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25 Best Places to Visit in Nevada

Last Updated By VI on March 18, 2024 in Things to Do in Nevada & Places to Visit

Las Vegas, Nevada

Reno, nevada, red rock canyon national conservation area, nevada, carson city.

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Thrill-seekers can try the terrifying rides at Stratosphere while shopaholics can get their fix at The Forum and Grand Canal Shoppes. Accommodation options are diverse, ranging from affordable rooms to luxury suites with a view of a pool . Visitors can dine at restaurants 24/7 , ranging from Italian to burgers .

You can try your hand at kayaking or rafting at the Truckee River Whitewater Park or go hiking and biking along an extensive network of urban trails. Foodies will no doubt enjoy themselves at the West Street Market, which is open seven days a week.

You can tour the area by car along a 13-mile scenic drive or set off to explore miles and miles of trails on foot, or by cycle or mountain bike. Equestrians can admire the scenery by horseback, and adventurous visitors can try some rock climbing. Camping enthusiasts might want to spend a night in a tent or RV at the campground to enjoy great desert stargazing. More info

You can also explore the Historic West Side on foot or by bike along the Blue Line Trail. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the galleries and performing arts venues at the Brewery Arts Center and have some fun at the Artsy Fartsy Gallery in Downtown, which features local artists. For a break from arts and culture you can go hiking and biking along several trails or go shopping along Curry Street. More things to do in Carson City

Cathedral Gorge State Park

You can get an overview of the area by visiting the Visitor’s Center at the park entrance where you will see interpretive displays and pick up information on all the eastern Nevada State Parks. One of the most popular hiking trails will lead you up to Millers Point, which offers excellent views of the canyon.

Boulder City

There is no lack of activities to try in Boulder City – you can start by renting a bike at All Mountain Cyclery and setting off to explore miles of trails. If you are more adventurous, you can try a terrifying zip-line adventure with Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon, take to the air with Las Vegas Glider Rides, or play it safe on a historic rail excursion from the Nevada Southern Railway Museum. More things to do in Boulder City

You can join in a large variety of water sports centered on the Sparks Marina where you can go swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, or head to Rock Park on the Truckee River for some exciting white-water rafting. You can learn about the mining, ranching, and railroading history of the region by touring the Sparks Museum and Cultural Center or attending one of the many annual events the town hosts. More things to do in Sparks

Valley of Fire State Park

There are several very interesting hiking trails that will lead you to ancient Indian petroglyphs and petrified forests. If you would like to spend a night under the desert skies you can pitch a tent or park your RV at one of two serviced campgrounds, or you could just bring a picnic and come for the day.

Mount Charleston

You can explore on foot along some of the many excellent hiking trails in summer and go sledding and skiing in winter – lessons are available. Other activities you could try include wildlife viewing, mountain biking, camping, and picnicking.

Sand Harbor

Although the main emphasis at Sand Harbor is on boating, jet-skiing, swimming, and other water sports, there are also a couple of nature trails for hiking. The crystal-clear waters and interesting rock formations make the harbor a popular spot for scuba diving and swimming. If you visit in summer, you can catch a performance at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.

Hoover Dam Bridge

The best way to get an overview of the bridge, the Hoover Dam Wall, and the Colorado River is to take a helicopter tour over the area, but it is also possible to safely walk along the bridge’s pedestrian walkway, which offers sweeping views out over the dam and the Mojave Desert.

Great Basin National Park

You can join a ranger-led tour of the Lehman Caves or spend your days hiking and picnicking against the beautiful desert backdrop. Camping under the stars is a highlight of the park – Great Basin offers some of the best stargazing in the state. Other activities include fishing on Lehman or Baker Creek or climbing to the top of Wheeler Peak (14,063 ft).

Lake Mead National Recreational Area

You can spend your days canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, wake-boarding, scuba-diving, or fishing on the tranquil lakes, and you can even explore the scenic wilderness by houseboat. You can take a trip down the Black Canyon Water Trail on a guided kayaking expedition or choose a thrilling Black Canyon Raft Tour. Nearby attractions include the Hoover Dam and the Clark Country Heritage Museum.

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

At the center of the wilderness lies Spooner Lake where you can picnic or try some catch-and-release fishing. You can stay at one of the rental cabins or enjoy primitive back-country camping. Lake Tahoe Romantic Weekend Getaways

Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail Head

It is a fairly strenuous hike, and you will have to do some bouldering and climbing – there are ropes in several steep areas. It will take you around three hours to reach the Hot Springs and another 30 minutes to reach the Colorado River. The trail is closed from May to September due to dangerously high temperatures.

Ruby Mountains

You can enjoy excellent wildlife watching along the way, and parts of the trail are suitable for horseback riding. You can also try mountain biking, 4-Wheeling, and snowmobiling outside the wilderness area.

Lamoille Canyon, Nevada

Along the way, you can take a break to admire spectacular seasonal wildflowers and do some fishing in the numerous streams and lakes. Visitors with limited mobility need not lose out – you can drive the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway that meanders along the base of Ruby Dome before climbing to 8,800 feet through the glacier-carved canyon.

Floyd Lamb Park, Nevada

Today, you can expect to find a large grassy park with four stocked ponds where you can fish, scenic paths to meander along, and picnic and barbecue areas. While you are there, you can visit Tule Springs Ranch to see some brilliant fossil remains of extinct mammoths, bison, and more, dating back to the Pleistocene era. See the Map

At the Central Nevada Museum, you can learn even more about the town’s history before you set off to try some of the forty-one nearby hiking trails. Back in town, you can visit a local brewery, enjoy a great meal, and then settle down for some serious stargazing – Tonopah is famous as one of America’s best stargazing destinations.

Grapevine Canyon

In addition, there are some easily accessible 1000-year old petroglyphs and some seasonal waterfalls. To see these desert marvels, you will need to hike the Grapevine Canyon Trail, which is a 3.6-mile loop trail considered to be moderately difficult (but extremely dangerous during the hot summer months when the trail is closed). Take plenty of water and enjoy some of the most unique desert landscape in the land.

More ideas: Nevada Triangle

Rhyolite Ghost Town

Today, you can take a stroll around the town’s surviving buildings to get a idea of how the early miners and their families lived – the town boasted a three-storey bank building (some of which is still standing), a stock-exchange, two large schools, forty-five saloons, an opera house, and two railway depots.

Area 51, Nevada

If you are an aircraft or UFO enthusiast or are simply curious to see what all the fuss is about, you should take a drive along the famous Extraterrestrial Highway, a portion of State Route 375 that features some amusing “alien-related” road signs. If you want to catch a glimpse of the top-secret facility (which is protected by restricted special-use airspace), you need to hike to the top of Tikaboo Peak, 26 miles from Area 51, which is the closest legal viewpoint.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate all the opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, and rock climbing at the Valley of Fire State Park. The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead are prime attractions – there are two dam tours to choose from, and paddle and rafting tours are also available. The endless attractions of Las Vegas are less than 50 miles from Henderson.

• 1. Las Vegas, Nevada
• 2. Reno, Nevada
• 3. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
• 4. Carson City
• 5. Cathedral Gorge State Park
• 6. Boulder City
• 8. Valley of Fire State Park
• 9. Mount Charleston
• 10. Sand Harbor
• 11. Hoover Dam Bridge
• 12. Great Basin National Park
• 13. Lake Mead National Recreational Area
• 14. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
• 15. Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail Head
• 16. Ruby Mountains
• 17. Lamoille Canyon, Nevada
• 18. Floyd Lamb Park, Nevada
• 19. Tonopah
• 20. Grapevine Canyon
• 21. Fly Geyser
• 22. Rhyolite Ghost Town
• 23. Area 51, Nevada
• 24. Henderson

Regardless of whether you are looking for holiday glitz and glamour or yearn for solitude in the middle of the desert, you will find what you are looking for in Nevada . The state offers one of the most diverse collections of attractions, which range from breathtakingly beautiful desert landscape in a handful of must-see national parks to the cosmopolitan delights of high-end shopping, dining, and gaming in cities like Las Vegas and Reno .

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11 Places You Must Visit in Nevada: Bucket List Destinations

For a first-time visitor, the Silver State looks like a nondescript area. A land reigned by the Mojave Desert. But give it a chance, and the state doesn’t cease to surprise you. Dozens of places pop up from seemingly nowhere, enticing you to visit Nevada and its irresistible bucket list destinations.

Top Places to Visit in Nevada: Silver State’s Bucket List Destinations

I must confess, Nevada stayed at the bottom of my USA bucket list destinations for a long time. The state is world-famous for its dazzling Las Vegas that impresses each and every traveler with its spectacular hotels and grand casinos. But what else can you do in the Silver State? What other places can you visit in Nevada that take your breath away and inspire you to come back?

In fact, there’re more bucket list destinations in the State of Nevada for both city dwellers and nature enthusiasts than one can imagine . The area first surprised us during our road trip through the American Southwest . As we had delved into the never-sleeping realm of Las Vegas many times before, the city didn’t make on our itinerary this time.

Its nearest neighbors, places you can visit on a day trip from the Entertainment Capital of the World, however, sneaked into our adventures in Nevada . What we didn’t expect was that the Silver State was about to shock us, in a good way. After copious prior visits to Nevada, we finally succumbed to its popular and lesser-known bucket list destinations.

To be completely clear, though, some of these places, such as Lake Tahoe or Death Valley National Park , need no introduction. Yet many travelers still regard these Nevada bucket list destinations as sole properties of California . We’re about to dispel these confusions forever. Shall we start our introduction to the 11 astounding bucket list destinations you must visit when in Nevada?

HERE ARE 11 ENCHANTING BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN NEVADA:

Ok, we can’t omit it. Las Vegas has always topped the list of the best places to visit in Nevada. Luring with its neon lights and famous sights of the Strip, the Gambling Capital of the World is unavoidable. Not the biggest fan of Las Vegas myself ( Las Vegas is simply not for everybody ), I agree that you must visit this Nevada bucket list destination. Do it even if it’s just for the sake of assuaging your curiosity.

On the other hand, dimmed casino rooms full of slot machines and poker tables enveloped in cigarette smoke inspire millions of gamblers to visit Nevada. The City that Never Sleeps is the best of the best places to befriend Lady Luck after all.

Bucket List Destinations to Visit in Las Vegas, Nevada

Even if gambling barely arouses your interest, the nicest hotel lobbies in the world will keep you entertained for days. Are you dreaming of Roman holidays , but all you can afford is a visit to Nevada? Here is a piece of romantic Italy right on the Las Vegas Strip to make your dream come true.

Inspired by the Italian city itself, The Venetian is the only Nevada bucket list destination to take you to Europe in a heartbeat. Moreover, a gondola ride right in the hotel lobby will surely inspire you to visit this part of Nevada again and again.

