Best Places to Visit in Nevada
On my recent four week road trip through Nevada, I was reminded of the coolness of Las Vegas (of course!) but also that the state offers so much more than casinos and neon lights. I re-visited my favorite destinations in April and discovered new hidden gems that make Nevada an unforgettable place to visit year round. I broke this post into two major sections with things to see near Las Vegas and things to do near Lake Tahoe and Reno. Here are the places I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
Places to Visit Near Las Vegas
I'm starting with best places to visit near Las Vegas, Nevada because most visitors start their trip here. But if you are driving from Northern California, then skip to my section on the best places to visit near Reno and Lake Tahoe.
1. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is easily one of my favorite places to visit in Nevada and chances are that unless you are driving in from a neighboring state like California, you will land at Las Vegas airport like I did so plan a two day stay here first to get to know this unique city.
One of the most amazing gems I found was the Neon Museum near Downtown and walking through the glowing collection of vintage casino and motel signs felt unusual, exciting, and completely magical.
For breakfast, I made my way to EAT, close to Fremont Street, and it was the perfect start to my day with fresh, affordable food in the relaxed atmosphere which made it one of the coolest breakfast spots I’ve ever been to.
The Mob Museum right after also near Fremont Street turned out to be a very unique place too, with immersive exhibits and dramatic stories of organized crime that made it unforgettable (but I thought $34.95 General admission was expensive).
Another must-see spot tucked right inside Circus Circus, the Adventuredome ($25) is packed with roller coasters, carnival-style games, bumper cars, and even a mini golf course.
Further down the Strip, Bellagio Fountains are not to be missed with a new dancing water show starting every 15-30 minutes!
- Location: Map & Directions
Check availability or prices at the Venetian where we had a cool four day stay with great Italian-inspired dining, 5-star Caesars Palace (my photo is below) or the Bellagio, another favorite of mine because of the dancing fountain show every 15-30 minute throughout the day.
- Location: Location Map
What I loved best:
Our suite at the Venetian for four days had incredible views of the Strip, especially at night, and I found it super convenient to take the elevator down to the spa level and treat myself to a 60-minute massage.
2. Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon has to be one of the absolute best places I’ve visited near Las Vegas, and it still amazes me every time I go on a day trip there from Las Vegas, plus it's super affordable if you are renting a car. Just a short 20-minute drive west of the Strip, this spectacular spot ($20/vehicle entry) feels like stepping into another world—one filled with desert magic and brilliant red sandstone cliffs that completely won me over.
Hiking here was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had, and two trails that stood out for me were Calico Tanks and Ice Box Canyon.
I also thought it was amazing how much wildlife I spotted, such as desert bighorn sheep, lizards, and even a few unusual desert plants in bloom - it made the canyon feel alive and added a unique twist to the adventure.
- Location: Location Map
What I loved best:
What I love most is that Red Rock Canyon can be both a peaceful family getaway and a romantic escape.
3. Henderson, Nevada
Henderson is one of my favorite underrated gems in Nevada, and I always think it’s one of the coolest places to explore just outside of Las Vegas. Only about 20 minutes from the Strip, Henderson offers a more relaxed vibe while still giving me access to amazing food, outdoor adventures, and unique local culture.
Instead of driving, we caught a regional RTC bus from Las Vegas to Henderson ($2 each way, about 40 minutes) which was super convenient! We checked into 4-star Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa (from $215/night) for two days.
Stop for dinner at Borracha Mexican Cantina inside the resort for a Day-of-the-Dead inspired décor with skull motifs, hand-painted murals, a lively lounge vibe!
I also enjoyed exploring the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve (see the photo below), which was an unusual but amazing experience. It recently won the title of "Best Place to Birdwatch" in KNPR's Best of the City 2024 awards and I completely agree! Watching colorful birds in a peaceful desert setting was so different from the usual Nevada vibe...it gave me a sense of calm that made the trip feel special. For families, it’s one of the absolute best activities.
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
I loved returning to our comfortable Deluxe Room at Green Valley Ranch Resort after a relaxing 60-minute reflexology treatment at the spa!
If Green Valley Ranch is sold out when you go, check prices at M Resort Spa Casino, a second great option for an overnight stay.
4. Boulder City and Hoover Dam
Boulder City feels like stepping into a quieter corner of the desert and located just about 35 minutes from Las Vegas, it’s unusual because it’s one of the few towns in Nevada without casinos, which gives it a cool, relaxed atmosphere that feels refreshing and unique.
