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Writer's pictureElaine Sison

Travel tips: Top-rated things to do in St. George, Utah



Why St. George, Utah? Most known for its proximity to the highly acclaimed Zion National Park andThe Grand Canyon, St. George, Utah is filled with hidden gems and year-round recreational abundance and adventures. You will find St. George being one of the largest cities in the South-western part of Utah with outdoor activities, local eats, and ample accommodations.


Zion National Park

We can’t talk about St. George without mentioning Zion National Park being only one hour away. Zion National Park is a hiker's dream and has various activities for families too. Keep in mind that this park gets overwhelmingly crowded (you have been warned), but you don’t want to miss this unique travel and hiking experience. I recommend being prepared before going to Zion National Park to get an ideal experience.


Pro tip: Be sure to refer to the custom hiking essentials checklist to prepare for your next hiking-filled adventures.


The Narrows at Zion National Park.
The Narrows at Zion National Park in the Fall season.


Snow Canyon State Park

Have you ever seen a tortoise cross the road? Tortoises roam the land, and you would be lucky to see one. Just be mindful of the speed limit so they can cross safely as they are an endangered species. Snow Canyon State Park is best known for lava tubes, petrified dunes, and mini slot canyons all in one place. That’s why there are 6 reasons why you should visit Snow Canyon State Park.



Petrified dunes at Snow Canyon State Park.
Petrified dunes at Snow Canyon State Park.

Red Hills Desert Botanical Garden

Utah’s first desert conservation garden featuring 5,000 plant species and a stream filled with native and endangered fish. The Red Hills Desert Botanical Garden is free and makes an ideal family-friendly activity.


Pro tip: Come here at sunset for a nice romantic walk.


Red Hills Desert Botanical Garden in St. George, Utah.
Walking through a stream at Red Hills Desert Botanical Garden.

The Red Hills Desert Botanical Garden
The Red Hills Desert Botanical Garden is free.

Pioneer Park and the Dixie Sugarloaf

Red cliffs! Red cliffs everywhere! Pioneer Park covers a massive area of towering red cliffs and hiking trails. Stop by the Dixie Sugarloaf where you’ll see the word “DIXIE” marked on the cliff. You also can’t miss it while driving on the highway! This area is also popular for rock climbing for the brave.


Dixie Sugarloaf
Dixie Sugarloaf overlooks the highway and views.

Places to eat:

Viva Chicken at St. George, Utah
Viva Chicken serves up the best rotisserie chicken in St. George!

  • Viva Chicken – Our favorite restaurant, so we went back twice during our stay! They have juicy Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken and sweet churros. *Chef’s kiss*

  • Cappeletti’s – Italian cuisine with an Argentine flair; the chicken gorgonzola was divine!

  • 700 Degree Artisan Pizza - Pizza and beer make the best combo after returning from a long hiking day at Zion National Park.

  • Cliffside Restaurant – An upscale American cuisine on the cliff with scenic views of St. George with the hotel Inn on the Cliff next door. This restaurant is great for special occasions and date nights. We took my sister here for her birthday dinner.

  • Croshaw’s Gourmet Pies – Get here before 11 am to get a chicken pot pie before they sell out! We got their chocolate and banana cream pies too,

  • Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream – So many ice cream flavors! Graham Canyon and banana cream pie were delicious!

  • Nielsen’s Frozen Custard

  • Sloth Cookies - fresh hand made, mouth-watering cookies


Cookies at Sloth Cookies in St. George.
Fresh hand made, mouth-watering cookies with Sloth Cookies.


Where to stay:

Sports Village Condo - Airbnb: We loved staying at the Sports Village condominiums where it has amenities like enjoying a dip in the pool, tennis, pickleball, basketball, air hockey, ping pong, and more. Keep your eyes out for more listings available at Sports Village. We developed a liking for playing pickleball every evening during our stay.


If you plan on doing an outdoor-filled adventure Utah road trip, you’ll find these resources helpful:


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Elaine is a California Bay Area native who now lives in San Diego, CA as a remote marketing project manager by day and a travel content creator.

Elaine created PureTrips for adventurers who are looking for travel guides and hiking tips to create memorable experiences.

Keep exploring.

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