When most people think of Nevada, they immediately picture the flashing neon signs of the Las Vegas Strip. But let me tell you, if you only stay in the city, you are missing out on some of the most mind blowing scenery in the USA.
Personally, I feel like Nevada is one of the most underrated states for family road trips and outdoor adventures. Beyond the casinos, there are ghost towns, crystal clear lakes, and mountains that look like they belong on another planet.
So, if you are wondering where to go next, I have got you covered. Lets dive into the 10 best places to visit in Nevada that are not Las Vegas. Trust me, you are going to love these.
1. Valley of Fire State Park
Honestly, this is my absolute favorite spot. Imagine huge, bright red rocks that look like they are actually on fire when the sun hits them. It is only about an hour from the city, but it feels like a different world. Personally, I think the pink and orange stripes on the Fire Wave are mind blowing. You might even spot some bighorn sheep climbing the steep cliffs while you are exploring. Also, make sure to find Elephant Rock. It is a natural stone formation that looks exactly like a giant elephant standing right by the road.
Why you will love it: You can see ancient rock carvings (called petroglyphs) made by people thousands of years ago.
Must see spot: The Fire Wave. It is a rock formation with stripes that look like a giant piece of candy.
If you’re planning your visit, the official Nevada State Parks website has up to date park hours, entrance fees, and trail maps that are super helpful
2. Lake Tahoe
If you like water and mountains, you have to visit Lake Tahoe. It sits right on the border of Nevada and California. The water is so clear that you can see deep down into the blue. It is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. You will feel like you are looking at a giant sapphire tucked into the mountains. Plus, the air smells so fresh because of all the pine trees surrounding the shore. It is pretty much the perfect place to relax.
What to do: In the summer, you can go swimming or paddleboarding at Sand Harbor. The water is calm and great for kids. In the winter, it is actually one of the best places in the world to go skiing or snowboarding.
3. Great Basin National Park
Have you ever seen the Milky Way with your own eyes? Well, Great Basin is one of the darkest places in the country, which makes it perfect for looking at stars. Actually, it is officially an International Dark Sky Park. This means at night, the sky is so clear you can see thousands of stars and even other galaxies. It is a bit of a long drive to get there, but let me tell you, standing under that massive sky makes you feel like you are in a movie. It is totally worth the trip for the photos alone.
The Big Secret: This park is home to Bristlecone Pine trees. Some of these trees are over 4000 years old. Just imagine those trees were growing when the pyramids were being built in Egypt. I think it is pretty cool to stand next to something that has been alive for that long.
4. Red Rock Canyon
Located just a short drive from the suburbs of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is perfect if you want a quick escape into nature. It is famous for its 13 mile scenic drive, but you should definitely get out of the car and walk around. Personally, I love how the red peaks tower over the desert floor. It is a bit like having a giant playground right in your backyard. Plus, it is so close to the city that you can be back in time for dinner. Lets be real, it is the easiest way to feel like an explorer without traveling for hours.
What to look for: Keep an eye out for desert tortoises. They are kind of shy and move slowly, but they actually live here year round. It is such a treat to see one in the wild.
5. Reno
I like to think of Reno as the more laid back and outdoorsy cousin of Las Vegas. It has a great downtown area with a river flowing right through the middle, which gives it such a chill vibe. Personally, I feel like Reno is perfect for families who want the excitement of a city without all the overwhelming crowds. The mountain views here are absolutely stunning. You are so close to both the mountains and the water that you can kind of get the best of both worlds in one day.
Tip: If you have time, head over to the National Automobile Museum. Even if you are not a “car person,” seeing the old fashioned vehicles is like stepping into a time machine. Believe it or not, they have cars that look like they belong in a cartoon.
6. Virginia City
If you want to feel like a real cowboy, this is the place for you. Virginia City was a huge mining town back in the 1800s during the famous Comstock Lode. Today, it looks almost exactly like it did back then, which is why I think it is one of the coolest spots in the state. You can honestly feel the history in the air as you walk down the street. It is like stepping directly into a movie set, but the best part is that everything is real.
Some people say the town is haunted. If you are feeling brave, you could try a ghost tour at the Washoe Club. It is kind of creepy, but it is also a pretty exciting way to learn about the people who lived here a long time ago.