Boulder City is a small town of about 15,000 that was built in the 1930s to house workers constructing the Hoover Dam. You can walking down the historic streets of Boulder City, visit vintage shops, affordable cafés like The Coffee Cup Cafe or Dam Roast House & Browder Bookstore, and art galleries that create a joyful vibe that feels both local and welcoming.
The absolute best part of visiting, though, is being so close to the spectacular Hoover Dam (photo below), because, trust me, standing on top of this massive engineering wonder near the Colorado River is an unforgettable experience! I loved seeing the unusual Art Deco designs built into the famous dam.
I also took time to visit the Hoover Dam Museum in downtown Boulder City, which gave me a deeper look into the stories of the workers who built this dream project in the 1930s.
- Location: Map & Directions
Check prices at 2-star Boulder Dam Hotel where we had a lovely two day stay in a comfortable Standard Kind bed, and the best part was being able to walk to The Coffee Cup Cafe, Southwest Diner and other cool local spots.
5. Lake Mead National Recreational Area
Lake Mead National Recreational Area is an enormous desert playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, and I think it's hands down one of the best places to visit in Nevada! Why? Surrounded by a stunning landscape comprised of towering mountains, cacti-filled desert basins, and vertical-wall canyons, you can enjoy an endless variety of water activities on Lake Mead and Lake Mojave, go for scenic drives or hikes, or enjoy horseback riding, wildlife watching, camping, or picnicking.
- Location: Map & Directions
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.
6. Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever visited in Nevada, and it completely won me over with its vibrant landscapes. Just about an hour northeast of Las Vegas, it feels like stepping into a dream world made of glowing red sandstone, unusual rock formations, and endless desert views.
It was about an hour’s drive northeast of Las Vegas (55 miles) to Valley of Fire State Park, which spans 40,000 acres of brilliant red Aztec sandstone.
Driving through the park was one of my favorite parts, with every turn showing me new shapes and colors that felt magical.
Hiking here is one of the absolute best experiences and I thought the best trails worth checking out are Fire Wave and White Domes because they showed me surreal patterns and shapes in the rocks that looked almost otherworldly, including discovering the petroglyphs carved into stone by ancient peoples.
- Location: Map & Directions
Local tip: Many of the park's trails are closed annually May 15 - September 30 because it gets very hot out in the desert.
Places to Visit Near Reno and Lake Tahoe
7. Lake Tahoe: Sky-Blue Water and Mountain Calm
Lake Tahoe is without a doubt one of the absolute best places to visit in Nevada, and every time I see it, I feel like I’ve stepped into a spectacular dream. Sitting right on the Nevada–California border, its surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the mix of blue water and snowy peaks is truly unforgettable.
From Reno, we drove about 40 minutes (33 miles south) to Lake Tahoe’s north shore. The lake itself is massive, 22 miles long, 12 miles wide, and 1,645 feet deep (second-deepest in the U.S.). I spent the morning at Tahoe City’s Gatekeeper’s Museum ($5 entry), which covers Washoe Tribe heritage and Tahoe’s early tourism. Later, we walked the paved Tahoe City Lakeside Trail (2 miles round trip) with endless lake views.
One of my favorite things to do here is is just soak up the views along the shoreline. The lake changes colors with the light, and it feels magical to watch the water shift from deep sapphire to sparkling turquoise. I’ve never seen anything quite as vibrant and unique when we moved to the West.
In the summer, I loved kayaking and paddleboarding in the crystal-clear water—it was both joyful and exciting to be right out on the lake. There are also affordable beaches like Sand Harbor on the Nevada side, which I think are some of the coolest spots to relax and swim without spending any money.
Winter, though, makes Lake Tahoe feel like a whole new adventure. Skiing at places like Heavenly or Diamond Peak gives you some of the most amazing mountain views and it turned a simple weekend getaway into a thrilling, family-friendly trip.
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Spending two days in a Deluxe Studio with a Balcony at Desolation Hotel was super comfortable at the start of the summer because we could enjoy the outdoors right from our private balcony, and having access to the private beach on the lake was amazing!
8. Reno: A Quieter Kind of Buzz
I like to start and end my trip in Reno while exploring the northern regions of Nevada and I think it's one of the best places to visit in Nevada. Why? First off, nestled near Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s the perfect mix of urban energy and outdoor beauty.
