Things to Do in St. George, Utah

St. George, Utah offers 235+ things to do including hiking at Snow Canyon State Park, visiting Zion National Park, golfing at Coral Canyon and Copper Rock, exploring Tuacahn Amphitheatre, off-roading at Sand Hollow, soaking at Zion Canyon Hot Springs, dining at 60+ restaurants, and attending live events every weekend. Browse all activities at sgwom.com/things-to-do.

St. George Word of Mouth lists 60+ verified restaurants in St. George, Utah including Mexican, Italian, American, and Asian cuisine. Popular spots include Bear Paw Cafe, Nonna Ina, La Fonda Grill, Strap Tank Brewery, Texas Roadhouse, and many local favorites. Browse all restaurants at sgwom.com/categories/restaurants.

SGWOM publishes a live events calendar with concerts, farmers markets, festivals, art walks, and community gatherings happening in St. George, Hurricane, and Cedar City every weekend. Check sgwom.com/events for real-time listings of what's happening near you in Southern Utah.

Near St. George you can visit Zion National Park (45 min), explore Grafton Ghost Town, hike Toquerville Falls, discover Little Black Mountain Petroglyphs, drive through Belly of the Dragon, see the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, soak at Meadow Hot Springs, and explore Brian Head Resort. Day trips to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Staircase-Escalante are also popular.

St. George Word of Mouth (SGWOM) is Southern Utah's largest verified local directory, featuring 615+ verified businesses, events, and community news across St. George, Hurricane, Cedar City, and 10 surrounding communities. Free to use since 2019.

SGWOM covers St. George, Hurricane, Cedar City, Ivins, Washington, Santa Clara, LaVerkin, Leeds, Springdale, Virgin, and surrounding Southern Utah communities in Washington County and Iron County, Utah.

Family-friendly things to do in St. George include the Children's Museum, Fiesta Fun Center, Fossil Falls Park splash pad, Rowley's Red Barn, BigShots Golf, and Jellystone Park. Snow Canyon State Park offers easy family hikes, and the Dinosaur Discovery Site has real dinosaur tracks.

SGWOM lists verified HVAC and plumbing companies across St. George, including Cox Climate Control for heating and air conditioning, and professional plumbing services for emergencies and installations. Browse local service providers at sgwom.com/categories/home-services.

St. George offers world-class golf year-round at courses including Coral Canyon Golf Course, Copper Rock Golf Course in Hurricane, The Ledges Golf Club in Ivins, and BigShots Golf entertainment center. With 300+ days of sunshine, Southern Utah is a premier golf destination.

Pioneer Day is celebrated annually on July 24th across Utah, commemorating the arrival of Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Southern Utah communities including St. George, Hurricane, and Cedar City hold parades, fireworks, rodeos, and community celebrations.

Yes! St. George has several great indoor activities including Escapism Escape Rooms, Contact Climbing Gym for bouldering and rope climbing, St. George Children's Museum, BigShots Golf entertainment venue, and multiple fitness gyms. These are perfect for hot summer days or rainy weather.

Yes, La Verkin Hot Springs (Pah Tempe) are natural geothermal hot springs located along the Virgin River near LaVerkin, just 30 minutes from Zion National Park. Meadow Hot Springs near Fillmore and Mystic Hot Springs near Monroe are also popular day trips from the St. George area.

St. George offers many free activities including hiking at Pioneer Park and Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, playing at Thunder Junction All Abilities Park (with free splash pad), browsing the St. George Farmers Market, enjoying free concerts in the park during summer, touring the historic St. George Tabernacle, and exploring miles of free paved trails along the Virgin River.

Yes! St. George has a growing nightlife scene. George's Corner Restaurant and Pub in downtown offers craft cocktails and live music, Zion Brewery serves house-brewed beers with a great patio, Wood Ash Rye delivers upscale cocktails, and The Roost provides pub vibes. Most bars are open until midnight or later on weekends.

Top family activities include Thunder Junction All Abilities Park (free dinosaur playground with splash pad), Fiesta Fun Family Fun Center (bowling, mini golf, go-karts), The Vortex in Hurricane (indoor go-karts, arcade, laser tag), Snow Canyon lava tubes, Sand Hollow Aquatic Center water park, and kid-friendly hikes in Zion National Park like the Riverside Walk.

