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How to Unwind around Cedar City

Posted: October 16, 2026 | Author: Ali Maynard | Read Time: 3 minutes

Two students walk down the sidewalk as they talk. They are both smiling.

College can be stressful, so it's important to remember to unwind. Luckily, Cedar City has a multitude of great options for relaxing!

Explore the Outdoors

With its stunning bristlecone pines, wildflower fields, and unique geological sights, Cedar Breaks National Monument is a perfect place to visit if you're looking to reconnect with nature. It is also one of the best places to stargaze in Southern Utah.

However, Cedar Breaks is just one of the many unique parks that T-birds can visit, and SUU Outdoors can help T-birds embark on these exciting adventures.

Some other outdoor activities include Thunderbird Gardens Trailhead - which has incredible hikes, a disc golf course, and mountain biking trails - and the several hot springs nearby that allow for a relaxing outing. There are also many outdoor winter activities and Christmas light displays that can help T-birds stretch their legs and calm their minds during the colder months.

Cultivate Community

One of the best ways to unwind is to get connected with other people, and SUU has many resources to help T-birds get involved in their community.

SUU Clubs help T-birds discover their interests, make new friends, and have some fun! The Community Engagement Center also has many events that not only connects you to others, but helps give back to the community through volunteer opportunities.

Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) is an educational and cultural resource that fosters engagement and experiential learning through its growing collections, diverse exhibitions, and multi-faceted experiences. It features the artwork of regional artists, including art from the faculty and students from the SUU Department of Filmmaking, Art, & Design. It's a great place to enjoy art, connect with others, and allow your brain a break from studying. T-birds can also join SUMA Sidekicks, a free membership where members gather to unwind by creating art and learning something new.

SUU also hosts many events students can participate in to help them relax, make the most of their college experience, and find their community.

Visit Relaxing Places in Cedar City

SUU's Gerald R. Sherratt Library is not only a great resource for studying, but is a calm place to take a moment after a busy day. The Special Collections, located on the garden level of the library, is a good place to visit if you're looking for a quiet space to let your mind wander. The Cedar City Public Library has a mix of peaceful spaces and fun activities to help T-birds relax.

Main Street Books is a bookstore that holds all kinds of new and used books, notebooks, and literature-related activities. This is a great place to lose track of time, let yourself take a deep breath, and take a moment to enjoy life. Main Street Books also sits right next to the Grind, a coffee shop with sweet treats and a calming atmosphere, which is a great place to visit the next time your brain needs a reset.

Artisans Art Gallery showcases a wide variety of art from local artists, such as pottery, paintings, and more. Art lovers and casual visitors alike can come to experience the beautiful art, calm atmosphere, and welcoming community.

It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life's endless checklists and homework assignments, but it is important for your mental and physical health to find ways to relax and give your mind a break. By reducing stress, you keep yourself healthy and set yourself up for success in the future.

The next time you're feeling stressed, try one of these suggestions! It might just become your favorite way to unwind.

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