Utah's Zion National Park Gateway Has Desert Beauty, Delicious Eats, And Canyon Charm

After visiting Zion National Park, travelers often stop in Springdale, located near the park's South Entrance. Others will take the scenic drive along State Route 9 and head straight to St. George for the attractions in the vibrant desert city. Yet right between the two sits Washington, another Utah gateway town that is worthy of a stop, too. With its quiet downtown, visitors can dive into local eats or buy homemade goods from farms and markets. Adding to its appeal are the neighborhood parks and trails, offering outdoorsy travelers easy access to iconic desert scenery.

Washington, often called Washington City by locals and the local government, is a growing mid-size city of roughly 32,000 residents. Surrounded by Utah's sandstone hills, it sits in the Virgin River Valley, at the base of the Pine Valley Mountains, with its highest peaks rising just above 10,000 feet. Visitors can take morning and evening walks along the Virgin River that cuts right through town, with views of the red rock terrain and cottonwood groves as your backdrop. On the city's northern edge, hikers will find plenty of outdoor areas where they can trek through sandstone canyons while spotting native wildlife.

Washington City is perfect for travelers searching for a convenient spot to stay in southern Utah without major crowds. Not only is the city just 30 miles from Zion, but it's also right next door to the restaurants and shopping spots in St. George, southern Utah's largest city. If you're flying to the area, St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is the closest option, providing flights from United, Delta, and American Airlines. You'll need to rent a car to travel around town, which you can easily pick up at the airport when you land.

In recent years, growing Washington City has been undergoing a major upgrade to its downtown area. Part of the project includes adding large hotels, shopping centers, and local eateries as well as making downtown more pedestrian-friendly. There's even a cute little food truck spot, Quentin's Corner Temporary Food Truck Park, within walking distance of some of the town's attractions. Because the city is currently expanding, if you stop by soon, you'll see lots of construction along Buena Vista Boulevard and into Main Street.

Start your morning on the Staheli Family Farm with a cup of coffee or a hot Betty White espresso from the on-site coffee shop, Grit & Grind Coffee. Here, you can grab a breakfast burrito, pick up treats from the silo store, and meet the barnyard animals. This coffee joint is a favorite for locals and visitors, with one Google user leaving a glowing review: "The atmosphere is so welcoming, the staff is amazing, and you can tell they genuinely care about the people who come in...Highly recommend!"

Want something heartier that will stick with you all day? Head to St. Helen's Restaurant and Sports Bar for a chicken fried steak platter or choose from one of their omelets with a freshly baked homemade scone. Stop by for lunch or dinner and snag a few of their famous Navajo tacos or a juicy burger. One reviewer on Google called the restaurant a "little jackpot hidden in Washington," and continued by saying, "We had the best lunch experience of my entire life." When you're ready for a sweet treat, Rowley's Red Barn, a locally-owned farm, is the place to be. Serving delicious homemade ice cream and fresh baked goods, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings. Don't leave without picking up some fresh produce or a bottle or two of their pressed apple cider.

Learn about the city's pioneer history at the Washington City Museum, located inside a 19th-century schoolhouse. Typically, the museum is open from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but you should call ahead since it's staffed by local volunteers. As one review on Google noted: "The Washington City Museum is a very interesting historical stop and a nice way to learn more about the early days of Washington, Utah." The same reviewer also noted that the museum is free, making it a budget-friendly experience. Adjacent to the museum is Veterans Park, the city's gathering spot. Visit on a Saturday to catch the Farmers Market, meet the friendly locals, or simply have a picnic while the kids play on slides.

When you're ready to get more active, you'll have lots of rugged trails to explore in Washington City. A main draw for hikers is the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and its conservation area, which is a compact and less crowded version of Zion. Visitors come to scramble inside the deep canyons and hike through the striking sandstone cliffs and rock formations that are stretched across nearly 69,000 acres. Given that three ecosystems meet here — the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau — this expansive preserve is a habitat for all kinds of wildlife. Be on the lookout for turtles and tortoises, lizards, snakes, mountain lions, coyotes, and nearly 150 species of birds. Of course, visiting Zion National Park is a must. If this is your first time, take a look at the unwritten rules of Zion, so you have a safe and memorable trip.