Las Vegas is a city that is known for being unique and different. However, it is also easy to get caught up in the usual tourist activities.
The commonly accepted saying in Las Vegas is to gamble, watch a show, gamble some more, have a few drinks, and enjoy some entertainment.and do it as many times as you can until you have to walk back to the airport and catch your flight home. Vegas has two main tourist areas: the Strip and Downtown/Fremont Street. They are only a 15-minute drive apart, so if you stay in one area, you can easily visit the other as well. And that’s usually the maximum distance people travel for a “day trip”.
However, many people visit Las Vegas without taking the time to explore the excellent historical, geographical, and cultural attractions that are located nearby. Many of these attractions can be reached within a three-hour drive. If you rent a car, you can easily visit Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park, which are both about 45 minutes away. We suggest taking more time to explore the orange rock formations in both parks by going hiking.
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5 Road Trips From Las Vegas
Grand Canyon West
The Western Rim of the Grand Canyon, also known as Grand Canyon West, is located within a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Las Vegas. Tour operators such as Grand Canyon Destinations, Grey Line, and GC Tours offer day trips that include early morning pick-ups, around three hours of free time, and optional meal stops. A must-do activity at Grand Canyon West is walking along the cantilevered, glass-bottomed Skywalk.
Boulder City
This city is located just a 30-minute drive southwest of Las Vegas, but it has a completely different atmosphere. The Strip is focused on constant change and the construction of larger resorts. In contrast, Boulder City has over 500 buildings from the 1930s and ’40s that are considered historic and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The city was established in the 1930s when workers from all over the United States came together to build the nearby Hoover Dam. You can learn about the important people involved in the construction at the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum. On your way to the beautiful dam, which is only 15 minutes northeast of Boulder City, make a stop at Hemenway Park. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the often bright-blue Lake Mead.
Laughlin
This cosy town, filled with casinos, is located on the southern tip of Nevada along the Colorado River. On the main road called Casino Dr, which runs from north to south, you will find several casinos that are also located in Las Vegas. These include Golden Nugget, Harrah’s, and Tropicana. Why choose Laughlin? The appeal of this place is that it offers cheaper table games, a less fancy atmosphere, and plenty of river adventures.
There are many different types of water activities available here. You can go on guided kayaking trips with Desert River Outfitters, rent Jet Skis from Watercraft Adventures, or go for hikes along the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail, which is next to the river.
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Zion National Park
Just a two-hour drive away from Sin City, you can find a beautiful landscape with green pools, tall trails surrounded by pine trees, and the famous Angels Landing hike that everyone wants to experience. Getting to Zion National Park from Las Vegas is part of the fun, and once you’re there, you’ll be amazed by all the wonders it has to offer.
During your journey, which is mostly a straight drive north on I-15, make a stop at Valley of Fire State Park. Here, you can see large formations of sandstone with red patterns that resemble a cinnamon bun. Additionally, there are ancient petroglyphs carved into caves that are around 2000 years old.
Keep heading in the direction of north until you reach the city of St George, which is located just across the border in Utah. The historic downtown and art district of St. George is surrounded by red mountains in the distance. You can visit the St. George Art Museum to see rotating exhibits that highlight the beautiful and rugged landscapes of the Western USA.
Reno
Northern Nevada is very different from Las Vegas. It has large green landscapes, a slower pace, and a small-town feel. The anchor of Reno is known as the “Biggest Little City in the World,” which is proudly displayed on an arched sign in the city’s Commercial Row core. Reno is about a 7-hour drive from Las Vegas using US Route 95.
On your way, make sure to visit the Goldfield Hotel. It was built in 1902 and is known for being located in a very quiet town. Many people believe it is one of the most haunted buildings in the United States. Continue your spooky adventures by visiting the Clown Motel in Tonopah. This motel also features a free clown museum in its lobby. Tonopah is a great place for stargazing. They have a “Star Party” every two weeks from April to October, where you can enjoy stargazing after it gets dark. We provide telescopes and binoculars so that you can see the constellations up close and in detail.
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