For all Paris lovers, it’s time to visit the French capital and its Iron Lady, located also in the heart of the main Nevada bucket list destination. A large replica of the Eiffel Tower sits in front of Paris Las Vegas , putting on a dazzling show every night.

Not far from this bucket list destination, Bellagio , another place you must visit in Nevada, astounds with its world-renowned musical fountains. How can’t you visit the largest city in Nevada after all this splendidness?

Visit Nevada: Reno

In the northwest part of Nevada, Reno takes the lead as a little gambling sibling of Las Vegas you must visit at least once. Often referred to as the Biggest Little City, this Nevada bucket list destination has its share amount of grand casinos to keep the gamblers coming back for more. And while Eldorado allures single guests that hope to grab luck by the tail, Circus Circus offers entertainment for families.

Reno, however, has many other places to offer and encourage you to visit Nevada again and again. From Victorian structures built in the 19th century, to excellent museums , and gorgeous city parks , the city showcases the best of the state.

Nature lovers are also not forgotten in Reno. The 2-mile Truckee River Walk is one of the local champions when it comes to nature-inspired trips within the city. Stretching across hundreds of acres of land, Rancho San Rafael Park amazes with its panoramic views and diverse habitats.

For a short nature escape outside of Reno, consider a trip to Pyramid Lake . According to locals, it’s one of the most beautiful bucket list destinations to visit in Nevada. 

Visit Nevada: Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is an absolutely stunning place to visit in both Nevada and California. Moreover, straddling the border of these two southwestern states, this large freshwater lake is considered one of the most spectacular places in the USA.

With sandy and rocky beaches, superior ski resorts, and outstanding vistas, this statement hardly surprises anyone. For the sake of this blog post, we’ll consider Lake Tahoe one of the bucket list destinations to visit in Nevada. In reality, you can easily add it to the list of top California places .

There’re two areas you can’t miss at Lake Tahoe. On the southwest shore, Emerald Bay State Park displays rolling hills, roaring waterfalls, and ample scenic hikes.

Architecture lovers also find this area irresistible. Apart from the natural beauty and secluded resorts and hotels, Emerald Bay State Park houses the impeccable Vikingsholm castle. Designed in the best Scandinavian architectural traditions, the place is dubbed one of the greatest examples of historic structures in the American West .

Sand Harbor Beach and Spooner Lake make for perfect Nevada bucket list destinations to visit on the northeast side of the lake.

READ MORE: A Guide to Visiting South Lake Tahoe

Valley of Fire State Park

I have a confession to make. Valley of Fire State Park was one of the first Nevada bucket list destinations that persuaded me to visit and explore more of the Silver State. To say that it’s a place of incredible beauty is simply an understatement. Nestled about one hour away from Las Vegas, this Nevada’s gem contains some of the most stunning natural landmarks.

Swirling stripes and wave-like shape of the Fire Wave alone request an urgent visit to this part of Nevada. Add to it pink, red, beige, white, and yellows hues of Rainbow Vista , and you can’t help but ask for more of these miracles in the desert. Slot canyons’ lovers delight in hiking along the multifaceted White Domes Trail or venture into lesser-known areas near Pastel Canyon .

If it’s still not enough to declare Valley of Fire State Park one of the most surprising bucket list destinations to visit in Nevada, its ancient petroglyphs attest to the long human history of the state. Scrabbled on sandstone formations nearly 3,000 years ago, the primeval carvings are found mostly on Atlatl Rock or near Mouse’s Tank .  

Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area

If you plan to visit Las Vegas, Nevada, you absolutely must devote at least half a day to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Set on the Colorado River, about 37 miles from the city, the place separates Nevada and Arizona . The location of the dam, however, pales in comparison to its size. The marvel of modern engineering, as it’s often referred to, reaches a height of 726 feet.

The construction of this giant started in 1931 and lasted until 1936. History experts assure us that there was no urgent need in building another dam in the region. Unemployment rate that grew steadily during the Great Depression, though, demanded some serious actions. So new big project, Hoover Dam, was intending to put men back to work. The construction, however, had many casualties. More than 100 men died.

With that said, Hoover Dam is one of the most irresistible places to visit in Nevada for history nerds. Carefree vacationers, however, prefer Lake Mead . The largest reservoir in the United States, it was formed by colossal Hoover Dam. Today, the area is one of the favorite places in the American Southwest for kayaking, boating, fishing, and swimming .

Yet Lake Mead is not without flaws. Quite the opposite. The place is very much capable of spoiling your visit to southeastern Nevada. Strong winds that reign in the area tend to create large waves. These, in their turn, present dangerous conditions for the beachgoers. Thus, checking weather forecasts a day before you visit this Nevada bucket list destination is necessary.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 

The Silver State is known as a place full of red rocks and sandstone formations. Luckily, you don’t need a separate trip to visit the most glamorous cities and prominent natural sites of Nevada. An a-few-day stay in Las Vegas and a one-day excursions from the city should suffice both of your quests. The first place to dive into the rocky realm of Nevada is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area .

Home to the towering red sandstone formations, this bucket list destination sits in the Nevada’s Mojave Desert, about 20-minute drive from Las Vegas. The nature escape has never been so easy and close. The number of things to do in the area further emphasize the urgency to visit this intriguing part of Nevada. From hiking to rock climbing , horseback riding , and mountain biking , the area surely knows how to keep its guests engaged.

History enthusiasts congregate at the Red Rock Canyon Area to explore exquisite petroglyphs , left by Native Americans thousands of years ago. Those who gravitate toward a more relaxing visit are welcome to explore this stunning area via the 13-mile Scenic Drive .

Mount Charleston and Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Sliding down a snowy slope in the middle of the desert? It’s more than possible at Mount Charleston , one of the best bucket list destinations to visit in Nevada for winter enthusiasts. Summer vacationers should not worry either. Along with the Spring Mountains Area , the region works as an alluring summer escape and unforgettable wintry getaway.

Unlike the majority of places you normally visit in Southern Nevada, the area enjoys distinct seasons. While the scening hikes and downhill skiing allure the outdoor lovers in summer and winter, fall and spring fill the region with bountiful fall foliage and vibrant wildflowers .

The easiest way to visit this Nevada bucket list destination and take in its stunning beauty, though, is by taking a scenic route . A myriad of the prettiest byways and ample photo stops await you here.

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

Another incredible Nevada bucket list destination nestles on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Insignificant at first glance, the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area bewilders with a plethora of ancient petroglyphs and other historic evidences of Native American tribes that lived here centuries ago.

The area includes two distinct sites: the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site , listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and the North McCullough Wilderness . The latter boasts acres upon acres of unspoiled terrain. Furthermore, having volcanic roots, it preserves examples of lava flows and ash falls.

Yet not many guests of Nevada visit the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. Practically the complete absence of roads to drive on is the main reason why the majority of travelers avoid this place. Instead, a number of hiking trails crisscross the region, making it one of the Nevada bucket list destinations yet to be discovered. 

Cathedral Gorge State Park

Cathedral Gorge State Park is one of the hidden gems and the most gorgeous bucket list destinations to visit in Nevada. Unlike some other peculiar places in Nevada, its dramatic landscape that consists of eroded soft bentonite clay astounds you at once.

Hidden in a long valley in southeastern part of the state, the park adorns itself with cathedral-like spires. You can’t help but image yourself walking down steep trails, zigzagging between iconic hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park.

For the best views of the jagged peaks, hit the 2-mile Miller Point Trail or Juniper Draw Trail . The latter is almost twice as long as the first one. Even if hiking is not your ultimate pastime, visit this secluded place in Nevada and let its hidden caves and paths invigorate your senses. 

Visit in Nevada: Death Valley National Park

Located in both California and Nevada, Death Valley National Park is one of the most thrilling places to visit for seasonal travelers. The region of unusual terrain, it impresses with its staggering hot summer weather.

While many regard Death Valley National Park only as the territory of California, no one disagrees with its reputation as one of the hottest places in the USA. The summer temperatures reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus if it’s possible, you should never visit this Nevada-California bucket list destination during the warmest time of the year.

If you look for a remarkable place to visit in Nevada during any other seasons, Death Valley National Park should be one of your first choices. With iconic places such as vibrant Artists Palette , the epic Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes , and rolling hills at Zabriskie Point , the place promises an unforgettable change of scenery. Spice up your trip with Badwater Basin Salt Flats , North America’s lowest point, and you’ll have the most sought-after place in the country.

The last advice before we move to our next bucket list destination. Visit Death Valley National Park in Nevada in spring, when rare rains bring vibrant fields of blooming wildflower.

Visit in Nevada: Great Basin National Park

Nevada shares a number of its bucket list destinations you must visit the sooner the possible with other states. Although Great Basin National Park lies entirely within the Silver State, neighboring Utah with its fair share of astounding attractions is just a stone’s throw away.

Therefore, a gradual change of scenery prevails here. The seemingly endless desert wilderness slowly recedes, replaced by lusher greenery and different landscapes. While the Great Basin Desert still occupies a good portion of the park, towering peaks of the South Snake Range slowly take over.

Majestic Wheeler Peak is an indisputable star of the region. Its stony “crown” reaches over 13,000 feet in height, providing a dreamy environment to visit and explore in Eastern Nevada.

Locals, however, have a different place in mind. They insists that mysterious Lehman Cave s, limestone caves decorated with different stalactites and helictites formations, are that ones you must visit when traveling through Nevada. Another place to add to your bucket list is the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail . The 3-mile path winds around natural lakes, proving that you don’t really know Nevada until you visit its hidden landmarks. 

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in Nevada

And this is the end. Truth be told, Nevada has far more places to visit and explore than the 11 bucket list destinations we’ve outlined here. Despite – what it looks like at first – its unimpressive terrain, one of the biggest states in the USA stores enough unique locations to keep you coming back for more. All you need to do is to be willing to go off the beaten path and explore. Start with these must-visit landmarks in Nevada.

For more bucket list destinations or the lesser-known places to visit in Nevada, check out 14 Amazing Day Trips from Las Vegas . 

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15 Best Things to Do in Nevada + Map

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Nevada | 15 Best Things to Do in Nevada + Map

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When it comes to things to do in Nevada , visiting Las Vegas is probably the first thing that come to mind for most people. The state of Nevada has so much more to offer, though: interesting museums, beautiful scenery, historic sites, and more. Personally, I’ve had a lot of adventures in this state and discovered plenty of hidden gems along the way.

As such, this article will cover the top 15 things to do in Nevada , including visiting a ghost town, admiring ancient petroglyphs, and exploring the state’s gorgeous, varied landscapes. Many of the places to visit in Nevada that I’ve included are spread out around the state. Luckily, this means that you’ll actually get to see different corners of the state and discover what makes Nevada so special.

