Nevada, often associated solely with the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, is a state brimming with diverse landscapes, rich history, and unique experiences that extend far beyond the neon lights. From stunning natural wonders to quirky small towns and adrenaline-pumping adventures, Nevada offers something for every type of traveler. This blog post will delve into the many interesting things to do in Nevada, showcasing the state’s hidden gems and inviting you to discover its multifaceted appeal.
This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.
Beyond the Vegas Strip: Discovering Nevada’s Diverse Attractions
While Las Vegas undoubtedly holds a prominent place in Nevada’s identity, it’s crucial to venture beyond the Strip to truly appreciate the state’s diverse offerings. Here’s a glimpse into the many adventures that await:
Natural Wonders: Awe-Inspiring Landscapes
Nevada’s natural beauty is often overlooked, but it boasts some truly breathtaking landscapes:
Valley of Fire State Park: Just a short drive from Las Vegas, this park is a geological marvel, showcasing vibrant red sandstone formations sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. Hiking trails wind through the fiery landscape, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Another gem near Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon offers a dramatic contrast to the city’s urban landscape. Hike or bike through the colorful canyons, admire the towering sandstone cliffs, and keep an eye out for wildlife.
Great Basin National Park: Located in eastern Nevada, this park is a haven for stargazers and outdoor enthusiasts. Home to the majestic Wheeler Peak, the state’s second-highest peak, the park offers hiking, camping, and the chance to explore Lehman Caves, a stunning underground cave system.
Lake Tahoe: Straddling the border between Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is a pristine alpine lake renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery. Enjoy boating, kayaking, swimming, hiking, and skiing, depending on the season.
Historical Sites: Stepping Back in Time
Nevada’s history is as captivating as its landscapes:
Virginia City: This historic mining town, once a booming hub during the Comstock Lode silver rush, offers a glimpse into the Wild West. Explore the preserved Victorian architecture, visit the historic saloons, and take a ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park: This unique park preserves the ghost town of Berlin and the fossil remains of ichthyosaurs, ancient marine reptiles that lived millions of years ago. Explore the well-preserved buildings of Berlin and learn about the fascinating prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area.
Lovelock: This town is steeped in history, from early Native American to railroads, you’ll also find an amazing number of outdoor opportunities. When we say outdoor activities we mean everything from ghost towns and river-centric recreation areas to an exotic wildlife sanctuary and one storied cave. Of course, no trip would be complete without locking your love in the must-see plaza nestled in the heart of the community, too.
The Lost City Museum: This museum in Overton is located on an Ancestral Puebloan site and features reconstructed pueblo dwellings, ancient ruins, and artifacts from the Pueblo Grande de Nevada archaeological sites.
Quirky Attractions: Embracing the Unusual
Nevada embraces its quirky side, offering a range of unique and offbeat attractions:
International Car Forest of the Last Church: Located near Goldfield, this outdoor art installation features hundreds of cars stacked, painted, and arranged in bizarre and imaginative ways. It’s a photographer’s dream and a testament to the power of artistic expression.
Goldwell Open Air Museum: Situated near Rhyolite, another ghost town, this outdoor museum showcases large-scale sculptures created by Belgian artist Charles Albert Szukalski. The seven outdoor sculptures are colossal not only in their scale but in their placement within the vast upper Mojave desert.
Area 51: While you can’t actually enter Area 51, the top-secret military base, you can explore the Extraterrestrial Highway (State Route 375) and visit the Alien Research Center, a quirky roadside attraction that caters to UFO enthusiasts. While there be sure to stop at Rachel, NV where you will find Little A’Le’Inn and Alien Cowpoke Gas & General Store.
Clown Motel: Located in Tonopah it boasts one of the largest private collections of clown figurines and memorabilia under the sun. If the creepy clown theme isn’t enough to spook you, the added bonus of nightly spirits slinking over from the cemetery next door might just do it.
