Spend Most of the Day at Zion National Park

Check out of the hotel and leave your luggage in the car (or with the front desk for safe keeping). Walk over to Cafe Soleil, where it should be easy to find a table when the restaurant opens at 8:00 a.m. The restaurant is cozy with both indoor and outdoor seating, specializing in breakfast bites that use organic ingredients whenever possible. The menu, featuring wraps, croissant sandwiches, smoothies, and gourmet coffee, makes sure to have a fair share of vegan and vegetarian options.
Cafe Soleil is a convenient stop while walking to the gates of Zion National Park.

You've arrived at Zion National Park. Begin by exploring the Visitors Center to plan your excursions. Take advantage of the free shuttle bus system, which travels between nine stops, culminating with the Virgin River Narrows where hikers trek through shallow water between narrowing canyon walls. (Bring appropriate shoes if this is of interest.)
You'll spend the rest of the day exploring this gorgeous national park. Angel's Landing is the most famous hike, but relatively dangerous and only for experienced hikers. It requires passes obtained via an advance lottery system. The Emerald Pools trail at the Zion Lodge exit is a more accessible trek along a stream.

Return to Flanigan's Inn to pick up your car and luggage. Time to hit the road and head toward St. George.

Drive through the main stretch of Springdale and pull over at Oscar's Cafe, a casual restaurant that serves flavorful Mexican-inspired cuisine. Order a Tex-Mex burger or one of the vegetarian recipes, including a veggie quesadilla or a portabella-avocado sandwich.
Oscar's Cafe doesn't take reservations, but makes a point to turn tables quickly. Since you're arriving for a late lunch, it should be relatively easy to score a table. Call 435-772-3232 in advance to check ahead.

Check in at The Advenire, a 60-room boutique hotel in a convenient downtown St. George location. The property balances luxury with rustic touches and modern design elements. Ask for a room on the top floor with arched ceilings. After checking in, take some time to get settled. Order a drink from the lobby cocktail lounge (one of the best in the city) or take a dip in the large hot tubs on one of two rooftop decks.

Walk across the street to Ancestor Square, a small park where restaurants, art galleries and other business surround six historic brick buildings, including a jail and sheriff's office, which date back to the late 1800s. Take a stroll and soak in the history and atmosphere before dinner.

The Painted Pony has long been one of the best restaurants in St. George, offering a fine dining experience in a cozy second-floor space with wood decor and Southwest-inspired artwork decorating the walls.
The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and seasonal modifications with free-range chicken, grass-fed beef and a revolving selection of house-made soups. Request a seat on the patio when the weather's nice. Book a reservation in advance.
If you need a backup dinner option, Wood.Ash.Rye back at the Advenire hotel is another great restaurant with a similar dedication to quality ingredients serving wood-roasted meats and vegetables and bakery items from an open kitchen.

Walk back to your room at the Adenire and wind down after a busy day.