Drink (yes, there's actually good booze in St. George), In recent years, Utah has loosened its grip on strict drinking laws. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Old Las Vegas began as a railroad town on the Western Frontier in the early 1900s. Mid-range Hotel: The Hampton Inn & Suites of St George is a great mid-range hotel in St George Utah that offers a great location near the natural beauties of Southwest Utah. This classic carousel has horses with sleighs, bright lights and the traditional carousel music playing for visitors to enjoy. 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. Hike, bike, e-bike, or even horseback ride your way through Snow Canyon State Park in St. George, Utah. The Grand Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Natural Wonders of the World. is like having a hotel inside Snow Canyon State Park, although technically, you're just outside the entrance. Before you do anything in or around St. George, you'll need a place to stay. Operated by Greyhound USA, the St. George to Las Vegas bus service departs from St George and arrives in Las Vegas. St. George has its share of golf courses and if you're in town to practice your putt, the Inn at Estrada has a private country club feel with condo-like suites and private parking garages. 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. This decision shortened the route on I-15 between Las Vegas and St. George, Utah by 12 miles of driving distance over the older and more treacherous U.S. Highway 91. Located at the West entrance of Zion National Park, Springdale is a must-visit stop on your trip to Zion. Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans chiseled their stories into the rock faces, and seeing them is like stepping back in time. One of the biggest pastimes visitors find themselves enjoying in Quail Creek State Park is casting a line and trying to see if they can catch a fish. Ask about the daily catch, flown in within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean. Reservations were introduced during the pandemic, but are no longer required. The distance between these places is around 70 to 80 miles or an hour and half driving time. The Kelso Depot and dunes are about 1.5 hours from Vegas.The museum/depot is definitely worth a stop. Its a great place for those who love to play hard but want to come back to a little relaxation and rejuvenation (a bit of luxury). is another reservoir, but more remote and best known for waterfalls that pass between rock formations. Valley of Fire gets its name from the fiery red rock formations. Noted as the most photographed ghost town in the west, Grafton still attracts tourists with its eerie facades and rustic charm. Complete with tumbleweeds blowing across the main street, Grafton Ghost Town is the place to go to witness some of the last remnants of the wild west. Places to Stay & Local Guides: St. George and Springdale both make excellent base camps for this family road trip, each with plenty of lodging and nearby camping to offer. One thing you wont want to miss is the downtown farmers market, which will put the culture of the town on full display. Taller kids may be able to comfortably accompany their parents a ways upThe Narrows. Discover this 24.2-mile point-to-point trail near St. George, Utah. You can also travel the byway from Payson by taking I-15 Exit 248. In addition, see some of the most beautiful places in the region, including Cedar Breaks National Monument and Kanarraville Canyon. The beauty of nature is often balanced by human creativity in St. George. St. George makes a nice little get-away from Sin City. Typically 11 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. Skip Vegas Californians. With more than 38 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of paved walking and biking trails, theres something here for all to see. Among some of the things to do in St George are hiking trails in Sand Hollows State Park and Pioneer Park, Brigham Young Winter House . What happened this week? The 2,000-seat venue gives the audience a unique opportunity to watch a show underneath the stars with the red rocks of Snow Canyon as a backdrop. It's hard to beat the new. Formerly a wine cellar, it now hosts stage productions by the St. George Musical Theater. Birding - Zion Park is home to 291 species of birds. The third floor is your best bet for liquor and libations. There are over 500petroglyphsthat date back 6,000 years,it isa unique and sacred site that will give you an inside look into the past of the Native American cultures that lived here. I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. 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. Everybody in St. George says the same thing: You gotta see a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. 11:42 am Mesquite. Bars affiliated with restaurants are usually fine as long as they have the. 37.0699343,-113.6275344, map. The museum and research center was built on the site of Johnson's Farm, where leveling work turned up footprints on sandstone blocks. It's hard to beat the new Advenire Hotel as the best overall option, especially if you want a perfect location in the heart of Downtown. Basically, park the car, throw up a tent and crash. Its just simply breathtaking located on the edges of Snow Canyon State Park just a few miles right from downtown St George. Just a few weeks ago, Zion was officially, designated an International Dark Sky Park. The annual event went virtual during the pandemic, but is expected to return to its full in-person format at Ancestor Square in 2022. There are plenty of great places to stay from luxury hotels, historical BnBs, and even a few great motels. A free shuttle bus travels between nine stops outside the park. No matter where you go, Utah-produced High West is almost always the whiskey of choice. Here, you can tour the old Territorial Statehouse, which is now a museum full of historical treasures about Utah and the pioneers. Its a perspective you can not get from the ground. Jaw-dropping canyons, snaking rivers, rusty red cliffs and scenic roads in every direction. So not only a good place to cool off, but also fantastic for photography. There are 2 casinos in Mesquite, and that is basically the ONLY thing between Vegas and St. George. This historical hiking trail stretches 2.5 miles long and dates back to 1871. What is that? 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. 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 . Tucked between Payson and Nephi is the Nebo Loop, which offers incredible views of the Wasatch Mountains, including the byways namesake, Mount Nebo. Either way, the amount in a shot is tightly controlled. In a refreshing change of pace, St. George isn't overwhelmed by chain restaurants, especially Downtown. The winter home of Mormon leader Brigham Young was preserved and converted into a free museum, offering a glimpse into 19th century life. Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. Bars affiliated with restaurants are usually fine as long as they have the option to provide food. Expect to see horse-drawn wagons, historic buildings and Native American jewelry. Hawaiis attorney general believes the proposed law, which seeks to reduce the flow of residents money to Las Vegas, could be found unconstitutional. The best part is that it'll only add a few minutes to your drive time since this area is right on the edge of St . 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. 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 . 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. is a fascinating collection of sculptures displayed throughout the city with a self-guided walking tour to check 'em all out. You might be tempted to book a hotel in Springdale, the small town just outside the main gates. Its one of those places where you can sit alone and read a book or bring the family to play around. 2023 DIVERGENT TRAVELERS | ADVENTURE TRAVEL BLOG, 20. The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. St. George Charter Bus Adventures. With everything from hiking trails to restaurants, youll be able to find what places best suit how you like to travel. Kolob Canyons, Southern Utah. With everything from camping sights to watering holes, Snow Canyon is the perfect place to start your Utah adventure. The park visitors center has a variety of exhibits. But because it's not as convenient and . I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. Up through the end of April is a great time to visit Valley of Fire. Note that, depending on the season, you may need to make a reservation for the scenic drive. Las Vegas offers plenty of convenient, road trip inspiration. They used those rocks to constructmany of the foundations in the houses around town, including the basement of St. George Temple. 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. 15 Best Free Things to Do in Las Vegas, NV. It was sold and turned into a full-fledged restaurant with art galleries popping up around it. Want a room with a crazy view? The surrounding desert is popular for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. The surrounding desert is popular for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. 276 mi. Georgia has discipline problem that calls for action from Kirby Smart. Parts of the drive are spectacularly beautiful and other parts not so much. As one of the state's most famous outdoor playgrounds, St. George contains an variety of opportunities for . Ride in a specially-equipped buggy through the Nevada desert during this adrenaline-fueled activity departing from Las Vegas. Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon Day 1. Ancient petroglyphs can be seen at several different locations throughout the park. The donuts, tarts, croissants, and cookies are some of the best (and most Instagram-worthy) you'll ever sample. By continuing to browse or by clicking I Accept Cookies you agree to the storing of first-party and third-party cookies on your device and consent to the disclosure of your personal information to our third party service providers or advertising partners to optimize your experience, analyze traffic and personalize content. While its a little outside of your route to Zion, its so close to Las Vegas and definitely worth a stop. During the summer, daytime highs usually top 100 degrees and can get as high as 120. Peter Kunasz / Shutterstock. If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at, . . The Broadway in the Desert series is the big draw, featuring favorites like Disney's Beauty & The Beast, Annie, and The Count of Monte Cristo this year. Unusually high precipitation levels this winter could result in some spectacular displays of springtime wildflowers like desert marigold, indigo and desert mallow. Here are 5 must-see stops next time you find yourself driving through the Beehive State. 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. Dont let the fact that its a state park fool you. Construction finished in 1973 at a cost of over one million dollars per mile. and leave at 2:30 pm. It's raw, majestic, inspiring and yet peaceful. There is one place, however, where you can play in the dunes and explore the sands. See for yourself with a visit to Station II, an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. 