Built all the way back in 1877, St George Temple is known as the first of its kind in Utah. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. It does not matter if you are staying one night or a few days while you explore the St George area or even Zion National Park. St. George's Downtown district is an engaging mix of architecture, art, parks, and independent storefronts. Skip Vegas Californians. St George and the surrounding area are pretty impressive with its natural wonders, colored with red rock and bright desert landscapes. Before you do anything in or around St. George, you'll need a place to stay. 11:00 am start in Saint George. Recent Articles. Coming from Salt Lake City? (or "Old Judd's") is the oldest business still actively operating in St. George. A place where an eccentric sidewalk sculpture might share room in the same photograph as a Mormon tabernacle. The Painted Pony has long been the standard for fine dining with wood decor, Southwestern art, and a second-floor perch in Ancestor Square that feels a bit like the world's coolest treehouse. Plus, booking alocal tour guidewill help you make the most of your vacation, whether its your first time visiting the Zion Region or your hundredth. Bird checklists are available at the visitor centers! This decision shortened the route on I-15 between Las Vegas and St. George, Utah by 12 miles of driving distance over the older and more treacherous U.S. Highway 91. The. (Read: Why Your Kids Need a Utah Trip). drive for about 5 minutes. With trickling streams and barren desert, visiting Zion is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. The St George City Art Museum is a great place to escape the heat and rest your feet while exploring one of the best sights in the area. With fascinating exhibits, the Dinosaur Track Museum tops the list of best things to do in St George. Everything is for sale. The red sandstone formations are similar to those found in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. A free shuttle bus travels between nine stops outside the park. Affordable Comfort in St. George Close to Zion National Park, Dixie Convention Center, and golf courses Conveniently located off I-15, with easy access to scenic trails, world-class skiing, and the bright lights of Las Vegas, our Super 8 St. George hotel puts outdoor excitement and vibrant nightlife at your fingertips. Each week, thousands of Utahns travel to or from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. It all began with Xetava Gardens Cafe, a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. Ghost towns are very common throughout California but Calico, between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, is more than a ghost town. On the west side of Las Vegas, 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and 10 minutes from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the JW Marriott Resort and Spa is another inviting property offering an escape from the typical Las Vegas scene. Don't miss the big stories. Even if youre not a movie buff, Grafton offers a glimpse into what life was like in the old west. Biking paths connect to the, trailhead, where petroglyphs are easy to spot. Reservations were introduced during the pandemic, but are no longer required. If you have been to any museum of natural history, youre sure to have seen dinosaur bones and footprints on display. Even if you don't make it out to Zion National Park, St. George is incredibly convenient to four state parkseach with their own unique identity. Youll see the incredible wavy formations that are out of this world! Cedar City is about two and a half hours north of Las Vegas. 3:34 pm Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Complete with tumbleweeds blowing across the main street, Grafton Ghost Town is the place to go to witness some of the last remnants of the wild west. On the way, pioneer-era ghost towns like Grafton and Silver Reef are sure to excite, and one of North Americas most significant dinosaur track sites at Johnson Farm is a must-see. We love staying at a Hampton Inn & Suites hotel since they are on the upper end of the chain hotels with nice rooms and great services. Sand Hollow is a reservoir surrounded by red rocks and sand, resembling a trippy beach-on-Mars atmosphere. There are over 500petroglyphsthat date back 6,000 years,it isa unique and sacred site that will give you an inside look into the past of the Native American cultures that lived here. Construction finished in 1973 at a cost of over one million dollars per mile. Leg 4: Bryce Canyon National Park to St. George. drive for about 42 minutes. Dont miss the cemetery either! While exploring Utah, youll quickly realize that many of the deserts are full of large rocks and canyons. The St. George Utah Temple is the city's most identifiable landmark, an imposing white structure that contrasts sharply with the surrounding homes and businesses. If you have more time to kill before your flight, you may want to check out some of the hiking trails or even go horseback riding. This national park will have you exploring deep canyons, climbing tall mountains, and even exploring hidden caves. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. Offering services between Las Vegas, St. George, Orem and Salt Lake City. The Vortex (or "Bowl") trailhead is named after a strange, sunken hole at the top of a sandstone formation. Families of budding nature lovers should set out early for Zion. We suggest for those looking for a good campsite or RV park to check out St George RV Park or the Snow Canyon Campground. (702) 397-2088 direct phone number to the park headquartersFlint Stephens, who lives in Highland, has a master's degree in communication from Brigham Young University. It's traditionally open to Mormon visitors only, but everyone can access the visitors center and surrounding grounds. The amphitheater is also a great concert venue with the likes of Martina McBride, Kansas, and Kristin Chenoweth scheduled in the months ahead. After spending time learning about the first settlers in the region at the church, the reservoir will take you wandering among the pines that the town is named after. Youll find plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and many options for lodging in Springdale. The taxidermy is tastefully done offering an opportunity to see animals up close. Even if its not hot weather, you can become dehydrated quickly. We are active couple with teenager son. Stop by the visitor center to find out more about the park and put together a gameplan for your time there. The top stops along the way from St. George to Las Vegas (with short detours) are Bellagio Fountain, Fremont Street Experience, and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. She has a background in credit card points and miles, having spent years working on loyalty campaigns for various financial institutions. Campsites & RV Parks: Utah isa camperparadiseand St George has a few great campgrounds located right in town for those who have RVs or tents. Driving from Vegas to Salt Lake is relatively simple. Staying at one of the nearby resorts, our trek to Snow Canyon couldnt have been simpler: A walk out the back door to the paved trail led us directly into the park. End: Cedar Breaks National Monument, just outside Cedar City. This 7,400-acre park offers a vast array of activities and sightseeing opportunities. , an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. After a stunning day of hiking through Zion National Park, its time to explore Utahs western heritage. Located at the West entrance of Zion National Park, Springdale is a must-visit stop on your trip to Zion. St George has been occupied by everyone from dinosaurs to pioneers; therefore, you can expect the town to have a rich history! No matter where you go, Utah-produced High West is almost always the whiskey of choice. You cant divide the history of St George from the Mormon religion. There are large boulders for you to climb, hills to summit, trails for you to hike, and also plenty of canyons to squeeze through. It's a city that's both artsy and family-friendly. The last day is all about experiencing equal parts history and exploration in the Wild West first hand. The surrounding desert is popular for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. as the best overall option, especially if you want a perfect location in the heart of Downtown. Smoked Old Fashioneds are the specialty, but don't hesitate to pick the brain of your bartender. They are a full-service shuttle company that wants to make sure your travel needs are taken care of. What is that? Terms & Conditions. Here are my top tips to help you plan your trip to St. George. Some cities are still figuring themselves out, but St. George remains effortlessly grounded in a pocket of Utah that's neither cosmopolitan or remote, surrounded by the beauty of towering desert cliffs. The Red Cliffs area is another stunner for red-rock scenery along your drive from Las Vegas to Zion. Hours of Driving: 7+ hours of driving, including the commute to and from Las Vegas. A half-day excursion is long enough to see many of the best features. On your way a few extra stops give the family a chance to chase the ghosts of dinosaurs and cowboys. Water crisis in West isn't over: Can't we just move water from the East? If you leave St George at 4 , you would be at Zion by 5.There is a shuttle at Zion that takes about 1.5 hours to go from the visitor center to the end of the canyon and back.You will be very limited on time coming that late in the afternoon.You may want to skip a night at . The Grand Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Natural Wonders of the World. The Inn on the Cliff lives up to its name with a perch high atop the towering cliffs that frame the western edge of St. George. Although called Snow Canyon, Snow Canyon State Park is a place to explore all the beauty of the desert. Convenient shuttle service between Las Vegas, Nevada, St George, Utah, Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona. While the divisions between Salt Lake City's Mormon population and its alternative counterculture are sharp and distinct, the lines blur more in St. George. What happened this week? If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at Rylu's Bistro. Las Vegas pool parties are the place to beat the heat, and Mandalay Bay Beach is perfect for all agesand even open to non-hotel guests with paid admission. The, lives up to its name with a perch high atop the towering cliffs that frame the western edge of St. George. Gunlock is another reservoir, but more remote and best known for waterfalls that pass between rock formations. So make sure to add a hot air balloon flight to your top things to do in St George, Utah list. Here are 15 attractions you must see. 15 Best Free Things to Do in Las Vegas, NV. 37.0699343,-113.6275344, map. St George is a great place to both live and is known for its retirement communities. The view from Genesee Park Photo courtesy of iStock / Sparty1711. Ask about the daily catch, flown in within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean. Ride a gondola at the Venetian. If you're planning your trip to accommodatedisabilities,there's plenty of optionsto safely see and enjoy the beauty of Utah. is the city's most identifiable landmark, an imposing white structure that contrasts sharply with the surrounding homes and businesses. Featuring up-scale decor that embodies the local culture of St George, eating at the Painted Pony is an experience in itself. Historical B&Bs: St George hasmanyhistorical B&B but one of our favorites that keeps getting many awards is The Mulberry Inn. A developer got the idea to sell homes in the area and most hide in plain sight with large lots and exteriors that blend into the environment. Kind of reminds me of a typical off-strip locals casino (Such at Southpoint or Eastside Cannery). Park vegetation includes a wide variety of cacti and desert brushes. Since youre starting off in Las Vegas, it only makes sense to see one of the most iconic Vegas landmarks, the Welcome To Las Vegas sign. With so much sunshine and high summer temperatures, St. George is a perfect spot for perfect for swimming and water sports. has shaded water features and views of Zion National Park from Canaan Mountain. and leave at 4:34 pm. Everybody in St. George says the same thing: You gotta see a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. Its really spectacular with awesome views at almost every turn. St George is filled with many great things to do with kids and one of our favorites is riding the historical carousel in St George Town Square. Exhibits now showcase examples of dino-activity from the immediate area with interpretive information, a window revealing where fossils are prepped and cleaned, and a small park in the back for kids to hop on a dilophosaurus replica. It was sold and turned into a full-fledged restaurant with art galleries popping up around it. Between the bright red terrain and the arch itself, it's almost impossible to take a bad photo. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abe0ee1bb1ce091c654aedc463cf2206" );document.getElementById("d2f8ec4791").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. This carousel is impressive, in good condition and is a must-see for anybody visiting the town. From Valley of Fire, get right back on the I-15 North and drive for about an hour and forty-five minutes until you reach the town of St. George, Utah, right by the Arizona/Utah border.. A notable stop in this town, particularly since our final destination is Salt Lake City, is the Brigham Young Winter Home, a historic residence and current museum. Simply by walking through the downtown, you can see the traditional American and Mormon influences in the architecture! With its rich history and stunning design, this is one sight youll want to be sure to visit. Hikers can spot tracks in, , but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the. How this road was ever carved out of the massive rocks is beyond me. Formerly a general store built in 1911, it now sells nostalgic candy and ice cream. Depending on the license, some bars are required to serve food with alcohol, which is why St. George's favorite dive bar, , has bags of potato chips on standby with each drink. The sunrise and sunsets are unbelievably impressive from the sky and will leave you with a true sense of how amazing Utahs natural wonders are. Youll see horse-drawn wagons, pioneer cabins and even cannons. I have family in St. George, UT and have made that trip a few times. It's 123 miles from Las Vegas to here, St. George, Utah. With all this historical context, your family will connect with Utah on a journey into the non-technical Kanarraville slot canyon that much more. Want to spend the night? Theres nothing like an 18-wheeler so close to your bumper that you cant see their headlights! The 60-room boutique hotel opened in early 2020, blending luxury with rustic pioneer-esque touches with a heavy emphasis on locally sourced wood and materials. Its a perspective you can not get from the ground. 3. Sure, this is a Zion to Bryce road trip, but St. George and the surrounding towns are actually pretty cool, too. Parowan Gap is about a 25-mile detour, but its well worth the extra distance and time in your road trip. On your own or with a friend, navigate through the area's most challenging terrain wearing full safety gear. The very founding of the city is thanks to Mormon settlers. Get on the water or the beach at Sand Hollow State Park and explore the stunning Snow Canyon. With those road-stop suggestions out of the way, here's what to do in St. George after you arrive. Airport Shuttles Transportation Related posts . A vintage gasoline pump remains out front. Located in the historic district of St George this casual hotel is affordable and quite comfortable and just onlymomentsaway fromalmostall thebest things to do in St George. The area off Cima Road has the largest Joshua Tree forest in the world. In a refreshing change of pace, St. George isn't overwhelmed by chain restaurants, especially Downtown. 2023 St. George Vacation Rentals | The Babylon Arch is relatively easy to reach with a hike near the Virgin River. Visitor Center Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. RV sites with water and power are available. Learn about Utah's extensive history of dinosaurs, About 200 million years before Utah was even Utah, the region was a hotbed for dinosaurs. Among some of the things to do in St George are hiking trails in Sand Hollows State Park and Pioneer Park, Brigham Young Winter House . Either way, the amount in a shot is tightly controlled. is a great place to bring the kids with a vintage carousel and splash pads modeled after rock formations, but it's also a cool spot to hang out on your own with nothing but your thoughts and a laptop. While its a little outside of your route to Zion, its so close to Las Vegas and definitely worth a stop. The North Rim is quite remotethere's no nearby airport and it's much further from Las Vegas or any Arizona cities than the South Rim is (and a good 3 hours from St. George, Utah, where we were staying). Moe's Valley Bouldering. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The 50-acre property features gardens, renovated rooms in a variety of sizes, on-site dining options . 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in St. George, UT. The park gets its name from red sandstone formations. And from Fredonia, go to Kanab and pick US 89 there to Page, instead of continuing on US . Snow Canyon State Park partners with several hiking and biking vendors so youll be covered with rental equipment, including the popular e-bikes, to make your trip fantastic. This is also one of the best places to take in a view over St George. People say it's soft, but regardless of grades, we found the climbs to be a lot of fun. this year. Its much smaller than I thought it would be but it was still really fun to grab a few pictures there. To save time, from St. George I would suggest taking Utah 59 through Hillsdale and AZ 389 to Fredonia, not Utah Highway 9 through Springdale and Zion National Park. This pleasant city is located on the I-15, the road that connects Las Vegas to Salt Lake City and then continues through Idaho to Montana, on the border with Canada. It's a lively social spot where the contemporary cuisine often comes with a Southern touch and killer craft cocktails. A geological wonder made with wind and water over 180 million years ago, the results are stunning. I'll be flying into Las Vegas late Friday and renting a car. Flights last anywhere from one hour to three hours depending on your adventure and they operate year-round. 7 Transportation Decisions Youll Need To Make Before Visiting Costa Rica, Our Favorite Hikes In All 50 States (2023), 21 Essential Pieces You Need For The Perfect Beach Vacation Capsule Wardrobe, 13 Things To Know Before Hiking Angels Landing, 8 Cant-Miss Experiences At Zion National Park For First-Timers, 9 Reasons I Loved Visiting Zion National Park In The Winter, 9 Things You Must Know Before Hiking The Narrows In Zion, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Brigham Young Winter Residence Historical Site. If you still have more time, take this loop back to St. George. 37.8042924,-114.4091474, map. 20. This scenic drive is at the top of the list of all scenic drives Ive been on and is really awe-inspiring. While other parts of the state see snow-capped mountains throughout the year, St. George has a warm, desert climate that along with a history of cotton production earned the nickname "Utah's Dixie." By continuing to browse or by clicking I Accept Cookies you agree to the storing of first-party and third-party cookies on your device and consent to the disclosure of your personal information to our third party service providers or advertising partners to optimize your experience, analyze traffic and personalize content. When we were there in December, there were very few people in the park, even though the weather was perfect for hiking. Summertime travelers might get the impression that the park got its name from its environment, rather than its rock formation. While its still worth driving by to check out, be aware that the temple is in the middle of a major renovation project and closed until 2022. The buildings have loads of character and offer the opportunity to see inside them when you shop the various stores they now house. And it's a great road trip. For us, that was Leeds. and leave at 12:42 pm. As you drive, keep on the lookout for Zion National Park. 5. 12 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Zion National Park. Other popular stops include Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam, and High Roller. This ghost town has also been put on the map by several movies most notably, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Expect to see horse-drawn wagons, historic buildings and Native American jewelry. St. George is located in southern Utah. Seclusion is part of the charm. The surrounding desert is popular for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. Start your trip at the visitor center to learn about the park, watch the short film, and grab a map. Georgia has discipline problem that calls for action from Kirby Smart. It is like a mini amusement park showcasing the history from 1881. . Pilot, aviation consultant say the busiest airline at Harry Reid International Airport ignored technological updates for too long and suffered the consequences. St. George has its share of golf courses and if you're in town to practice your putt, the, has a private country club feel with condo-like suites and private parking garages. Beer was famously required to be watered down in the past, but that's no longer the case. The Valley of Fire is located 55 miles northeast of Vegas and can be accessed from I-15 at Exit 75. Hollywood agrees as Snow Canyon has been the shooting site of multiple well-known films including the classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Electric Horseman, and Jeremiah Johnson. When traveling from the Midwest to Zion National Park in Southern Utah, the best place for us to fly into is Las Vegas. Bullionville Cemetery Trail. You canlearnmore about us here. I would never consider stopping here for any other reason, but what I discovered was Leeds Market. The restrooms were clean, the people were friendly, and my attention was immediately caught by the scent of a Crock Pot simmering in the back, which they serve daily. Itsa great green space with a splash of water fountains, walking paths, and works of art throughout. was preserved and converted into a free museum, offering a glimpse into 19th century life. Due to his work with local Native American tribes and the spreading of the Mormon religion, Hamblin has earned a place of respect amongst Mormons and indigenous people alike. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Weve been to many great parks in our travels but one that impressed us was the Town Square Park in St George. Whichever way you look at it, you will be mostly driving from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon on the first day. SJ is a professional travel writer based in the Midwest. The story of St. George is much like other Utah cities. St George brings in visitors from all around the world, and for a good reason too. Here, you can tour the old Territorial Statehouse, which is now a museum full of historical treasures about Utah and the pioneers. Ancient petroglyphs can be seen at several different locations throughout the park. It's one of several nice ideas riddled with problems. Farmhouse Bakery, another recent addition to St. George, is a European-style patisserie, led by a team of Las Vegas transplants that includes Thomas Kellar's former pastry chef. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. Fields of ephemeral wildflowers arent expected this year at Death Valley, but the nearby national parks rock-solidly stunning geology never takes time off. There are even exhibits where you can get a closer look at how plants and animals thrive in a barren landscape. My dad's stories shaped my life. Other popular stops include Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam, and Valley of Fire State Park. In the park, start with the Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk hiking trails. But why deal with the large crowds, heavy traffic and paid parking when you can zoom out on Google Maps and choose less chaotic accommodations in or around St. George instead? Its a magical experience with the theater being outside and surrounded by 1500 foot tall natural red rock cliffs watching a popular performance like Beauty and the Beast, Annie or the Count of MonteCristo. Also, the folks at Red Rock do not recommend taking rideshares like Uber and Lyft to the park. A developer got the idea to sell homes in the area and most hide in plain sight with large lots and exteriors that blend into the environment. The bus journey time between St. George and Las Vegas is around 2h 5m and covers a distance of around 118 miles. 2. has long been the standard for fine dining with wood decor, Southwestern art, and a second-floor perch in Ancestor Square that feels a bit like the world's coolest treehouse. Want a room with a crazy view? Noted as one of the most romantic spots around St George, you can bring a date or explore the park solo. Pizza and sandwiches (with house-made sourdough) keep the place busy during lunch. Discover this 24.2-mile point-to-point trail near St. George, Utah. Generally considered an easy route. But it is also located just 90 miles from St. George. Winds may reach 70 mph in mountains, Las Vegas concert featuring music greats changes start time, Another great memory in Vegas: Busch wins Truck Series race, LETTER: BLM launches investigation over moved rocks. Explore Ancestor Square and the rest of historic Downtown, St. George's Downtown district is an engaging mix of architecture, art, parks, and independent storefronts. Located on the southern border between Utah and Arizona is one of the best historical sights in the St George area. This historical hiking trail stretches 2.5 miles long and dates back to 1871. But because it's not as convenient and . But the. Best stops along Las Vegas to Laughlin drive. Its just simply breathtaking located on the edges of Snow Canyon State Park just a few miles right from downtown St George. , recognizing the absence of light pollution in the area. Biking paths connect to the Anasazi trailhead, where petroglyphs are easy to spot. Town Square Park is a great place to bring the kids with a vintage carousel and splash pads modeled after rock formations, but it's also a cool spot to hang out on your own with nothing but your thoughts and a laptop. After a stop in the visitor center to watch the film and get a little backstory, we decided we had to check out the Fire Wave first. Located about an hour south of Zion National Park, St. George, Utah, is a city of about 85,000 people that has a lot of cool things to see and do. The museum and research center was built on the site of Johnson's Farm, where leveling work turned up footprints on sandstone blocks. Bars affiliated with restaurants are usually fine as long as they have the. has been writing about Las Vegas in Thrillist for more than seven years. Show only these on map. But it should be! It all began with, , a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. Its about a two hour drive to St George. is a fascinating collection of sculptures displayed throughout the city with a self-guided walking tour to check 'em all out. With 40,000 acres of Aztec sandstone, petrified trees, and ancient petroglyphs, theres a lot to explore here. in history and is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, and the International Travel Writers Alliance. If youre driving north to St. George on I-15, you know youre almost in Southern Utah once you hit the amazing stretch of beautiful road through the Virgin River Gorge. Play along . Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Kick your road trip off with a day in the St. George area. The Kelso Depot and dunes are about 1.5 hours from Vegas.The museum/depot is definitely worth a stop. It doesn't matter they aren't true. Though not as extensive as those contained in the better-known Arches National Park near Moab, there are similarities, so visitors will feel a comfortable familiarity with the landscape. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Unusually high precipitation levels this winter could result in some spectacular displays of springtime wildflowers like desert marigold, indigo and desert mallow. See the link to the right for more info. Leg 3: Springdale/Zion National Park to Salt Lake City (via Highway 89) This leg of the road trip starts in Springdale, the western entrance to Zion National Park, and ends back in Salt Lake City. Hawaiis attorney general believes the proposed law, which seeks to reduce the flow of residents money to Las Vegas, could be found unconstitutional.