Most people are unaware that the Las Vegas Valley surrounding area has a lot to offer visitors in search of desert adventure and cool places to see.
When a tourist thinks of "Las Vegas", they think of lights, shows, gambling, and free drinks.
I have spent most of my life living in Las Vegas and exploring the surrounding areas. Below are the top places to visit for a day in the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas, provided by a local.
Each of the locations listed provides a full day of activities in the Southern Nevada Las Vegas Valley Area.
Henderson, NV
Henderson is a sister city to Las Vegas and is only a 15-20 minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip on the I-215. Along with its population and housing growth comes the addition of new casinos and parks for those in need of an off-strip adventure.
This city offers many trails for those who like to ride bikes or run, along with several family-friendly parks such as Cornerstone Park, Acacia Demonstration Gardens, Mission Hills Park, Shan-Gri-La Prehistoric Park, and Hidden Falls Park. Henderson NV fun activities include a variety of family-friendly venues such as Cowabunga Bay Water Park, Clark County Heritage Museum, Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, Lion Habitat Ranch, and the Ethel M Chocolate Factory.
Las Vegas Valley is known for lavish casinos and gambling, and Henderson delivers venues to try your hand at luck with or get a hotel room.
The locals favorite casino / hotel is Sunset Station Hotel and Casino, which features a bowling alley, a sunset-painted casino ceiling, and reasonable restaurant prices. M Resort Spa Casino is considered "South Strip" and a favorite party destination, while Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa and Casino is preferred for its beach sand pools boasting a Las Vegas skyline view.
Boulder City, NV
Boulder City is a small desert gem of a town, only a 35-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. This small town is a throwback to the 1950s and 1960s, with ice cream and candy shops lining Main Street. Best known for being the gateway to Hoover Dam, Boulder City, NV, has many attractions for the Southern Nevada desert day tripper.
Hoover Dam is a must-visit. Full Stop. The architectural details and grandness of Hoover Dam are a historical sight to see at least once in your lifetime. For those searching for stunning vistas, the Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Trail is highly recommended. However, avoid desert hikes and trails during the July and August months due to the extreme heat.
The Nevada State Railroad Museum is the perfect visitor spot for those curious about the locomotives that built the Southwest. Boulder City also offers the Cascata Golf Club and other courses for those looking to get out on the green in peaceful surroundings. With many breweries and restaurants to choose from, visitors can enjoy a haunted tour and dinner without leaving this quaint Southern Nevada town.
Lake Las Vegas, Sothern Nevada
Lake Las Vegas is an Italian-style lake destination with many restaurants and outdoor shops, in addition to outdoor activities for visitors and locals.
From paddle boarding to flyboarding and kayaking to the two prestigious golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Lake Las Vegas is a Southern Nevada retreat not to be missed.
Locals visit this area, only 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, for Lake Las Vegas Days and Independence Day Fireworks or for a Sip & Sail trip. Hotels and vacation rentals feature a fabulous view of the sunrise on Lake Mead and many great spas.
Overton, NV
Looking for a small town with spectacular views and great hiking?
Look no further than Overton, Nevada, just a 45-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. Overton is the doorway to the Valley of Fire State Park.
Valley of Fire is a wedding destination location known for its many breathtaking views.
Top places to visit / hike in the Valley of Fire: Fire Wave, Mouse's Tank, Natural Arch, Seven Sisters Lost City Museum in Overton, NV, features a replica Pueblo house and many Pueblo Indian artifacts.
Overton Wildlife Management Area offers camping and biking trails. You can also take a dip in a geothermal spring (hot spring) at the Rogers Warm Spring, Two Mile Hot Spring, or Warm Springs Natural Area (an island in the sea of desert).
Red Rock Canyon, Southern Nevada
Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas was my favorite spot for a school ditch day trip. It is a short drive from the Las Vegas strip and features amazing sunrises / sunsets off the red canyon walls.
From repelling to horseback riding, Red Rock Canyon is a fantastic destination for a completely different Southern Nevada topography. The Lost Creek offers visitors a waterfall view (after it rains in the area), while the Petroglyph Wall displays ancient rock art.
My preferred Red Rock Canyon pastime is riding a Ducati around the loop on a full moon night, otherwise known as a scenic drive. The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center is worth a stop, especially for school-aged children. If you do get hungry after your day of outdoor adventure, the Red Rock Canyon Casino is a short drive from the canyon and features a local's favorite pool and eating options.
Mount Charleston, Southern Nevada
Another ditch-day favorite Las Vegas Valley destination location was Mount Charleston, just a 45-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip.
Mount Charleston is part of the Spring Mountains Range (including Red Rock Canyon), and its peak is 7,510.
In the winter months, you can visit this area for skiing and snowboarding adventures. The summer months offer many great camping and hiking spots, including Bristlecone Trail, Kunav Huveep Trail, Mary Jane Falls, Cathedral Rock Trail, and Trail Canyon Trail.
The drive through Kyle Canyon takes you completely away from the desert scenery to creosote bush, Joshua trees, pinyon pines, Utah juniper, ponderosa pine, manzanita, limber pine, quaking aspen, white fir, and bristlecone pine trees.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Lester is an avid traveler, explorer, and CEO of Bernays Mind.
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