Are you ready to learn more about Nevada’s best attractions ? Let’s get into it!

1. Las Vegas, the most popular place to visit in Nevada

You simply can’t miss visiting Las Vegas , the most popular thing to see in Nevada . The Las Vegas Strip in particular is an iconic, one-of-a-kind location that everyone should see at least once.

There are plenty of things to do on the Strip , from seeing shows and visiting Las Vegas’ best hotels , to checking out the Fremont Street Experience , gambling in the most popular casinos in Las Vegas , and exploring the Neon Museum . You can even head to the Mob Museum and learn more about organized crime in the United States, or hop on the High Roller Ferris wheel and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Be sure to catch the incredible Bellagio fountain show, a choreographed spectacle complete with music. Alternatively, if you’d like to see Sin City from a birds-eye perspective, a helicopter tour in Las Vegas will allow you to take in all the features of this vibrant city from a new angle.

1.   Las Vegas, the most popular place to visit in Nevada

If you’re dying to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown, the Springs Preserve is a delightful nature preserve with a botanical garden and butterfly habitat that’s located less than five miles from downtown Vegas.

Otherwise, those who want to venture even further afield can head to the Grand Canyon, which is only a few hours away from Vegas and is one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. You can always rent a car and drive there yourself, but the easiest option is booking a Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas .

• Recommended accommodation : If you’re wondering where to stay in Las Vegas , you can’t go wrong with any of the iconic hotels on the Strip. Caesars Palace , the Bellagio , and Paris Las Vegas are all great options that will give you the quintessential Vegas experience.

2. See Hoover Dam, a top thing to do in Nevada state

One of the top places to go in Nevada , and for good reason, is Hoover Dam . This National Historic Landmark is a masterpiece of modern civil engineering and an impressive sight to behold. Moreover, because it’s such a popular tourist attraction, it’s worth planning your trip to Hoover Dam in advance.

This immense dam was built during the Great Depression to control the flooding of the Colorado River and to generate hydroelectric power and irrigation water. It impounds Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States when full. Nowadays, the dam provides power for Nevada, Arizona, and California, so it’s an incredibly important structure.

If you want to simplify things, booking a tour of Hoover Dam from Las Vegas is probably the easiest and most convenient way to visit it. Otherwise, you should start at the Visitor Center, where you can learn more about this hydroelectric dam through a series of exhibits. Then, if you want to enjoy the best views, head to Hoover Dam Bridge or one of the Hoover Dam lookouts.

From the bridge and lookouts, you’ll not only see just how large this structure really is, but also get a sense of just how impressive an engineering feat it was to build.

• Recommended accommodation : Staying at Hoover Dam Lodge will give you easy access to Hoover Dam, since it’s just a five-minute drive away. The lodge’s many modern features include a restaurant, outdoor pool, casino, and general store.

3. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a popular tourist attraction in Nevada

Enjoy the great outdoors at Lake Mead National Recreation Area , the United States’ first and largest recreation area. Best of all, this Nevada attraction is located near Hoover Dam, so you can easily visit the two in one trip.

In fact, Lake Mead is a reservoir that was formed when Hoover Dam was built, so it wouldn’t exist without the dam. A great first stop for your visit is the Visitor’s Center, where you can learn more about the local wildlife, pick up a map, or ask the rangers some questions about your trip.

There are so many things to do at Lake Mead , including swimming, kayaking, boating, and fishing. You’ll also find numerous hiking trails at this national park near Las Vegas , including the Historic Railroad Trail. Alternatively, you can just relax and picnic on the shores of the lake or set up camp if you want to stay overnight.

Another option is to take a scenic drive along Northshore Road, which will allow you to see the area’s main historical landmarks and natural landscapes. You can also stop at one of the road’s overlooks for a stunning panoramic view.

Unfortunately, Lake Mead is currently at 27% of its original capacity, and there is speculation that it may eventually run dry. As such, take advantage and visit while there’s still water to relax in.

• Recommended accommodation : Camping is the most fun and adventurous way to stay in Lake Mead. Many people looking for campgrounds near Las Vegas go here, since it’s only 30 minutes away, and you will be able to pitch your tent with lake views.

4. Hike in the Valley of Fire State Park, one of the most unique things to do in Nevada

One of the most beautiful attractions in Nevada is Valley of Fire State Park , located in Overton, NV. This park is home to tons of breathtaking Aztec sandstone formations, as well as sand dunes, petrified trees, and petroglyphs left by Ancestral Puebloans.

As such, exploring Valley of Fire is easily one of the best things to do in Nevada . Visit Rainbow Vista to see the stunning orange, red, pink, yellow, and gray striations, or head to Pink Canyon to admire rosy-hued rocks. Another great stop is Arch Rock, where you can marvel at the delicate sandstone arch that’s been created by millions of years of weathering.

Moreover, hiking the trails at Valley of Fire will allow you to enjoy incredible views, admire petroglyphs, and more. I recommend the Petroglyph Canyon via Mouse Tank’s Trail. It’s a short, easy hike that takes you past some of the park’s amazing ancient rock art, a must-see.

Another great trail is the Fire Wave Trail, which takes you to the majestic Fire Wave, a multicolored, striated sandstone formation. This easy trail takes only 45 minutes in total and allows you to see the vivid reds, oranges, and pinks of the rocks up close.

Yet another option is to book a Valley of Fire tour from Las Vegas and have a guide show you all of the park’s highlights. Regardless of how you choose to visit, Valley of Fire is a place that should not be missed.

• Recommended accommodation : There are two campsites at Valley of Fire State Park : Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock . Atlatl Rock is larger and better suited for RV camping, while Arch Rock has only 29 campsites and so works better for tents.

5. Swim in Lake Tahoe, one of the best outdoor things to do in Nevada

Nevada summers can get toasty, so cool off with a swim in Lake Tahoe , a top place to visit in Nevada year-round. Sand Harbor Beach is one of the nicest beaches for swimming, since it has crystal clear, calm waters with no waves.

Another fantastic beach by Lake Tahoe is Nevada Beach , where you can swim, kayak, and picnic. If you’re more of a hiker, you may enjoy hiking all or part of the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 165-mile trail that loops around the lake. It’s one of the best things to do in Nevada. Alternatively, an easier hiking option is the Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake Trail. The hike to Eagle Lake is only one mile, so this is a popular trail for families and picnickers.

However, Lake Tahoe isn’t just a prime summer destination. It’s also a popular spot in winter, when folks hit the slopes in the area for skiing and snowboarding. If you’re interested, a prime winter sport resort is Heavenly Mountain Resort , the largest ski area in California and Nevada, which is located on Lake Tahoe’s south shore.

• Recommended accommodation : The Tahoe Seasons Resort by Diamond Resorts is a spacious, modern resort with mountain views and plenty of amenities. As a guest, you’ll have access to a tennis court, outdoor pool, hot tub, and outdoor grill.

6. Rhyolite Ghost Town, a spooky Nevada tourist attraction

Explore the cool yet creepy Rhyolite Ghost Town , a unique thing to do in Nevada near Beatty. This former gold-mining town, located by Death Valley National Park , boomed during the early 20 th century after the discovery of gold ore nearby in 1905. In its heyday, the town had fifty saloons, sixteen restaurants, multiple barbers, and a local newspaper, the Rhyolite Herald .

Of course, now the town is mostly full of ruins. Buildings you’ll see include the walls of the old bank, parts of the old jail, the fully intact train depot, and the Bottle House, which was restored by Paramount Pictures in 1925. In fact, Paramount Pictures used Rhyolite as a setting for their 1925 movie The Air Mail , so this town is also a former film set.

Best of all, Rhyolite Ghost Town is free to visit, so it’s one of the most unique free things to do in Nevada .

• Recommended accommodation : The nearby Death Valley Inn and RV Park in Beatty is a pet-friendly motel with plenty of parking for RVs. You’ll also find an outdoor pool, hot tub, and BBQ facilities there to enjoy.

7. Fly Ranch Geyser, a one-of-a-kind Nevada attraction

If you want to see a Nevada attraction unlike any other, check out Fly Ranch Geyser in Gerlach, Nevada. This multi-colored geothermal geyser spouts water up to five feet into the air, but, unlike most other geysers, it is not a natural formation.

In fact, Fly Ranch Geyser was created by accident when a power company drilled a test well. Fortunately, this lucky fluke means that visitors can now enjoy the gorgeous colors and quirky shape of this formation. Just keep in mind that the geyser is located on private land, Fly Ranch to be exact, so you’ll have to book a tour of the ranch in order to see what is one of the most popular places in Nevada.

The tours, which are guided nature walks, last 2.5 hours and are managed by the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock in partnership with the Burning Man Project. As part of the tour, besides viewing the geyser, you’ll also be able to see Burning Man art, which is perfect if you’re a fan of or intrigued by the famous festival.

• Recommended accommodation : My top pick for accommodation by Fly Ranch Geyser is the SureStay Hotel by Best Western Fernley . Besides offering a daily continental breakfast, the hotel features a hot tub, indoor pool, and business center.

8. Visit Great Basin National Park, a fun outdoor thing to do in Nevada

One of the best things to do in Nevada besides Vegas is to visit Great Basin National Park , which is located near the towns of Baker and Ely. The park houses some of the world’s oldest trees, bristlecone pines, which you can see up close in Bristlecone Pine Grove.

Another top place to visit in the park is Lehman Caves , which contains various limestone formations and can be visited via guided tour. Beyond that, you can also explore the park by hiking any of its 12 trails.

I recommend the Glacier/Bristlecone Pine Trail, a moderate, 4.8-mile hike that will take you through Bristlecone Pine Grove, where you can stop and admire the beautiful ancient trees, one of the best things to do in Nevada. Then, you’ll head past the grove to reach the only glacier in Nevada, located right beneath Wheeler Peak. The views of the glacier and Wheeler Peak are just spectacular and make the climb totally worth it.

Alternatively, if you’re up for the challenge, the difficult Wheeler Summit Trail will take you to the top of Wheeler Peak, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the park. Otherwise, the much more convenient option is to drive the 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, which will still give you fantastic views of the park’s mountains and valleys.

• Recommended accommodation : Located just a 30-minute drive from Great Basin National Park, Hidden Canyon Retreat is an apt name for this charming hidden gem situated within a canyon. Take some time to explore the canyon or just relax in the hotel’s garden and hot tub.

9. Reno, one of the top Nevada places to visit

Yet another interesting place to go in Nevada is the city of Reno , where you’ll find plenty of museums, outdoor attractions, and casinos.

