It's certainly a lot cleaner than the real Venice. Operated by Greyhound USA, the Las Vegas to St. George bus service departs from Las Vegas and arrives in St George. Like us on Facebook. Theres nothing like an 18-wheeler so close to your bumper that you cant see their headlights! Don't miss the big stories. The trip to Zion from Vegas is a fairly easy drive of about 2.5 hours, if you drive straight through. Kolob Canyons, Southern Utah. However, many visitors will prefer to stay in St. George or Springdale (which is right outside the national park) for a night or two so as to take full advantage of the day trip without feeling . Bullionville Cemetery Trail. . Free Wifi, USB charging ports and more! Stop by the visitor center to find out more about the park and put together a gameplan for your time there. 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. Smoked Old Fashioneds are the specialty, but don't hesitate to pick the brain of your bartender. 37.0699343,-113.6275344, map. The annual event went virtual during the pandemic, but is expected to return to its full in-person format at Ancestor Square in 2022. Ghost towns are very common throughout California but Calico, between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, is more than a ghost town. This historical old fashioned general store looks to be plucked right out of an old western. The museum and research center was built on the site of Johnson's Farm, where leveling work turned up footprints on sandstone blocks. The story of St. George is much like other Utah cities. Knowledgeable staff members are happy to share the details about these artifacts, so dont be afraid to ask questions. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Answer 1 of 13: Please suggest itinerary for about 5 days, arriving to Las Vegas, driving to St. George. No matter where you go, Utah-produced High West is almost always the whiskey of choice. 14 Best Hotels for Kids in Las Vegas, NV. From helpful tips from the Fremont Street Experience team, to hotel deals, special events and concert announcements, and all-around being a great source of curated content, touristy how-to's, local Vegas must-do's, and hope you don't forget-to's! You can also check out the Sears Art Museum on the campus of Dixie State University, featuring a rotating lineup of six exhibits each year. Fillmore City was named after Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, and was once the territorial capital of Utah. It dates all the way back to the early 1900s and played a vital role in the early days of Dixie (St George). The, (or "Bowl") trailhead is named after a strange, sunken hole at the top of a sandstone formation. St. George makes a nice little get-away from Sin City. This is not the case at the Dinosaur Track Museum. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. Its just simply breathtaking located on the edges of Snow Canyon State Park just a few miles right from downtown St George. Designed in the Googie architecture style that was popular in the 1940s and 1950s, its a cool throwback to early Vegas. Explore Ancestor Square and the rest of historic Downtown, St. George's Downtown district is an engaging mix of architecture, art, parks, and independent storefronts. 'Rolling Stone' named this excursion as Vegas' Best Near-Death Experience. Convenient shuttle service between Las Vegas, Nevada, St George, Utah, Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona. No two rooms look the same and movie theater-style popcorn is served between sips of whatever you're drinking. But don't be afraid to try something unfamiliarlike a kouign-amann, a buttery French cake with a sweet, crunchy, brittle-like exterior. The Grand Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Natural Wonders of the World. Even though Sand Hollow State Park is technically in the desert, youll still find a very diverse landscape. Dhuring the late 1870s and early 1880s, the height of the town's silver boom, Silver Reef was the most populous place in southern Utah. The St. George Utah Temple is the city's most identifiable landmark, an imposing white structure that contrasts sharply with the surrounding homes and businesses. Its just missing Jim Hardie and a few tied up horses outside. With those road-stop suggestions out of the way, here's what to do in St. George after you arrive. Or, stop by the Childrens Museum for some air conditioned exploration and discovery. There's also a labyrinth and performing arts center with a stage for small events. Hikers can spot tracks in, , but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. Want a room with a crazy view? Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Bird checklists are available at the visitor centers! St George is a great place to both live and is known for its retirement communities. Gunlock is another reservoir, but more remote and best known for waterfalls that pass between rock formations. Kind of reminds me of a typical off-strip locals casino (Such at Southpoint or Eastside Cannery). It is like a mini amusement park showcasing the history from 1881. . Operated by Greyhound USA, the St. George to Las Vegas bus service departs from St George and arrives in Las Vegas. They are a full-service shuttle company that wants to make sure your travel needs are taken care of. Visit here or call 1-435-679-8665 for more information. I was thinking about one night in Vegas and after it St. George to see Zion, Snow Canyon. The tricky part of this drive for me was the speed at which other drivers were flying down the canyon road. Follow him on Twitter, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Park vegetation includes a wide variety of cacti and desert brushes. You could hike down a trail to view some of the wonderful flora of the desert, but St Georges Red Hill Desert Garden brings over 5,000 different species to one place. We suggest spending some at Pioneer Park Either at the beginning of the day or at the end of the day to avoid the high sun and intense heat. As you drive, keep on the lookout for Zion National Park. Here are a few suggested places to stay in Las Vegas before and after your national parks road trip from Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural wonders of the United States and it's relatively easy to get to if you're starting out in St. George. Copyright 2019 Las Vegas Review-Journal, Inc. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service, By ANDREW JAMES REVIEWJOURNAL.COM CONTRIBUTOR, Kolob Canyons Utah (Courtesy Frank Kovalchek/flickr), Parowan Gap Utah (Courtesy Glenn Merritt/flickr), Fillmore Territorial Statehouse Utah (Courtesy), Devils Kitchen Nebo Loop Utah (Courtesy Rick Willoughby/flickr), You can tell they love football: Raiders make big impression on young QB, Wahlbergs $14.5M bungalow leads 2022 new home luxury, Raiders, Aces stars to tie the knot in Las Vegas this weekend, Desert Monkey King artist comes forward, Strip land values push higher after plunging in recession, Hang on or stay inside! 11:00 am start in Saint George. The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. Coming from Salt Lake City? 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. In addition to arches, rock formations in the park include beehives pockmarked sandstone caused by centuries of erosion from wind and water. 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. The Valley of Fire is located 55 miles northeast of Vegas and can be accessed from I-15 at Exit 75. Pilot, aviation consultant say the busiest airline at Harry Reid International Airport ignored technological updates for too long and suffered the consequences. 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. 2. 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. Start: Drive roughly two hours northeast on I-15 from Las Vegas to St. George. Scout's Lookout is less challenging, but provides plenty of great scenery as well. Full description. Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon Day 1. Book a room at the. Typically 11 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. The donuts, tarts, croissants, and cookies are some of the best (and most Instagram-worthy) you'll ever sample. 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. Some rooms have balconies, some have tall arched ceilings. The world-famous Las Vegas Strip is the central artery of Sin City, the main line to many of the best sights, gambling, food and fun. Its much smaller than I thought it would be but it was still really fun to grab a few pictures there. A geological wonder made with wind and water over 180 million years ago, the results are stunning. With trails rated easy to difficult, youll surely be able to find a trail that suits you. I have family in St. George, UT and have made that trip a few times. But don't be afraid to try something unfamiliarlike a kouign-amann, a buttery French cake with a sweet, crunchy, brittle-like exterior. 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. It doesn't matter they aren't true. And since the temperatures do get HOT as you get into summer in St. George, you are going to want to get in the water. When most people think of a desert, what comes to mind is rocks and sand. Everything is for sale. 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. See for yourself with a visit to. There are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas. 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. Hours of Driving: 7+ hours of driving, including the commute to and from Las Vegas. Up through the end of April is a great time to visit Valley of Fire. We suggest for those looking for a good campsite or RV park to check out St George RV Park or the Snow Canyon Campground. Some rooms have balconies, some have tall arched ceilings. Weve visited nearly 100 countries on all 7 continents. Moe's Valley Bouldering. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. 37.8042924,-114.4091474, map. If you prefer to be even closer to nature than you already are, Red Mountain Resort is like having a hotel inside Snow Canyon State Park, although technically, you're just outside the entrance. may be the best place to see a wide variety of art in one place. 2. 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. 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. So not only a good place to cool off, but also fantastic for photography. Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino - 4 Stars. Biking paths connect to the Anasazi trailhead, where petroglyphs are easy to spot. Water Canyon has shaded water features and views of Zion National Park from Canaan Mountain. Formerly a wine cellar, it now hosts stage productions by the, on the campus of Dixie State University, featuring a rotating lineup of six exhibits each year. The top stops along the way from St. George to Las Vegas (with short detours) are Bellagio Fountain, Fremont Street Experience, and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Its an unexpected treat to find this outdoor paradise so close to the bright lights of Las Vegas! Nebo Loop can be accessed by taking I-15 Exit 225 from Nephi, and traveling east on State Route 132. The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. 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. Located at the West entrance of Zion National Park, Springdale is a must-visit stop on your trip to Zion. While talking to locals, we were told that the park is pretty low-key all the time for some reason, its not on peoples radar. The surrounding desert is popular for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. Zion National Park. During the summer, daytime highs usually top 100 degrees and can get as high as 120. Check out rare finds like swimming dinosaur tracks, imprints of scaly dinosaur skin, and natural 3D cast fossils, formed when rising water levels and sediment filled the tracks. Although called Snow Canyon, Snow Canyon State Park is a place to explore all the beauty of the desert. Ride in a specially-equipped buggy through the Nevada desert during this adrenaline-fueled activity departing from Las Vegas. Located less than 10 minutes from Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International Airport), the sign is a must-see for anyone that wants a few kitschy vacation pics from Las Vegas. Just one or two days are not enough to do Zion National Park justice, though. 111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, NV 89042, map. Feeling like I discovered one of the best kept secrets of southern Utah, I meandered the trails and took in the beauty of the towering red rocks. With so many attractions and so little time, you're probably wondering where to start. Excellent examples of prehistoric rock art are among the parks notable attractions. If you're planning your trip to accommodatedisabilities,there's plenty of optionsto safely see and enjoy the beauty of Utah. And not just because of the Cracker Barrel just off the interstate that I always make my . is a scenic collection of red sandstone hills, canyons, petrified sand dunes, and a dormant volcano that's a popular rock climbing spot. Historical B&Bs: St George hasmanyhistorical B&B but one of our favorites that keeps getting many awards is The Mulberry Inn. Depending on the license, some bars are required to serve food with alcohol, which is why St. George's favorite dive bar, , has bags of potato chips on standby with each drink. I found this gem completely by accident during my last trip back to Salt Lake. The airport, which handled a record number of passengers last year, says it is reducing its tram service for several weeks. 