Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Cedar City
Cedar City surprises visitors with its blend of red rock landscapes and artistic energy. The city is home to the renowned Utah Shakespeare Festival, as well as Southern Utah University, which brings youthful energy and public art displays to town. Hiking, mountain biking, and skiing are all available within a short drive, offering activities for every season. Whether you're here for festivals or fresh air, Cedar City delivers charm and variety.
Top areas to stay at in Cedar City
Historic Downtown Cedar City
Historic Downtown Cedar City is the cultural heart of the town, full of galleries, shops, and cozy restaurants. Vacation rentals here often feature restored homes or loft-style apartments close to Main Street and the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Staying downtown means easy access to museums, theaters, and local events throughout the year.
Southern Utah University District
Adjacent to the university, the Southern Utah University District buzzes with student life and youthful energy. Airbnbs here are perfect for parents visiting students, theatergoers attending the festival, or travelers who enjoy campus life. The area is filled with coffee shops, performance venues, and tree-lined streets.
Enoch
Just 10 minutes north of Cedar City, Enoch is a quiet suburban community that offers more space and peaceful surroundings. Rentals here include family homes and vacation properties with mountain views and large backyards. It’s ideal for visitors looking to relax away from the city center while remaining close to outdoor attractions.
Fiddlers Canyon
Located on the northeast edge of town, Fiddlers Canyon is a residential neighborhood known for its proximity to hiking trails and red rock views. Vacation rentals in the area often include modern homes with scenic patios and fireplaces. The neighborhood is close to schools, parks, and trailheads leading into the hills. Fiddlers Canyon is great for active travelers and families seeking a peaceful base.
Cross Hollow Hills
On the west side of Cedar City, Cross Hollow Hills offers newer developments and vacation homes with expansive desert views. This neighborhood is close to the Cedar City Regional Airport and major roadways, making it convenient for road trippers. Properties here often include upgraded amenities, large kitchens, and garages for adventure gear. Cross Hollow Hills is ideal for comfort-seeking travelers who want a quiet retreat.
Must-visit places and attractions in Cedar City
Utah Shakespeare Festival
Held annually on the Southern Utah University campus, the Utah Shakespeare Festival is one of the country’s premier theater events. Productions span from Shakespearean classics to modern plays, all staged in beautifully designed indoor and outdoor theaters. The festival runs from summer through fall and draws visitors from around the world.
Frontier Homestead State Park Museum
Frontier Homestead State Park Museum offers hands-on exhibits and preserved buildings that explore the pioneer history of southern Utah. Visitors can try old-fashioned skills like rope-making or explore wagons and historic cabins. The museum is great for families and those interested in the region’s settlement history.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Just a short drive east, Cedar Breaks National Monument features a massive red rock amphitheater at over 10,000 feet elevation. The monument offers spectacular viewpoints, wildflower-filled meadows, and hiking trails. Stargazing here is exceptional thanks to the high elevation and dark skies.
Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA)
Part of the university’s campus, SUMA is a modern art museum showcasing works by regional and national artists. The museum features rotating exhibits, student art, and community workshops. It’s a peaceful and inspiring space that reflects Cedar City’s creative spirit. Art lovers will find it a relaxing complement to the town’s theatrical side.
Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
Located northwest of town, the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings left by native peoples hundreds of years ago. Visitors can walk among the boulders and view geometric patterns, animals, and celestial symbols etched into the canyon walls. Interpretive signs explain the site’s cultural significance and archaeological mystery.
Coal Creek Trail
Running through the center of town, the Coal Creek Trail offers a scenic path for walking, running, or biking. The paved trail follows the creek and provides shaded picnic spots, bridges, and playgrounds. It’s popular with locals and visitors looking for an easy way to enjoy the outdoors. The trail connects neighborhoods and green spaces across Cedar City.
Brian Head Resort
Just 40 minutes from Cedar City, Brian Head Resort is Utah’s highest ski resort and a favorite year-round destination. In winter, it offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, while summer brings hiking, mountain biking, and chairlift rides. Lodging is available on-site, but many Cedar City visitors make it a day trip.
Kanarra Falls
Located near the town of Kanarraville, Kanarra Falls is a popular slot canyon hike featuring waterfalls, ladders, and narrow red rock passages. The hike requires a permit and combines scenic beauty with a sense of adventure. It’s one of the area’s most photographed locations thanks to its unique formations and cool canyon waters. Kanarra Falls offers a memorable challenge for outdoor enthusiasts.
Where to Find a Vacation Rental Near Cedar City, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Just under two hours east, Bryce Canyon National Park features surreal rock formations known as hoodoos and unforgettable sunrise views. Visitors can stay in rustic cabins, lodges, or Airbnbs in nearby towns like Tropic or Panguitch. Bryce is perfect for hiking, photography, and stargazing, with trails like Navajo Loop and Queens Garden. It pairs naturally with a Cedar City itinerary for nature lovers. Spend the night in a cabin in Bryce Canyon National Park with starlit skies and panoramic canyon views.
Zion National Park, Utah
Around an hour south, Zion National Park offers world-class hiking through sandstone canyons and iconic trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows. Springdale and surrounding areas provide a range of vacation rentals with breathtaking views. Zion is ideal for adventurous travelers and complements Cedar City’s quieter, cultural pace. Recharge after a hike in a vacation rental in Zion National Park with canyon views and trailhead access.
St. George, Utah
Located 50 minutes southwest, St. George is a sunny city with golf courses, red rock parks, and modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy shopping, spas, and art galleries while remaining close to nature. St. George is a vibrant contrast to Cedar City’s cozy vibe. Rest in a house in St. George close to Snow Canyon or downtown shops and galleries.
Kanab, Utah
Roughly two hours southeast, Kanab is known for its cinematic landscapes and proximity to Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante. The town is a great base for exploring slot canyons and scenic byways. Kanab offers a quiet, adventurous complement to your Cedar City visit. Stay in an airbnb in Kanab surrounded by sandstone vistas and desert silence.
Parowan, Utah
Only 20 minutes north, Parowan is a small town rich in pioneer history and local charm. Parowan is close to Brian Head and Parowan Gap, making it ideal for day trips. It’s a relaxing and historical side destination near Cedar City. Enjoy peaceful mornings in a vacation rental in Parowan with views of mountains and colorful canyons.
Explore exhilarating urban adventures and splendid natural escapes across North America.
For those who love urban adventures, Cedar City's vibrant cultural scene is just the beginning. Expand your journey with a visit to airbnb in Green Bay, where you can explore the historic Lambeau Field and enjoy vibrant waterfront dining. Traverse to Texas for holiday rentals in San Antonio and immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage, particularly the iconic Alamo and the River Walk, a 15-mile urban waterway. Alternatively, connect with the northeastern charm of Branford vacation rentals, where the scenic Branford Green and unique Thimble Islands offer delightful local exploration options.
Nature enthusiasts will find the surroundings a gateway to incredible landscapes. Enhance your escape with an airbnb in Ojai, known for its serene orchards and scenic hiking trails amid the Topatopa Mountains. Journey north to uncover splendid wilderness by exploring rental properties in British Columbia, a haven for outdoor activities such as skiing in Whistler or whale watching from Vancouver Island. Discover the lakeside allure of airbnb Grand Haven, where sandy beaches and a historic pier delight visitors in Michigan. Lastly, enrich your experience with a stay at Pinehurst rental properties in North Carolina, a village renowned for its prestigious golf courses and beautiful, pine-laden landscapes.