St George, Utah Travel Guide

This post has been a longtime coming, but it’s finally here! I’ve been working on this list for at least a year, and always send my note to friends who are planning trips. Now, this blog post will be an easy access version that you can save, pin, and use for the future. Enjoy!

St George, Utah, is one of my favorite places to get away. It’s only located about 4 hours South of Salt Lake City, and 2 hours East of Las Vegas. Nestled in the heart of red rock country, St George offers plenty to see, eat, and do! I spent a year living there and visit as often as I can, so I like to consider myself a bit of an expert on the area. (Although some locals may beg to differ.)

First up are my favorite things to do, in and around St George, Utah! Some of my favorite state and national parks are located here, and there really is something for everyone. Whether you just want to lounge by the pool or hit the trails.

DO

Toquerville Falls

This waterfall is beautiful and provides a nice swimming hole in the Summer months. To get to it, you will need a high clearance, 4wheel drive vehicle, or to take the trail on foot, which will take about an hour.

_

Dixie Rock/Pioneer Park

This gorgeous, red rock area overlooks the city of St George. There’s plenty to explore and it’s perfect for some sunset photos and a picnic!

_

Gunlock State Park

A beautiful lake with some cool waterfall-like features. The drive is serene, and it’s not yet overly popular. Here you can boat, fish, or swim at your leisure.

_

Sand Hollow State Park

This popular swimming hole is perfect for those super hot, Southern Utah days. It’s the “ocean” of St George, where you can boat, fish, or swim!

_

Snow Canyon State Park

One of my favorite parks, in Utah. I make it a priority to visit, every time I go to St George. There are a bunch of hikes to do, in varying difficulties. Some of my favorites are the Whiterock Amphitheater, Johnson Canyon, and Jenny’s Canyon.

_

Grafton Ghost Town

Step back in time, when you visit this little, abandoned town. It’s surrounded by the iconic Southern Utah scenery, and just a short drive from Zion National Park.

_

Pine Valley

Escape the heat of St George by heading to Pine Valley. It’s a small, beautiful town, tucked into the mountains.

_

Cinder Cone Trail

This hike is technically part of snow canyon, but it lies outside the park. It may not be the prettiest hike, but it is a pretty cool experience to hike an old volcano.

_

Jacob Hamblin Home

Tour a historic Pioneer home with cute old missionary couple as your guide. I did this on a Sunday afternoon with friends and it was so nice! Beautiful yard for pictures, and it’s on the way to or from Gunlock State Park.

_

Tuacahn Amphitheater

This theater is tucked up against the red rocks of Snow Canyon State Park. It sets the scene, perfectly, for any show, and allows them to utilize elements that an indoor theater lacks (such as water). Definitely book tickets, in advance!

_

Zion National Park

The Yosemite of Utah is just an hour outside of St George. With its many hikes and breathtaking views, it really is a must-see. Don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to an all-day hike? I recommend the Zion Overlook Trail! It’s easy, short, and offers that killer view you came for.

_

Veyo Pool

This is probably the coolest pool I’ve ever been to. It’s spring-fed, so the water is always fresh! There’s plenty to do, including swimming, camping, rock climbing, crawdad catching, and even movie nights!

_

Fort Zion

This little tourist trap is one of my favorite spots. It’s on the way to or from Zion National Park, and includes a restaurant, gift shop, petting zoo, and miniature old-west village.

_

Dinosaur Discovery Site

Traveling with kids or love geology? Be sure to check out the Dinosaur Discovery site where you can see actual dinosaur tracks, exhibits, fossils, and more.

_

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve

This mini canyon is a gorgeous and quiet spot to go exploring. Hike, camp, or bike the trails as you take in the red rock scenery.

One of my favorite reasons for visiting St George is definitely the food! It may not be a culinary hot spot, but it has some restaurants I always look forward to hitting up. From homemade breadsticks to one of the best burgers I’ve ever had!

EAT

Xetava

My favorite restaurant is in the Keyenta art district. It’s fine dining and offers a beautiful atmosphere and fresh food with a mediterranean flair.

_

Viva Chicken

This Peruvian restaurant is another favorite of mine! It’s located in town and serves up some seriously delicious chicken, salads, and sandwiches. I also recommend trying one of their fresh juices.

_

Judd’s Store

Located in the historic district of St George, Judd’s is the cutest ice cream and vintage candy shop. Be sure to get a breadstick and cookie!

_

Fort Zion

Heading to Zion National Park? Be sure to stop in at Fort Zion, my favorite little tourist trap, and get their Prickly Pear Ice Cream in a homemade waffle cone. It will change your life.

_

Bear Paw Cafe

They’re only open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and they fill up, quickly! But if you can get a table, then it’s definitely worth it. Skip their smoothies and go for a big, carb loaded meal.

_

Twentyfive & Main

This little cafe serves up some delicious food and cupcakes! It definitely has that small town boutique feel, and is located in the heart of St George, just down the street from Bear Paw, and around the corner from Judd’s.

_

Benja Thai

Located in Ancestor Square, this is one of my favorite Thai restaurants in Utah! Enough said.

_

Orange Peel

This is my favorite smoothie spot in all of Utah! It used to be the only location, but there’s now also one in Utah County and Salt Lake County (thank goodness). My favorite smoothie is the Cocoa Bean Slim with Banana, but everyone else’s favorite seems to be the Almond Protein.

_

The IceBox

After a long day of hiking Snow Canyon State Park, stop in at this Frozen Yogurt shop and enjoy the views while you eat.

_

Durangos

This is a local favorite, American-Mexican restaurant, located in town. I’d say the food falls somewhere between Cafe Rio and Chipotle.

_

Nielsen’s Frozen Custard

Another Utah favorite, these custards are no joke! Pick any flavor and thickness your heart desires.

_

Larsen’s Frostop Drive-In

Yet another local favorite, Larsen’s is a classic! Get your fast-food, drive-in fix, with some sweet potato (or regular) fries, a good old sandwich or burger, and a shake.

_

Veyo Pies

Heading to the Veyo Pool or Pine Valley? Be sure to stop in and grab some homemade pies! They tend to sell out, though, so go early.

_

Oscar’s Cafe

If you’re going to Zion National Park, then Oscar’s is a must! The Avocado Chip Burger is one of the best burgers I’ve ever had!

_

The Pizza Factory

This restaurant is also located in Ancestory Square, near Benja Thai. It’s perfect for a pizza night with a variety of styles and toppings to choose from. Be sure to get some breadsticks!

St George, Utah is no fashion capitol, but what it does offer is plenty of antique and vintage shopping! I’ve only listed a few of my favorites spots, but there are plenty more to choose from!

SHOP

Urban Renewal

Mine, and many other’s, favorite shop in St George has to be Urban Renewal. It’s filled with antique treasures, old pieces that have been given new life, and new pieces with a vintage flair.

_

Green Gate Village

Shop clothing, home decor, local, and handmade items in this new shopping village, in the historic center of St George! This is such a fun place to spend an afternoon, located right next to Judd’s, the splashpad, and the carousel.

_

The Hope Chest

This is one of my favorite thrift/consignment shops in St George, and they’re expanding! They’ll be closed while they move to their new location, between August 31st and September 28th 2019.

_

Silver Bear Enterprises

This is my favorite jewelry store, in Southern Utah. Their prices are fair and they have a large collection of silver and turquoise jewelry. I wear my (second) ring almost every day, and I’m sure you’ve seen it in some of my photos!

_

Deseret Industries

This is a Utah based thrift shop, but I feel like the St George location always has the most to offer.

_

Kayenta Art Village

If you’re into art, then the kayenta Art Village is for you! Check out their galleries, relax at their spa, or eat at my favorite restaurant—Xetava!

_

Cowboys & Indians

Maybe not the most politically correct name, but I do love this shop for its souvenirs. They’ve got a lot to offer if you’re in need of a trinket for your travels. Skip their jewelry, though, to avoid high prices.

_

Rock Shops

In Springdale, on the way to Zion, there are a bunch of little rock shops. You can pick up a salt lamp, paper weight, jewelry, or other home decor items.

Last, but not least, I have a few other items that didn’t make my main lists, but are things I love and will always recommend! So definitely keep these on your radar.

BONUS

St George Carousel

This carousel is only $1 to ride (cash), and located in the middle of town square! It’s next to the splashpad, Judd’s, and the Shops at Green Gate Village. I believe they also do Summer movie nights!

_

Virgin River Trail

If you need a nice place for an evening stroll, a running or bike trail, or just want to explore on foot, then this is the trail for you! It winds through and around St George, offering beautiful views of the southern landscape and the virgin river, as you go.

_

Eagle’s Landing Petting Zoo & Truck Stop

This is my favorite rest stop along I-15, between SLC and St George. Grab some Dairy Queen and then walk over to the petting zoo, before loading back up, in the car.

What would you add to my list, that I may have missed? Or what are some of your favorite spots in/around St George, Utah?