Things to do / Travel Guide
A vacation in the southern Utah region certainly need not break the bank. From lodging and dining to entry fees to National Parks, prices are reasonable throughout the region, there are options for every budget, and many activities and attractions can even be enjoyed free of charge.
Lodging Costs in Southern Utah
The prices of lodging, though not too high, vary considerably in the southern Utah region, depending on type of lodging, location, and season. A lakeside cabin can often be nabbed for $70 per night while a standard hotel room might cost twice as much in a city setting, and a private cottage with minimal amenities could cost $30 a night while an upscale log cabin could go for more than 10 times as much. Above all though, the wide variety of establishments means that visitors are likely to find almost any type of lodging for any type of budget.
Luxury summer rentals and resort ranch rooms generally start at around $200 a night, with the swankiest spots costing more than twice that amount, but these prices can be considerably lower in the winter, off-peak season depending on your location. Visitors can enjoy bed and breakfast and motel lodging starting as low as $60 a night, with more high-end hotels and B&Bs usually running from $150-$200 a night. Thousands of campsites and RV parks throughout the region provide incredibly scenic lodging options at next-to-nothing prices, ranging from $5 to $35 a night.
Dining Costs in Southern Utah
Eating well won't cost you too much in the southern Utah region. Restaurants in major towns range in price from $5 Chinese take-out and pizzas, to fine dining starting around $25 an entrée. Mid-range dinning means entrées for $10-$15 a meal, and there are plenty of the typical cheaper fast food options. In the National Park areas, visitors may find that prices are a bit steep, owing to the relative remoteness of the location, so it may be worthwhile to pack some trail mix or a picnic lunch when you hit the road; and to bring extra food if you plan on staying for a few days.
Attraction and Activity Costs in Southern Utah
Entrance fees to National Parks, monuments and recreation areas vary from $5-$20 per vehicle or $5 per person. If visitors plan to do a lot of park-hopping, they may find that purchasing a National Parks Pass, valid at any National Park in the United States, is a good option. The pass costs about $50 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase. Anyone riding in the pass holder's vehicle is included, or the pass holder's family is included for parks that charge per person. The pass does not, however, provide discounts for camping, parking, tours, or concessions in the National Parks. For an extra $15, a Golden Eagle hologram can be purchased for the pass to also cover entrance to sites managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Discounted passes are available to senior citizens and the disabled.
If you would like to catch a show or concert at one of the festivals or performing arts venues in the southern Utah region, prices start at just under $10 a person and can go up to around five times as much for the best seats at the most acclaimed venues, such as at productions of the Tony Award-winning Cedar City Shakespearean Festival.
Free Attractions and Activities in Southern Utah
They say the best things in life are free, and that certainly rings true in the southern Utah region. Mother Nature doesn't charge any admission fees, so it's free to enjoy the spectacular views and incredible scenery that this region is endowed with. Scenic roadways, pullover points, guided walks, and evening ranger programs in some of the parks are available free of charge. Many of the region's historic sites offer free admission, especially sites related to the Mormon Church. Check out the Rock Church in Cedar City or the Daughters of Utah Pioneer museum.
Some of the most rewarding freebies in the Southern Utah region are the festivals. While famous events like the Utah Shakespeare Festival charge for play productions, access to festival activities before shows is absolutely free, including street performances, music, puppet shows, dancers, and perusing arts and crafts stands. Another freebie highlight: at the self-serve fruit picking orchards of Fruita, in Capital Reef National Park, you can help yourself to some free samples of the fruit as you pick. Yum!
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