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 . But the St. George Art Festival may be the best place to see a wide variety of art in one place. stay for about 1 hour. Little do they know that Utahs desert is actually teeming with life. The taxidermy is tastefully done offering an opportunity to see animals up close. If you arent staying nearby, dont worry, theres plenty of parking. To save time, from St. George I would suggest taking Utah 59 through Hillsdale and AZ 389 to Fredonia, not Utah Highway 9 through Springdale and Zion National Park. St George, Utah is a unique place surrounded by towering red rock mountains and from the moment you enter this historic town your eyes will be on the large white letters painted on the side of one of those cliffs. 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. No longer do you have to dodge traffic and stand in the median to grab a photo. Its about a two hour drive to St George. . A pair of rooftop decks with large hot tubs more than make up for the absence of a swimming pool. 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. Sandstone domes and contrasting colors create scenic panoramas throughout the park. However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. Recent Articles. 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran. In spite of its accessibility, most Utahns are unaware of its existence unless they happen to notice the sign marking the turnoff while driving past it. About 200 million years before Utah was even Utah, the region was a hotbed for dinosaurs. Las Vegas offers plenty of convenient, road trip inspiration. Although small, lovers of all things growing will have their minds blown with the numerous cacti and other plants in the garden. 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. and leave at 2:30 pm. 1. Learn about the worlds wildlife, how we need to protect them, stories and much more about each and everyanimal on display. 6. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. 1:30 pm Valley of Fire State Park. 20. In a refreshing change of pace, St. George isn't overwhelmed by chain restaurants, especially Downtown. St. George is located in southern Utah. If youve never driven this stretch of blacktop, youre in for a wonderful experience. The donuts, tarts, croissants, and cookies are some of the best (and most Instagram-worthy) you'll ever sample. Since its so close, we stopped right as we made our way out of the airport. The gougres (savory cheese-filled pasties) and salmon rillettes will keep you full while exploring historic sites like the. Smoked Old Fashioneds are the specialty, but don't hesitate to pick the brain of your bartender. Location: Valley of Fire State 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. is a collection of shops, restaurants, and offices around a historic courtyard with an old brick jailhouse and sheriff's office. A free shuttle bus travels between nine stops outside the park. A mining town, Silver Reef was the first sandstone location to hold silver and was named for the lode of it that was discovered there. The menu changes frequently with a focus on fresh ingredients and grass-fed beef, but the jalapeno-carrot soup is a staple that will never go away. The drive is about two and a half hours so you'll want to start your day early and plan on spending the night near the park. In the park, start with the Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk hiking trails. Staying at one of the nearby resorts, our trek to Snow Canyon couldnt have been simpler: A walk out the back door to the paved trail led us directly into the park. Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino - 4 Stars. 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). A vintage gasoline pump remains out front. Andrew James is the founder and managing editor of 24saltlake.com, a news and local events website in Utah. Everyone will love kicking off their road trip by clambering all over the layers of red and white sandstone and ashen cinder cones in Snow Canyon, or playing in the sand of Sand Hollow State Park whether on the beach, or on an ATV. TheTuacahnAmphitheater is unlike anywhere else in America and should be on anyones things to do in St George list. These extinct beasts are no stranger to St George, but many scientists simply dig up the bones and distribute them throughout the country. Either way, the amount in a shot is tightly controlled. 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. End: Cedar Breaks National Monument, just outside Cedar City. Georgia has discipline problem that calls for action from Kirby Smart. The distance between these places is around 70 to 80 miles or an hour and half driving time. Youll see one of Utahs best areas from a new perspective, slowly moving through the air and hundreds of feet up above that red rocky landscape that goes for miles. You might be tempted to book a hotel in Springdale, the small town just outside the main gates. has long been the standard for fine dining with wood decor, Southwestern art, and a second-floor perch in Ancestor Square that feels a bit like the world's coolest treehouse. Named after early Utah leaders, this park is full of high mesas, rocky deserts, and wildlife scurrying from bush to bush. We are active couple with teenager son. Hawaiis attorney general believes the proposed law, which seeks to reduce the flow of residents money to Las Vegas, could be found unconstitutional. The Downtown Insider. 15 Best Free Things to Do in Las Vegas, NV. Featuring up-scale decor that embodies the local culture of St George, eating at the Painted Pony is an experience in itself. For more hikes that may be suitable for your family, check with a ranger at the visitor center. The Wi-Fi is free. The surrounding desert is popular for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. The stunning natural beauty speaks for itself. SJ specializes in writing about travel, food, and wine.