utah
Salt Lake City adds an entirely different dimension to the trip. Groups can trade hiking shoes for museums, historic sites, concerts, professional sports, restaurants and downtown exploration.
Temple Square
Explore the historic downtown complex, gardens and visitor experiences. Availability of specific buildings and tours can vary during ongoing projects and special events.
FamilySearch Library
Research family history and genealogy in one of Salt Lake City’s most distinctive visitor experiences.
Utah State Capitol
Visit the Capitol grounds for architecture, history and views over Salt Lake City.
Natural History Museum of Utah
Discover dinosaurs, geology, archaeology and the natural history of Utah.
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Explore visual art collections and rotating exhibitions near the University of Utah.
Clark Planetarium
Pair interactive science exhibits with planetarium or large-format theater experiences.
The Gateway
Combine shopping, dining, entertainment and nearby downtown attractions.
City Creek Center
Shop and dine in the center of downtown while combining the visit with Temple Square and nearby historic sites.
Downtown Salt Lake
Explore restaurants, architecture, public spaces, entertainment, galleries, events and seasonal festivals.
Professional Sports
Check current schedules for professional and collegiate sporting events during your Utah stay.
Performing Arts
Look for concerts, theater, ballet, symphony and touring productions throughout Salt Lake City.
Food and Dining
Explore everything from casual family dining and international food to chef-driven restaurants and local Utah favorites.
Wasatch Mountain Adventures
Ski, Hike, Bike and Explore Utah’s Mountain Canyons
Bluffdale can serve as a Salt Lake Valley home base for exploring the Wasatch Mountains. Actual travel time varies substantially with destination, traffic, weather and winter road conditions.
- Downhill skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
- Sledding and tubing
- Mountain hiking
- Wildflower walks
- Mountain biking
- Scenic canyon drives
- Fall foliage drives
- Photography
- Picnics and alpine recreation
Utah Ski & Snowboard Options
Build a Winter Trip Around the Greater Wasatch Region
Snowbird
Ski and snowboard in winter, with mountain recreation and seasonal activities available during warmer months.
Alta
Explore one of Utah’s best-known ski destinations in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Brighton
Ski and snowboard in Big Cottonwood Canyon with terrain for different ability levels.
Solitude
Pair mountain scenery with skiing, snowboarding and seasonal resort recreation.
Park City Mountain
Combine skiing and snowboarding with Historic Main Street and Park City’s broader visitor attractions.
Deer Valley
Explore Deer Valley’s mountain environment, dining and seasonal recreation.
Sundance Mountain Resort
Ski in winter or explore hiking, biking, dining, art and mountain recreation during other seasons.
Other Utah Ski Areas
Groups extending their trip can also explore additional ski destinations throughout northern and southern Utah.
Mountain conditions, road access, seasonal operations, resort policies and activity availability can change. Guests should verify current conditions directly with the destination before leaving the property.
Outdoor Adventure
Utah Gives Active Groups Far More to Do Than Ski
Hiking
Choose everything from easy family walks to challenging mountain routes throughout the Wasatch Front and Utah Valley.
Mountain Biking
Explore foothill, canyon and mountain trail systems throughout northern Utah.
Road Cycling
Scenic canyon roads and regional trail systems provide options for experienced cyclists.
Paragliding
Point of the Mountain is internationally known for paragliding and hang gliding. Tandem experiences and lessons should be arranged through qualified operators.
Horseback Riding
Guided horseback experiences can be found in Utah Valley, mountain areas and other destinations around the state.
ATV & UTV Adventures
Utah’s public lands and guided operators provide extensive off-road recreation opportunities.
Rafting
Seasonal river trips are available in Utah Valley and on rivers elsewhere throughout Utah.
River Tubing
Provo River recreation is a popular warm-weather option when conditions and seasonal operations permit.
Kayaking
Explore reservoirs and lakes around the Wasatch region when weather and water conditions are appropriate.
Paddleboarding
Reservoirs including Jordanelle and other regional waters offer seasonal paddleboarding opportunities.
Fishing
Rivers, reservoirs and mountain lakes provide fishing opportunities throughout the region.
Golf
Public and resort golf options can be found throughout Salt Lake County, Utah Valley, Park City and Heber Valley.
Utah Valley & Provo
Waterfalls, Mountains, BYU, Sundance and Provo Canyon
Head south from Bluffdale and the trip opens into Utah Valley, American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon, with hiking, waterfalls, museums, mountain recreation and family attractions.
