When you’re over the glitz, glam, and luxury of the Las Vegas Strip, it’s time to head outside and explore the natural beauty and adventures that lie just beyond the city limits.
Looking to stay closer to Las Vegas proper? Why not spend your evening learning about Las Vegas history at the Neon Museum or taking a walking food tour of Downtown Las Vegas?
Want to spend some time on the water? You could kayak along the Colorado River marveling at Black Canyon and the shimmering Emerald Cave or take a dip in Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, perfect for swimming, boating, and relaxing by the shore.
Fancy a hike instead? We are personally obsessed with Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon.
No matter what your flavor of fun is, we’re confident that this list will have something that piques your interest. These kitschy day trips, open-air parts of town, and outdoor activities near Las Vegas provide the perfect antidote to the lights and casinos of the city.
See vintage signs at The Neon Museum
Since 1996, the Neon Museum has collected, preserved, and exhibited Las Vegas signs from the 1930’s onward. The most popular attraction here is the Neon Boneyard of signs!
You can check out the visitor’s center, view the collection within the museum, partake in one of the many special tours taking place throughout the day, or stroll through the boneyard on your own.
During our latest visit, we saw the Brilliant! Jackpot light show created by artist Craig Winslow. This immersive experience reanimates 40 monumental examples of The Neon Museum’s iconic vintage signs and will take you through the history of Las Vegas through music and lights. It’s so much fun!
If you have an interest in Las Vegas history, definitely opt the History Brought To Light tour — it’s so insightful and you’ll learn so much more than if you were to just self-tour the museum.
The Neon Museum is mostly outdoors and is extremely photogenic, so don’t forget your sunscreen and your camera.
Go on a walking food tour of Downtown Vegas
Can’t decide on just one or two restaurants? Want to burn some calories while eating at the same time? Consider a walking food tour! There are lots of food tours that will take you to hole-in-the-walls, restaurants on the strip, off the strip, and so much more.
This bestselling Downtown Vegas Sightseeing and Foodie Tour by Taste Buzz Food Tours combines Las Vegas food and sightseeing on a 3-hour downtown walking tour that explores the city’s distinctive flavors.
Head from the shipping container boutiques at Container Park, through local hangouts, to a stroll down Fremont Street as you taste the best of Downtown Vegas.
Go hiking at Valley of Fire State Park
Another otherworldly park to hike at is Valley of Fire State Park. If the idea of towering sandstone formations glowing with fiery hues of red and gold under the warm sun sounds magical, you’re going to love Valley of Fire SP.
Personally, this is one of my favorite parks in all of Nevada — I love it even more than the Grand Canyon!
If you only have time to do one hike, make it the 3.2-mile Fire Wave, White Domes, and Seven Wonders Loop. If you love hiking, make time to visit Valley Of Fire SP – you won’t regret it. Just be sure to pack lots of water, lots of sunscreen, and a sunhat! Even in the wintertime.
Go kayaking on the Colorado River
Escape the bustle of Las Vegas and opt for a day out on the water. On this half-day kayaking trip along the Colorado River, you’ll set off on a gentle, 5-mile (8-kilometer) trip down the Black Canyon, complete with a visit to Emerald Cave.
This portion of the Colorado River is a kayaker’s dream, carrying you past beaches, colorful caves, peaceful coves, hot springs, and more.
As you paddle along, be sure to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery! Your guide will likely have everyone pause for a swim, point out the wildlife, and teach you all about the area’s history.
If you don’t have a car, don’t worry—many tour companies offer transportation from Las Vegas, making this adventure easily accessible for anyone.
Enjoy a day at Lake Mead
Lake Mead is the largest manmade reservoir in the United States, spanning more than 110 miles in Nevada and Arizona. It’s a complete desert oasis with 700 miles of shoreline, epic sunsets, Joshua trees galore, and all that water to play in!
If you’re looking for a relaxing day outdoors, you can sunbathe, fish, swim, boat, bike, hike, enjoy scenic drives, and even go tubing. Alternatively, you can just pack a picnic and just eat, relax, and soak in the desert views surrounding you.
In terms of non-water activities, the Historic Railroad Trail is at the top of the must-experience list. This path is loved by hikers and bikers due to the gigantic tunnels that once housed trains delivering construction supplies to Hoover Dam. The River Mountains Loop Trail is another great trail that showcases beautiful panoramic views of the Las Vegas valley.
Enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride
Fly over the Mojave Desert in a colorful hot air balloon with an ultra-scenic tour in the sky. You’ll get an incredible opportunity to see Las Vegas, Death Valley, the Nopah Mountain Range, and Eastern California at sunrise–the most beautiful time of the day!
Each flight takes nearly an hour and includes a champagne toast as you gently float into the sky. You’ll climb as high as 10,000 feet over Las Vegas.
See the Las Vegas Strip by helicopter at night
Interested in soaring over the bright lights of the Strip by helicopter? On a nighttime helicopter tour of The Strip, you’ll get the chance to fly past all the most iconic viewpoints, including the MGM Grand, the fountains of Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, and more.
A typical flight lasts for about 15 minutes and covers approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) and includes a celebratory glass of sparkling wine!
I know, it’s not cheap. But if you choose to fly over the Las Vegas Strip, I would definitely opt to see it at night! Make sure to bring your cameras and get ready for a ride of a lifetime.
If you’re looking to save some money, consider getting the Go City Las Vegas Pass–if you get a pass for 3+ days, you can opt for the helicopter tour as your included premium attraction. You can also check out some of the current Vegas helicopter night flight discounts/deals.
This attraction is included with the Go City Las Vegas pass!
We love exploring new cities around the world with Go City! With the Go City Las Vegas pass, you can save up to 50% off attractions and access 50+ attractions for one low price. To see if this pass is worth it for you, check out all the activities that are included with either the All-Inclusive Pass or the Explorer Pass.
Take an open-top bus sightseeing night tour
If you’ve never been to Vegas before and need a lay of the land before getting your Sin City adventures started, this is a great activity to do on Day 1 of your trip.
You’ll get to take in Las Vegas at its prettiest — when it’s illuminated and glittering at night — on an open-top double-decker bus tour. Along your 2-ish hour ride, you’ll get to see iconic landmarks of the Las Vegas Strip like the Bellagio Fountains, the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, The Stratosphere, and the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.
You’ll get to learn stuff about the city too. The tour’s digital audio provides fascinating commentary, sharing the stories and hidden intrigue of the city’s history, architecture, and famous attractions. With this activity, you get one free welcome drink before you start your bus ride, too.
Ride ATVs through the Mojave Desert
For those of you who love a little outdoor adventure, we’d recommend scheduling an ATV ride through the Mojave. With this 3-hour guided tour, you can enjoy a desert ride by ATV on a tour of the Mojave Desert trails with full pickup and drop-off service, a detailed safety demonstration, and all equipment included.
The shuttle will pick you up at Mandalay Bay (shuttle and tour pickup) and transport you to the premier riding location in the Mojave Desert. Once there, dawn your safety gear and enjoy a step-by-step orientation on how to ride your ATV.
Then, let the excitement begin! Your guide will lead you on an hour-long journey into the desert where you’ll be able to enjoy rugged trails and sweet desert views. After your ride, you’ll be transported back to reality with a little dust and a lot of memories.
Marvel at the Grand Canyon
If you’re open to venturing out further of the Las Vegas area, you’ll be glad to know that there are at least three national parks within driving distance from Las Vegas.
From Vegas, the closest option is the Grand Canyon West Rim — home to the famous Skywalk glass bridge. There’s also Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, a different part of the Grand Canyon, home to breathtaking landscapes of the United States’ most recognizable natural monument.
Two best-selling tours from Vegas we like to recommend to our friends include:
- From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon National Park Tour (South Rim)
- From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Tour (West Rim)
West Rim? South Rim? What’s The Diff?
If you’ve never visited Nevada or the Grand Canyon before, here’s a quick and easy breakdown of the two main areas you can easily visit by coach bus tours.
WEST RIM
The West Rim is the closest part of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, about a 2.5-hour drive from the city. The West Rim is great for quick daytrips from Vegas. Many of the tours based in Las Vegas will take you here.
The famous Skywalk is here, a glass bridge that extends out over the canyon (you’ll feel like you’re walking on air above the canyon floor). Other popular spots are Eagle Point and Guano Point, which many tours will take you to.
SOUTH RIM
On the other hand (and a bit further away from Vegas), is the South Rim, about a 4.5-hour drive from Las Vegas.
It’s located within the “Grand Canyon National Park”, so while it does take longer to get there, you’ll actually be on national park lands. Since this part of the canyon is part of the national park, you’ll find more developed facilities like visitor centers, museums, and trails for hiking. This area offers more traditional, expansive canyon views and a more diverse landscape.
Both are spectacular in their own ways, so your choice might depend on how much time you have and what kind of adventure you’re looking for!
Learn more about the differences and see which part of the Grand Canyon is best for you.
See all the wonders at Zion National Park
If you’re up for an adventure in Utah, a 2.5 to 3-hour drive will bring you to the spectacular views of Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park.
Zion National Park is the 4th most visited National Park in the United States and is home to some of the most majestic slot canyons and orange-y red cliffs in the world. The park is most famous for three truly epic hikes–Angels Landing, The Narrows, and The Subway (my personal fave).
I’ve been to this park three times and have plans to return many more times throughout my lifetime! Yes, it’s THAT beautiful!
PRO TIP: Because of their proximity to each other, Zion and Bryce National Parks are usually done as a pair on a national park road trip from Las Vegas! They’re only 72 miles (116 kilometers) from each other, or a 1.5-hour drive!
Don’t have a car? Not a problem. There are lots of tour companies that’ll bring you out there as part of a full-day tour. They’ll take care of the driving and the itinerary so all you have to do is bring your camera, a comfortable pair of shoes, and your excitement.
Hike among hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for having the world’s largest collection of hoodoos (rock columns) that formed over millions of years due to erosion from ice and rain.
Bryce Canyon National Park offers a completely different experience to Zion; your first gaze upon Bryce’s landscape will get you thinking you were transported to another planet! Bryce is much more compact, easier to see in just one day, and very family-friendly.
Here are our three top hike recommendations in the park:
- Navajo/Queens Garden Loop – 3.5 miles roundtrip; undoubtedly the most popular hike that gets you up close and personal with the hoodoos in the park. I’ve done this hike twice, and there will be a third and fourth time… I’ll never get sick of this one!
- Figure Eight Trail – 6.3 miles roundtrip; combines the Navajo and Queens Garden Loop, Wall Street, and Peekaboo Loop into one jam-packed hike through the hoodoos.
- Fairyland Loop Trail – 7.8 miles roundtrip; much longer than other trails, but it’s way less crowded and well worth the effort.
Why we love Bryce and Zion NP: They’re both really great parks for hikers and leisurely walkers alike! Both have super convenient shuttle systems within the park, making it really simple to get around. And if you’re more about driving from stop to stop, there’s a ton of great viewpoints you can catch right from the parking lots.
Day trip to Area 51
If you’re obsessed with the idea of aliens, boy has Vegas has got the perfect excursion for you. On this 10-hour day trip to Area 51, you’ll get a wonderful alien-themed day out with an expert guide who’ll provide you with lots of information, UFO stories, and stops at key locations that scream government secrets.
Start by seeing the top-secret Janet Airlines at McCarran International Airport, known for transporting workers to the mysterious Area 51 daily.
Travel along the “Extraterrestrial Highway” to the world-famous Little A’le’ Inn, featured in movies like Independence Day. Here, you can dive into a wealth of information and pick up unique souvenirs while enjoying a tasty Alien Burger. The tour continues to the infamous Black Mailbox, a sacred meeting spot for UFO enthusiasts, before reaching the perimeter of Area 51.
As you approach the base, you’ll pass through an eerie Joshua tree forest and encounter guards—known as the “Camo Dudes”—standing watch with detection devices and cameras.
Explore Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is locally famous for its unique rock formations painted in shades of red and orange against a backdrop of clear blue skies.
Because you can get there in just a 30-minute car ride from the Strip, we like to go there for our early morning hikes. There are both easy and challenging trails to choose from, making this a great option if you want to burn off all those Las Vegas buffet calories.
Some of the most popular hikes here include the Calico Tanks Trail (2.2 miles roundtrip), Turtlehead Peak Trail (4.6 miles roundtrip), and Ice Box Canyon Trail (2.3 miles roundtrip).
If you’d rather not deal with the logistics of how to get there (or want to visit the park without hiking), there are tour companies that will take you there and show you the park in all its glory.
Ice Age Fossils State Park
Did you know that one of the most spectacular records of Ice Age fossils on the entire planet sits only 20 minutes north of The Strip? The all-new Ice Age Fossils State Park in North Las Vegas proves to be a jackpot of fossil remains, brimming with one of the largest and most varied collections of Ice Age-era prehistoric fossils ever discovered.
More than 100,000 years ago, this part of Las Vegas, known as the Upper Las Vegas Wash, was once home to herds of Columbian mammoths, American lions, dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, and prehistoric camels, bison, and horses.
Adjacent to Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, the 315-acre Ice Age Fossils State Park opened in 2024 with a state-of-the-art visitor center and three trails. One of the trails takes you through the history of the Big Dig, a large-scale archaeology project that took place in 1962.
Seven Magic Mountains
A quick 15-20 minute drive out of The Strip area will bring you to one of the coolest art installations in all of Nevada. Seven Magic Mountains is a public installation of seven towers made up of painted, stacked boulders that stand more than 30 feet high.
These colorful rock totems look so darn cool against the dusty barren desert landscape!
The art installation was created by internationally renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone and commissioned by the Nevada Museum of Art. It was supposed to be taken down years ago, but some way somehow it’s still standing so go enjoy it for yourself while you can!
Road trip to Antelope Canyon
If you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience in Northern Arizona, then you need to check out Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. These two extremely unique destinations are some of the most popular in the state.
In a nutshell, Antelope Canyon is a magical slot canyon known for its winding, narrow passageways carved by water over thousands of years. As you walk through, you’ll see smooth, wavy walls made of red and orange sandstone that seem to glow and change color as sunlight filters down in beams from above.
The beauty of the slot canyons is both surreal and enchanting — it’s a must-see destination for anyone visiting the American Southwest.
It’s quite common to road trip to Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas. In fact, I did this exact road trip from Vegas with my parents a few years ago.
These days though, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are so popular that you’ll find multiple tour operators hosting full-day tours dedicated just to this area.
Day trip to Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is a really unique place that’ll have you feeling like you’re on another planet entirely. I know, lots of places near Vegas’ll do that to ya.
Death Valley National Park is only a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas, making it a perfect full day adventure outdoors!
There are a couple of things that make Death Valley NP super unique. First off, it’s home to the lowest point of elevation in North America, and it’s also the site of the hottest temperature recorded on the continent.
If you only have one day to explore Death Valley National Park, make sure to visit the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for breathtaking views and photography. This is one of my favorite spots of the entire park! Next, head to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and marvel at the expansive salt flats. Finish your day at Zabriskie Point for a panoramic view of the colorful badlands at sunset!
Day trip to the Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is located in Black Canyon, just 40 minutes away from Las Vegas. Named one of the Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century, the Hoover Dam continues to draw crowds 80 years after its creation.
For those of you who don’t yet understand the significance of Hoover Dam, it is the highest concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere, standing at more than 725 feet above the Colorado River. Additionally, it’s a National Historic Landmark.
The best way to enjoy it? Hop out of your car and walk around.
One of the main highlights is walking across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. The 1,905-foot-long man-made bridge connects both Nevada and Arizona roadways, so the fact that it’s named after two heroes from each state is quite fitting!
Cool down at Cowabunga Bay Water Park
The Cowabunga Bay Water Park is the place to be in the summer months, and what better way to spend some time in the sun than with the family at a waterpark?
The entire family will enjoy the outing with adult-only slides, separate slides for kids, and a kid-friendly pool area for babies and toddlers.
Go shopping at Downtown Container Park
Downtown Container Park is an open-air shopping center filled with boutique retail shops, various restaurants, and live entertainment.
Architecturally, this spot’s pretty unique — as the name suggests, you’ll find a bunch of shipping containers have been turned into homes for many shops and restaurants.
Kids will love the interactive playground featuring The Treehouse, while adults can eat and relax while enjoying free outdoor concerts, movies, and more on the main stage.
Oh yeah, there is also a giant praying mantis that shoots out flames at the entrance (nighttime only)–don’t miss it! It’s so… Burning Man. In fact, I recently learned that this structure originally debuted at Burning Man!
Pro Tip: If you’re a Las Vegas local, check out some special discounts and offers just for you.
Arts District + First Fridays Block Party
On the western edge of Downtown Las Vegas sits the Las Vegas Arts District (AKA “18b”), an 18-block “cultural explosion” of galleries, artists’ studios, chic cafés, cocktail bars, funky antique shops, retro theaters, and ever-changing mural-lined alleys.
This area is one of our favorite areas to hang out, especially in the mornings (we love the coffee shops here) and on the first Friday of any given month, when the area bursts into block party mode with thousands of artists and aficionados during its monthly First Friday Art Walk event.
Go back in time at the Techatticup Mine
Less than an hour away from Las Vegas, the Techatticup Mine in Eldorado Canyon is a photographer’s paradise, famous for being featured in thousands of movies and photoshoots and the leftover props that serve as pure eye candy today.
In its heyday, this mine pumped out millions of dollars in gold, silver, and copper, making it the richest and most famous in southern Nevada. Today, you can poke around with your camera or go underground with Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours.
If you’re heading here by car, you can even stop by the Hoover Dam to marvel at this engineering wonder. The scenic drive through the desert also offers picturesque landscapes and a glimpse of the Colorado River, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Pay a visit to Goodsprings Ghost Town
To keep exploring the historic side of Nevada, head to Goodsprings Ghost Town, about 20 minutes south of Vegas.
Known for its rich history of supplying zinc and lead for World War I, Goodsprings is now home to the oldest bar in southern Nevada, the Pioneer Saloon. While you’re here, you should definitely consider grabbing a drink at the saloon!
Look for bullet holes from a poker game gone wrong and cigar burns left by a sleepy Clark Gable in the 1940s, enjoy a Food Network-featured Ghost Burger (the saloon is said to be a paranormal hotspot), and take the Goodsprings Historic Walking Tour to explore the Goodsprings General Store, Goodsprings Elementary School, Campbell Stone Cabin, and more.
See lions at the Lion Habitat Ranch
Lion Habitat Ranch is one of the most unique outdoor attractions in the Las Vegas area. This ranch is home to more than 40 lions (including the original MGM lions), and visitors can see these majestic animals up close.
Open since 1989, Henderson’s Lion Habitat Ranch has strived to protect wild lions by providing a safe environment and living quarters for the rest of their natural lives. While most animal habitats in Nevada house all kinds of animals, Lion Habitat Ranch homes lions only, with one exception: Ozzie the giraffe!
The ranch also offers a variety of other activities, including specialty tours that allow you to host a private picnic party among the lions, go behind the scenes, and even feed the animals!
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