Things to Do Near Zion National Park
With its otherworldly landscapes of red rock formations, colorful sandstone arches, coral sand dunes, slot canyons, expansive desert flats, and serene, forested mesas, Southern Utah offers the adventure traveler a remarkable environment to explore.
You could spend a lifetime learning Zion National Park’s sites and trails, but venturing outside the park to the extraordinary surrounding towns and attractions will enhance your experience. Check out the eclectic list below of fun, family-friendly things to do around Zion National Park for when you need a break from the crowds.
And while you’re planning your visit, don’t forget to factor in some rest and recovery time. Adventure fills you up, but taking time for self-care and quiet connection with your loved ones rejuvenates the body, mind, and spirit. Zion Canyon Hot Springs is the ideal place to unwind and loosen up sore muscles after hiking and exploring, no matter what time of year you’re visiting.
Attractions Near Zion National Park
St. George (33 miles, 31 minutes away) & Cedar City (19 miles, 19 minutes away)
Either one or both cities will make a phenomenal addition to your itinerary if you need a break from Mother Nature and want to experience the vibrant culture of Southern Utah.
St. George has many galleries, museums, a Dinosaur Discovery Site, petroglyphs on view at Bloomington Petroglyph Park or on the Anasazi Ridge Trail, and outdoor music or plays at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre with Padre Canyon as the backdrop.
Cedar City hosts the annual Shakespeare Festival from June to September and has a bustling arts scene in general1.
Grafton Ghost Town (8 miles, 21 minutes away)
If you’re wondering what to do around Zion National Park that’s family-friendly and less strenuous, check out the remnants of a historic Mormon settlement located along the Virgin River near Springdale.
Established in 1859, the town was abandoned in the 1940s due to harsh conditions and flooding. Remaining buildings, including the schoolhouse and Russel home, have been beautifully restored and maintained along with the local cemetery.
All of this is nestled amid the natural beauty of the Virgin River and serene pastures and orchards. Several Hollywood films even used the location, including “Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid” with Paul Newman and Robert Redford2.
Zion Canyon Hot Springs (23 miles, 35 minutes away)
With 32 natural geothermal hot springs and 16 globally inspired mineral pools, this desert oasis is your reward at the end of the trail. 90 degrees may seem hot, but that’s cooler than your natural body temperature, so the springs will still feel quite comfortable in the summer and like a welcome chance to warm up in cooler weather.
Kanarraville Falls (46 miles, 55 minutes away)
With a slot canyon, two waterfalls, a ladder, and a natural water slide, it’s no wonder Kanarra Falls is a popular trail near Zion. It’s considered a moderate to strenuous hike, as it involves some climbing and trekking through ankle-deep water. This makes it a perfect summer activity, as it allows you to beat the heat while staying active. Only 180 tickets are issued per day, so be sure to get yours in advance3.
Fort Zion (31 miles, 1 hour away)
Though it’s mainly a gift shop, this destination also features a fun play area built to look like an Old West town, a petting zoo, a cafe, and an ice cream shop. It may be touristy, but it’s fun for the whole family, will lead to incredible photos and memories, and can be easily combined with Grafton Ghost Town3.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (40 miles, 1 hour away)
Located between Hurricane and Kanab, these peach-hued dunes made of Navajo sandstone in the Middle Jurassic period are an ever-changing marvel. Thanks to the winds, they can move and shift up to 50 feet per year and make for an incredible place to hike, explore with ATVs, or do some stargazing. Utah State Parks offer some of the darkest night skies in North America. The dunes can get quite hot in summer, so heading there either early or late in the day is ideal4.
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (45 miles, 1 hour & 6 minutes away)
With over 45 thousand acres, Red Cliffs offers an expansive place to stretch out and explore an ecologically diverse landscape at the convergence of the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau, and Great Basin. It’s a critical habitat for the Mojave Desert Tortoise, and though difficult to spot, you never know what you’ll find around the bend. It’s good practice to adopt the leave no trace philosophy on any outdoor adventure, but it’s particularly important in conservation areas.
Red Cliffs is a family-friendly place to learn about the flora and fauna of Southern Utah, take a tour on horseback, mountain bike, take in the views from a hot air balloon (where in warmer months, you might catch the nearby wildflower bloom), go canyoneering, fishing, or even join a Jeep tour5.
Kodachrome Basin State Park (89 miles, 1.5–2 hours away)
While this is farther than the rest of the list, if you're spending more than a couple of days near Zion, locals will tell you it’s well worth taking a day trip out to this hidden gem named for Kodak’s color film back in 1948.
With 67 colorful sandstone spires (sedimentary pipes), it’s a photogenic glimpse into 180 million years of geologic time. If you’re also planning a trip to Bryce Canyon, this breathtaking park is only about half an hour east5.
Complete Your National Park Vacation at Zion Canyon Hot Springs
Take a dip in our restorative waters to loosen up those tired muscles and soothe your aching feet while recharging with loved ones and enjoying our luxurious amenities, including: cold plunges, barrel saunas, private cabanas, and a delicious cafe and bar. Book a soak today—you deserve pampering so you return from your trip relaxed and rejuvenated.