- Provo Canyon
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Stewart Falls
- Timpanogos Falls
- Battle Creek Falls
- Provo River Parkway
- River rafting and tubing
- Sundance Mountain Resort
- American Fork Canyon
- Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
- Timpanogos Cave area
- BYU campus
- BYU museums
- Downtown Provo
- Utah Lake recreation
Scenic Drives
Some Utah Days Are Best Spent With No Complicated Itinerary
A scenic drive can work especially well for multi-generational groups because everyone can experience the landscape without committing to a strenuous hike.
Little Cottonwood Canyon
Travel into the Wasatch Mountains toward Alta and Snowbird, subject to current road and weather conditions.
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Explore mountain scenery, trailheads, Brighton and Solitude.
Alpine Loop
A scenic seasonal route connecting American Fork Canyon with the Sundance area and spectacular fall color.
Provo Canyon Scenic Byway
Follow the corridor past waterfalls and recreation areas toward Heber Valley.
Guardsman Pass Area
Seasonal mountain roads around the Park City region offer dramatic scenery and fall foliage.
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
Groups extending farther into the mountains can explore alpine lakes, forests and high-elevation scenery.
Park City
Mountain Town Energy in Every Season
Park City is known for skiing, but it also offers hiking, biking, shopping, dining, art, summer recreation and Olympic history.
Historic Main Street
Explore boutiques, restaurants, galleries and Park City’s historic mountain-town center.
Utah Olympic Park
Learn about Olympic history and check current availability for adventure activities and visitor experiences.
Mountain Biking
Park City is surrounded by an extensive network of mountain trails.
Hiking
Summer and fall bring extensive access to mountain hiking and high-elevation scenery.
Shopping & Galleries
Combine outdoor recreation with galleries, local stores and downtown shopping.
Seasonal Festivals
Check current calendars for arts events, markets, concerts and seasonal celebrations.
Heber Valley & Midway
Add an Alpine Valley Day to Your Utah Trip
Heber Valley provides a different pace from Salt Lake City and Park City, with reservoirs, mountain scenery and family-friendly outdoor recreation.
- Heber Valley Railroad
- Jordanelle Reservoir
- Deer Creek Reservoir
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Fishing
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
- Golf
- Midway
- Wasatch Mountain State Park
- Seasonal winter recreation
- Homestead Crater experiences
The Great Salt Lake
Experience One of Utah’s Most Distinctive Landscapes
Antelope Island State Park
Explore Great Salt Lake scenery, wildlife viewing, hiking, beaches and expansive views.
Great Salt Lake
Experience the scale and unusual landscape of the lake from accessible visitor areas around the region.
Sunset & Photography
The lake’s open horizon and mountain backdrop can create memorable sunset and photography conditions.
Utah by Season
There Is a Different Utah Trip for Every Time of Year
Winter
Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, winter mountain scenery, indoor attractions and holiday activities.
Spring
Gardens, waterfalls, lower-elevation hiking, museums, family attractions and changing mountain scenery.
Summer
Hiking, rafting, tubing, paddleboarding, mountain biking, outdoor concerts, festivals and high-elevation recreation.
Fall
Scenic drives, changing leaves, hiking, photography, mountain towns and cooler outdoor recreation.
Activities for Family Reunions & Groups
Not Every Group Needs to Follow the Same Itinerary
One of the advantages of staying at Bluffdale Orchard is that different parts of the group can choose completely different days and still come back to the same property.
Adventure Group
Hiking, skiing, mountain biking, paragliding, rafting, tubing, ATV or UTV recreation.
Family Group
Aquarium, zoo, Thanksgiving Point, museums, gardens, parks and children’s attractions.
Culture Group
Temple Square, museums, galleries, family history, architecture and performing arts.
Mountain Group
Scenic drives, ski resorts, alpine trails, wildflowers and mountain-town exploration.
Relaxed Group
Shopping, dining, scenic drives, gardens, photography and downtime at the property.
Stay Home Group
Play pickleball, enjoy the property, prepare a meal and make the retreat itself part of the vacation.
Explore More of Utah
Extend Your Bluffdale Stay Into a Utah Road Trip
These destinations are not local Bluffdale attractions. They are farther-away Utah experiences for guests who want to turn the stay into a larger statewide trip or build additional travel days around their time in northern Utah.
Zion National Park
Explore towering sandstone canyon walls, scenic drives, riverside trails, hiking and southern Utah desert landscapes.
Bryce Canyon National Park
See Bryce’s famous hoodoos, high-elevation forests, hiking trails, overlooks and dark skies.
Arches National Park
Explore Utah’s extraordinary concentration of natural sandstone arches near Moab.
Canyonlands National Park
Experience vast canyons, mesas, hiking, scenic viewpoints and the dramatic landscape carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.
