Despite not being a top tourism destination, there is more to Las Vegas than just the casinos, resident music performance, burlesque clubs, and the famed buffet restaurants. There are several tourist destinations that are a must-see visit when you are in Sin City.
Below are the top 10 tourist spots outside of Las Vegas.
1. Joshua Tree National Park
The park is 187 miles from Las Vegas, but the 3 hour, 15 minutes drive is worth it. The park has rugged rock formations, which are great for hiking. It also features distinctive Joshua trees, hence the park name.
Due to the distance from city lights the park is also great for stargazing. The weather is arid and hot, so make sure you carry water when going to the park. Plan for an early trip to avoid crowds and to ensure you get a parking spot.
2. The Hoover Dam
This massive dam is touted as being one of the most outstanding engineering achievements in human history. It stands at 900 feet above the Colorado River and is visited by thousands of tourists daily.
The dam is only 35 miles from Las Vegas, and you can also stop at Boulder City when visiting the dam for fun activities such as zip-lining, four-wheeling, and brewery tours at Boulder Dam Brewing Company.
3. Lake Mead
The lake is located 35 miles from Las Vegas. It is an artificial lake resulting from the building of the Hoover dam. The lake is perfect for swimming, jet skiing, and general boating. You will be required to pay an entrance fee of $25 per vehicle, and the price is valid for a week. Alternatively, you can get the annual pass for $40.
4. Death Valley
Located 123 miles from Las Vegas, the Valley gets its name from its extreme heat capable of causing detrimental heat strokes. Its highest recorded temperature is 134 degrees. The ancient trails, dunes and views of the mountains are spectacular from here.
5. The Grand Canyon
While the 4-hour drive may seem like a significant inconvenience, a visit to the Grand Canyon never disappoints. It offers views that will remain a cherished memory for years. The best sceneries are on the South Rim of the canyon.
The destination is also great for hiking, donkey rides, whitewater rafting, and other outdoor activities.
6. Los Angeles
A visit to the City of Angels is an absolute must. Especially if you love to shop and are hoping to catch a glimpse of some celebrities. This star-studded city is perfect for a food tour due to the many food trucks serving incredible and diverse fare.
The 4-hour road trip also offers incredible scenery along the way, and you can also make a pit stop at the world’s largest thermometer or drive to the Pacific Ocean.
7. Palm Springs
While palm springs is famous for spa retreats, there is more to this desert oasis. It also hosts world-class golf courses, a wide array of fashion boutiques, and the Coachella valley.
The city is also a fan favorite among architectural tourists due to its exquisite mid-century building designs. Be sure to visit some of the famous restaurants and nightclubs for a fun time.
8. Phoenix, Arizona
Why not cross off two primary tour destination visits at a go? Granted, the 300-mile drive may be gruelling. Still, the road trip will allow you to visit major historic sites and museums along the way, such as the Route 66 Museum, the Kingman Railroad Museum, and the Locomotive Park.
9. Zion National Park
Zion Park is a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas. Located on I-15, it is a great side trip if you wish to visit other popular spots such as the Grand Canyon or the Valley of Fire State Park along the way. The park has fantastic rock formations perfect for hiking. The entrance fee for the park is $25.00 for a 7-day pass.
10. Lake Havasu
This lake is 153 miles from Las Vegas along the California/Arizona border. The lake was formed as a water reservoir resulting from a dam on the Colorado River. It has artificial beaches perfect for lounging while enjoying the surrounding mountain views.
Additionally, you might want to visit the London bridge recreation area which was relocated to Lake Havasu in the late 1960s. The bridge links Lake Havasu City to an island.
The Key to Enjoying Your Las Vegas Side Trips
If you are planning to use a rented car, get an SUV to have space for outdoor gear. It would help if you also considered renting a car with ice-cold air conditioning to keep cool during the long drives.
Be sure to pack a hat and slather a thick layer of sunblock when visiting the locations, as most of them are predominantly hot. Lastly, always pack a lot of water to stay hydrated in the blistering heat.
