1. International Peace Gardens
1160 Dalton Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
The International Peace Gardens offers a beautiful mix of art, culture, and nature. Tucked along the Jordan River in Jordan Park, this treasure is a symbol of unity and global friendship. The gardens are divided into sections, each representing a different country, with sculptures, murals, and traditional plants reflecting each culture’s artistic style. You can stroll past elegant arches, intricate stone carvings, and colorful flowerbeds—all carefully designed to share the essence of each nation.
The vibe here is peaceful yet inspiring. It’s a place where you can slow down and appreciate the artistry from around the world, all in one spot. Whether you’re into world cultures, unique art, or just want a serene place to unwind, the International Peace Gardens offers a blend of creativity and calm that’s hard to beat.
2. Glendale Park
1380 W 1700 S Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Remember that revitalization I mentioned? This is a prime example of what a determined community can get done! Glendale Park in Salt Lake City is a community-centered spot with a down-to-earth vibe. The park features sports fields, playgrounds, and green spaces
While it doesn’t have the overt artistic flair of something like the International Peace Gardens, it does offer some creative touches. The park occasionally hosts local events and activities that bring in artistic elements, like community murals or cultural festivals. The natural beauty of the open fields and the surrounding trees give the park a refreshing, inviting feeling.
In September 2024, construction begins/began on a revitalization residents helped design. There are plans for a significant new art installation in Glendale Park as part of its ongoing redevelopment. Salt Lake City officials are working with the community to create an “iconic” public art piece that will reflect the neighborhood’s cultural diversity and values.
This art project is a central part of Glendale Park’s transformation from the old Raging Waters site into a welcoming community space.
To learn more about the Glendale Park Revitalization Project, click here.
3. BeanCheleen the Steel Trout
1100 W 1700 S Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Public art is wildly popular in Glendale! Many of the large, colorful public art projects are included in an initiative launched by the Salt Lake City Arts Council.
One popular piece is called, Jordan River Current by Colette Hosmer. Placed in 2023, the display features 25, 8-foot-tall steel trout sculptures as part of this multi-site project aimed at connecting recreational users of this natural tributary with their environment,” according to a statement published online by the Salt Lake Public Arts Council. The endeavor required the installation of giant trout at four different boat ramps on the Jordan River Trail.
“Across all four sites, one fish in each cluster is painted in a different color than the rest visually linking all locations across the river and functioning as a wayfinding element and marking for each ramp,” the website says. The project was created in partnership with Edison Elementary School in Poplar Grove. The school’s 4th-grade students helped name all four colored fish within this installation. The blue fish at Glendale Park is named BeanCheleen.
4. Gathering Blocks Color Glendale
1375 W. 1700 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
The Salt Lake Arts Council Gathering Blocks projects can be spotted throughout the city! The idea is to bring art to public spaces. They include cool sculptures, colorful murals, and interactive installations to neighborhoods in Salt Lake City. These art pieces make the city more interesting and fun. They’re like big, outdoor art galleries that everyone can enjoy. The projects also help local artists display their talents. So, when you’re out and about in Salt Lake City, look for these cool art pieces – they’ll brighten your day and inspire creativity in your neighborhood.
Glendale Gather Blocks was created by an artist-led team including Chuck Landvatter, Jared Steffensen, and J. Dayton Crites. The sculptures are each designed differently for hands-on activities. Children can climb on them. They can be used for picnic tables or simple seating. They help bring an optimistic feeling to public spaces and encourage unity.
What makes the Glendale project near and dear to locals’ hearts are the many murals included in the designs. Many include portraits of Glendale individuals. Chuck Landvatter told the Salt Lake City Arts Council the murals feature stalwart community members who have each made unique contributions to society.
5. Sorenson Unity Center
1383 S 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
The Sorenson Unity Center in Glendale is a hub for inclusivity, cultural diversity, and civic engagement. The center features everything from art galleries and murals to educational programs and community events. It’s a welcoming space for residents of all ages to connect, learn, and celebrate their community. Whether you’re interested in arts and culture, youth programs, or just finding a place that brings people together, the Sorenson Unity Center is central to the area’s social and cultural activities.