To start your trip off, snap a picture of the iconic Reno Arch , which stretches over Virginia Street. The sign is emblazoned with Reno’s motto, “The Biggest Little City in the World.”

Next, most visitors love the National Automobile Museum , which houses the car collection of William F. Harrah, an American businessman. The more than 200 cars on display include rare, vintage, and one-of-a-kind models, and the immersive exhibits feature street scenes that were typical of the displayed car models’ eras.

If you’d prefer to spend some time in nature, the Truckee River Walk is a peaceful area with lovely views of the city and river. Alternatively, you can explore the Peppermill Casino, which boasts a resort, spa, gaming, and multiple restaurants, or take in the exhibits at the Nevada Museum of Art.

Kids and science lovers will enjoy visiting the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which boasts interactive displays that include a Mindbender Mansion full of puzzles and the Cloud Climber, a giant jungle gym that represents the water cycle.

Coincidentally, Lake Tahoe is only an hour’s drive away from Reno, so you could easily visit both popular attractions in Nevada in one trip.

• Recommended accommodation : Enjoy the fun of staying in a centrally located, luxurious hotel with a casino at Circus Circus Reno . Families with kids will enjoy the free circus acts, and everyone will love the delicious food at the hotel’s El Jefe’s Cantina and Madame Butterwork’s Curious Café.

10. Visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a fun thing to do in Nevada

Book a Las Vegas rental car and drive on over to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area , one of the best outdoor things to do in Nevada . Here, you’ll see everything from incredible Native American petroglyphs to stunning red rocks and wild burros.

If you’re not much of a hiker, you can stick to the 13-mile scenic drive around the park, which will still allow you to see the park’s most iconic features. Otherwise, I would highly recommend hiking the Calico Tanks Trail , one of the best things to do in Red Rock Canyon , and walking to the Petroglyph Wall, where you can see the beautiful ancient rock art up close. If you’re extra brave, you may even want to go rock climbing here!

Other beautiful landmarks include Ice Box Canyon, where the whitish rocks provide a striking contrast to the red sandstone throughout the rest of the park, and Lost Creek, where you can see an imposing waterfall between December and April.

• Recommended accommodation : At Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa , there’s so much to do that you’ll barely want to leave your hotel! From a bowling alley and outdoor pool with bar to multiple restaurants and a spa that offers massages, the amenities alone are worth staying here for.

11. Area 51, a fantastic Nevada attraction for extraterrestrial enthusiasts

Area 51 is a must-visit Nevada tourist attraction for anyone who’s curious about extraterrestrial life and UFOs. This infamous location in Rachel, NV is still an active military base, so it’s technically off-limits to the public. You can still drive by the base, however, so it does make a fun day trip from Las Vegas .

In my opinion, the best option for exploring Area 51 is booking an Area 51 tour , which is exactly what we did. That way, you’ll be able to see a lot of other cool, extraterrestrial-related attractions nearby, including the Alien Research Center , where you can learn more about Area 51, and the Extraterrestrial Highway , another name for Nevada State Route 375, which links all the main extraterrestrial-related attractions.

You’ll also stop at the Black Mailbox, an important meeting place for alien enthusiasts, and even head to the perimeter of Area 51, which is about as close as you’ll be able to get.

• Recommended accommodation : Embrace the extraterrestrial vibe and stay at the Little A’Le’Inn . As you may have guessed from the clever name, this motel with a restaurant and bar is decked out in alien-themed décor and serves up “alien burgers” and Alien Amber Ale.

12. Seven Magic Mountains, one of the best things to see in Nevada near Las Vegas

One of the best things to see in Nevada near Vegas is Seven Magic Mountains , an outdoor art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Located only 30 minutes from downtown Las Vegas, the piece consists of seven towers of colorful, stacked boulders that are more than thirty feet high.

Surprisingly, this artwork was originally supposed to be on display for just two years when it was installed in 2016. However, the work’s immense popularity encouraged the artist to leave the piece in its current location for a longer amount of time, and it’s now on display indefinitely.

The bright, neon colors of the piece’s towers contrast strikingly with the surrounding Mojave Desert and provide an interesting representation of humanity’s impact on nature. Take a moment to admire the work from all angles before snapping a picture of this impressive juxtaposition of the natural and the artificial.

Best of all, there’s no fee to see this piece, so it’s one of the best free things to do outside Las Vegas .

• Recommended accommodation : Whether it’s a luxury resort, pet-friendly hotel, or themed accommodation you’re after, there are plenty of options for places to stay in Las Vegas . Filter your search by amenities and price to find the best choice for you.

13. Cathedral Gorge State Park, one of the most beautiful places in Nevada

Immerse yourself in otherworldly landscapes at Cathedral Gorge State Park in Panaca, NV. Here, years of erosion have carved the park’s soft bentonite clay into canyons and cathedral-like formations.

This outdoor place to visit in Nevada is the perfect spot for hiking, picnicking, camping, and stargazing. If you get lucky, you may even be able to catch a glimpse of some local wildlife, such as bobcats, mule deer, or blacktailed jackrabbits.

A great way to start exploring the park is via Miller Point Trail, a 2-mile hike that starts at Miller Point Overlook, where you’ll get gorgeous views of the canyon from a lovely gazebo. Then, you’ll head into the canyon itself and be able to see the reddish rocks up close.

I’d also recommend visiting Cathedral Caves, Canyon Caves , and Moon Caves . You should definitely admire them from the outside, but the best part is being able to walk through and explore them.

• Recommended accommodation : The homey Pine Tree Inn is just a 9-minute drive from Cathedral Gorge State Park, and its rustic wooden features and cozy quilts add the perfect touch of pioneer charm.

14. Drive the Loneliest Road in America (US Route 50), a distinctive attraction in Nevada

US Route 50 , which starts in California, may seem like your average American highway. This road is actually more interesting than most, however, because the Nevada portion is known as the “ Loneliest Road in America .”

This place to go in Nevada earned its title because there are so few signs of civilization along its route. Even so, the highway passes by Great Basin National Park, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, and Lake Tahoe, so it’s one way to access these Nevada attractions .

Additionally, along the highway’s route, you can visit the mining town of Eureka , stay in the charming town of Ely, pass alpine forests, and cross desert valleys. You’ll also find plenty of hidden gems along the way: singing sand dunes, saloon-style roadhouses, caves, petroglyph sites, and more.

Ultimately, you shouldn’t let this highway’s nickname put you off; driving US 50 is an exhilarating adventure full of incredible sights.

15. Grapevine Canyon, one of the coolest places to go in Nevada

No list of the best things to do in Nevada would be complete without Grapevine Canyon . After all, here, you can get up close to the Grapevine Canyon petroglyphs, ancient rock art that was created between 1100 and 1900 AD.

There’s a real air of mystery surrounding the petroglyphs, since their meaning and creator(s) are unknown. However, the canyon area was inhabited by the Mojave, which could suggest they had a hand in creating the art. Either way, the sheer number of petroglyphs (over 700) and the art’s staggering beauty make this an unforgettable location.

In fact, Grapevine Canyon is located on Spirit Mountain within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, so it’s definitely one of the best things to see by Lake Mead. Even better, the walk to the petroglyphs is quite short and manageable, since it’s about a quarter of a mile from the parking lot to the canyon’s entrance.

• Recommended accommodation : The closest town to Grapevine Canyon is Laughlin, NV, where you’ll find the sprawling, modern, riverside Golden Nugget Laughlin . Spend some time at the casino or by the pool before heading to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for some delicious seafood.

That ends this guide to the  best places to visit in Nevada ! Lastly, here is a downloadable map to help you quickly locate all the places on your  Nevada bucket list .

By now, you’ll have seen that there are plenty of things to do in Nevada , especially if you want to spend time outdoors and/or get out of the Las Vegas area. Of course, Las Vegas is worth seeing, but so are many other attractions in Nevada . Hopefully, this guide will help you plan a trip that gives you a well-rounded taste of Nevada’s highlights.

If you have any more questions about places to visit in Nevada , please don’t hesitate to leave a comment down below.

Enjoy your trip to Nevada!

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23 Best Things to do in Nevada

While most people come to gamble at its casinos or catch a show at one of its mega-resorts, Nevada also boasts lots of breathtaking scenery and landscapes. Home to not just endless deserts and rugged rock formations, but twinkling lakes and snow-capped mountains too, the sun-scorched Silver State really does have something for everyone to enjoy.

Despite being home to a whole host of striking natural sights such as Red Rock Canyon, Cathedral Gorge, and the Valley of Fire, the vast majority of visitors never make it beyond Las Vegas. This is somewhat understandable though as the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ is packed with hotels, casinos, and nightclubs with gambling, fine dining and live music shows being just some of its many amusements.

As well as experiencing Sin City’s sights, sounds, and slot machines other things to do in Nevada including hiking and biking about the state’s stunning desert scenery. Visitors can also relax and unwind at either Lake Mead or Lake Tahoe , ski amidst its soaring mountains or visit the iconic Hoover Dam.

23. Cathedral Gorge State Park

Although it is located quite far from all of the state’s main population centers, Cathedral Gorge State Park is definitely well worth a detour for its dramatic landscapes and incredibly colorful canyons. Set alongside U.S. Route 93 in east-central Nevada, it offers all kinds of exciting outdoor activities with stunning views and scenery on show wherever you go.

Besides all its extremely narrow slot canyons, the park’s countless columns and cathedral-like spires also all exhibit an astounding array of rich red, yellow and orange hues. Aside from snapping photos of the remarkable rock formations and their vivid colors, visitors can hike to various viewpoints, camp at its cozy campsite or learn more about the area’s geological past in its visitor center.

22. Nelson Ghost Town

A very fun and fascinating place to visit, the long-abandoned Nelson Ghost Town can be found just forty-five minutes’ drive south of Sin City. Once known to the Spanish as El Dorado due to the vast quantity of gold found in the area, it has lots of atmospheric old buildings for you to wander around while one of its main highlights is taking an educational yet entertaining tour of its former mine.

While it was settled in 1775, it wasn’t until about a hundred years later that prospectors, miners, and Civil War deserters poured into Nelson to make their fortune. Abandoned in the 1940s once the rich seams were exhausted, its dilapidated and decaying cabins, church, and water tower now make for a strangely romantic sight with the rusting remains of classic cars, trucks, and even planes littering the parched earth around them.

21. Sand Harbor Beach

If instead of dusty desert landscapes it is sun, sand, and watersports that you are after then the lovely Sand Harbor Beach is certainly one of the best places to head in the state. Lying along the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe, it stretches 2,500 feet in length with amazing rock formations and lush forests lining its sands and majestic mountains rising up in the distance.

