Set between Las Vegas and Zion National Park, Utah’s St. George has always slipped through the cracks—until recently. This Mormon town hit the jackpot when it comes to the outdoors; Zion National Park is one hour away, Bryce Canyon two hours away, and lesser-known spots such as Snow Canyon State Park are even closer. But things to do in St. George don’t all require hiking boots: The city has (mostly) shed its Mormon propriety and visitors will be awash in cultural attractions and boutique experiences. Though, of course, nature shines brightest here.
St. George is a 4-season destination. While the summers can get piping hot and the winters a bit nippy, the city has access to over 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) of elevation change—if you don’t like the weather where you are, just head 15 minutes up or down. For the absolute best time to visit, consider spring and fall, when the weather is reliably warm but the traffic from Zion National Park isn’t yet driving through.
Most visitors to St. George will have a car—you’ll probably want to scout out Zion National Park an hour away. That being said, with lodging downtown, you could get away with some combination of walking, rideshares, and booking tours that include pickup and drop-off. And if you’re a cyclist, bring your bike: There are a bunch of great bike trails in the area, including a trail from St. George to Zion.
Listen. Zion National Park is great, but you’ll be shuttled around like a sardine if you visit in summer. Instead, head to Snow Canyon State Park, just 10 minutes from downtown St. George. It’s like a mini Zion, with those same gorgeous red canyon walls—and a tiny slice of the crowds. You’ll also find lava tubes to explore, great bike paths, and more.
