You might be tempted to book a hotel in Springdale, the small town just outside the main gates. This popular museum is home to many great historical aircraft and aviation equipment that you see right up close. Las Vegas pool parties are the place to beat the heat, and Mandalay Bay Beach is perfect for all agesand even open to non-hotel guests with paid admission. So get there before everybody else does. The, winter home of Mormon leader Brigham Young. The, (or "Bowl") trailhead is named after a strange, sunken hole at the top of a sandstone formation. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. Learn about the worlds wildlife, how we need to protect them, stories and much more about each and everyanimal on display. The stunning natural beauty speaks for itself. If you arent staying nearby, dont worry, theres plenty of parking. Hawaiis attorney general believes the proposed law, which seeks to reduce the flow of residents money to Las Vegas, could be found unconstitutional. Utah is filled to the brim with unique landscapes that can only be found in the state. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. A free shuttle bus travels between nine stops outside the park. Boaters seem to have more breathing room here than at Sand Hollow despite less overall water acreage. 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. Convenient shuttle service between Las Vegas, Nevada, St George, Utah, Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona. Bars affiliated with restaurants are usually fine as long as they have the. Horseback Riding - Experience one-of-a-kind guided horseback trips throughout the canyon, available March through October. You'll get to drive through the park and have the opportunity to take side trips that take you to some of the most unique landscapes in the world. Detour to The Creamery for farm-fresh ice cream. Open year-round, there is a variety of things to see and do in the park, with the most popular being the hiking trails. Budget Hotel: If you looking for somewhere good to stay in St George that is light on yourbank accountwe suggest the Best Western Coral Hills. The amphitheater is also a great concert venue with the likes of Martina McBride, Kansas, and Kristin Chenoweth scheduled in the months ahead. With so many attractions and so little time, you're probably wondering where to start. A vintage gasoline pump remains out front. Learn about Utah's extensive history of dinosaurs, About 200 million years before Utah was even Utah, the region was a hotbed for dinosaurs. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Where is St. George? 12 Best Small Towns in Michigan. The best part is that it'll only add a few minutes to your drive time since this area is right on the edge of St . Hikers can spot tracks in, , but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the. This is also one of the best places to take in a view over St George. Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. 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. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. This family-friendly road trip pairs a big helping of adventure with new discoveries in Southern Utahs frontier for a weekend you and the kids wont soon forget. Ride a gondola at the Venetian. The oldest and largest state park in Nevada, this place is awesome! 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. 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. But it is also located just 90 miles from St. George. stay for about 1 hour. There are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas. (702) 397-2088 direct phone number to the park headquartersFlint Stephens, who lives in Highland, has a master's degree in communication from Brigham Young University. And from Fredonia, go to Kanab and pick US 89 there to Page, instead of continuing on US . Its an unexpected treat to find this outdoor paradise so close to the bright lights of Las Vegas! There are 2,000 foot cliff walls and narrow canyons cutting into the Colorado Plateau. It dates all the way back to the early 1900s and played a vital role in the early days of Dixie (St George). Discover more family-friendly ways to experience theZion Region with this itinerary of local favorites. 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. If you venture out on the trails, make sure to take plenty of water. SJ specializes in writing about travel, food, and wine. Virgin River Gorge Drive on Interstate 15 Between Las Vegas and St George. The average travel time between St. George and Las Vegas is around 2h 10m, although the fastest bus will take about 2h.This is the time it takes to travel the 107 miles that separates the two cities. Kolob Canyons, Southern Utah. The third floor is your best bet for liquor and libations. Hours of Driving:7+ hours of driving, including the commute to and from Las Vegas. If you boulder, this is by far the best thing to do in St George. Here are 5 must-see stops next time you find yourself driving through the "Beehive State". The course of the Virgin River was re-channeled twelve different times during construction of the Gorge road. is relatively easy to reach with a hike near the Virgin River. Popular activities at Mojave National Preserve include camping, off-roading, wildlife spotting, horseback riding, hunting and hiking. "The Subway" (or Left Fork) is a uniquely curved slot canyon for experienced hikers. 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. has been writing about Las Vegas in Thrillist for more than seven years. Before you do anything in or around St. George, you'll need a place to stay. Everything is for sale. Address: 345 E Riverside Dr, St. George, UT 84790, United States. With all this historical context, your family will connect with Utah on a journey into the non-technical Kanarraville slot canyon that much more. It's a lively social spot where the contemporary cuisine often comes with a Southern touch and killer craft cocktails. St George has been occupied by everyone from dinosaurs to pioneers; therefore, you can expect the town to have a rich history! Water crisis in West isn't over: Can't we just move water from the East? . 19. There are large boulders for you to climb, hills to summit, trails for you to hike, and also plenty of canyons to squeeze through. is a more secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water for an interesting visual. 4. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Visiting Zion National Park is a given for any traveler creating an itinerary to St George, but there are tons of other museums and parks around the city that will have you scratching your head wondering what to do first. A gorgeous, albeit somewhat white-knuckle drive for this apprehensive driver, the scenic Virgin River Gorge is something to behold. It doesn't matter they aren't true. It is conveniently located between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Showcasing local art from various cultures, the St George City Art Museum will deepen your appreciation for all the different people and landscapes of Utah. Our flight arrived in Vegas in the early morning so there were only a couple of people out and about when we stopped. Luxury Hotel: The Inn atEntradais one of the best luxury hotels located in St George Utah. However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. 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. Ancient petroglyphs can be seen at several different locations throughout the park. The distance between Las Vegas to Zion National Park's south entrance (the closest entrance from Las Vegas drivers) is approximately 165 miles. Its much smaller than I thought it would be but it was still really fun to grab a few pictures there. It's hard to beat the new. See something you like? Re: Vegas To St. George and back, things to see along the way. The red exterior of the hotel matches up well with the natural surroundings with a spa, swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings. Formerly a general store built in 1911, it now sells nostalgic candy and ice cream. The mostly two-lane section of I-15 runs parallel to the Virgin River. The gougres (savory cheese-filled pasties) and salmon rillettes will keep you full while exploring historic sites like the. You will not be disappointed with your stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in St George. Yet hikers don't need to solely rely on state parks to venture off the beaten path. Located in Zion National Park, this quick five-mile drive around the . But don't be afraid to try something unfamiliarlike a kouign-amann, a buttery French cake with a sweet, crunchy, brittle-like exterior. If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at, . With capacity growing at Las Vegas airport, baggage systems at Terminals 1 and 3 will be upgraded, according to Rep. Dina Titus, who helped secure the grant. If you have more time to kill before your flight, you may want to check out some of the hiking trails or even go horseback riding. With fascinating exhibits, the Dinosaur Track Museum tops the list of best things to do in St George. Here are my top tips to help you plan your trip to St. George. The Red Cliffs area is another stunner for red-rock scenery along your drive from Las Vegas to Zion. Youll find plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and many options for lodging in Springdale. Have stopped and played at the Eureka casino a couple times. The park visitors center has a variety of exhibits. It's certainly a lot cleaner than the real Venice. What happened this week? Along the way these travelers pass within 15 miles of a park that offers arches, petroglyphs, red rocks, petrified wood, spectacular geologic formations and beautiful desert scenery. 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. If youre driving north to St. George on I-15, you know youre almost in Southern Utah once you hit the amazing stretch of beautiful road through the Virgin River Gorge. 