4:39 pm arrive in Saint George. Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. This carousel is impressive, in good condition and is a must-see for anybody visiting the town. Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino - 4 Stars. this year. Between the bright red terrain and the arch itself, it's almost impossible to take a bad photo. After you get through Denver, you'll veer off onto I-70, one of the state's most popular . The Broadway in the Desert series is the big draw, featuring favorites like Disney's Beauty & The Beast, Annie, and The Count of Monte Cristo this year. Hours of Driving:7+ hours of driving, including the commute to and from Las Vegas. 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. has been writing about Las Vegas in Thrillist for more than seven years. One of the most popular features is the 45 foot Heritage Tower that has eight-foot stained glass windows that depict moments in St. Georges history. What is that? Travel east on Hwy 9 for about four miles to Sand Hollow Road and then turn right. So, youve already discovered what museums to visit and what trails to hike. The red sandstone formations are similar to those found in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. 6 Adventurous Things to do in Park City, Utah, Best Hikes in the USA: 15 Stunning Trails You Cannot Miss. as the best overall option, especially if you want a perfect location in the heart of Downtown. See for yourself with a visit to Station II, an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. Be careful driving. After soaking up the bright lights of Las Vegas, enjoy a relaxed . 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 . But don't be afraid to try something unfamiliarlike a kouign-amann, a buttery French cake with a sweet, crunchy, brittle-like exterior. I imagine that, if youre driving on a summer weekend, youll encounter quite a bit more traffic and drive times will be longer. Construction finished in 1973 at a cost of over one million dollars . The world-famous Las Vegas Strip is the central artery of Sin City, the main line to many of the best sights, gambling, food and fun. The people in Vegas have made it really easy to get there, too. Every domestic air carrier operating at Harry Reid International Airport had more passengers in 2022 than in 2021, and three new carriers made their Las Vegas debut. Flights last anywhere from one hour to three hours depending on your adventure and they operate year-round. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog. Its a great place for those who love to play hard but want to come back to a little relaxation and rejuvenation (a bit of luxury). has long been the standard for fine dining with wood decor, Southwestern art, and a second-floor perch in Ancestor Square that feels a bit like the world's coolest treehouse. You cant divide the history of St George from the Mormon religion. In recent years, Utah has loosened its grip on strict drinking laws. St. George has a fair share of art galleries plus the, at the Pioneer Center for the Arts, a complex that's also home to the St. George Opera House. See for yourself with a visit to. One thing you wont want to miss is the downtown farmers market, which will put the culture of the town on full display. There's also a labyrinth and performing arts center with a stage for small events. You could hike down a trail to view some of the wonderful flora of the desert, but St Georges Red Hill Desert Garden brings over 5,000 different species to one place. Budget Hotel: If you looking for somewhere good to stay in St George that is light on yourbank accountwe suggest the Best Western Coral Hills. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Start: Drive roughly two hours northeast on I-15 from Las Vegas to St. George. Wood.Ash.Rye is quickly becoming everyone's new favorite restaurant in town. If nothing else, take the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway through the park. With hiking trails and beautiful scenery, Quail Creek makes for a perfect day trip. Take our news quiz. 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. Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans chiseled their stories into the rock faces, and seeing them is like stepping back in time. It is conveniently located between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Since youre starting off in Las Vegas, it only makes sense to see one of the most iconic Vegas landmarks, the Welcome To Las Vegas sign. It's hard to beat the new. The water, as pictured above, really is that beautiful teal color. 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. 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in St. George, UT. These extinct beasts are no stranger to St George, but many scientists simply dig up the bones and distribute them throughout the country. Discover this 24.2-mile point-to-point trail near St. George, Utah. Noted as the most photographed ghost town in the west, Grafton still attracts tourists with its eerie facades and rustic charm. Youll see one of Utahs best areas from a new perspective, slowly moving through the air and hundreds of feet up above that red rocky landscape that goes for miles. How long is the bus ride from St. George to Las Vegas? Here, you can tour the old Territorial Statehouse, which is now a museum full of historical treasures about Utah and the pioneers. St. George is your connection to Las Vegas, several national parks and all the wonderful activities of the area. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. We suggest for those looking for a good campsite or RV park to check out St George RV Park or the Snow Canyon Campground. Visit here or call 1-435-679-8665 for more information. Operated by Greyhound USA, the Las Vegas to St. George bus service departs from Las Vegas and arrives in St George. But more often than not, everybody seems to be on the same page. Despite the daunting terrain, federal authorities decided to create a direct path through the Virgin River Gorge. This and the Rainbow Vista Trail were our favorite spots. Visit one (or all) of the four surrounding state parks. The menu changes frequently with a focus on fresh ingredients and grass-fed beef, but the jalapeno-carrot soup is a staple that will never go away. Bird checklists are available at the visitor centers! So get there before everybody else does. The red exterior of the hotel matches up well with the natural surroundings with a spa, swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings. 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 . Follow him on Twitter, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Town Square Park is a great place to bring the kids with a vintage carousel and splash pads modeled after rock formations, but it's also a cool spot to hang out on your own with nothing but your thoughts and a laptop. This fading ghost town is located north of St. George, close to Leeds. It is like a mini amusement park showcasing the history from 1881. . If you leave St George at 4 , you would be at Zion by 5.There is a shuttle at Zion that takes about 1.5 hours to go from the visitor center to the end of the canyon and back.You will be very limited on time coming that late in the afternoon.You may want to skip a night at . Water crisis in West isn't over: Can't we just move water from the East? Experience Mormon heritage at St. George, Utah (1 hour and 50 minutes) Driving east out of Vegas, past Mesquite and through the gorgeous canyon of the Virgin River, you'll end up at the city of St. George, Utah. There are many personal stories behind each artifact transporting you through history. No two rooms look the same and movie theater-style popcorn is served between sips of whatever you're drinking. 3. I was planning to get a modest head start by driving out of the city and finding a place wherever possible to stop overnight. It all began with, , a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. Georgia has discipline problem that calls for action from Kirby Smart. But don't be afraid to try something unfamiliarlike a kouign-amann, a buttery French cake with a sweet, crunchy, brittle-like exterior. See something you like? It's near Fire Lake Park at Ivins Reservoir, which is becoming a busy attraction for swimming. Its a magical experience with the theater being outside and surrounded by 1500 foot tall natural red rock cliffs watching a popular performance like Beauty and the Beast, Annie or the Count of MonteCristo. With trickling streams and barren desert, visiting Zion is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. 1. 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. If you have been to any museum of natural history, youre sure to have seen dinosaur bones and footprints on display. The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. is another reservoir, but more remote and best known for waterfalls that pass between rock formations. was preserved and converted into a free museum, offering a glimpse into 19th century life. , an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. From Harry Reid International Airport, get on I-15 North to Exit 75 and Valley of Fire Highway. It's certainly a lot cleaner than the real Venice. For those who want to hike and explore, there are several trails of varying length and difficulty. Noted as one of the most romantic spots around St George, you can bring a date or explore the park solo. Just a few weeks ago, Zion was officially designated an International Dark Sky Park, recognizing the absence of light pollution in the area. The Painted Pony has long been the standard for fine dining with wood decor, Southwestern art, and a second-floor perch in Ancestor Square that feels a bit like the world's coolest treehouse. Ask about the daily catch, flown in within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean. This pleasant city is located on the I-15, the road that connects Las Vegas to Salt Lake City and then continues through Idaho to Montana, on the border with Canada. The surrounding desert is popular for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. Virgin River Gorge Drive on Interstate 15 Between Las Vegas and St George. More than 170 years ago, pioneers began to settle in what is now known as St George. Ghost towns are very common throughout California but Calico, between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, is more than a ghost town. We had so much fun exploring this beautiful park. It's also a great intro to outdoor bouldering if you're strictly a gym climber. The Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum is the perfect place to recuperate while learning more about St Georges rich history. Entrance Fee $10 plus additional charges for camping or groups. This popular museum is home to many great historical aircraft and aviation equipment that you see right up close. I would not want to be driving this road back down to Vegas in any kind of weather. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. 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. Mandalay Bay - 4 Stars. 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. Basically, park the car, throw up a tent and crash. 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. Historical B&Bs: St George hasmanyhistorical B&B but one of our favorites that keeps getting many awards is The Mulberry Inn. Ride a gondola at the Venetian. Jaw-dropping canyons, snaking rivers, rusty red cliffs and scenic roads in every direction. Because the pioneers that originally settled this land were members of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, expect to find historical sites here like the Brigham Young Winter Residence Historical Site, St.George Temple (currently closed for renovation, but you can see the outside), and the St. George Tabernacle. Dont miss the cemetery either! 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. 1. Weve visited nearly 100 countries on all 7 continents. No matter where you go, Utah-produced High West is almost always the whiskey of choice. 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. Knowledgeable staff members are happy to share the details about these artifacts, so dont be afraid to ask questions. Generally considered an easy route. Save. 6. A mining town, Silver Reef was the first sandstone location to hold silver and was named for the lode of it that was discovered there. While its still worth driving by to check out, be aware that the temple is in the middle of a major renovation project and closed until 2022. is a collection of shops, restaurants, and offices around a historic courtyard with an old brick jailhouse and sheriff's office. While its a little outside of your route to Zion, its so close to Las Vegas and definitely worth a stop. 1:30 pm Valley of Fire State Park. The area off Cima Road has the largest Joshua Tree forest in the world. 37.8042924,-114.4091474, map. 2023 DIVERGENT TRAVELERS | ADVENTURE TRAVEL BLOG, 20. Horseback Riding - Experience one-of-a-kind guided horseback trips throughout the canyon, available March through October. Located on the southern border between Utah and Arizona is one of the best historical sights in the St George area. After a stop in the visitor center to watch the film and get a little backstory, we decided we had to check out the Fire Wave first. Read about the 35 best attractions and cities to stop in between the Monument Valley and Las Vegas, including places like Page, Horseshoe Bend, and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge . Terms & Conditions. This is not the case at the Dinosaur Track Museum. Timelapse of some of the scenery highlights between Las Vegas, Nevada and St. George, Utah along Interstate 15. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. 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. It was sold and turned into a full-fledged restaurant with art galleries popping up around it. For more hikes that may be suitable for your family, check with a ranger at the visitor center. Translation: the stargazing is ridiculous. Bars affiliated with restaurants are usually fine as long as they have the. 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. Some of the things you wont want to miss while visiting Pine Valley are the Pine Valley Chapel and the Pine Valley Reservoir. Hollywood agrees as Snow Canyon has been the shooting site of multiple well-known films including the classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Electric Horseman, and Jeremiah Johnson. Either way, the amount in a shot is tightly controlled. As one of the state's most famous outdoor playgrounds, St. George contains an variety of opportunities for . Weve been to many great parks in our travels but one that impressed us was the Town Square Park in St George. Las Vegas pool parties are the place to beat the heat, and Mandalay Bay Beach is perfect for all agesand even open to non-hotel guests with paid admission. Skip Vegas Californians. 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. Start:Drive roughly two hours northeast on I-15 from Las Vegas to St. George. If you prefer to be even closer to nature than you already are. 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. She has a B.A. Birding - Zion Park is home to 291 species of birds. In this city, youll find everything from historic Mormon churches to hiking trails. 9 Best Campgrounds near St. George, UT. Snow Canyon is a scenic collection of red sandstone hills, canyons, petrified sand dunes, and a dormant volcano that's a popular rock climbing spot. We did the drive during a week in the winter when traffic wasnt bad at all. Even ifyou are not into history (thePetroglyphs) the Little Black Mountain is a great chance to exploretheseareas pure natural wonders while hiking through a maze of stone. Formerly a general store built in 1911, it now sells nostalgic candy and ice cream. Today the store is restored and provides a portal into the past offering ice cream, candy, sodas, and light meals to visitors right from the vintage storefront. Below we will highlight the best places to stay in St George, Utah that will work as fantastic bases for exploring one of Utahs best cities. Show only these on map. The donuts, tarts, croissants, and cookies are some of the best (and most Instagram-worthy) you'll ever sample. For anyone who loves the cultural arts, you need to take in a performance at theBroadwayin the DesertTuacahnoutdoor amphitheater in St George. Leg 4: Bryce Canyon National Park to St. George. The taxidermy is tastefully done offering an opportunity to see animals up close. Gunlock is another reservoir, but more remote and best known for waterfalls that pass between rock formations. Reservations were introduced during the pandemic, but are no longer required. There are over 500petroglyphsthat date back 6,000 years,it isa unique and sacred site that will give you an inside look into the past of the Native American cultures that lived here. Take a drive through Devils Kitchen to see breathtaking red rock cliffs and spires, and make a stop at Payson Lakes Recreation Area for hiking trails, camping and picnic facilities. With its rich history and stunning design, this is one sight youll want to be sure to visit. Its about a two hour drive to St George. But it is also located just 90 miles from St. George. Next up, its time for some family fun in nearby St. George. 