Aside from lounging on the beach and splashing about in the lake’s crystal-clear waters, visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking and sailing or go hiking and camping in the scenic state park right next to it. Some of the most popular times of year to visit Sand Harbor are July and August when it hosts the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival on its outdoor stage overlooking the lake and mountains.

20. Fremont Street Experience (Las Vegas)

Besides the Strip, the colorful and chaotic Fremont Street Experience is one of the most happening spots to hit up in all Las Vegas . Lined by glitzy casinos, high-end shops and trendy restaurants with bright lights and loud music playing and flashing all the time, the enormous pedestrian mall sprawls across five blocks in the historic downtown of the city.

Known as ‘Glitter Gulch’ due to all its massive neon signs, the lively entertainment area has been an ever-popular attraction since it first opened in 1995. While many come to check out its innumerable eateries and establishments, Fremont Street’s nightly free sound and light shows are undoubtedly its standout sight.

With over 12 million LED lamps lighting its overhead canopy, ziplines shooting through the air and live music blasting from its three stages; the Experience really is not to be missed when in Vegas.

19. Tonopah Historic Mining Park

Once known as the ‘Queen of the Silver Camps’ due to its vast and valuable deposits, the Tonopah Historic Mining Park now instead preserves the region’s rich mining heritage. At the secluded site in the southwest of the state, visitors can peruse interesting old artifacts and equipment while engaging exhibits, videos, and tours really bring the defunct mine back to life.

Established in 1901, the mine extracted huge quantities of ore before it ceased to exist some fifty or so years later. Dotted about the expansive park are lots of the original old buildings for you to amble around with rusting yet well-preserved mining machinery also being on display.

Either on tours or in its museum, you’ll learn about the geography of the area, the special equipment the miners used and what life used to be like in the claustrophobic shafts far below the ground.

18. Great Basin National Park

As it encompasses everything from mighty mountains and verdant forests to sweeping valleys, cool caves and glittering lakes; Great Basin National Park boasts some of the most diverse scenery in the state. Located just a stone’s throw from the border with Utah , it lies just outside of the tiny town of Baker in the arid east of Nevada.

Founded in 1986, the picturesque park is named after the Great Basin – a dry and mountainous area lying between the Sierra Nevada and Wasatch Mountains. While much of its landmass is coated in gorgeous woodlands and ancient groves of bristlecone pines, the 13,063 feet Wheeler Peak rises up dramatically above its valleys and lakes.

Among its main highlights are the spectacular Lehman Caves, sparkling Stella Lake and ginormous Lexington Arch while some outstanding hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing can be enjoyed throughout the park’s wild reaches.

17. Seven Magic Mountains

Alongside the endless desert road that connects Las Vegas to Los Angeles you’ll find an amazing art installation called the Seven Magic Mountains. Standing out majestically against their sun-scorched surroundings, the brightly painted totems make for some fabulous photos with the strangely alluring Mojave stretching away interminably into the distance.

Standing more than 30 feet in height, the seven huge sculptures consist of unwieldy, fluorescently-painted boulders stacked atop of one another. First installed in 2016, the brainchild of Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone has been a popular draw ever since with instagrammers and art aficionados alike.

This is because its giant, gravity-defying boulders and their excessive colors somehow symbolize not only the human and natural, but the past and present too while contrasting them at the same time.

16. National Atomic Testing Museum (Las Vegas)

Another very interesting and educational institution to visit is the excellent National Atomic Testing Museum in the center of Las Vegas. Home to all kinds of unique artifacts and exhibits, it offers up an unrivaled look at just what went on at the Nevada Test Site in the desert to the north of the city.

First opened to the public in 2005, it covers the nation’s nuclear history from the very first test at the NTS in 1951 right up to the present. In addition, it also recounts the early beginnings of the atomic age and looks at the earth-shattering bombings of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

While wandering about its galleries you’ll see Geiger counters, a replica of the ‘Fat Man’ bomb and Native American artifacts from the test site. On top of this, you can also experience a nuclear bomb blast in its state-of-the-art Ground Zero Theater simulator.

15. St. Mary in the Mountains Church (Virginia City)

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire state is the stupendous St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church. Set right in the center of Virginia City, it showcases some absolutely exquisite architecture with a sparkling white belltower rising up above its fetching red brick facade.

After having taken in the fine features of its romantic rose window, its elegant entrance portals and the huge buttresses that flank the 1876 Gothic Revival building, make sure to head inside and enjoy all its stunning statues and stained glass windows.

Particularly impressive are the intricately carved wood columns and rafters that hold up the entire structure with the church’s antique pipe organ and lovely friezes also attracting lots of attention.

14. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Although Nevada is known for its endless stretches of inhospitable desert, the Silver State also has some superb ski resorts for visitors to check out. One of the biggest and best is the world-class Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe which overlooks the large lake and lies in between both Reno and Carson City.

Nestled high up amidst the Sierra Nevada mountains and Toiyabe National Forest, it has sixty or so trails for you to shoot down with three terrain parks and countless cozy chalets and lodges also being on offer. As well as skiing and snowboarding down the soft, powdery slopes of the 9,702-foot Slide Mountain, you can also bask in breathtaking panoramas of the snow-coated mountains or go hiking about its rugged ridges.

13. Area 51 (Rachel)

Just outside of the tiny village of Rachel in the south center of the state is one of the most secretive spots in the entirety of the USA: the enigmatic Area 51. Actually home to a highly classified United States Air Force facility, it is the subject of constant speculation and conspiracy theories as sightings of unidentified flying objects are often reported in the area.

While these are most likely just stealth bombers and spyplanes, the base’s intense secrecy has seen the site associated with aliens and UFOs since the fifties. Aside from driving along the dusty and deserted ‘Extraterrestrial Highway’, seeing its strange signs and stopping by the lonely yet legendary black mailbox, there is not all that much to do besides visit the quirky Alien Research Center and scan the skies for flying saucers.

12. Reno Air Races

If you instead want a guaranteed sighting of something sparkling shooting through the sky then you might prefer the Reno Air Races. An exciting, adrenaline-fueled event, the multi-day aviation show sees fearless pilots push their planes to the very limit as thousands of spectators gape in awe at their amazing acrobatics and daring feats of flying.

Held every September at the Reno Stead Airport just north of the city, it is now the only remaining venue and event of its kind in the world. While the exhilarating races are of course what most fans come for, several military and civil flight demonstrations also take place, featuring new makes and models. In addition, visitors can also stroll around all the vintage planes, food stands, and exhibition stands that dot the tarmac down below.

11. Lion Habitat Ranch (Henderson)

Although it lies just under fifteen miles from Sin City’s glitzy Strip, the Lion Habitat Ranch in Henderson couldn’t feel further away. A very fun and family-friendly place to visit, it is home to around thirty lions with plenty of exotic birds, tortoises, and of course Ozzie the giraffe also residing at the reserve.

Since 1989, it has educated countless generations about the majestic mammals and the wild natural spaces they roam and hunt about. At the sanctuary, you can not only watch the big cats prowl about and play, but even feed them and enjoy a meal alongside them as they watch your every move. On top of all this, you can also take a behind-the-scenes tour and see the talented Ozzie paint a picture!

10. Burning Man Festival

An absolutely extraordinary event, the artistic, experimental, and interactive Burning Man Festival certainly promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience like no other. Held every year in the bleak and inhospitable Black Rock Desert, it encourages radical self-expression and self-reliance with all attendees expected to participate, perform, or contribute to the community.

For the last three decades, festival goers have flocked to the center of the stark, white desert to create ephemeral art installations, erect illuminated sculptures, and put on some epic performance art. Over the course of the week, a sprawling tent city springs up with bars, clubs, and artworks all appearing amidst its colorful and creative theme camps.

On the penultimate night of the fleeting festival, the Burning Man effigy is symbolically set on fire to signal the end of the gathering. As it is such a transformational experience, many come back year after year for its amazing activities, events, and art and the utterly incredible atmosphere.

9. Lake Mohave

The perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy some wonderful watersports, the lovely Lake Mohave lies right in the south of the state along part of the Colorado River. Located in between both Hoover Dam and Davis Dam, its calm waters define the border between Arizona and Nevada with marinas, resorts and campgrounds lining its scenic shores.

Stretching 67 miles in length, the large reservoir lies surrounded by the searing desert with bubbling hot springs dotting its northern shore. Aside from relaxing at its resorts or swimming, kayaking, and sailing about the lake, visitors can also go scuba diving and jet skiing. While most come to enjoy its crystal-clear waters, some great hikes can also be had amidst the desolate confines of the desert.

8. U.S. Route 50 “Loneliest Highway”

Fittingly known as the ‘Loneliest Highway’, U.S. Route 50 passes through some of the most rugged and remote parts of the nation with barely any signs of civilization on show. While its never-ending nothingness is impressive in itself, the Nevada portion of the transcontinental road has everything from alpine forests and desert valleys to ghost towns, petroglyphs, and Great Basin National Park.

Originally intended as a pejorative, its infamous nickname is now instead used by Nevada officials to entice tourists to oft-overlooked attractions along the route. As driving along the seemingly endless road is seen as a challenge, many motorists come to test themselves and enjoy its views and landscapes which conjure up images of hardy pioneers traveling along the old Pony Express.

7. The Mob Museum (Las Vegas)

Offering up a very interesting look at the history of organized crime and law enforcement in the US is The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas. Located in a former courthouse, its extensive array of artifacts and exhibits cover everything from bootlegging and gambling to smuggling, speakeasies, and the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929.

Founded in 2012, its colossal collection now includes firearms, slot machines, and a crime lab with a replica electric chair and a wall of notorious mobsters’ mugshots also featuring. While perusing its galleries, you can listen to actual wiretaps and oral testimonies, try the museum’s own moonshine and hang out in its atmospheric speakeasy down in the cellar.

With plenty of photos and videos also on display, exploring the perfectly-sized museum makes for a pleasant change from all of the Strip’s casinos, clubs, and mega-resorts.

6. Valley of Fire State Park

Boasting some of the most sublime scenery in the States, the phenomenal Valley of Fire State Park can be found just forty-five minutes’ drive northeast of Las Vegas. While it is known for its rugged red rock formations, prehistoric petroglyphs, and petrified trees are also dotted about with an endless list of exciting outdoor activities being on offer.

Both the oldest and largest state park in Nevada, it was established in 1935 to protect and preserve the otherworldly landscapes that coat its confines. Asides from its enormous Aztec Sandstone rock formations that appear to be on fire when the sun’s rays strike them, it has some incredibly ancient rock art for you to check out alongside crumbling cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Besides hiking about all its tortured terrain, visitors can scramble up to prominent viewpoints of the park, camp overnight, and stargaze or learn all about the region in its excellent information center.

