When you think of Nevada, one place likely springs to mind - Las Vegas. And fair enough - it's one of the world's most iconic destinations. But this mighty desert state has a whole lot more to offer than casinos and neon. Beyond The Strip, Nevada is a land of rugged landscapes, quiet artsy towns, historic trails, and the kind of quirky Americana that makes for unforgettable road trips.
From the red rocks of the Mojave to salt flats that shimmer under the sun, Nevada is full of natural wonders. Think stunning hiking routes, ghost towns straight out of a Western, and serene lakes where you can escape the bustle. And yes, you can still enjoy Vegas - but the real magic happens when you skip The Strip and explore everything else.
This is the state where wild horses still roam and alien conspiracies come with tourist maps. It's both remote and accessible, dramatic and down-to-earth.
5 Must-See Places in Nevada
Nevada might not be densely populated, but it’s 286,367 km² - bigger than the entire United Kingdom. So you won’t be able to see it all in one trip, but you can certainly see some of the top attractions during a one or two-week holiday. Here are five of our favourites:
1. Lake Tahoe: Straddling the Nevada-California border, Lake Tahoe is all about crystal-clear waters, pine-covered mountains, and year-round adventure. In summer, it’s perfect for kayaking, hiking, and lakeside lounging.
2. Great Basin National Park: One of the most underrated national parks in the US, Great Basin is a haven of high-elevation trails, ancient bristlecone pines, and dark night skies. Tour the eerie Lehman Caves, summit Wheeler Peak, or just stargaze.
3. Reno: Often called ‘The Biggest Little City in the World’, Reno has reinvented itself beyond the casinos. It's a fun mix of urban culture, street art, great food and outdoor access, especially with the Truckee River running right through the city - a great place to kayak.
4. Valley of Fire State Park: Just an hour northeast of Vegas, Valley of Fire feels like another planet. Think red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and hiking trails that wind through Martian-like landscapes.
5. Tonopah: A quirky little mining town with bags of personality. Visit the Tonopah Historic Mining Park to get a sense of its boomtown past, and stop for a meal at the Mizpah Hotel - allegedly one of the most haunted hotels in the US.
5 Top Day Trips from Las Vegas
If you're staying at a hotel in Downtown Vegas, there's a wide range of places you can visit – not just in Nevada, but also in Arizona and California, too. Here are a few of our favourites:
1. Red Rock Canyon: Just west of Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is the desert's greatest mood swing - one moment flat, the next, dramatic sandstone cliffs. It's ideal for hiking, rock climbing, or just cruising the 13-mile scenic drive. Popular trails include Calico Tanks and Ice Box Canyon.
2. Valley of Fire State Park: With otherworldly rock formations and ancient carvings, this is Nevada’s oldest (and arguably most photogenic) state park. Don't miss Elephant Rock or the smouldering hues of the Fire Wave Trail.
3. Hoover Dam & Lake Mead: This iconic feat of 1930s engineering still impresses. Pair your visit with a boat ride or hike around Lake Mead, or just marvel at the dam from the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
4. Death Valley National Park: The name's dramatic, and so is the scenery - endless salt flats, colourful canyons, and desert silence. Visit Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America) and Zabriskie Point for unforgettable views.
5. Mojave National Preserve: Often overlooked, this quiet patch of desert is pure magic - think sand dunes, lava tubes, and vast Joshua tree forests, without the crowds of Joshua Tree National Park. It's a great place to hike, stargaze or just wander in solitude.
