Hidden away in the far southwestern corner of Utah, the city of St. George is an outdoor paradise. Here, extraordinary red rock formations are around every corner, and Snow Canyon’s lava tubes lead to cool underground worlds. Best of all, the city’s year-round sunshine allows you to experience the natural setting during any season. After booking your vacation rental in St. George, start planning your itinerary with these popular local activities and attractions.
1. Climb Petrified Sand Dunes in Snow Canyon
Experience the full beauty of southern Utah in Snow Canyon State Park, which lies a few miles from downtown St. George. Scramble up the petrified sand dunes near the Upper Galoot parking area. At the top of the dunes, enjoy a panoramic view of the canyon’s red rock cliffs and desert vegetation. In the summer, escape the heat by descending into the earth in the lava tubes on the Lava Flow Trail. Pack water, wear sturdy shoes and bring a headlamp or flashlight; stop by The Desert Rat outdoor store to gear up on your way.
2. Catch a Show at Tuacahn
Watch a professional theater production against a breathtaking red-rock background at the outdoor Tuacahn Amphitheatre, one of St. George’s most popular attractions. Choose from a full selection of family-friendly musicals, and keep an eye on the sky; performers often fly in and out using Tuacahn’s fantastic special-effects setup. In the winter, Christmas in the Canyon brings visits with Santa and a live nativity complete with camels.
3. See Petroglyphs Up Close
Try to decode ancient messages written on stones in Bloomington Petroglyph Park. Here, several enormous boulders are covered in petroglyphs; keep an eye out for animal and human figures. According to experts, some of the abstract drawings may be maps of long-lost trails. This small, kid-friendly park is located a short drive south of downtown vacation rentals. After you explore the park, cool off with Hawaiian comfort food at the nearby Tiki Island Grill.
4. Hit the Links at the Sunbrook Golf Course
Take advantage of St. George’s year-round golf weather at the Sunbrook Golf Course. Play 27 championship holes, each with a mind-boggling view of the red-rock cliffs and distant mountains. Highlights of the course include an island green on the fourth hole and the Black Rock Nine, which features three different holes carved directly into lava rock. Book tee times online; for the best views, go in the early morning or early evening.
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5. Take an ATV Tour
Get deep into the red rocks on an ATV tour with ATV and Jeep Adventure Tours. Hop into an ATV and roar up giant sand dunes, through box canyons that were once hiding places for Wild West fugitives, and past bizarre rock formations. Watch the desert glow in the fading light during the Sunset Adventure tour, or go all out with a full-day tour that includes hiking, a picnic, and nearly 30 miles of riding. The company offers ATVs that hold between one and four people, so you can take the whole family.
6. Check Out the Sears Art Museum Gallery
Spend a relaxing day perusing the masterpieces at Dixie State University’s Sears Art Museum Gallery. Browse the university’s permanent collection, which includes pieces from Utah artists and international masters. Each year, the museum hosts five different rotating exhibits, so there’s always something new on display. If you’re in town in the early spring, get a deal on a one-of-a-kind piece at the Annual DSU Dixie Sears Invitational Art Show and Sale.
7. Go Rock Climbing and Ziplining With Paragon Adventures
Get up close and personal with the red rocks on a Full Adventure tour with Paragon Adventures. Over a full day, you can hike into a canyon, rappel down cliffs, climb rock faces, and traverse a slot canyon. The highlight of the tour is the zipline, which flies you high over the desert floor. Full-day tours include a visit to pictographs and a gourmet lunch. Paragon also offers shorter combo tours, such as the three-hour Mojave Canyon Zip Line Tour. If you’re traveling with little ones, opt for the family-friendly Quest tour, which is a scaled-down version of the Full Adventure.
8. Swim at Sand Hollow State Park
Cool off on a hot St. George summer day at Sand Hollow State Park. Leap off sandstone cliffs into clear waters, or relax on the beach. Thrill-seekers should head for the Beach at Sand Hollow (BASH) rental shop; rent an ATV to speed through the sand dunes around the lake, or grab a Jet Ski to explore the sea caves and remote shores. The BASH restaurant serves light meals, and the onsite store offers snacks to go.
9. Visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
See where dinosaurs once walked at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm. Stroll down the Lake Dixie Discovery Trail, a raised boardwalk that provides an aerial view of perfectly preserved dinosaur tracks. Keep an eye out for fish and plant fossils, as well as traces of ancient invertebrates. Inside the museum, check out the only replica of the Scelidosaurus on display in the Americas; outside, let your little ones make their own dinosaur tracks in the Dino Park.
10. Spend an Afternoon at the St. George Children’s Museum
Let your little ones run freely in the St. George Children’s Museum, which is fun for adults and kids. Learn to milk a cow in the Farm Room, play drums and cymbals in the Music Room, and feel a tornado in the Science Room. Check the schedule before you go; the museum offers regular story and music hours that are open to everyone.
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