St. George

Sunny desert city of red cliffs, golf and Zion day trips

Photo: Ken Lund · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Pioneers sent to grow cotton founded St. George in 1861, giving the region its nickname, Dixie. Today it is one of Utah’s fastest-growing cities, with mild winters, golf, and parks like Snow Canyon and Sand Hollow minutes from downtown.

For about 15 years the area hosted Ironman triathlons, including world championships in 2021 and 2022. Ironman-branded racing there ended after the May 2025 70.3; Ironman plans a new 70.3 Utah in Utah County from 2027.

See and do

Snow Canyon State ParkRed and white sandstone, lava tubes and sand dunes just north of town.
Sand Hollow State ParkA warm reservoir with red-rock shorelines and off-road dunes.
St. George TempleCompleted in 1877, the oldest operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ; the visitors’ center and grounds are open to all.
Brigham Young Winter HomeThe pioneer leader’s restored winter house downtown.
Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson FarmA museum built over hundreds of dinosaur tracks.
Tuacahn AmphitheatreOutdoor Broadway-style musicals in a red-rock canyon in Ivins.

Eat and drink

Swig’s first shopThe dirty-soda chain began in St. George in 2010.
Ancestor SquareThe historic downtown block with restaurants, patios and evening strolls.
Tex-Mex and taqueriasSouthern Utah does Mexican food well; look for family-run spots.

Through the year

St. George MarathonEarly October: a fast, mostly downhill course through red-rock country into town.
Huntsman World Senior GamesOctober: athletes 50 and older compete in dozens of sports.

Day trips from St. George

Zion National ParkAbout an hour east via Springdale.
Red Cliffs National Conservation AreaTrails and slot canyons just north of town.
Cedar CityAbout 45 minutes north.