Looking for a quick getaway from Las Vegas, without dealing with airport lines or taking a long drive? St. George, Utah is a great option! Located just 120 miles (under 2 hours) from Las Vegas via I-15 North, a quick trip to St. George allows you to trade neon for red-rock cliffs, casino air for crisp desert breezes, and crowded pools for uncrowded trails, emerald-green fairways, and starry skies.
Why St. George Works for a Weekend Trip
Close & easy: Straight shot on I-15 with a drive that’s just as scenic as the destination. Enjoy Virgin River Gorge views and arrive with plenty of time for a full day of fun.
Nature on tap: Snow Canyon State Park (15 minutes from downtown), Sand Hollow State Park (25 minutes from downtown, and Zion National Park (≈45–60 minutes) deliver slot canyons, lava tubes, sand dunes, arches, and panoramic overlooks.
Active (or chill) days: Hike, bike, golf, paddleboard, or simply lounge by the pool—your call.
Dry, sunny climate: St. George enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine with cooler evenings than Vegas, especially from Sept–May.
Family-friendly: Trails, dinosaur sites, and parks make it simple to keep kids happy. Southern Utah caters to families in every way possible!
What St. George Offers That Vegas Doesn't
World-class red-rock playgrounds within minutes, not hours, of downtown and local neighborhoods..
Dark skies and Milky Way views.
Top-tier desert golf with jaw-dropping scenery (Sand Hollow, Copper Rock, Black Desert). St. George has around 10 public courses and several top-tier private golf courses.
Trail networks for all levels. St. George is a mountain bike mecca and a hiker’s dream, with flowy desert singletrack, technical slickrock trails, and paved river paths.
Enjoy a relaxed pace with charming local cafés, food trucks, and a wide variety of great restaurants, both locally owned and national chains.
Sample St. George Weekend Itineraries
1) Couples' Escape
Friday: Arrive in St. George by late afternoon, check into your vacation rental, and enjoy a sunset stroll at Snow Canyon (Petrified Dunes or Lava Flow Overlook are our top picks!). Have dinner on a patio in downtown St. George. Try Cliffside for some of the best views in St. George, or snag an outdoor table at Painted Pony. View other St. George restaurant recommendations here.
Saturday: Get coffee and a delicious pastry or breakfast sandwich at Cafe Feellove, then enjoy an easy scenic hike (Cinder Cone or Red Reef). Spend the afternoon at the pool or a spa visit. Take a golden-hour drive to Zion’s Kolob Terrace Road for overlooks and photos. Get takeout and have a cozy dinner in at your Red Rock vacation rental, stargazing from the hot tub.
Sunday: Brunch + leisurely bike ride on the Virgin River Parkway. Head back to Vegas feeling refreshed!
Why it works: Minimal driving once you arrive; gorgeous sunsets, low-key hikes, and quiet evenings under the stars.
2) Golf Buddies Weekend
Friday: Check in, hit the range, and enjoy a twilight nine at Black Desert.. Grab tacos at Angelica’s or a burger at Street Eats, and map out tee times for the weekend.
Saturday: Morning round at Sand Hollow Resort (Championship Course—bucket-list views), lunch, then back to the vacation rental for some time in the pool and hot tub.
Sunday: Early round at Copper Rock or The Ledges, lunch at Pica Rica BBQ, on the road by early afternoon.
Pro Tip: When you book accommodations with Red Rock Vacation Rentals, you’ll get discounts on golf, local restaurants, and more, plus our Concierge can help you book tee times.
Why it works: Easy access to multiple golf courses, predictably dry weather, and plenty of large homes with garage space for clubs and gear. Check out these vacation rentals near St. George golf courses.
3) Family Fun in the Red Rocks
Friday: Arrive, settle in, sunset walk at Pioneer Park (kid-approved rock scrambling with killer views). Pizza night at Pizza Factory or Sandtown Pizza, and a movie at the house.
Saturday: Morning at Sand Hollow State Park (paddleboard, cliff jumping, beach time, or do an ATV tour on the dunes), picnic lunch at the park, afternoon pool time back at the vacation rental. Ice-cream stop downtown (check out Sweet Rolled Tacos or Handel’s Ice Cream).
Sunday: Stop at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site or book a session at the Ropes of Southern Utah, then let the kids nap on the drive back to Las Vegas.
Why it works: Easy drive, enjoy activities between pool time, plenty of kid-friendly trails, and treats. View more family friendly St. George activity ideas here.
Tips for a Great St. George Visit from Las Vegas
When to Visit: Fall and spring are prime times to visit St. George, when the weather is cooler and the crowds are a bit lighter; winter is mild and great for hiking; summer means early starts and more time spent in pools and reservoirs.
Parks: Buy or reserve passes in advance for Zion (if you plan to travel on peak dates). Snow Canyon day-use fees are quick and easy to secure at the park entrance.
Gear: Bring layers, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and comfy shoes.
Timing: Hit popular trails early for cooler temps and fewer people.
Where to Stay
Upgrade your weekend with a St. George vacation rental through Red Rock—multiple bedrooms, full kitchens for easy breakfasts and snacks, hot tubs and pool access at nearly all of our rentals, and plenty of space to unwind. Choose a rental close to your priorities: golf communities, resort waterparks, downtown conveniences, or quick access to Snow Canyon and Zion. You can view all of our St. George resorts on a map here and choose one that best fits your weekend needs.
Ready for a Weekend Away from Vegas?
Swap the Strip for sandstone. Book your St. George weekend now, and return home Monday feeling recharged.
