Looking for mountain views, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun? Head to Layton, Utah! Hike scenic canyons, shop and dine near the Great Salt Lake, and explore nearby Antelope Island. Nestled between Salt Lake City and Ogden, Layton makes an easy, active base for exploring northern Utah’s natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Layton is in the spring (April–June) and fall (September–October), when the weather is mild and perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Winter is ideal for skiing in nearby resorts, while summers bring sunshine and festivals.
How to Get There
- By Car: Layton is conveniently located along I-15, just 25 minutes north of Salt Lake City and 15 minutes south of Ogden.
- By Air: Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), about 30 minutes away by car.
- By Train: The FrontRunner commuter rail connects Layton to Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden with fast, easy service.
Where to Stay
- Hilton Garden Inn Layton – Comfortable hotel next to the Davis Conference Center with an indoor pool and on-site dining.
- Hampton Inn Salt Lake City-Layton – Reliable option with free breakfast, modern rooms, and good access to local attractions.
- Home2 Suites by Hilton – Extended stay hotel with spacious suites, kitchens, and a great location near shopping.
Top Attractions
1.For outdoor lovers: Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve
The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve is a 4,400-acre wetlands and uplands habitat on the eastern coast of the Great Salt Lake, between Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area and the Antelope Island State Park Causeway. . The Great Salt Lake is the largest saline lake in the Western Hemisphere, vital to both people and nature. The lake is an important feeding ground for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. It supports up to six million migratory birds as they travel from the Arctic to Central and South America. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise and the perfect place for visitors to learn about the importance of the Great Salt Lake. Walking along the boardwalk, visitors can see plants of the freshwater marshes, mud flats, salt marshes and neighboring uplands and enjoy the huge concentration of birds, such as snowy plovers, American avocets and black-necked stilts, and a variety of waterfowl
S 3200 W, Layton, UT 84041, Phone: 801-531-0999
2.For shoppers: Layton Hills Mall
Layton Hills Mall is an indoors shopping mall in Layton, Utah. When it opened in 1980, the mall had only three local department stores: Zions Cooperative Mercantile Institution, Castletons and Auerbach's. After only one year, the Auerbach's store closed and was replaced by The Bon Marché. Castletons closed in 1987 and was replaced by Herman's World of Sporting Goods, then later by Gart Sports] and then by The Sports Authority. The mall today features three anchor stores: Dick's Sporting Goods, Dillard's, and J. C. Penney and more than 100 other stores and services. The upper level now has the mall Food Gallery. The SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium is on the lower level. Weber State University sponsored a children's play area on the lower level near the center court. The mall is owned by CBL & Associates Properties.
1201 N Hill Field Rd, Layton, UT 84041, Phone: 801-546-3471
3.For couples and singles: The Hive Winery
The Hive Winery is a small artisanal boutique winery and first brandy distillery in Utah located in Layton, Utah. It specializes in non-grape - fruit wines and honey wines, known as meads and melomels , and hard apple ciders. The Hive Winery produces small batches of local and specialty wines throughout the year. Their unique fruit wines range from dry to sweet, some much dryer than other fruit wines on the market. The Hive Brandy Company is a spin-off of the winery, a “nano”-distillery, producing only16 to 30 barrels per year of fruit brandy, liquors and other spirits. All Hive wines and spirits are 100 percent natural, without artificial flavors.
1220 W 450 N #2, Layton, UT 84041, Phone: 801-546-1997
4.For beer tasters: Roosters Brewing Co.
Roosters is the first and only micro brewery in Layton and in Davis County. Roosters Brewmaster Steve Kirkland creates brews about 26 unique beers including such original popular beers as Two-Bit Amber, Bees Knees Honey Wheat and well-known Polygamy Pale Ale. One of three Roosters location, their Layton spot is a popular restaurant and brewpub, with cozy environment, large space and plenty of light coming from the large windows. The restaurant allows clients of all ages to come and be served since the menu isas big draw as the beers. Pete, the chef and owner, serves something for everone, from an exciting assortment of pizzas and pastas to a large range of entrees and appetizers. Check daily specials for Pete’s surprises.
