Image courtesy of Enchantment Resort
A Las Vegas vacation doesn’t only have to be about slot machines, parties and never-ending lights. The city’s desert surroundings are filled with stunning national parks, exciting cities and other interesting destinations. Below, we break down some of the best things to do around Las Vegas, from quick stops only a few miles outside of the city to longer road trips, all with insights from Fora travel advisors).
Part I: Las Vegas’ nearby attractions (under an hour away)
The first set of destinations make great pitstops on your way to or from Las Vegas. They’re also fun trips that can take up a morning or afternoon before you head back to enjoy the city’s glamour.
The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, Nevada
The Hoover Dam is one of the most recognizable landmarks near Las Vegas.
“It is an iconic American engineering marvel located on the Colorado River, offering incredible views and a bit of history,” Fora X Advisor Ronit Margolis said.
The dam is made of millions of tons of concrete set amid a desert oasis, where hiking, swimming, boating and other outdoorsy activities — all within the greater Lake Mead recreational area — are only about 30 minutes away from the Vegas Strip. If you’re looking for something active to do outside of Vegas’ busy streets, visiting the dam is one of the best things to do near Las Vegas with kids.
A word of caution, though: “It gets hot during the summer. Bring extra water or choose the fall or spring for the best weather,” Fora Advisor Theresa Baumann said.
Red Rock Canyon and Emerald Cove, Nevada
Red Rock Canyon is a national conservation area about half an hour southwest of Las Vegas. Horseback riding (perfect for laid-back Vegas bachelorette party ideas or the ultimate Vegas girls’ trip) and biking through 13 miles of scenic desert trails are the top draw. Or, kayak through Emerald Cove to the south of the canyon for respite from the heat.
“The drive through Red Rock Canyon is gorgeous, with plenty of opportunities to capture photos,” Fora Advisor Brittany Heyward said. “Pro tip: If the weather is nice, rent a Polaris Slingshot for a scenic ride!”
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Valley of Fire State Park is 45–60 minutes from Las Vegas by car. The park’s red sandstone outcroppings are a unique sight, especially if you’re new to this corner of the US. Many of the rock features have ancient — between 2,000 and 4,000 years — Native American petroglyphs, the meanings of which are largely debated by anthropologists.
“The red sandstone formations can only be described as otherworldly,” Fora Advisor Liz Laird said. “My favorite hikes (easy enough for all different ability levels) are the Fire Wave, a beautifully striped rock formation, as well as some of the slot canyons. Make sure you arrive early or enter from the Northeastern entrance; lines can become quite long by mid-morning.”
If you’re visiting Las Vegas in summer, however, we advise skipping the park or sticking to a drive, as the heat can be dangerous by mid-morning.
“Make sure to bring some snacks and plenty of water,” Fora Advisor Anne Zdon said. “There are limited options for snacks and drinks nearby.”
Anne also highlighted Mouse’s Tank Road for scenic drives, and White Domes Trail and Rainbow Visit for hiking.
Nelson Ghost Town, Nevada
Nelson Ghost Town is a great option if you want a break from Vegas’ crowds, sounds and lights. When the Techatticup mine ran dry in the mid-1800s, Nelson was abandoned for the better part of a century. Now, Nelson Ghost Town contrasts with the glitz and glamour of Vegas. Checking it out is one of the best things to do in Vegas besides gambling. Much of the original town has been preserved, along with historical additions made over the last 150 years.
“The drive to Nelson has some of the most dramatic desert Mountain Views,” Fora Advisor Carman Candal said. “Cliff jumping at Nelson’s landing is also popular.”
Mount Charleston, Nevada
If you’re athletically inclined, Mount Charleston is another scenic place to visit near Las Vegas, especially in winter, when the ski trails are open. In the warmer months, you can hike, bike or go horseback riding through miles of rigorous terrain.
Seven Magic Mountains, Nevada
Seven Magic Mountains is a colorful exhibit created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. The Instagram-worthy installation is about 30 minutes south of the Vegas Strip. The sudden inclusion of vibrant colors is a compelling contrast with the muted tans, browns and greens of the Mojave Desert. If you’re coming from Southern or Central California, there’s a good chance you’ll pass the exhibit; it’s a nice (and quick) opportunity to stretch your legs.
Part II: Road trips from Las Vegas (1–2+ hours away)
These destinations are better suited for all-day trips or as pairings for a more elaborate vacation. In some cases, you can easily return to Vegas after spending a day away.
Laughlin, Nevada and Bullhead City, Arizona
The party never stops in Vegas, but the casinos in Laughlin — about 1.5 hours away — cater to an older crowd. The Colorado River separates Laughlin from Bullhead City, and, as fun and laid-back as the casinos can be, jet skiing or boating along the river is the real attraction. There aren’t many casinos on the Arizona side of the border, but the less developed setting means easy access to the river, so locals tend to flock here versus the busier Nevada side.
