15+ Best Things to Do in St George Utah » Local Adventurer (2024)

Visiting St George Utah? Don’t miss these things to do!

Most people use St George as a base to visitZion National ParkandBryce, and it’s a shame they completely miss all the great hiking close by.

Since St George is less than 2 hours away from Las Vegas, we’ve done a handful of day trips to climb in Moe’s Valley. Other than that, this was the first time we explored other parts of the city and the hidden gems in the area.

If you’re planning to visit Zion but you’re over the crowds, check out these stunning things to do in St George UT.

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Last Updated: June 30, 2024

15 Best Things to Do in St George

I consider St George to be an outdoor destination more than anything else, but if you’re looking for something different, there are several museums and great educational activities for the whole family too.

1. Pioneer Park

375 Red Hills Pkwy, St. George, UT 84770,map

When we drove up to Pioneer Park, we were blown away by the landscape within the city. The popular thing to do is climb upDixie Rock (or Dixie Sugarloaf)to enjoy the sunset and get the best views of the city.

We also loved theslot canyons (the St George Narrows),and we later noticed therock climbingin the park. Because it had rained the day before, we didn’t want to ruin any of the climbs, but we’ll be back for sure.

Local Tip: There are two separate parking lots, one specifically for Dixie Sugarloaf and another that takes you to the loop.

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2. Snow Canyon State Park

1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738,map

Fees:$15 per vehicle ($10 for Utah residents)

When we visited Snow Canyon State Park, we only had a few hours in the afternoon. We decided tohike to Scout CaveandJenny’s Canyon.

Scout Cave itself was really beautiful, although the hike overall wasn’t that interesting. Jenny’s Canyon is a short approach and an easy 10 minute stop.

Amazingly, this state park is only 10 minutes from the city. After talking to a few locals, they told us it’s often overlooked by visitors since they are so focused on visiting Zion.

When we have more time, next we want to check out theLava Tube Trail, which is the hike that several locals recommended.

Local Tip: There’s a ton of hiking within Snow Canyon, and had we known better, we would have set aside a full day just to explore the rest of the park.

Photo Tip: If you can’t do sunrise or sunset, Scout Cave looks much better in the morning light than the afternoon or evening light.

See More: 101 Things to do in Utah State – Your Ultimate Utah Bucket List

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3. Red Cliffs Recreation Area

345 East Riverside Drive St. George, UT 84790,map

If you’re looking to explore areas of the desert, check out Red Cliffs Recreation Area. The massive red sandstone cliffs will remind you of how small you are and you can step back in time as you see remnants of aVirgin Anasazi habitation.

One of the most popular easy trails is theRed Reef Trail. You can also check out theOrson Adams Houseto get a glimpse at pioneer life and see dinosaur tracks on theSilver Reef Trail.

Local Tip: Parking is very limited (only 52 general-use parking spaces) which can cause traffic. You also have to drive through tunnels that will only fit vehicles less than 12 feet in height or width.

4. Moe’s Valley Bouldering

37.0699343,-113.6275344,map

If you boulder, this is by far the best thing to do in St George. People say it’s soft, but regardless of grades, we found the climbs to be a lot of fun. It’s also a great intro to outdoor bouldering if you’re strictly a gym climber.

Our favorite area so far isSuper Mario Land, but I’m sure we’ll continue to find more fun spots in Moe’s Valley.

Local Tip: We picked upthe bouldering guideatThe Desert Rat(shop local!). The book covers the entire St George area. Also, if you forget any outdoor gear, this is where you can pick up supplies.

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5. The Bowl AKA the Vortex Hike

37.280004,-113.7413139,map

The Vortex hike is a unique hike, and if there’s one hike you do near St George, we recommend this one. Not only is the Vortex itself dope, but the entire hike is interesting.

It’s really popular and busy on weekends, but on our mid-week visit, we only saw 1 other group as we were leaving. It’s a moderate hike that is roughly 2.16 miles roundtrip and should take roughly 1-1.5 hours (not including the time you want to hang out there).

