An independent guide to St. George, Utah — created by people who love this city and want to share it with the world.
citystgeorge.com is an independent travel guide to St. George, Utah — built by locals who fell in love with the city and the surrounding landscape. We are not affiliated with the City of St. George or any official tourism bureau.
Our goal is simple: to help you plan an unforgettable trip to one of the most spectacular regions in the American West. Whether you're here for Zion National Park, a world-class triathlon, a family vacation, or a golf getaway, we want you to experience St. George at its best.
Everything on this site is based on personal experience and local knowledge. We hike the trails, visit the parks, eat at the restaurants, and attend the events — so you know what to expect.
In 1861, Brigham Young called 309 Latter-day Saint families to settle the "Dixie" mission in southwestern Utah. The area's warm climate made it ideal for growing cotton, grapes, figs, and other crops that couldn't thrive in Utah's colder northern valleys. The nickname "Utah's Dixie" stuck.
The settlement was named after George A. Smith, an early LDS church apostle who helped organize the mission. The city was officially incorporated in 1862, making it one of Utah's oldest communities.
The St. George LDS Temple, completed in 1877, was the first temple built in Utah and the third built by the LDS Church overall. It is the oldest continuously operating LDS temple in the world. The iconic white pioneer-style building with its single spire and angel Moroni statue sits at the heart of the city and is visible from miles around. Brigham Young himself dedicated the site and stayed at his winter home in St. George while overseeing construction.
For much of the 20th century, St. George was a small agricultural community. The completion of I-15 through the area in the 1970s opened the door for tourism and growth. The creation of Zion National Park brought visitors, and the city's warm winter climate made it a popular retirement and golf destination.
Today, St. George is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. Its population has grown from approximately 50,000 in 2000 to over 100,000 today. The city has transformed into the tourism and commercial hub of Southern Utah, serving as the gateway to Zion National Park and the Mighty 5.
While the "Utah's Dixie" nickname has historical roots, the city today is defined by its role as a world-class destination for outdoor recreation, sports events, and family travel. The Huntsman World Senior Games, St. George Marathon, and IRONMAN 70.3 have put the city on the global stage, while its unparalleled access to national and state parks makes it a natural basecamp for adventurers.
This site is a work in progress. We're always adding new content — park guides, event updates, restaurant reviews, and seasonal tips.
If you have a recommendation, correction, or suggestion, we'd love to hear it. Whether it's a new hiking trail we should cover, a great restaurant we missed, or an event that needs updating — your feedback makes this site better for everyone.
This site is maintained by the team behind citystgeorge.com. We live in and love St. George, and we want your visit to be incredible.