748 Heritage Park Blvd, Layton, UT 84041, Phone: 801-774-9330
More Things to See & Do
- Adams Canyon Trail – Hike to a stunning waterfall along a moderate trail with views of the valley.
- Antelope Island State Park – Explore hiking trails, spot bison and antelope, and enjoy surreal views of the Great Salt Lake.
- Layton Commons Park – A beautiful city park with duck ponds, playgrounds, picnic areas, and outdoor concerts.
- Dartside Nerf Arena – Let kids (or grown-ups) blow off steam in this high-energy indoor foam dart battle arena.
- SeaQuest Utah – Interactive aquarium inside Layton Hills Mall featuring touch tanks and exotic animals.
Where to Eat
- Rooster’s Brewing Co. – Local favorite with craft beer, burgers, and casual atmosphere in nearby Layton Commons area.
- Sill’s Café – Classic diner serving hearty breakfast, scones, and comfort food with a local twist.
- Osaka Sushi – Quality sushi and Japanese cuisine served in a sleek, relaxed setting.
Local Events
- Layton FEST (Summer Fridays) – Seasonal food trucks, live music, and shopping at Layton Commons Park.
- Liberty Days (July 4th) – Patriotic celebration with parades, concerts, and fireworks for Independence Day.
- Christmas Lighting Ceremony (November) – Kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer at the park.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Layton, Utah
- Antelope Island State Park (25–30 min) – Spot bison, hike scenic trails, or enjoy sunset views over the Great Salt Lake.
- Ogden (15–20 min) – Visit the Hill Aerospace Museum, stroll Historic 25th Street, or explore the Ogden River Parkway.
- Farmington (15–20 min) – Ride coasters at Lagoon Amusement Park, shop Station Park, or hike scenic canyon trails.
- Kaysville (10–15 min) – Visit the USU Botanical Center, paddle the ponds, or explore nature trails and community events.
- Hill Air Force Base (5–10 min) – Tour aerospace exhibits, see vintage planes, or attend special aviation-themed events.
- Syracuse (10–15 min) – Access trails to Antelope Island, bike scenic paths, or relax in local parks and picnic areas.
- Clearfield (5–10 min) – Visit Steed Park, explore local eateries, or enjoy community events and family-friendly spaces.
- Fruit Heights (15–20 min) – Hike the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, explore foothill parks, or enjoy peaceful canyon drives.
- Centerville (25–30 min) – Catch a movie at a vintage theater, shop local spots, or enjoy great views from hillside parks.
FAQ
- Where is Layton located?
- Layton is a city in Davis County, Utah, United States.
- How far is Layton from Salt Lake City?
- It is part of the Ogden-Clearfield Metropolitan Statistical Area, about 25 miles from Salt Lake City.
- What natural attractions are near Layton?
- The Great Salt Lake wetlands is located to the southwest of Layton, featuring a 4,400-acre Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve.
- What shopping destinations are in Layton?
- Layton Hills Mall is an indoor shopping mall with more than 100 stores and three large anchor department stores.
- What are some notable wineries and breweries in Layton?
- The Hive Winery is a small artisanal boutique winery and the first brandy distillery in Utah.
- Roosters is the first and only microbrewery in Layton and in Davis County.
At a Glance
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and outdoor activities. | Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City/Layton – Convenient accommodations near dining and shopping. | Explore Antelope Island State Park – Enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic lake views. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for hiking, lakeside activities, and family fun. | Home2 Suites by Hilton Layton – Comfortable extended-stay hotel with modern amenities. | Visit Lagoon Amusement Park – Experience thrilling rides, water attractions, and live entertainment. |
| Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, beautiful fall foliage, and fewer crowds. | Best Western Plus Layton Park Hotel – Cozy accommodations near scenic mountain trails. | Hike Adams Canyon Trail – Enjoy stunning autumn colors and a picturesque waterfall. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold temperatures, perfect for skiing and winter activities. | Courtyard by Marriott Salt Lake City/Layton – Convenient stay near ski resorts and winter attractions. | Go skiing at Snowbasin Resort – Enjoy world-class slopes just a short drive away. |
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. For outdoor lovers: Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve
- 2. For shoppers: Layton Hills Mall
- 3. For couples and singles: The Hive Winery
- 4. For beer tasters: Roosters Brewing Co.