1. The Strip
As it is synonymous with Sin City, no visit to ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’ can ever be complete without experiencing some of the Strip’s sights, shows and slot machines. Lined by luxury resorts, lavish casinos, and lots and lots of illuminated signs, this stretch of the Las Vegas Boulevard has all manner of amusements and entertainment for you to enjoy.
2. Hoover Dam
A marvel of modern engineering, the humongous Hoover Dam blocks off the Black Canyon of the Colorado River and holds umpteen gallons of water behind its colossal concrete walls. Built back in the thirties during the Great Depression, it towers 726 feet in height with exhibits and tours teaching you all about its incredible architecture.
3. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Even closer to all Sin City’s sights is the remarkable Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area just west of town. Due to all its astounding scenery, epic outdoor activities, and easy access, millions of people visit the fantastic rock formations each and every year.
Protected as a park since 1967, the canyon’s radiantly red walls and dramatic sandstone peaks are a treat to explore with some great hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing being on offer.
4. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Just under an hour’s drive from Las Vegas is one of the most popular and picturesque places to visit in Nevada: the large and lovely Lake Mead National Recreation Area. While most people are almost instinctively drawn to the beautiful blue waters of its two huge reservoirs, the surrounding canyons, valleys and mountains also all have lots of outstanding outdoor activities for you to enjoy.
5. National Automobile Museum
One of Reno’s top tourist attractions, the brilliant National Automobile Museum is full of hundreds of classic cars of all makes and models. In its sparkling showrooms you can find not only centuries-old carriages and celebrity-owned vehicles, but automobile-related artifacts, exhibits and artworks.
6. Valley of Fire State Park
Boasting some of the most sublime scenery in the States, the phenomenal Valley of Fire State Park can be found just forty-five minutes’ drive northeast of Las Vegas. While it is known for its rugged red rock formations, prehistoric petroglyphs, and petrified trees are also dotted about with an endless list of exciting outdoor activities being on offer.
7. The Mob Museum (Las Vegas)
Offering up a very interesting look at the history of organized crime and law enforcement in the US is The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas. Located in a former courthouse, its extensive array of artifacts and exhibits cover everything from bootlegging and gambling to smuggling, speakeasies, and the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929.
8. U.S. Route 50 “Loneliest Highway”
Fittingly known as the ‘Loneliest Highway’, U.S. Route 50 passes through some of the most rugged and remote parts of the nation with barely any signs of civilization on show. While its never-ending nothingness is impressive in itself, the Nevada portion of the transcontinental road has everything from alpine forests and desert valleys to ghost towns, petroglyphs, and Great Basin National Park.
9. Lake Mohave
The perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy some wonderful watersports, the lovely Lake Mohave lies right in the south of the state along part of the Colorado River. Located in between both Hoover Dam and Davis Dam, its calm waters define the border between Arizona and Nevada with marinas, resorts and campgrounds lining its scenic shores.
10. Burning Man Festival
An absolutely extraordinary event, the artistic, experimental, and interactive Burning Man Festival certainly promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience like no other. Held every year in the bleak and inhospitable Black Rock Desert, it encourages radical self-expression and self-reliance with all attendees expected to participate, perform, or contribute to the community.
