St. George to Cedar City
Home of the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival, Southern Utah University, and the gateway to Brian Head and Cedar Breaks. Cedar City runs 15-20 degrees cooler than St. George with a growing arts and dining scene.
I-15 North
52 miles
Distance
55 min
Drive Time
north
Direction
Year-round
Best Time
Driving from St. George to Cedar City
Route: I-15 North
A straight shot north on I-15 through Washington County into Iron County. The drive passes through small communities and gradually climbs from 2,800 feet in St. George to 5,800 feet in Cedar City. The speed limit is 80 mph for most of the route.
About Cedar City
Cedar City is St. George's closest major city neighbor and offers a distinctly different vibe. At 5,800 feet elevation, the city runs 15-20 degrees cooler than St. George — a welcome relief in summer — and has a thriving college-town energy thanks to Southern Utah University. The city has earned the nickname "Festival City USA" for its numerous arts festivals, headlined by the world-renowned Utah Shakespeare Festival.
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is Cedar City's crown jewel — a Tony Award-winning theater company that runs from late June through October. Multiple stages host productions of Shakespeare classics alongside contemporary plays in stunning purpose-built theaters. The festival draws over 100,000 visitors annually and has earned a reputation as one of the finest theater experiences in America outside of Broadway.
Beyond the festival, Cedar City serves as the gateway to Brian Head Resort (skiing and mountain biking), Cedar Breaks National Monument (a spectacular natural amphitheater at 10,000 feet), and the beginning of the scenic UT-14 highway to Long Valley and eventually Zion. The city's restaurant and brewery scene has blossomed, with spots like Centro Woodfired Pizzeria, The French Spot, and Iron Springs Adventure Resort drawing diners from across the region.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Direct drive from St. George — no stops needed
- Cedar City is itself a major gas/rest stop for drives to Brian Head, Bryce Canyon, and SLC
Weather & Climate
Cedar City sits at 5,800 feet with four seasons. Summer highs reach 85-95°F (cooler than St. George). Winter brings snow and temperatures of 20-40°F. Spring and fall are pleasant at 50-75°F. More rain and snow than St. George due to higher elevation.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round
Summer (June-September) for the Shakespeare Festival, warm weather, and Cedar Breaks access. Winter (December-March) for Brian Head skiing with Cedar City as your base camp. Spring and fall offer mild weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. The festival season (late June-October) is the primary draw.
Things to Do in Cedar City
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Cedar City, Utah.
Arts & Culture
Utah Shakespeare Festival
$30-$85 per ticketTony Award-winning theater company running June through October with multiple Shakespeare and contemporary productions. The outdoor Adams Shakespearean Theatre and indoor Engelstad Theatre host world-class performances.
Book popular shows weeks in advance — Saturday evening performances sell out fastest
Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA)
FreeFree art museum on the SUU campus featuring rotating exhibitions of regional, national, and international art. The building itself is a stunning piece of modern architecture.
Frontier Homestead State Park
$6Museum and outdoor exhibit of pioneer-era wagons, farming equipment, and Iron County history. Horse-drawn vehicle collection is one of the best in the West.
Neil Simon Festival
$25-$40Annual summer theater festival dedicated to Neil Simon comedies. Running since 2003, it complements the Shakespeare Festival with lighter, comedic fare.
SUU Campus & Centrum Arena
VariesSouthern Utah University's beautiful campus hosts college athletics, concerts, and cultural events. The Centrum Arena holds 5,300 for major events.
Dining & Breweries
Centro Woodfired Pizzeria
$$Artisan Neapolitan-style pizza from a wood-fired oven. Creative toppings, fresh salads, and craft cocktails. The best pizza in Iron County.
The French Spot
$$Charming French-inspired cafe and bistro with excellent crepes, pastries, quiche, and espresso. A delightful European touch in the American West.
The Pastry Pub
$Beloved local bakery and cafe with incredible cinnamon rolls, scones, soups, and sandwiches. Often has a line out the door — and for good reason.
Their cinnamon rolls are legendary — arrive early before they sell out
Iron Springs Adventure Resort
$$-$$$Unique resort in the canyon east of town with a restaurant serving steaks, burgers, and BBQ. Outdoor adventures including zip lines and mountain biking on-site.
The Grind Coffeehouse
$Cozy college-town coffee shop with excellent espresso drinks, smoothies, and light bites. Great atmosphere for a morning coffee stop on the drive north.
Outdoor Recreation
Cedar Breaks National Monument
$10 per personA 2,500-foot-deep natural amphitheater at 10,000+ feet elevation, 23 miles from Cedar City. Vivid rock layers, bristlecone pines, and wildflower meadows. Open late May through November.
Brian Head Resort
VariesFull ski resort 30 minutes up UT-143 with affordable skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer. See the dedicated Brian Head page for full details.
UT-14 Scenic Highway
FreeGorgeous 40-mile highway east from Cedar City through Cedar Canyon, climbing from desert to alpine terrain. Connects to Long Valley Junction and eventually Zion via US-89.