Keep in mind that you’ll be driving on unpaved roads for the last 5 miles. It had recently snowed when we went so there were parts of the road that were really muddy with a few sketchy spots. It always helps to have high clearance and 4-wheel drive, but we saw a minivan in the parking lot too.

Photo Tip: The position of the sun makes a huge difference when it comes to photographing the Vortex. You need to either be there at dawn, dusk, or midday when the sun is at its peak to avoid harsh shadows on the rock feature. If it’s a cloudy day, anytime is fine

Hiking Tip: We highly recommend getting an offline map for the trail since some cairns were hard to find. Download Alltrails+ and get the maps so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.

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6. Red Hills Desert Garden

375 Red Hills Pkwy, St. George, UT 84770,map

We weren’t sure what to expect at this free desert garden. At the entrance, it didn’t seem like anything special. But the further we got in, we were pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was to explore.

It features 5,000 water-efficient plants, dinosaur tracks, and a replica slot canyon. If you plan on visiting Pioneer Park, the Red Hills Desert Garden is right next to it.

Local Tip: There’s a bridge above the artificial slot canyon that’s a great spot to shoot photos of people down below.

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7. St George Utah Temple

250 E 400 S, St. George, UT 84770,map

The temple is hard to miss in St George. It is the longest operating temple of the Church.

When they finish their renovations, they will have an open house where you can check out the inside. After that period, the public won’t be allowed inside but can still enjoy it from the exterior grounds.

Local Tip: The Temple was covered in scaffolding, so I wouldn’t recommend visiting it now, but you can get a great view of it in the distance from Dixie Sugarloaf where you don’t notice the construction.

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8. St George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm

2180 E Riverside Dr, St. George, UT 84790,map

Fee: $10 adult / $5 children

Did you ever have a dinosaur phase as a kid (or are you still into dinosaurs)? I had no idea that St. George had so many fossils in the area.

This museum lets you get up close and personal with fossils and also has five life-sized models. On top of that, there’s a real fossil prep lab at the facility and park to enjoy.

9. Kayenta Art Village

851 Coyote Gulch Ct, Ivins, UT 84738,map

If you love art, head over to this small community of art galleries and studios. At the Kayenta Art Village, you’ll also find theatre, art festivals, and restaurants.

Local Tip: If there is a specific spot you want to visit, call ahead to get the current hours at a specific shop or gallery. We visited based on the overall village hours and a lot of spots were still closed.

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10. Little Black Mountain Petroglyphs

36.982827, -113.503066,map

If you love getting a glimpse into history, check out this short 0.8 mi hike to find over 500 individual rock-art designs on the cliffs and boulders, including work from the Great Basin, Western Anasazi, and Lower Colorado River.

Local Tip: The main access route is currently shut down because the state leased land for a gravel pit. The best way to head there is via the Glitter Mine’s direction, but it doesn’t hold up well in rain and impassable during heavy rain.

11. Tuacahn Amphitheater Show →

1100 Tuacahn Dr, Ivins, UT 84738,map

When we stopped by, they weren’t doing any shows (due to COVID), but seeing it reminded us of the Red Rock amphitheater near Denver.

This beautiful outdoor amphitheater brings music and performances right inside a canyon. The red rock backdrop is absolutely stunning and after our visit, we want to come back to see a show here.

Since opening in 1995, they’ve produced 60+ major musical theatre productions and hosted over 200 concerts. This year, they’ll have productions like Disney’s Frozen, Anastasia, Jersey Boys, and more.

Local Tip: If you want to check out this beautiful amphitheater but don’t have time for a show, they have a Cafe that overlooks the space.

See More: The Best Broadway on Broadway – Your Ultimate Guide

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12. Sand Hollow State Park

3351 Sand Hollow Rd, Hurricane, UT 84737,map

Fees:$20 weekday / $25 weekend per vehicle ($15 / $20 for Utah residents)

The contrast of red sandstone landscapes and blue waters is stunning. This is one of Utah’s newer state parks and easily one of the most popular for water recreation.

You can boat, fish, and dive at the Sand Hollow Reservoir, ride on the dunes of Sand Mountain, and camp in a campground or beach.

