St George Utah Blog

Splash, Soak, Stay: Southern Utah's Top Communities Built Around Water

When people think of Southern Utah, they picture red rock cliffs, desert trails, and sweeping views of Zion National Park. But what many don’t realize is that St. George has become a surprising hotspot for water-based recreation! With exciting new developments like Desert Color, Southern Shores, and Zion Shores, locals and tourists alike are finding thrilling ways to beat the heat and enjoy the water.

Summertime is on its way to Southern Utah, which means the sun is coming out—and the fun is about to begin. Summers in St. George are sunny and hot, providing the perfect weather to relax by the water. Whether you're looking for a refreshing pool day or a full resort experience, St. George offers plenty of places to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in the sunshine.

 Desert Color

The Lagoon at Desert Color is St. George’s largest private body of water, and it’s the community’s main attraction. This stunning blue lagoon brings residents together and creates the ultimate luxurious and memorable outdoor experience. Adults can relax and unwind while the kids splash and play. It’s perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or simply lounging on the shore.

The white sand beach at the lagoon’s edge gives the feeling of a tropical getaway—right in the middle of the desert! Desert Color isn’t just about water; it also offers countless other outdoor adventures, including parks, trails, hikes, and a wide range of recreational amenities.

Looking for more luxury and convenience? Desert Color also features shopping, dining, food trucks, and even Topgolf. The community includes multiple townhome developments where you can find your dream home in your dream area. And if you're planning a short trip, there are plenty of vacation rentals and event spaces perfect for family reunions, staycations, or weddings.

Whether you're building your future or planning a perfect summer getaway, Desert Color delivers both excitement and relaxation.

 Southern Shores

Still in development, Southern Shores is Utah’s first-ever water sports community, and it's already creating a lot of buzz. With available estate lots ready for custom builds, this is your chance to make your dream a reality.

Planned amenities include:

• A surf pool
  
  

• A cable lake
  
  

• Resort-style pools
  
  

• Lazy rivers
  
  

• Lagoons for paddleboarding and kayaking
  
  

• Pickleball courts
  
  

• Cabanas and lounges
  
  

• Wellness and spa-centered features
  
  

This exclusive neighborhood will allow you to surf and swim right in your own backyard. Southern Shores includes 56 premium estate lots in the heart of Hurricane Valley, with 34 lakefront lots offering 5,850 feet of private lake frontage. Each of these lakeside properties includes its own private boathouse—giving you immediate and luxurious access to the water with 360-degree views.

Lot sizes range from 0.52 to 0.81 acres, with power and culinary water already available. These state-of-the-art resources and amenities make Southern Shores one of the most exciting and adventurous new water attractions in the area.

If you're ready to enjoy the finer things in life, this community is your ticket to desert luxury.

 Zion Shores

Located near Zion National Park, Zion Shores brings the surfing lifestyle to the Utah desert. This unique water-based community offers a luxury oasis nestled within a rugged and scenic environment.

The community features a world-class surf experience that replicates ocean waves, allowing surfers of all levels to ride the perfect wave. You’ll feel like you're at the beach—even though you're surrounded by red rocks and desert cliffs.

Its close proximity to Sand Hollow and Quail Creek makes it an ideal destination for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Plus, with Zion National Park just minutes away, you can hike and explore by day, then return for a refreshing dip or evening poolside relaxation.

Zion Shores offers luxury vacation rentals featuring outdoor showers, decks, and fire pits, creating a high-end yet comfortable retreat. Whether you're into adrenaline-fueled fun or peaceful evenings under the stars, Zion Shores has it all.

 Dive Into Southern Utah’s Water Life

These exciting water attractions are transforming what it means to visit—or live in—Southern Utah. Whether you're enjoying Desert Color’s community-focused luxury, Southern Shores’ action-packed water sports, or Zion Shores’ balance of adventure and serenity, there’s something here for everyone.

With swimming, lounging, water sports, and resort-style amenities all within reach, St. George is becoming a true desert oasis—offering the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. Whether you're planning your next trip or looking to invest in a dream home, these communities make it easy to enjoy the best that Southern Utah has to offer.

So grab your swimsuit, lather up the sunscreen, and step into summer paradise. Adventure, luxury, and relaxation are waiting for you—right here in Southern Utah.