5 Places You Have Got to Explore Around Glendale
Whether you want to play ball, golf, hike, bike or have a beer with good friends, you will find that here. Glendale is surrounded by commercial shops and services, recreation facilities, and some really cool places that should be on your bucket list! Imagine being minutes from the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and the eighth-largest terminal lake in the world. The Salt Lake International Airport is nearby too! Stonebridge Golf Club is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon with friends. Following is a list of five great places to explore in and around Glendale!
1. Great Salt Lake
Visiting the Great Salt Lake is a unique experience! The lake is known for its stunning landscapes and surreal sunsets. Explore the beaches, spot wildlife like pelicans and bison at Antelope Island, or even float effortlessly due to the high salt content. The lake has a mystical, quiet vibe with wide-open skies and mirror-like reflections that make for some fabulous photos.
Witness historic shrinking water lines, an ecological and geological phenomenon worth investigating. The Great Salt Lake is an iconic spot with nearby hiking trails, bird-watching areas, and opportunities to learn about the lake’s history and ecology.
2. The Great Saltair
12408 W Saltair Dr, Magna, UT 84044
The Great Saltair, located on the southern shore of the Great Salt Lake, has had a long, colorful history. It’s still popular today. The original Saltair, built in 1893, was a grand resort known for its unique Moorish architecture, roller coasters, and its massive dance floor that drew crowds for decades. However, it suffered from fires and flooding over the years. The current version, rebuilt in the 1980s, may be more modest than the original, but it still holds a special place in Utah’s cultural scene.
Today, The Great Saltair is a concert venue. Its lakeside setting provides a striking backdrop, and the building’s historic vibe adds character. It regularly hosts concerts featuring genres from rock to electronic dance music. The venue also supports other events like festivals, car shows, and community gatherings.
The surrounding area, with sprawling salt flats and the Great Salt Lake’s reflective waters, is a magnificent place to watch the sunset or photograph it. While the lake has receded quite a bit in recent years, the eerie, otherworldly landscape adds to the atmosphere here. Visitors often stop to snap photos against the surreal backdrop before heading inside for a show.
The Great Saltair may not be the grand resort it once was, but it is a treasured cultural landmark where Utahns and visitors can enjoy live music and the area’s natural beauty.
3. Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
The Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is in The Gateway downtown. It’s an interactive and educational space is designed for kids and families. The museum spans over 60,000 square feet and features hands-on exhibits aimed at sparking creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning in children.
Some popular exhibits include Kid’s Eye View, a mini city where kids can play in a mock grocery store, farm, or construction zone, learning about everyday life through pretend play. The STEAM Studio introduces young minds to science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun, interactive projects. There’s also the Water Play area, where kids can explore the principles of fluid dynamics with interactive water features and experiments.
For older kids, the Honey Climber offers a fun physical challenge with a giant honeycomb they can climb while learning about bees and nature. The museum also hosts workshops, classes, and family-friendly events throughout the year.
4. Mural “Legends of Rock” – Gateway Shopping Plaza
400 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
When you go to the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, take a minute to stop and wonder at the beautiful “Legends of Rock” mural. It is a striking tribute to iconic rock musicians, painted by Arizona-based artist Gina Ribaudo. The mural features expressionist portraits of rock legends like David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, John Lennon, and Prince. Completed in July 2019, it took three weeks for Ribaudo to finish the mural. Positioned outside the California Pizza Kitchen, this mural adds a splash of bold color and celebrates the essence of rock ‘n’ roll in the heart of Salt Lake City. The mural is part of a broader effort to turn The Gateway into a hub of outdoor public art. There are many Instagrammable moments to be had here! For those who enjoy murals, this piece is just one of many around the city that contribute to Salt Lake’s growing street art scene. Murals are sprinkled throughout neighborhoods like Central 9th and the Granary District where art lovers can enjoy the city’s creative spirit
5. Glendale Golf Course
1630 W 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84119
Glendale Golf Course in Salt Lake City is a relaxed yet challenging golfing experience close to downtown. This 18-hole, par-72 course is set along the Jordan River. Golfers rave about the scenic views from the fairways and greens. The course is relatively flat, so it’s walkable, but it’s still challenging for players of all skill levels thanks to the water hazards and well-placed bunkers.