We drove 2 hours 15 minutes from Sacramento to Reno (it's 7 hours from Las Vegas if you decide on a longer road trip) and checked into Eldorado Reno for two days.
One of my favorite things about Reno is how easy it is to find hidden gems downtown. The Riverwalk District is the best things to do in Reno, filled with art, coffee shops, and a joyful atmosphere that makes every stroll exciting and I think it’s one of the most underrated spots in the state.
Breakfast at local cafés like Two Chicks (their pancakes are amazing!) always makes me happy, and I found places that serve fresh, affordable meals that feel like the best way to start the day before exploring. It’s unusual how Reno balances cozy local vibes with the thrill of casinos and nightlife just a few steps away.
One of the absolute best discoveries for me was the Nevada Museum of Art. It’s not huge, but it’s unique, inspiring, and full of creative energy.
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Of course, the coolest part is how close Reno is to Lake Tahoe, just a 50 minute drive and I loved that I could spend the morning enjoying the city and the afternoon surrounded by spectacular mountain views. For me, Reno is an exciting, underrated gem that combines culture, adventure, and magic in one unforgettable place.
Check prices at Whitney Peak Hotel, another solid option for an overnight stay if Eldorado Reno is sold out.
9. Sparks: Low-Key Lakes and Local Flavor
The drive from Reno to Sparks was hardly a drive at all, just a few minutes east along I-80 (about 4 miles), though Sparks itself has grown into a city of more than 110,000.
One of the absolute best spots in Sparks is Victorian Square and I loved walking through this vibrant area filled with restaurants, cafés, and fun events throughout the year.
I also enjoyed checking out Scheels, which is one of the most unusual stores I’ve ever visited. It’s not just shopping—it’s an experience with an indoor Ferris wheel, interactive displays, and everything from sports gear to quirky local souvenirs. It honestly felt like a mini attraction all by itself and you've got to take your kids while in Nevada!
My favorite outdoor escape in Sparks is the Sparks Marina because the water, sandy beaches, and mountain views make it a spectacular place to relax. Well...maybe not as majestic as Lake Tahoe, but definitely worth checking out!
- Location: Map & Directions
What I love most about Sparks is how underrated it is compared to Reno. With unique events like Hot August Nights for car enthusiasts (with lots of great music!), great dining, and access to Lake Tahoe just a short drive away, Sparks turned out to be an exciting stop in Nevada.
10. Carson City: Nevada’s Underrated Capital
I know you know but just to remind you, Carson City is the capital of Nevada (not Las Vegas!) and to me Carson City has always felt like one of Nevada’s most underrated gems. Nestled near Lake Tahoe and just 35 minute south of Reno, the state capital blends small-town vibes with big stories, and I think that makes it one of the coolest weekend getaways.
My favorite part of exploring Carson City is walking around the historic downtown where the streets are lined with Victorian-style buildings, local cafés like Comma Coffee and L.A. Bakery Cafe, and a joyful atmosphere that feels both welcoming and unique.
I loved visiting the Nevada State Museum ($10 adults, free for children 17), which is right in town and built inside an old U.S. Mint. Seeing exhibits about silver mining and the Old West made me feel like I was stepping back in time, and it’s one of the best places to understand Nevada’s heritage.
- Location: Map & Directions
Another highlight for me was the Nevada State Railroad Museum ($10 for adults, $5 for kids) because watching the old trains roll by was awesome, and it’s the kind of unusual, family-friendly attraction that makes Carson City so memorable. It’s one of those spots that’s just as fun for kids as it is for adults.
And the coolest part? Carson City is so close to Lake Tahoe and Virginia City that you can easily turn it into a weekend adventure. For me, Carson City is a hidden treasure where history, culture, and natural beauty all come together in the most exceptional way.
Check prices or availability at Plaza Hotel Carson City (from $113/night) where we stayed in a Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds for two days and we could walk to Paul Schat's Bakery for a freshly baked breakfast (I learned that they start baking at 4 AM and open their doors at 6 AM!).
Conclusion
Looking back at all these incredible destinations I realize Nevada is filled with some of the coolest and most unique places to explore.
Each city, park, and hidden corner offers its own joyful surprises, whether it’s history, adventure, food, or simply stunning views.
For me, the absolute best part is how Nevada combines vibrant city life with peaceful outdoor escapes, making it perfect for a weekend getaway, a romantic trip, or a family adventure.
No matter where I go in this state, I always find something spectacular, memorable, and truly unforgettable.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
