Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Home to one of the most glitzy cities in America, Las Vegas, Nevada has lots more to offer. The state has incredible natural diversity, with plenty of great places to visit, scenic drives, and loads of outdoor activities.
There are many national parks and recreation areas where people can do hiking, biking, climbing, and horseback riding. Let us explore some of the best Nevada vacation spots.
Las Vegas, Nevada
No introduction needed, Las Vegas is the most entertainment-filled city in the world. Las Vegas is like no other place in the world and this two and a half mile is on the list of many across the world.
There are many hotels, theatres, restaurants, and gardens all along the Las Vegas strip. Start by strolling along the strip to take in the vibe of the city. The Bellagio has a famous dancing fountain which you can see.
Also, stop by the Venetian, or eat pastries alongside the Eiffel Tower at Paris, Las Vegas. You can also visit Old Vegas where there are many flashy lights and there is a light show known as the Fremont Street Experience.
Reno, Nevada
Reno is the second-largest city in Nevada and offers a great experience of gaming, cultural, outdoor, and fun attractions for all ages. The city is home to only 25,000 residents.
If you love outdoor activities, then Lake Tahoe is a great destination to experience the largest concentration of ski facilities.
The city also has a vibrant art and cultural scene which includes visiting Sierra Arts and the Nevada Museum of Art or listening to the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra.
There are some great annual fests as well like annual National Championship Air Races, The Great Reno Balloon Race, and the Hot August Nights car convention.
Hoover Dam Bridge, Nevada
Hoover Dam is a marvel of modern engineering which makes for a great vacation spot in Nevada. The 726-foot-high dam contains Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States.
The dam was built in 2010 to relieve the traffic congestion along US 93 which used to carry all traffic between Arizona and Nevada over the wall of the Hoover Dam.
The dam is just a 45-minute drive from the center of Las Vegas. A great overview of the bridge is to take a helicopter ride over the dam.
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Nevada
One of the best spots for outdoor recreation, Lake Tahoe is one of the most scenic lakes. The crystal-clear blue water of Lake Tahoe is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is one of the most beautiful sites in Nevada.
It is a 22-mile -a long freshwater lake which is high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the Nevada and California border. Summer attracts a lot of visitors who enjoy the beautiful beaches or hit some of the spectacular hiking trails.
In winter, many families come from across the state to enjoy the slopes at the resorts at Lake Tahoe. A lakeside drive is enjoyable at any time of the year as you can soak in the beauty of the area.
Lake Mead National Recreational Area, Nevada
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is an enormous desert area that attracts lots of outdoor enthusiasts. The huge area is approximately 1.5 million acres and there are numerous opportunities to roam on the beaches, do hiking, camping, and much more.
The stunning landscape of Lake Mead National Recreational Area is comprised of towering mountains, cacti-filled desert basins, and vertical-wall canyons.
The most popular section of this area is Boulder Basin on Lake Mead, just north of Hoover Dam. You can also take a trip down the Black Canyon Water Trail on a guided kayaking expedition. Needless to say, you will never run out of things to do at Lake Mead.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Valley of Fire State Park is one of the best vacation spots in Nevada. Dramatic landscapes, red rock formations adorn the state park.
If not for anything else, visit this place just to gaze at the amazing landscape. One of the most dynamic landscapes in Nevada, it is just an hour’s drive northeast of Las Vegas.
The Valley of Fire State Park has been attracting visitors since 1953, and a drive through this park provides stunning views of the landscape. Go to the Visitor’s Centre to learn how the amazing landscape took shape over 150 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed the desert.
There are many interesting hikes to be done as well which lead you to ancient Indian petroglyphs and petrified forests.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is one of the most popular hiking areas in Nevada. This wonderful back-to-nature adventure that you will find here will leave you refreshed.
The most striking feature of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is the red rock formations jutting high above the Mojave Desert. Explore the Visitors Centre where you can get trail maps and see interesting interpretive displays.
Families can explore the 13-mile scenic drive through the park or even explore the hiking trails through the park.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Situated in eastern Nevada, the Great Basin National Park is near the border of Utah. The park encompasses nearly 8000 acres of basin and range landscape.
The park also contains a great diversity of ecosystems including caves and rock art, and excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring nature. There are two Visitors Centres in the park also here you can see some exhibits and pick up maps.
The park also offers a number of camping sites plus many backpacking opportunities. Join a ranger-led tour of Lehman Caves or spend your days hiking.
Lamoille Canyon, Nevada
Lamoille Canyon lies in the heart of Nevada and makes for a great vacation spot in the state. the U-shaped Lamoille Canyon contains towering peaks, hanging valleys which makes it a year-round destination.
The Canyon is also a part of an officially designated National Forest Road that winds around the base of the 11,387-foot Ruby Dome. The road makes for a great drive as it winds into a spectacular 8,800-foot-high canyon that was carved long ago by glaciers.
The area is also popular for its waterfalls and wildlife, with bighorn sheep, mountain goats all frequenting the meadows.
Area 51, Nevada
This famous United States Air Force facility near Groom Lake in the southern Nevada Desert is full of secrecy and intrigue. If you want to see what’s the big deal about or if you are a UFO enthusiast, then you should take a drive along the famous Extraterrestrial Highway.
a portion of State Route 375 that features some amusing “alien-related” road signs, which can be an interesting sight in itself.
Sparks, Nevada
Situated in Northern Nevada, Sparks is close to the city of Reno, and it is just one hour by road from wonderful Lake Tahoe.
If you want sunshine, there is no better place. The city boasts of sunshine 80% part of the year. Apart from soaking in the sun, there are various destinations.
There are many water sports here as well on the Sparks Marina where you can go swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing.
Sand Harbour, Nevada
This 55-acre playground is located three miles south of Incline Village along the picturesque shores of Lake Tahoe. Here visitors can explore long white beaches, shaded forest areas, inlets, coves, and superb lake views.
There are great resources at the Visitors Centre as well, including a snack bar. Water lovers can indulge in boating, jet-skiing, swimming, and other water sports.
Grapevine Canyon, Nevada
Situated in the Lake Mead National Recreational Area near Las Vegas, the Grapevine Canyon lies to the south of Spirit Mountain and makes for a great vacation spot.
There are some amazing freshwater springs that arise out of the canyon beds which as attracted visitors for many years. Apart from that, there are some easily accessible 1000-year old petroglyphs and some seasonal waterfalls.
Rhyolite Ghost Town, Nevada
Rhyolite Ghost Town is 35 miles from the Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center and makes for a fascinating vacation spot in Nevada. As the name suggests, the town was once a thriving mining town.
But, today it lies deserted but you can still explore the town’s surviving buildings to get an idea of how the early miners and their families lived.
The state where one of the most happening cities is situated, Las Vegas, Nevada has lots more to offer to visitors like the town of Reno and spooky destinations such as Area 51.
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