Las Vegas has evolved into a vacation spot with world-famous attractions, never-ending entertainment, and a vibrant culinary scene. However, we suggest taking a break from the casinos and shows to visit some of the beautiful locations in the vicinity of Sin City. With the help of this guide to the best day trips from Las Vegas, you can explore your surroundings.
Grand Canyon National Park
Time and distance: 4 hours 8 min (252.4 miles)
Who hasn’t dreamed of visiting the Grand Canyon? It’s one of Greatest American natural wonders, as well as one of the most well-known and visited nature tourism destinations on the planet. The national park, which is just a few hours away from Las Vegas, is a great day trip and can be reached by bus, car, or even a helicopter tour. Take a stroll on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, which has a glass rim, or ride a mule to the canyon’s bottom to fully appreciate the breathtaking views.
Boulder City
Time and distance: 45 min (33.2 miles)
Boulder City, just 45 minutes from downtown Las Vegas, is the exact opposite of Sin City. It’s a charming and prosperous town with friendly people, cosy restaurants and cafés, and plenty of scenic scenery, and it’s one of only two Nevada towns where gambling is prohibited, making it a rare occurrence in the state. Cultural experiences such as the annual Dam Short Film Festival and Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum – the ideal mix of eccentric and conventional – can also be found in Boulder City. Don’t forget to stop at Hemenway Park to see the Wild Bighorn Sheep that frequent the area!
Lake Mead
Time and distance: 38 min (31.8 miles)
Las Vegas would still be a train terminal in the middle of a desert if it weren’t for the Hoover Dam. The dam, which was formed in 1936 and was instrumental in the development of Lake Mead, carried thousands of workers to the Vegas area throughout its construction. Millions of people in Nevada, Arizona, and California now have access to electricity thanks to it. Take a tour of this National Historic Landmark, which was once the world’s largest dam, preferably by helicopter. The view is breathtaking!
Area 51 & The Extraterrestrial Highway
Time and distance: 1 hour 39 min (108.7 miles)
No, you won’t be able to visit Area 51, the secret US military base where aliens and UFOs are believed to be kept. However, you can travel across the open desert to Rachel, Nevada, on the spectacular Extraterrestrial Highway (also known as State Route 375). At the extraterrestrial-themed Little A’Le’Inn, you can eat or spend the night; you can also purchase a map that shows how much you can lawfully get to Area 51 (the Groom Lake Air Force facility). Make sure you don’t walk right past the base’s stern warning signs.
Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
Time and distance to Zion National Park: 2 hours 34 min (159.8 miles)
Time and distance to Bryce Canyon National Park: 3 hours 58 min (259.5 miles)
Las Vegas is conveniently located near a number of natural wonders, notably two national parks in Utah’s southwestern region. Both Zion and Bryce Canyon have stunning natural features, such as unique rock formations and a diverse range of plants and animals. Furthermore, the two parks have fewer tourists than the immensely famous Grand Canyon, making it easier to experience them and find a calm, relaxing spot to interact with nature.
Hollywood Day Trip
Time and distance: 4 hours 19 min (276.2 miles)
Many tourists come to Las Vegas to get away from the heat of Southern California, but if you’re coming from further afield, Vegas is an excellent starting point for a trip to Hollywood. It’s just a four-hour drive if you leave at the perfect time. Peruse the Hollywood Sign, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Capitol Records Building, as well as the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit the Dolby Theatre, which stages the annual Academy Awards, at the Hollywood and Highland Center.
Wild West Day Trip
Time and distance: 2 hours 7 min (125.7 miles)
While today’s Las Vegas is a state-of-the-art metropolis, this used to be a part of the Wild West, much like the towns and cities in neighboring states. Take a trip along Route 66 into Arizona to see restored towns like Oatman and Chloride, as there isn’t much of the real Old West left in Vegas. To round out your Wild West adventure, grab a drink at an old-fashioned saloon and watch a gunfight illustration.
Colorado River Kayaking
Time and distance: Time and distance varies depending on where you choose to do the kayaking. There are many locations to kayak in the Colorado River from Las Vegas through Arizona.
The Colorado River is the Southwest’s lifeblood, supplying water to Lake Mead and assisting in the energy production of Las Vegas. It’s also an ideal location for a kayaking experience, with a variety of water levels and obstacles for both novice and experienced kayakers. Explore the tranquil Emerald Cave when paddling through the beautiful Black Canyon. Take a dip in the hot springs and look for wildlife and ancient artefacts. If you have time, camp overnight on the river to get the full experience.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
Time and distance to Antelope Canyon: 4 hours 38 min (279.5 miles)
Time and distance to Horseshoe Bend: 4 hours 21 min (274.7 miles)
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, two of Arizona’s most impressive natural wonders, are only a few miles apart near Page, Arizona, and offer similar panoramic views and thrilling hiking trails. Learn about the history to know about the finest trails and wildlife-watching spots, or explore Horseshoe Bend on your own (Antelope Canyon is only accessible with a guide). For the best experience, book a tour directly from Vegas.
Laughlin
Time and distance: 1 hour 29 min (96.7 miles)
Laughlin, a compact Sin City only about 100 miles south of Vegas, has its own “Strip” of hotel-casinos, including well-known brands like Harrah’s, Tropicana, and the Golden Nugget. Several of these activities (gambling, spas, and concerts) are available at a much lower cost in Laughlin, but this isn’t the only benefit. The port, which is located right on the Colorado River, is ideal for experiences such as jet skiing and paddleboarding, as well as taking a pleasant boat ride along the Laughlin Riverwalk.
Conclusion
Day tours from Las Vegas are the ideal way to get away from the city that never sleeps. For pretty much any type of person under the sun, it has something to offer.
Las Vegas, the undisputed capital of opulence and leisure, is a must-see destination for visitors of all kinds. It may be a paradise of amusement in the centre of the Nevada desert, but there is a variety of natural treasures to explore away from the bright lights and bustling casinos. The adrenaline rush of Las Vegas can be draining, so a day trip into the wide outdoors can be a welcome break for visitors to Sin City.
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