Want mountain views, urban comforts, and easy outdoor access? Head to Sandy, Utah! Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Mountains just south of Salt Lake City, Sandy offers quick access to skiing, hiking, and shopping, plus a growing arts and dining scene. It’s an ideal year-round destination for active travelers and families alike.
Sandy, UT Highlights:
- Catch a game or concert at America First Field: Home to Real Salt Lake MLS team and major live performances.
- Hike or bike Dimple Dell Regional Park: Scenic trails wind through a natural canyon right in the heart of the city.
- Shop and dine at The Shops at South Town: Enjoy retail therapy, a food court, and entertainment under one roof.
- Visit the Mountain America Expo Center: Attend popular conventions, expos, and seasonal community events.
- Enjoy stunning views from the Bell Canyon Trail: One of the area's most rewarding hikes, with waterfalls and overlooks.
Best Time to Visit Sandy, UT
The best time to visit Sandy is from spring through fall (April to October) for hiking and events, or December through March for ski season at nearby resorts. Fall brings beautiful foliage and fewer crowds, while summer is ideal for outdoor festivals and mountain biking.
How to Get to Sandy, UT
- If you are traveling by car: Sandy is located just off I-15, about 20 minutes south of Salt Lake City and 25 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.
- By Bus: UTA buses connect Sandy with surrounding suburbs and the Salt Lake City area.
- By Train: The UTA TRAX light rail system connects Sandy to downtown Salt Lake City and the airport.
Where to Stay in Sandy, UT
- Hyatt House Salt Lake City/Sandy – Modern all-suite hotel near the stadium and TRAX station, with complimentary breakfast.
- Hilton Garden Inn Sandy – Comfortable lodging with an indoor pool, restaurant, and easy freeway access.
- Courtyard by Marriott Sandy – Convenient business-friendly hotel close to shopping, dining, and outdoor spots.
Best Things to Do in Sandy, UT
⮕ Rio Tinto Stadium
Watch exciting soccer matches and enjoy vibrant crowd energy.
Rio Tinto Stadium is an American soccer stadium in Sandy, Utah. It is a home stadium for National Women's Soccer League club Utah Royals FC and Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake. The stadium opened in 2008, with the capacity of 20,213 for soccer. It can be expanded to more than 25,000 for concerts. The stadium hosted the MLS All-Star Game in 2009 of the 2011 CONCACAF Champions League Finals and the 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. It also hosted the 2015 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship and the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Rio Tinto hosted The Eagles concert in 2009, the first concert ever held at the stadium, and Paul McCartney concert in 2010, the first time McCartney had done a show in Utah.
9256 State St, Sandy, UT 84070, Phone: 844-732-5849
⮕ Hale Centre Theatre
See captivating performances in a state-of-the-art, immersive setting.
The Hale Center Theatre is a family theatre company in Sandy, Utah, established originally in 1986 by Ruth and Nathan Hale in southern California. The Theatre performs from The Mountain America Performing Arts Centre, completed in 2017, with the seating capacity of 130,000 square feet. It is the only professional theatre venue in the area. Hale Center Theatre offers a repertoire of classic plays and musical theatre, performed on two indoor stages, Young Living Centre Stage with the seating for 910 and the 467-seat Sorensen Legacy Jewel Box Stage for more intimate productions. Their mission is to provide professional, high quality family theatre and theatre education. Hale Center has 24,000 subscribers and is considered one of the highest attended professional theatres in the country. It has been voted 'Best of State' for 12 years in a row.
9900 S Monroe St, Sandy, UT 84070, Phone: 801-984-9000
Where to Eat in Sandy, UT
⮕ Royal India
Savor authentic Indian dishes in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
Royal India is an upscale, spacious Indian restaurant in Sandy, Utah, offering diverse menu from many different parts of the country, both north and south. The dining room is decorated with original pieces of art from India and magnificent murals of the most famous scenes from the country. Chef and owner Emanuel Shantakhumar uses only the freshest produce and original spices he brings from India. He mixes and grinds curry from scratch and makes his own yoghurt and cheese. The menu includes everyone’s favorites such as samosas, pakoras, tandoori chicken and lentils, but also offers original dishes, chef’s specials, such as Lamb Rojan Josh with boneless lamb stewed with cumin, tomatoes, ginger, bay leaves, cream and spices.
