With everything from intricate pottery to detailed paintings, there are so many different interpretations and representations of life in St George. With those road-stop suggestions out of the way, here's what to do in St. George after you arrive. It is conveniently located between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. 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 park has a visitor center with displays about the geology, ecology, prehistory, and history of the park and the nearby region. Colorful rock formations like these are invisible to travelers on I-15 just minutes away from the park. Old Las Vegas began as a railroad town on the Western Frontier in the early 1900s. Free Wifi, USB charging ports and more! However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. This historical hiking trail stretches 2.5 miles long and dates back to 1871. If you will be traveling south on Interstate 15 to reach Las Vegas, there are plenty of things to see and do on the way. 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. To break up the short drive, we set out to find interesting things to see and do between Las Vegas and Zion. The menu changes frequently with a focus on fresh ingredients and grass-fed beef, but the jalapeno-carrot soup is a staple that will never go away. Rather than taking you inside a building, a roof covers the original tracks and footprints of dinosaurs at this museum. Before you do anything in or around St. George, you'll need a place to stay. No longer do you have to dodge traffic and stand in the median to grab a photo. Located at the doorstep of Zion National Park, the town of St George is often used as a jumping-off point for travelers looking to explore the nearby canyons and deserts of Utah. 276 mi. Theres nothing like an 18-wheeler so close to your bumper that you cant see their headlights! Below we will highlight the best places to stay in St George, Utah that will work as fantastic bases for exploring one of Utahs best cities. About 20 minutes west of the strip lies the almost 200-acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Youll see one of Utahs best areas from a new perspective, slowly moving through the air and hundreds of feet up above that red rocky landscape that goes for miles. 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? This national park will have you exploring deep canyons, climbing tall mountains, and even exploring hidden caves. Pizza and sandwiches (with house-made sourdough) keep the place busy during lunch. Quick moving drivers aside, try to take in the awesome scenery as you traverse this section of I-15; its worth it. Bars affiliated with restaurants are usually fine as long as they have the option to provide food. Hikers can spot tracks in Warner Valley or the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site. Some rooms have balconies, some have tall arched ceilings. If you're planning your trip to accommodatedisabilities,there's plenty of optionsto safely see and enjoy the beauty of Utah. Kick your road trip off with a day in the St. George area. The Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum tells their story through interactive exhibits and intricate displays. Want to drive Ferraris, shoot machine guns or go ziplining? SJ specializes in writing about travel, food, and wine. Sure, this is a Zion to Bryce road trip, but St. George and the surrounding towns are actually pretty cool, too. Generally considered an easy route. 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. Discover the compelling St. George art scene. If you do stay in Springdale, remember that the Springdale shuttle will take you into Zion so you can leave your car at your hotel. Catch a performance at the legendary House of Blues Las Vegas. 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. Explore each reconstructed building that has deeply rooted historical significance as you learn about the past and present of St George. was preserved and converted into a free museum, offering a glimpse into 19th century life. The Broadway in the Desert series is the big draw, featuring favorites like Disney's. With trails rated easy to difficult, youll surely be able to find a trail that suits you. Between the bright red terrain and the arch itself, it's almost impossible to take a bad photo. Snow Canyon is a scenic collection of red sandstone hills, canyons, petrified sand dunes, and a dormant volcano that's a popular rock climbing spot. With more than 38 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of paved walking and biking trails, theres something here for all to see. The Wi-Fi is free. The very founding of the city is thanks to Mormon settlers. Or, stop by the Childrens Museum for some air conditioned exploration and discovery. stay for about 1 hour. 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. , an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. Thinking about adding a day or two to your road trip? Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. is the city's most identifiable landmark, an imposing white structure that contrasts sharply with the surrounding homes and businesses. The red sandstone formations are similar to those found in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. Taller kids may be able to comfortably accompany their parents a ways upThe Narrows. Learn about the worlds wildlife, how we need to protect them, stories and much more about each and everyanimal on display. But it should be! Hours of Driving:7+ hours of driving, including the commute to and from Las Vegas. Check out rare finds like swimming dinosaur tracks, imprints of scaly dinosaur skin, and natural 3D cast fossils, formed when rising water levels and sediment filled the tracks. Located in Zion National Park, this quick five-mile drive around the canyons will give you a glimpse at some incredibly diverse rock formations and colors. As you make your way through Cedar City, take Exit 62 to Highway 130. You could hike down a trail to view some of the wonderful flora of the desert, but St Georges Red Hill Desert Garden brings over 5,000 different species to one place. The donuts, tarts, croissants, and cookies are some of the best (and most Instagram-worthy) you'll ever sample. Re: Vegas To St. George and back, things to see along the way. But it is also located just 90 miles from St. George. However, the lobby bar at the Advenire (detached from, but actually part of the. In this state park, youll have the choice of hitting the trails or taking a scenic drive through the park. . Where is St. George? Up through the end of April is a great time to visit Valley of Fire. Nebo Loop can be accessed by taking I-15 Exit 225 from Nephi, and traveling east on State Route 132. Gas prices are up slightly, on average, this week in metro areas around the U.S. as Americans settle in from the busy holiday travel season. The tricky part of this drive for me was the speed at which other drivers were flying down the canyon road. I found this gem completely by accident during my last trip back to Salt Lake. The area off Cima Road has the largest Joshua Tree forest in the world. 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." Maybe other Las Vegas activities like taking in the best views of the Strip aboard the High Roller and checking out a museum are more your style. "The Subway" (or Left Fork) is a uniquely curved slot canyon for experienced hikers. Start your trip at the visitor center to learn about the park, watch the short film, and grab a map. Cathedral Gorge Visitor Center. Wood.Ash.Rye is quickly becoming everyone's new favorite restaurant in town. The, (or "Bowl") trailhead is named after a strange, sunken hole at the top of a sandstone formation. It all began with, , a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. Coming from Salt Lake City? It's hard to beat the new. Utah does not lack rocky desert and barren mountains, but if youre looking to cool off or spend a relaxing day by the water, make sure to check out Quail Creek State Park. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. If this is the day you fly into Vegas and you are travelling in winter then the last leg of your trip will be in the dark along mountain roads (UT-20, UT-89 and UT-12). The Venetian Resort - 5 Stars. Everybody in St. George says the same thing: You gotta see a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. Located less than 10 minutes from Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International Airport), the sign is a must-see for anyone that wants a few kitschy vacation pics from Las Vegas. For anyone who loves the cultural arts, you need to take in a performance at theBroadwayin the DesertTuacahnoutdoor amphitheater in St George. Mandalay Bay - 4 Stars. A pair of rooftop decks with large hot tubs more than make up for the absence of a swimming pool. Yet hikers don't need to solely rely on state parks to venture off the beaten path. 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. After just a few more clicks, youll be heading out on an adventure unlike any other! Along the way these travelers pass within 15 miles of a park that offers arches, petroglyphs, red rocks, petrified wood, spectacular geologic formations and beautiful desert scenery. It all began with Xetava Gardens Cafe, a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. St. George's Downtown district is an engaging mix of architecture, art, parks, and independent storefronts. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. 6 Adventurous Things to do in Park City, Utah, Best Hikes in the USA: 15 Stunning Trails You Cannot Miss. A vintage gasoline pump remains out front. Want to spend the night? There are even exhibits where you can get a closer look at how plants and animals thrive in a barren landscape. It's near Fire Lake Park at Ivins Reservoir, which is becoming a busy attraction for swimming. If you are . The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. 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. If you're going on a road trip from Page to Las Vegas, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Boulder City, Kanab, and St. George and top places to visit like Cottonwood Canyon Rd and Toadstool Hoodoos, or the ever-popular Historic Navajo Bridge. Construction finished in 1973 at a cost of over one million dollars . 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. is a collection of shops, restaurants, and offices around a historic courtyard with an old brick jailhouse and sheriff's office. 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. 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. 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. Another small town that youll want to be sure to check out is the historic Pine Valley. Sink your teeth into a delicious burger at Burger Bar. 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. Quail Creek is a more secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water for an interesting visual. St. Thomas is one of Nevada's most unique ghost towns, as it would normally be 60 feet underwater if not for extreme drought conditions. For good measure, the park also has several sandstone arches. It is like a mini amusement park showcasing the history from 1881. . is another reservoir, but more remote and best known for waterfalls that pass between rock formations. Even if its not hot weather, you can become dehydrated quickly. Its about a two hour drive to St George. 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. For more hikes that may be suitable for your family, check with a ranger at the visitor center. Note that, depending on the season, you may need to make a reservation for the scenic drive. Continue driving another 100 miles and stay at condo lodging. The world-famous Las Vegas Strip is the central artery of Sin City, the main line to many of the best sights, gambling, food and fun. With those road-stop suggestions out of the way, here's what to do in St. George after you arrive. Pizza and sandwiches (with house-made sourdough) keep the place busy during lunch. That means someone leaving Salt Lake City in the morning could easily reach the park by mid-day, spend three or four hours and still enjoy dinner in Las Vegas or St. George. Hikers can spot tracks in, , but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the. In fact, unless youre staying within the borders of Zion, its highly probable that youll be staying in Springdale. 19. Popular activities at Mojave National Preserve include camping, off-roading, wildlife spotting, horseback riding, hunting and hiking. Bullionville Cemetery Trail. 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. There's also a labyrinth and performing arts center with a stage for small events. He has been an editor and journalist for newspapers in Utah and Illinois. 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. Experience Mormon heritage at St. George, Utah (1 hour and 50 minutes) Driving east out of Vegas, past Mesquite and through the gorgeous canyon of the Virgin River, you'll end up at the city of St. George, Utah. The gorge spans about 10 miles of Arizona near Littlefield, and believe me, youll know it when you see it. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Although called Snow Canyon, Snow Canyon State Park is a place to explore all the beauty of the desert. has shaded water features and views of Zion National Park from Canaan Mountain. The donuts, tarts . drive for about 48 minutes. Show only these on map. They are a full-service shuttle company that wants to make sure your travel needs are taken care of. Its much smaller than I thought it would be but it was still really fun to grab a few pictures there. 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. 6. Just about 30 miles North of Mesquite along I-15 you will find a city named St. George Utah. Leg 4: Bryce Canyon National Park to St. George. And the best way to explore this magical land is by road. It's certainly a lot cleaner than the real Venice. We suggest for those looking for a good campsite or RV park to check out St George RV Park or the Snow Canyon Campground. 5. More than 170 years ago, pioneers began to settle in what is now known as St George. Kind of reminds me of a typical off-strip locals casino (Such at Southpoint or Eastside Cannery). Formerly a wine cellar, it now hosts stage productions by the St. George Musical Theater. And the reward is spectacular. No trip to St George can be complete without visiting Zion National Park. It's near Fire Lake Park at Ivins Reservoir, which is becoming a busy attraction for swimming. Located on the southernborderbetween Utah and Arizona is one of the best historical sights in the St George area. Boaters seem to have more breathing room here than at Sand Hollow despite less overall water acreage. SJ is a professional travel writer based in the Midwest. Its just simply breathtaking located on the edges of Snow Canyon State Park just a few miles right from downtown St George. Utahns trying to escape cold and snow will usually find comfortable daytime temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees. Actor Tom Sizemore dead at 61 after brain aneurysm: Reports, Biden faces mounting pressure for a Plan B on student loan forgiveness, 'I have to get off this mountain': LA-area towns still buried in snow, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life after being found guilty of murder. See for yourself with a visit to Station II, an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. St. George Charter Bus Adventures. The drive is about two and a half hours so you'll want to start your day early and plan on spending the night near the park. If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at, . The dramatic limestone cliffs are humbling and the corners here can be sharp, so take your time and enjoy the view. Andrew James is the founder and managing editor of 24saltlake.com, a news and local events website in Utah. If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at Rylu's Bistro. Before you do anything in or around St. George, you'll need a place to stay. 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. And it's a great road trip. and leave at 4:34 pm. Thats exactly why we created the list of all the best things to do in St George, Utah! 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. 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. This ghost town has also been put on the map by several movies most notably, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 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. Some rooms have balconies, some have tall arched ceilings. 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. has been writing about Las Vegas in Thrillist for more than seven years. Since Im not a really experienced hiker, I liked the easy and moderate trails. 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. Don't miss the big stories. Full description. 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. 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. If you still have more time, take this loop back to St. George. The amphitheater is also a great concert venue with the likes of Martina McBride, Kansas, and Kristin Chenoweth scheduled in the months ahead. Even if youre not a church member, the architecture alone is more than enough to have you pulling out your cameras. 