Craving sunshine, red rock landscapes, and outdoor adventure? Visit Washington, Utah! Located just minutes from St. George, Washington is a gateway to some of Utah’s most stunning scenery. Whether you're hiking, golfing, or relaxing in the desert sun, this town blends natural beauty with easy access to national parks and attractions.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Washington is in the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities. Summers can be hot but are perfect for water recreation and early morning hikes. Winter is mild and quieter, offering great deals and fewer crowds.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Washington is located just off I-15, about 10 minutes northeast of St. George and 2 hours from Las Vegas.
  • By Plane: Fly into St. George Regional Airport (SGU), only 20 minutes away, or use Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (2 hours) for more flight options.
  • By Bus: Shuttle and regional bus services connect Washington with nearby cities like Las Vegas, Cedar City, and Zion National Park.

Where to Stay

  • Casitas at Sienna Hills – Stylish vacation rentals with desert views, perfect for longer stays or group trips.
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Reliable and convenient lodging close to I-15 and attractions.
  • Luxury Vacation Rentals – Washington is known for high-end homes near golf courses and community pools for family-friendly stays.

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Red Cliffs Desert Reserve – Hike through stunning sandstone canyons and spot wildlife like desert tortoises and lizards.
  • Coral Canyon Golf Course – Scenic course surrounded by red rock cliffs and panoramic desert views.
  • Quail Creek State Park – Enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in a turquoise reservoir.
  • Sand Hollow State Park – ATV across sand dunes, fish in the lake, or relax on sandy beaches.
  • Washington City Historical Museum – Learn about the area’s pioneer roots and early Mormon settlement history.

Top Attractions

Rev Up the Thrill with ATV Adventures

Rev Up the Thrill with ATV Adventures

© ATV Adventures

ATV Adventures is the largest and oldest ATV adventure tour company in the southern region of Utah. The company has been in business in the Washington, Utah area for over twenty years and specializes in adventure tours, rather than rentals, and always provides customers with high quality machines and one of the best guides anywhere in the area of Zion National Park. During the ATV Adventures tours, guests can experience some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, including the smell of sagebrush, glassy sapphire lakes, and grand red mountains while driving in one of the jeeps or on an ATV.

1324 S Sandhill Dr, Washington, UT 84780, Phone: 888-656-2887

Tackle the Trails with UTV Adventures

Tackle the Trails with UTV Adventures

© UTV Adventures

UTV Adventures is a one of the premier UTV and ATV tour companies in the St. George area and Southern Utah. The tour company offers the “best-in-class” UTVS available: the Arctic Cat Wildcat side-by-sides, featuring coolers, Bluetooth stereos and more for a comfortable experience. The UTV Tours offered by UTV Adventures provide great options for groups and families looking for a unique 4x4 adventure experience in the southern Utah region. Tour options range from comfortable and casual rides on the Wildcat where few people get to go to adrenaline pumping adventures like flying through sand dunes or crawling up boulder fields.

1430 E Washington Dam Rd, Washington, UT 84780, Phone: 833-888-6867

Sharpen Your Aim at the Zion Shooting Experience

Sharpen Your Aim at the Zion Shooting Experience

© Zion Shooting Experience

Zion Shooting Experience offers a unique experience in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful places near Zion National Park. One of the best gun ranges in the state of Utah, many people come from all over to experience shooting a gun at the Zion Shooting Experience, which benefits from the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of guns, such as pistols, shotguns, AR10’s, and AR15’s. These once-in-a-lifetime opportunities teach people how to safely shoot a gun. Guests can also experience detonating an explosive target or throw a grenade, all within a safe environment.

1134 Regional Park Rd, Washington, UT 84780, Phone: 725-696-4707

Test Your Skills at The Grip Ninja Obstacle Park

Test Your Skills at The Grip Ninja Obstacle Park

© The Grip

For any fans of the popular television show “American Ninja Warrior,” The Grip Ninja may be the perfect place to go in Washington, Utah. The facility is a premier “Ninja Warrior Obstacle Gym” featuring more than a dozen different obstacles for guests to try, providing a fun experience for people of all abilities and skill levels. Obstacles include the caterpillar swing, jumping spider, rumbling dice, flying monkey, the dual warped wall, and more. Opened in 2017, The Grip offers Open Gym hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00pm until 9:00pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00pm until 9:00pm.

1502 E Washington Dam Rd, Washington, UT 84780, Phone: 435-218-7304

Where to Eat

Grab a Slice at Regatti's Pizza

Grab a Slice at Regatti's Pizza

© Regatti's Pizza

Regatti's Pizza is a locally-owned and operated restaurant in the town of Washington that prides itself on creating high quality artisan pizzas inspired by the Neapolitan style of pizza. The dough is made fresh every day using a triple rising process and real olive oil to create superior texture and taste. The pizzas are topped with quality ingredients and then cooked in a seasoned wood-fired oven. Located in the heart of Washington, the building itself adds an old time charm to the restaurant’s atmosphere. Regatti’s Pizza is open from 11:00am until 9:00pm, Monday to Saturday.