11:00 am start in Saint George. is like having a hotel inside Snow Canyon State Park, although technically, you're just outside the entrance. Water Canyon has shaded water features and views of Zion National Park from Canaan Mountain. Expect to see horse-drawn wagons, historic buildings and Native American jewelry. You can also travel the byway from Payson by taking I-15 Exit 248. Take the Red Hills Parkway from St. George into the southern tip of the National Scenic Area to find easy-access hiking trails. The distance between these places is around 70 to 80 miles or an hour and half driving time. There is little to no cell phone service in the park and you may not be able to call for a return rideshare when you want to leave so definitely plan ahead. Taller kids may be able to comfortably accompany their parents a ways upThe Narrows. Located roughly 50 miles up the road from Las Vegas, youll find Valley of Fire State Park. Its just simply breathtaking located on the edges of Snow Canyon State Park just a few miles right from downtown St George. With everything from camping sights to watering holes, Snow Canyon is the perfect place to start your Utah adventure. . In spite of its accessibility, most Utahns are unaware of its existence unless they happen to notice the sign marking the turnoff while driving past it. Hikers can spot tracks in, , but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the. Little do they know that Utahs desert is actually teeming with life. drive for about 48 minutes. is a great place to bring the kids with a vintage carousel and splash pads modeled after rock formations, but it's also a cool spot to hang out on your own with nothing but your thoughts and a laptop. 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. If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at Rylu's Bistro. 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! There are 2 casinos in Mesquite, and that is basically the ONLY thing between Vegas and St. George. Up through the end of April is a great time to visit Valley of Fire. Seclusion is part of the charm. In addition, see some of the most beautiful places in the region, including Cedar Breaks National Monument and Kanarraville Canyon. The park gets its name from red sandstone formations. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Beer was famously required to be watered down in the past, but that's no longer the case. Get on the water or the beach at Sand Hollow State Park and explore the stunning Snow Canyon. Boaters seem to have more breathing room here than at Sand Hollow despite less overall water acreage. After just a few more clicks, youll be heading out on an adventure unlike any other! One of the best parts of the Mojave Preserve is only about an hour from Vegas. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Pioneer Park, , a truck stop that serves steakburgers from local cattle. With everything from hiking trails to restaurants, youll be able to find what places best suit how you like to travel. Coming from Salt Lake City? He's thinking twice about Angels Landing. Catch a performance at the legendary House of Blues Las Vegas. Thats exactly why we created the list of all the best things to do in St George, Utah! We suggest spending some at Pioneer Park Either at the beginning of the day or at the end of the day to avoid the high sun and intense heat. Biking paths connect to the Anasazi trailhead, where petroglyphs are easy to spot. Detour to The Creamery for farm-fresh ice cream. Cedar City is about two and a half hours north of Las Vegas. While the divisions between Salt Lake City's Mormon population and its alternative counterculture are sharp and distinct, the lines blur more in St. George. to provide food. In the park, start with the Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk hiking trails. If you have your own wheels and are driving between St George and Zion, then you should definitely check out the Grafton Ghost Town along the way. Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. The average travel time between St. George and Las Vegas is around 2h 10m, although the fastest bus will take about 2h.This is the time it takes to travel the 107 miles that separates the two cities. Colorful rock formations like these are invisible to travelers on I-15 just minutes away from the park. I'll be flying into Las Vegas late Friday and renting a car. Play around St. Georges Pioneer Park, with its very narrow and fun mini-slot that may hook your kids for life. See what the desert landscape looks like at its best. Sand Hollow is a reservoir surrounded by red rocks and sand, resembling a trippy beach-on-Mars atmosphere. A geological wonder made with wind and water over 180 million years ago, the results are stunning. Want a room with a crazy view? This national park will have you exploring deep canyons, climbing tall mountains, and even exploring hidden caves. The gougres (savory cheese-filled pasties) and salmon rillettes will keep you full while exploring historic sites like the. While talking to locals, we were told that the park is pretty low-key all the time for some reason, its not on peoples radar. Yet hikers don't need to solely rely on state parks to venture off the beaten path. The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural wonders of the United States and it's relatively easy to get to if you're starting out in St. George. October 03, 2016 Things To Do In Las Vegas Comments Off on Enjoy Las Vegas Royalty Exotic Car Rentals. stay for about 1 hour. This family-friendly road trip pairs a big helping of adventure with new discoveries in Southern Utahs frontier for a weekend you and the kids wont soon forget. Discover the compelling St. George art scene. We love staying at a Hampton Inn & Suites hotel since they are on the upper end of the chain hotels with nice rooms and great services. Affordable Comfort in St. George Close to Zion National Park, Dixie Convention Center, and golf courses Conveniently located off I-15, with easy access to scenic trails, world-class skiing, and the bright lights of Las Vegas, our Super 8 St. George hotel puts outdoor excitement and vibrant nightlife at your fingertips.