Top Attractions for First-Timers
With so many incredible things to see and do in St George, narrowing down the attractions for first-timers can be tough. But after much deliberation, here are my top recommendations to make the most of your St George vacation:
Zion National Park
Simply put, no trip to St George is complete without a visit to the crown jewel of Southern Utah’s national parks – Zion. Marvel at the towering red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, and immerse yourself in the lush green valleys carved out by the Virgin River. Don’t miss iconic attractions like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and the Emerald Pools. And be sure to hop on the park’s shuttle system to avoid traffic and parking headaches. Just sit back and take in the stellar canyon views!
Bryce Canyon National Park
Located about 90 minutes northeast of St George, Bryce Canyon National Park awes visitors with its whimsical hoodoos – irregular columns of rock delicately formed by erosion over millions of years. Witness the magic of sunrise or sunset over the hoodoos from Sunrise and Sunset Points. Journey down into the amphitheaters on scenic rim trails and be dwarfed by the sheer size of it all. Bryce Canyon is truly a magical landscape like no other.
Snow Canyon State Park
Just a short 15-minute drive northwest of St George, Snow Canyon State Park offers stunning scenery minus the crowds of the national parks. Take a hike up majestic red rock formations and keep your eyes peeled for petroglyphs left behind by Native Americans. Or bring your mountain bike and cruise the park’s extensive trail system. With its close proximity to town, Snow Canyon is a can’t-miss St George attraction.
Sand Hollow State Park
What’s a trip to the desert without a visit to a sparkling oasis? Located about 15 miles from St George, Sand Hollow State Park beckons water lovers with its massive reservoir encircled by red sandstone. Bring your own boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard and enjoy a day on the water. Or simply relax on the beach and take a dip to cool off from the St George heat. However you choose to enjoy it, Sand Hollow is a refreshing change of pace.
Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
For a raw look at St George’s diverse Mojave Desert landscape, spend a day exploring the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. With over 44,000 acres of protected public land, you’ll find miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-roading. The 20-mile paved trail is ideal for a scenic bike ride or leisurely stroll. And the Cottonwood Canyon Road Jeep Trail provides stunning canyon views. Whether on foot, bike, or 4×4, a visit to the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve allows you to immerse yourself in quintessential St George terrain.
St George Temple Visitors’ Center
Even if you’re not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faith, the St George Temple is worth a visit for its historical and architectural significance. Take a free 30-minute tour to admire the intricate pioneer craftsmanship and learn about the sacrifices made by early settlers. Beautiful grounds surround the temple and are open to all. Don’t miss this important and iconic St George site.
How to Get Around St George
Now that you know the top places to experience, let’s talk logistics. St George and the surrounding national parks span a large area, so you’ll need to plan ahead for transportation. Here are your options for getting around St George:
Light Rail
St George has a public light rail system that can take you to and from downtown St George. It’s affordable, efficient, and stops at many popular hotels. However, its route is limited, so it likely won’t take you directly to any national parks or state parks. The light rail is best for short trips within St George proper.
Taxis and Rideshares
You can certainly hail a Lyft or Uber to get around St George. But this option can get pricey, especially for longer trips out to places like Zion and Bryce Canyon. And you’d need multiple vehicles if traveling with a larger group. While doable, rideshares are most practical for quick trips downtown or to the airport.
Charter Buses
For ultimate convenience, comfort, and cost-effectiveness, I highly recommend booking a charter bus for your St George travels. Charter buses allow you to travel directly from St George or nearby airports to all the national and state parks on your wish list. No need for multiple vehicles or complicated logistics. Charter buses offer amenities like reclining seats, climate control, onboard restrooms, TVs, and WiFi – making even long road trips to Bryce Canyon enjoyable. And our team handle navigation and parking so you can just relax and take in the views. Whether you need transportation for a day-trip or an entire week, charter buses are the best way to experience St George’s natural wonders hassle-free. You can customize your itinerary and stops – simply hop on the bus and leave the driving to the pros!
Ready to Get Started?
I hope this guide has helped you start planning your amazing St George travels! With so much natural beauty and adventure, St George is an incredible destination for first-timers and seasoned visitors alike. The next step? Call Charter Buses St George at 385-955-4329 to book your charter bus and discuss customizing the perfect itinerary. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide a free, no-obligation quote. Let us handle the transportation details so you can focus on creating lifelong memories. We can’t wait to help you experience the magic of St George!