Death Valley National Park, California
About two hours west of Las Vegas, you’ll find Death Valley National Park, famous for being the hottest, driest and lowest spot in North America. Despite its name, Death Valley is filled with life well adapted to the extreme environment. On the rare occasion that the sun isn’t baking the valley to a crisp, rainstorms help produce fields of flowers and ponds that harbor small fish and shrimp (the most recent bloom occurred in early 2024). The park is gorgeous in its own way. Be sure to bring plenty of water and exercise caution while visiting — temperatures can reach extreme highs by mid-morning in every season but winter.
(Check out more national parks near Las Vegas.)
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona
Las Vegas is only about two hours away from the West Rim of the Grand Canyon (or five hours away from Grand Canyon National Park). From helicopter tours to whitewater rafting, there’s a lot to do in the Grand Canyon besides taking in the stunning views. After all, visiting the Grand Canyon isn’t just one of the best places to visit near Las Vegas by car; it’s also one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Kanab, Utah
Kanab, located about 3.5 hours from Las Vegas, is often seen as the gateway to some of the Southwest's most stunning natural attractions — Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon's North Rim — but it also has its own charm. The town has a rich history as a filming location for westerns, earning it the nickname “Little Hollywood.” You can also tour the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the world-renowned refuge and nonprofit headquarters for rescued animals.
“Kanab has so many cool things to see, like Peek-a-boo and Buckskin Gulch slot canyons, sand boarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes and so much more for outdoor enthusiasts,” Fora Advisor Jennifer DiDonna said.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is an enchanting place and one of the most fun places to go in Utah. Zion is roughly a three-hour road trip from Las Vegas, but the distance is well worth it.
“Zion is my favorite road trip from Vegas,” Fora Advisor Scott Dubois said. “It can get crowded, so I tell my clients to avoid the tour buses and rent bicycles. If you start into the morning, you’ll have the main canyon road all to yourself. The Kolob Canyons section of the park is also less visited but very scenic.”
Though often busy with travelers, Zion is very remote, making it one of the best places in the US for stargazing. You can also stay within the park’s borders at its lodge.
“Zion is an amazing national park for couples and families,” Fora Advisor Kimberly Sessions said. “I highly recommend staying in the national park lodge, but you have to book early! Not only is the scenery beautiful, but the food is top notch — I’m still dreaming about my prickly pear waffle breakfast and pork dinner.”
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is too far away from Vegas for a day trip; road trips average between four and six hours with normal traffic. But, exploring Los Angeles for the food alone makes the drive (or flight) worth it. Few cities in the world offer as much gastronomical variety as Los Angeles. There’s authentic Mexican food, Japanese sushi and ramen, Vietnamese phō, Cambodian bahn mi, Honduran pupusas, Jamaican jerk chicken and so much more. And that’s just the food.
“Los Angeles is a sprawling city with something for everyone, from the arts to entertainment, beaches and vibrant nightlife,” Fora X Advisor Ronit Margolis said.
(Read about the coolest places to visit in Los Angeles.)
The Extraterrestrial Highway (but not Area 51)
Ballooned by the cult fascination with Area 51, which is not open for visitors, the Extraterrestrial Highway is lined (in spurts) with museums, shops and more catering to the UFO-obsessed crowd. The closest entry point to the highway, actually quite scenic, is two hours from Vegas, while the entire loop takes about five hours to complete. This is one of the more eccentric nearby attractions, but if you’re looking for things to do around Las Vegas, it’s worth considering.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is another scenic destination sure to impress hikers and wildlife observers. It’s a bit further from Las Vegas than Zion National Park, but certainly just as worthy of consideration. The park sits at a much higher elevation and is famous for its unusual rock formations, known as “hoodoos.” Imagine mushroom-like rock formations with wide bases and tips, but thin, sometimes triangular rises formed from countless millennia of erosion.
“Bryce was gorgeous and even had a dusting of snow on the hoodoos,” Fora X Advisor Melanie Pink said about a recent spring break trip.
Lake Havasu, Arizona
If the lakes and rivers of Laughlin and Bullhead City sound appealing, but you’re not overly interested in the old-school-casino atmosphere, Lake Havasu State Park is another outdoorsy place to visit near Las Vegas. Boating, fishing, swimming and hiking are all accessible at various points along the lake, which is part of the Colorado River.
Sedona, Arizona
Image courtesy of Enchantment Resort
Sedona is one of the best places to visit in Arizona — and perhaps the American Southwest. The city feels like an antithesis to Las Vegas in some ways. There’s an emphasis on wellness and art, along with an overall indie vibe, making Sedona a relaxing destination to visit after the glitz, glamour and intensity of Vegas.