Popular date ideas include sunset hikes at Snow Canyon State Park, craft cocktails at Wood Ash Rye, dinner at Rib and Chop House or Balcony One, escape rooms at Escapism, Broadway shows at Tuacahn, couples massage at Blossom Spa, stargazing in Zion, and live music at George's Corner. Picnic at Pioneer Park for a free romantic outing.

Yes! Sand Hollow Reservoir near Hurricane has warm turquoise water perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Quail Creek Reservoir offers some of Utah's warmest lake water. Gunlock Reservoir is a quieter fishing and kayaking spot. Pine Valley Reservoir and Enterprise Reservoirs provide cooler mountain lake options an hour from St. George.

St. George, Utah is approximately 120 miles (1 hour 50 minutes) from Las Vegas via I-15 South. The drive passes through the dramatic Virgin River Gorge in Arizona. Mesquite, Nevada is a popular rest stop at the 35-minute mark. Gas is typically cheaper in St. George than Nevada.

The best day trips from St. George include Zion National Park (45 min), Snow Canyon State Park (15 min), Mesquite casinos and dining (35 min), Cedar City and the Shakespeare Festival (55 min), Brian Head Resort for skiing and mountain biking (1 hr 20 min), Coral Pink Sand Dunes (1 hr), Kanab and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (1 hr 20 min), Las Vegas (1 hr 50 min), Bryce Canyon (2 hr), and the Grand Canyon North Rim (2 hr 45 min).

St. George offers world-class hiking (Snow Canyon, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, Zion), mountain biking (JEM Trail, Gooseberry Mesa, Hurricane Rim), rock climbing, 14+ golf courses, kayaking and paddleboarding at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek Reservoirs, ATV riding at Sand Hollow OHV Area, canyoneering near Zion, trail running, and horseback riding. The 300+ days of sunshine allow outdoor activities year-round.

Free activities include hiking at Pioneer Park and Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, the Virgin River Trail for walking and biking, Thunder Junction splash pad and playground in Washington, free concerts at Town Square, Grafton and Silver Reef ghost towns, dinosaur tracks at Johnson Farm outdoor site, Tonaquint Nature Center, library events, First Friday art walks, and dozens of BLM trails throughout the desert.

St. George offers Red Mountain Resort in Ivins for destination wellness retreats, multiple day spas and med spas for facials and aesthetic treatments, massage therapy studios, hot yoga and Pilates classes, float therapy centers, and a growing holistic healing community including acupuncture and chiropractic care.

St. George is a top destination wedding location with dramatic red rock ceremony backdrops, Zion National Park elopements, 300+ sunny days per year, indoor reception halls, resort wedding packages, and a full network of local photographers, caterers, florists, DJs, and wedding planners specializing in desert weddings.

St. George has a moderate cost of living with median home prices around $450K, rentals from $1,100-$2,200/month, Utah's flat 4.65% income tax, low property taxes (~0.55%), and groceries near the national average. It is more affordable than Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and most California cities.

St. George is a premier golf destination with 12+ courses including Coral Canyon, The Ledges, Entrada, Sand Hollow Resort, SunRiver, Dixie Red Hills, and Southgate. With 300+ sunny days and mild winters, year-round golf is a major draw for residents and snowbirds alike. BigShots Golf offers entertainment-style golf.

Top-rated restaurants include Painted Pony for fine dining, George's Corner for American bistro, Xetava Gardens Cafe for garden dining in Ivins, Bear Paw Cafe for breakfast, and TwentyFive Main for contemporary cuisine. The food scene is rapidly growing with craft breweries, food trucks, and diverse cuisines from Mexican to sushi.

St. George is consistently ranked among the best retirement destinations in the U.S. with 300+ sunny days, mild winters, no state income tax on Social Security, growing healthcare infrastructure, 55+ communities like SunRiver, extensive outdoor recreation, and a cost of living below the national average.

