One of the biggest confusions while planning a vacation is figuring out where to go. Well, if you appreciate the rich history and would like to explore the gorgeous red rocks of the Midwestern region, your next stop should be St. George in Utah! It doesn’t help that the country spans nearly half a continent, and each state has multiple unique experiences to offer.
A gorgeous valley town in Southern Utah near the Arizona state border, St. George has a unique landscape and climate, which is much more pleasant than the rest of the state. Situated near the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Plateau, St. George has many national parks, beautiful canyons, cliffs, dunes, and refreshing waterways and reservoirs. All this makes St. George the crown jewel of the Beehive State.
Planning your St. George Trip
Planning your trip is vital to ensure you make the most of your time on vacation. The best time to visit St. George is either Spring or Fall. Book your tickets as soon as your dates get locked to avoid paying high prices at the last minute.
Bonus tip: If you’re a Utah resident or live in any of the surrounding states, you can always make a road trip to St. George and cross another experience off your bucket list!
The next step is to plan for accommodation. The usual option would be to book a pricey hotel, however, a much better option is to book one of the many Utah vacation rentals in or near St.George.
Vacation rentals are an excellent alternative for lodging as they provide you with all the services and amenities a hotel offers at a significantly lower cost. You can find vacation rentals for groups of 30+ people with private pools! Plus, there is no limit to the options available.
With all your travel and lodging arrangements sorted, let’s work on an itinerary to ensure your trip is fun-filled and memorable.
Things to Do in St. George, Utah
St. George is a hub of activities. Whether you want to explore historical buildings set up by the early 18th-century settlers or indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking, the city has it all. Add to that the wonderful Midwestern cuisine and gracious hospitality of the locals, and a vacation in St. George is bound to be one you will remember fondly for the years to come. If you want to learn more about the activities and places to explore, here are our top picks for things to do in St. George on a vacation.
1. Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
The classic red rocks are a majestic sight; hence the Red Cliffs are a must-visit on your trip to St. George. The gorgeous terrains are great for activities such as hiking and rock climbing, while the picturesque landscape will be the highlight of your Instagram feed for weeks! Spread out over 60,000 acres of land, the reserve is a gateway to the great Mojave Desert and is one of the unique places you will ever visit.
If you want a truly immersive experience, you can stay at one of the many on-site camping sites! Since the Red Cliffs reserve includes the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, it is also home to several endangered animals, such as the Mojave Desert Tortoise. Although you aren’t allowed to touch or interact with the animals, seeing them up close is still a worthwhile experience.
2. George Utah Temple
For those interested in the history of Mormonism, St. George is an absolute treat! Mormons make up nearly 70% of the city’s population, which should be no surprise because Mormons settled the city. It was even named after the Mormon saint George A. Smith. Although non-Mormons are not allowed to enter the main temple area, a visitor center is open to everyone.
The spectacular St. George Utah Temple was built in the 1870s and is one of the most famous landmarks in the area. The majestic white structure settled amidst the vast green grounds is a beautiful sight and warrants at least a short visit for tourists. Additionally, if you’d like to explore more historical Mormon sights, you can visit the Brigham Young Winter House or the Jacob Hamblin Home, both of which have been restored to their original furnishings and décor.
3. Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum
If you harbor a passion for flying and aviation, add a trip to the Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum to your St. George vacation itinerary. Ranked as one of the top aviation museums in all of Utah, the Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum boasts a wide selection of fighter planes used over the decades. An exceptional team manages the museum from civil and military backgrounds dedicated to preserving Warbird history.
Most fighter jets are in impeccable condition, so you can even pop into the cockpit to get the real feel and click a quick picture! In addition to the jets, the museum is also home to memorabilia such as aircraft gear, uniforms, and other things, which are displayed as a tribute.
4. Tuacahn Amphitheater
For lovers of the performing arts, a tremendous fun-filled activity in St. George is to catch a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. The outdoor amphitheater was built in 1995 inside a canyon, giving it a unique background and performance effects. Local talent from across St. George and surrounding cities regularly perform at the Tuacahn, and to date, the amphitheater has hosted over 60 productions and concerts.
Plus, on the weekends, local craftsmen from the city gather at the Tuacahn to set up the famous St. George Saturday market, where you can find beautiful and unique pieces. The amphitheater also has an in-house café where you can grab a bite between shopping or shows! Arguably, the Tuacahn is one of the best places in St. George.
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Final Words
Located near popular attractions such as Zion National Park, St. George has gained a lot of prominence as a holiday destination. However, once you spend time there, you realize the town has much to offer. The natural beauty, the diverse shopping options, and the endless activities will make St. George one of the best vacations of your life.
