Cedar City, Utah is located at an elevation of 5,846 feet (1,782 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the United States. Located in the southwestern region of the state of Utah in the United States, it is the largest city in Iron County and is known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich cultural history.
With a population of approximately 35,444, Cedar City is home to Southern Utah University, a public university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and the Utah Shakespeare Festival, one of the most renowned Shakespearean theater companies in the United States.
The city is also located near several national parks, including Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cedar City is a very entertaining place, with plenty of things to do if you are looking to have an interesting time. We put together the most attractive activities to make your stay in this Utah city that much more enjoyable! So, keep reading and find out what you can do during your stay in Cedar City!
Things to Do in Cedar City, Utah
1. Have fun at Cedar Canyon Park
One of the best places to check out while you are in town is Cedar Canyon Park. You will find this park along the Coal Creek stream, and there are two areas for groups that want to enjoy outdoor activities.
You can come here with your friends or children and play volleyball or simply have a picnic. Boat races are also a popular activity here thanks to the stream that goes right through the park. This park offers a great opportunity to enjoy a day in nature without leaving the city.
2. Check out the Historic Downtown area
If you want an authentic vibe of Cedar City, there is no better place to go than the Historic Downtown area. Here you will find art galleries with exhibits of local and international artists, unique shops, plenty of restaurants and coffee shops to enjoy your time, and plenty of architecture to admire.
Among the historic buildings here there is the Old Post Office, Union Pacific Railroad Depot, and the Rock Church. Between admiring the historic architecture and strolling through the shops and restaurants, this part of the city is not one that you should miss!
3. Go to the Cedar Breaks National Monument
The Cedar Breaks National Monument is an impressive place that you have to check out if you are in the area. This monument is south of the Cedar Mountains and contains several geological formations that create a breathtaking natural oasis.
You will love to spend an afternoon here or enjoy a picnic in nature. The Cedar Breaks Monument is very popular among canyon lovers, and it will offer you plenty of scenarios for artistic pictures.
You can also come here for a hike, and it is one of the best places to go camping in Utah. The view of the mountains will be with you for the entire time you spend here, and you might even find it difficult to leave.
4. Frontier Homestead State Park Museum
The Frontier Homestead State Park Museum is a great attraction for those who love history and vintage items. Here you will learn about the history of the city and the industries that developed here up to the structures we see today. The museum includes scenes and lessons referring to southwest Utah, and it is a wonderful place to come to with your children.
Children, in particular, will be fascinated by the horse-drawn wagon pieces and the antique items displayed at this museum. You will have the opportunity to purchase attractive souvenirs as well and join different hands-on activities.
The museum is open between May 27th, and September 10th from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Sunday.
5. Have a delicious dinner at Centro Woodfired Pizzeria
Even if there are plenty of places to eat in town, Centro Woodfired Pizzeria is a notorious restaurant in town. Here you can have the best dinner and enjoy the most entertaining events. The welcoming design and inviting menu of the restaurant make it ideal for all types of tastes.
The restaurant also delivers food, but it is best to enjoy the entire atmosphere of the place and reserve a table. Make sure you go to Centro Woodfired Pizzeria hungry so you make the most out of their delicious food!
6. Take a walk to the Red Hills
If you want to take in some of the natural wonders of the area, going to the Red Hills is one of the best things to do. The Red Hills Canyons are in the Cedar Mountains region and are accessible.
You will find signs leading you to these canyons all around town so if you want to check them out, you can’t miss them.
Besides the beautiful pictures, you can get here, there are also hiking trails to try out. And you can have a great picnic with your friends here as well, with a view of the mountains all around you.
7. Join the New Harmony Apple Festival & Fall Harvest
People from all over the country and even from other parts of the world are eager to join the New Harmony Apple Festival & Fall Harvest. If you like local fruits, and veggies as well as different local delicacies, this festival is for you.
The event takes place each year in October at Town Park. It is open for visitors on a daily schedule from 10:00 to 3:00 pm, and there is no entrance fee. You can count on the fact that you will not leave empty-handed from this festival, though.
8. Visit the Southern Utah Museum of Art
The Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) is a museum located on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah. The museum was established in 2016 and is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting contemporary art from the southwestern United States.