10263 1300 E, Sandy, UT 84094, Phone: 801-572-6123
⮕ Bhutan House Restaurant
Enjoy flavorful Bhutanese cuisine in a cozy, affordable dining spot.
Bhutan House is an informal, no-nonsense eatery in a small strip mall in Sandy, Utah, offering Indian, Nepalese, & Bhutanese cuisine and a popular lunch buffet. This family-owned restaurant prepares authentic Indian, Nepalese, and Bhutanese dishes that include both meat and vegan options. The all-you-can-eat all vegan lunch buffet on Thursdays is the best way to taste as many dishes as possible and learn about the fascinating, unique and delicioius food of these three countries that share many characteristics but are also vastly different. Along with the traditional Indian flatbreads, curries and tandoori meats, the menu also includes ema datshi, a chile and cheese stew, which is considered the national dish of Bhutan. There is also thupa, a hot noodle soup from Nepal that is available in vegetable, chicken, lamb or shrimp versions. Also from Nepal are delicious hand-formed steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables called momos.
1241 E 8600 S, Sandy, UT 84094, Phone: 801-679-0945
More Places to Eat in Sandy, UT
- Tiburon Fine Dining – A hidden gem with elegant steak and seafood dishes in a cozy, upscale setting.
- Slackwater Sandy – A popular spot for artisan pizzas, craft beer, and live music in a relaxed environment.
- The Pie Pizzeria – Classic deep-dish pizza with a cult following, perfect for families and groups.
If you are interested in local events:
- Sandy Hot Air Balloon Festival (August) – Colorful balloons, live music, food trucks, and a balloon glow at night.
- Movies in the Park (Summer) – Family-friendly outdoor movie nights with lawn seating and concessions.
- Holiday Lighting Ceremony (December) – A festive kickoff to the holiday season with lights, music, and cheer.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Sandy, Utah:
- Little Cottonwood Canyon (15–20 min) – Drive or hike into the mountains for access to Snowbird and Alta resorts.
- Big Cottonwood Canyon (25–30 min) – Stunning alpine drives, hiking trails, and scenic picnic spots.
- Downtown Salt Lake City (20–25 min) – Explore Temple Square, museums, shopping, and restaurants.
- Thanksgiving Point (30 min) – Family-friendly gardens, museums, and dinosaur exhibits in Lehi.
- Gardner Village (15 min) – A charming shopping and dining destination with seasonal events and historic buildings.
- Lovelands Living Planet Aquarium (20–25 min) – One of the top aquariums in the region, great for kids and families.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Where is Sandy located?
- Sandy is a city in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, located about 13 miles from Salt Lake City and one of the largest cities in Salt Lake County.
-
What is the geographical setting of Sandy?
- Located at the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, the city offers scenic views and outdoor opportunities.
-
What major sports and event venues are in Sandy?
- The city is home to the Rio Tinto soccer stadium, which hosts Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC home games, as well as concerts and other large events.
-
What are the theatre and arts opportunities in Sandy?
- The Hale Center Theatre offers a range of high-quality theatre performances from the large Mountain America Performing Arts Centre.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, perfect for hiking.
Hyatt House Salt Lake City/Sandy – A comfortable extended-stay hotel with mountain views.
Hike Bell Canyon Trail – Enjoy waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and sunny, great for outdoor adventures and festivals.
Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City/Sandy – A well-located hotel near shopping and dining.
Explore Lone Peak – A challenging hike with breathtaking views.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and colorful foliage, ideal for sightseeing.
Residence Inn by Marriott Salt Lake City-Sandy – A cozy stay with easy access to nearby attractions.
Drive the Alpine Loop – Enjoy stunning fall colors and mountain scenery.
Winter (December-February) – Snowy and perfect for skiing and winter sports.
The Cliff Lodge at Snowbird – A luxurious mountain resort with ski-in/ski-out access.
Go skiing at Snowbird or Alta – Experience some of the best ski resorts in Utah.
Plan Your Trip
In Summary, We Highly Recommend:
Why Trust Us
Helping travelers find the best destinations, hotels, and attractions.
Expert articles, vacation tips, and exclusive offers.
User-friendly features for trip ideas, reviews, and bookings.
Secure bookings and verified business listings.