Las Vegas might be one of the best cities in the world when it comes to nightlife, partying, and all out luxury. The glitz and the glamor of its neon signs and flashing lights are renowned throughout the world. A trip to Vegas isn’t complete without a “what happens in Vegas…”. However, there is more to do than just casino-hop and rage at the hottest nightclubs. Las Vegas is also surrounded by incredible outdoor destinations, from vast deserts, stunning canyons, and even snow-capped mountains. There is much more to Las Vegas than people give it credit for. Here are some of the best things to do on a trip to Las Vegas.
Go Hiking In The Valley of Fire
About an hour’s drive from the strip is Valley of Fire State Park, home to landscapes that will make you feel like you are in Westworld or an old-timey Western. At only $10 entrance fee per car, this is an incredible must-hit spot to do in Vegas. Your wallet will thank you after all of the luxurious splurging you’ll likely be doing. The rock formations, Native American petroglyphs, and hiking trails are the main attraction of this otherworldly park.
Do not overlook the incredible outdoors adventures that Las Vegas has to offer.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is about a two-hour drive from the Las Vegas Strip. If you’re truly looking to get as far away from people as possible, Death Valley might be the place for you. It is one of the most inhospitable, but otherworldly, destinations in the United States. Here’s my guide on visiting Death Valley National Park as a day trip.
Mount Charleston
Although a bit further away, the town of Mount Charleston is a great year-round destination. It’s an hour’s drive from Las Vegas but serves as the ultimate nature escape. With skiing and snowboarding during the winters, and an abundance of hiking trails to explore the rest of the year, Mount Charleston is a great way to get moving and explore beyond Las Vegas’ neon lights.
Visit the Seven Magic Mountains
The Seven Magic Mountains art installation has become pretty popular, and you’ve likely seen these colorful stacked rocks on your Instagram feeds. These iconic structures are only about a 20-minute drive from Las Vegas. While there isn’t much beyond the photo opportunity, it’s a cool stop on your way out of the city.
Visit The Hoover Dam (And Go Kayaking There?!)
Everyone knows about the Hoover Dam and most people inevitably stop by if they’re driving to Vegas. However, did you know you could go kayaking there? Because I didn’t. Apparently there’s a stretch of the Colorado River where kayakers can take on and catch a glimpse of the Hoover Dam in all of its majesty from the bottom-up.
Go Hiking At Red Rock Canyon
Did you bring your bike? Just 30 minutes from the strip is Red Rock Canyon, home to a scenic 13-mile bike route that is very popular among locals. It’s only $3 to enter per bike or $7 per car, making this yet another budget-friendly Vegas activity. Also a good way to sweat off the alcohol from the night before.
Visit The Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex
This wildlife preserve is only 20 miles from Las Vegas and covers a vast area of 1.6 million acres. It is a great place to catch beautiful desert and mountain landscapes, and as the name suggests, see some wildlife. Seeing desert tortoises, bighorn sheep and jackrabbits in their natural habitats, you would never guess that this is just a short drive from Las Vegas’ bustling strip.
Two Words. Dune. Buggies.
Ahh, the greatest of desert activities. If you have never been on one of these, dune buggies are extremely fun and exhilarating. With plenty of sand dunes surrounding Las Vegas, there are countless options for those brave enough to take them. It’s the ride of a lifetime. Rent a dune buggy and race through the desert where no normal car would be able to go. It’s a great way to experience the Las Vegas area beyond its’ nightlife.
From breathtaking landscapes to unique experiences, the city offers plenty of moments worth capturing—perfect for creating a custom calendar with photos to remember your trip. Here are some of the best things to do on a trip to Las Vegas”
Go For A Boat Ride on Lake Mead
Need something a little less dry? Hit up Lake Mead in the summer for some boating and swimming. Hurry though, depleting water levels are drying up this man-made lake that might be expected to run dry as soon as within the next decade.
Visit a Real Life Ghost Town
What better way to spend the day than by touring a historic ghost town, exploring old mines, and taking unforgettable photos? Eldorado Canyon offers a unique blend of history and scenery, with old mines and quirky vintage vehicles making it a popular destination to explore for families and solo travelers alike.
If you drove to Las Vegas, you’re good to go to visit all of these incredible spots, none of which are more than an hour from the Strip itself. I had visited Vegas several times in the past but most of the time, since I was younger and traveling with family, I was restricted mostly to the walkable area along the strip. When I road-tripped through Vegas a few years back, it gave me a glimpse of just how incredible the area was surrounding the City of Sin.
There is a side of Vegas beyond the neon lights of the Strip and Fremont Street. That side is tame yet wild, beautiful yet oftentimes inhospitable, and holds adventures abound for those willing to seek it out.
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