When it comes to planning a vacation in Southern Utah, Zion National Park often tops the list of most popular attractions. In 2022, around 4.7 million people visited the park, down slightly from the year prior.

Most visitors to Watchman Villas plan to spend at least a little time in Zion. After all, our Springdale villas are located just a short drive or walk from the South Entrance to the park. We’re also located on a shuttle stop for the Springdale line, making it easy to get to and from the entrance to the park even on the busiest days.

But there are plenty of other things to do in Springdale during your visit. Whether you want to take a break from hiking, explore more of what Springdale has to offer, or are looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, keep reading. We’re breaking down a few of the best things to do in Springdale during your next stay.

Shopping and Art Galleries

One of the best things to do in Springdale is shopping. Despite its small size, the town is home to tons of shops, art galleries, and restaurants. From gift shops and outdoor outfitters to local arts and crafts, you can easily enjoy a full afternoon of wandering and bring home fun souvenirs to commemorate your vacation. Local artwork and photography make for some truly unique souvenirs that you’ll love to display when you get home and make for great reminders of an amazing trip.

If you have little ones along who need a play break or you just want to take a walk and enjoy the weather, there are also several city parks located throughout Springdale that you can visit.

A Southern Utah State Park

Our Springdale villas aren’t just convenient for visiting Zion National Park. There are also a handful of Utah state parks located just a short drive away from Springdale. These state parks are some of the best things to do in Springdale during your visit. They are perfect for escaping the crowds on the busiest days in Zion, or for enjoying activities you won’t find in the national park.

Many visitors to the area never even realize that there are sand dunes, fishing, and more, located just a short distance from Zion National Park. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Springdale during high travel times, consider spending a day in one of these beautiful Southern Utah state parks.

Sand Hollow State Park

Less than an hour from Zion is Sand Hollow State Park. While you’ll also find sand dunes here, the park is better known for its lake, where you can enjoy a variety of watersports. If you visit when it is too chilly for boating, you can also rent UTVs and ATVs and hit an off-road trail instead.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Just over an hour’s drive from Springdale is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. This breathtaking park features light pink sand dunes, formed over thousands of years by the eroding sandstone cliffs that surround the dunes. This park is known for its off-road trails and family-friendly activities like sledding on the dunes.

Valley of Fire State Park

Technically this isn’t one of the things to do in Springdale. But while it’s located a bit further from Springdale than the other state parks on this list, Valley of Fire State Park is well worth the drive. Nevada’s oldest state park, Valley of Fire, is located in the Mojave Desert.

Here you’ll find stunning Red Aztec sandstone, vibrant limestone, and plenty of desert flora. History buffs will enjoy seeing the ancient petroglyphs and petrified trees. A visit to this park is a great chance to experience a very different landscape from the ones that exist in Zion.

Take an E-Biking Adventure

The Springdale Shuttle makes it easy to get around town throughout the day, as well as to get back and forth between your villa and the entrance to Zion National Park. But it’s far from the only way to get around on a busy day.

E-bike rentals are a fun and memorable way to explore both Springdale and Zion National Park. An electric bike takes much of the effort away from pedaling uphill or over long distances.

Greater Zion E-Bikes is conveniently located on-site at Watchman Villas. Pick up your choice of an e-bike for a few hours or a full day of exploring. Use your e-bike to travel to and from Zion, or to hop around Springdale for some shopping and sightseeing.

Planning the Best Things to Do in Springdale

There are plenty of things to do in Springdale during your Watchman Villas stay besides visiting Zion National Park. From exploring Utah state parks to shopping, strolling art galleries, or enjoying an e-bike ride, these are a few of the best.

Plan a day of enjoying Springdale or visiting state parks. Or, simply take a break after a morning of hiking to give your feet a break with an e-bike ride or a stroll through a gallery or two.

Ready to experience our Springdale villas for yourself? There are still two weeks left to take advantage of our Zion Secret Season deal. When you book a stay of two or more nights before March 15, you’ll enjoy a 40 percent discount on your booking. Book today to take advantage of this deal before it’s gone!