5. National Automobile Museum (in Reno)

One of Reno’s top tourist attractions, the brilliant National Automobile Museum is full of hundreds of classic cars of all makes and models. In its sparkling showrooms you can find not only centuries-old carriages and celebrity-owned vehicles, but automobile-related artifacts, exhibits and artworks.

Since opening in 1989, it has been a very popular draw among petrolheads as its gleaming galleries contain lots of one-of-a-kind cars by Bugatti, Ferrari, and Jaguar among others.

In addition to seeing all its rare race cars, you can also snap photos of Cadillacs and Corvettes owned by celebrities such as Elvis Presley and John Wayne. Delightfully enough, many of the 200 or so cars in its collection are displayed in front of fabulous faux shop fronts that are appropriate for their era.

4. Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Just under an hour’s drive from Las Vegas is one of the most popular and picturesque places to visit in Nevada: the large and lovely Lake Mead National Recreation Area. While most people are almost instinctively drawn to the beautiful blue waters of its two huge reservoirs, the surrounding canyons, valleys and mountains also all have lots of outstanding outdoor activities for you to enjoy.

The first national recreation area in the country, it was founded in 1936 following the creation of the iconic Hoover Dam the year before. At both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, visitors can swim, fish and boat about to their heart’s content with fine views of their scenic shores on show wherever you go. On top of lounging on its beaches and camping underneath the stars, you can also hike and bike about its nine wilderness areas.

3. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Even closer to all Sin City’s sights is the remarkable Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area just west of town. Due to all its astounding scenery, epic outdoor activities, and easy access, millions of people visit the fantastic rock formations each and every year.

Protected as a park since 1967, the canyon’s radiantly red walls and dramatic sandstone peaks are a treat to explore with some great hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing being on offer.

Besides basking in breathtaking panoramas of all its colorful landscapes, you can also cycle or drive along its one-way loop road which stretches thirteen miles in length. This takes you past many of the Red Rock escarpment’s standout sights with trailheads and viewpoints dotted here and there.

2. Hoover Dam

A marvel of modern engineering, the humongous Hoover Dam blocks off the Black Canyon of the Colorado River and holds umpteen gallons of water behind its colossal concrete walls. Built back in the thirties during the Great Depression, it towers 726 feet in height with exhibits and tours teaching you all about its incredible architecture.

Once the largest dam in the world, it straddles the stateline between Nevada and Arizona with Lake Mead’s endless waters stretching away behind it. From its lofty bypass, visitors can enjoy awesome views of both the scenic lake and craggy canyon before heading inside to hear all about its history and how it works. Now recognized as a National Historic Landmark, Hoover Dam had a profound impact on not just Las Vegas’ development, but that of the country as a whole.

1. The Strip

As it is synonymous with Sin City, no visit to ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’ can ever be complete without experiencing some of the Strip’s sights, shows and slot machines. Lined by luxury resorts, lavish casinos, and lots and lots of illuminated signs, this stretch of the Las Vegas Boulevard has all manner of amusements and entertainment for you to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Las Vegas

The iconic epicenter of the city, its high-end hotels and gigantic glitzy mega-casinos are decadently decorated with most of them boasting fun and exotic themes. Besides playing card games and trying your luck at their endless slot machines, you can always catch a world-class concert or circus show with amazing magic acts and hilarious stand-up comedy nights also on offer.

With some brilliant dining and shopping to be had alongside exciting exotic animal shows, fun thrill rides and some pounding nightlife, the Strip is definitely the most happening spot to hit up in Vegas.

Map of Things to do in Nevada

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Must-Visit Attractions in Nevada

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The state of Nevada offers everything from pristine natural wonders to exciting human-made amusements. After all, there’s more to the Silver State than casinos, from stunning lakes and austere deserts to ghost towns and pinball museums. Here are the must-visit statewide attractions.

Clown motel.

More of a jaw-dropping roadside attraction than merely a motel (though your jaw might drop in terror rather than wonder), the Clown Motel fully lives up to its name. Outside in the forecourt, a red-nosed clown grins down from the sign, but the motel really earns its name in the lobby, which is crammed with a vast collection of toy clowns. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on whether you like clowns), there aren’t many in the actual rooms, save for the odd painting here and there.

The Fly Geyser is not quite a natural wonder. About two hours north of Reno near the Black Rock Desert, the brightly colored towers spew hot water for a fabulous photo op. The geyser dates back to 1964 when a geothermal power company drilled a test well and didn’t cap it correctly. All industrial accidents should be so fortuitous. The geyser is on private property, but it’s visible from the road and you can book a tour with Friends of Black Rock High Rock .

Goldwell Open Air Museum

“Art where it seemingly shouldn’t be” is the motto of the Goldwell Open Air Museum. It displays a set of massive sculptures in the Mojave Desert outside of Rhyolite, Nevada, including Dr Hugo Heyrman’s Lego-like Lady Desert, the Venus of Nevada and Albert Szukalski’s ghostly Last Supper figures. Goldwell keeps art alive with events and artist residencies, and it also runs cultural events in and around the town of Beatty and the Bullfrog townsite.

The High Roller at the LINQ

The High Roller observation wheel, which opened in 2014, is the LINQ hotel’s anchor attraction and offers a one-of-a-kind view of the Las Vegas Strip. A trip around the wheel lasts 30 minutes and takes you 550ft (168m) in the air, offering uninterrupted panoramas of the city’s skyline. For an extra memorable ride, you can take part in yoga classes, unlimited happy hour or wine and chocolate tastings – you can even get married.

International Car Forest of the Last Church

This is a chunk of life-size surrealism in the Nevada desert. It features the wrecks of more than 40 cars, trucks and buses, brightly painted and planted in the ground at odd angles, creating the effect of an automotive Stonehenge with a graffiti edge. The wide, blue skies and vividly adorned automobiles make for top-notch photo ops.

Once called the Boulder Dam, the Hoover Dam is more than 700ft (213m) high and contains more than 4.5m cubic yards (3.4m cubic meters) of concrete. It was built between 1931 and 1936 to control flooding of the Colorado River and provide water and power for surrounding areas. This remarkable structure, which cost $49m to complete, was a new achievement in engineering at the time and has since been designated a National Historic Landmark and one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Comprising Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area is open year-round. As one of the state’s most popular outdoor areas, it offers plenty of adventures, such as boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking or just taking in the glorious landscape. You can explore Black Canyon via a canoe, visit Overton Arm to look for bald eagles or swim in Lake Mohave. Other popular attractions include the tranquil Boulder Beach and the Historic Railroad Trail.

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park comprises more than 14,000 acres (5,666ha) across four main areas: Sand Harbor, Spooner Backcountry, Cave Rock and Van Sickle. Sand Harbor and Cave Rock are great for swimming, boating and other water sports, while Spooner Backcountry has 50mi (80km) of multi-use paths as well as camping, fishing, picnicking, wintertime skiing and snowboarding. Van Sickle has even more trails, complete with rock outcroppings providing views of the lake, and connects to the famed Tahoe Rim Trail.

Little A’Le’Inn

If Southern Nevada is known for casinos and the northern region for mountains, there’s a chunk in the middle known for aliens and those who look to the skies for them. The Little A’Le’Inn, near the mysterious Area 51, has embraced the regional theme with little green men on everything and a gift shop full of alien-related paraphernalia. It also has a friendly bar, a restaurant serving Alien burgers and a series of cabins and rooms for rent.

The Mob Museum

The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, better known as the Mob Museum, examines criminal history from both sides of the law. Inside the former US Post Office and Courthouse downtown, it tells the stories of organizations such as the Italian Mafia, Russian Mob and Japanese Yakuza, and how modern law enforcement combats them. Key exhibits include rigged slot machines, a look at illegal gambling and a piece of wall from the St Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Watch the Great Reno Balloon Races in Reno

Nevada’s second city is a seven-hour drive north of Las Vegas and is well worth a visit. Stroll under the famous arch – declaring Reno to be “the Biggest Little City in the World” – and check out the nearby casinos, or head to the Nevada Museum of Art. If you’re visiting in September, make sure you catch the Great Reno Balloon Races. This event adds a spectacular dash of colour to the sky as over 100 hot-air balloons gently rise above the city. It’s the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event and has become a beloved part of the annual calendar with locals and tourists alike.

Nevada Museum of Art

With a permanent collection from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, the Nevada Museum of Art focuses on art and the environment. It hosts several exhibits throughout the year created specifically for the museum, along with traveling exhibitions. Shows have included works by Raphael and other old masters, Kehinde Wiley and Ugo Rondinone, whose site-specific installation is south of Las Vegas.

The Neon Museum

The Neon Museum pays homage to Las Vegas history through the signs of motels, casinos, restaurants and other businesses. From the Stardust’s vast marquee to the small, shirt-adorned disc of a dry cleaner’s, some signs have been restored to their original electrified state, while others lie dormant. However, all are fascinating. The Neon Museum also offers Brilliant! – an additional program of signs reanimated with projection technology. General-admission and guided-tour tickets are available online and sell out quickly.

National Automobile Museum: the Harrah Collection

For lovers of cars, design and history, Reno’s National Automobile Museum is a must-visit. It depicts the evolution of the automobile through the 200 cars on display – from an 1899 Winton Phaeton to a 1965 Ford Mustang. The collection includes classic, sports and race cars, as well as several famous vehicles, such as a gold-plated DeLorean and the 1949 Mercury Series 9CM driven by James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (1955).

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers 23 hiking trails and six climbing areas of varying levels of difficulty, making it an absolute must for outdoor adventurers. It has some of Nevada’s most dramatic and untamed landscapes, and the only developed camping area is the Red Rock Canyon Campground, which is closed during the summer due to the heat. A 13mi (21km) loop that cuts through Red Rock allows drivers, walkers and bikers to take in some of the park’s best views.

Rhyolite, Nevada

Nevada is home to several ghost towns, but Rhyolite may be the best known and most picturesque. Settled in 1905, this gold-rush town was a bustling community with an opera house, but by 1920, Rhyolite was no more. Today’s visitable ruins include some forlorn houses, as well as the former bank and railroad station. The town has been the setting for several films, including the 1965 western The Reward and the 2005 science-fiction thriller The Island .

National Bowling Stadium

Roll that ball! Hit those pins! The National Bowling Stadium in downtown Reno, which opened in 1995 and is unofficially known as the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins,” offers 78 lanes, a pro shop and an extension of the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame. The stadium was the location for the bowling showdown in the movie Kingpin (1996) and is easily identifiable by the enormous geodesic dome on its exterior.

