St. George to Washington
Washington City is St. George's fast-growing neighbor to the east, offering family-friendly neighborhoods, Sand Hollow State Park access, Thunder Junction all-abilities park, and a thriving dining and shopping scene — all just 10 minutes from downtown St. George.
I-15 North or Red Cliffs Drive
7 miles
Distance
10-15 min
Drive Time
east
Direction
Year-round
Best Time
Driving from St. George to Washington
Route: I-15 North or Red Cliffs Drive
From St. George, head east on Red Cliffs Drive or take I-15 North to Exit 13. Washington is immediately adjacent to St. George and shares a seamless border along Red Cliffs Drive and Telegraph Street.
About Washington
Washington, Utah is one of the fastest-growing cities in Washington County and sits immediately east of St. George along the I-15 corridor. With a population that has more than doubled in the past two decades, Washington City has evolved from a quiet bedroom community into a vibrant destination in its own right. The city combines suburban family living with easy access to some of Southern Utah's best outdoor recreation, including Sand Hollow State Park and Red Cliffs National Conservation Area.
The Washington Fields area in the southeastern portion of the city has exploded with new development, bringing modern shopping centers, restaurants, and residential neighborhoods to what was once agricultural land. Despite the growth, Washington maintains a distinct small-town feel with community events, well-maintained parks, and a family-first atmosphere that sets it apart from the more commercial pace of St. George.
For visitors and residents alike, Washington offers a strategic location between St. George's urban amenities and the outdoor recreation corridors to the east and south. Sand Hollow Reservoir is a premier destination for boating, fishing, and OHV riding. The city's parks system includes the acclaimed Thunder Junction All Abilities Park — one of the best inclusive playgrounds in the state. Red Cliffs Mall and the surrounding commercial district provide shopping and dining options that serve the entire region.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- No stops needed — Washington is immediately adjacent to St. George
- Multiple gas stations along Red Cliffs Drive and Telegraph Street
Weather & Climate
Washington shares St. George's warm desert climate at approximately 2,800 feet elevation. Summer highs reach 100-110°F with mild winters of 45-60°F. Spring and fall are ideal at 60-85°F. Less than 10 inches of rain annually. Sand Hollow can be breezy in spring afternoons.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round
Sand Hollow Reservoir is most popular from April through October when water temperatures are comfortable for swimming. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are ideal for hiking at Red Cliffs NCA. Summer is peak season for water sports but temperatures exceed 100°F. Winter is mild (45-65°F) and uncrowded — great for hiking and trail exploration.
Things to Do in Washington
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Washington, Utah.
Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow Reservoir
$15 per vehicleA 1,322-acre reservoir surrounded by red sandstone cliffs, offering boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Crystal-clear water and dramatic red rock scenery make this one of the most scenic reservoirs in Utah.
Arrive early on summer weekends — the boat ramp parking fills by 9 AM
Sand Hollow OHV Area
Included with park entryOver 15,000 acres of sand dunes and desert terrain open to ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes. The rolling red sand dunes adjacent to the reservoir are iconic for off-road riding in Southern Utah.
Sand Hollow Beach
$15 per vehicleSandy beach area perfect for swimming, wading, and sunbathing. Shallow entry makes it ideal for families with young children. Picnic areas and restrooms available.
Fishing at Sand Hollow
Utah fishing license requiredExcellent bass and bluegill fishing year-round. The reservoir is stocked by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Shore fishing and boat fishing both productive.
Camping at Sand Hollow
$25-$40/nightMultiple campgrounds including the popular Westside Campground with full hookups and stunning reservoir views. Reserve early for spring and fall weekends.
Parks & Recreation
Thunder Junction All Abilities Park
FreeAward-winning inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities. Features wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory play areas, musical instruments, and a dinosaur-themed splash pad. One of the best playgrounds in Southern Utah.
The splash pad runs seasonally from May through September
Sullivan Park
FreeBeautiful community park with sports fields, walking paths, picnic pavilions, and a playground. Hosts community events and farmers markets throughout the year.
Washington City Community Center
$5-$10 day passModern recreation facility with indoor swimming pool, fitness center, basketball courts, and classes for all ages. Day passes available for visitors.
Washington Canal Trail
FreePaved walking and biking path following the historic canal through residential neighborhoods. Connects to the city's broader trail network and provides a pleasant, flat route for exercise.
Veterans Park
FreeQuiet memorial park with walking paths, monuments honoring veterans, and shaded seating areas. A peaceful spot for reflection and a short stroll.
Dining & Shopping
Red Cliffs Mall Area
Free entryThe commercial hub along Red Cliffs Drive features Red Cliffs Mall, big-box retailers, grocery stores, and dozens of restaurants. The primary shopping district for eastern Washington County.
Washington Restaurant Scene
$-$$$A growing collection of local and chain restaurants along Telegraph Street and Green Springs Drive. Options range from fast-casual to sit-down dining with cuisines spanning Mexican, Italian, American, and Asian.
Washington Fields Shopping
Free entryNew commercial developments in the Washington Fields area bring additional shopping and dining options closer to the fast-growing eastern neighborhoods.
Local Coffee & Cafes
$Several locally owned coffee shops and bakeries serve the Washington community, offering a quieter alternative to the busy St. George locations.
Outdoor Adventures
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
FreeFederally protected lands north of Washington featuring red rock canyons, dinosaur tracks, seasonal waterfalls, and desert tortoise habitat. The Red Reef and Cottonwood Trails are local favorites.
Red Reef Trail
FreePopular 3-mile round-trip hike through a red rock canyon with seasonal pools and a small waterfall at the end. Trailhead accessed from the north side of Washington.
Best after recent rain when the seasonal waterfall and pools are flowing
Hiking & Biking Trails
FreeWashington connects to the greater St. George trail network including the Virgin River Trail, providing miles of paved and unpaved paths for hiking, biking, and running.
Washington Black Ridge Trail
FreeA scenic trail system along the black basalt ridge above the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape and the Pine Valley Mountains.
Family Activities
Splash Pads & Water Play
FreeMultiple splash pads throughout Washington's parks provide free water play for kids during the hot summer months. Thunder Junction's dinosaur splash pad is the most popular.
Community Events
Free-$Washington City hosts annual events including Cotton Days celebration, holiday festivals, movie nights in the park, and seasonal farmers markets that draw residents from across the county.
Youth Sports Leagues
Varies by programWashington City Recreation Department offers youth soccer, baseball, basketball, and flag football leagues. The city's sports complexes host regional tournaments throughout the year.
Washington Rock Gym (nearby)
$15-$25Indoor rock climbing facilities accessible from Washington provide year-round climbing for all skill levels — a great alternative when summer temperatures make outdoor climbing too hot.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Washington Drive
Washington is immediately adjacent to St. George — you can drive between the two cities in under 10 minutes via Red Cliffs Drive or I-15
Sand Hollow State Park fills up fast on summer weekends — arrive before 9 AM for guaranteed boat ramp access
Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is a must-visit for families — bring swimsuits for the splash pad in summer
The Red Cliffs Mall area has the largest concentration of chain restaurants and retailers east of St. George
Gas prices in Washington are comparable to St. George — fill up wherever is convenient
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area trails north of town are less crowded than Snow Canyon and offer excellent hiking
Washington Fields is the newest growth area with modern restaurants and shopping — explore Green Springs Drive for the latest openings
An annual Utah State Parks pass ($75) saves money if you visit Sand Hollow more than five times
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Washington
What are the best things to do in Washington, Utah?
Washington offers Sand Hollow State Park for boating and OHV riding, Thunder Junction All Abilities Park for families, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area for hiking, and a growing dining and shopping scene along Red Cliffs Drive. The city is also a gateway to Sand Hollow Reservoir's water sports.
How far is Washington from St. George?
Washington is just 7 miles (10-15 minutes) from downtown St. George. The two cities are adjacent and connected by Red Cliffs Drive and I-15.
What is there to do at Sand Hollow State Park?
Sand Hollow offers boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing (bass and bluegill), OHV/ATV riding on 15,000 acres of sand dunes, and camping with reservoir views. The crystal-clear water and red rock setting make it one of Utah's most scenic reservoirs.
What are the best restaurants in Washington, Utah?
Washington's restaurant scene is growing with options along Red Cliffs Drive, Telegraph Street, and the Washington Fields area. You will find a mix of local eateries and national chains serving Mexican, American, Italian, and Asian cuisine. The Red Cliffs Mall area has the highest concentration of dining options.
Is Washington, Utah a good place for families?
Washington is one of the most family-friendly cities in Southern Utah. Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is an award-winning inclusive playground with a splash pad. The city has excellent parks, youth sports leagues, community events, and safe neighborhoods — all with quick access to St. George amenities.
What is it like living in Washington, Utah?
Washington offers a suburban, family-oriented lifestyle with newer homes, good schools, and a growing commercial base. It provides a quieter alternative to St. George while being just minutes from all of St. George's amenities, shopping, and dining. Washington Fields is the fastest-growing area with modern developments.
Nearby Destinations from Washington
Snow Canyon State Park
St. George's backyard national park-quality gem. Just 15 minutes from downtown, Snow Canyon features dramatic red and white sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, slot canyons, sand dunes, and world-class hiking — rivaling Zion without the crowds.
Zion National Park
The crown jewel of Southern Utah and one of America's most visited national parks is just 45 minutes from St. George. Towering 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs, world-famous hikes, and the emerald Virgin River make Zion an absolute must-visit.
Hurricane
Gateway to Zion National Park and Southern Utah's outdoor adventure hub. Hurricane offers world-class mountain biking at Hurricane Cliffs, two stunning reservoirs, a charming small-town downtown, and the closest basecamp for Zion — all just 20 minutes from St. George.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Washington
St. George to Washington — 7 miles, 10-15 min Drive
Washington, Utah is one of the fastest-growing cities in Washington County and sits immediately east of St. George along the I-15 corridor. With a population that has more than doubled in the past two decades, Washington City has evolved from a quiet bedroom community into a vibrant destination in its own right. The city combines suburban family living with easy access to some of Southern Utah's best outdoor recreation, including Sand Hollow State Park and Red Cliffs National Conservation Area.
The route from St. George, Utah to Washington, Utah covers 7 miles and takes approximately 10-15 min via I-15 North or Red Cliffs Drive. From St. George, head east on Red Cliffs Drive or take I-15 North to Exit 13. Washington is immediately adjacent to St. George and shares a seamless border along Red Cliffs Drive and Telegraph Street.
Things to Do in Washington
Sand Hollow State Park: Sand Hollow Reservoir, Sand Hollow OHV Area, Sand Hollow Beach. Parks & Recreation: Thunder Junction All Abilities Park, Sullivan Park, Washington City Community Center. Dining & Shopping: Red Cliffs Mall Area, Washington Restaurant Scene, Washington Fields Shopping. Outdoor Adventures: Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Red Reef Trail, Hiking & Biking Trails. Family Activities: Splash Pads & Water Play, Community Events, Youth Sports Leagues.
Best Time to Visit Washington
Sand Hollow Reservoir is most popular from April through October when water temperatures are comfortable for swimming. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are ideal for hiking at Red Cliffs NCA. Summer is peak season for water sports but temperatures exceed 100°F. Winter is mild (45-65°F) and uncrowded — great for hiking and trail exploration.
Travel Tips
Washington is immediately adjacent to St. George — you can drive between the two cities in under 10 minutes via Red Cliffs Drive or I-15. Sand Hollow State Park fills up fast on summer weekends — arrive before 9 AM for guaranteed boat ramp access. Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is a must-visit for families — bring swimsuits for the splash pad in summer. The Red Cliffs Mall area has the largest concentration of chain restaurants and retailers east of St. George.
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 Snow Canyon State Park, Zion National Park, Hurricane.