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. Come by on Saturdays for an outdoor market with crafts, food, and entertainment. Information on hiking trails is available at the visitor center. But why deal with the large crowds, heavy traffic and paid parking when you can zoom out on Google Maps and choose less chaotic accommodations in or around St. George instead? If you leave St George at 4 , you would be at Zion by 5.There is a shuttle at Zion that takes about 1.5 hours to go from the visitor center to the end of the canyon and back.You will be very limited on time coming that late in the afternoon.You may want to skip a night at . If you feel like you're driving into the middle of nowhere, don't panic. Book a room at the. 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran. Along the way these travelers pass within 15 miles of a park that offers arches, petroglyphs, red rocks, petrified wood, spectacular geologic formations and beautiful desert scenery. They are a full-service shuttle company that wants to make sure your travel needs are taken care of. See for yourself with a visit to Station II, an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. See for yourself with a visit to. Spend the day cooling off in Zion National Park. Want more Thrillist? This and the Rainbow Vista Trail were our favorite spots. Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon Day 1. Whichever way you look at it, you will be mostly driving from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon on the first day. 1. Here are a few suggested places to stay in Las Vegas before and after your national parks road trip from Las Vegas. When we were there in December, there were very few people in the park, even though the weather was perfect for hiking. Andrew James is the founder and managing editor of 24saltlake.com, a news and local events website in Utah. Where those large white letters reside is one of the best public playgrounds for locals and visitors called Pioneer Park. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abe0ee1bb1ce091c654aedc463cf2206" );document.getElementById("d2f8ec4791").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. After soaking up the bright lights of Las Vegas, enjoy a relaxed . No longer do you have to dodge traffic and stand in the median to grab a photo. St George is a great place to both live and is known for its retirement communities. Here are 5 must-see stops next time you find yourself driving through the Beehive State. In fact, unless youre staying within the borders of Zion, its highly probable that youll be staying in Springdale. Heres how its spending your money, Parents know best: Rep. Burgess Owens wants to fund school choice at national level, 2023 Sterling Scholars semifinalists: Southwest Region. In the park, start with the Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk hiking trails. Today the store is restored and provides a portal into the past offering ice cream, candy, sodas, and light meals to visitors right from the vintage storefront. The buildings have loads of character and offer the opportunity to see inside them when you shop the various stores they now house. The 50-acre property features gardens, renovated rooms in a variety of sizes, on-site dining options . Some cities are still figuring themselves out, but St. George remains effortlessly grounded in a pocket of Utah that's neither cosmopolitan or remote, surrounded by the beauty of towering desert cliffs. 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. If youre looking to break away from the get there as fast as we can mentality, there are plenty of natural wonders and photo-worthy attractions just off the beaten path of I-15. is a reservoir surrounded by red rocks and sand, resembling a trippy beach-on-Mars atmosphere. On the way, pioneer-era ghost towns like Grafton and Silver Reef are sure to excite, and one of North Americas most significant dinosaur track sites at Johnson Farm is a must-see. The Jacob Hamblin Home is now a museum that takes travelers through the life of Hamblin and the settling of Utah by pioneers. Never touch or deface any petroglyphs and be respectful when visiting this historical sight. Weve been to many great parks in our travels but one that impressed us was the Town Square Park in St George. The. 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. I started this loop-style road trip in Phoenix, Arizona. One of the best parts of the Mojave Preserve is only about an hour from Vegas. The North Rim is quite remotethere's no nearby airport and it's much further from Las Vegas or any Arizona cities than the South Rim is (and a good 3 hours from St. George, Utah, where we were staying). Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino - 4 Stars. With spectacular mountain views and plenty of red rock vistas, we found St. George to be a truly beautiful city. In a refreshing change of pace, St. George isn't overwhelmed by chain restaurants, especially Downtown. Knowledgeable staff members are happy to share the details about these artifacts, so dont be afraid to ask questions. The donuts, tarts . Just a few weeks ago, Zion was officially designated an International Dark Sky Park, recognizing the absence of light pollution in the area. The Venetian Resort - 5 Stars. We love staying at a Hampton Inn & Suites hotel since they are on the upper end of the chain hotels with nice rooms and great services.