St George’s oasis: Desert Color Lagoon
Imagine the contrast of a crystal-clear, turquoise lagoon with the surrounding red rock formations, and you’ll build a picture of the splendor of Desert Color Lagoon within St George. This beautiful freshwater, man-made lagoon, with its white sand shoreline, makes a great place to soak up the sun and relax with family and friends.
Enjoy water sports in the refreshing waters, ranging from swimming to kayaking and paddle boarding to snorkeling. Or take a scenic walk around the lagoon's perimeter and take in the wonderful views. What’s more, families with children will appreciate the designated play areas and splash pads, providing endless entertainment for little ones.
Additionally, Desert Color Lagoon often hosts events and live music performances, adding an extra layer of excitement and entertainment to your time there!
Hiking adventures in St George’s National Parks
No trip to St. George would be complete without a visit to some of the region’s awe-inspiring national parks. And with so many on your doorstep, you’re absolutely spoiled for choice!
Closest to St. George lies Snow Canyon State Park - a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be discovered. With towering sandstone cliffs, sweeping views, and unique rock formations, it offers a wide variety of family-friendly hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. The Petrified Dunes Trail is a favorite among families, offering a moderate hike through ancient sand dunes and breathtaking views of the park.
Zion and Bryce Canyon are easily reached by car and boast spectacular mountains, winding slot canyons, and striking geological features in shades of red, orange, and cream. The Riverside Walk at Zion and the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point routes are both fantastic hikes for families and wow walkers with their must-see vistas. Think surreal hoodoo formations, carved by centuries of erosion, and mazes of intricate trails that wind through otherworldly terrain.
A mountain biking mecca
St George has firmly established itself as a premier destination for mountain biking with its extensive network of trails through red rock landscapes and sunny, year-round riding season. With nearly 300 miles of trails, there are routes for riders of all abilities, making mountain biking undoubtedly one of the best things to do in St George. (After all, E-bikes make it fun for even the most reluctant bike riders!)
For families looking for an adrenaline rush, Gooseberry Mesa is the ultimate mountain biking destination. Located on the edge of Zion National Park, this network of singletrack trails offers exciting rides and picturesque views of the surrounding scenery. From smooth, winding paths perfect for beginners to challenging technical descents that push even the most experienced riders to their limits, there's something for everyone. In fact, every ride in St. George guarantees an exhilarating experience that combines stunning natural scenery with thrilling trails.
Nature’s playground: Sand Hollow State Park
With a sparkling 1322-acre reservoir, Sand Hollow State Park is a watersports paradise and a great place to head on hot days. The clear, blue waters provide the perfect backdrop for activities such as swimming, boating, wakeboarding or waterskiing, jet skiing, and fishing. And the park’s red sandy beaches on the edge of Sand Hollow Reservoir make it a glorious place to relax and enjoy a picnic.
If you’re feeling active, there are miles of scenic hiking trails waiting to be explored or you can join one of the guided all-terrain vehicle tours which venture up the dunes of Sand Mountain.
Connect with nature at Red Hills Desert Garden
Red Hills Desert Garden is a botanical sanctuary that showcases the beauty and resilience of desert flora. Spanning over five acres, the garden has an impressive array of native plants, including prickly pear cacti, sagebrush, and Joshua trees, each adapted to thrive in the harsh desert environment. You’ll also see a striking collection of red rock formations, which mirror the surrounding desert landscape.
By spending time at Red Hills, you’ll learn about the importance of preserving desert ecology, water conservation techniques, and the delicate relationships between plants, animals, and the environment. And whether you’re there during spring bloom to see the kaleidoscope of colors, or you’re taking shade under a tree in summertime, you’re bound to be inspired by the garden’s work in sustaining the desert’s ecosystem. While kids will enjoy exploring the garden’s prehistoric tracks and fascinating plant life that lies around every corner.
Family fun in Pioneer Park
High on the list of things to do in St George is a day at Pioneer Park. Offering lots of activities, amidst gorgeous scenery, it’s an ideal destination for families.
There are miles of walking trails that wind through rugged red rock terrain and lush greenery. Kids will love the park’s amazing caves and natural rock bridges, which are great for imaginative play and adventure. And, there are acres of grassy fields with designated picnic areas - perfect for alfresco family meals and games!
Moreover, Pioneer Park also serves as an educational hub where families can learn about the area's Native American inhabitants, early settlers, and the geological forces that shaped the stunning landscape we see today.
Flying high with family: explore Zion by air
If you’re looking for an exhilarating adventure, perhaps for a special occasion, you can’t beat a hot air balloon excursion or a helicopter ride over Zion National Park.
As you float above the desert landscape of Zion in a hot air balloon, you’re treated to panoramic views of the canyons and valleys below. And the tranquility of the desert from this unique vantage point is a memory that will always stay with you.
For families looking for the ultimate adventure, a helicopter tour over Zion National Park ticks all the boxes. Soar through the skies above the park's iconic landmarks and enjoy a bird's-eye view of this incredible part of the world.
With so many things to do in St George, it’s easy to see why this desert oasis is a top destination for families.
Explore Fractional Vacation Homes in St George and learn more about co-ownership at Kocomo.