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. They are a full-service shuttle company that wants to make sure your travel needs are taken care of. Quick moving drivers aside, try to take in the awesome scenery as you traverse this section of I-15; its worth it. With 40,000 acres of Aztec sandstone, petrified trees, and ancient petroglyphs, theres a lot to explore here. The. And it's a great road trip. St George's affection for art and nature is reflected in Kayenta, an isolated community in the desertscapes northwest of the city. St. George is just a couple miles North of the Arizona and Nevada border in the very South Western corner of Utah. and leave at 4:34 pm. If you feel like you're driving into the middle of nowhere, don't panic. But don't be afraid to try something unfamiliarlike a kouign-amann, a buttery French cake with a sweet, crunchy, brittle-like exterior. It's near Fire Lake Park at Ivins Reservoir, which is becoming a busy attraction for swimming. Read theseresourcesto learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Utah most fully on your journey. drive for about 42 minutes. But more often than not, everybody seems to be on the same page. Whichever way you look at it, you will be mostly driving from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon on the first day. For us, that was Leeds. We are active couple with teenager son. The red exterior of the hotel matches up well with the natural surroundings with a spa, swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings. Here are a few suggested places to stay in Las Vegas before and after your national parks road trip from Las Vegas. St. George Shuttle offers rides between Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport and stops at the Eureka Casino. You could do a detour to Valley of Fire state park outside Vegas near Moapa.. Recent Articles. Full description. Location: Valley of Fire State Park. 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. When driving from Las Vegas, stop at Yardley's, a truck stop that serves steakburgers from local cattle. Enjoy the amazing sights of Las Vegas, St George, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park at your leisure with one of these shuttle transfer options. 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. Hikers can spot tracks in Warner Valley or the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site. This is also one of the best places to take in a view over St George. 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. Please Note: Price . . On the west side of Las Vegas, 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and 10 minutes from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the JW Marriott Resort and Spa is another inviting property offering an escape from the typical Las Vegas scene. This and the Rainbow Vista Trail were our favorite spots. It's a lively social spot where the contemporary cuisine often comes with a Southern touch and killer craft cocktails. is a scenic collection of red sandstone hills, canyons, petrified sand dunes, and a dormant volcano that's a popular rock climbing spot. From Harry Reid International Airport, get on I-15 North to Exit 75 and Valley of Fire Highway. 20. Play around St. Georges Pioneer Park, with its very narrow and fun mini-slot that may hook your kids for life. With all this historical context, your family will connect with Utah on a journey into the non-technical Kanarraville slot canyon that much more. Seclusion is part of the charm. Driving from Vegas to Salt Lake is relatively simple. Snow Canyon State Park partners with several hiking and biking vendors so youll be covered with rental equipment, including the popular e-bikes, to make your trip fantastic. Take the stress out of traveling and book your transfer between Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon National Park in advance. 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? It's a two-hour drive from Las Vegas to St. George, or four hours from Salt Lake City. Theres nothing like an 18-wheeler so close to your bumper that you cant see their headlights! No two rooms look the same and movie theater-style popcorn is served between sips of whatever you're drinking. 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. The water, as pictured above, really is that beautiful teal color. Virgin River Gorge Drive on Interstate 15 Between Las Vegas and St George. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat. The. Showcasing local art from various cultures, the St George City Art Museum will deepen your appreciation for all the different people and landscapes of Utah. Before you do anything in or around St. George, you'll need a place to stay. Sandstone domes and contrasting colors create scenic panoramas throughout the park. 10. Hikers can spot tracks in, , but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the. Answer 1 of 13: Please suggest itinerary for about 5 days, arriving to Las Vegas, driving to St. George. Utah does not lack rocky desert and barren mountains, but if youre looking to cool off or spend a relaxing day by the water, make sure to check out Quail Creek State Park. No two rooms look the same and movie theater-style popcorn is served between sips of whatever you're drinking. Smoked Old Fashioneds are the specialty, but don't hesitate to pick the brain of your bartender. Operated by Greyhound USA, the Las Vegas to St. George bus service departs from Las Vegas and arrives in St George. driving 2.5 hours. For the first time, Las Vegas will host . To break up the short drive, we set out to find interesting things to see and do between Las Vegas and Zion.