Local Tip: Their social media is a great way to get up-to-date info and current conditions.

See More: 15 Amazing Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park

13. Quail Creek State Park

472 5300 W, Hurricane, UT 84737,map

Fee:$20 per vehicle ($15 for Utah residents)

Boaters and anglers love this reservoir with some of the warmest waters and mild winter climates. On top of that, you can camp, hike, and explore the beautiful landscapes.

The maximum depth of the reservoir is 120 feet, which allows them to stock it with rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, and crappie. There’s also largemouth bass and bluegill.

14. Brigham Young Winter Home

67 W 200 N, St. George, UT 84770,map

The Brigham Young Winter Home wasn’t open when we visited (also COVID), but we got a chance to check out the exterior.

As noted by the name, it is where Brigham Young and his family lived in the winter months. When it’s open you can take a tour where they tell you about Young’s family life and role in directing the settlement.

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15. Town Square Park

50 S Main St, St. George, UT 84770,map

Town Square Park is a beautiful spot right inside the downtown historic district (where we stayed). Not only is it surrounded by the most prominent historic buildings, but it also has water features, plenty of space to relax, and a beautiful vintageCarousel.

When we went in mid-March, there were several trees withspring blooms. We also saw a few engagement sessions being shot here.

Local Tip: They hold events throughout the year, including First Night, Art Festivals, Summer Movies on the Square, and more.

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Map of the Best Things to Do in St George

Additional Things to Do in St George UT

• Green Gate Village Shops (76 W Tabernacle St, 84770,map)
• Golf at Inn at Entrada (2588 W Sinagua Trail, 84770,map)
• Thunder Junction All Abilities Park (1851 S Dixie Dr, 84770,map)

Museums in St George

Call us uncultured, but we prefer the outdoor spots to museums. If you love learning more about the history of the region or want a taste of the art and culture, here are the museums and landmarks to check out.

• Brigham Young Winter House (67 W 200 N, 84770,map)
• Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum (145 N 100 E, 84770,map)
• Jacob Hamblin Home (450 N 300 E, Santa Clara, UT 84765,map) – pictured below
• Mountain Meadow Massacre Memorial (37.4755096,-113.6457928,map)
• Rosenbruch World Wildlife Museum (1835 S Convention Center Dr, 84790,map)
• Sears Art Museum Gallery (155 S. University Ave, 84770,map)
• St George Children’s Museum (86 S Main St, 84770,map)
• St George City Art Museum (47 E 200 N, 84770,map)
• Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm (2180 E Riverside Dr, 84790,map)
• Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum (4196 S Airport Pkwy, 84790,map)

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St George Hikes

• Scout Cave Snow Canyon– 3.6 mi, moderate
• Petrified Dunes Trail– 1.2 mi, easy
• Lava Tube Trail, Snow Canyon– 2.3 mi, moderate
• Butterfly Trail to Lava Flow Overlook, Snow Canyon– 2.8 mi, easy
• Butterfly Trail & Lava Tubes, Snow Canyon– 2.3 mi, easy
• Pioneer Names Trail, Snow Canyon– .4 mi, easy
• Johnson Canyon, Snow Canyon– 1.7 mi, easy (closed from mid-mar to mid-sept)
• Cinder Cone Trail, Snow Canyon– 1.7 mi, moderate
• Hidden Pinyon, Snow Canyon– 1 mi, easy
• Whiptail Trail, Snow Canyon– 3 mi, easy
• Jenny’s Canyon, Snow Canyon– 0.3 mi, easy
• Cove Wash Trails, Santa Clara River Reserve– 7.8 mi, moderate
• Yellow Knolls Trail, Red Cliffs– 3.8 mi, moderate
• Red Reef Trail, Red Cliffs– 2.2 mi, easy
• Babylon Arch Trail, Red Cliffs– 2.6 mi, moderate
• Temple Quarry Trail– 2.3 mi, easy
• Water Canyon Hike Hilldale– 5.8 mi, hard
• The Narrows Zion, Zion NP– 15.5 mi, hard
• Angels Landing, Zion NP– 5 mi, hard
• Yant Flat/Candy Cliffs, Dixie National Forest– 5.3 mi, moderate

