Explore Cedar City on Your Way to Bryce Canyon Park

When your family’s searching for things to do near Cedar City, Utah, you might think of things like golf courses with amazing views, state parks, or perhaps even fine dining experiences. Cedar City offers a little something for everyone and is easy to reach from our rentals in St. George, Utah. Be sure to stop in Cedar City as you explore the area or make your way to the ever-popular Bryce Canyon National Park! Before visiting one of Utah’s best-kept secrets, here’s everything you’ll need to know.

About Cedar City

Many have stated there are countless things to do in Cedar City, Utah, so a shortage of great ideas shouldn’t be the problem. Now, deciding where to go first and what to do can get tricky… there are so many options!

Well, first of all, get to know the city itself! The city’s elevation is 5,846 feet, its surface area spans 35.95 square miles, and it’s got over 33,000 residents as of 2020. Cedar City is over 150 years old, officially founded in 1851 when it was named. It has roots in family life, philanthropy, religion, and much more, dating back as early as the 1800s. 

At precisely one mile and 500 feet above sea level, Cedar City is both an active nightlife for people who enjoy socializing and historical aspects that are perfect for any history buff. It blends everything you could ever want in fashion, commerce, business, art, and so on. They say the best way to see it all is by foot — the downtown boasts dozens of blocks alone, featuring plenty of jazz clubs, bars and sports bars, restaurants, retail shops, and malls. 

national park monument near cedar city, utah
Photo from Shutterstock

Things to Do

Don’t miss the national parks near St. George, Utah. They should be the first stop! 

Try hiking, rock climbing, biking, and so much else while you’re here. If you like hoodoos, and irregularly shaped rock columns that attract many eyes, you will love making it out to Bryce Canyon National Park. This park’s full of them and over 9,000 feet of elevation and 18 miles of road to walk across. It gets busiest from April to October, and its hours can range during that time. Call ahead and ask them to send you their free shuttle to the park if you’re nearby. 

If you prefer something a bit more year-round, try the Snow Canyon State Park (open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, even during major holidays). It’s got countless trails and dunes that you will find nowhere else, each uniquely formed and distinct in its design. If you like capturing perfect moments of nature in all its unmistakable beauty, take a camera with you and document your magical experiences on vacation. The sights here are breathtaking and will make you come to terms with how magnificent the outdoors can truly be. 

If you come during the summer (mid-July to late August), you’ll be able to catch the unique Neil Simon Festival, where locals come together once a year to admire and praise one of the country’s top comedic playwrights around. You can watch several of his 38 great plays live every year when you return to your favorite St. George rental!

Around this same time of year, Southern Utah University holds its own Shakespeare Festival, as well, for those who like to shake things up (with some Shakespeare!). It also runs into the fall season, so don’t miss it. Thousands come out each year to attend. Besides nightly Shakespearean productions (which rotate each night), they also offer specific selections of more contemporary plays, not to mention countless Renaissance activities you can partake in. If you’ve got kids, take them to their amazing Green Show puppet-like shows, magicians, musicians, and more.  

Directions

It’s time to talk about how to get to Cedar City from Ledges and Bryce Canyon Park. Cedar City’s only 60.5 miles from Ledges, or one hour and two minutes (if you go via I-15 N). 

Get your car onto I-15 N right from UT-18 S + Red Hills Pkwy. Follow that I-15 N to UT-130/Cross Hollow Road. Next, take exit 57 right off of that same I-15 N. After that, follow S Main Street to your final destination.

Now, to get to Cedar City from Bryce Canyon National Park, it’s a bit different. You’ll need to take I-15 S (not N) instead. It’ll be a 91-mile trip that should take about an hour and a half by car (without delays on the roads, highways, or detours). You’ll need to start on UT-12 W towards highway US-89 North (or N, as it’s abbreviated on the highway signage). Follow this to Highway UT-20 W, and then from there, make your way onto I-15 S. Follow it until you get to UT-56 E/W 200 North (W 200 N). Take exit number 59, right from I-15 S. Continue onto highway UT-56 E/W 200 N to your destination. 

cedar city shown on a map
Photo from Shutterstock

Find Your St. George Vacation Rental 

It’d be unfair not to talk about the rentals here at Ledges and why you should stay with us. Ledges Vacation Rentals has long been known as a premier provider of rentals in St. George, Utah. This area’s perfect when you need a nearby home. Our 4-bedroom St. George vacation rentals are ideal if you have a whole family, but we also offer smaller accommodations if you need less room. 

Plan Your Stay

No matter which rental you select, you will surely be impressed with what you find. You’ll benefit from amenities like fully stocked kitchens, flat-screen TVs, complimentary WiFi, and more. You can quickly get into town from our rentals, but you’ll still enjoy seclusion and privacy throughout your stay. Of course, if you ever have any questions about your rental or the St. George area, we’re more than happy to help out however we can.

Make Ledges Vacation Rentals your next great place to stay! Contact our team today to book your next trip.