Capitol Reef National Park
Add red rock landscapes, scenic drives, hiking and historic orchard country to a longer Utah itinerary.
Moab
Build an adventure trip around Arches, Canyonlands, mountain biking, Colorado River recreation and guided off-road experiences.
Bonneville Salt Flats
Travel west for one of Utah’s most unusual open landscapes and iconic photography locations.
Bear Lake
Extend north for lake recreation, beaches and mountain scenery during warmer seasons.
Monument Valley Region
Travelers building a longer Southwest road trip can explore southeastern Utah’s famous desert landscapes.
Snow Canyon State Park
Combine red rock scenery, hiking and southwest Utah destinations on a longer southern road trip.
Goblin Valley State Park
Explore unusual sandstone formations and open desert landscapes on an extended Utah itinerary.
Utah Scenic Byways
Build a road trip around mountain passes, canyon routes, desert highways and Utah’s changing landscapes.
Easy Itinerary Ideas
Build the Trip Around Your Group
Salt Lake City Day
Temple Square, downtown, museum or zoo, dinner, then return to Bluffdale for the evening.
Utah Valley Day
Thanksgiving Point or Provo Canyon, waterfall stop, Sundance and dinner in Utah Valley.
Mountain Day
Choose a canyon, resort, hike or scenic drive and spend the evening back together at the property.
Park City Day
Historic Main Street, Utah Olympic Park, mountain recreation, shopping and dining.
Family Attraction Day
Aquarium, zoo, museum, planetarium or Thanksgiving Point, depending on your group’s ages and interests.
Property Day
Skip the driving, play pickleball, cook together and allow the house itself to become part of the vacation.
Before You Head Out
Utah Conditions Can Change Quickly
Weather, snow, canyon roads, wildfire conditions, water levels, seasonal closures, reservations, permits and attraction schedules can change. Always confirm current conditions and operating information directly with the destination or appropriate public agency before traveling.
Winter Roads
Mountain canyon travel can be affected by snow, traction rules, traffic and temporary restrictions.
National Parks
Some hikes, roads, shuttles, permits and visitor systems may require advance planning depending on destination and season.
Water Recreation
River and reservoir conditions vary seasonally. Use established operators and follow current safety guidance.
Stay, Play & Explore
Plan the Utah Stay Around the Experience You Want
Bluffdale & Utah Travel FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some things to do in Bluffdale, Utah?
Bluffdale offers parks, walking and biking trails, pickleball, athletic facilities, open space, equestrian recreation and access to the Jordan River Parkway area. The city’s location also makes it convenient for exploring both Salt Lake County and Utah Valley.
What are some popular family attractions near Bluffdale?
Popular options throughout the surrounding region include Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, Thanksgiving Point, Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Natural History Museum of Utah, Clark Planetarium, Tracy Aviary, Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum and Red Butte Garden.
Can we visit Salt Lake City while staying in Bluffdale?
Yes. Bluffdale is in the southern Salt Lake Valley and can be used as a base for visiting downtown Salt Lake City, Temple Square, museums, attractions, restaurants, sporting events and other experiences throughout the valley.
Can Bluffdale be used as a base for a Utah ski trip?
Yes. Guests can use Bluffdale as a Salt Lake Valley base for exploring Wasatch-area ski destinations. Travel time varies significantly by resort, traffic, weather and winter road conditions.
What outdoor activities can groups do near Bluffdale?
Depending on season and location, options include hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, horseback riding, rafting, tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, golf and scenic drives.
Is Park City a good day trip?
Park City offers skiing, hiking, mountain biking, Historic Main Street, Utah Olympic Park, dining, galleries, shopping and seasonal events, making it a strong option for a full-day outing.
What can we do in Utah Valley?
Utah Valley attractions include Thanksgiving Point, Provo Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls, Sundance Mountain Resort, American Fork Canyon, the Alpine Loop, BYU museums, Utah Lake and extensive hiking and seasonal outdoor recreation.
Can we visit Utah’s national parks from Bluffdale?
Utah’s national parks are farther-away destinations rather than local Bluffdale attractions. Guests planning a longer Utah vacation can extend their itinerary to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands.
Is there enough to do for a week-long group stay?
Yes. A longer stay can combine Salt Lake City, Utah Valley, mountain recreation, Park City, family attractions, scenic drives, pickleball and relaxation at the property without requiring every member of the group to follow the same itinerary.
Explore Utah Together
One Utah Home Base. A Completely Different Adventure Every Day.
Explore Salt Lake City, the Wasatch Mountains, Utah Valley, Park City and beyond, then bring everyone back together at your private Utah retreat.