Cross Hollows Arena
$10-$30Large outdoor events arena hosting rodeos, monster truck shows, demolition derbies, and community events. Check their calendar for upcoming events.
Three Peaks Trail
FreePopular 5-mile hiking trail west of Cedar City with scenic desert views and wildflowers in spring. Good year-round hiking option.
Family Activities
Shakespeare Festival Backstage Tours
Included with festival ticketsBehind-the-scenes tours of the costume shop, prop room, and theaters. Fascinating for all ages and a great complement to seeing a show.
Cedar City Aquatic Center
$5-$8Public swimming pool with water slides, splash pads, and lap lanes. A fun stop for families, especially on hot summer days.
Heritage Center Theatre
$10-$15Year-round community theater hosting plays, musicals, and holiday shows. More affordable than the Shakespeare Festival with family-friendly productions.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Cedar City Drive
The Shakespeare Festival runs late June through October — book show tickets and dinner reservations well in advance
Cedar City is 15-20 degrees cooler than St. George — bring a light jacket for evenings
The Pastry Pub and Centro are the two must-eat spots — both can have waits on weekends
Cedar City makes the perfect rest stop on drives to Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon, or Brian Head
SUU campus events (concerts, athletics, lectures) are often open to the public and affordable
Gas and dining are generally cheaper in Cedar City than at resort destinations like Brian Head or Bryce
UT-14 east of Cedar City is a beautiful scenic drive — consider taking it as an alternate route to Zion
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Cedar City
How far is Cedar City from St. George?
Cedar City is 52 miles (55 minutes) north of St. George on I-15. The speed limit is 80 mph for most of the drive, making it a quick trip.
When is the Utah Shakespeare Festival?
The Utah Shakespeare Festival runs from late June through mid-October each year. Multiple productions of Shakespeare and contemporary plays are performed in repertory format.
Is Cedar City cooler than St. George?
Yes, Cedar City is consistently 15-20 degrees cooler than St. George due to its 5,800-foot elevation (vs. St. George at 2,800 feet). When St. George is 105°F, Cedar City is typically 85-90°F.
What is the best restaurant in Cedar City?
Centro Woodfired Pizzeria is widely considered the best restaurant for dinner, with artisan pizzas from a wood-fired oven. The Pastry Pub is legendary for breakfast and baked goods. The French Spot offers charming French-inspired cuisine.
Is Cedar City a good base for visiting Bryce Canyon?
Yes, Cedar City is an excellent base for Bryce Canyon — the park is about 1 hour east via UT-12. Cedar City offers more hotel, restaurant, and shopping options than the smaller towns near Bryce.
Nearby Destinations from Cedar City
Brian Head Resort
The closest ski resort to St. George offers affordable skiing, world-class mountain biking, and summer temperatures 30-40 degrees cooler. At 9,600 feet, Brian Head is Southern Utah's mountain escape.
Bryce Canyon National Park
A wonderland of orange, red, and white hoodoo rock spires unlike anything else on Earth. Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000+ feet, offering cooler temperatures and some of the darkest night skies in the world.
Salt Lake City
Utah's capital city offers world-class skiing, a thriving food scene, professional sports, and the international airport that connects Southern Utah to the world. The I-15 corridor is the most-traveled route for St. George residents.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Cedar City
St. George to Cedar City — 52 miles, 55 min Drive
Cedar City is St. George's closest major city neighbor and offers a distinctly different vibe. At 5,800 feet elevation, the city runs 15-20 degrees cooler than St. George — a welcome relief in summer — and has a thriving college-town energy thanks to Southern Utah University. The city has earned the nickname "Festival City USA" for its numerous arts festivals, headlined by the world-renowned Utah Shakespeare Festival.
The route from St. George, Utah to Cedar City, Utah covers 52 miles and takes approximately 55 min via I-15 North. A straight shot north on I-15 through Washington County into Iron County. The drive passes through small communities and gradually climbs from 2,800 feet in St. George to 5,800 feet in Cedar City. The speed limit is 80 mph for most of the route.
Things to Do in Cedar City
Arts & Culture: Utah Shakespeare Festival, Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA), Frontier Homestead State Park. Dining & Breweries: Centro Woodfired Pizzeria, The French Spot, The Pastry Pub. Outdoor Recreation: Cedar Breaks National Monument, Brian Head Resort, UT-14 Scenic Highway. Family Activities: Shakespeare Festival Backstage Tours, Cedar City Aquatic Center, Heritage Center Theatre.
Best Time to Visit Cedar City
Summer (June-September) for the Shakespeare Festival, warm weather, and Cedar Breaks access. Winter (December-March) for Brian Head skiing with Cedar City as your base camp. Spring and fall offer mild weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. The festival season (late June-October) is the primary draw.
Travel Tips
The Shakespeare Festival runs late June through October — book show tickets and dinner reservations well in advance. Cedar City is 15-20 degrees cooler than St. George — bring a light jacket for evenings. The Pastry Pub and Centro are the two must-eat spots — both can have waits on weekends. Cedar City makes the perfect rest stop on drives to Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon, or Brian Head.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Brian Head Resort, Bryce Canyon National Park, Salt Lake City.