Maybe other Las Vegas activities like taking in the best views of the Strip aboard the High Roller and checking out a museum are more your style. . 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. You could do a detour to Valley of Fire state park outside Vegas near Moapa.. Built all the way back in 1877, St George Temple is known as the first of its kind in Utah. Our flight arrived in Vegas in the early morning so there were only a couple of people out and about when we stopped. With cozy hotels thatll make you feel right at home, restaurants serving up delicious meals, and a quaint small-town feel, staying in St George is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip! There's quite a lot to see and do in this Mormon city of 80K inhabitants. We did the drive during a week in the winter when traffic wasnt bad at all. More specifically, Google Maps says it typically takes between 1 hour 40 minutes, and 2 hours 20 minutes to drive from Las Vegas to St. George. 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. Discover more family-friendly ways to experience theZion Region with this itinerary of local favorites. She has a background in credit card points and miles, having spent years working on loyalty campaigns for various financial institutions. 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. After days of hiking, you might need to have a day in town to kick back and relax before heading out on your next adventure. Its really spectacular with awesome views at almost every turn. If you will be traveling south on Interstate 15 to reach Las Vegas, there are plenty of things to see and do on the way. We grabbed a parking spot and were snapping away within a few minutes. A gorgeous, albeit somewhat white-knuckle drive for this apprehensive driver, the scenic Virgin River Gorge is something to behold. 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. Utah is filled with many great historical locations that to this day can transport you back in time. The last day is all about experiencing equal parts history and exploration in the Wild West first hand. Smoked Old Fashioneds are the specialty, but don't hesitate to pick the brain of your bartender. drive for about 5 minutes. If nothing else, tour the park via the 13-mile scenic drive that cuts through the park. The largest town in Southwest Utah is slowly and comfortably embracing its growth at just the right pace. Spend the day cooling off in Zion National Park. is the city's most identifiable landmark, an imposing white structure that contrasts sharply with the surrounding homes and businesses. , an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. 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. Mandalay Bay - 4 Stars. This is not the case at the Dinosaur Track Museum. There are some restrictions, but all flights, domestic and international, will only cost 1 cent plus taxes and fees for five months later this summer. Flights last anywhere from one hour to three hours depending on your adventure and they operate year-round. It was sold and turned into a full-fledged restaurant with art galleries popping up around it. Experience Mormon heritage at St. George, Utah (1 hour and 50 minutes) Driving east out of Vegas, past Mesquite and through the gorgeous canyon of the Virgin River, you'll end up at the city of St. George, Utah. You cant divide the history of St George from the Mormon religion. Taller kids may be able to comfortably accompany their parents a ways upThe Narrows. Designed in the Googie architecture style that was popular in the 1940s and 1950s, its a cool throwback to early Vegas. is like having a hotel inside Snow Canyon State Park, although technically, you're just outside the entrance. 19. There are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas. Many of the parks highlighted features are in close proximity and readily viewed from paved roads, making it a great choice for a short detour on the way to or from Nevadas city of lights. 11:00 am start in Saint George. Entrance Fee $10 plus additional charges for camping or groups. Out on the trails, youll have plenty of opportunities to see native Mojave Desert plants as well as plenty of cool rock formations. When the heat gets to be too much to handle, the park also offers a beautiful reservoir lake that is perfect for swimming, boating or fishing. We suggest for those looking for a good campsite or RV park to check out St George RV Park or the Snow Canyon Campground. This popular museum is home to many great historical aircraft and aviation equipment that you see right up close. 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. Or, stop by the Childrens Museum for some air conditioned exploration and discovery. It's near Fire Lake Park at Ivins Reservoir, which is becoming a busy attraction for swimming. After just a few more clicks, youll be heading out on an adventure unlike any other! 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. The red exterior of the hotel matches up well with the natural surroundings with a spa, swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings. The third floor is your best bet for liquor and libations. 17 Absolutely Stunning Hikes In & Around Las Vegas for All Levels Tucked between Payson and Nephi is the Nebo Loop, which offers incredible views of the Wasatch Mountains, including the byways namesake, Mount Nebo. Honeycombed rock formations known as beehives are scattered throughout Valley of Fire. and leave at 4:34 pm. Hikers can spot tracks in, , but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the. Yes, this is definitely one of the most tourist-y things to do in Las Vegas, but it's got to be done. October 03, 2016 Things To Do In Las Vegas Comments Off on Enjoy Las Vegas Royalty Exotic Car Rentals. The course of the Virgin River was re-channeled twelve different times during construction of the Gorge road. It is like a mini amusement park showcasing the history from 1881. . On your way a few extra stops give the family a chance to chase the ghosts of dinosaurs and cowboys. There are even exhibits where you can get a closer look at how plants and animals thrive in a barren landscape. The Vortex (or "Bowl") trailhead is named after a strange, sunken hole at the top of a sandstone formation. Horseback Riding - Experience one-of-a-kind guided horseback trips throughout the canyon, available March through October. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Pioneer Park, , a truck stop that serves steakburgers from local cattle. His work has also appeared in, , Trivago Magazine, Sophisticated Living, Modern Luxury, Leafly, Las Vegas Magazine, and other publications. With everything from hiking trails to restaurants, youll be able to find what places best suit how you like to travel. Note that, depending on the season, you may need to make a reservation for the scenic drive. But it is also located just 90 miles from St. George. The bus journey time between Las Vegas and St. George is around 1h 55m and covers a distance of around 118 miles. To break up the short drive, we set out to find interesting things to see and do between Las Vegas and Zion. The first hotel and casino to open its doors was the Golden Gate in 1906, which is still open on Fremont Street today, making it the oldest in the city.. But more often than not, everybody seems to be on the same page. drive for about 48 minutes. To this day, there are still several rocks that show signs of quarrying and cutting. Quail Creek is a more secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water for an interesting visual. 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. Town Square Park is a great place to bring the kids with a vintage carousel and splash pads modeled after rock formations, but it's also a cool spot to hang out on your own with nothing but your thoughts and a laptop. With its rich history and stunning design, this is one sight youll want to be sure to visit. Things to See on the Way to Las Vegas | USA Today Any wildlife lover visiting St George should visit theRosenbruchWorld Wildlife Museum. With exhibits inside and a tranquil garden outside, the museum is a great place to visit while wandering the city. The Green Gate Village offers visitors to St George the opportunity to transport back in time to when pioneers and settlers from the east made this desert landscape their home. Formerly a general store built in 1911, it now sells nostalgic candy and ice cream. The Broadway in the Desert series is the big draw, featuring favorites like Disney's Beauty & The Beast, Annie, and The Count of Monte Cristo this year. With more than 38 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of paved walking and biking trails, theres something here for all to see. Includes dramatic scenery of the Virgin Rive. . There are over 500petroglyphsthat date back 6,000 years,it isa unique and sacred site that will give you an inside look into the past of the Native American cultures that lived here. Located at the West entrance of Zion National Park, Springdale is a must-visit stop on your trip to Zion. Construction finished in 1973 at a cost of over one million dollars per mile. The Palazzo - 5 Stars. Operated by Greyhound USA, the St. George to Las Vegas bus service departs from St George and arrives in Las Vegas. Take a drive through Devils Kitchen to see breathtaking red rock cliffs and spires, and make a stop at Payson Lakes Recreation Area for hiking trails, camping and picnic facilities. Lodging near Zion National Park | Inn at Entrada Shuttle Between Las Vegas, St George, Kanab and Page , and the Relief Society Hall in Heritage Square. Actor Tom Sizemore dead at 61 after brain aneurysm: Reports, Biden faces mounting pressure for a Plan B on student loan forgiveness, 'I have to get off this mountain': LA-area towns still buried in snow, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life after being found guilty of murder. 13 Fantastic Self-Drive Day Trips Around Las Vegas You can even check out the views from the pool or the patio of Cliffside Restaurant. Book a room at the Crescent Moon Inn. Each week, thousands of Utahns travel to or from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. A pair of rooftop decks with large hot tubs more than make up for the absence of a swimming pool. St George is a great place to both live and is known for its retirement communities. One of the best parts of the Mojave Preserve is only about an hour from Vegas. St. George has its share of golf courses and if you're in town to practice your putt, the, has a private country club feel with condo-like suites and private parking garages. See for yourself with a visit to. Take the Red Hills Parkway from St. George into the southern tip of the National Scenic Area to find easy-access hiking trails. Read about the 35 best attractions and cities to stop in between the Monument Valley and Las Vegas, including places like Page, Horseshoe Bend, and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge . There is one place, however, where you can play in the dunes and explore the sands. All Rights Reserved, Valley of Fire An overlooked scenic treasure between St. George and Las Vegas, Bidens not in a rush to announce hes running for reelection, The 2023 Utah Legislature has wrapped. 276 mi. Things to Do in St. George and Places to Stay. Hikes, Parks & Attractions While prohibition during the 1920s halted the city's growth, there were plenty of underground gambling halls, speakeasies . Los Angeles to Salt Lake City Drive: 21 Amazing Stops to Make 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. 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. this year. With spectacular mountain views and plenty of red rock vistas, we found St. George to be a truly beautiful city. Saint George to Las Vegas drive - plan a road trip Valley of Fire gets its name from the fiery red rock formations. Stop by the visitor center to find out more about the park and put together a gameplan for your time there. I found this gem completely by accident during my last trip back to Salt Lake. Next up, its time for some family fun in nearby St. George. There are 2,000 foot cliff walls and narrow canyons cutting into the Colorado Plateau. Go off the grid at the Kayenta Art Village, St George's affection for art and nature is reflected in Kayenta, an isolated community in the desertscapes northwest of the city. . Don't miss the big stories. Want more Thrillist? 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. This historical B&B is filled with character and charm but yet is filled with modern amenities located right in downtown St George. This decision shortened the route on I-15 between Las Vegas and St. George, Utah by 12 miles of driving distance over the older and more treacherous U.S. Highway 91. It's traditionally open to Mormon visitors only, but everyone can access the visitors center and surrounding grounds. Despite the daunting terrain, federal authorities decided to create a direct path through the Virgin River Gorge. 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. Its mind-boggling to think about how this section of I-15 was created out of sheer rock and stone. Translation: the stargazing is ridiculous. 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 2,000-seat venue gives the audience a unique opportunity to watch a show underneath the stars with the red rocks of Snow Canyon as a backdrop. Historical B&Bs: St George hasmanyhistorical B&B but one of our favorites that keeps getting many awards is The Mulberry Inn. 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. 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! St. George makes a nice little get-away from Sin City. Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon Road Trip Itinerary Yet hikers don't need to solely rely on state parks to venture off the beaten path. See something you like? Las Vegas to st. George - St. George Message Board - Tripadvisor Backpacking - Contact the Zion Park's visitor . It's a two-hour drive from Las Vegas to St. George, or four hours from Salt Lake City. Learn about Utah's extensive history of dinosaurs, About 200 million years before Utah was even Utah, the region was a hotbed for dinosaurs. Bars affiliated with restaurants are usually fine as long as they have the option to provide food. 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. 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. The venue is operated by the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, which also has indoor theaters, a dance studio, and other facilities on property, along with a charter school dedicated to the performing arts. 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. 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. 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. Frontier Homestead State Park honors the Mormon pioneers who trekked from the Salt Lake Valley to settle in the rugged high desert region.