Things to Do at Desert Color (Beyond the Lagoon)
Ember Stays Team
The lagoon is the headline at Desert Color. It’s the “wait, this is in Utah?” moment that gets all the attention. But once guests settle in, most are surprised by how much else there is to do right on-site (and how easy it is to mix resort time with exploring St. George).
If you’re planning a trip and wondering whether Desert Color is worth it even when you’re not in the water all day, this guide is for you. It covers what you can do inside the resort, what’s close by, and how people typically structure a trip so it feels relaxing instead of over-planned.
Desert Color Overview
Desert Color is a resort-style community in St. George built around shared amenities — pools, pickleball, walking paths, and the lagoon — with vacation homes that are designed for group travel.
So the question isn’t “What can we do?” The question is usually: Do we want our trip to feel like a resort stay, an adventure itinerary, or a bit of both? Desert Color makes it easy to do all three.
On-Site Things to Do at Desert Color
1) Pickleball (Yes, It’s a Big Deal Here)
Pickleball is one of those amenities people don’t think about much until they arrive — and then it becomes part of the daily rhythm. Mornings and evenings are especially popular because the weather is usually at its best.
If you’re traveling with a group, pickleball is an easy win because:
- games rotate quickly, so everyone gets involved
- it’s social without being “an activity you have to commit to”
- it’s close enough to be spontaneous (you don’t have to plan it like an excursion)
A lot of guests love that the courts are walkable. As one guest put it: “Pickle ball courts are a short walk away.”
Helpful tip: If your group includes a mix of skill levels, bring a few extra balls and plan on “king/queen of the court” style play. It keeps things moving and feels less competitive.
2) Resort Pools + Hot Tubs (The Unsung Hero of a Desert Color Trip)
Even if you come for the lagoon, the pools tend to be where people end up spending time when they want:
- a quieter vibe
- a shorter “pop in for 30 minutes” option
- water time without hauling gear
It’s also the best fallback when the lagoon isn’t the plan for the day (wind, cooler temps, kids need a calmer option, etc.). Guests consistently mention how easy it is to bounce between home, pool, and water.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is where Desert Color really shines — because you can do water time daily without turning it into a big production.
3) Walking Paths + Morning “Resort Strolls”
This sounds small, but it matters: Desert Color is a place people actually walk.
Morning walks, stroller loops, sunset strolls, and “let’s go look at the lagoon again” laps are a real part of the experience. If your group includes early risers, the neighborhood in the morning is calm and has that vacation-y quiet before things pick up.
Why this helps your trip: These little walks are often what make a trip feel restful — especially for groups. Everyone doesn’t have to do the same thing at the same time. Some people walk, some people make breakfast, some people sleep in. It works.
4) Games + Hangout Time at Your Vacation Home
This is the part most guides skip, but it’s honestly where a lot of the “best memories” come from: downtime at the home.
Desert Color homes are built for groups — which means the fun isn’t only outside. Most guests naturally settle into:
- big kitchen meals
- movie nights
- board games after the kids are asleep
- multiple living spaces so the group can split up without separating
If you’re traveling with multiple families, these homes make it easy for everyone to be together without being crowded.
One thing we hear often: guests like having space where kids can be loud upstairs while adults hang out downstairs — or vice versa.
5) Outdoor Spaces: Patios, Rooftops, Fire Pits
Evenings at Desert Color tend to be everyone’s favorite time. Not because there’s an “event,” but because the setup makes it easy to relax.
If your home has a hot tub, rooftop deck, or fire feature, those become natural gathering spots. It’s the low-effort version of “going out” — you’re still together, you’re still doing something, but nobody has to get ready, drive, park, or coordinate.
Things to Do Near Desert Color (Short Drives That Actually Feel Easy)
One of the best parts about Desert Color is that it’s just far enough from downtown to feel like a destination — but close enough that errands and dinners are straightforward.
A guest described the convenience well: “Downtown St. George was only 10–15 minutes away.”
That’s the sweet spot. You can have “town nights” without the whole trip feeling like you’re constantly in the car.
