First-Time Visitor Guide to Cedar City, Utah
Planning your first visit to Cedar City, Utah?
Cedar City is a year-round travel destination in southern Utah, known for its proximity to red-rock landscapes, gorgeous national parks, world-class theater, and seasonal festivals/events. With an almost even driving distance between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, Cedar City makes a great base camp, offering a blend of scenic outdoor exploration, vibrant local culture, and even a backyard ski resort!
Perfect guide for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Cedar City is known for its unique mix of outdoor adventure and performing arts, offering visitors easy access to mountain scenery, national parks, and year-round cultural events.
Visitors often visit for:
- World-class theater at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
- Skiing and summer mountain biking at Brian Head Resort
- Scenic hiking and incredible mountain bike trail systems
- Small-town dining and shopping
- Awe-inspiring views at Cedar Breaks National Monument
Where is Cedar City & How Do I Get There?
Cedar City is located in Iron County, Southern Utah, and is reachable via Interstate-15 and served by Cedar City Regional Airport. Visitors can also fly into Salt Lake City (SLC) or Las Vegas (LAS) and drive to Cedar City as part of a southern Utah road trip itinerary. ✈️
When is the best time to visit Cedar City?
Spring through fall bring mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals, while winter offers snow sports at Brian Head. ☀️❄️
Top Things to Do in Cedar City, UT
Breaking it down by category, here are a few things in (and near) Cedar City that you won't want to miss!
🏞️ Outdoor Exploration and Scenery
Visit Cedar Breaks National Monument: A stunning red rock amphitheater with alpine scenery, incredible views, and clear night skies.
Mountain bike in town, and everywhere else too:
- Iron Hills Trail System: Minutes from town, nationally recognized recreation trail system, mix of downhill and climbs
- Three Peaks Recreation Area: Long trails that are perfect for beginning and intermediate riders.
- Thunderbird Gardens Trail System: Fun trails that are great for intermediate and advanced riders, with beautiful red rock views
- Brian Head Resort: Gravity-fed, lift-serviced mountain bike park with cool temperatures and great views in summer.
Explore Dixie National Forest: Hike the trails, camp, hit the backcountry mountain bike trails, and take a scenic drive.
Hike the iconic Kanarra Falls Trail: Gear up, don't forget your permits, and take in the incredible views along this slot canyon trail.
Stargaze: Visit Cedar Breaks National Monument, Kolob Canyons, or Three Peaks Recreation Area to find incredible dark skies
Ski at Brian Head Resort in winter, or check out the summer activities and mountain bike trails in summer.
🎭 Cultural and Seasonal Experiences
Attend the Utah Shakespeare Festival: A Tony-award-winning theater experience in downtown Cedar City with the works of Shakespeare, musicals, contemporary theater, a free evening Greenshow, and more.
Visit the Southern Utah Museum of Art: A free art museum in downtown Cedar City with rotating exhibits and world-class artwork.
Walk the sculpture gardens at the Beverley Center for the Arts: Find over a dozen beautiful bronze sculptures in the vibrant gardens.
*Bonus: the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Southern Utah Museum of Art, and sculpture gardens are all in one place!
Step back in time with a visit to the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum: Hands-on pioneer history activities, exhibits, and historic homes.
Visit the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs for an extraordinary historic experience: With over 1,500 petroglyphs, it's a must-see destination.
Find vibrant murals in downtown, throughout Cedar City, and some great murals in Parowan and Brian Head, too, using the guide included here.
🍲 Dining, Shopping, and Local Culture
Cedar City offers a range of restaurants, cafes, local shops, and even a winery! Use the listings below to find the perfect fit for your first-time visit.
🛏️ Lodging & Where to Stay
Choose from hotels, inns, vacation rentals, and nearby cabins, all with easy access to downtown Cedar City and nearby outdoor destinations like Brian Head and the National Parks.
🎉 Events, Festivals, and More
Cedar City is known as "Festival City, USA" for good reason! We have a high concentration of year-round cultural, arts, and sporting events. These annual festivals are always worth planning your visit around.
Utah Shakespeare Festival: A Tony-award-winning theater experience in downtown Cedar City with the works of Shakespeare, musicals, contemporary theater, a free evening Greenshow, and more.
Utah Summer Games: Every June, the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games bring athletes, fireworks, live music, and thousands of participants to Cedar City for an Olympic-style festival for all ages.
July Jamboree: In July Main Street shuts down for a day of live music, food trucks, classic cars, vendors, and more.
Cedar Breaks Wildflower Festival: In July, the meadows throughout Cedar Breaks come alive with vibrant colors and beautiful wildflowers, along with ranger-led programming.
Utah Wine Festival: This event highlights Utah's many incredible wineries and beautiful vineyards with tastings, tours, and farm-to-table dinners.
Cedar City Livestock & Heritage Festival: This event kicks off with a unique event, the Sheep Parade! Celebrating the agricultural roots of the area, this event includes a rodeo, a parade, vendors, dutch-oven cooking, and more.
Cedar City Downtown Lighting Ceremony: Turn on the lights and ring in the holidays in Downtown Cedar City with an evening of family fun, a visit from Santa, holiday vendors, and more!
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