Craving red rock landscapes, desert hikes, and sunny weather? Head to St. George! Nestled in southwestern Utah, St. George is a gateway to Zion National Park and a destination in its own right. With world-class golf, striking sandstone canyons, historic downtown charm, and endless outdoor adventures, it’s a perfect base for exploring the desert Southwest.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit St. George is during spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). These seasons bring pleasant weather for hiking and sightseeing, while summer can be very hot. Winter is mild and ideal for golf, biking, and avoiding crowds.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: St. George is located off I-15, about 2 hours from Las Vegas and 4.5 hours from Salt Lake City.
- By Air: St. George Regional Airport (SGU) offers daily flights from Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Denver, and Dallas.
- By Shuttle: Several shuttle services connect St. George to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS).
Where to Stay
- Inn on the Cliff – Boutique hotel with spectacular red rock views, modern rooms, and a rooftop restaurant.
- Red Mountain Resort – Wellness resort near Snow Canyon with spa treatments, guided hikes, and fitness classes.
- Advenire, Autograph Collection – Luxury hotel in downtown St. George offering stylish rooms and upscale dining.
Top Attractions
⮕ Wander Shops and History in St. George’s Historic Downtown
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St. George Historic Downtown personifies the city as one full of history and culture. Here, there are art galleries, museums, historic homes and buildings, and plenty of shopping and food. From May until October, visitors can check out the Downtown Farmer’s Market for some local fare, while the Painted Pony Restaurant is well known for its delicious food throughout the year. Boutique stores, local art studios, and a number of museums round out the experience downtown. Whether or not visitors are looking for something specific in downtown St George, a stroll through the sidewalks is sure to put a smile on their faces.
⮕ Hike Iconic Red Rock Trails in Zion National Park
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The sheer red cliffs of Zion Canyon personify this beautiful national park. At about 230 square miles in size, seeing all of Zion in one trip is near impossible, but even a glimpse of the colorful sandstone cliffs, resplendent in shades of red, pink, orange, and creamy white, are enough to evoke feelings of awe. Zion National Park (Map of Zion National Park) is home to a wide variety of beautiful hiking trails, which vary in difficulty from a short stroll to a multi-day excursion, and camping is also available within the park. Visitors can go backpacking, ride horses, kayak, hike, climb, and go canyoneering within the park, though many of these activities require a permit. Map of Zion National Park
If you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Explore Vintage Military Aircraft at Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum
© Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum
The Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum is an aircraft museum located in a large hangar. There are a number of mid-20th century aircraft at the museum, which have seen service in the Korean War, World War II, the British Royal Air Force, and as training jets for the military. Each aircraft on display is associated with an educational exhibit about the specific features on that plane, the time period it was used, and more fascinating information. Admission to the Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum is free, but there is a suggested donation.
Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum, 4796 S Airport Pkwy, St George, UT 84790, Phone: 801-913-1186
Some great places to stay in St George include: The Advenire and Red Mountain Resort. Sand Hollow Resort is a nearby in Hurricane, UT.
⮕ Uncover Pioneer Life at the Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum
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The McQuarrie Memorial Museum, more commonly known at the Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum, contains a large collection of artifacts and history from the pioneers and early settlers of Utah. The St. George region was first settled in the mid-1850s by pioneer Brigham Young, and this museum honors the story of that settlement and all the developments that followed. On display in the museum are relics, clothing, and tools that people used in daily life, such as aprons, bibles, blankets, and even nail clippers. There are plenty of outdoor and farming tools, such as axes, blacksmith equipment, and plows, that were used by pioneers, and also many personal letters and stories of the individuals who bravely left everything they knew to start a life in an unknown place.
Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum, 145 North 100 East St. George, UT 84770, Phone: 435-628-7274
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Visit the Historic Jacob Hamblin Home and Learn Local History
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Jacob Hamblin was a pioneer and Mormon icon who founded the city of Santa Clara during the mid-19th century. He was well known as a friend of the local Native American people, and he and his large family resided in this two-story brick house. Today, visitors to the Jacob Hamblin Home can explore the interior and exterior, which is furnished much like it would have been when Hamblin and his family lived there, to see how pioneer families lived during the 19th century. Guided tours will show visitors where the Hamblin family ate and slept, how they dried fruit and grew their own food to provide for themselves, and much more.
