Las Vegas has more to offer than just bright lights and casinos! The surrounding areas provide an array of unforgettable experiences, perfect for day trips or half-day escapes. Here’s a list of some amazing nearby spots worth exploring whether you’re after scenic hikes, historical landmarks, or quiet desert landscapes.
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Getting Around
To make the most of these day trips, you’ll need a rental car. Most hotels have rental desks, or you can pick one up at the McCarran Rental Car Center. Whether you are renting a car or driving your own, make sure you have travel insurance, we suggest Faye, for those unexpected emergencies
Road Trip Essentials
Before hitting the road, make sure you’ve got these items packed:
- Extra Gas: You’ll be driving through vast desert areas where gas stations are sparse. A spare gas jug could come in handy.
- Charging and Auxiliary Cords: Keep your devices charged and music accessible.
- Snacks & Plenty of Water: Hydration is essential in the desert heat.
- Map or GPS Screenshots: Phone signal can be spotty in remote areas, so bring a paper map or take screenshots of directions.
- Camera: Capture scenic views and memories! A compact action camera works great here. Our pick is the Akaso V50X. It not only takes great pictures but has great quality videos. See our blog explaining all the features of this camera.
Top Day Trips from Las Vegas
- Boulder City & Hoover Dam
- Why Go: A charming, small town with vintage shops and locally made goods, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Hoover Dam. If you love shopping for antiques this is the place to go.
- Travel Time: 1 hour
- Death Valley National Park
- Why Go: Experience the awe-inspiring landscapes, unique hiking trails, and extreme heat of this famous desert park. If you plan on going in the summer, please don’t try to hike, it’s very dangerous. No matter when you go, take plenty of water.
- Travel Time: 4 hours
- Grand Canyon
- Why Go: Tick a world wonder off your bucket list! Marvel at the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon. Nuff said!
- Travel Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Nelson’s Ghost Town
- Why Go: A quirky, historic town that’s perfect for exploring and snapping unique photos. Guided tours are available to go inside the mine.
- Travel Time: 1.5 hours
- ET Highway
- Why Go: This drive is as much about the journey as the destination. Make sure to add your own sticker to the famous ET Highway sign. Enjoy all the fun ET themed businesses in Rachel, NV.
- Travel Time: 3.5 hours
- Laughlin, Nevada
- Why Go: A laid-back alternative to Vegas with a scenic riverside setting and fun water activities.
- Travel Time: 3 hours
- Lake Mead
- Why Go: Great for water sports, scenic drives, and enjoying the tranquil desert lake.
- Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Winter Day Trips from Las Vegas
The desert cools down significantly in the winter, making it the perfect time for day trips to these cooler spots.
- Mount Charleston
- Why Go: Escape the city for a refreshing day in the mountains. In winter, enjoy skiing or cozy lodges. There is still plenty to do in summer, you can ride the tram and enjoy the beautiful scenery or hike along the trails, and you can cool off from the triple digit heat in the city.
- Travel Time: 1.5 hours
- Death Valley National Park
- Why Go: Cooler winter temps make it the perfect time to explore Death Valley’s trails without the blistering heat. I know we mentioned this before, but winter really is the best time to visit.
- Travel Time: 4 hours
- Valley of Fire
- Why Go: Named for its striking red rock formations, the Valley of Fire is more comfortable to visit during the winter months. Trying to hike in the summer will make you feel like you’re on fire! Be sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen whenever you decide to visit.
- Travel Time: 3 hours
Hiking Day Trips from Las Vegas
- Red Rock Canyon
- Why Go: Known for its vibrant red sandstone formations and scenic hiking trails, Red Rock offers stunning desert landscapes. Even if you aren’t a hiker, the scenic drive through the canyon with all of the pull-offs, makes it worth the trip.
- Travel Time: 1 hour
- St. George & Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
- Why Go: Visit the scenic Red Cliffs and admire the wildflowers in spring or vibrant fall colors. This is a bit further, but if you’re looking for a nice trip to enjoy nature, this is for you.
- Travel Time: 5 hours
- Zion National Park
- Why Go: Take a scenic shuttle ride through Utah’s first national park or brave the Angel’s Landing hike. The beauty of this park is really amazing and worth the drive.
- Travel Time: 5 hours
Half-Day Trips from Las Vegas
- Lake Las Vegas
- Why Go: Perfect for water sports and events. Check out their summer movie nights on the lake!
- Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
- Why Go: Nestled beside Red Rock, this park is ideal for picnics, hiking, and exploring historic buildings.
- Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Seven Magic Mountains & Jean Dry Lake Beds
- Why Go: Seven Magic Mountains is a colorful art installation that’s become an iconic photo spot, with nearby trails for off-road adventures.
- Travel Time: 1 hour
Conclusion
With so many incredible destinations just a short drive away, Las Vegas is the perfect base for exploring the vibrant landscapes and history of the Southwest. Whether you’re into adventure, history, or relaxing in nature, these trips will add a memorable twist to your Vegas visit.
We enjoy giving you information and tips we’ve learned on our travels to help you make good decisions when planning your trips. We hope to inspire you to get out and enjoy all the wonderful things that are just waiting for you to find. Even if you just take a day trip near home there is always something new to discover and create new memories.