See More: 15 Best Hikes in Zion National Park

Best Restaurants in St George Utah

• Angelica’s Mexican Grill(💰, Mexican) – our favorite meal during our visit
• Cliffside Restaurant(💰💰, New American)
• The Crepery(💰, Brunch) – the sweet crepes were much better than the savory
• Hawaiian Poke Bowl(💰, Poke) – It doesn’t beat the poke on the ninth island (Vegas) and it had a stronger onion and ginger flavor than we prefer, but we were pleasantly surprised to find good poke in St George.
• Painted Pony(💰💰💰, New American)
• Riggatti’s Pizza(💰💰, Pizza) – yummy wood-fired pizza
• Sakura Sushi and Japanese Steakhouse(💰💰, Japanese)
• Sloth Cookies(💰, Bakery) – try the sugar cookies!
• Viva Chicken(💰, Peruvian) – This is a Charlotte-based company. If you’re looking for a mom-and-pop shop or local chain, this isn’t it but it’s still a good spot!
• Zion Brewery(💰, Beer)

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Essential Tips

• Wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water on hikes – especially in the summer. We lovethis water bottlebecause it keeps our drinks cool and is self-cleaning.Then we can drink straight from the tap. See all our favorite travel water bottles here.
• Bringgood hiking shoesthat are comfortable and have good traction. St George is outdoorsy and you don’t want to miss the hikes. Some hikes have slick rock.
• Check the weather. Flash floods can happen and can be deadly, so keep an eye on local weather before hiking.
• If you plan on visiting the National Parks, pick up anAnnual Passto save you time and money.

Elevation in St George Utah

The elevation in St George is 2,700 feet. It’s a bit cooler here than Las Vegas and if you plan on exploring the surrounding areas, keep in mind that the mountains will be colder.

Directions to St George Utah

Most people who visit St George fly to a nearby major airport and drive up to it. They do have a small regional airport but since you need a car to get around, it’s usually easier torent a carand drive in.

• St George, Utah Airport: SGU
• Las Vegas, NV Airport (Closest Major Airport): LAS
  • Las Vegas to St George Utah (119 mi, 1 hr 34 min,map) – Take I-15 North all the way.
• SLC (Salt Lake City, UT)
  • Salt Lake City to St George Utah (302 mi, 4 hr 17 min) – Take I-15 South all the way.
• Compare rental car prices

Best Places to Stay in St George

During our short getaway, we stayed atThe Advenire Hotel, Greater Zion’s first-ever luxury boutique hotel. Located in St. George’s Historic District, it’s a great home base to explore the area.

It was perfect for our style of travel, catering to outdoor enthusiasts who also want to wind down in luxury.

After a long day of exploring, we could come back to relax and find a spot to have dinner within walking distance (plus they have a bar and restaurant inside).

As you enter, you’re greeted with a stunning lobby and view of the bar. The rooms were comfortable andpet-friendly, so we got to bring our boys with us.Check out the hotel and book your stay here.

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Things to Do Near St George Utah

• Gunlock State Park(20 mi, 35 min)
• Fort Zion, Petting Farm, Virgin (32 mi, 35 min)
• Historic Pine Valley (35 mi, 45 min)
• Kanarraville Falls(40 mi, 40 min)
• Zion National Park(47 mi, 55 min)
• Kanab(80.3 mi east, 1 h 24 min)
• Valley of Fire, NV(88.7 mi SW, 1 hr 30 min,map)
• Toadstool Hoodoos(124.6 mi east, 2 hr 5 min,map)
• Bryce National Park(141 mi, 2 hr 10 min)
• Grand Canyon(147 mi, 2 hr 45 min)

Planning Checklist

More Resources

• Trail Map & Guide for Ste George, Zion Np, + Hurricane, UT
• St George, Pine Valley Mountain Trail Map
• Southwest USA Guide

How many of these have you done? Any things to do in St George UT that we missed?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.