7. Cathedral Gorge State Park
Just think about standing among giant spires of soft bentonite clay that look exactly like a Gothic cathedral or a massive sandcastle. This is one of the most unique places in Nevada, and I think it is a total hidden gem. The shapes are so strange and beautiful that you might feel like you have traveled to a different planet. It is located in a long, narrow valley where erosion has carved out these amazing patterns over millions of years.
The clay here is actually made from ancient volcanic ash. It is very soft, so you have to be careful not to climb on the delicate parts. Just walking through the formations is enough to make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.
8. Lamoille Canyon
Most people do not know that Nevada has lush, green canyons with waterfalls. Lamoille Canyon is tucked away in the Ruby Mountains, and it is absolutely gorgeous. I think you will be shocked by how different it looks compared to the desert. The peaks are covered in snow for most of the year, and the valley floor is filled with colorful wildflowers during the summer months.
If you are up for a walk, the Nature Trail is perfect for families. It is relatively flat and follows the creek, so you can see the beaver dams and maybe even catch a glimpse of some trout in the water.
9. Hoover Dam
Okay, this one is pretty famous, but for a good reason. The Hoover Dam is a massive wall that holds back the Colorado River to create Lake Mead. It is actually one of the largest dams in the world and standing next to it makes you feel incredibly small. I think it is a must visit because it shows just how much humans can build when they work together. Plus, the sheer size of the concrete wall is something you have to see in person to truly believe.
Fun Fact: Did you know there is enough concrete in the dam to build a two lane highway from San Francisco to New York City. That is a lot of rocks and cement. It took thousands of workers several years to finish, and the history behind it is just as impressive as the view.
10. Black Rock Desert
If you want to see a place that feels truly infinite, you have to visit the Black Rock Desert. This is a massive, dry lakebed called a playa, and it is one of the flattest places on the entire planet. It is so flat, in fact, that it has been used to set world land speed records. I think it is wild to imagine a car traveling over 700 miles per hour across this cracked, white earth. When you stand in the middle of it, the horizon seems to go on forever in every direction.
Safety Tip: The desert can be a bit tricky because when it rains, the ground turns into a sticky mud that can trap even the toughest trucks. Always check the weather before you go. Also, remember that there is no cell service out here.
Before heading out, I always like checking the weather on National Weather Service desert conditions can change fast, especially in summer
If you want to know about the top 11 must visit places in the Bay Area, San Francisco, make sure to check out our complete guide. It covers all the spots you should not miss.
Why You Should Explore the Other Nevada
Believe it or not, Nevada is actually the most mountainous state in the lower 48. Most people think it is just a flat, dusty desert, but that is not true at all. In fact, Nevada is home to over 300 named mountain ranges. Everywhere you look, there is a different peak to explore.
It is usually much cheaper to visit these spots than to stay on the Strip. Most state parks only charge a small entrance fee, and many of the coolest sights like the Black Rock Desert are completely free to visit.
If you are traveling with kids, these spots are like a giant outdoor school. Between the Junior Ranger programs at the state parks and the living history in Virginia City, there are so many ways for them to learn about geology and history without it feeling like work.
FAQs
1. What is the best time of year to visit Nevada?
A: I’d recommend visiting in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). The weather is pretty much perfect during these months and ideal for road trips and outdoor exploring.
2. Is it safe to drive through the Nevada desert?
A: Yes, it’s very safe. Just make sure you carry plenty of water and keep a map handy, as GPS can sometimes lose signal. Also, keep an eye out for cows. In many areas, Nevada has open range, meaning cows can walk right across the road.
3. Can kids enjoy these places?
A: Absolutely. Places like Cathedral Gorge and Valley of Fire feel like giant natural playgrounds. Most state parks in Nevada are very family friendly, with easy trails and plenty of open space for kids to explore.
4. Do I need a 4 wheel drive car?
A: Not necessarily. For most of the places on this list, a regular car works just fine. You would only need a 4-wheel drive if you plan on serious off roading in the deep desert. For popular spots, a family car is perfect.
Conclusion
Nevada is so much more than just poker tables and bright lights. From the ancient trees of Great Basin to the blue waters of Lake Tahoe, there is an adventure waiting for everyone. The thing is, we often get stuck doing the touristy things and forget to look around. But now you know the secret. Nevada is a land of hidden gems, ghost stories, and beautiful sunsets.
So, what do you think. Which one of these spots are you going to visit first? Personally, I suggest starting with Valley of Fire it is a life changing view.