Pinball Hall of Fame

Not many museums allow you to put your hands all over the exhibits, but that’s what the Pinball Hall of Fame – the world’s largest collection of pinball machines – does. The museum pays tribute to the beloved arcade game, with hundreds of machines to play – from clunky, ’40s sports-based games to modern computerized models inspired by TV shows. Whether you have fond childhood memories playing Mata Hari , KISS , Mars Attacks! or even Pac-Man , you can revisit them here.

Valley of Fire State Park

The Valley of Fire State Park gets its name from its red Aztec sandstone formations developed during the Jurassic period. The park offers the usual array of hiking trails, picnic areas and camping sites, as well as some superb rock climbing. However, what really sets it apart from Nevada’s other protected areas is its ancient petrified woods and 3,000-year-old American Indian petroglyphs (rock drawings). Head to the Visitor Center, found near the Arch Rock Campground, for details of all activities and weather updates.

Zak Bagans’ the Haunted Museum

The host of Ghost Adventures has opened a museum to house the many oddities he has collected during his years of chasing the paranormal. Zak Bagans’ the Haunted Museum lies inside a historic home from 1938 and contains objects such as Dr Kevorkian’s van, Bela Lugosi’s mirror, Ed Gein’s cauldron and creepy items such as a human mummy and Nazi skull. Pieces are carefully arranged in vignettes, the spooky effect of which is augmented with lighting and sound.

National Atomic Testing Museum

For an insight into the darker aspect of Las Vegas’s past, visit the National Atomic Testing Museum. With more than 3,500 artefacts, 16,000 photos and 6,000 documents, the permanent collection examines the history of the National Nevada Security Site, a facility used for nuclear testing throughout the 1950s and ’60s. Star exhibits include a nuclear reactor used in the development of the first air-to-air missile and some historic Geiger counters.

Great Basin National Park

Near the Utah border, the Great Basin National Park features dense forests of almost 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines and the haunting Lehman Caves – a single cavern that cuts a quarter-mile into a hill of limestone and marble. Serious hikers can reach the summit of Wheeler Peak, the park’s highest point at 13,063ft (3,982m), via a well-maintained trail that starts towards the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.

Glimpse a top-secret military facility

As a top-secret military research and testing center in the middle of the desert, near Groom Lake, Area 51 is the much-loved protagonist of countless conspiracy theories. The United States Air Force acquired it in the mid-1950s, primarily for the testing of Lockheed U-2 spy planes, but speculation has since run wild about its “true” purpose. You can get a great perspective on Area 51 from the top of Tikaboo Peak, 26mi (42km) away – which is as close as you’re allowed to get.

Lost City Museum

An hour’s drive northeast of Las Vegas is where you’ll find the Lost City Museum, offering an intriguing insight into the region’s history, as far back as 8000BCE. It was built in the 1930s to preserve archaeological remains of Native American sites known as the Pueblo Grande de Nevada, most of which were flooded during the creation of nearby Lake Mead. As well as a Native American pit house and the reconstructed pueblo , the museum comprises three galleries, a screening room and a gift shop.

Bellagio Hotel and Casino

The Bellagio is more than just hotel rooms, gaming tables and a few celebrity restaurants; it offers many other attractions. There are the legendary fountains out front, with their music-synchronized performances, and in the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, extravagant flora is on display, with tens of thousands of blossoms, which complement the enormous, flower-like Dale Chihuly chandelier nearby. For art lovers, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art hosts various exhibits, which in the past included works by Andy Warhol, Fabergé eggs and Samurai armor and weapons.

Additional reporting by Mark Nayler .

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24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas, NV

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

This city in the desert is known around the world for fun and excitement. The Strip, Las Vegas' famous resort-lined street, sparkles with lights and recreated glamorous sites from cities around the world.

Many of the hotels are attractions in and of themselves and feature free streetside shows, from dancing fountains to erupting volcanoes. You'll also find interesting museums, an always impressive list of shows, and countless other things to do.

The Grand Canyon is just a short helicopter ride away, and the hills and mountains surrounding Las Vegas are home to all kinds of recreational opportunities, from hiking and camping to boating and skiing.

Las Vegas is a great place to visit year-round. The cooler winter temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing, and in summer, when the temperature can rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the hotel pools become an important part of the daytime activities.

Plan your visit and make the most of your time with our list of the top attractions in Las Vegas.

1. The Strip

2. fremont street experience, 3. helicopter rides over las vegas and the grand canyon, 4. venetian hotel and gondola rides, 5. paris hotel and the eiffel tower, 6. bellagio resort and fountain show, 7. mirage hotel: erupting volcano and siegfried & roy's secret garden, 8. high roller las vegas strip observation wheel, 9. new york-new york hotel, 10. caesar's palace and the colosseum, 11. the mob museum, 12. mandalay bay and the shark reef aquarium, 13. neon museum, 14. luxor hotel, 15. the strat tower, 16. mgm grand hotel, 17. vegas indoor skydiving, 18. madame tussaud's, 19. las vegas motor speedway, 20. excalibur hotel, 21. welcome to fabulous las vegas sign, 22. pinball hall of fame, 23. carol shelby heritage center, 24. downtown container park, where to stay in las vegas for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in las vegas, nv, las vegas, nv - climate chart, day trips and tours from las vegas.

The 2.5-mile-long central section of Las Vegas Boulevard, which runs through the city from northeast to southwest, known as the Strip, is where the action is. Lined with huge entertainment palaces, many built with a defining theme, and home to performance venues, luxury hotel rooms, and fine dining , this is what most people think of when they picture Las Vegas.

One of the must-do's in Las Vegas is walking along the Strip and soaking up the sights. It's particularly impressive at night, when the city is illuminated by an endless succession of glittering neon signs. This area is a never-ending feast for the senses.

Generally speaking, the Las Vegas Strip runs from the Mandalay Bay Hotel to Treasure Island Hotel. To truly experience Las Vegas, stay on The Strip, preferably at one of the major resorts. For a look at some of the best accommodation options in a variety of price ranges, see our recommended hotels .

In old downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is a pedestrian-only area with all kinds of unique sites. A five-block section of Fremont Street is covered over with a canopy of LED lights that illuminate the sky in a spectacle of different colors and designs as you walk below.

Known as the Fremont Street Experience, each night a fantastic music and visual show takes place overhead. Street performers and special entertainment acts often perform outdoors in this area. Fremont Street is in downtown Las Vegas, a few kilometers from the Strip.

It is best to take a taxi to reach this area. Or, if you want to truly experience the city at night, take a Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Night Flight ride above the city. Note that hotel pickup is optional on this tour.

Official site: www.vegasexperience.com

For a great aerial view over Las Vegas, or even the Grand Canyon , visitors may want to take a helicopter ride. Las Vegas has a number of companies providing helicopter tours that take visitors over Las Vegas and the Strip, or as far away as the Grand Canyon.

This is a great opportunity for anyone with limited time to see not only Vegas, but the surrounding landscape and one of America's most impressive and famous natural attractions.

If you have a full day for exploring, try a Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour . The tour takes approximately three hours, and you'll see the Strip, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the West Rim area of the Grand Canyon.

The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas is located on the Strip, across from Treasure Island. It is one of the city's finest resorts and has many interesting tourist attractions. Inside is a themed shopping arcade built to resemble the city of Venice, complete with blue skies, canals, and gondoliers. The hotel also features recreations of the main attractions found in Venice, such as the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, along with many others.

The Venetian Gondola Rides are a fun way to see the complex. Situated out in front of the Venetian Hotel, near the sidewalk, boats await passengers who are then taken on a ride by their personable gondolier who sings as they take you through the shopping arcade inside the hotel.

Address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.venetian.com/

Located on the Strip, Paris Las Vegas is one of the most easily recognized resorts in the city. Out front is a scale model of the Eiffel Tower, and down the way is a recreation of the Paris Opera House. Forty-six stories above the city streets, the Eiffel Tower Experience is an observation deck with incredible 360-degree views.

One story below this is posh and romantic Eiffel Tower Restaurant, with fine views out over the Strip and across to the dancing fountains of Bellagio. Also on the property is a mock hot air balloon festooned with neon and flashing lights.

Official site: https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas

The Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas is a massive, high-end hotel complex, with a wide variety of attractions, including the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, a spa and salon, and some of the finest restaurants in Las Vegas.

Beyond the lobby is a showroom area with changing themes that range from spring botanical displays to fascinating shows of art. The most impressive and famous feature is the fountain show.

In front of the Bellagio, along the Strip, the dancing fountains perform a beautiful display of water set to music. From the sidewalk, visitors have a ringside view. This is often described as the best free attraction in Las Vegas.

Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.bellagio.com/en.html

The Mirage Hotel is easy to identify while walking along the Strip. In front of the resort is a volcano, which erupts at regular intervals. At night, the glowing red fire and explosions shooting out of the volcano are some of the most unique sites visible from the sidewalk.

Inside the Mirage is Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Although Siegfried & Roy have both died and no longer perform, you can still see a wide variety of exotic animals, including white lions and tigers. The Dolphin Habitat contains a large number of trained dolphins in its 2.5-million-gallon pools.

Address: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: https://www.mirage.com/en.html

The High Roller Las Vegas Strip Observation Wheel is the largest observation wheel in North America, topping out at an impressive 550 feet high. A single rotation takes 30 minutes. This will give you plenty of time to soak up the outstanding views over the Strip and surrounding area, especially at night.

Each cabin holds up to 40 people and is climate controlled. The High Roller is located at the bottom end of the Linq Lane - if you aren't sure where that is, just look up!

Official site: https://www.caesars.com/linq/high-roller

The New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas is across the street from both the MGM Grand Hotel and the Excalibur Resort Hotel . Visually stunning, the hotel is designed to appear like New York's skyline, complete with the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. A huge roller coaster, called the Big Apple Coaster, circles in and around the hotel.

Should you work up an appetite while staying at the hotel, seven different restaurants offer up everything from sushi through to steaks.

Address: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.newyorknewyork.com/en.html

Perhaps one of the best known of all the Las Vegas hotel resorts, Caesar's Palace continues to evolve. Currently Caesar's Palace is a massive complex in the middle of the Strip, complete with every imaginable entertainment option.

The hotel is closely associated with shows held in its huge concert venue known as "The Colosseum." Top performers (which have included Celine Dion and Elton John) perform here for extended periods, and shows are often booked out well in advance. Visitors planning a trip and hoping to see a performance here will want to check out dates and ticket availability as early as possible.

Address: 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.caesars.com/caesars-palace

The Mob Museum, or the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement as it is officially named, is a truly unique and standout museum in Nevada.

The museum is housed in a 1933 Neoclassical building, formerly the US Post Office and Courthouse, that has its own history. It was one of the locations for the famous Kefauver Committee hearings in 1950, which revealed some ugly truths about organized crime in Las Vegas and across the US.

