Visiting Las Vegas and looking for things to do nearby? Here are some popular day trips.
Red Rock Canyon: One of the most beautiful areas in Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is home to a 13 mile scenic byway drive through blazing red canyons only 19 miles west of town. There are plenty of places to pull off and take pictures, or even take a hike through the Las Vegas Valley.
Bonnie Springs Ranch: Nearly 20 miles west of Las Vegas near Red Rock Canyon lies Bonnie Spring Ranch. Originally built in the 1840’s, it operated for decades as a working cattle ranch and watering hole. Nearby, visit Old Nevada, where visitors can get a taste of what life was lie in the 1880’s. Children will love the jaw-dropping gun fight reenactments, along with the petting zoo and mini-train ride.
Lake Mead: With more than 550 miles of shoreline, Lake Mead is packed with year-round activities for the whole family. One of the largest manmade lakes in the United States, it’s located just 27 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Visitors will enjoy multiday houseboat rentals, Jet ski adventures and water sports such as fishing, boating, kayaking and waterskiing. Also available are guided scuba diving tours in and around the Overton B-29 sight, where divers can explore the underwater wreckage of a World War II-era B-29 bomber.
Hoover Dam: The Hover Dam is so vast that its masonry contents hold more than that of the Pyramid of Giza. These and many other fascinating facts are available during regular Hoover Dam Discovery tours that explore the center and top of the dam. Catching a tour is never a problem with guides available every 15 minutes. No time for a guided tour? Check out the visitors center where you can learn all about the history of this manmade wonder through fascinating exhibits. Visitors yearning for some adventure can paddle or raft in kayaks, canoes and personal rafts down the Colorado River by putting in at the launch site below the dam.
Grand Canyon: See the Grand Canyon by bus, airplane or helicopter tour.
White Water Rafting: Rafting the Colorado River is one of the top adventures in the U.S. Experience the thrill and fun of class 3 to 6 rapids. Note: you have to wake up early (pick up is around 4 a.m.,) and then you don’t get back to the city until around 7 p.m.