Jacob Hamblin Home
, 3325 Hamblin Dr, Santa Clara, UT 84765, Phone: 435-673-5181
⮕ Tour the Brigham Young Winter Home for a Glimpse into Early Mormon Life
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Brigham Young was a Mormon icon, a pioneer who brought Mormon settlers to Utah. In the final winters of his life, he lived in this house in St. George, a two-story brick structure with a wraparound porch and balcony as well as a white picket fence and set in a peaceful neighborhood. Admission to the house is free, and experienced guides will show visitors around the home, teaching about Brigham Young, his impact on the Mormon religion, and the historical significance of the house and furnishings. The house is open from 9am to 5pm during the winter season, and until 7pm during the summer. On Sundays, the home opens at 1pm.
Brigham Young Winter Home Historical Site, 67 W 200 N, St George, UT 84770, Phone: 435-673-2517
⮕ Browse Art Studios and Scenic Views at Kayenta Art Village
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Kayenta Art Village, also known as Coyote Gulch Art Village, is a community of art galleries, cafes, gift shops, and studios where artists and appreciators of art can come together. With a location as beautiful as this, it’s not difficult to imagine where some of the artists in the community draw their inspiration. Ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and so many other forms of art are all on display at Kayenta Art Village, and many of these masterpieces are also for sale, so anyone looking for a unique souvenir or conversation piece to take back home should absolutely check out this community.
Kayenta Art Village, 851 Coyote Gulch Ct, Ivins, UT 84738, Phone: 435-688-8535
⮕ View Ancient Rock Carvings at Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site
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The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site is located just south of the border between Utah and Arizona. A short and easy hike of about 1 mile around some of the massive sandstone rock formations at the site will weave visitors through a maze of stone, and everywhere in the area there are stunning ancient petroglyphs on the boulders. The history of the petroglyphs aside, Little Black Mountain offers a good opportunity for visitors to St. George to experience some of the gorgeous nature in the area without committing the time or effort to a larger park or longer camping or hiking trip.
Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site
, Littlefield, AZ 86432, Phone: 435-688-3200
⮕ Get Your Adrenaline Pumping with Paragon Adventures' Outdoor Tours
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Paragon Adventures is a tour agency in St. George that offers adventure experiences for guests. Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and canyoneering are just some of the services that Paragon Adventures will guide its guests through, and every tour takes place in the beautiful Utah wilderness. There are family programs for canyoneering, ziplining, and rock climbing so that kids can take part in an adventure-filled experience under the watchful eye of safety-trained staff. Paragon offers caving, rappelling, ATV, and even overnight trips, so everyone can find something that appeals to them.
Paragon Adventures, 514 N Bluff St #2, St. George, UT 84770, Phone: 435-673-1709
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Snow Canyon State Park – Local favorite for hiking, biking, and red rock photography just minutes from town.
- Dinosaur Discovery Site – See real dinosaur tracks and fossils in this fascinating indoor museum.
- Tuacahn Amphitheatre – Catch Broadway-style shows in a red rock canyon setting under the stars.
Where to Eat
- Painted Pony – Upscale American cuisine with Southwestern flair in a stylish downtown setting.
- Cliffside Restaurant – Elegant dining with sweeping views of the city and surrounding cliffs.
- Bear Paw Café – Cozy breakfast and brunch favorite serving waffles, omelets, and specialty coffee.
If you are interested in local events:
- St. George Art Festival (April) – Juried art show featuring over 100 artists, live music, and food vendors.
- Ironman 70.3 St. George (May & October) – World-class triathlon race attracting top athletes to southern Utah.
- Tuacahn Summer Season (May–October) – Outdoor musical theater under the stars, featuring Broadway hits.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of St. George, Utah:
- Snow Canyon State Park (15–20 min) – Explore lava tubes, petrified dunes, and crimson cliffs on scenic trails.
- Ivins (10–15 min) – Visit Kayenta Art Village, Tuacahn shows, or explore peaceful desert neighborhoods.
- Gunlock State Park (30 min) – Swim, kayak, or relax by the reservoir, with waterfalls after heavy rain.
- Sand Hollow State Park (30 min) – Enjoy boating, paddleboarding, or off-roading on red sand dunes.
- Pine Valley (30 min) – Scenic mountain town great for hiking, camping, and cooler summer temps.
- Red Cliffs Desert Reserve (20–30 min) – Protected area with trails, desert wildlife, and fewer crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the history of St. George?
- St. George is a historic city located in southwestern Utah with roots dating back to the days of the American pioneers.
- What natural attractions surround St. George?
- St. George is surrounded by beautiful nature, including Snow Canyon State Park and the renowned Zion National Park.
- What can visitors do in the city of St. George?
- Visitors to St. George will find a charming downtown area full of history, museums, art, culture, delicious food, and excellent shopping.
- Are there any tours available in St. George?
- There are several tour companies in St. George that can customize trips to southern Utah, including some offering hot air balloon rides to view the area from above.
- What events can visitors enjoy in St. George?
Plan Your Trip