Surrounded by incredible scenery and nestled between two national parks (and a national monument!) Cedar City is home to arts, parks, trails, shops, and so much more! Narrowing how you want to spend your time while you're here is important, so we made a quick round-up of 24 things to see and do in (and around) Cedar City to help you find the perfect combination for your group and abilities.
1. Visit the Southern Utah Museum of Art
A state-of-the-art art museum in Historic Downtown, the Southern Utah Museum of Art offers FREE admission to see their rotating exhibits.
2. Hit the Slopes at Brian Head Resort
The highest base elevation resort in Utah, Brian Head is a must-visit resort with two mountains, 71 runs, and incredible southern Utah red rock views all around!
3. Visit the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum
Step back in time with a visit to the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum to find interactive displays and activities along with a collection of restored carriages and pioneer homes/buildings.
4. Play Disc Golf in Thunderbird Gardens
This 18-hole disc golf course winds through red rock and incredible scenery in Thunderbird Gardens Recreation Area, just minutes from historic downtown.
5. Dining and Drinks in Cedar City, Parowan, and Brian Head
Cedar City is home to some incredible local restaurants, southern Utah's premier winery, and Utah's only black-owned brewery! Find the perfect fit for your tastebuds and group using the link included here.
6. Bike it on the Southview Trail System
The Southview Mountain Bike System is a must-ride in Cedar City! This trail system is minutes from several hotels making it a great town-to-trail option with a great variety of trails. Enjoy the climb on Lichen It before flying down Lava Flow, or hit Black Ops for a challenge.
7. Visit the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
The walls of the Parowan Gap are adorned with over 1,500 petroglyphs in 90 panels and is an ancient ancestral site that is connected to many tribes that call the Colorado Plateau home.
8. Stargazing in Three Peaks Recreation Area
Removed from the lights of the city, but more accessible in winter than areas like Cedar Breaks National Monument, Three Peaks Recreation Area is a great spot for some evening stargazing.
9. Hike the Bristlecone Pine Trail
A one-mile trail at the top of Cedar Mountain, this family-friendly trail leads through Dixie National Fores to an observation deck and a group of ancient Bristlecone pines!
10. Check out a Play at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
Founded in 1961, the Utah Shakespeare Festival is a beloved tradition for many locals and visitors alike! With multiple plays presented every season (in repertoire so that it's possible to catch all the shows while you're here!) it's a great option for evening entertainment from June to October in Cedar City.
11. Take a Scenic Drive
Surrounded by several national scenic byways, the drive to-and-from the attractions around us are almost as good as the parks and attractions themselves! Especially in fall; the aspens and pines blend for a vibrant fall color display.
12. Visit Cedar Breaks National Monument
A natural red rock amphitheater with vibrant rock formations in shades of red, orange, and pink, Cedar Breaks is home to curious wildlife, stunning wildflowers, ancient trees, and fun hiking trails. Not to mention unbelievable night sky views and sunsets!
13. Take a Guided Trail Ride with Rising K Ranch
The wranglers at Rising K Ranch are pros who lead amazing guided tours through the backcountry of Kanarraville and Cedar Mountain with red rock views, classic southern Utah landscapes and good vibes all around.
14. Spend an Afternoon in Kolob Canyons
The north side of Zion National Park, Kolob Canyons is an equally beautiful space that shouldn't be missed while exploring in the area! Hike the Taylor Creek Trail for views from the canyon floor or the Timber Creek Overlook trail for sweeping views.
15. Check out the Sculpture Gardens in Historic Downtown
The sculpture gardens at the Beverley Center for the Arts are a great spot for an afternoon walk and wander, surrounded by beautiful works of art. The Stillman Sculpture Court is home to seven modern pieces from different artists, and the Pedersen Character Garden has a large collection of bronze sculptures depicting characters from the works of The Bard himself.
16. Visit the Festival City Farmer's Market in Downtown
A round-up of local farms, artisans, bakers, and more the Festival City Farmer's Market is a favorite summer activity for locals and visitors alike. While the Festival City Market goes year-round, in summer the festival extends to Wednesday nights too!
17. Embrace the Uniquely Utah Sweets in Downtown with a Vintage Soda Bar
There are few things that Utahn's love more than a good soda, and there's not much that beats a vintage soda bar! Swing by Bulloch Drug and ask for an Ironport, trust us, you'll love it.
18. Find Your Favorite Mural
Around Cedar City, Parowan, and Brian Head, you can find vibrant murals on buildings, wrapping electrical boxes, and other public art installations. There are twelve murals within walking distance in Historic Downtown Cedar City, four more near the Cedar City Visitor Center and Frontier Homestead State Park. In Parowan, there are two murals in downtown and three at the Parowan City Pool. And there are two murals (and a large sculpture) in Bristlecone Park in Brian Head.
19. Grab Permits & Hike an Iconic Trail
The Kanarra Falls trail is easily recognized from the vibrant red rock slot canyon and hidden waterfall within the canyon. Permits are required for this trail and can be reserved using the link included here.
20. Attend a Star Party at Cedar Breaks National Monument
An International Dark Sky Park, Cedar Breaks is a great spot to take in some out-of-this-world views! With guided star parties offered every weekend through the summer, it's a must-do while you're here.
21. Ice Skate at Brian Head Ice
There's something magical about an evening spent on the ice beneath the stars, gliding between glittering trees at Brian Head Ice. Rentals are available, and with restaurants and a cafe next door, it's a perfect combo.
22. Festival City USA
They don't call us "Festival City" for nothing! There is always something going in Cedar City and events are easy to find using the link included here for our local events calendar.
23. Hike the Navajo Lake Loop Trail
The Navajo Lake Loop Trail is an 8.6-mile trail, but trust us, it can be adapted to whatever length you need while still seeing some beautiful sights! This trail winds around the beautiful Navajo Lake, squiggling through lava fields, and offering unique views of this high-elevation lake.
24. Play and Explore in Parowan Canyon
The National Scenic Byway that connects Parowan to Brian Head, Panguitch, and Cedar Breaks National Monument, Parowan Canyon is home to some fun recreation opportunities and hiking trails too. Play a round of disc golf, hike the hidden have trail, or detour for an afternoon to Yankee Meadow Reservoir for incredible views and a great time.