The course has a mix of long and short holes. The friendly, community-oriented vibe is a big draw, along with affordable rates compared to other courses in the area. Facilities include a driving range, practice greens, and a pro shop, so golfers can warm up or stock up on gear.
The course’s location near parks and the Jordan River Parkway Trail adds to the overall appeal, making it easy to plan a full day of outdoor activities.
Glendale is a Great Place to Get Hungry – Five Restaurants I Personally Recommend
If you’re looking for authentic ethnic food, you’ve come to the right place! Enjoy quality Mexican food, Mediterranean, Cajun, or flavors from another country. Granary Row has a concert venue, more eateries, and pubs just minutes down the road. Following is a list of five of my favorite establishments in and around Glendale.
1. Stella Grill
4291 S 900 E, Millcreek, UT 84124
Stella Grill is a neighborhood favorite with American and New American dishes. This grill is known for its welcoming atmosphere, tasty comfort food, and a menu that balances hearty classics and lighter options. Get a juicy burger and fries or a fresh salad and grilled salmon. There are options to please just about any palate. The portions are generous here and the food quality is top-notch.
Enjoy a summer meal on the outdoor patio for fun experience in the shadow of the magnificent Wasatch Mountains. The drink menu includes a solid selection of cocktails, local beers, and wines.
2. Red Iguana 2
866 W S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
The Red Iguana and Red Iguana 2 are Salt Lake City institutions! Both feature bold flavors and exciting Mexican dishes. Located just a few blocks from the original Red Iguana, this sibling restaurant has the same iconic menu but more seating. The restaurant is famous for its delicious selection of mole sauces, from sweet to spicy to rich and savory. The Mole Amarillo and Mole Negro are fan favorites, packed with layers of complex flavors.
Beyond moles, Red Iguana 2 serves staples like enchiladas, tacos, and chiles rellenos, all made with high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. The portions are generous, and the vibe is lively. You’re going to love the energy here.
3. Antica Sicilia
2020 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
Antica Sicilia brings the authentic flavors of Sicily to the heart of Utah. This family-owned restaurant is known for traditional Sicilian dishes, warm hospitality, and a warm atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety of classic Italian favorites like pasta, risotto, and seafood, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Signature dishes include Arancini (Sicilian rice balls), Pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant), and delicious wood-fired pizzas.
The restaurant is casual. Relax and savor traditional recipes passed down through generations. As long as you’re splurging, have dessert. Try their fames cannoli and tiramisu. One of the best features of Antica Sicilia? It’s the wine. The wine list is expansive and so is the servers’ knowledge about pairing the perfect wine with the perfect dish.
4. Bruges Belgian Bistro
336 W 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Bruges Belgian Bistro serves authentic Belgian street food with a cozy, casual vibe. Their signature items include traditional Liege waffles and crispy Belgian frites, both of which have built a loyal following. The waffles are sweet and dense, made with pearl sugar that caramelizes as they cook. You can get them plain or loaded with toppings like fresh fruit, Nutella, or whipped cream.
The frites (Belgian fries) are twice-cooked for that perfect crunchy texture and are served with a wide variety of dipping sauces, from classic European options like aioli to more adventurous flavors like curry ketchup. Bruges is also famous for its “Machine Gun Sandwich,” a hearty baguette filled with lamb sausage, frites, and your choice of sauce.
The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly.
5. White Horse Spirits and Kitchen
325 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
White Horse Spirits and Kitchen is what I would call chic and modern. Its elevated American cuisine is complemented by a vast menu of cocktails. Although this establishment is modern, it features vintage and contemporary design elements.
The menu features dishes inspired by American and European flavors, with options like steak frites, seafood, and creative small plates. White Horse is particularly known for its cocktails, offering both classic options and inventive, handcrafted creations. The bar is well-stocked and it includes a curated list of whiskeys and bourbons.
The vibe is sophisticated, but it’s lively too. It’s a very good place to have a great time.
The Scoop on Schools in Glendale
Glendale public school children are served by the Salt Lake School District and the Granite School District. Following is a list of the top five public schools in Glendale according to Niche.com.
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Itineris Early College High School
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Canyon Rim Academy
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Academy for Math, Engineering & Science (AMES)
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Salt Lake Arts Academy
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Beehive Science & Technology Academy