“Someone once told me that the only way to describe Sedona is ‘magical,’ and I have to say, they're right,” Fora Advisor Liz Laird said.
Red-rock formations tower over a downtown filled with excellent restaurants and cute shops selling dream catchers, crystals and other souvenirs. Liz highlighted Enchantment Resort — “the crown jewel of the whole Sedona area” — and one of our top picks for hotels in Sedona.
“The resort’s Mii Amo spa was ranked the number-one resort spa in the US in 2023, and services such as the Ancestral Hot Stone massage and Connection Ceremony are uniquely Mii Amo,” Liz said. “Plan to spend plenty of time playing at the resort, whether it be tennis, pickle ball, hiking or passing the time in one of their three pools.”
Fora Perks at Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park, California
Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park are both among the top places to visit in California, and offer an interesting contrast of experiences. The former features a strip filled with boutiques, bars and clubs — along with a few casinos and spa retreats — while the latter exemplifies Southern California’s picturesque desertscape.
“Take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for incredible mountain views, explore the shops and art galleries in downtown Palm Springs or visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and feed the giraffes!” Fora X Advisor Ronit Margolis recommended.
At around four hours away from Las Vegas, Joshua Tree National Park is notably further out than Death Valley, but the average temperature is a bit more reasonable. The prospect of visiting Palm Springs to refresh and unwind is an excellent bonus.
“The drive from Las Vegas to Palm Springs starts out exactly as you'd expect it, with sweeping desert vistas. However, not long into the 4-hour drive, the landscape starts to change, and you find yourself in a stunning part of the country with interesting stops along the way,” Fora Advisor Alicia Anderson said. “One thing to note about this route is you will not find many gas stations, and cell service is spotty at best, so charge your phone and gas up your car before leaving Las Vegas.”
Santa Barbara and Channel Islands National Park, California
Santa Barbara, on California’s beautiful central coast, is about six hours from Las Vegas with normal traffic. Upscale indie boutiques, diverse restaurants and high-end brands line State Street, the small city’s hip area for shopping and people watching.
“I would recommend staying a few nights in Santa Barbara,” Fora Advisor Theresa Baumann said. “There are so many great seafood options. A few of my favorites are Oku for sushi and Santa Barbara Fish Market for some fresh oysters and uni. Also check out the Santa Barbara Public Market for an array of food options.”
The Channel Islands, just off the coast, offer a lovely pairing with Santa Barbara’s trendy urban scene. The islands are largely undeveloped and all sorts of wildlife, from seals and seabirds to a unique fox species, can be spotted.
“For the Channel Islands, be sure to prebook your ferry tickets!” Theresa said. “We spent a day on Santa Cruz Island, which had amazing hiking trails and kayaking around the caves. It's a great spot for camping if that's your thing, or head back to Santa Barbara [to stay] in one of their many hotels.”
Things to do around Las Vegas: FAQs and tips
Read on for answers to common questions about things to do around Las Vegas.
What cities are within (reasonable) driving distance of Las Vegas? What states can you drive to from Las Vegas?
Los Angeles and San Diego (five hours) make for an excellent Vegas-to-California tour. Arizona cities within driving distance of Las Vegas include Sedona, Flagstaff, Phoenix and Scottsdale — and even Tucson near the Mexican border (this trip takes roughly seven to eight hours). Reno, Nevada is about eight hours northwest of Las Vegas. St. George, Provo (five hours), Salt Lake City and Park City, in Utah, are more or less within driving distance — the latter two are between six and eight hours away depending on the route. The most determined road trippers could also travel to New Mexico, Colorado or Wyoming within 10–11 hours.
Is the drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park pretty?
Historic towns, serene deserts, exotic rock formations and surprisingly vivid landscapes do indeed make for a lovely drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park (and much of the American Southwest).
What destinations can I combine on a road trip to Las Vegas? Are there any other places near Vegas worth checking out?
Destinations in California, Nevada, Arizona and beyond are all within reach of Vegas. And yes, there are plenty more places to visit near Las Vegas by car. Connect with a Fora Advisor for ideas.
Should I be worried about fuel during road trips from Las Vegas? What about EV charging stations?
Many of the cities and towns in the American Southwest are separated by swathes of desert, mountains and canyons. You should generally be aware of potential places to refuel (and grab some food and water) on road trips from Las Vegas. That’s not to say this area is totally devoid of development — that’s hardly true — but compared to other parts of the United States, like the west and east coasts, there are fewer gas stations and EV ports. A Fora Advisor can hook you up with all the intel you need to travel safely.
More USA travel inspiration
Check out articles on more excellent destinations across the US: