Things to Do in Nevada
Enjoy the bright lights of Vegas or the wide open spaces of the desert. Here you can find world-class entertainment, amazing food, and great shopping. All that’s left is to decide which activities you really want to spend your time doing while in Nevada. If you’re wondering what those wonders might be, here’s a start.
Cities like Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City, Nevada are tourist attractions all on their own. But this state is more than just a glitzy playground; it’s also brimming with natural wonders that include forests, deserts and more. Let’s look at more superb things to do in Nevada!
Hoover Dam
The Silver State’s nickname says it all! Nevada has a rich and storied history when it comes to the discovery of silver that’s still worth talking about today. While you visit, make sure you check out some of these great spots in Nevada that are worth checking off your bucket list.
Hoover Dam. A must-see spot for visitors, this massive feat of engineering is located just 30 miles from Las Vegas. The dam is located on the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, which borders both Nevada and Arizona. It was constructed during the Great Depression as a way to manage flood control and provide hydroelectric power to the area, but now it serves as an incredible tourist destination. Stand atop the dam and check out Lake Mead, which is the largest reservoir in North America.
Explore Las Vegas Strip
Sure, you can gamble in Las Vegas, and it’s fun! But there’s plenty more to do here than throw away your money at the blackjack table or slot machines.
Walk the Strip! The Las Vegas Strip is a must-see if you’ve never been. It’s over four miles long and full of themed casinos, hotels and attractions. From New York-New York to Paris and Caesar’s Palace, the hotels are like walking into different worlds. (Pro tip: If you have kids, book a hotel room on the end away from the casinos.)
Mandalay Bay Aquarium
Located on The Strip by the Mandalay Bay hotel is a top attraction called Shark Reef Aquarium. Here you’ll find over 2,000 animals including sharks, rays, exotic fish and even sea turtles. There are multiple exhibits, including a shipwreck that holds 1.3 million gallons of water within 14 tanks that replicate different environments where these animals can be found in nature.
Bellagio Water Show
The Bellagio Fountains are a great attraction for tourists in Las Vegas. The fountains are located in the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, and they shoot water high into the air to the beat of music. It is definitely a romantic experience! The fountains are lit up at night, and they are truly a sight to see. If you’re ever in Las Vegas, be sure to check out the Bellagio Fountains. You won’t be disappointed.
Fremont Street Experience
Downtown Vegas is a different world than the Strip. Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian mall covering five blocks of the old downtown area with a canopy of lights and music shows. The Fremont Street Experience is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main strip. This outdoor mall has a variety of shops, restaurants and street performers for your entertainment.
Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The museum holds a collection of iconic neon signs from various businesses throughout Las Vegas’ history. The Neon Boneyard is open for tours during the day and at night.
Valley of Fire State Park
Located in Overton, Nevada, this is one of the coolest state parks in the country to visit. The park is named after its red sandstone formations that date back nearly 150 million years! To get there, take Interstate 15 north out of Las Vegas for just 50 miles, and you’ll be there before you know it.
Covering 3.4 million acres in both California and Nevada, Death Valley National Park features extinct volcanoes, sand dunes, mountains and canyons. The park also contains salt flats that are home to wildlife like coyotes and bighorn sheep.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. It is an outdoor wonderland that offers boating, paragliding, hiking, fishing, golfing and kayaking as well as skiing in the winter months. It’s absolutely spectacular! Looking for more outdoorsy things to do in Nevada? Read on!
Great Basin National Park.
Home to ancient bristle cone pines, Lehman Caves and Wheeler Peak (the 2nd highest mountain in Nevada), Great Basin National Park also has hiking trails for every skill level. You might even spot some wildlife! Located in the eastern portion of Nevada near the Utah border, Great Basin National Park is one of the state’s lesser-known national parks. But it’s a great place to go if you want to experience a place that has been relatively unchanged for thousands of years.
Wheeler Park
You can hike through the park’s five designated wilderness areas, take a trip to its highest point, Wheeler Peak at 13,063 feet above sea level, or enjoy the variety of flora and fauna in the park, which include everything from hummingbirds to mountain sheep.
Lehman Caves
Don’t miss Lehman Caves, which are located inside the park. The caves were formed by water dissolving limestone and marble rock until it collapsed into large rooms and passageways. Some cave formations include shields, draperies and stalactites (those long pointed forms hanging from the ceiling).
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
The Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is a part of the Mojave Desert that offers visitors stunning scenery and a chance to spot some local wildlife. Rock climbing is a must here! Climbers will find plenty of opportunities here. The desert can be a harsh place, but it’s also home to some of the most beautiful and unusual places in the world.
Nevada has more than 2,000 sites that were occupied by Native Americans at least 14,000 years ago, and the remains of some of their ancient homes and tools have been uncovered.
Sloan Canyon
The Sloan Canyon Archaeological District is one of the best-known locales mentioned above. It includes several petroglyphs, rock paintings, as well as an active paleontology site. Visiting these places is a great way to get a feel for what life was like for Native Americans living in Nevada. They are thought to have been early hunter-gatherers who lived in relatively small groups, at least until a few thousand years ago. Ready for a scenic drive? A day trip will do!
Nevada State Takeaway
Nevada is a state of contrasts among the most barren deserts, there are towering mountain peaks. The state contains some of the country’s most famous natural wonders and some of its most famous locations, including Las Vegas. Whether you’re a resident or are just passing through, above are the most amazing things to do in Nevada before you die. Thanks for reading and happy travels!
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