The Smithsonian Retreat is what drew us to Utah. This is an Airbnb near Zion National Park, and having stayed there for a week I can confirm that it is truly an awesome property. If you are looking for lodging in Southern Utah, look no further this is it!
As you can see, it is dog friendly. The beautiful grounds are 2.5 acres (plenty of room for pooches to run!) and has volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts.
It is called The Smithsonian Retreat because it is across from the Smithsonian Butte. The house is amazing in itself, however what really makes it stand out is the incredible views and the location. The Smithsonian Retreat sits atop a mesa, so that you can look over the valley below.
Unique Place Near Zion National Park
This Airbnb is a unique place to stay near Zion National Park. Zion is about a 45 minute drive away. You can also easily take some day trips to St. George (30 miles) and Kanab (50 miles), where the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is located. Please read my post "Explore Southern Utah" for additional details and some other great options for adventure and exploration!
I loved the red adobe style of the house and the beautiful keyhole entrance! The property and grounds (2.5 acres) are large, and will accommodate up to 14 guests. There are 4 bedrooms (with 8 beds), and 4 baths.
Dining at The Smithsonian
One of the benefits of staying in an Airbnb is that you can save money by cooking your own meals. There is a fully stocked kitchen available for use, along with an outdoor grill and an awesome fire pit! I have wonderful memories of roasting hot dogs and marshmallows in the fire pit under a bright and full moon.
There is ample dining space for large groups, both inside and outside the home. I believe some of the best times take place around the dining table, and we truly enjoyed the dining we had at The Smithsonian Retreat.
Other Amenities at The Smithsonian Retreat
In addition, The Smithsonian Retreat also offers:
- Huge deck with amazing views
- Enormous game room with Xbox and pool table, just to start!
- Fun hammock garden! Just sit and enjoy the amazing views from your hammock!
- Jeep for rent - although we did not take advantage of the jeep rental, there is one available
I truly cannot praise this property enough. This has got to be one of the best places to stay near Zion National Park! It offers so many amenities with amazing views for a great price! This home is also perfect for large groups!
The Smithsonian Retreat - A True Retreat
Although the property is located close to one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Zion National Park, you may not want to leave The Smithsonian Retreat. You will find peace, quiet, and serenity while staying here.
Imagine waking up after an incredible sleep and enjoying having coffee at the outdoor dining area taking in the incredible views. Then cooking up a delicious breakfast and perhaps playing some tennis or volleyball during the afternoon. You can spend hours reading in one of the hammocks, or just hanging out and watching TV. There is also great wifi!
Wind down at the end of the day by soaking in the beautiful bathtub, and then cook up a delicious dinner in the kitchen. Or perhaps grill up some steaks or use the fire pit to roast hot dogs, as we did.
To conclude, we found this to be a unique place to stay near Zion National Park, and one of the best lodging options in Southern Utah! Our family had an amazing time, and we dream of the day when we can return to this fantastic place! It is also dog friendly which is critical...Toby loves his vacations too!!
If you have any questions or recommendations, please type them below!
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