21 Incredible Things to Do in St. George, Utah
Located in the southwest corner of the state, St. George, Utah is a beautiful city with a population of approximately 200,000 residents. Known for its stunning red sandstone cliffs, the area offers exciting outdoor recreation opportunities for both the seasoned hiker and beginner.
With so many things to do in St George, Utah, this exciting city is a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Notably, it's conveniently situated just an hour's drive away from the iconic Zion National Park, adding to the city's appeal.
How To Get To St George, Utah
St. George Regional Airport - This small but mighty airport is located only 20 minutes from the city center, southeast of town. There are fewer flight options but if you’re lucky enough to find a good flight, the convenience is unmatched.
Las Vegas Airport - With ample flight options and the chance to score a great deal on tickets, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is another great option for travelers looking to visit St George, Utah. The airport is located only 1 hour 45 minutes from the city center, making for an easy drive on well maintained roads.
Pro tip - Stop off at Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada to make it a full road trip experience!
Salt Lake City Airport - While not quite as convenient as the previous two options, driving in from the north is also an option for visitors looking to see more of Utah. St George is located 4 hours south of Salt Lake City International Airport.
When Is The Best Time To Visit St George, Utah?
With an average of over 300 sunny days per year and only approximately 8 inches of rain annually, you’ll find things to do in St George, Utah in every season. Even in the winter, it rarely snows!
☀️Summer In St George, Utah (June-September)
Summer is the busy season in Southern Utah. Plan for hot weather- temperatures average highs around 100F and lows around 75F. If you’re planning on exploring outside, aim for earlier in the day to beat the heat. When the heat gets to be too much, there are plenty of things to do in St George, Utah indoors to beat the heat.
🍁🌼Spring & Fall In St George, Utah (April & May, October & November)
Spring and fall are the sweet spots for weather in St George. The area is less crowded than during the summer months and temperatures are milder. Average temperatures range from highs between 70-80F and lows around 50-60F. Mornings and evenings are chillier, but the afternoon warms up quickly, making this an excellent time to visit for those looking to explore outside.
❄️Winter In St George, Utah (December- March)
Winter is the off-season in St George, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit! Perks for visiting in the winter are the potential for lower rates on lodging and adventures, and the opportunity to have the parks almost to yourself. Keep in mind, this is Southern Utah, so even though it’s winter, the average high temperatures are around 55F and lows around 35F. This makes for great hiking weather, and hiking is one of the best things to do in St George, Utah.
21 Awesome Things To Do In St George, Utah
With such beautiful weather year round and so many incredible things to do in and around St George, I have created a list of 21 things to do on your visit to this beautiful little town in Southern Utah.
1. St George City Parks
2. Where To Eat in St George, Utah
3. Check Out Snow Canyon State Park
4. E-Bike Rentals in St. George
5. Lodging in St George, Utah
6. Explore Zion National Park
7. Take a Day Trip To Bryce Canyon National Park
8. Visit Valley of Fire State Park
9. Visit the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City
10. Spend a Day in Duck Creek, Utah
11. Family Friendly Activities and Museums in St. George
12. Hike in the Red Cliffs National Reserve
13. Enjoy the Water at Sand Hollow State Park
14. Get Off The Beaten Path in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion
15. See a stunning waterfall at Gunlock State Park
16 - Visit Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon
17 - Take An ATV/UTV Sand Dune Tour
18. Experience Water Fun at Quail Creek State Park
19. Visit Cathedral Gorge State Park (Nevada)
20. Take a day trip to Cedar Breaks National Monument
21. Go cliff jumping at Lake Powell/Glen Canyon Recreation Area
1. St George City Parks
With such exciting state and national parks in the area, it could be easy to overlook the smaller city parks. This would be a huge mistake, especially for families with kids as St George has some epic city parks!
Pioneer Park, located on the north side of the city in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is home to the St George Narrows, Powell Eagle Nest, and the Dixie Sugarloaf. There aren’t any true trails to hike, but the rock scrambling and exploring will keep kids busy for hours.
St George, Utah is also home to Thunder Junction All Abilities Park. This unique park features playground equipment, climbing walls, a splash pad, and a train to ride. The best part is that everything at Thunder Junction is wheelchair accessible making it fun for all visitors. With so many things to do in St George, Utah parks, your kids will have the best time.
****Homemake biscuits and jam from Wood Ash Rye
2. Where To Eat in St George, Utah
When you’re done exploring and need to refuel, St George has you covered. Visit Morty’s Cafe for a gourmet burger and fries. While I love the Hawaiian with some sweet potato fries, they also have excellent vegetarian options.
For something a little fancier, Cliffside Restaurant offers upscale American cuisine with scenic views of the city that can’t be beat.
For some comfort food, Wood Ash Rye in downtown St. George offers breakfast, brunch, and dinner all feature regionally sourced ingredients used in creative dishes.
Farmstead is another favorite in St George, Utah. This European-style bakery has the most delicious sandwiches and baked goods with seating both inside and out. Soaking up the beautiful weather with a nice pastry on the patio is one of my favorite things to do in St George, Utah.
3. Check Out Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park is a locals’ hidden gem and one of the best things to do in St George, Utah. Trust me, anywhere besides Utah, this beautiful park would be in the running for National Park status.
Running around the Petrified Sand Dunes is one of the most fun things to do in St George, Utah, and kids will love it. Jenny’s Canyon, while not a true slot canyon, is a short and sweet hike with a big reward. The faux slot canyon makes for great rock scrambling and epic pictures.
Lava Flow Trail treats you to the unique geological formation of lava tubes. These lava tubes formed when the outer surface of a lava flow cooled and hardened while the lava inside continued to flow downhill. Eventually all of the lava flowed out, leaving cave-like tubes for you to explore. Don’t forget a flashlight if you plan to explore inside the lava tubes- it’s really dark! This is one of the most unique things to do in St George, Utah, and you won’t want to miss it.
Some other favorites for hiking, exploring, and beautiful photo-ops are White Rocks, Cinder Cone Trail, and Pioneer Names. Day-use passes can be purchased online or at the entrance gate for $15 for non-residents and $10 for Utah residents.
4. E-Bike Rentals in St. George
When you are in St George, Utah with kids, renting e-bikes is a must. Located right outside the Snow Canyon State Park entrance, Rampage Rentals offers reasonably priced daily e-bike rentals. You can ride directly from the rental parking lot, into the park, and through the canyon making this a super accessible adventure.
Kids especially love how fast they get to go on e-bikes (up to 25mph!) You will need to pay the park entrance fee or show your day-use pass at the gate even if you are cycling in. Don’t miss one of my favorite things to do in St George, Utah!
5. Lodging in St George, Utah
When you’re looking for where to stay in St George, Utah, the city has plenty of lodging options, but for those seeking something unique, check out the boutique hotel Inn on the Cliff. Each room at this beautifully renovated hotel features stunning views of the city below, but for the best view, in my opinion, hit up the four season hot tub and take in a gorgeous perspective of St George while you relax after a long day of hiking.
The Cliffside Restaurant is on site and is an excellent option for a nice dinner, or put on the pjs and have them bring it straight from the kitchen to your room! A set menu room service breakfast is also provided by the hotel and is best enjoyed on your balcony as you watch the sun rise.
The Advenire in St. George is another great option. This boutique hotel has a gorgeous modern pioneer aesthetic…plus a rooftop terrace and Wood Ash Rye restaurant.
If sleeping under the stars is a bit more your speed, check out these 8 Glamping Options located near St George, Utah and Zion National Park.
6. Explore Zion National Park
Spend a day or two exploring Zion National Park while visiting St. George, Utah. With epic hikes among the sandstone cliffs, the Virgin River to cool off in, and wildlife like mule deer and bighorn sheep to spot, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. Like St George, Zion is great to visit in all seasons, even in winter! The Zion shuttle runs most of the year, but for a few months every winter, visitors get the unique opportunity to drive through the canyon.
My favorite adventure-filled hikes in Zion include Clear Creek, The Narrows, Canyon Overlook, and Observation Point.
Distance From St George
The Springdale entrance to Zion National Park is only 1 hour away from St. George, west along UT-9.
7. Take a Day Trip To Bryce Canyon National Park
When visiting Southern Utah, a road trip to Bryce Canyon National Park is always a great idea. Visiting Bryce is a quick and easy day trip from St George, Utah.
If you’re only spending one day in the park, make sure to check out my favorite family-friendly hike, Navajo Loop Trail.
Bryce Canyon National Park is especially beautiful in winter. The contrast of white snow against the red hoodoos is not to be missed.
Distance From St George
Bryce Canyon National Park is only 2 hours and 15 minutes away traveling approximately 85 miles northeast on I-15, then an additional 60 miles on UT-20 E.
8. Visit Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is located about halfway between Las Vegas and St George, Utah, making it a perfect day trip destination or stop on your way to Utah from Las Vegas. After stopping at the visitor center, make sure to check out my favorite hikes and sights- Elephant Rock, Fire Wave, White Domes, and Atlatl Rock (where you’ll get up close and personal to some amazing petroglyphs!) CHECK OUT OUR RECENT BLOG POST FOR ALL THE DETAILS
Entrance Fees for Valley of Fire State Park are $15 for non-residents and $10 for Nevada residents. The park also boasts 2 campgrounds (72 total sites) with tables, grills, water, and restrooms.
**Please be aware, Valley of Fire State Park can get HOT in the summer. Hiking in high heat is dangerous- even on short hikes. Stay hydrated!!
Distance From St George
Valley of Fire State Park is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes southwest of St George, Utah in Moapa Valley, Nevada along I-15.
9. Visit the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City
The Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City is one of the oldest and largest Shakespeare festivals in North America. The plays are only for ages 7 and up, but child care is offered for the little ones.
Held in the courtyard next to the Engelstate theater this free 30-minute Greenshow is fun entertainment for the whole family. The show includes music, dance, juggling, and puppets. My kids loved the show so much, and I loved that it was free......haha!!!
Along with cooler in temperature, Cedar City has a ton of family-friendly activities in town and close to town, making it the perfect summer destination. In the winter Cedar City is also a great place to visit for some family winter fun.
Distance From St George
At only 50 minutes north east on I-15, Cedar City is easily accessible by car.
10. Spend a Day in Duck Creek, Utah
Just an hour and a half away from St George, Duck Creek is another perfect day trip. Whether you are looking to beat the summer heat, or are a winter weather enthusiast, the village of Duck Creek has you covered. My favorite summertime hike near Duck Creek is Cascade Falls. This easy 1.2-mile out and back trail treats you to epic views and a stunning waterfall. In the winter, Duck Creek is the perfect town to soak in those snowy winter vibes with snow tubing, snowshoeing, sledding, and even snowmobile rental.
Distance From St George
At only 1 hour and 30 minutes northeast of St George, along I-15 and UT-14, the village of Duck Creek, Utah makes for a great day trip.
11. Family Friendly Activities and Museums in St. George
When the kids tire from all the hiking (it happens to the best of us!), St George has the answer.
The St George Dinosaur Discovery Site is the perfect spot to take your budding paleontologist. Add this to your list of things to do in St George, Utah if it happens to rain or the heat gets to be too much since all of the fossil exhibits are indoors.
The St George Children's Museum offers hands-on exhibits for kids that mimic real-life scenarios. Kids' imaginations take over as they pretend to milk a cow, fly a plane, shop for groceries, and even battle a dragon.
Watching Broadway Theatre under the Utah stars…yes, please! At the Tuacahn Amphitheatre you can enjoy Broadway shows, live concerts, and more all against the red rock backdrop that makes Southern Utah so iconic.
12. Hike in the Red Cliffs National Reserve
Red Cliffs National Reserve might be my favorite hidden gem in Southern Utah. Between hiking Babylon Arch, hiking Red Reef Trail, seeing the Dinosaur Footprints, and visiting the Red Cliffs Archeological Site, you really get a LOT in one area.
While it wasn’t love at first hike, Babylon Arch has become a hike that I love to take. The trail is filled with beautiful red rock formations, stunning views of the Virgin River, a fun sand hill for the kids to play on, and, as the name suggests, a super cool arch.
Red Reef Trail is a hike that I take nearly everyone who visits Southern Utah on. This 3 mile hike is fun with or without kids. It boasts stunning red rock formations, arches, petroglyphs, a creek to play in, and a tree stump that looks like an elephant.
From the same parking area as Red Reef Trail, you can also access a super quick hike to some real fossilized dinosaur footprints and visit an Ancestral Puebloan archaeological site. Both sites have well marked signage for curious kids (and adults) to learn about Southern Utah’s rich history.
Red Cliffs National Reserve is part of the Bureau of Land Management and charges a small $5 day-use fee for access. You can also use your National Parks Pass for entrance.
Distance From St George
The Red Cliffs National Reserve is only 25 minutes from St George in nearby Hurricane, Utah. Pair this with a visit to Sand Hollow State Park for a fun-filled day!
13. Enjoy the Water at Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow State Park is located in the heart of the Hurricane Valley and is the perfect escape for those hot summer days. With the Sand Hollow Reservoir as the star, this park caters to all outdoor enthusiasts. On the south side of the lake, kids will enjoy splashing in the shallow water and building sand castles, while on the north side, the more adventurous can climb on the red rocks, swim, and even cliff jump! To keep the adrenaline flowing, you can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, ATVs, and UTVs.
Distance From St George
Sand Hollow State Park is located 25 minutes from St George, Utah on the southwest side of the town of Hurricane.
14. Get Off The Beaten Path in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion
Kolob Canyons is tucked into the northwest corner of Zion National Park. Soaring cliffs of red Navajo Sandstone and breathtaking views are the highlight along a stunning 5-mile scenic drive. The canyons are easily accessed from Interstate 15. Kolob sits at 6,000 feet, meaning that summer temperatures are usually 10 degrees cooler than St George.
Our favorite family-friendly hikes in Kolob Canyons are Taylor Creek and Timber Creek Overlook.
Taylor Creek is a 5-mile round trip trail with minimal elevation gain. It also has a stream to cool off in, 2 historic cabins along the trail, and a stunning double arch alcove at the end.
At the end of the scenic Kolob Canyon Road, Timbercreek Overlook Trail is one-mile round trip. This trail is short and easy with minimal elevation gain and stunning views all along the trail.
Distance From St George
The Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park is only 30 minutes north on I-15 from St George, Utah.
15. See a stunning waterfall at Gunlock State Park
Gunlock State Park is home to one of the most amazing waterfalls in southern Utah, where water cascades down tiers of red rocks. Gunlock Falls runs in the spring, but not every year, so it draws crowds when it does. Even when the falls aren’t flowing, enjoying the water at Gunlock Reservoir is a fun way to spend a day in a southern Utah state park.
Gunlock State Park is always a great destination for playing on the water in Gunlock Reservoir. You can go swimming, boating, or SUPing in the warm water, and make a day of it with a picnic on the beach.
Distance from St George
Gunlock State Park is around a half hour northwest of the town of St. George, UT or a little over an hour if you’re coming from Springdale.
16 - Visit Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon
Surrounded by towering jagged basalt rock and a shady stream filled with catch and release crawdads, Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon is the perfect summer destination with the family. I take my kiddos here at least once a summer!
There are fun surprises placed in the sides of the pool like a 2 dollar bill, a bat skeleton, a baby turtle and many more surprises covered in acrylic and hidden for little divers to find. Read more about visiting Veyo Pool & Crawdad Canyon here.
Distance from St George
Located 15 minutes north of St George this natural spring pool stays at a comfortable 87 degrees and is emptied and refilled every evening with fresh new water from the natural spring on the property.
17 - Take An ATV/UTV Sand Dune Tour
Explore miles and miles of sand dunes, zoom down sand hills, and take in expansive and stunning views. The ultimate family adventure is an ATV ride in the soft red desert sand of Southwestern Utah.
The sand dunes at Sand Hollow in Hurricane are absolutely stunning and so much fun to explore. The best way to see all that the dunes have to offer is by booking a guided tour. The guides will show you the most breathtaking sites along the best paths and are very concerned about safety.
There are plenty of ATV/UTV guide companies in the Hurricane & St George area to choose from.
TOQUERVILLE FALLS TOUR WITH MAD MOOSE RENTALS
This past summer My 3 kiddos and I went on the ATV tour to Toquerville Falls with Blake of Mad Moose Rentals and its was the most fun and memorable adventure of our summer. We started at their location at Quail Lake (20 minutes from St George) and drove the backroads of Southern Utah to the waterfalls.
It was a stunning and action packed drive and I felt like a total badass navigating the rocky roads. It was so much fun! The drive took a little over an hour and by the time we got to the falls we were covered, head to toe in fine dust. Jumping in the cool water at the falls was the perfect way to wash off and cool down. We jumped from the top fall to the bottom, swam, splashed and played in the water for about 30 minutes and then headed back.
The drive was shorter on the way back but just about as dusty. I love that their location is right next to the lake. We got out and immediately ran over and jumped in the lake to wash off the dust. My kiddos were in heaven! Make sure to reach out to Mad Moose Rentals to experience this fun waterfall ATV adventure.
18. Experience Water Fun at Quail Creek State Park
Another one of the state parks close to St George with a spectacular reservoir to splash around in is Quail Creek State Park. The scenery of red rocks against the water here is beautiful, and there are activities for everyone, ranging from hiking to biking to swimming to boating.
FUN ACTIVITIES
The water at Quail Creek State Park is warm and great for swimming along the rocky shoreline. You can also paddleboard or kayak on the reservoir.
Quail Creek also offers several trails for hikers and mountain bikers to explore more of this southern Utah state park. Quail Creek Overlook Trail is a nice moderate 5-mile out & back trail with great views.
You can also go boating or fishing (or both!) on Quail Creek Reservoir. There are two boat ramps, and the lake is stocked with fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and rainbow trout.
St George Aqua Adventures offers a waterpark experience at Quail Lake. A fun and refreshing experience for visitors of all ages, this water park features trampolines, water slides, an obstacle course, and swings. In addition to the water attractions, there are also plenty of areas for sunbathing and lounging, as well as a concession stand for snacks and refreshments.
Distance From St George
Quail Creek State Park is located just 20 minutes east of St George off Hwy 9.
19. Visit Cathedral Gorge State Park (Nevada)
At Cathedral Gorge State Park in Nevada, you’ll find tons of cool clay spires that are quite different from the typical red sandstone towers of the desert. The cream-colored spires in the park were formed from a volcanic eruption that took place over a million years ago. Each time it rains, the spires erode and reshape so the landscape of Cathedral Gorge will never be exactly the same.
FUN HIKES & ACTIVITIES
One of the best places to explore in Cathedral Gorge is right near the parking area. By the water tower here, you’ll discover a maze of caves, slot canyons, and spires which are really fun for the whole family to wander around.
For an actual hike that’s family-friendly, head out on Miller Point Trail, which is about 2 miles round trip. You’ll get an excellent view back down the whole canyon from Miller Point Overlook.
Distance From St George
Cathedral Gorge State Park is a 1 hour 40 minute drive northwest from Saint George, across the state border in Nevada.
20. Take a day trip to Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument is a local gem in the area. The monument, sometimes called the “Circle of the Painted Cliffs,” is a naturally-formed rock coliseum with colorful arches, hoodoos, and canyons. Ancient bristlecone pine trees also dot the spectacular landscape.
FUN HIKES & ACTIVITIES
The hike to Alpine Pond showcases the varied terrain in Cedar Breaks. It’s a 2-mile loop trail which runs through forest and meadows and features lots of excellent views of the incredible rock formations. After reaching the pond, the trail passes by some ancient bristlecone pine groves on the way back.
Since Cedar Breaks National Monument sits at a higher elevation than the Zion area – around 10,000 feet – it’s a great place to escape the heat in summer or find the snow in winter. You can snowshoe or cross-country ski on the trails at Cedar Breaks, or go snowmobiling on a trail that runs along Utah Highway 148.
Distance From St George
Cedar Breaks National Monument is located 1 hour 30 minutes north east of St George.
21. Go cliff jumping at Lake Powell/Glen Canyon Recreation Area
Created by the Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell is a massive reservoir consisting of a chain of flooded canyons that is an absolute blast to explore! The recreation area straddles the state border of Utah and Arizona, and is a great day trip from St George
FUN HIKES & ACTIVITIES
My favorite spot to play at Lake Powell is The Chains area. While lots of places on Lake Powell require a boat to explore, you don’t need one to have fun here. You can swim and splash in the water, go cliff jumping, or hike and scramble around the red rocks.
If you do want to see more of Lake Powell, you can take a boat tour to explore further into the canyon. You can also rent kayaks and SUPs at many areas around the lake or paddle to Antelope Canyon and hike up the slot canyon.
One of the coolest places to explore by boat or kayak is Cathedral in the Desert. This unique site was once hidden underwater but has since emerged.
Distance from St George
Lake Powell is located across the state border in Arizona south of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It’s about a 2-hour 40 minute drive west of St George.
St. George has become a favored spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a myriad of day trips, beautiful hikes, and exciting activities. This charming Utah town serves as an ideal home base for those embarking on Southern Utah Adventures.
I hope this post inspires you to add a stay in this beautiful Southern Utah city!
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
