This scenic drive is at the top of the list of all scenic drives Ive been on and is really awe-inspiring. , and the Relief Society Hall in Heritage Square. Play along . My dad's stories shaped my life. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. 12 Best Small Towns in Michigan. This classic carousel has horses with sleighs, bright lights and the traditional carousel music playing for visitors to enjoy. You can also check out the Sears Art Museum on the campus of Dixie State University, featuring a rotating lineup of six exhibits each year. Cedar City is about two and a half hours north of Las Vegas. We had so much fun exploring this beautiful park. The. Thinking about adding a day or two to your road trip? St. George is located in southern Utah. Each week, thousands of Utahns travel to or from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. Either way, the amount in a shot is tightly controlled. The next question on your mind must be, where can we eat? While in St George, youll find plenty of cafes, but the one place that stands out from the rest is the Painted Pony Restaurant. The Inn on the Cliff lives up to its name with a perch high atop the towering cliffs that frame the western edge of St. George. The St. George Utah Temple is the city's most identifiable landmark, an imposing white structure that contrasts sharply with the surrounding homes and businesses. Some cities are still figuring themselves out, but St. George remains effortlessly grounded in a pocket of Utah that's neither cosmopolitan or remote, surrounded by the beauty of towering desert cliffs. Formerly a general store built in 1911, it now sells nostalgic candy and ice cream. 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in St. George, UT. When traveling from the Midwest to Zion National Park in Southern Utah, the best place for us to fly into is Las Vegas. Discover this 24.2-mile point-to-point trail near St. George, Utah. Gas prices are up slightly, on average, this week in metro areas around the U.S. as Americans settle in from the busy holiday travel season. Feeling like I discovered one of the best kept secrets of southern Utah, I meandered the trails and took in the beauty of the towering red rocks. The Green Gate Village offers visitors to St George the opportunity to transport back in time to when pioneers and settlers from the east made this desert landscape their home. Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) - 150 miles away. If nothing else, tour the park via the 13-mile scenic drive that cuts through the park. Some rooms have balconies, some have tall arched ceilings. The North Rim is quite remotethere's no nearby airport and it's much further from Las Vegas or any Arizona cities than the South Rim is (and a good 3 hours from St. George, Utah, where we were staying). If you plan it just right, you can make it to the capital city just before dinner time, and only stop a few times for fuel and a quick break. Zion National Park. Moe's Valley Bouldering. Operated by Greyhound USA, the St. George to Las Vegas bus service departs from St George and arrives in Las Vegas. There's also a labyrinth and performing arts center with a stage for small events. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Birding - Zion Park is home to 291 species of birds. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. stay for about 1 hour. Featuring up-scale decor that embodies the local culture of St George, eating at the Painted Pony is an experience in itself. Flights last anywhere from one hour to three hours depending on your adventure and they operate year-round. There is some tricky climbing involved, but its not too tough. Rather than taking you inside a building, a roof covers the original tracks and footprints of dinosaurs at this museum. Mid-range Hotel: The Hampton Inn & Suites of St George is a great mid-range hotel in St George Utah that offers a great location near the natural beauties of Southwest Utah. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Like us on Facebook. 20. Formerly a wine cellar, it now hosts stage productions by the, on the campus of Dixie State University, featuring a rotating lineup of six exhibits each year. To break up the short drive, we set out to find interesting things to see and do between Las Vegas and Zion. Some rooms have balconies, some have tall arched ceilings. 2023 DIVERGENT TRAVELERS | ADVENTURE TRAVEL BLOG, 20. The Downtown Insider. It's one of several nice ideas riddled with problems. But why deal with the large crowds, heavy traffic and paid parking when you can zoom out on Google Maps and choose less chaotic accommodations in or around St. George instead? Copyright 2019 Las Vegas Review-Journal, Inc. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service, By ANDREW JAMES REVIEWJOURNAL.COM CONTRIBUTOR, Kolob Canyons Utah (Courtesy Frank Kovalchek/flickr), Parowan Gap Utah (Courtesy Glenn Merritt/flickr), Fillmore Territorial Statehouse Utah (Courtesy), Devils Kitchen Nebo Loop Utah (Courtesy Rick Willoughby/flickr), You can tell they love football: Raiders make big impression on young QB, Wahlbergs $14.5M bungalow leads 2022 new home luxury, Raiders, Aces stars to tie the knot in Las Vegas this weekend, Desert Monkey King artist comes forward, Strip land values push higher after plunging in recession, Hang on or stay inside! St. George, Utah which is the closest city in proximity to Zion National Park also has a small airport, but flight options may be more limited . Mandalay Bay - 4 Stars. . A chart of traffic accidents and fatalities between St. George and Las Vegas in or near work zones for 2022, Aug. 11, 2022 | Chart by Nick Yamashita, St. George News. The view from Genesee Park Photo courtesy of iStock / Sparty1711. The airport, which handled a record number of passengers last year, says it is reducing its tram service for several weeks. St. George has a fair share of art galleries plus the St. George Art Museum at the Pioneer Center for the Arts, a complex that's also home to the St. George Opera House. The red exterior of the hotel matches up well with the natural surroundings with a spa, swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings. Construction finished in 1973 at a cost of over one million dollars per mile. A bonus for us was the bighorn sheep we spotted right up by the road! It's also a great intro to outdoor bouldering if you're strictly a gym climber. It has over 300 taxidermy animals from all around the world displayed in a natural habitat transporting visitors to locations like Africa and the Amazon with their in-depth audio presentation. Pizza and sandwiches (with house-made sourdough) keep the place busy during lunch. Depending on the license, some bars are required to serve food with alcohol, which is why St. George's favorite dive bar, , has bags of potato chips on standby with each drink. The last day is all about experiencing equal parts history and exploration in the Wild West first hand. 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The annual event went virtual during the pandemic, but is expected to return to its full in-person format at Ancestor Square in 2022. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. In addition to arches, rock formations in the park include beehives pockmarked sandstone caused by centuries of erosion from wind and water. In fact, if you leave early in the morning, you can easily make it there in about 6 hours. St. George has its share of golf courses and if you're in town to practice your putt, the Inn at Estrada has a private country club feel with condo-like suites and private parking garages. Old Las Vegas began as a railroad town on the Western Frontier in the early 1900s. In 1988, the Arizona Magazine proclaimed that construction of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge, Somehow enhanced, rather than distracted from Natures handiwork.. A geological wonder made with wind and water over 180 million years ago, the results are stunning. A pair of rooftop decks with large hot tubs more than make up for the absence of a swimming pool. More than 170 years ago, pioneers began to settle in what is now known as St George. This and the Rainbow Vista Trail were our favorite spots. Even if youre not a movie buff, Grafton offers a glimpse into what life was like in the old west. Translation: the stargazing is ridiculous. The park has this hike rated as moderate and I would agree. Even if youre not a church member, the architecture alone is more than enough to have you pulling out your cameras. No two rooms look the same and movie theater-style popcorn is served between sips of whatever you're drinking. The Jacob Hamblin Home is now a museum that takes travelers through the life of Hamblin and the settling of Utah by pioneers. However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. This carousel is impressive, in good condition and is a must-see for anybody visiting the town. 2. From Harry Reid International Airport, get on I-15 North to Exit 75 and Valley of Fire Highway. 6 Adventurous Things to do in Park City, Utah, Best Hikes in the USA: 15 Stunning Trails You Cannot Miss. In the park, start with the Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk hiking trails. Yet hikers don't need to solely rely on state parks to venture off the beaten path. I have family in St. George, UT and have made that trip a few times. Superbloom or not, Death Valley beckons in springtime PHOTOS, Reid airport to upgrade baggage system with $31M grant, Allegiant Air to add flights from Las Vegas to Lexington, Hawaii bill would ban Nevada casino ads in Aloha State, Its official: 2022 was record year for traffic at Reid Airport, Allegiant Air parent squeaks out profit in year fraught with challenges, Frontier offering unlimited summer flights pass for $399, How Las Vegas gas prices have changed in the last week, Southwests holiday meltdown was decades in the making. is a scenic collection of red sandstone hills, canyons, petrified sand dunes, and a dormant volcano that's a popular rock climbing spot. The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. A developer got the idea to sell homes in the area and most hide in plain sight with large lots and exteriors that blend into the environment. 