It does not matter if you are staying one night or a few days while you explore the St George area or even Zion National Park. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office, Explore the natural wonders of Zion National Park, St. George is less than an hour's drive to. There is little to no cell phone service in the park and you may not be able to call for a return rideshare when you want to leave so definitely plan ahead. . Ride a gondola at the Venetian. Here is our list of what to see and do in the area. But the St. George Art Festival may be the best place to see a wide variety of art in one place. The amphitheater is also a great concert venue with the likes of Martina McBride, Kansas, and Kristin Chenoweth scheduled in the months ahead. Ask about the daily catch, flown in within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean. It's certainly a lot cleaner than the real Venice. The course of the Virgin River was re-channeled twelve different times during construction of the Gorge road. I was thinking about one night in Vegas and after it St. George to see Zion, Snow Canyon. stay for about 1 hour. The St George City Art Museum is a great place to escape the heat and rest your feet while exploring one of the best sights in the area. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abe0ee1bb1ce091c654aedc463cf2206" );document.getElementById("d2f8ec4791").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. Summertime travelers might get the impression that the park got its name from its environment, rather than its rock formation. Free Wifi, USB charging ports and more! A geological wonder made with wind and water over 180 million years ago, the results are stunning. St. George has a fair share of art galleries plus the St. George Art Museum at the Pioneer Center for the Arts, a complex that's also home to the St. George Opera House. This short hike is incredibly picturesque, with rock formations laced with white, pink, and red stripes that resemble ripples in . Formerly a general store built in 1911, it now sells nostalgic candy and ice cream. Below we will highlight the best places to stay in St George, Utah that will work as fantastic bases for exploring one of Utahs best cities. The distance between Las Vegas to Zion National Park's south entrance (the closest entrance from Las Vegas drivers) is approximately 165 miles. Weve visited nearly 100 countries on all 7 continents. 6 Adventurous Things to do in Park City, Utah, Best Hikes in the USA: 15 Stunning Trails You Cannot Miss. Its one of those places where you can sit alone and read a book or bring the family to play around. Zion National Park. The venue is operated by the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, which also has indoor theaters, a dance studio, and other facilities on property, along with a charter school dedicated to the performing arts. However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. Round-trip transportation from Las Vegas hotels is included. It's traditionally open to Mormon visitors only, but everyone can access the visitors center and surrounding grounds. and leave at 12:42 pm. may be the best place to see a wide variety of art in one place. Farmhouse Bakery, another recent addition to St. George, is a European-style patisserie, led by a team of Las Vegas transplants that includes Thomas Kellar's former pastry chef. St George is a great place to both live and is known for its retirement communities. It has over 300 taxidermy animals from all around the world displayed in a natural habitat transporting visitors to locations like Africa and the Amazon with their in-depth audio presentation. Though not as extensive as those contained in the better-known Arches National Park near Moab, there are similarities, so visitors will feel a comfortable familiarity with the landscape. It's traditionally open to Mormon visitors only, but everyone can access the visitors center and surrounding grounds. October 03, 2016 Things To Do In Las Vegas Comments Off on Enjoy Las Vegas Royalty Exotic Car Rentals. Detour to The Creamery for farm-fresh ice cream. Beer was famously required to be watered down in the past, but that's no longer the case. SJ is a professional travel writer based in the Midwest. Here are a few suggested places to stay in Las Vegas before and after your national parks road trip from Las Vegas. A vintage gasoline pump remains out front. Come by on Saturdays for an outdoor market with crafts, food, and entertainment. drive for about 48 minutes. In addition to these interesting historical sites, the city offers lots of outdoor recreation opportunities in the many state parks and recreation areas. Utahns trying to escape cold and snow will usually find comfortable daytime temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees. Built all the way back in 1877, St George Temple is known as the first of its kind in Utah. It's near Fire Lake Park at Ivins Reservoir, which is becoming a busy attraction for swimming. If this is the day you fly into Vegas and you are travelling in winter then the last leg of your trip will be in the dark along mountain roads (UT-20, UT-89 and UT-12). Everything is for sale. St. George makes a nice little get-away from Sin City. The Babylon Arch is relatively easy to reach with a hike near the Virgin River. Since youre starting off in Las Vegas, it only makes sense to see one of the most iconic Vegas landmarks, the Welcome To Las Vegas sign. A vintage gasoline pump remains out front. What happened this week? The 60-room boutique hotel opened in early 2020, blending luxury with rustic pioneer-esque touches with a heavy emphasis on locally sourced wood and materials. The course of the Virgin River was re-channeled twelve different times during construction of the Gorge road. St George's affection for art and nature is reflected in Kayenta, an isolated community in the desertscapes northwest of the city. 2023 St. George Vacation Rentals | The tag is a source of local pride, but has obvious complications, reflected in movements currently underway to rename the Dixie Convention Center and Dixie State University. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. If you are . 2. Hawaiis attorney general believes the proposed law, which seeks to reduce the flow of residents money to Las Vegas, could be found unconstitutional. If you're flying in, Las Vegas is the better choice - or you can fly directly into St. George Regional Airport once it reopens in September 2019. But don't be afraid to try something unfamiliarlike a kouign-amann, a buttery French cake with a sweet, crunchy, brittle-like exterior. And the best way to explore this magical land is by road. If you will be traveling south on Interstate 15 to reach Las Vegas, there are plenty of things to see and do on the way. Visit one (or all) of the four surrounding state parks. To this day, there are still several rocks that show signs of quarrying and cutting. is a reservoir surrounded by red rocks and sand, resembling a trippy beach-on-Mars atmosphere. And its a perfect spot to spend your time while outside of the park. While its still worth driving by to check out, be aware that the temple is in the middle of a major renovation project and closed until 2022. If you feel like you're driving into the middle of nowhere, don't panic. drive for about 48 minutes. St George has been occupied by everyone from dinosaurs to pioneers; therefore, you can expect the town to have a rich history! How long is the bus ride from St. George to Las Vegas? So not only a good place to cool off, but also fantastic for photography. Even ifyou are not into history (thePetroglyphs) the Little Black Mountain is a great chance to exploretheseareas pure natural wonders while hiking through a maze of stone. The gougres (savory cheese-filled pasties) and salmon rillettes will keep you full while exploring historic sites like the Jacob Hamblin Home, Frei's Fruit Market, and the Relief Society Hall in Heritage Square. Jaw-dropping canyons, snaking rivers, rusty red cliffs and scenic roads in every direction. Generally considered an easy route. There are even exhibits where you can get a closer look at how plants and animals thrive in a barren landscape. Exhibits now showcase examples of dino-activity from the immediate area with interpretive information, a window revealing where fossils are prepped and cleaned, and a small park in the back for kids to hop on a dilophosaurus replica. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in St. George, UT. TheTuacahnAmphitheater is unlike anywhere else in America and should be on anyones things to do in St George list. While visiting, youll be able to visualize what it was like when these creatures actually roamed the earth. Some of the things you wont want to miss while visiting Pine Valley are the Pine Valley Chapel and the Pine Valley Reservoir. When driving from Las Vegas, stop at Yardley's, a truck stop that serves steakburgers from local cattle. Even if you don't make it out to Zion National Park, St. George is incredibly convenient to four state parkseach with their own unique identity. Luxury Hotel: The Inn atEntradais one of the best luxury hotels located in St George Utah. is a great place to bring the kids with a vintage carousel and splash pads modeled after rock formations, but it's also a cool spot to hang out on your own with nothing but your thoughts and a laptop. Coming from Salt Lake City? The gorge spans about 10 miles of Arizona near Littlefield, and believe me, youll know it when you see it. After spending time learning about the first settlers in the region at the church, the reservoir will take you wandering among the pines that the town is named after. After a stunning day of hiking through Zion National Park, its time to explore Utahs western heritage. Yes, this is definitely one of the most tourist-y things to do in Las Vegas, but it's got to be done. Show only these on map. I started this loop-style road trip in Phoenix, Arizona. Where is St. George? About 200 million years before Utah was even Utah, the region was a hotbed for dinosaurs. And the reward is spectacular. The 60-room boutique hotel opened in early 2020, blending luxury with rustic pioneer-esque touches with a heavy emphasis on locally sourced wood and materials. Little do they know that Utahs desert is actually teeming with life. Seclusion is part of the charm. Airport Shuttles Transportation Related posts . The dramatic limestone cliffs are humbling and the corners here can be sharp, so take your time and enjoy the view. We are active couple with teenager son. St. George, Utah is a four-season . Located in Zion National Park, this quick five-mile drive around the canyons will give you a glimpse at some incredibly diverse rock formations and colors. Out on the trails, youll have plenty of opportunities to see native Mojave Desert plants as well as plenty of cool rock formations. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. This is also one of the best places to take in a view over St George. 19. Located roughly 50 miles up the road from Las Vegas, youll find Valley of Fire State Park. Located at the doorstep of Zion National Park, the town of St George is often used as a jumping-off point for travelers looking to explore the nearby canyons and deserts of Utah. If you're planning your trip to accommodatedisabilities,there's plenty of optionsto safely see and enjoy the beauty of Utah. Unusually high precipitation levels this winter could result in some spectacular displays of springtime wildflowers like desert marigold, indigo and desert mallow. Formerly a general store built in 1911, it now sells nostalgic candy and ice cream. Brigham Young Winter Home, Utah. Every domestic air carrier operating at Harry Reid International Airport had more passengers in 2022 than in 2021, and three new carriers made their Las Vegas debut. Since its so close, we stopped right as we made our way out of the airport. Driving from Vegas to Salt Lake is relatively simple. A pair of rooftop decks with large hot tubs more than make up for the absence of a swimming pool. No matter where you go, Utah-produced High West is almost always the whiskey of choice. One of the best parts of the Mojave Preserve is only about an hour from Vegas. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. A pair of rooftop decks with large hot tubs more than make up for the absence of a swimming pool. Dont forget to stop in Judds Store thats tucked just off the busy main street. Birding - Zion Park is home to 291 species of birds. There are some restrictions, but all flights, domestic and international, will only cost 1 cent plus taxes and fees for five months later this summer. Andrew James is the founder and managing editor of 24saltlake.com, a news and local events website in Utah. Because the pioneers that originally settled this land were members of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, expect to find historical sites here like the Brigham Young Winter Residence Historical Site, St.George Temple (currently closed for renovation, but you can see the outside), and the St. George Tabernacle. The gougres (savory cheese-filled pasties) and salmon rillettes will keep you full while exploring historic sites like the. Its an unexpected treat to find this outdoor paradise so close to the bright lights of Las Vegas! These extinct beasts are no stranger to St George, but many scientists simply dig up the bones and distribute them throughout the country. We grabbed a parking spot and were snapping away within a few minutes. St. George is less than an hour's drive to Zion National Park. But why deal with the large crowds, heavy traffic and paid parking when you can zoom out on Google Maps and choose less chaotic accommodations in or around St. George instead? You could do a detour to Valley of Fire state park outside Vegas near Moapa.. In this state park, youll have the choice of hitting the trails or taking a scenic drive through the park. Town Square Park is a great place to bring the kids with a vintage carousel and splash pads modeled after rock formations, but it's also a cool spot to hang out on your own with nothing but your thoughts and a laptop. St. George, Utah which is the closest city in proximity to Zion National Park also has a small airport, but flight options may be more limited . From Harry Reid International Airport, get on I-15 North to Exit 75 and Valley of Fire Highway. The beauty of nature is often balanced by human creativity in St. George. Excellent examples of prehistoric rock art are among the parks notable attractions. Some rooms have balconies, some have tall arched ceilings. Bird checklists are available at the visitor centers! Hours of Driving: 7+ hours of driving, including the commute to and from Las Vegas. It is possible to visit Zion National Park while using St George as a base, and many people do this due to the cheaper accommodation and abundance of food options. Of all the state parks in the St George area, Quail Creek has the most beautiful reservoir. Location: Valley of Fire State Park. drive for about 5 minutes. drive for about 42 minutes. 3. Are you looking to explore more of the culture around St George? Ghost towns are very common throughout California but Calico, between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, is more than a ghost town. See something you like? There are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas. Before you do anything in or around St. George, you'll need a place to stay. Please Note: Price . . Its really spectacular with awesome views at almost every turn. Even though Sand Hollow State Park is technically in the desert, youll still find a very diverse landscape. On the way, pioneer-era ghost towns like Grafton and Silver Reef are sure to excite, and one of North Americas most significant dinosaur track sites at Johnson Farm is a must-see. More specifically, Google Maps says it typically takes between 1 hour 40 minutes, and 2 hours 20 minutes to drive from Las Vegas to St. George. If nothing else, take the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway through the park. See what the desert landscape looks like at its best. This is not the case at the Dinosaur Track Museum. The red exterior of the hotel matches up well with the natural surroundings with a spa, swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings. Translation: the stargazing is ridiculous. Want a room with a crazy view? Just a few weeks ago, Zion was officially designated an International Dark Sky Park, recognizing the absence of light pollution in the area. The Red Cliffs area is another stunner for red-rock scenery along your drive from Las Vegas to Zion. With so many attractions and so little time, you're probably wondering where to start. The Grand Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Natural Wonders of the World. The top stops along the way from Las Vegas to Laughlin (with short detours) are Bellagio Fountain, Fremont Street Experience, and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. With capacity growing at Las Vegas airport, baggage systems at Terminals 1 and 3 will be upgraded, according to Rep. Dina Titus, who helped secure the grant. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. Whichever way you look at it, you will be mostly driving from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon on the first day. Convenient shuttle service between Las Vegas, Nevada, St George, Utah, Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona. In the park, youll do some family-friendly hiking on the Emerald Pools and Riverside Walk hiking trails. Art Around the Corner is a fascinating collection of sculptures displayed throughout the city with a self-guided walking tour to check 'em all out. Quail Creek is a more secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water for an interesting visual. Dont miss the cemetery either! Other popular stops include Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam, and Valley of Fire State Park. Twice-weekly flights on the airlines Airbus A320 fleet will begin in June for Harry Reid International Airports seventh busiest commercial air carrier. Pizza and sandwiches (with house-made sourdough) keep the place busy during lunch. Dusty Frontier to Glitter Gulch. Note that, depending on the season, you may need to make a reservation for the scenic drive. I'll be flying into Las Vegas late Friday and renting a car. Park vegetation includes a wide variety of cacti and desert brushes. This scenic drive is at the top of the list of all scenic drives Ive been on and is really awe-inspiring. Located at the West entrance of Zion National Park, Springdale is a must-visit stop on your trip to Zion. Since Im not a really experienced hiker, I liked the easy and moderate trails. Heres how its spending your money, Parents know best: Rep. Burgess Owens wants to fund school choice at national level, 2023 Sterling Scholars semifinalists: Southwest Region. Make sure your camera is charged up, because youre bound to see wildlife. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. The Inn on the Cliff lives up to its name with a perch high atop the towering cliffs that frame the western edge of St. George. Stop by the visitor center to find out more about the park and put together a gameplan for your time there. Plus, booking alocal tour guidewill help you make the most of your vacation, whether its your first time visiting the Zion Region or your hundredth. On your way a few extra stops give the family a chance to chase the ghosts of dinosaurs and cowboys. See the link to the right for more info. Page provides incredible opportunities to visit the natural beauty of the desert southwest: Antelope Canyon with its unique Navajo Sandstone caused over years of flash floods that have created almost artwork with the erosion . With everything from intricate pottery to detailed paintings, there are so many different interpretations and representations of life in St George. The Venetian Resort - 5 Stars. The bus journey time between Las Vegas and St. George is around 1h 55m and covers a distance of around 118 miles. (or "Old Judd's") is the oldest business still actively operating in St. George. It doesn't matter they aren't true. Allegiant Airs parent company squeaked out a profit last year following a big jump in fuel costs and other increased expenses. Located in Zion National Park, this quick five-mile drive around the . If you leave St George at 4 , you would be at Zion by 5.There is a shuttle at Zion that takes about 1.5 hours to go from the visitor center to the end of the canyon and back.You will be very limited on time coming that late in the afternoon.You may want to skip a night at . Check-out the Virgin River Gorge Video below if youve never experienced the drive in person. Maybe you crave a drive to Boulder City to see the Hoover Dam, Lake Havasu to zip around on Jet Skis, or St. George to hike scenic . is like having a hotel inside Snow Canyon State Park, although technically, you're just outside the entrance. Numerous petroglyphs are visible at several locations, and most are within easy walking distance. (702) 397-2088 direct phone number to the park headquartersFlint Stephens, who lives in Highland, has a master's degree in communication from Brigham Young University. is the city's most identifiable landmark, an imposing white structure that contrasts sharply with the surrounding homes and businesses. There's also a labyrinth and performing arts center with a stage for small events. The, winter home of Mormon leader Brigham Young. However, the lobby bar at the Advenire (detached from, but actually part of the Wood, Ash, Rye restaurant) is easily the best cocktail bar in town with fun touches like house-made grenadine and ash-infused honey. Play around St. Georges Pioneer Park, with its very narrow and fun mini-slot that may hook your kids for life. A developer got the idea to sell homes in the area and most hide in plain sight with large lots and exteriors that blend into the environment. Each week, thousands of Utahns travel to or from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. Another small town that youll want to be sure to check out is the historic Pine Valley. The red sandstone formations are similar to those found in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. The next question on your mind must be, where can we eat? While in St George, youll find plenty of cafes, but the one place that stands out from the rest is the Painted Pony Restaurant. A three-day weekend is a perfect start in exploring the Wild West of Zion National Park and Southern Utah. Nebo Loop can be accessed by taking I-15 Exit 225 from Nephi, and traveling east on State Route 132. With everything from camping sights to watering holes, Snow Canyon is the perfect place to start your Utah adventure. The Wi-Fi is free. Show only these on map. Take our news quiz. With so much to see in one setting, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is one of the best activities to do when visiting St. George, Utah. If you feel like you're driving into the middle of nowhere, don't panic. St. George has a fair share of art galleries plus the, at the Pioneer Center for the Arts, a complex that's also home to the St. George Opera House. Up through the end of April is a great time to visit Valley of Fire. The trip to Zion from Vegas is a fairly easy drive of about 2.5 hours, if you drive straight through. This national park will have you exploring deep canyons, climbing tall mountains, and even exploring hidden caves. St. George Narrows (The Crack) This fun slot canyon is only a short walk from the parking lot and is well worth a stop. For those who want to hike and explore, there are several trails of varying length and difficulty. Wood.Ash.Rye is quickly becoming everyone's new favorite restaurant in town. If you do stay in Springdale, remember that the Springdale shuttle will take you into Zion so you can leave your car at your hotel. Scout's Lookout is less challenging, but provides plenty of great scenery as well. The Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum tells their story through interactive exhibits and intricate displays. It is a 45 minute drive from the park to Zion National Park and 20 minutes to St George. Quick moving drivers aside, try to take in the awesome scenery as you traverse this section of I-15; its worth it. Las Vegas offers plenty of convenient, road trip inspiration. . A quiet community of less than 90,000 people, St. George is best known for its proximity to the great outdoors, especially Zion National Park, but it's turning into a worthwhile destination in its own right. Information on hiking trails is available at the visitor center. Here are 5 must-see stops next time you find yourself driving through the Beehive State. Here, you can tour the old Territorial Statehouse, which is now a museum full of historical treasures about Utah and the pioneers. Or, stop by the Childrens Museum for some air conditioned exploration and discovery. Knowledgeable staff members are happy to share the details about these artifacts, so dont be afraid to ask questions. . Its a magical experience with the theater being outside and surrounded by 1500 foot tall natural red rock cliffs watching a popular performance like Beauty and the Beast, Annie or the Count of MonteCristo. While its still worth driving by to check out, be aware that the temple is in the middle of a major renovation project and closed until 2022. is a collection of shops, restaurants, and offices around a historic courtyard with an old brick jailhouse and sheriff's office. Bars affiliated with restaurants are usually fine as long as they have the. If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at, . Virgin River Gorge Drive on Interstate 15 Between Las Vegas and St George. St George and the surrounding area are pretty impressive with its natural wonders, colored with red rock and bright desert landscapes. The inside of Allegiant Stadium seen during the pregame of the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl, Las Vegas, Nevada, Dec. 17, 2022 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News. Cedar City is about two and a half hours north of Las Vegas. The park gets its name from red sandstone formations. With cozy hotels thatll make you feel right at home, restaurants serving up delicious meals, and a quaint small-town feel, staying in St George is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip! The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. 5. There are 2 casinos in Mesquite, and that is basically the ONLY thing between Vegas and St. George. If you have more time to kill before your flight, you may want to check out some of the hiking trails or even go horseback riding. The beauty of nature is often balanced by human creativity in St. George. 2023 DIVERGENT TRAVELERS | ADVENTURE TRAVEL BLOG, 20. Full description. During the summer, daytime highs usually top 100 degrees and can get as high as 120. Start your trip at the visitor center to learn about the park, watch the short film, and grab a map. It's a city that's both artsy and family-friendly. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. Utah is filled to the brim with unique landscapes that can only be found in the state. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. If youre looking to break away from the get there as fast as we can mentality, there are plenty of natural wonders and photo-worthy attractions just off the beaten path of I-15. Visiting Zion National Park is a given for any traveler creating an itinerary to St George, but there are tons of other museums and parks around the city that will have you scratching your head wondering what to do first. The current population of St George city is 75,561 . Want more Thrillist? Leg 3: Springdale/Zion National Park to Salt Lake City (via Highway 89) This leg of the road trip starts in Springdale, the western entrance to Zion National Park, and ends back in Salt Lake City. If you go in the morning or towards sunset, youll have the best chance to see some park wildlife like burros, sheep, deer, birds, and the desert tortoise. Utah is filled with many great historical locations that to this day can transport you back in time.