Taking occasional breaks from work is crucial for everyone as it provides a much-needed reset for our busy lives. To most people, the idea of a vacation conjures up mental pictures of the clear, cloudless sky, wide-open landscapes, and the sun’s warm glow on their skin. Guess what? We know just the place to see and do it all; St. George, Utah.
St. George is a city that welcomes visitors from all over the world. The destination offers something for everyone, including nature lovers, history buffs, and foodies. To help you plan your trip, we have compiled a list of activities that are sure to be highlights of your time in St. George:
- Stop by the Temple of St. George
The St. George Temple was the first temple erected by the LDS Church in Utah and the third worldwide. It was constructed in the latter part of the 19th century. The construction process started in 1871 and lasted until 1877.
The building’s design is characteristic of the early Mormon temples, with Gothic and Romanesque elements evident in its architecture. The structure commemorates the pioneers’ hope and hard work in bringing civilization to the arid landscape of southern Utah.
The St. George Temple is a place of worship. Therefore, visitors should respect the privacy of individuals there for religious services. Even if you cannot go inside the temple, it is still worth your time to admire its architectural splendor and educate yourself on its historical significance.
While the Temple has been closed since 2019 for renovations, it is expected to reopen later this year.
- Attend Live Shows
St. George is home to an active theater community, and Tuacahn Amphitheatre is one of the most popular performance venues in the city. The Tuacahn Amphitheater is known for its high-quality shows, and it has hosted a wide variety of productions over the years, including Broadway-style musicals, concerts, and other events. Anyone interested in live performances should check out this venue.
Tuacahn has something to offer everyone, whether they are interested in classic plays, modern musicals, or contemporary music. The performances are amazing, but the view is what really sets this place apart. Tuacahn Amphitheatre is known for its beautiful setting, surrounded by red rock cliffs.
- Hike The Narrows
Picture yourself making your way down a tiny ravine where the Virgin River winds its way between towering rocks on each side. The Narrows Trail in Zion National Park provides just that. Your hike can be as short or as long as you like. You can opt to hike only a small fraction of the trail’s 16 miles or go all the way. You will find more pristine landscapes as you travel further into the wilderness.
This is not a simple hike, though. Most of the time, you will be wading in water with potentially powerful currents. This means you cannot slack off on your planning. The rocky riverbeds will test your balance and footing, so be sure to bring along some walking sticks and canyoneering shoes.
- Visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site
One of the most impressive features of the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site is its collection of preserved dinosaur footprints. The preservation of these footprints makes it seem like you have traveled back in time to stroll with dinosaurs.
But there is more to this site than footprints. They have exhibits allowing visitors to learn about the behavior, ecology, and environment of the dinosaurs that inhabited this region. By the time you leave, you will have a completely different perspective on paleontology and the world of dinosaurs.
A guided tour is highly recommended to get the most out of your trip. The guides are extremely well-informed, and they will take you on a tour of the site while telling you intriguing anecdotes and providing background information on the dinosaur tracks and their significance. Be sure you do not leave without checking out the souvenir stand.
- Try Golf
St. George has over 20 golf courses, each with its own unique character. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, you will find a course that’s perfect for you. The city is surrounded by red rock canyons and mountains, which provide a stunning backdrop for a round of golf. This aesthetic treat elevates the game to a whole new level of fun.
Moreover, St. George has pleasant year-round temperatures for playing golf. Over 300 sunny days a year mean visitors may play anytime.
- Go to Pioneer Park
The Red Hills Desert Garden is one of Pioneer Park’s most popular attractions. Here, the adaptive capacity of desert ecosystems is displayed for curious tourists. You will also see many different kinds of desert vegetation as you go around the garden.
Adventure seekers will appreciate Pioneer Park for its many slot canyons that cut across the park’s sandstone cliffs. These confined passages offer hikers a thrilling and moderately difficult setting. Exploring these narrow valleys is a great way to learn about the geology and natural processes that have sculpted the area over millions of years.
The landmark Dixie Rock, often known as Sugarloaf, is another popular attraction in the park. It is a distinctive rock formation that offers stunning views of St. George and the surrounding area.
Conclusion
St. George is a wonderful holiday destination. The city has long been considered a must-see because of its abundance of parks, historical landmarks, natural beauty, and tranquil atmosphere. If you are considering visiting this tourist hotspot but are unsure what to do or see, we hope this list has helped you create a comprehensive itinerary.
Molly | Transatlantic Notes says
I definitely have not travelled enough around the US since moving here nearly ten years ago. St. George, Utah sounds like it would be great to visit so I will put it on my list of places I want to go to. Thanks for sharing!