Red Rock Haven
St. George Utah
Gateway City to Las Vegas and Zion National Park
Elevation:
2,880 Feet
Population:
99,958
St. George, Utah is a picturesque desert city nestled in the red rock landscape of Southern Utah. Located just over 100 miles northeast of Las Vegas and less than an hour from Zion National Park, St. George offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. St. George is home to a vibrant and diverse community of families, retirees, business owners, and outdoor enthusiasts.
History
The city of St. George is rich in culture, history and natural beauty. The original people in the area were the Virgin River Anasazi, who were around from 200 B.C to 1200 A.D. They left behind rock art and dwellings, which visitors can explore today. St George was then established in 1854 by Mormon settlers, who were sent to establish an Indian mission in the area, the town was named after George A. Smith—a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—and offers visitors a glimpse into its past with historical sites such as the Brigham Young Winter Home, St. George Tabernacle and St. George Temple. The city is also well known for its outdoor recreation and is a popular destination for cycling, hiking, camping and golfing. Whether you are visiting St. George to explore the area’s history or simply looking to get away from it all, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.
Top 10 Things To Do
1. Zion National Park - St. George is just 45 minutes from Zion National Park, Utah’s most popular national park.
2. Snow Canyon State Park - Snow Canyon is a red rock and lava filled canyon found just north of St. George, and offers excellent hiking trails, rock climbing, and cycling opportunities.
3. Historic downtown - St. George Utah’s historic downtown has many charming buildings along with unique shops and restaurants.
4. St. George LDS Temples - There are now two beautiful temples constructed for use by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitors may take a tour of the grounds of each of these temples or learn more inside the visitor information center at the historic downtown temple location.
5. Go Hiking - The area around St. George is filled with trails that string out in all directions and over very diverse terrain.
6. Golf - St. George Utah is known for its many excellent golf courses with beautiful backdrops.
7. Tuacahn Amphitheatre - This 2,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre hosts live concerts and theatrical performances that are experienced by hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
8. Scenic Drives - Venture out in any direction and you’ll find a road that passes through diverse scenery. Of particular note are highway 18 past Snow Canyon, and highway 9 that leads to Zion National Park.
9. Mountain Biking - St. George is Utah’s most prominent mountain biking destination with more trails than any other location within the state.
10. Festivals/Events - The St. George Arts Festival, the St. George Marathon, and the Dixie Roundup Rodeo, are just three of the many events that are held annually in St. George, Utah.
2. Snow Canyon State Park - Snow Canyon is a red rock and lava filled canyon found just north of St. George, and offers excellent hiking trails, rock climbing, and cycling opportunities.
3. Historic downtown - St. George Utah’s historic downtown has many charming buildings along with unique shops and restaurants.
4. St. George LDS Temples - There are now two beautiful temples constructed for use by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitors may take a tour of the grounds of each of these temples or learn more inside the visitor information center at the historic downtown temple location.
5. Go Hiking - The area around St. George is filled with trails that string out in all directions and over very diverse terrain.
6. Golf - St. George Utah is known for its many excellent golf courses with beautiful backdrops.
7. Tuacahn Amphitheatre - This 2,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre hosts live concerts and theatrical performances that are experienced by hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
8. Scenic Drives - Venture out in any direction and you’ll find a road that passes through diverse scenery. Of particular note are highway 18 past Snow Canyon, and highway 9 that leads to Zion National Park.
9. Mountain Biking - St. George is Utah’s most prominent mountain biking destination with more trails than any other location within the state.
10. Festivals/Events - The St. George Arts Festival, the St. George Marathon, and the Dixie Roundup Rodeo, are just three of the many events that are held annually in St. George, Utah.
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Planning your trip to St. George Utah
When planning a trip to St. George, the best time to visit is in the fall or spring when temperatures are mild and days are sunny. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, consider staying at one of the city’s many bed and breakfasts or resorts. For those on a budget, there are plenty of camping and RV sites to choose from. If you’d rather have a more luxurious stay, there are a variety of hotels in the area that offer all the amenities you need for your vacation.
lodging
St. George offers a variety of lodging options to fit any budget and travel requirements. From cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts, you can find the perfect place for your stay. For those looking for some extra adventure, there are plenty of RV parks and camping sites with breathtaking views. No matter what type of trip you’re planning, or how large your group, there is sure to be a place in St. George that will make you feel at home.
dining
St. George has a variety of dining options that can satisfy any palate. From upscale eateries to casual cafes, you’ll find everything from Italian and Mexican cuisine to steakhouses and seafood restaurants. St. George boasts great Indian cuisine and the stunning Cliffside restaurant. Whether you’re looking for fast food or a gourmet meal, there’s something in St. George that will please your taste buds.
Shopping
St. George is home to a variety of shopping opportunities to suit any taste and budget. Spend the day browsing one of the many antique stores or St. George outlet mall, The Shoppes at Zion. If you’re looking for a more traditional shopping experience, head to the downtown area and stroll through the boutiques and specialty shops. There are also plenty of malls and retail stores in St. George if you’re looking for some retail therapy.
Transportation
St. George has a regional airport, though it’s serviced only by SkyWest Airlines (American Airlines), Delta Airlines, and United Airlines. If you’re traveling via airplane, you can fly into Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and drive from there.
Once you arrive in St. George, having access to your own car will make getting around a breeze. We also recommend bringing your bicycles, as St. George boasts over 60 miles of paved biking trails to explore.
Once you arrive in St. George, having access to your own car will make getting around a breeze. We also recommend bringing your bicycles, as St. George boasts over 60 miles of paved biking trails to explore.
Seasons
St. George is a great place to visit year-round, but the best time to visit is in the fall and spring when temperatures are mild and days are sunny. This is also the time of year when you’ll find some of the best activities such as hiking, camping and golfing. Summers bring hot temperatures so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water if you’re planning on spending time outdoors. Wintertime is a great time to visit if you enjoy snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
Nearby
Veyo Pool Resort
Tuacahn Center for the Arts
Dixie Rock
St. George Utah Temple
Snow Canyon State Park
Sand Hollow State Park
Tuacahn Center for the Arts
Dixie Rock
St. George Utah Temple
Snow Canyon State Park
Sand Hollow State Park