Wild Animal Sightings: Nature at its Finest
Wild Horses: It’s estimated that more than half of the wild horses in the United States live in Nevada, thanks to an abundance of public land that allows for plenty of room for horses and burros to roam free. Head to Carson Valley, which encompasses Minden, Gardnerville, Topaz Lake, and Genoa for the best places to see the wild horses.
Big Horn Sheep: Hemenway Park spans 10 acres in Boulder City, with a playground, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, and two tennis courts. For animal lovers, there’s green grass to sit on while watching desert bighorn sheep graze and lie around. You can also see Lake Mead, located just 5 miles from the park.
Rocky Mountain Elk: Nevada’s largest animal thrives in Nevada’s northeasterly reaches. The best place to see elk, typically in spring and fall, is at the Ely Elk Viewing Area, a mile-long corridor paralleling U.S. Route 93, located about 15 miles southwest of Ely.
Burros: The tiny town of Beatty is home to a roaming band of burros that, while not quite wild, are definitely not house pets. The Beatty burros will often pose for pictures but keep a respectful distance.
Pro Tip: Nevada’s 15 state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are home to many resident and migratory birds and mammals. Found throughout the state, many WMAs are less than two hours from major population centers and offer great access to wildlife viewing and bird watching.
Outdoor Adventures: Thrills and Excitement
For adrenaline junkies, Nevada offers a plethora of outdoor adventures:
Hiking and Rock Climbing: With its diverse terrain, Nevada is a paradise for hikers and rock climbers. Explore the trails in Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, and Great Basin National Park, or challenge yourself with a climb on the towering cliffs.
Off-Roading: Nevada’s vast desert landscapes are perfect for off-roading adventures. Rent an ATV or UTV and explore the rugged terrain or join a guided tour for a thrilling experience. Some notable places are Amargosa Big Dune and Logandale Trails in Moapa.
Skiing and Snowboarding: Nevada offers three areas in the state for skiing. Lake Tahoe has many ski areas, most notably Mount Rose and Heavenly Ski Resorts. You’ll find Lee Canyon Ski Resort on Mount Charleston. Elko offers a community owned resort, Elko Snobowl.
Water Sports: There are three big lakes in Nevada; Lake Tahoe, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave all of which provide ample opportunities for water sports, including boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Casino Life: More than Las Vegas
Las Vegas isn’t the only place to find fun gambling in Nevada. These cities also offer many gaming opportunities.
Reno: Known as the “Biggest Little City in the World”, Reno offers not only casino resorts but plenty of restaurants, shopping, a beautiful river walk area and museums.
Carson City: The capital of Nevada not only has lots of history to explore but there are 16 casinos here. Some are resorts and some are like real old-time gambling halls but if you’re looking for some gambling action, Carson City has it.
Laughlin: This gambling town along the Colorado river not only has 8 casinos but plenty of other activities from water fun on the Colorado to exploring Grapevine Canyon.
Mesquite: There may only be 3 casinos here, but they all have great accommodations. There is plenty of other things to do in this area from golfing to exploring Valley of Fire.
Planning Your Nevada Adventure
When planning your Nevada adventure, consider the following:
Time of Year: Nevada’s climate varies greatly depending on the region. Summer can be scorching hot in the desert, while winter can bring snow to the mountains. Choose the time of year that best suits your desired activities.
Transportation: Renting a car is essential for exploring Nevada’s diverse attractions. Distances between destinations can be significant, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
Accommodation: Nevada offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts in Las Vegas to cozy cabins in the mountains. Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
Safety: Be prepared for the desert environment by bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing. Let someone know your itinerary and be aware of your surroundings.
Conclusion: Unveiling Nevada’s Hidden Charms
Nevada is a state that defies expectations, offering a wealth of experiences beyond the bright lights of Las Vegas. From its stunning natural landscapes and historical sites to its quirky attractions and adrenaline-pumping adventures, Nevada has something to captivate every traveler. So, venture beyond the Strip and discover the hidden charms of the Silver State. These are just the tip of the iceberg of what you can discover in Nevada. You might be surprised by what you find.