Beyond the miraculous national parks and well-trodden hiking trails, there are tons of hidden gems in St. George waiting to be discovered. As one of the largest cities in Utah, the city boasts secret waterfalls to escape rooms. Southern Utah is filled with charm and is proud to have unique spots that go beyond what the state is commonly known for.
Whether you’re searching for a new home, exploring apartments, or looking for houses to rent in St. George, you’re in for an exciting journey. Read on to uncover all the reasons why St. George is a unique blend of natural beauty, warm community spirit, and endless recreational opportunities.
1. Explore by mountain bike
Known as one of the most affordable places to live in Utah, St. George is a fantastic place to experience by mountain bike. With trails that wind through vibrant red-rock canyons, open desert vistas, and scenic overlooks, biking allows you to connect closely with the area’s natural beauty.
“We’ve traveled all over the world riding our mountain bikes and St. George is a place we find ourselves coming back to again and again,” states Drew Rohde at The Loam Wolf, an online source for mountain bike and e-bike content. “Zen Trail is one of our favorites as it offers amazing views, technical challenges, and one of the most fun, sustained descents in the area.”
If you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, the terrain offers trails for every skill level, making it easy to explore and appreciate the unique desert scenery up close.
“With so much beauty and activities in the Greater Zion area, St. George is definitely a town that’s on our radar,” Rohde concludes.
2. Rent a Jeep and explore new territory
Discover the secluded beauty of Toquerville Falls, one of the incredible hidden gems in St. George, accessible with a Jeep rental from Southern Utah Adventure Center. Feel the excitement of exploring hidden treasures like Sand Hollow State Park and uncovering ancient dinosaur tracks on their UTV tours or rentals.
It’s an experience that combines the thrill of rugged trails with the beauty of untouched landscapes, so get ready and gear up for an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Photo courtesy of Southern Utah Adventure Center
3. Test your knowledge in an escape room
Escape rooms are a fantastic way for anyone looking to add excitement and challenge to an outing. One of the many hidden gems in St. George, Escapism Room Escape Games invites visitors to choose (if they dare) from three thrilling themes, each designed to challenge teams to work together, solve intricate puzzles, and reach their objective before time runs out.
With rooms crafted to movie set-level detail and interactive, one-of-a-kind puzzles, Escapism provides an experience that’s both exciting and unforgettable. Perfect for groups of friends, families, or coworkers, this hidden gem provides a fun way to engage minds and bond over the thrill of uncovering clues and solving puzzles in a race against time.
4. Taste the local food scene at Balcony One
For a dining experience with a view, Balcony One is one of those hidden gems in St. George you don’t want to miss. This restaurant combines Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a relaxed, open-air setting that overlooks beautiful red rock scenery.
The menu is packed with flavorful dishes, and the outdoor seating is ideal for enjoying a sunset meal. It’s the kind of spot where the food and atmosphere come together to make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a local secret.
Photo courtesy of 435 Locals
5. Dance your way through town
Taking a dance class in St. George offers a lively and enriching experience in a beautiful desert setting. It doesn’t take a pros and cons list to know that this city has a unique blend of active and artistic culture, and the St. George Dance Company is a great example of this diverse way of life. With dance classes for adults, the dance company provides an outlet for creative expression while also staying active.
Classes range from beginner to advanced levels in ballet, ballroom, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop, offering something for everyone to enjoy and explore. The supportive and passionate dance community makes classes welcoming, fun, and a unique thing to do in the city.
6. Venture out to a national park
St. George is an ideal gateway to some of the most stunning national parks in the American Southwest. Just an hour away is Zion National Park, known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and scenic trails like Angels Landing. A bit further, Bryce Canyon National Park offers otherworldly landscapes filled with unique hoodoos and brilliant red rock formations.
Each park is unique, making St. George a fantastic base for exploring some of America’s most iconic landscapes.
7. Work up a sweat
If dancing isn’t exactly your forte, St. George has many exciting opportunities to work up a sweat. Taking a cycle or strength training class at The Hype is an energizing and motivating experience. The studio offers high-energy cycling sessions alongside strength training classes, catering to all fitness levels.
Each class combines expert instruction with a supportive community, making it a great place to push your limits and achieve personal goals. With upbeat music and a welcoming atmosphere, The Hype is ideal for anyone looking to get fit, stay active, and have a blast doing it.
8. Check out a business fair for the kiddos
The Children’s Business Fair is truly one of the top hidden gems in St. George and works to bring together young entrepreneurs, ages 5 to 16, in a one-day event showcasing their creativity, business skills, and big ideas.
This hands-on marketplace gives local kids a chance to develop brands, create products, and experience the excitement of running their own businesses, empowering them to dream big and think like true entrepreneurs. It’s a can’t-miss event for seeing Southern Utah’s youngest innovators in action.
9. Enjoy a musical at Tuacahn Center for the Arts
The Tuacahn Center for the Arts brings Broadway in the desert, offering the state a taste of world-class theater. This non-profit arts organization showcases Utah’s finest actors in beloved Broadway musicals, all set in a stunning outdoor amphitheater framed by 1,500-foot red rock cliffs at the mouth of Padre Canyon.
Expect an unforgettable evening under the stars with live animals, pyrotechnics, and the possible recreation of a flash flood. The intimate, indoor Hafen Theatre houses the same professional Broadway talent in a setting that brings you even closer to the magic.
Photo courtesy of Tuacahn Center for the Arts
10. Step back in time to 1911
Visiting historic spots is a wonderful way to uncover hidden gems in St. George. These sites offer a glimpse into the area’s past, blending rich local history with unique experiences.
“Stepping into Judd’s General Store is like walking back in time,” states Ian Lindsey, founder and head of school at Acton Academy St. George. “This century-old shop offers a nostalgic experience with retro sodas, old-fashioned candies, and charming decor that’s been delighting locals since 1911.”
With its original countertops and a 1946 gas pump out front, Judd’s is more than just a store—it’s a cherished piece of St. George’s history and the perfect place to enjoy some classic treats.
Look no further for hidden gems in St. George, UT
Whether you’re drawn to its beauty, intrigued by its history, or inspired by the possibilities it holds, St. George is a place where everyone can find something to love. As you explore all that this Southern Utah city has to offer, you’ll quickly see why so many people are proud to call it home. From its breathtaking scenery to the abundance of outdoor adventures, St. George, UT is truly a good place to live.
