Originally home to the Ute and Shoshoni people, West Valley City was settled by Europeans in 1847. It has grown to become one of the largest cities in Utah and a residential suburb of Salt Lake City. The snaking Jordan River marks West Valley City’s eastern border while the Oquirrh Mountains rise to the west.
Things to do in West Valley City
For a retail fix, head to Valley Fair Mall, a large shopping complex anchored by JC Penney, Old Navy and Ross Dress For Less. It originally opened to the public in 1970 and has grown to encompass around 120 retail stores, a 450-seat food court and a multi-screen cinema complex. You can pick up craft supplies at Hobby Lobby, browse the jewellery for sale at Morelo’s or challenge your family and friends at the ten-pin bowling alley.
Designed by Johnny Miller are the three 9-hole courses of the Stonebridge Golf Club, which is named after the red rock bridges dotted throughout the site. Its courses are laid out around a series of lakes and waterways in the north of West Valley City, with more than 90 sand bunkers among the challenges.
Travelling with kids? Spend a day at the West Valley City Family Fitness Center, a popular recreational hub within Centennial Park. In addition to a swimming pool and Utah’s tallest indoor waterslide, it features basketball courts, a cardio area and a rock climbing wall. Young kids will love the soft-play “Edutainment” room.
Getting around West Valley City
West Valley City is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake City International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Both trams and buses travel through West Valley City, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.