7 Things to Do In Your First Week in Draper

Situated at the far southeast corner of the Salt Lake Valley, with neighboring cities Sandy and South Jordan to the north and Riverton, Bluffdale, and Herriman to the east, Draper is an adventure-seekers paradise. Surrounded by breathtaking natural surroundings, this vibrant, dynamic, and family-friendly community boasts stunning homes and has been recognized as one of the best places to live in the country.

If you’re checking out the area and hoping for a guide to the best things to do in Draper, you’re in luck! There’s much to admire about Draper, and here’s a helpful guide to reference as you explore what makes this unique enclave special.

Held every July, Draper Days is a festive community event designed to bring friends and neighbors together for several days of celebration. The event draws locals and visitors alike to enjoy a festival, parade, 5K race, sports tournaments, movie nights, concerts, and a plethora of other family-fun activities. Visitors enjoy unique finds from vendors showcasing artisanal and local goods and products. Families can participate in exciting events like the Pickleball Tournament, Free Concert & Movie Night, and the Home Run Derby.

As it’s an excellent opportunity to get to know the Draper community and to experience the energy and appeal that surrounds it, Draper Days is summer fun that the entire family can enjoy.

 

Step into a world of wonder and learn about our planet’s ecosystem with a visit to Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Featuring more than 4,000 animals from around the world, this phenomenal aquarium allows guests to experience a variety of species, from penguins and Asian vine snakes to seahorses, stingrays, and more.

Families delight in being able to see aquatic animals up close. There’s also a full calendar of events for guests to engage in and learn about what makes our world special. Special events held throughout the year include Yoga with the Sharks, Nature Storytime, SEArenity Yoga, World Ocean Week, and Pride Under Lights.

 

Hiking in Draper is a total-sensory experience. An excellent opportunity to keep your body active and healthy, hiking at any of Draper’s stunning trails allows you to get outside and experience a landscape unlike any other. Amid spectacular topography, hikers catch glimpses into one of the many reasons why locals choose to call Draper real estate their home.

Orson Smith Park to Draper Suspension Bridge Loop offers nearly year-round perfect conditions to hike the 2.3-mile loop. As it’s considered an easy route, this spot is ideal for families with younger children and for those who enjoy the outdoor experiences of birding, hiking, and biking. Suncrest Trail is a 2.7-mile loop considered easy and ideal for those looking to experience serenity and solitude along this stunning path. Popular with trail runners and hikers with their dogs, this popular trail offers a great opportunity to admire the beauty of Draper.

 

No summer in Draper is complete without a visit to the city’s premier Cowabunga Bay Water Park. Open daily, this water park is a fun-lover’s paradise for all ages that offers a variety of exciting slides and various spots for both big and little kids to enjoy. The park also features cabana rentals for mom and dad to unwind while the kids play.

Home to the world’s largest water playground, the park offers visitors many activities to enjoy on an impressive 12 different levels. The park features tons of connected tunnels and bridges to climb, more than 300 interactive water toys, a 1,500-gallon bucket that drops the “World’s Biggest Splash” to those below, eleven fantastic water slides, a Kids’ Cove, and Cowabunga Beach. You and your family are sure to have a splash in this water world.

 

Draper is one of the most popular and best wind areas for hang-gliding and paragliding enthusiasts. Each year, thousands flock to the mountain to take advantage of the best wind conditions around.

As you glide amid the clouds, you’ll experience the peace and serenity that Draper affords as you take in the breathtaking vistas of the community’s natural landscapes. Cloud 9 Paragliding also offers boat tours and water sports for visitors of Draper to enjoy.

Wasatch Hang Gliding offers certified hang gliding lessons at the point of the mountain flight parks in Draper. The school offers a wide range of hang gliding services and experiences to enjoy, including tandem flights and lessons as well as advanced private instruction for those experienced in the sport.

 

A stroll through Draper lets you enjoy the many charms of the bustling community, and with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy, there’s no shortage of fun to be had among locals and visitors. Shopping at Draper Peaks offers access to brand-name retailers and the conveniences of a vibrant shopping district. Whether you’re looking for clothing retailers or popular spots to grab a quick bite for lunch, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Midtown plaza.

Penny Ann’s Cafe is one of Draper’s most popular locales for some breakfast bites. Pop in and enjoy your favorite classic breakfasts prepared to perfection, including the cafe’s famous buttery hotcakes. Penny Ann’s Reuben sandwich is another must-try if you’re looking for a hearty lunch option while in Draper.

The Ridge Market and Cafe is Draper’s award-winning restaurant located high above the valley with stunning views of the mountains. The authentic Stefano Ferrara brick pizza oven creates delectable dishes infused with flavors of quality ingredients.

Nearby, Big Cottonwood Canyon offers visitors opportunities to enjoy a scenic drive and experience the views of the Solitude and Brighton world-class ski resorts. Enjoy legendary rock climbing and epic backcountry skiing access, hiking and mountain biking trails, picnic areas, and outstanding outdoor amenities that rival those found in any travel magazine. Enjoy 14.2 miles of the scenic road until you reach Brighton Resort, where you’ll drive through the top of the canyon to experience the views of various stunning sites dotted throughout the landscape.

Are you looking to learn more about Draper real estate and its surrounding communities? Contact the real estate experts at Burton Realty Group by calling (801) 930-5617 or emailing [email protected]. They are here to help you every step of the way!

_{*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash}