Nestled in the mountains of southern Utah lies a hidden gem that road trippers and adventure seekers will adore—Cedar City. This vibrant town is the perfect gateway to the stunning Brian Head resort and offers an eclectic blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newbie explorer, Cedar City has something you’ll love at first sight. Ready to discover what makes this mountain town an absolute must-visit? Buckle up as I take you on a whirlwind tour!
Cedar City is conveniently located less than an hour north of St. George, UT, and just 1.5 hours from Mesquite, NV. Since I live in that area, it looked like a great spot to get to know, and boy, was I right. Cedar City’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring Southern Utah’s diverse attractions, including the famous Mighty Five National Parks.
Downtown Delights
Cedar City’s downtown area is brimming with quaint shops and unique finds, plus the sculptures are riveting. Here are some of my top picks:
- Main Street Books – A cozy haven for book lovers, offering a wide range of titles and genres.
- Bulloch Drug & Gifts – Don’t be fooled by the name; this treasure trove features multiple shops within, offering everything from quirky gifts to elegant home decor and festive seasonal items.
- Bulloch Soda Fountain – Step back in time at this nostalgic soda fountain, where you can enjoy classic treats and a dose of old-world charm. Kudos on the awesome puzzle selection!
- Belle’s on Main and Comforts of Home – These boutiques offer a delightful mix of trendy fashions, home goods, and more.
No visit to Cedar City is complete without indulging in the upscale brownies at Ganache-D, located in a historic theater space. Flavors change weekly, but I’ve sampled about ten in the past, and they were all delicious and incredibly rich.
These decadent treats are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth, but they do offer Rockwell ice cream, caramel-dipped apples, and a few other goodies if you’d prefer.
Amber Kay’s
While I haven’t eaten my way through Cedar City yet (it’s on my bucket list!), we can vouch for Amber Kay’s. Located right off the highway, this eatery consistently ranks as the #1 restaurant in Iron County.
Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast or a savory lunch, Amber Kay’s delivers. Our favorites? The Spam & Eggs with hash browns and toast, for myself, and the omelets or Benedict for my husband.
FYI: I love supporting businesses that support our U.S. Military, and this one even shares the Missing Man Table near the front door.
Family Fun
Utah Shakespeare Festival
Perhaps Cedar City’s most famous attraction and easily one of the best things to do in Cedar City is attend the Utah Shakespeare Festival, a cultural jewel. Held at the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts, the festival runs from June through mid-October and features eight plays each season across three theaters.
One of the highlights is the outdoor Englestad Theatre, a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Don’t miss the complimentary Greenshow in the courtyard before performances during the summer months, featuring music, dancing, juggling, and storytelling.
Park Discovery
If you’re traveling with kids, Park Discovery is something cool to check out. This accessible park features mazes, slides, and dinosaur digs, providing endless entertainment for the little ones.
Fishing and Hiking
Cedar City is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The area’s lakes and streams are perfect for fishing, with species like crappie, brook trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. The Dixie National Forest offers premier hiking trails that will satisfy any nature lover or outdoor enthusiast.
Impressive Side Trips
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Just 21 miles from Cedar City, Cedar Breaks National Monument offers breathtaking scenic overlooks, rock formations, meadows, and forests. The drive to get there is thrilling, but be mindful of altitude sickness as the elevation ranges from 10,000 to 10,500 feet. It was my first time experiencing this dreadful feeling, but rest and lots of fluids helped.
Visit in July or August to see the wildflowers in full bloom, and always watch for the stunning Bristlecone Pine trees. The Alpine Trail is a popular two-mile route with gorgeous views of the meadows, while Ramparts Overlook offers a more challenging hike.
Pick up snacks, drinks, and some great park souvenirs (plus passport stamps!) at the park store. You’ll find the historic 1937 Log Cabin there, too.
Even a simple drive through the park, with its four overlooks (including the amphitheater rim) and three trailheads, is a treat. Cedar Breaks National Monument is also an International Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing.
Pro Tip: Here, we saw pika, fox, and mule deer. Weasels and mountain lions are also abundant.
Brian Head Resort
A short drive from Cedar City, Brian Head Resort is a world-class destination for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and night skiing, with over 650 acres of terrain. The resort typically receives over 350 inches of famous Utah powder each winter and boasts the highest base elevation in Utah at 9,600 feet.
Summer activities include mountain biking, mini zip lines, and bungee trampolines. Lodging is available at Giant Steps Lodge, and the resort offers a ski school with terrain-based learning.
Nearby Parowan
Parowan, another nearby city, is worth a visit for its charming downtown area, nice parks, and sculptures. The Dr. Meeks Pioneer Farmstead and Parowan Heritage Park are notable attractions, with the latter hosting several festivals and evening events.
Don’t miss the historic Aladdin Theater in Parowan, offering a glimpse into the past. Recently renovated and over 100 years old, this theater is a testament to the region’s rich history and enduring charm.
We ate all our meals at DeDe’s Farmhouse Cafe: breakfast, lunch, and dinner because the food was that good and the service impressive. Try the signature French toast or omelets; you can’t go wrong with the spaghetti and meatballs or gourmet salads for dinner.
My husband and I stayed at Mountain View Lodge, which has a separate building housing a heated pool and hot tub. The rooms have been redecorated and are very clean. A grab-and-go breakfast is included at this affordable property, and pets are allowed.
Pro Tip: Keep your eyes on the lookout for marmots in this area of Utah.
A Cultural Oasis in the Mountains
Southern Utah University Campus
Embark on a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Southern Utah University campus. Here, you’ll discover the breathtaking Stillman Sculpture Court and the enchanting Catherine and Robert Pedersen Shakespeare Character Garden.
From contemporary outdoor art pieces to Shakespeare’s most famous characters nestled amidst a symphony of trees and flowers, this is a sight that will inspire you to hop off the interstate. (I have to make it sound poetic so you can hear my tone showcasing how amazing this property is)
These serene spots are perfect for a quiet afternoon of reflection and inspiration or even stretching your legs if you are traveling through.
Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA)
Art lovers, this one’s for you! The Southern Utah Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of regional and contemporary pieces, making it a cultural hub in this charming city. Stroll through the galleries and get lost in the visual stories that depict the essence of southern Utah’s artistic spirit.
Cedar City Music Arts
For those who crave a musical treat, Cedar City Music Arts offers a calendar packed with performances that will leave you tapping your feet. From classical symphonies to contemporary hits, there’s always something to look forward to.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Cedar City is a surprisingly cool mountain town offering world-class cultural attractions and pristine natural beauty. Whether you’re here for the Shakespeare Festival, exploring the Southern Utah Museum of Art, or hiking in Cedar Breaks National Monument, there’s something fantastic to discover.