6) Dinner in St. George (Without Overthinking It)
Most groups do this 1–3 nights depending on the trip length:
- one nice dinner out
- one casual dinner after a day of exploring
- one “we’re tired, let’s grab something easy” night
If you’re traveling with a big group, it’s often easier to do a mix:
- dinner out for adults
- takeout + home dinner for families
- split nights so everyone doesn’t have to coordinate every time
Pro tip: Plan one big grocery run early and keep dinner out as a bonus, not a requirement. Your trip gets instantly more relaxing.
7) Shopping + “Vacation Errands” (The Useful Stuff)
Even luxury trips include real-life needs:
- groceries
- ice
- pharmacy items
- extra sunscreen
- last-minute things for kids
Because Desert Color is close to St. George, you don’t have that “we’re trapped at the resort” feeling that can happen in more remote destinations.
8) Golf (If Your Group Has Golfers, This Is an Easy Add-On)
St. George is a big golf destination, and Desert Color is a great base if you have a golf trip or even just a few golfers in the group.
A common pattern:
- golfers play early
- everyone else does lagoon/pool
- regroup for lunch and an easy afternoon
This is one of those situations where Desert Color shines because not everyone needs to do the same thing for the trip to feel cohesive.
“Adventure Days” That Pair Well With Desert Color
A lot of guests use Desert Color as the comfortable base for outdoor exploring — with the lagoon/pool days as recovery days.
This is the best way to do it if you’re traveling with kids, or with a group that has mixed energy levels.
9) Zion National Park (The Big One)
Zion is one of the most common reasons people come to St. George. Many families do:
- one full Zion day
- one easier half-day or scenic drive
- then a rest day back at Desert Color
Why Desert Color works for Zion trips: You can do a big day of hiking and then come “home” to a resort-style evening.
10) Snow Canyon State Park (The Local Favorite)
Snow Canyon is closer and often easier than Zion for families and casual hikers. It’s great for:
- scenic drives
- shorter hikes
- little-kid-friendly exploring
- quick morning outings that still leave you the afternoon at the resort
If your group wants outdoor time without making it an all-day production, Snow Canyon is usually the move.
Sample Itineraries (Because Planning is Half the Stress)
Here are a few realistic ways people use Desert Color.
If You’re Staying 3 Nights (Quick Getaway)
Day 1: arrive + settle in + pool/hot tub evening
Day 2: lagoon + pickleball + dinner at the house
Day 3: quick outing (Snow Canyon or town) + more resort time
Day 4: easy checkout + head home
If You’re Staying 5–7 Nights (Family Vacation)
- 2 resort days (lagoon/pool/pickleball)
- 1 Zion day
- 1 Snow Canyon day
- 1 flexible day (golf, shopping, or “do nothing”)
- repeat your favorite parts
If You’re Staying for a Tournament or Retreat
- mornings: event/tournament/meetings
- afternoons: resort time
- evenings: group dinners + rooftop/hot tub hangouts
This is why Desert Color works so well for group travel — the resort makes the “in-between time” feel like vacation too.
FAQs People Wonder About Before They Book
Is Desert Color good if we don’t want to leave the resort much?
Yes. Many groups spend most of their time on-site because between the lagoon/pool/pickleball and the home setup, it’s genuinely enough.
Is it good for multi-family trips?
Very. The combination of resort amenities + homes designed for groups is what makes it easier than most destinations.
Is there enough to do for teens?
Usually yes, especially if your home has multiple hangout spaces (games, TVs, a hot tub, etc.). Teens tend to rotate between water time, sports, and downtime.
What if the lagoon isn’t the plan every day?
That’s exactly why this article exists. Pools, pickleball, walks, and your home’s setup carry the trip — and St. George is close enough for easy outings.
Is the area still growing?
Yes. Desert Color is an actively developing resort community. Most guests are unbothered, but it’s worth knowing there can be weekday construction in some areas.
The Short Version: What Makes Desert Color Different
Desert Color works because it’s a trip where you don’t have to “go do something” every day for it to feel fun. The resort amenities create built-in options, and the homes make downtime feel like part of the vacation — not filler.
If you want the kind of St. George trip where some people can adventure, some people can relax, and everyone still feels like they’re having the same vacation, Desert Color is hard to beat.