28 N 300 W, Washington, UT 84780, Phone: 435-359-9900

Catch the Game and a Bite at St. Helen's Restaurant & Sports Bar

Catch the Game and a Bite at St. Helen's Restaurant & Sports Bar

© St. Helen's Restaurant and Sports Bar

St. Helen's Restaurant and Sports Bar has been serving tasty home cooked-style meals to the local community of Washington, Utah since 1998. This local “cheers bar” serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner both indoors and outside on the patio. With its putting green and pool table, the restaurant is unlike any other dining establishment in Southern Utah. In addition to a menu offering a wide variety of food options, there is also a full-service bar. St. Helen's Restaurant and Sports Bar is open Monday to Saturday from 7:00am until 9:00pm and Sundays from 7:00am until 4:00pm.

395 E Telegraph St, Washington, UT 84780, Phone: 435-652-8487

Pick Fresh Treats at Rowley's Red Barn

Pick Fresh Treats at Rowley's Red Barn

© Rowley's Red Barn

Rowley's Red Barn is Washington, Utah’s premier destination for country fun and farm-fresh foods. SItuated just a short distance from the freeway, the Red Barn is located both in the redrock of Washington and the hills of Santaquin. The iconic barn offers homemade pastries and ice cream, world class dried cherries, homegrown produce, and the character of a working, family-owned and operated farm. Since September of 1999, Rowley’s Red Barn has been a home an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, Country Spoon products, and fresh fruit with a mission of providing guests with an “on-the-farm experience” with tours and pick-your-own opportunities.

25 N 300 W, Washington, UT 84780, Phone: 435-652-6611

Enjoy Flame-Grilled Flavor at El Pollo Loco

Enjoy Flame-Grilled Flavor at El Pollo Loco

© El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco is home to famous fire-grilled chicken that’s cut to order, cooked slow, and served fast. With a commitment to authentic and fresh food that still exist today after decades, the restaurant still continues its tradition of marinating whole chicken daily in a family secret marinade of herbs, spices, garlic, and citrus. The chicken is then carefully grilled over the restaurant’s signature open-flame grills “to perfection” in the “authentic way” before being hand cut to be used in the many popular Mexican dishes on the El Pollo Loco menu. The same care goes into salsas and guacamole as well.

745 W Telegraph St, Washington, UT 84780, Phone: 435-627-8354

If you are interested in local events:

  • Washington City Cotton Days (April) – Annual celebration with a parade, 5K run, car show, and historical reenactments.
  • Fourth of July Celebration – Family-friendly festivities with fireworks, games, food trucks, and live music.
  • Southern Utah Art Festival (Fall) – Enjoy local art, crafts, food, and live entertainment in the nearby St. George area.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Washington, Utah:

  • Zion National Park (30–35 min) – Hike The Narrows or Angels Landing and soak in iconic red rock views.
  • Snow Canyon State Park (25 min) – Lava flows, sand dunes, and canyon trails perfect for hiking and photography.
  • Downtown St. George (10–15 min) – Explore art galleries, pioneer landmarks, and local restaurants.
  • Kayenta Art Village (30 min) – Hidden gem for art lovers with galleries, coffee shops, and scenic trails.
  • Sand Hollow State Park (20–25 min) – Swim, kayak, or ride off-road through colorful desert dunes and rock outcrops.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Why is Washington, Utah a popular destination?
    • The town of Washington, Utah is a popular destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, offering thrilling activities and breathtaking landscapes.
  • What natural attractions make Washington, Utah special?
    • The area benefits from its close proximity to Zion National Park and the stunning Red Rock landscape, making it one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world.
  • What adventure activities can visitors enjoy?
    • Visitors will find plenty of opportunities to explore the landscape with UTV Adventures or ATV Adventures, offering exciting off-road experiences.
  • What unique experiences are available in Washington?
    • Along with thrilling adventure activities, visitors can experience the Zion Shooting Experience or test their agility at The Grip “Ninja Warrior” gym for a one-of-a-kind challenge.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming desert landscapes. SpringHill Suites by Marriott St. George/Washington – A comfortable stay with modern amenities. Visit Red Cliffs Desert Reserve – Enjoy scenic hikes and stunning red rock views.
Summer (June-August) – Hot temperatures, ideal for early morning and evening activities. Hampton Inn & Suites St. George – A great location for exploring the region. Explore Sand Hollow State Park – Enjoy boating, fishing, and sandy beaches.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Washington – A budget-friendly stay with easy access to attractions. Drive through Zion National Park – Experience breathtaking fall colors and scenic trails.

Plan Your Trip


Table of Contents: