Exploring the Best Destinations in Nevada: From Scenic Landscapes to Vibrant Cities
While most people come to gamble at its casinos or catch a show at one of its mega-resorts, Nevada also boasts lots of breathtaking scenery and landscapes. Home to not just endless deserts and rugged rock formations, but twinkling lakes and snow-capped mountains too, the sun-scorched Silver State has a lot to offer. Epic scenery, outdoor adventure and historic landmarks beckon as you travel through Nevada. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Nevada:
10. Black Rock Desert 🌵
In the far northeast corner of Nevada is the Black Rock Desert. For one week a year, this semi-arid conservation area becomes one of the most bustling, vibrant and wild places in Nevada. That’s because the Black Rock Desert hosts Burning Man, a music and arts festival. After the festival ends, the temporary city that accommodates more than 60,000 people is burned and dismantled, leaving nothing but the earth behind. Even if you’re not in town for Burning Man, the Black Rock Desert boasts rugged canyons, pristine hot springs and spectacular vistas.
9. 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 an incredible 726 feet in height. Once the largest dam in the world, it straddles the stateline between Nevada and Arizona with Lake Mead’s endless waters stretching away behind it. From its lofty bypass, visitors can enjoy awesome views of both the scenic lake and craggy canyon before heading inside to hear all about its history and how it works.
8. Great Basin National Park 🌲
One of Nevada’s most scenic destinations, and a top spot for those who love the great outdoors, is the Great Basin National Park. The park is located in the eastern part of the state close to the border with Utah. Among its main highlights are the spectacular Lehman Caves, sparkling Stella Lake and ginormous Lexington Arch. A popular activity is hiking along the Bristlecone Pine Trail, where you can see some of the oldest trees on the planet. Continue on along the trail, and you can even spot the glacier at the base of the towering Wheeler Peak.
7. Virginia City 🏜️
Just south of Reno is Virginia City, a small town with an incredible atmosphere. It is one of the few destinations in the country where you can experience the Old West in all its 19th-century glory. Mark Twain spent some time in this rowdy place during its heyday and vividly captured the Wild West scene in a book called “Roughing It”. Don’t be surprised to see people in the streets wearing clothing straight from that era, and be sure to swing by one of the six different saloons lining C Street, the main thoroughfare of Virginia City.
6. Red Rock Canyon 🧗
To the west of Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon, a stunning natural attraction of red rocks in interesting formations. 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. You can also cycle or drive along its one-way loop road which stretches thirteen miles in length. This takes you past many of the Red Rock escarpment’s standout sights with trailheads and viewpoints dotted here and there.
5. Reno 🎉
The second most populous city in the state, Reno is often endearingly called ‘the Biggest Little City in the World’. Although most people associate Reno with glitzy resorts and casinos, the city has much more going for it than just slot machines, poker tables, and gambling games. Set at the foot of the soaring Sierra Nevada mountains, there are a wealth of attractions in Reno with everything from interesting museums to sporting events. With superb skiing and snowboarding to be had in the nearby mountains and amazing shows to be enjoyed in its casinos, Reno certainly is well worth stopping by.
4. Lake Mead National Recreation Area 🛶
Just under an hour’s drive from Las Vegas is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Nevada: the large 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 and mountains also all have lots of outstanding outdoor activities. The first national recreation area in the country, it was founded in 1936 following the creation of the iconic Hoover Dam the year before. At both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, visitors can swim, fish and boat with fine views of their scenic shores on show.
3. Valley of Fire State Park 🔥
Just 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas is the Valley of Fire State Park. This park boasts some truly phenomenal terrain, and many people compare it to the surface of Mars rather than an earthly destination. While much of the landscape is photo-worthy, there are some spots you’ll want to specifically drive to on your visit. At Rainbow Vista, panoramic views make it a popular photoshoot spot. At White Domes, there is a short pedestrian trail that takes you to gorgeous sandstone formations with starkly contrasting colors.
2. Lake Tahoe 🏞️
Straddling the states of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in the whole of North America. Formed over two million years ago, the crystal-clear waters of the lake lie in the Sierra Nevada, with majestic mountains and forests all around it. With skiing and snowboarding to be enjoyed in the winter and hiking and water sports in the summer, there is a myriad of incredible recreational opportunities on offer. In addition, there are lakeside casinos, flashy hotels and ski resorts for visitors to stay at.
1. Las Vegas 🌟
You wouldn’t think a city in the middle of the desert in Nevada would be as popular as it is, but it’s thanks to the cavalcade of casinos here that Las Vegas is so famous. The most well-known casinos themselves are practically household names: Caesar’s Palace, MGM Grand, and the Bellagio. In addition to gambling, showgirls and lavish performances, Las Vegas offers plenty more to suit people of all ages and interests. On the main street called the Strip, there are the Bellagio’s impressive fountain shows, a replica of the Eiffel Tower, and an Egyptian pyramid, amongst other landmarks.