The city was named by early settlers for Syracuse, New York, which was famed for its salt production in the 19th century.

[4] The city is located in northern Davis County on the eastern side of the Great Salt Lake.

It is bordered to the north by West Point, to the northeast and east by Clearfield, and to the southeast by Layton.

A causeway on SR 127 connects Syracuse to Antelope Island State Park in the Great Salt Lake.

Rain is provided in the form of infrequent thunderstorms during summer, usually between late July and mid-September during the height of monsoon season.

The Pacific storm season usually lasts from about October through May, with precipitation reaching its peak in spring.