Southern Utah is one of those special places that leaves you wondering if you left or found part of yourself there. The small-town charm, gorgeous landscapes, and vibrant culture are hard to beat. The Utah real estate industry is growing for a reason!
Whether you’re thinking of visiting Southern Utah or considering moving here, here are a few local highlights to add to your itinerary.
Must-Visit Restaurants
Food is a major part of any trip, and Southern Utah has some of the most delicious spots. The blend of American, Mexican, and Southwestern flavors will give you a reason to come back again and again.
Painted Pony (St. George)
The Painted Pony is perfect for a classy and upscale night out. The restaurant rotates its lunch and dinner menus regularly, so everything is fresh and in season.
The Shop Coffee Co. (Orderville)
This cute and trendy coffee shop is located just between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. They have delicious breakfast and lunch menus with locally sourced fresh goods.
Sego Restaurant (Kanab)
One of the best meals you’ll ever eat will be at Sego. They craft the tastiest small plates for dining in style. They pride themselves on the high quality of their ingredients and food.
Cactus Jacks (Moab)
This Southwestern spot is full of flavor. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or brunch with fantastic house specials and classic favorites.
With the abundance of incredible, locally-owned restaurants in Southern Utah, you’ll be searching for Utah real estate in no time!
Unique Shops and Boutiques
Southern Utah is home to a variety of unique shops and boutiques. There are too many to add all of them to this list, but here are a few favorites to get you started:
- Gypsy Emporium (Hurricane): Fun and friendly antique store, specializing in vinyl records.
- St. George Art Museum Gift Store (St. George): Local artists’ works for sale.
- Book Bungalow (St. George): Independent bookstore with great community events.
- Moab Rock Shop (Moab): Geological rock shop with souvenirs for any budget.
- Southern Utah Market (Hurricane): Makers market with a variety of sellers and items.
Southern Utah’s culture and community bring people together in a variety of ways, but local shops and markets are some of the most popular.
Local Markets
If you love farmers’ markets, Southern Utah is a dream come true. In nearly every city, local growers and creators come together to sell their home-grown or homemade goods.
St. George
- Downtown Farmers Market:
- Location: 300 S 400 E, St. George, UT
- Open every Saturday (excluding January)
- 8 AM – 12 PM (May – October)
- 10 AM – 2 PM (November – April)
- Sunrise Farmers Market:
- Location: 2592 S 3000 E St, St. George, UT
- Open every Saturday
- 9 AM – 1 PM (May – September)
- 10 AM – 2 PM (October – April)
Ivins
- Tuacahn Saturday Market:
- Location: 1100 Tuacahn Dr, Ivins, UT 84738
- Open year-round on Saturdays:
- 10 AM – 2 PM (October – April)
- 9AM – 1PM (May – September)
- Kayenta Native Arts Market:
- Location: 805 Coyote Gulch Court, Ivins, UT
- Open 5 PM – 8 PM every first Friday (starting May 2, 2025)
- 10 AM – 5 PM (Saturday & Sunday, May 3-4, 2025)
Cedar City
- Cedar City Farmers Market:
- Location: IFA, 905 S Main Street, Cedar City, UT
- Open Year Round Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM
- Festival City Farmers Market:
- Location: 100 W Center Street, Cedar City, UT
- Open Year Round Saturdays:
- 9 AM – 1 PM (May to October – Summer Market)
- 10 AM – 2 PM (November to December – Holiday Market)
- 10 AM – 2 PM (January to April – Winter Market)
- Summer Festival: Wednesdays, 4 PM – 8 PM (July – October)
Kanab
- Kanab Farmers Market:
- Location: 20 N 100 E, Kanab, UT
- Open Wednesdays, 5 PM – 7 PM
Outdoor Adventures and Hidden Natural Wonders
If the local food and culture don’t make you want to move to Utah, what about the incredible scenery? From national parks to backroad gems, Southern Utah is full of stunning natural features.
Southern Utah National Parks
We have to start by talking about the “Mighty 5” National Parks. Utah is home to some of the most recognizable and awe-inspiring rock formations. These 5 national parks draw millions of visitors every year:
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
Southern Utah State Parks
While lesser known than the national parks, Utah has 46 state parks that have gorgeous views and fewer crowds. Here are a few worth visiting in Southern Utah:
- Snow Canyon State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Sand Hollow State Park
- Quail Creek State Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
Hidden Gems
- Kanarra Falls: This moderate to strenuous hike follows several waterfalls in Kanarraville, UT. It is 3.6 miles out and back and requires a $15 permit for ages 8+. Bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet!
- Toadstool Hoodoos: This easy hike is 1.5 miles long, just off Highway 89 between Kanab, UT, and Page, AZ. Here you’ll see unique, toadstool-looking rock formations. No entry fee required.
- Cedar Breaks National Monument: Visit hoodoos similar to Bryce Canyon and arches like Bartizan Arch at this national monument. The entrance fee is $25 per vehicle (valid for seven days) or $15 for individuals on foot or bicycle.
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: See incredible arches and areas like Coyote Gulch, Peekaboo Slot Canyon, and Cosmic Ashtray. There is no entrance fee for this monument.
Local Events and Festivals
When you’re not exploring the incredible scenery, Southern Utah also hosts several local festivals. Don’t miss:
- Red Rock Film Festival (Cedar City): This event celebrates film and culture. It’s held in the fall and includes mostly competition films.
- Moab Music Festival (Moab): Watch world-class musicians perform against the red rock scenery. There are music hikes, raft trips, and backyard-style concerts.
Utah Real Estate: A Growing Opportunity
Why just visit Southern Utah when you can live here? The beautiful scenery, vivid community, and economic growth make it one of the most popular real estate markets in the western United States.
Popular Areas
- St. George: Because of its sunny weather, great culture, and proximity to Zion National Park, St. George is growing rapidly. It’s popular for many retirees and young families.
- Moab: This is a perfect area for outdoor lovers. Moab is close to Arches and Canyonlands, and full of great biking trails. Many Utah real estate investors focus on its potential for vacation rentals.
- Cedar City: Also called the “Gateway to National Parks,” Cedar City is a smaller town with everything you need. It provides easy access to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks and hosts events like the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Benefits of Living in Southern Utah
If you’re looking at Utah real estate, Southern Utah has unbeatable scenery, access to the outdoors, and a welcoming community. Areas like St. George are growing rapidly and providing economic opportunity and growth. If you move to this area, it won’t be long before it feels like home.
Southern Utah and Northern Utah have different landscapes, but they provide safe, welcoming, and gorgeous communities. If Southern Utah isn’t where you want to live, but you want easy access, check out Abbey Road Community. This new development is just a 3-4 hour drive from the best spots in Southern Utah, without the heat. Contact us today to learn more!
