Planning your first trip to St. George, Utah? You’re in for an unforgettable mix of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and unique local flavor! We can’t wait for you to experience this special piece of Southern Utah. Our 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors is packed with iconic red rock landscapes, delicious eats, and fun experiences—perfect for first-time visitors who want to sample a little bit of everything St. George has to offer.
Day 1: Red Rocks & Local Flavor
Kick off your St. George adventure with a morning in Snow Canyon State Park. Just a short drive from town, this hidden gem offers a variety of trails, lava tubes, and even a few accessible slot canyons that are perfect for easy exploring. Drive through the park, choose a trail or two, and hike at your own pace, soaking in the towering red and white sandstone cliffs, petrified sand dunes, and unique topography.
After your hike, cool off with a swim at Fire Lake Reservoir, about a 15-minute drive from Snow Canyon. This calm, scenic spot is popular with locals for swimming, paddleboarding, and sunbathing on the shores of the reservoir. You will not believe the views of the nearby red rock cliffs from this park! On the way over, swing by Dutchman’s Market to grab some of their famously gooey cookies to enjoy by the water.
In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at Cliffside Restaurant, where you'll dine with panoramic views overlooking St. George and the red rock mesas. A delicious meal at Cliffside is the perfect way to unwind after your first day of exploring.
Day 2: Iconic Zion
Today’s adventure takes you to one of the most iconic National Parks in the country: Zion National Park. Head out early and park at the visitor center to catch the shuttle into Zion Canyon. For an easy hike, Lower Emerald Pools offers waterfalls and beautiful views. Those up for more of a challenge can wade into The Narrows, hiking upstream through the Virgin River surrounded by towering canyon walls. The perfect hike on a hot day!
The town of Springdale, located directly outside Zion, is loaded with cute restaurants and shops. Spend some time walking around town to shop for souvenirs or a bite to eat after hiking. For a meal in a unique setting, check out Wild Thyme Cafe, a scratch kitchen cooking up southwest comfort food on a 2000-acre ranch at the foot of Zion National Park.
After a full day on the trails, reward yourself with a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Anasazi Steakhouse. Here, you’ll cook your steak on sizzling hot stones right at the table. Don’t skip the cheese or chocolate fondue!
Day 3: Water Adventures & Live Entertainment
Wrap up your St. George vacation with a full day of fun at Sand Hollow State Park. With 20,000 acres of warm water, red sand beaches, sand dunes, and rugged cliffs, it’s the perfect playground for jet skiing, cliff jumping, paddleboarding, or just relaxing lakeside. On-site, you will find one of our partners, Mad Moose, where you can rent ATVs and OVHs for exploring the dunes, or you can reserve jet skis, kayaks, pontoon boats, and stand-up paddleboards for exploring the park from the water. There is so much to do at Sand Hollow - you can plan your day however you like! Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the beach, or there is an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Grab an early dinner at Angelica’s Mexican Grill, a laid-back favorite in downtown St. George known for its flavorful tacos, homemade salsas, and welcoming atmosphere.
End your trip with a truly memorable experience at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre, where you can catch a Broadway-style production under the stars, set against a backdrop of towering red cliffs. It’s the kind of night that captures everything special about Southern Utah in one unforgettable show.
Ready to Plan Your St. George Getaway?
To make the most of your St. George adventure, choose from over 425 luxury vacation rentals offered by Red Rock Vacation Rentals. With properties located in premier communities like Desert Color, Zion Village, and Paradise Village, you'll find accommodations that suit every group's needs—from cozy condos to expansive homes with private pools and more. Our St. George vacation rentals offer the perfect place to relax when you’re not out adventuring, and with resort amenities like pools, hot tubs, splash pads, pickleball, and more, you will never be bored!
Plus, when you book directly with Red Rock Vacation Rentals, you'll receive exclusive discounts on local attractions, including Tuacahn Amphitheatre, golf courses, and adventure rentals. Additionally, our dedicated concierge team is ready to assist with booking tee times, arranging in-home chef services, or scheduling relaxing massages. Book your St. George Vacation Rental today and make the most of your first trip to Utah’s red rock country!
