When Travis and I sit down each year to create our travel bucket lists, we aim for places that we can call home for a week or two. It’s the kind of places where there are endless adventures to be had and after having a peek at St. George, Utah, there’s no shortage of reasons for why this Southwestern city is at the top of our list.
St. George, Utah may have the best address in southern Utah. On the border of Arizona and footsteps from incredible state parks and home to the famed Zion National Park, I can see why travelers are retreating to St. George for their outdoor adventures. It’s the kind of place to base yourself not only for access to incredible destinations but because the city itself has a ton on offer. Even in the midst of winter, the mild temperatures make for the perfect escape for a late fall or winter adventure.
Take a peek at five incredible places to visit from St. George, Utah.
Five Incredible Places to Visit from St. George, Utah
Zion National Park
St. George, Utah area is home to one of the most famous national parks in the US — Zion National Park. If you haven’t seen the iconic photos of the Narrows, have a peek. Climbers and hikers come from all around the world to see the beauty of Zion and better yet, experience it firsthand.
With easy access to the park, you can return back to the city of St. George for a restful night and with plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Snow Canyon State Park
Only 20 minutes from the downtown area, Snow Canyon State Park has one of the most dramatic landscapes. Ranging from arches to red rock and sand dunes, this easy-to-access park makes for the perfect place to explore for a day. There is over 38 miles of hiking trails here, which means you won’t run out of options.
Quail Creek State Park
Located on a reservoir, this mostly hidden gem of a state park is the perfect year-round escape. If you’re into fishing, Quail Creek State Park is the place to visit. From swimming to lakeside picnics, it’s the perfect place for the family.
Sand Hollow State Park
I’ve seen photos from here before, and every time, I marvel at the red sand dunes with the Sand Hollow State Park reservoir in the distance. It’s the kind of place where you can venture on land and then cool off in the warm waters. Better yet, the warmer temperatures here means year-round escapes, even in the midst of winter.
Gunlock State Park
A smaller yet equally stunning state park, Gunlock is only 15 miles from St. George. Known for swimming, boating, and fishing, the reservoir here provides year-round adventures.
[This post is created in collaboration with Visit St. George and Travel Mindset]
*All photos compliments of Visit St. George.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
