Cedar City’s tourism is booming, and one visit there makes it easy to see why. One of Utah’s most popular places to live and visit, the area is full of everything from entertainment and sports to breathtaking nature and historic and modern culture.
Cedar City activities are so numerous that it can be hard to narrow them down to the must-do experiences when you come. But those who have been there long enough know that any visitor to the area shouldn’t leave without checking out these 10 absolute favorites first.
1. Southern Utah Museum of Art
More than a museum, the Southern Utah Museum of Art immerses you in the ever-changing modern culture and showcases the historic highlights of the past — all housed on the Southern Utah University Campus. This free public museum focuses on the latest, greatest art from artists all over the United States, with a focused area for the prized pieces created by the school’s students and faculty.
Although the museum is free, be sure to check the schedule before planning a trip. It’s closed on Sundays all year, and the hours change seasonally and for holidays.
2. Cedar City Aquatic Center
Kids of all ages (yes, you, too) will enjoy swimming, frolicking, and splashing at the Cedar City Aquatic Center. Is your idea of the perfect water day a twisting water slide? A relaxing lazy river and hot tub? Or maybe it’s a place where you can work off the calories from your trip by swimming laps across the pool. (Dry visitors can also use the gym equipment.)
No matter what your preferred time in the water looks like, the aquatic center has you covered! However, the schedule changes for open swimming, and Sundays are closed. Check the rules for parties and non-potty-trained individuals. Prices vary depending on age, and membership and punch passes are available.
3. Old Irontown
Iron is a substantial part of Cedar City’s history, and Old Irontown tells the story of Iron City. Visitors to the site can explore the ruins, dubbed “Old Irontown” today, and learn about how the town was first founded (in 1868). Built to mine iron, the original settlers were disappointed to find out there wasn’t enough there to survive. Nearly a decade later, the settlement was abandoned, leaving nothing but the ruins of the homes and buildings that began with so much hope and promise.
But all was not lost. The town became a part of history that built Cedar City into the thriving location it is today. When you visit (which is free), keep in mind that the city is in ruins, so there isn’t much shade or air conditioning. Dress according to the weather, bring snacks and water, and if you plan on hiking the famous Historical Marker #179, a first-aid kit and proper hiking gear are recommended.
4. Cedar Breaks National Monument
Just east of Cedar City (about a 45-minute drive) is a majestic creation of nature, the Cedar Breaks National Monument. Part of a national park, Cedar Breaks gives visitors a breathtaking look from 10,000 feet in the air. From the top, you’ll see a geologic amphitheater that descends nearly half a mile and is home to some of the state’s most beautiful flora and fauna. Come in the evening to immerse yourself in the cloud-free stars and peaceful bliss of a quiet forest, or explore during the day to get a true idea of the vibrant colors of the lush plants around you.
Plan ahead during winter seasons, as the roads can be inaccessible by car.
5. Brian Head Resort
You don’t have to come for snow skiing to enjoy Brian Head Resort. Located near the Cedar Breaks National Monument we just talked about, this ski-slope location has fun activities no matter the season! Be sure to visit the top of the mountain via the ski slope for the best views, and join in the festivities with live entertainment, activities like archery and disc golf, and outdoor ziplines and climbing walls. Nature lovers have their pick of hiking or riding a mountain bike along the various trails.
The activities available change throughout the year and may have fees associated with them. However, the lodges and restaurants are open all year.
6. Downtown Cedar City
Ready to step out of nature and into more modern activities? Spend a day in Downtown Cedar City, where you can walk the sidewalks and window shop while checking out the city’s public murals, statues, and other iconic cultural spotlights. Stop in at one of the many locally owned restaurants for meals or ice cream (we recommend the Bulloch Drug Store & Soda Fountain, beloved by residents and visitors since it opened in 1955), and grab your Cedar City souvenirs.
You’ll also see a bit of history, like the old Cedar City Movie Theater and the famous Union Pacific Railroad Department, both of which helped put Cedar City on the map. If you’re not in a rush, consider spending a couple of hours in the Frontier Homestead State Park in the downtown area before you leave.
7. Parowan Gap Petroglpyhs
Have you ever wanted to see dinosaurs in person? While we can’t give you the live version, a visit to the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs gets you as close as possible to the real thing without a time machine.
Located about 30 minutes north of Cedar City, Parowan Gap makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The rock walls are full of petroglyphs that were made by explorers and pioneers hundreds of years ago. Step a little further into the gap, and you’ll walk on a dinosaur track site. Markers and signs tell you where to look and the theories behind the markings, but no one knows exactly what they all mean. Feel free to make up your own ideas!
8. Kanarra Falls
Do you consider yourself a backpacker and nature lover? If so, add Kanarra Falls to your itinerary. It doesn’t have to be a full-day trip, since Kanarraville (the town the falls are near) is about 20 minutes from Cedar City. If you get up early in the morning, you can be there and back by mid-day. However, you’ll want to budget some time to spend mesmerized by the slot canyons, waterfalls, and desert ecosystem that awaits your visit.
The hike is almost 4 miles out and back. You’ll need to be in shape enough to climb up a ladder and over some boulders to get to the main attraction — the second falls. Note that the canyon gets narrower the further in you go, and no one is allowed past the second waterfall. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time because once they sell out at 150 visitors a day, which happens fast, you can’t get in. Flash floods are possible in the slot canyons, so if there’s rain in the previous or future forecast, don’t go in these areas. Visit the Kanarra Falls website to purchase tickets and view rules.
9. Utah Shakespeare Festival
Cedar City’s global attraction is the Shakespeare Festival that occurs at Southern Utah University each summer since 1961. The theater began in 1962 and became an instant hit. Since then, the festival draws visitors annually, helping local businesses and industries boom.
Shows are held in the Beverly Taylor Sorensen Center for the Arts and there are three theaters. To find out which shows will be playing when you’re visiting, check out the ticket office.
10. Zion National Park
Although it’s Utah’s most-visited National Park, Zion enters the list at number 10 only because of its distance: an hour south of our Cedar City hub. However, if you have a day to spend, a visit to Zion National Park is a worth way to use it!
You’ll need a pass, which runs about $35 per car and is good for 7 days. Bring water and food, and be sure to visit the National Park’s website for rules and the must-see places within Zion that are too impressive to miss!