The museum is typically open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Admission is free, making it an affordable and accessible cultural attraction in Cedar City.
9. Join Utah Shakespeare Festival
Another festival that you will love to join while you are in Cedar City is the Shakespeare Festival. The festival features the most popular Shakespeare plays in a high-quality theatrical manner.
This event will make you feel like you traveled back to Shakespearian days, and you will find unique souvenirs to bring home to your loved ones. The festival takes place from June to October, each year, at Southern Utah University.
You will be able to check the schedule on the website of the event and book your tickets for the plays you would like to see.
10. Go camping at the Sunset Campground
Sunset Campground is one of the best camping spots if you want to escape the urban side of the city and enjoy a weekend in nature. There are benches that you can use and playgrounds for children to enjoy their time. So, you will not have any dull moments during your camping trip.
You will have to make a reservation to be sure that there is a spot available but most of the time this should not be a problem. If you want to organize your wedding here, you can also do that as well as organize any other event.
Fishing and cave exploration will also require a special permit, and they are not available all year round.
11. Enjoy nature at Zion National Park
If you want to escape the city, you can take a day trip to Zion National Park. The park is one hour away from the Cedar City Downtown area, and you can drive to it or take the bus.
This park is one of the most popular ones thanks to its amazing scenery. There are several hiking trails that you can join, and if you want to admire the sunset, this is one of the best places to do that as well.
The rocks are proof of the power that nature has as they are shaped by water and wind in unique ways. Plus, here you will find plenty of species of plants to admire.
12. Take a splash at the Cedar City Aquatic Center
Being a popular recreational facility that features a variety of water-based activities for all ages, the center is typically open Monday through Saturday, with varying hours of operation depending on the season.
During the summer months, the center is open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, while in the fall, winter, and spring, the hours are more limited, typically from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays.
Admission fees also vary depending on the age of the visitor and the time of day, with discounted rates available for Cedar City residents.
You should check the official website for updated price information or call ahead to confirm the current hours and admission fees, as they may be subject to change.
13. Go to Brian Head Resort
This is a premier ski destination that boasts over 650 acres of skiable terrain, with a variety of runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
With an average annual snowfall of over 360 inches, Brian Head offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions in the region.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers other winter activities such as tubing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
During the summer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides. With its stunning views, wide range of activities, and world-class amenities.
14. Relax at the Bicentennial Park
Established in 1976 as a part of the United States Bicentennial celebration, marking the 200th anniversary of the country’s founding, the park was created to commemorate this significant milestone in American history.
The park features a large grassy area, picnic tables, a playground, and a small pond that is stocked with fish.
15. Enjoy a picnic at the Newcastle Reservoir
The reservoir is a man-made lake created by damming Newcastle Creek and is primarily used for fishing, boating, and camping. Stocked with a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout, making it a great destination for anglers of all skill levels.
In addition to fishing, Newcastle Reservoir offers a range of other recreational activities, including boating, kayaking, and swimming. During the winter months, the reservoir is a popular spot for ice fishing, with the frozen lake offering ample opportunities to catch trout and other fish.
There are several campgrounds and picnic areas located around the reservoir, making it a great spot for a family outing or a weekend camping trip.
Conclusion
Cedar City is one of those places where you can go by yourself. With your friends or with your family and always have an enjoyable time.
You can choose to relax, explore the history of the city or dive into artistic adventures and allow yourself to be charmed by the beautiful nature sceneries.
Most of the activities in this guide are free and accessible to everyone who wants to find something entertaining in this city. Remember to bring your camera with you everywhere you go because this city has a lot to offer to those who appreciate the natural beauty.
You will most likely want to come back here and enjoy more of what Cedar City has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar City Utah worth visiting?
Yes, Cedar City, Utah, is worth visiting for its stunning natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
What is Cedar City Utah known for?
Cedar City, Utah, is renowned for its annual Utah Shakespeare Festival, and beautiful national parks nearby, and is a gateway to outdoor adventures.
Is Cedar City a Mormon town?
Cedar City has a significant Mormon population and heritage, but it is not exclusively a Mormon town, and it has a diverse community.
Is Cedar City a big City?
Cedar City is not a large city; it’s a relatively small city located in southwestern Utah, known for its friendly atmosphere and scenic surroundings.
