If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas, you know it’s a city full of excitement, neon lights, and endless entertainment. But if you’re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, there are some incredible places to visit near Las Vegas that will take you away from the crowds and show you a different side of the desert.
From natural wonders like the Grand Canyon to charming little towns brimming with history, there’s so much to explore just a short drive away. So, buckle up, because we’re about to uncover some of the best nearby spots that will make your trip to Sin City even more unforgettable.
Table of Contents
To facilitate navigation, we have separated the following destinations into two categories: longer road trips from nearby and Las Vegas, which is one to six hours distant with average traffic attractions to Las Vegas (one hour or less away).
You may find dozens of interesting sites to explore near Las Vegas by automobile, ranging from day trips to the neighboring natural areas to unique attractions just outside of Sin City. See places to visit near Las Vegas by car, Nevada, by reading on! I hope you stick around to the very end.
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Las Vegas is a center for glitz and glamour, but just outside the city limits, Nevada transforms into a vast wonderland of natural beauty and historic intrigue. Here are 13 amazing places to visit near Las Vegas by car:
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Finding the crowds and neon lights at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a geological wonderland just 19 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. Hike through dramatic sandstone canyons, go rock climbing or take a scenic drive along the 13-mile loop.
Location: Located 19 miles (30 km) west of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Cost:
How to Reach:
What to Expect: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area boasts a dramatic desert landscape with towering red sandstone cliffs, canyons, and ancient plant life. Visitors can enjoy:
Best Time to Visit: Fall (September-November) and spring (March-May) are the best times to visit the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. There are fewer crowds than in the summer, and the weather is mild. Summer temperatures can soar above 100°F (37°C), making hiking and outdoor activities uncomfortable. Avoid visiting during the hottest part of the day.
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Valley of Fire State Park
Witness the fiery red Aztec Sandstone formations that light up at sunrise and sunset at Valley of Fire State Park, 51 miles east of Las Vegas. Camp under the stars, hike scenic trails, or go petroglyph spotting.
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Hoover Dam
A marvel of engineering, the Hoover Dam is a must-see on any Las Vegas vacation. Located 30 miles southeast of the city, the dam straddles the border between Nevada and Arizona. Take a guided tour to learn about the dam’s construction and its role in water management and power generation in the southwestern United States.
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Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Escape the desert heat and head to Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a massive reservoir on the Colorado River. Located 27 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Lake Mead offers boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Take a boat tour to see the dramatic Hoover Dam from a different perspective.
Location: Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located about 25 miles (40 km) east of Las Vegas, Nevada.
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What to Expect: Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a vast area that includes Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by volume, as well as a variety of other natural features, including:
Best Time to Visit: Fall (September-November) and spring (March-May) are the best times to visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area. There are fewer people than in the summer and the temperature is pleasant. Summertime temperatures can reach beyond 100°F (37°C), which makes going outside difficult. Don’t go there at the height of the summer.
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Grand Canyon National Park
While the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most popular, the West Rim offers stunning views and a unique perspective, just 120 miles southwest of Las Vegas. Explore the canyon on a helicopter tour, hike down to the canyon floor, or walk along the glass skywalk for breathtaking views.
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Death Valley National Park
Embark on an adventure to Death Valley National Park, the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States. Located 125 miles west of Las Vegas, Death Valley is a surreal landscape of dunes, salt flats, and barren mountains. Hike through the colorful canyons, go stargazing at night, or visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
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Seven Magic Mountains
See a contemporary art installation in the middle of the desert at Seven Magic Mountains, located just 10 miles south of Las Vegas. These colorful, towering rock sculptures create a striking contrast against the barren desert landscape.
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Zion National Park
Hike through the towering sandstone cliffs and emerald canyons of Zion National Park, 165 miles northeast of Las Vegas. Take a scenic drive along Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, hike The Narrows through a slot canyon, or go stargazing away from the city lights.
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Mount Charleston
Mount Charleston, a cool respite from the desert heat, offers scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and a charming mountain village. Located just 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas, it’s a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
Location: Mount Charleston lies within the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Follow State Route 157 north of Las Vegas for about an hour.
Cost: Entry to Mount Charleston is free. However, there are some fees associated with specific activities:
Here are some things to see and do in Mount Charleston:
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Oatman
Oatman, Arizona: Take a step back in time to the Wild West in Oatman, Arizona, a historic mining town located 113 miles south of Las Vegas. Enjoy a shoot-out reenactment on the main street, feed the friendly burros that roam freely, or browse the shops for unique souvenirs.
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Immerse yourself in the beauty and mysticism of Sedona, Arizona, a town known for its red rock formations and spiritual energy vortexes, 190 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Hike through the scenic canyons, go jeep riding, or visit one of the many art galleries or spas.
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Laughlin
Is Las Vegas on a budget? Head to Laughlin, Nevada, a smaller casino town located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, on the banks of the Colorado River. Enjoy gambling, boating, and beautiful river views.
Location: Laughlin is located on the banks of the Colorado River, about 90 miles (145 km) south of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Cost: There is no entrance fee to visit Laughlin. However, costs will vary depending on your chosen activities (gambling, dining, entertainment, etc.).
How to Reach:
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, a crown jewel of Utah’s National Park system, is roughly 270 miles northeast of Las Vegas. This wonderland is famed for its otherworldly landscape dominated by crimson-hued hoodoos – tall, thin spire-like rock formations sculpted by millennia of erosion.
Cost: There’s a $35 entrance fee per vehicle valid for 7 days. Alternatively, you can purchase the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80, granting access to all National Parks and many federal recreation sites for a year.
How to Reach: The most scenic route is via I-15 N to UT-20 W. This winds through Zion National Park (worth a stop!) before reaching Bryce Canyon. Allow approximately 4.5 hours for the drive.
What to Expect:
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A: Many amazing destinations are within a 2-hour drive of Las Vegas, including Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead.
A: Hike through Red Rock Canyon, camp under the stars at Valley of Fire, boat on Lake Mead, or go stargazing at Death Valley or Zion National Park.
A: The Hoover Dam is a marvel of engineering, and Oatman, Arizona, is a historic Wild West town.
A: Check out the Seven Magic Mountains art installation or explore the mystical red rock formations of Sedona, Arizona.
A: Laughlin, Nevada, offers casinos and a more relaxed atmosphere on the banks of the Colorado River.
A: The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is a 4-hour drive away and offers stunning views and unique experiences.