5 Best Things to Do in Draper, Utah

December 3, 2019 - Updated

Located about 20 miles south of Salt Lake City along the Wasatch Mountain Front, Draper is a fast growing city included in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Draper City is snuggled in the southeast corner of the Salt Lake Valley, surrounded by the Wasatch Mountain Range and the Traverse Ridge Mountain. Draper is known for fantastic wind areas and is considered one of the most popular and best places in the country for hang gliding and paragliding. Draper is also known for the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium with 2,400 animals and for the large Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple.

1.Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, Utah is a world-class aquarium with more than 2,400 animals, a 300,000-gallon shark habitat and a 40-foot tunnel visitors can walk through and enjoy very special view of seven species of sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and more. The aquarium is divided into five habitats – from South American and Asian rainforests to all the world Oceans and Antarctic, with special focus on local ecosystems. Visitors can get close up to penguins, Cloud leopards, otters and sloths. The Loveland also offers free presentations and events such as Animal Meet & Greets, Animal Feedings, Yoga with the Sharks, Rainforest Yoga, Scout Nights and Sips Under the Sea.

12033 Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper, UT 84020

2.Draper City Park

Located right in the center of Draper, Draper City Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities and social events. The park has a range of amenities for all ages, such as kids’ playgrounds, baseball fields, picnic pavilions and access to the Porter Rockwell Trail. There is also a nice open space for family picnics or just relaxing in the grass. The park is popular location for sports, with two volleyball nets, four baseball fields and several basketball hoops. Two covered pavilions have tables and lights and can be rented for private events. There is a nice fire pit near the South pavilion.

12500 1300 E, Draper, UT 84020, Phone: 801-576-6570

3.Penny Ann's Cafe

Bright and spacious, with large windows and a banquette along one wall, Penny Ann’s Café is a popular local spot for great java and their famous ‘heavenly hot cakes – fluffy house-made sour cream pancakes that go so good with butter and syrup. This charming and welcoming family-owned and run café is a winner of the Best of State Best Breakfast, with their signature pancakes, but also for homemade corned beef hash, breakfast nachos and much more. For lunch, they offer fantastic Grilled Reuben, decadent Chicken Cordon Bleu, fresh salads, eggplant parmesan sub and more. They have a whole range of pies for dessert, and extensive kids’ menu.

280 E 12300 S #118, Draper, UT 84020, Phone: 801-662-0009

4.Pirate O's

Located in a 100 years old Draper City historical landmark, the Pirate O's is a local spot on a mission to provide locals and visitors with gourmet foods from all over the world as well as a delicious, homemade and locally sourced lunch. Pirate O's Gourmet Market has everything you are looking for that you can't find at other stores- from candy to cheeses and hot sauces. They make amazing gift baskets, custom designed just for the person who is getting them. Their Deli counter serves hot and cold sandwiches and meals and a range of hot and cold drinks.

11901 700 E, Draper, UT 84020, Phone: 801-572-0956

5.Astro Burgers

Astro Burgers is a local fast-food chain operating in the Salt Lake Valley for more than 35 years. Astro restaurants specialize in classic fast food as well as Mexican and Greek and Mexican favorites. Their Draper restaurant is located in Draper Peaks shopping mall, in a pleasant, bright space with comfortable booths and surprisingly ornate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The house specialty, Astro Burgers, are made with half pound fresh hamburger patty with cheese and a generous topping of pastrami. Their delicious shakes complete the meal. They sell sodas, coffee and tea but no alcohol.

253 E 12300 S, Draper, UT 84020, Phone: 801-571-7775