Things To Do
in St. George
St. George, Utah is a sun-drenched desert city framed by red-rock cliffs and wide blue skies in southwestern Utah. It serves as a gateway to world-class outdoor destinations like Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, and the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. The city blends a strong Latter-day Saints (LDS) cultural presence with a growing arts, dining, and golf scene and attracts retirees, families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Mild winters, hot summers, and abundant year-round sunshine make it an outdoor activity hub for hiking, biking and rock photography.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey in St. George by visiting the historic St. George Tabernacle, an architectural gem built in 1876. Take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history and significance in the community. Afterward, stroll through the nearby historic district, marveling at the charming red rock buildings and unique local shops.
Head to the St. George Art Museum, where you can appreciate a diverse collection of local art and exhibits. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, sampling some of the region's favorite dishes. Afterward, take a scenic walk in Pioneer Park, where you'll find striking views and fascinating petroglyphs.
Conclude your day with dinner at a popular local restaurant, savoring the flavors of southwestern cuisine. After your meal, catch a performance at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre, enjoying the stunning outdoor setting against the backdrop of red rock formations. Finally, take a moonlit stroll along the Virgin River, reflecting on your day’s adventures.
Set out early for a day trip to Zion National Park, which is just a short drive from St. George. Start with a hearty breakfast at a local diner before hitting the trails. Opt for the Riverside Walk, a gentle trail that leads you along the Virgin River, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation.
After a morning of hiking, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the park's picnic areas while soaking in breathtaking views. Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, stopping at various lookout points to capture stunning photographs. For the adventurous, consider a trek to the Emerald Pools for a refreshing sight of waterfalls and serene pools.
Return to St. George in the evening and dine at a restaurant offering local delicacies. Share stories of your day’s adventures as you watch the sunset over the red rocks. If time allows, visit a local ice cream shop to treat yourself to a sweet dessert.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-8 |
| 🚕Local taxi / ride-share (short trip) | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to world-class red-rock parks and trails
- Mild winters and abundant sunshine ideal for year-round outdoor activity
- Compact downtown with arts, dining and relaxed small-city feel
- Good facilities for retirees and families with strong community services
- Very hot summers that limit daytime outdoor activity
- Limited late-night entertainment and stricter liquor laws compared to other states
- Car-dependent in many neighborhoods with limited public transit outside downtown
- Sensitive desert ecosystems mean some trail restrictions and seasonal closures
Places to Visit in St. George
Visit one of these nice places.
Red and white sandstone formations, lava flows and dunes offer dramatic sunrise and sunset colors as well as stark desert textures for landscape photography.
Close to downtown with hoodoos and overlooks that frame the city and valley—accessible for golden-hour shots and panoramas.
A well-maintained historic temple with manicured grounds; best photographed early morning or at dusk when lighting is soft (note respectful distance and rules around temple grounds).
Extensive trails, sandstone cliffs and spring wildflowers provide natural backdrops and habitat shots for birds and desert wildlife.
High vantage points with sweeping views of canyons and distant Zion peaks—excellent for wide-angle landscapes at sunrise.
Food in St. George
St. George Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Utah favorite condiment (ketchup + mayo) commonly served with burgers and fries; try at local burger joints or diners around downtown St. George.
Must-Try!
Green chile, carne asada and hearty enchiladas are common; family-owned Mexican restaurants near main roads and downtown offer authentic flavors.
Local smokehouses serve slow-smoked brisket and ribs—great for a filling meal after outdoor activities.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market (spring–fall) with local produce, artisan foods, baked goods and prepared food stalls—good for picnic supplies and tasting local honey, jams and snacks.
Food trucks and pop-up vendors appear around events and evenings downtown; you'll commonly find tacos, wood-fired pizza and BBQ trucks—check local event calendars for locations.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
The community has a strong LDS presence—be respectful near meetinghouses and temples; avoid criticizing religious beliefs in casual conversation and note some establishments may operate around church schedules.
Casual dress is the norm, but modest attire is appreciated in neighborhoods and at religious sites; remove hats briefly when entering some houses of worship if requested.
Yield to horses and uphill hikers on narrow trails, pack out trash, and obey seasonal trail closures—respect wildlife and protected areas in the desert reserves.
People value friendliness and conservative social norms—simple politeness, saying hello, and holding doors are appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in St. George
Ensure a smooth experience
Follow standard U.S. practices: 15–20% at restaurants; $1–2 per drink at bars or round up for casual service; tip hotel staff, taxis/ride-shares and guides appropriately. Services with poor service may receive lower tips but tipping is expected for most service work.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are common. Carry a small amount of cash for farmers markets, small vendors or tips. ATMs are available downtown and at major grocery stores.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and dry—daytime highs often exceed 95–100°F (35–38°C). Start activities early, carry lots of water, wear sun protection, and avoid strenuous hikes during peak midday heat.
Warm days and cool nights make fall ideal for outdoor adventures; fall colors are limited in low desert but nearby higher elevations like Pine Valley show color changes.
Mild in town with daytime highs often 40–60°F (4–15°C), but occasional cold snaps and nearby mountains can receive snow—great season for quieter trails and lower-angle winter light.
Pleasant temperatures and wildflower season in the desert and higher elevations; can be a busy time as visitors flock for hiking and biking—expect variable temps and pack layers.
St. George at Night
Hiking in St. George
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trails through red Navajo sandstone, volcanic features and dunes—suitable for short scenic hikes and longer backcountry routes with excellent sunrise/sunset light.
Protected habitat with numerous trails, cliffs and springs offering quieter desert hiking and wildlife viewing close to town.
World-famous trails such as Angels Landing, The Narrows and Observation Point are within reasonable driving distance—expect permit requirements and crowds in peak season.
Scenic mesa-top trails known for panoramic views and excellent mountain-biking terrain; access may require a short dirt-road drive.
Cooler, forested hikes at higher elevations offering a contrast to desert terrain, wildflowers in season and potential snow in winter.
Airports
How to reach St. George by plane.
Closest commercial airport with regional flights—convenient for direct access to the city and shorter security lines; car rental and shuttle options available.
About 45–60 minutes north (depending on route) with limited commercial service; an option for regional flights and a drive to St. George.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours drive southwest and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights—commonly used by visitors combining St. George with Las Vegas.
Major hub about 4.5–5 hours drive north; used for broader international connections and larger carrier options if flying farther distances.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which influences local culture, events and community life.
St. George has a substantial retiree population attracted by mild winters, recreational amenities and healthcare services.
Seasonal influx of hikers, climbers, bikers and visitors using the city as a base for regional parks and national monuments.
A growing Hispanic/Latino community contributes to local businesses, cuisine and culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Golf is extremely popular with multiple courses that take advantage of desert landscapes and mild winter play conditions.
A strong mountain-biking community enjoys technical singletrack at Gooseberry Mesa, Snow Canyon and other nearby trails.
Local residents and visitors alike prioritize hiking, trail running and backpacking in nearby parks and reserves.
Community youth leagues for soccer and basketball are popular and well-supported across the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting St. George.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available at cafés and many restaurants; ask for veggie sides, salads, and Southwest-style veggie tacos. Carry snacks when hiking, as options are limited on some trailheads.
More restaurants list vegan and gluten-free choices but always confirm cross-contamination. Grocery stores carry basic specialty items if you need to self-cater.
Utah has state-controlled liquor laws—full-strength beer and spirits are sold through state liquor stores and some restaurant menus vary; expect limited late-night bar options compared to other states and always carry ID.