7 Transportation Decisions Youll Need To Make Before Visiting Costa Rica, Our Favorite Hikes In All 50 States (2023), 21 Essential Pieces You Need For The Perfect Beach Vacation Capsule Wardrobe, 13 Things To Know Before Hiking Angels Landing, 8 Cant-Miss Experiences At Zion National Park For First-Timers, 9 Reasons I Loved Visiting Zion National Park In The Winter, 9 Things You Must Know Before Hiking The Narrows In Zion, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Brigham Young Winter Residence Historical Site. Save. It dates all the way back to the early 1900s and played a vital role in the early days of Dixie (St George). Located in Zion National Park, this quick five-mile drive around the canyons will give you a glimpse at some incredibly diverse rock formations and colors. You can also travel the byway from Payson by taking I-15 Exit 248. A vintage gasoline pump remains out front. Snow Canyon State Park partners with several hiking and biking vendors so youll be covered with rental equipment, including the popular e-bikes, to make your trip fantastic. End: Cedar Breaks National Monument, just outside Cedar City. Come by on Saturdays for an outdoor market with crafts, food, and entertainment. Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino - 4 Stars. Its a perspective you can not get from the ground. 3. Dont forget to stop in Judds Store thats tucked just off the busy main street. And since the temperatures do get HOT as you get into summer in St. George, you are going to want to get in the water. Its really spectacular with awesome views at almost every turn. Coming from Salt Lake City? As one of the state's most famous outdoor playgrounds, St. George contains an variety of opportunities for . Dont miss the cemetery either! Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. The, winter home of Mormon leader Brigham Young. Address: 345 E Riverside Dr, St. George, UT 84790, United States. Ask about the daily catch, flown in within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean. has shaded water features and views of Zion National Park from Canaan Mountain. What is that? If you need to get back to catch your flight out, then head straight back the way you came. While exploring Utah, youll quickly realize that many of the deserts are full of large rocks and canyons. Here are my top tips to help you plan your trip to St. George. Pilot, aviation consultant say the busiest airline at Harry Reid International Airport ignored technological updates for too long and suffered the consequences. There's also a labyrinth and performing arts center with a stage for small events. Starting from the heart of St George is the Temple Quarry Trail. 9 Best Campgrounds near St. George, UT. The third floor is your best bet for liquor and libations. His work has also appeared in, , Trivago Magazine, Sophisticated Living, Modern Luxury, Leafly, Las Vegas Magazine, and other publications. There are even exhibits where you can get a closer look at how plants and animals thrive in a barren landscape. I would not want to be driving this road back down to Vegas in any kind of weather. This 7,400-acre park offers a vast array of activities and sightseeing opportunities. You'll get to drive through the park and have the opportunity to take side trips that take you to some of the most unique landscapes in the world. This is hands down one of the best hikes to do while visiting and it is great for all ages. St. Thomas is one of Nevada's most unique ghost towns, as it would normally be 60 feet underwater if not for extreme drought conditions. Just a few weeks ago, Zion was officially, designated an International Dark Sky Park. 4. Never touch or deface any petroglyphs and be respectful when visiting this historical sight. 19. "The Subway" (or Left Fork) is a uniquely curved slot canyon for experienced hikers. It was sold and turned into a full-fledged restaurant with art galleries popping up around it. Explore Ancestor Square and the rest of historic Downtown, St. George's Downtown district is an engaging mix of architecture, art, parks, and independent storefronts. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Plus, booking alocal tour guidewill help you make the most of your vacation, whether its your first time visiting the Zion Region or your hundredth. The museum and research center was built on the site of Johnson's Farm, where leveling work turned up footprints on sandstone blocks. On the west side of Las Vegas, 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and 10 minutes from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the JW Marriott Resort and Spa is another inviting property offering an escape from the typical Las Vegas scene. Visit one (or all) of the four surrounding state parks. Many of the attractions in Pioneer Park are easily accessed with minimal walking, including Dixie Rock (aka Dixie Sugarloaf), St George Narrows (aka The Crack), and Pioneer Park Arches. After grabbing dinner in Cedar City, head to Cedar Breaks National Monument for a beautiful sunset view. October 03, 2016 Things To Do In Las Vegas Comments Off on Enjoy Las Vegas Royalty Exotic Car Rentals. You probably have a similar story youre making great time, the kids are all settled in the back seat with a movie and snacks, and all of a sudden you hear a little voice, I have to go potty! You cant pull over on the freeway, so you take the next exit. 6. To this day, there are still several rocks that show signs of quarrying and cutting. Location: Valley of Fire State Park. The 50-acre property features gardens, renovated rooms in a variety of sizes, on-site dining options . and leave at 4:34 pm. The Broadway in the Desert series is the big draw, featuring favorites like Disney's. 4:39 pm arrive in Saint George. Parts of the drive are spectacularly beautiful and other parts not so much. If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at, . And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog. The Red Cliffs area is another stunner for red-rock scenery along your drive from Las Vegas to Zion. Ancient petroglyphs can be seen at several different locations throughout the park. Biking paths connect to the, trailhead, where petroglyphs are easy to spot. While visiting, youll be able to visualize what it was like when these creatures actually roamed the earth. Hikes such as Angels Landing and The Narrows showcase two very different sides of the area. If you're flying in, Las Vegas is the better choice - or you can fly directly into St. George Regional Airport once it reopens in September 2019. People say it's soft, but regardless of grades, we found the climbs to be a lot of fun. It doesn't matter they aren't true. In fact, unless youre staying within the borders of Zion, its highly probable that youll be staying in Springdale. Georgia has discipline problem that calls for action from Kirby Smart. St. George is less than an hour's drive to Zion National Park. The red sandstone formations are similar to those found in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. We are active couple with teenager son. Enjoy the amazing sights of Las Vegas, St George, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park at your leisure with one of these shuttle transfer options. Its just simply breathtaking located on the edges of Snow Canyon State Park just a few miles right from downtown St George. Translation: the stargazing is ridiculous. Peter Kunasz / Shutterstock. Leg 3: Springdale/Zion National Park to Salt Lake City (via Highway 89) This leg of the road trip starts in Springdale, the western entrance to Zion National Park, and ends back in Salt Lake City. It's raw, majestic, inspiring and yet peaceful. Maybe other Las Vegas activities like taking in the best views of the Strip aboard the High Roller and checking out a museum are more your style. St. George, Utah is a great strategic point for all those who begin their trip in Las Vegas to visit the parks in Utah and Arizona, but also for those who are planning a visit to northern Utah. The Kelso Depot and dunes are about 1.5 hours from Vegas.The museum/depot is definitely worth a stop. With its rich history and stunning design, this is one sight youll want to be sure to visit. Thats why we adjusted our itinerary and headed back to Vegas a day early rather than drive this section and other parts of I-15 that we felt could be a little tricky in the snow. This national park will have you exploring deep canyons, climbing tall mountains, and even exploring hidden caves. The story of St. George is much like other Utah cities. The Venetian Resort - 5 Stars. If you have more time to kill before your flight, you may want to check out some of the hiking trails or even go horseback riding. St George has been occupied by everyone from dinosaurs to pioneers; therefore, you can expect the town to have a rich history! 10. With everything from intricate pottery to detailed paintings, there are so many different interpretations and representations of life in St George. 2. Bars affiliated with restaurants are usually fine as long as they have the option to provide food. For anyone who loves the cultural arts, you need to take in a performance at theBroadwayin the DesertTuacahnoutdoor amphitheater in St George. , recognizing the absence of light pollution in the area. In recent years, Utah has loosened its grip on strict drinking laws. More specifically, Google Maps says it typically takes between 1 hour 40 minutes, and 2 hours 20 minutes to drive from Las Vegas to St. George. The park has a visitor center with displays about the geology, ecology, prehistory, and history of the park and the nearby region. Timelapse of some of the scenery highlights between Las Vegas, Nevada and St. George, Utah along Interstate 15. Check out rare finds like swimming dinosaur tracks, imprints of scaly dinosaur skin, and natural 3D cast fossils, formed when rising water levels and sediment filled the tracks. Step back into the past and imagine life in St Georgesfinesthome that was built back in 1873. restaurant) is easily the best cocktail bar in town with fun touches like house-made grenadine and ash-infused honey. No two rooms look the same and movie theater-style popcorn is served between sips of whatever you're drinking. We started with the easy 2-mile Johnsons Hike, traversing through the rugged lava trails and surrounding cliffs as we craned our necks to take in the splendor of the natural beauty that was absolutely all around. It's certainly a lot cleaner than the real Venice. Page provides incredible opportunities to visit the natural beauty of the desert southwest: Antelope Canyon with its unique Navajo Sandstone caused over years of flash floods that have created almost artwork with the erosion . The gougres (savory cheese-filled pasties) and salmon rillettes will keep you full while exploring historic sites like the Jacob Hamblin Home, Frei's Fruit Market, and the Relief Society Hall in Heritage Square. Its mind-boggling to think about how this section of I-15 was created out of sheer rock and stone. Situated a little more than 1 hour from the Strip, Fire Wave Trail is one of the most beautiful spots for hiking in Las Vegas and its surrounding areas. The St George City Art Museum is a great place to escape the heat and rest your feet while exploring one of the best sights in the area. Spend the day cooling off in Zion National Park. was preserved and converted into a free museum, offering a glimpse into 19th century life. The donuts, tarts, croissants, and cookies are some of the best (and most Instagram-worthy) you'll ever sample. Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino - 4 Stars. It is conveniently located between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. No matter where you go, Utah-produced High West is almost always the whiskey of choice. Utah is filled with many great historical locations that to this day can transport you back in time. In a refreshing change of pace, St. George isn't overwhelmed by chain restaurants, especially Downtown. The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. to provide food. Some people say the Virgin River Gorge drive is among the most beautiful in the roughly 47,000 mile U.S. interstate highway system. Take our news quiz. Exhibits now showcase examples of dino-activity from the immediate area with interpretive information, a window revealing where fossils are prepped and cleaned, and a small park in the back for kids to hop on a dilophosaurus replica. Full description. It all began with, , a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. However, many visitors will prefer to stay in St. George or Springdale (which is right outside the national park) for a night or two so as to take full advantage of the day trip without feeling . Complete with tumbleweeds blowing across the main street, Grafton Ghost Town is the place to go to witness some of the last remnants of the wild west. A quiet community of less than 90,000 people, St. George is best known for its proximity to the great outdoors, especially Zion National Park, but it's turning into a worthwhile destination in its own right. The Wi-Fi is free. With fascinating exhibits, the Dinosaur Track Museum tops the list of best things to do in St George. They used those rocks to constructmany of the foundations in the houses around town, including the basement of St. George Temple. The largest town in Southwest Utah is slowly and comfortably embracing its growth at just the right pace. As you drive, keep on the lookout for Zion National Park. If this is the day you fly into Vegas and you are travelling in winter then the last leg of your trip will be in the dark along mountain roads (UT-20, UT-89 and UT-12). Smoked Old Fashioneds are the specialty, but don't hesitate to pick the brain of your bartender. Can't we just pipe water to the West from areas of the country that have more water? The 500 million year old Virgin River Gorge is located in the far northwestern corner of Arizona, between Nevada and Utah. A little project by the name of Hoover Dam created Lake Mead, which overtook St. Thomas as it began to fill back in 1935 (one of its last residents literally paddled away from his home). But because it's not as convenient and . The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal.