Things to Do in St. George, Utah: St. George Travel Guide
Things to Do in St. George, Utah: St. George Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Looking for things to do in St. George, Utah?
This sunny city in the far southwest corner of the state sits among red rock cliffs, black lava fields, and desert canyons, with Zion National Park less than an hour away. It was founded in 1861 by pioneer families sent to grow cotton in the desert, earning it the nickname "Utah's Dixie."
Today, you can walk its pioneer history downtown, hike red rock trails, see real dinosaur tracks, and enjoy warm weather almost all year.
Top Things to Do
1. Take Called to Dixie: St. George Walking Tour—A self-guided audio walk through historic downtown, from the visitor center to the Tabernacle.
2. Tour the St. George Tabernacle—Step inside the red sandstone landmark pioneers spent 13 years building.
3. Visit Brigham Young's Winter Home—Take a free guided tour of the Mormon leader's 1870s home and office.
4. Hike Snow Canyon State Park—Explore red sandstone, lava tubes, and petrified sand dunes.
5. See real dinosaur tracks—Visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm.
6. Day trip to Zion National Park—See towering cliffs and famous trails less than an hour away.
7. Grab ice cream at Judd's Store—Stop at a downtown shop that's been open since the 1890s.
8. Catch a show at Tuacahn—See an outdoor musical under the red cliffs in nearby Ivins.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Called to Dixie: St. George Walking Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at the Greater Zion Visitor Center and ends at the St. George Tabernacle. Along the way, it visits the Pioneer Courthouse, Brigham Young's Winter Home, Ancestor Square, Judd's Store, and the Juanita Brooks statue. The route is about 1.3 miles and takes about an hour.
Free Things to Do
1. St. George Tabernacle—Free guided tours of the 1876 pioneer landmark.
2. Brigham Young's Winter Home—Free guided tours of the home and office.
3. Pioneer Courthouse and Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum—See pioneer history downtown.
4. St. George Museum of Art—Free, with donations welcome.
5. Pioneer Park—Climb red rocks with views over the city.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Zion National Park—$35 per vehicle, plus a $100 per person surcharge for non-U.S. residents age 16 and older in 2026.
2. Snow Canyon State Park—About $15 to $20 per vehicle.
3. St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site—Real dinosaur tracks and fossils (~$10 adult).
4. St. George Children's Museum—Hands-on exhibits for kids (~$7 adult).
Food!
George's Corner Restaurant
A busy spot in historic Ancestor Square, known for hearty American food and a lively patio.
Judd's Store
A downtown shop open since the 1890s, known for ice cream, old-fashioned sodas, and sandwiches.
The Painted Pony
A local favorite in Ancestor Square, known for upscale Southwest-inspired dishes.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Red Mountain Resort—a wellness resort among red rocks in nearby Ivins. Roughly 300-500/night.
Moderate
The Advenire—a boutique hotel downtown, close to the walking tour. Roughly 180-300/night.
Budget
Hotels along St. George Boulevard—simple stays near downtown. Roughly 90-160/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take Called to Dixie: St. George Walking Tour, starting at the Greater Zion Visitor Center.
Afternoon: Tour Brigham Young's Winter Home, then hike Snow Canyon State Park.
Evening: Dinner at George's Corner, then ice cream at Judd's Store.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Spend the day in Zion National Park.
Extra Time: Visit the Dinosaur Discovery Site, or see a show at Tuacahn Amphitheatre.
FAQ's
1. How far is St. George from Zion National Park?
About 45 minutes to an hour by car.
2. When is the best time to visit St. George?
Fall, winter, and spring have the nicest weather. Summer often tops 100 degrees.
3. Is downtown St. George walkable?
Yes. The historic sites are close together, and the walking tour covers about 1.3 miles.
4. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Book hotels early for big events like the St. George Marathon in October and the IRONMAN races.
5. What should I bring?
Water, sunscreen, a hat, and good shoes. The desert sun is strong all year.
6. Are the church historic sites free?
Yes. The Tabernacle and Brigham Young's Winter Home offer free guided tours.
7. Why is St. George called "Utah's Dixie"?
Early settlers were sent here to grow cotton in the warm desert, like the American South.
8. Is St. George good for families?
Yes. Kids love the splash pad, the carousel, the Children's Museum, and the dinosaur tracks.
9. How far is St. George from Las Vegas?
About two hours by car.
10. How much time should I spend in St. George?
Two or three days covers downtown, Snow Canyon, and a day in Zion.
Recommended Tours
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