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 . 3:34 pm Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The distance between Las Vegas to Zion National Park's south entrance (the closest entrance from Las Vegas drivers) is approximately 165 miles. Come along for the ride! Want more Thrillist? Ghost towns are very common throughout California but Calico, between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, is more than a ghost town. Simply by walking through the downtown, you can see the traditional American and Mormon influences in the architecture! The taxidermy is tastefully done offering an opportunity to see animals up close. This is hands down one of the best hikes to do while visiting and it is great for all ages. You can also travel the byway from Payson by taking I-15 Exit 248. Any wildlife lover visiting St George should visit theRosenbruchWorld Wildlife Museum. So, youve already discovered what museums to visit and what trails to hike. Designed in the Googie architecture style that was popular in the 1940s and 1950s, its a cool throwback to early Vegas. 11:00 am start in Saint George. There is little to no cell phone service in the park and you may not be able to call for a return rideshare when you want to leave so definitely plan ahead. From helpful tips from the Fremont Street Experience team, to hotel deals, special events and concert announcements, and all-around being a great source of curated content, touristy how-to's, local Vegas must-do's, and hope you don't forget-to's! If youre looking to break away from the get there as fast as we can mentality, there are plenty of natural wonders and photo-worthy attractions just off the beaten path of I-15. Art Around the Corner is a fascinating collection of sculptures displayed throughout the city with a self-guided walking tour to check 'em all out. While exploring Utah, youll quickly realize that many of the deserts are full of large rocks and canyons. The word Dixie probably wont mean anything to you until you spend a few days here exploring, but one of the best ways to find out what it means is to head up that mountain to where its painted. Dusty Frontier to Glitter Gulch. My dad's stories shaped my life. While prohibition during the 1920s halted the city's growth, there were plenty of underground gambling halls, speakeasies . St. George has its share of golf courses and if you're in town to practice your putt, the Inn at Estrada has a private country club feel with condo-like suites and private parking garages. 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. drive for about 48 minutes. 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. 12 Best Small Towns in Michigan. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. Ask about the daily catch, flown in within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean. If youve never driven this stretch of blacktop, youre in for a wonderful experience. I do need a bit of advice from anyone who is familiar with the area between Las Vegas and St. George. Youll see the incredible wavy formations that are out of this world! Ride a gondola at the Venetian. To enter Zion National Park, youll need to pay an entrance fee or show your pass. Enjoy the amazing sights of Las Vegas, St George, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park at your leisure with one of these shuttle transfer options. While talking to locals, we were told that the park is pretty low-key all the time for some reason, its not on peoples radar. However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. Little do they know that Utahs desert is actually teeming with life. Dont miss the cemetery either! You heard it here first: St. George, Utah, is about to boom. This popular museum is home to many great historical aircraft and aviation equipment that you see right up close. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. St. George, Utah is a great strategic point for all those who begin their trip in Las Vegas to visit the parks in Utah and Arizona, but also for those who are planning a visit to northern Utah. Since its so close, we stopped right as we made our way out of the airport. But the St. George Art Festival may be the best place to see a wide variety of art in one place. as the best overall option, especially if you want a perfect location in the heart of Downtown. It was sold and turned into a full-fledged restaurant with art galleries popping up around it. The red exterior of the hotel matches up well with the natural surroundings with a spa, swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings. St. George, Utah which is the closest city in proximity to Zion National Park also has a small airport, but flight options may be more limited . Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat. Its a perspective you can not get from the ground. Our flight arrived in Vegas in the early morning so there were only a couple of people out and about when we stopped. The largest town in Southwest Utah is slowly and comfortably embracing its growth at just the right pace. Location: Valley of Fire State Park. 4. 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). The Red Cliffs area is another stunner for red-rock scenery along your drive from Las Vegas to Zion. 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. Detour to The Creamery for farm-fresh ice cream. What is that? . If you prefer to be even closer to nature than you already are, Red Mountain Resort is like having a hotel inside Snow Canyon State Park, although technically, you're just outside the entrance. The Babylon Arch is relatively easy to reach with a hike near the Virgin River. The mostly two-lane section of I-15 runs parallel to the Virgin River.