The museum tells the unvarnished history of the Mob in America through engaging, interactive displays and video clips. Exhibits deal with everything from the individual characters and events to the culture and fashion associated with the times.

Address: 300 Stewart Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: https://themobmuseum.org/

Mandalay Bay Resort is at the southwest end of the Strip, near the Luxor hotel. One of the key highlights at this complex is the Shark Reef Aquarium. The massive 1,300,000-gallon tank holds a wide variety of sharks, fish, rays, reptiles, marine invertebrates, green sea turtles, and even a Komodo dragon.

Just over 100 sharks from 15 different species and more than 2,000 animals in all are on display. The Shark Tunnel is the most impressive feature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Shark Reef works with wildlife biologists to preserve endangered lake and marine populations as well as rehabilitate injured animals.

Address: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: http://www.sharkreef.com/

The bright and colorful neon signs of Las Vegas have been one of the city's most memorable sights for countless visitors throughout the years. These multi-story advertising beacons became one of the city's claims to fame.

Today, the Neon Museum is working hard to preserve some of the city's history by purchasing, storing, and in some cases, refurbishing the historic neon signs that have gone by the wayside as businesses have faded or new signs have taken the place of older icons.

You can see many of these signs by taking a guided tour at the Neon Museum, where old neon signs are stored outside in a large compound. Guides provide the history of the signs and designs, which have evolved over the years.

Efforts at the museum are ongoing, and signs stand in varying conditions. In some cases, only a portion was saved or found, while others have been restored to their former glory. This contrast makes the museum that much more interesting and gives visitors insight into how much work and upkeep is required with these giant signs.

Address: 770 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: http://www.neonmuseum.org/

Another distinctive theme hotel, at the far southwest end of the Strip, is the Luxor Hotel. Designed in an ancient Egyptian theme, the hotel is shaped like a pyramid, with a sphinx proudly gazing out over the street. The Luxor, like all the major resorts, offers a wide variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

One of the more unique Las Vegas attractions is the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Over 250 items recovered from one of the most famous maritime disasters are on display.

One of the standout features of this hotel is the beam of light that projects from the highest point of the pyramid and shoots up into the night sky. It can be seen from almost anywhere in Las Vegas.

Address: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.luxor.com/en.html

The STRAT Tower is an unmistakable sight on the Las Vegas skyline. The tower rises up 1,149 feet, and at the very top is the Skypod, the real attraction for visitors.

From the various levels of the Skypod, you'll find a whole host of things to do. These include a variety of heart-pounding thrill rides, including the SkyJump, Big Shot, X Scream, and Insanity.

For those looking for a little less drama, check out the indoor and outdoor observation decks with great views over the city. The Top of the World Restaurant is a great place to grab an excellent meal while soaking up the views of the Las Vegas Strip off in the distance.

Considering getting married? A fully outfitted chapel is available for you to tie the knot in the sky.

The STRAT Tower claims the "tallest freestanding observation tower in the USA."

Address: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: http://www.stratospherehotel.com/

The MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas is across the street from the New York-New York Hotel and kitty corner to the Excalibur Resort Hotel. The MGM Grand Hotel has all the amenities visitors would expect to find at a luxury hotel including above average accommodations, a multitude of restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options.

One of the highlights of a stay at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas is a visit to the pool area. Spread out over 6.5 acres, the water fun includes four pools, a waterfall, a Lazy River, and three whirlpools.

Address: 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.mgmgrand.com/en.html

Vegas Indoor Skydiving offers a truly unique experience. Here, visitors will get to experience what actual skydiving is like, without an airplane or parachute. Qualified instructors escort participants to a vertical wind tunnel where they are suited up in special gear. Once the fan is turned on, anyone can float effortlessly in the air. No experience is necessary.

It's a perfect thing to do as a group or family; no matter your age or fitness, you'll be flying high in no time.

Address: 200 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: http://www.vegasindoorskydiving.com/

Madame Tussaud's in Las Vegas is near the escalators leading up to the Venetian Hotel on the Strip. Here, visitors can see their favorite stars preserved forever in wax. In many cases, the figures are so lifelike it is almost eerie.

Figures range from Elvis to Bradley Cooper and Sofia Vergara right though to musical acts like Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus. The overall focus or theme of Madame Tussaud's is on people who are associated with Las Vegas or in show business.

Address: 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: https://www.madametussauds.com/las-vegas/en/

Fans of fast cars will want to head over to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Located in Clark County 15 miles northeast of the Strip, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a 1,200-acre complex of multiple automobile racing tracks just right for the speed-freak in you.

Ever imagined what it would be like to drive a Lamborghini or Ferrari? Dream no longer. These cars are available to be driven at high speeds around the race track if you've got the cash to spare.

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is home to NASCAR races, as well as a number of other racing events. Several speed records have been set at the track. The Speedway features multiple restaurants, and for those wishing to stay overnight, RV camping is available. Check the website for the latest upcoming events and pricing.

Address: 700 North Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: http://www.lvms.com/

The Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas is another theme hotel on the Strip. Decked out in medieval character, the hotel features some wild architecture, complete with turrets. The hotel has all the amenities a visitor could possibly imagine, with varied entertainment, a huge pool area, and a good assortment of restaurants serving a variety of food from around the world.

Generally considered one of the cheapest places to stay on the Strip, the Excalibur frequently offers incredible deals on their website.

Address: 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.excalibur.com/en.html

If you are searching for that iconic photo of you and your friends in front of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, just head south down the strip about a block past West Russell Road. A large parking lot is located just to the south of the sign, and a winding walkway with trees and greenery takes you to the sign itself.

The sign is actually quite a bit smaller than you would expect. The best photos are taken from the south, with the palm trees framing the sign with the Mandalay Bay Hotel glittering in the background.

Las Vegas is a place where your wallet can certainly take a beating. One place that's easy on the pocket book and still a ton of fun is the Pinball Hall of Fame. An unbelievable number of pinball machines are spread out across 25,000 square feet of space. This brand-new facility recently opened in April 2021 and has become one of the top things to do in town for pinball aficionados.

Wander through the Hall of Fame, and find a machine you like. Just pop in a quarter, and away you go. Vintage machines right through to modern and technologically advanced ones are all available. The Pinball Hall of Fame is easy to locate, just look for the enormous sign just north of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

Official site: http://www.pinballmuseum.org/

Gearheads from around the world will want to make a beeline to the Shelby America Heritage Center. On display are over 30 classic cars designed and built by Carol Shelby over the years, along with assorted memorabilia. It's also one of the best free attractions in Las Vegas.

However, the more in-depth behind-the-scenes tour is well worth the modest investment. This guided tour takes you beyond the showroom onto the factory floor to see these muscle cars being hand made by skilled technicians.

Official site: https://www.shelby.com/en-us/Shelby-Las-Vegas/Shelby-Heritage-Center-Home

For something off the Strip that combines food, fun, and entertainment at a low cost, head to the Downtown Container Park. Here, you'll find nearly 40 shipping containers repurposed into restaurants, shops, and other venues. No matter what you crave, whether it's food, a new outfit, or the latest thing you never knew you needed, there's a good chance you'll find it here.

The Downtown Container Park frequently hosts evening entertainment featuring an ever-changing cast of performers. One of the most exciting things that happens each evening is the awakening of the giant Praying Mantis. Frequently accompanied by a drum circle, this metal insect shoots flames from its antennae as it comes to life.

The Downtown Container Park is located a short distance east of the Fremont Street Experience.

Official site: https://downtowncontainerpark.com/

Since most of the action in Las Vegas is focused around a portion of South Las Vegas Boulevard knowns as The Strip, staying on or close to this area is the best option. This is also where most of the huge, themed resort hotels are found. The price of hotels can vary greatly from one week to the next, with rates skyrocketing around big conventions and great discounts available at slower times. Below is a selection of highly rated hotels in good locations .

Luxury Hotels:

• The Italian-themed Bellagio , easily recognizable by the lake and dancing fountain show in front of the resort, and the Venetian , a recreated Venice-themed complex complete with a canal and gondolas, are both luxury resort hotels in prime locations along the Strip.
• Caesars Palace , also with a great location along the Strip, is a long time classic in Vegas, and home to the famous Colosseum entertainment venue. All of these resorts have wonderful pools, shopping, and entertainment on site.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• At the north end of the Strip is Treasure Island , with a nice pool area and a good location within walking distance of the major sites. This is an upper mid-range option that often has reasonable prices.
• Also in this category is the Park MGM Las Vegas , a quality hotel in a great location that also frequently offers reasonable rates.
• The Hilton Grand Vacations Suites on the Las Vegas Strip is another quality hotel but it lies a little too far north to walk to the main section of The Strip.

Budget Hotels:

• The Excalibur is a formerly grand but now somewhat dated resort hotel that often offers good deals. It has a nice pool area and a great location at the south end of the Strip, near the New York, New York.
• Across the street from the Excalibur, but just off the Strip on Tropicana Avenue, is the Motel 6 Tropicana . This is a basic motel with a pool and an excellent location.
• The Travelodge by Wyndam Las Vegas Center Strip is another decent budget option, with a good central location slightly off The Strip.

Just beyond the lights and electric vibe of Las Vegas is a spectacular landscape of gorges, red rocks, mountains, and desert scenery. If you have time, be sure to get out and see the sites beyond the city limits.

• Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam : The two biggest attractions in the Las Vegas surrounding area are these two fantastic sites: one natural, and the other, man-made. The Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas takes visitors, by coach, to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon for three hours of free time. This allows plenty of time to walk along the rim and gaze out from the viewing areas. A short stop at Hoover Dam along the way is also included. Add on a helicopter and boat ride or a stroll on the Grand Canyon Skywalk as optional extras.
• Red Rock Canyon : Take a four- or six-hour guided Red Rock Canyon Tour to see some of the spectacular red rock scenery and views out over the desert and mountains. This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, a tour of the canyon along the 13-mile scenic loop road with stops at the lookout points for the best views, and a boxed lunch.
• Hiking and Camping: You can find some great hiking trails in the surrounding desert and mountains. For some unique experiences see our articles on the best hiking trails in Valley of Fire State Park and best hikes near Las Vegas . If you are interested in spending a night or two under the stars, and you haven't brought your own camping equipment, you might want to consider a fabulous 3-Day 2-Night Camping Tour from Las Vegas to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon . This fully escorted camping trip takes you to the major highlights of the Southwest and includes Jeep tours, and the option for a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. If you have your own camping equipment and are trying to figure out the best places to set up camp, see our list of the best campgrounds near Las Vegas .
• Self Drive Excursions: Explore nearby towns and incredible natural areas with our Top-Rated Day Trips from Las Vegas article.

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