Located in the southwestern corner of Utah is the popular desert community of St. George. Originally settled in 1861 by Mormon pioneers to grow cotton due to the area’s warm weather, St. George became known as Utah’s Dixie. Warm weather may have opened the door to this region, golf course have replaced cotton fields and the abundance of scenic beauty, recreation and adventure has made St. George one of the fastest growing communities and vacation hot spots in the recent decades.

Easy to get to

Located on the Interstate-15 corridor in southwest Utah, 300 miles south of Salt Lake City, and 120 miles north of Las Vegas, St. George is ideally situated as a popular road trip destination for regional travelers and an ideal hub for tourists visiting the many nearby recreation areas, state and national parks.

Places to see

Within three hours of St. George are some of the world’s most iconic parks and recreation areas. Zion National Park (42 miles), Bryce Canyon (131 miles), Grand Canyon (147 miles) and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area/Lake Powell (151 miles).

Nearby Snow Canyon State Park (8 miles) offers trails, dunes and red sandstone cliffs. Sand Hollow State Park (18 miles) is a popular recreation spot for fishing, water sports, and OHV trails. Stately 19th-century buildings such as the Pioneer Courthouse, Tabernacle, and Brigham Young Winter Home dot downtown. The St. George Art Museum houses historical photos and work by regional artists. Favorite family stops include the St. George Children’s Museum and the Dinosaur Discovery at Johnson Farm that is described by many paleontologists as “one of the ten best dinosaur track sites in the world” and is one of the most important discoveries in early Jurassic paleontological history.

Other popular parks and recreation areas include Gunlock State Park (18 miles), Quail Creek State Park (13 miles), and Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and recreation area (14 miles).

Things to do

Often referred to as the other Palm Springs, St. George is dotted with world class spas and golf courses with scenery that will make keeping your eye on the ball more difficult than ever. Other things to do include hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, and Zip line adventures. Horseback riding, Off-road Jeep and ATV tours.

Annual events

St. George Ironman, quickly gaining the reputation of having one of the best venues and most scenic courses is held in May.

Places to eat

There’s no shortage of great places to get a good meal, here are a few local places worth checking out. The Bear Paw Café, popular for being the best breakfast place in town. Twenty-Five Main, popular for their cupcakes, great place for lunch. Painted Pony, fine dining with great atmosphere, contemporary art and style.

Places to stay

Red Mountain Resort & Spa, world class resort known for its outdoor adventures and hiking, healthy cuisine, fitness program and pampering spa treatments. Located near the main entrance to Snow Canyon State Park and surrounded by the area’s red bluffs and lava rock, Red Mountain is a destination in itself.