BUDGET
Getting there
The drive time from Las Vegas to St. George is 90 minutes to two hours (about 115 miles). One-way rates during frequent sale periods start at $129; 10-day advance notice; nonstop on AirTran or Delta.
Stay
Oversize guest rooms at the Crystal Inn Hotel and Suites feature a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and relaxing recliner. Internet rates from $89 to $102 per night; www.crystalinnstgeorge.com, 1450 S. Hilton Drive, 435-688-7477.
Eat
The Riverwalk Grill, at the Sunriver Golf Course, has wonderful views of Pine Valley Mountain. Open from breakfast through dinner with entrees $10.99-$15.99; www.riverwalkgrill.net, 4210 S. Bluegrass Way, 435-773-4111.
Experience
Take a self-guided tour of the 27 historic buildings and sites within the downtown St. George district. Pick up a free walking tour map at the old pioneer courthouse at 100 E. St. George Blvd.; www.stgeorgechamber.com, 435-628-1658. More than 1,000 dinosaur tracks have been found within a 10-acre area at Johnson Farm, now the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site. Closed Sunday; $6 adults; $3 children ages 4-11; www.sgcity.org/dinotrax, 2180 E. Riverside Drive, 435-574-3466.
MODERATE
Getting there
One-way rates to St. George start at $217 with a 21-day advance purchase; valid on Delta via Salt Lake City.
Stay
The Courtyard by Marriott St. George offers signature bedding, refrigerator, microwaves and in-room high-speed Internet access starting at $159 per night. On-site are two swimming pools and two hot tubs; www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sgucy-courtyard-st-george, 185 S. 1470 East; 435-986-0555.
Eat
Patrons of Samurai 21 are entertained by their own artistic chef as fresh Japanese cuisine is prepared teppanyaki style (iron plate). Entrees $10-$15; 245 Red Cliffs Drive, Suite 11; 435-656-8628.
Experience
Cedar Breaks National Monument is tucked between the more famous Bryce and Zion national parks, but is no less significant. The rim of this natural amphitheater canyon rises to over 10,000 feet above sea level. Some of the bristlecone pine trees are said to be more than 1,600 years old. Early spring snows can keep the park closed until mid-May, a time when the wildflowers start to paint the canyon rim. The park is about 80 miles from St. George, perfect for a one-day excursion; $4 per person (valid for one week); www.nps.gov/ceb.
SPLURGE
Getting there
One-way, walk-up Business Class rates to Las Vegas start at $551; nonstop on AirTran or Delta.
Stay
Located two miles outside of Snow Canyon State Park (11 miles northwest of St. George; www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/snow-canyon; $5 per vehicle entrance), the upscale Inn at Entrada features studio to three-bedroom, fully furnished casitas. A one-bedroom casita for up to four people ranges from $279 to $349 per night; www.innatentrada.com, 2588 W. Sinagua Trail, 435-634-7100.
Eat
Go to Xetava Gardens Cafe for the outdoor seating with tremendous views of the desert and red rocks landscape. Creative menus for breakfast and lunch are from $6.50 to $12. Evening hours (Thursday-Sunday) feature live music and house-made sangrias; www.xetava.com, 815 Coyote Gulch Court, Ivins (8 miles outside of St. George), 435-656-0165.
Experience
Head out on a three-hour Jeep excursion to witness 360-degree views of Zion National Park, Pine Valley and Parashaunt National Monument at sunset. The guided tour starts at 4,000 feet and travels up to 8,000 feet. A three-hour morning or afternoon guided Jeep tour is $75 adult; $55 under age 18; www.zionjeepguides.com, 888-687-6596.
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