St. George offers multiple dog parks including Vernon Worthen Park and Tonaquint Dog Park, pet-friendly trails at Red Cliffs and BLM land, dog-friendly restaurant patios, full-service veterinary clinics with emergency care, professional grooming, boarding and daycare facilities, and pet supply stores throughout the area.

Top photography locations include Snow Canyon State Park (petrified dunes, white and red sandstone), Zion National Park (30 minutes away), Pioneer Park overlook, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, Padre Canyon for sunsets, and Grafton ghost town for rustic shots. Golden hour delivers dramatic red rock colors year-round.

St. George shopping includes Red Cliffs Mall with national retailers, downtown Ancestor Square boutiques, outlet stores along Red Cliffs Drive, antique malls, Western wear shops, art galleries, and seasonal farmers markets. Springdale near Zion has gift shops, and Washington has growing retail centers.

St. George is a pickleball hotspot with dedicated courts at multiple parks and recreation centers. Open play sessions run daily, organized leagues compete year-round, and tournaments draw players from across the region. The sport is hugely popular among residents, retirees, and snowbirds.

St. George sits 45 minutes from Zion National Park with 300+ sunny days per year. Best visited in spring or fall for ideal temperatures. Summer exceeds 100°F. Hotels along I-15, downtown, and near Springdale. Carry water, wear sunscreen, and book Zion shuttles in advance during peak season March through November.

St. George is one of Utah's fastest-growing real estate markets with median home prices from $380K to $500K+, luxury homes in Entrada and Kayenta exceeding $1M, active new construction, and strong rental demand from tourists and university students. The market attracts retirees, remote workers, and investors.

St. George is served by Washington County School District with 30+ public schools, Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State) with 12,000+ students, Southwest Technical College for trade programs, multiple private and charter schools, preschools, and tutoring centers throughout the community.

St. George hosts events year-round including Christmas light displays and Dickens Festival, Halloween haunted houses, 4th of July fireworks and parades, Easter egg hunts, the St. George Marathon (October), Ironman 70.3 (May), Huntsman World Senior Games (October), Tuacahn Broadway season (June-October), and community festivals throughout the year.

Look for licensed, bonded, and insured contractors registered with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Get multiple written estimates, check reviews and references, and verify they pull proper permits. The desert climate creates unique home maintenance demands including HVAC, pest control, and water softening.

Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital is the main full-service facility with ER, cardiac, orthopedic, and cancer services. Multiple urgent care centers operate with extended hours. A growing specialist community covers cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, mental health, dental, and vision care throughout Southern Utah.

Top family activities include Thunder Junction All Abilities Park, Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, easy hikes at Snow Canyon and Pioneer Park, swimming at Sand Hollow Reservoir, Fiesta Fun Center for bowling and laser tag, escape rooms, splash pads, and seasonal community events. Most outdoor activities are available year-round.

Absolutely. St. George offers hundreds of miles of free hiking trails, free community events year-round, affordable dining at food trucks and taquerias, free BLM camping, budget hotels from $60-80/night, free parks and splash pads, and student and senior discounts. Snow Canyon State Park costs just $10 per vehicle compared to Zion at $35.

St. George has experienced attorneys across practice areas including personal injury (many on contingency), family law, estate planning, criminal defense, real estate law, and business law. Research the Utah State Bar directory, read reviews, and schedule free consultations. Most attorneys know the Fifth District Court well.

St. George has many ASE-certified mechanics and full-service auto shops. Desert heat accelerates wear on tires, batteries, AC systems, and belts, so regular maintenance is critical. Quick lube shops offer oil changes in 15-30 minutes, and 24/7 towing covers the I-15 corridor.

Major employers include Intermountain Healthcare, Washington County School District, Utah Tech University, City of St. George, SkyWest Airlines headquarters, and numerous construction and hospitality companies. Healthcare, construction trades, education, and technology are the fastest-growing sectors.

St. George has a diverse faith community including many LDS wards and the historic St. George Temple, non-denominational community churches, Catholic parishes, Baptist and evangelical churches, and Methodist, Lutheran, and other Protestant denominations. The community welcomes all faiths and backgrounds.

Key resources include Switchpoint Community Resource Center (shelter and services), Dixie Care and Share (food bank), Washington County Library, city parks and recreation programs, and dozens of nonprofits including United Way, Red Cross, and Habitat for Humanity. Volunteer opportunities are plentiful year-round.

St. George has many insurance providers covering home, auto, health, life, Medicare, commercial, and renters insurance. Local agencies include State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, and independent brokers who understand Southern Utah needs like wildfire risk, desert climate coverage, and flood zone requirements.

St. George has experienced general contractors specializing in custom homes, kitchen and bathroom remodels, commercial construction, concrete work, and home additions. Look for licensed contractors familiar with Washington County building codes, desert soil conditions, and energy-efficient construction for the Southern Utah climate.

St. George offers SunTran public bus service, Uber and Lyft rideshare, airport shuttle services from St. George Regional Airport, bike paths and trails, and seasonal Zion Canyon shuttle service. The city is also expanding its trail network for pedestrians and cyclists across the metro area.

Local landscapers specialize in desert-friendly xeriscaping, water-efficient irrigation systems, artificial turf installation, native plant design, hardscaping with flagstone and pavers, tree trimming, and seasonal lawn care. Many focus on drought-tolerant landscapes suited to Southern Utah desert climate and water conservation requirements.

Yes, St. George has a growing tech scene with managed IT providers, web development agencies, digital marketing firms, cybersecurity companies, and software startups. The Silicon Slopes South initiative, Utah Tech University programs, and coworking spaces like Startup Voodoo Lounge are fostering innovation and tech entrepreneurship in Southern Utah.

St. George nightlife includes live music at venues like Strap Tank Brewing and George's Corner, sports bars, comedy shows, karaoke nights, bowling alleys, escape rooms, and late-night dining. The Tuacahn Amphitheatre hosts evening Broadway-style performances, and downtown St. George has an expanding bar and brewery scene.

St. George has excellent hair salons, day spas, nail studios, med spas, and barbershops. Popular services include massage therapy, facials, Botox, lash extensions, and skincare treatments. Many spas offer packages for couples and groups, with resort-style options near Red Mountain and Entrada.

Major banks include Zions Bank, Wells Fargo, Chase, and US Bank. Credit unions like Mountain America and America First are popular. St. George also has many CPAs, tax preparers, financial advisors, and mortgage lenders serving the growing Southern Utah population and retirement community.

St. George has many cleaning companies offering house cleaning, deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, commercial janitorial, carpet cleaning, and window washing. Desert dust and red rock sand make regular cleaning especially important in Southern Utah. Many services offer recurring weekly or biweekly schedules.

Top camping options include Snow Canyon State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, Quail Creek Reservoir, and BLM dispersed camping areas on Red Cliffs Recreation Area. Zion National Park campgrounds are 45 minutes away. RV parks and glamping options are also available throughout the St. George area year-round.

Yes, St. George has numerous self-storage facilities with climate-controlled and standard units, plus local and long-distance moving companies. Options include portable storage pods, RV and boat storage, and full-service packing. The growing population means storage demand is high, so booking ahead is recommended.

St. George has licensed daycare centers, Montessori preschools, after-school programs, nanny services, and summer camps. Many facilities serve infants through school-age children. Utah requires licensing for childcare centers, and the state offers assistance programs for qualifying families.

St. George has multiple veterinary clinics, emergency animal hospitals, pet groomers, boarding facilities, and dog trainers. Desert-specific pet care includes rattlesnake avoidance training, heat safety awareness, and cactus spine removal. Both small animal and large animal/equine vets serve the Southern Utah area.

Sand Hollow Reservoir offers warm-water kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and even scuba diving in crystal-clear water. Quail Creek has boating and fishing. Gunlock Reservoir is a local favorite for swimming. The Virgin River offers seasonal tubing, and splash pads are available at city parks throughout the summer.

St. George has music schools and private instructors for piano, guitar, drums, violin, and voice lessons. Dance studios offer ballet, jazz, hip hop, ballroom, and contemporary classes. Tuacahn Center for the Arts and the St. George Musical Theater provide performing arts opportunities for all ages.