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The quantity of activities near Las Vegas is so vast that we knew we had to write a guide about it. While there are lots of things to do in Las Vegas, when you venture away from the Strip, you can find even more exciting attractions.
This city is a well-liked stop on a Western Coast road trip, so you may want to rent a vehicle in Las Vegasor read our guide to hiring an RV in the United States. Of course, if you don’t want to drive, there are lots of great day excursions from Las Vegas that you can take advantage of.
That said, if you want to explore areas outside the popular regions and discover some of the best locations to visit in Las Vegas away from the Strip, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re traveling alone, with kids, or as a couple, you’ll find all sorts of activities to do near Vegas and the surrounding areas.
From day trips to the surrounding natural areas to unique attractions just outside of Sin City, you’ll find plenty of cool places to visit near Las Vegas by automobile. Keep reading to see how you can make the most of your time in Las Vegas, Nevada!
Table of Contents
1. Red Rock Canyon, a beautiful place to visit near Las Vegas
Undoubtedly, Red Rock Canyon resides as one of the top destinations near Las Vegas outside the Strip to escape the casinos and crowds for quiet time in nature when Strip entertainment grows tiring.
Exploring the outdoors is a great activity to enjoy while in Las Vegas at this natural region. As the name implies, the area contains reddish rock walls and peaks. It provides an excellent place for hiking and climbing, so I suggest the Turtlehead Peak Trail, approximately 4.5 miles long but fairly challenging, and considered one of the top hiking routes in Red Rock Canyon.
You could also hike the Calico Tanks Trail if you want something somewhat less difficult but equally scenic, or the 5-mile Ash Creek to Calico Tanks Route.
If hiking is not an activity that interests you, that does not imply you cannot gaze upon this beautifully scenic Las Vegas attraction situated away from the Strip. This canyon tour is a suitable alternative and takes visitors to the most spectacular parts of Red Rock, including the Wilson Cliffs. To learn about additional possibilities, examine our guide focusing on activities one can engage in at Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas.
2. Visit Grand Canyon, the best thing to do outside Las Vegas
The Grand Canyon is just a few hours` drive from Sin City by automobile, so visiting it is one of the top activities suggested for those near Las Vegas. It’s such a popular place that we have a separate guide full of tips for touring the Grand Canyon in a single day.
While longer exploration could prove worthwhile, with only a single day, taking a Grand Canyon helicopter tour allows experiencing the immense splendor of this locale from a bird`s eye view. It also represents one of the better things to do with family in Las Vegas outside the central area, providing an unforgettable experience through aerial views of the canyon and massive rock formations.
If you’re renting a vehicle, then the Grand Canyon is a destination you must visit near Las Vegas via automobile. However, if you don’t want to drive, there are many Grand Canyon excursions from Las Vegas. If you’re traveling with restraints, the Western Rim coach tour from Las Vegas is a wise choice, but you can inspect our guide for all the top selections.
3. Hoover Dam & Lake Mead, two must-sees in Las Vegas off the Strip
The Hoover Dam creates another intriguing road trip from Las Vegas. Also, if you’re traveling with children, it is a great family activity to do in Las Vegas away from the Strip. What better way to escape the hustle and bustle than to view this modern marvel up close?
The Dam created the largest reservoir in the country, Lake Mead, which visitors can explore on this day excursion. Moreover, the Hoover Dam is covered in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass (considered the foremost CityPass in Las Vegas), too.
Those seeking activities outside Las Vegas for a day can visit the Hoover Dam around 45 minutes from the city. Better yet, combine the dam with the Grand Canyon on this full-day tour, which includes transportation.
4. Springs Preserve, a little-known attraction in Las Vegas off the Strip
On occasion, it can pose a challenge to find suitable activities for children to engage in within Las Vegas, which is where the Springs Preserve comes into play. It provides 180 acres of sustainable gardens and walking trails, as well as museums and galleries regarding the evolution of Las Vegas and the surrounding desert terrain.
The Springs Reserve proposes an ideal activity to do in the Las Vegas vicinity because it’s not far from the casinos and hotels. At the same time, it’s a lovely natural place with plenty of engaging displays. If you’re searching for outdoor things to do in Las Vegas, but you’re worried about how young kids will hold up, check this place out!
NOTE: Don’t skip this step even if you used a tripod. Any minor vibrations between the shots, or even focus breathing could cause your images to not be aligned correctly by default.
5. Death Valley, the best place to visit outside Las Vegas
As we mention in our guide to visiting Death Valley, we carry out photography workshops in this national park on a yearly basis. Death Valley is just a couple of hours travel from Sin City by car, so it’s an incredible place to visit near Las Vegas via vehicle.
The national park is located in the Mojave Desert region of California, and if you prefer not to drive there yourself, you can join a guided excursion to Death Valley from Las Vegas. I suggest this full-day tour option. As one of the hottest places on Earth, Death Valley is a notable destination near Las Vegas away from the busy Strip. However, temperatures can reach 135 degrees Fahrenheit here, so be certain to stay close to the major areas. This is another reason why having a tour leader is a wise choice!
The lowest point of Death Valley is the Badwater Basin, which is over 280 feet under sea level. It’s also one of the greatest salt flats in the world, so I consider visiting it to be one of the coolest activities to accomplish outside Las Vegas.
6. Antelope Canyon, one of the most popular attractions near Las Vegas
One of the best locations to explore outside the busy main areas of Las Vegas is Antelope Canyon. Situated in Arizona, around 4.5 hours from the city, we think it’s one of the most special places near Las Vegas to explore. We enjoyed it such a lot that we wrote all about our knowledge exploring Antelope Canyon.
Antelope Canyon is a photographer`s dream, which is part of why we prioritized visiting it during a road trip originating from Las Vegas. The play of light on the natural rock formations and spiral arches is a sight that needs to be witnessed.
While access to Antelope Canyon is restricted to tours led by Navajo guides, hiring a guide through an outfit like this one allows visitors to experience its beauty in a respectful manner. The tour also includes nearby Horseshoe Bend, where imposing cliffs form a dramatic horseshoe shape above the river. We have written about visiting Horseshoe Bend, finding it to be an excellent scenic activity while in Las Vegas.
7. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, the best of Las Vegas’ surrounding areas
The Sloan Canyon National Conservation Areais another cool place to visit near Las Vegas by car. This historical region is full of ancient petroglyphs, including over 300 rock art panels. They’re a must-see in Las Vegas off the Strip.
As you explore this natural environment, remnants can be seen of the ancient civilization residing in the Nevada desert. Not only is it a free activity to engage in while in Las Vegas away from the Strip, but examining the petroglyphs and attempting to decipher their meanings provides enlightenment.
Hiking in Sloan Canyon is a fantastic thing to do outside Las Vegas when you become tired of the crowds. While access is restricted, there are a few trails you can explore. The best hikes near Las Vegas are the Sloan Canyon and Sloan Cyn Anthem Trails, as well as the Petroglyphs Trail and Sloan Quarry Loop.
8. Valley of Fire State Park, another cool attraction off the Las Vegas Strip
The Valley of Fire State Park is the earliest state park in Nevada and one of the top outdoor activities to engage in in Las Vegas. The area is perfect for camping and hiking, and the perspectives will leave you breathless.
Exploring the park presents a great activity to engage in away from Las Vegas for those wanting to invest additional time amid nature and soak up some peace. While trekking, keep watch for reptiles, foxes, and other little mammals, as well as the stunning scenery.
Caesars Palace already offers an impressive resort, but it takes the Roman Empire motif to the next level. There is no doubt that it’s among the top themed hotels in Las Vegas, so you must check it out!
To obtain the optimum experience at the Valley of Fire, I recommend this hiking tour with hotel retrieval. You can opt for a hiking trail suiting your physical condition, and you’ll view ancient petroglyphs, climb rock ascents, and take in the immense desert scenery.
We didn`t visit during our initial time in Las Vegas, but it is now one of my favorite activities to do in Las Vegas off the Strip and I can`t wait to return and spend some more time there.
9. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, a great place around Vegas
The city of Las Vegas may be renowned for its nightlife, however there are many activities to engage in within Las Vegas during daylight hours, such as exploring Tule Springs. This national monument is a must-see away from the Strip in Las Vegas, so if you have some extra time, I highly recommend it.
Declared a national monument in 2014 to shelter and safeguard its paleontological remnants from the Ice Age, the Tule Springs Fossil Beds allows you to see fossilized remnants of mammoths, lions, camels, horses, bison, wolves, and other ancient species. It’s a stunning place to visit away from the Strip in Las Vegas with family.
While you’re there, be certain to investigate the nearby Floyd Lamb Park, which is merely a mile from the Strip. It’s one of the quieter locations to go near Las Vegas and makes for a excellent picnic or relaxation spot. There, you can explore the walking paths and the Tule Springs Ranch, where you can discover about life in this area before Las Vegas was established.
10. See the Seven Magic Mountains, a free thing to do in Las Vegas off the Strip
Just 30 minutes from downtown,Seven Magic Mountains is a cool attraction in Las Vegas that’s off the Strip. It was created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone and is comprised of seven colorful sculptural installations in the Mojave Desert.
Seven Magic Mountains is the opposite to the artist’s other project, Human Nature, which includes natural components in an artificial environment. The totem poles extend in peak from 30 to 35 feet and weigh between 10 and 25 tons separately. They’re a must-see in Las Vegas off the Strip, particularly for the unique juxtaposition of human involvement and natural space.
If you have additional time for more experiences surrounding Las Vegas, I suggest this excursion, which unites Seven Magic Mountains with Red Rock Canyon. Of course, if you favor maintaining simplicity, the artistic installation alone provides a wonderful free activity in Las Vegas away from the strip.
11. Area 51 tour, an unusual thing to do near Las Vegas
Photographer? You can also learn how to capture images of the Milky Way in Death Valley with professional astrophotographers in our Death Valley astrophotography workshop!
The region is filled with covert spots tied to alien activity, but to view them, you need to book an excursion. I suggest this full-day tour, which takes you to the Area 51 airbase at Groom Lake, the Little A’le’ Inn, the Black Mailbox, and other UFO-connected destinations to explore near Las Vegas.
Your exploration begins at the hangars of Janet Airlines, which is believed to be where employees were covertly transported to Area 51. Throughout, you’ll gain knowledge about the secret military base of Area 51 and numerous unsolved alien tales and hypotheses. Area 51 is rumored as the site of extraterrestrial autopsies and highly progressive research and technology, so it’s an intriguing place to visit.
Whether you believe in aliens or not, this tour is fascinating and one of the most engaging attractions in Las Vegas outside of the Strip.
12. Clark County Wetlands Park, a family place to visit in Las Vegas & its surroundings
Another relaxing thing to do in Las Vegas and its surrounding areas is to walk around Clark County Wetlands Park. The entire park promotes environmental sustainability, with an educational nature center and several miles of walking trails for exploration.
Spending time in the park is a relaxing way to spend time around Las Vegas that doesn`t involve any costs. I suggest trekking along the Nature Preserve Trail to experience stunning perspectives and some peaceful moments away from the busy Strip. There are rest areas where you can pause or consume a picnic.
A condensed tour option solely takes visitors to the magnificent Rose Reading Room as well.
13. Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs, a romantic thing to do outside Las Vegas
For a romantic activity to do in Las Vegas off the Strip, take your partner to the Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs. They’re right outside historic Boulder City, about 40 minutes outside Las Vegas. This is the perfect thing to do outside Las Vegas if you’re an outdoorsy couple like us!
Accessing the Goldstrike Hot Springs involves either hiking or kayaking along a scenic route near the parking area located off Highway 93, about half a mile from the trailhead. Both trips showcase beautiful scenery and are worthwhile to visit this attractive location near Las Vegas.
While hiking the trail takes about 2 miles each way, visitors must descend a series of rope ladders to access the canyon below. Furthermore, due to extreme temperatures, public access to the area is barred between May and September.
That said, if you go at the right period and you’re up for the physical work, you’ll locate hot springs, grottos, and waterfalls. I think this is an entertaining thing to do in Las Vegas as a couple, as you can expend some alone time together surrounded by the pristine geothermal environment.
14. Nevada Southern Railroad Museum, another family thing to do off the Las Vegas Strip
A visit to the Nevada Southern Railroad Museum offers an enjoyable family excursion away from the Las Vegas Strip. Situated in Boulder City, on the rails constructed to build the Hoover Dam, the museum delivers an interesting experience for both kids and adults.
Here riders can embark on a heritage railroad, learning throughout about the dam`s history and engineering. Inside the museum, many locomotives may be viewed, or one could sample operating a train themselves.
The museum offers a fun activity for children in Las Vegas away from the Strip.
15. Zion & Bryce Canyon, the best places to visit near Las Vegas
Unhesitatingly, I would declare that Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon are two of the foremost places to visit near Las Vegas. Visitors can check out our guides on visiting Zion National Park and visiting Bryce Canyon for the best tips to plan your journey to these two national parks.
Firstly, Zion National Park is a few hours northeast of Sin City, and it’s one of my favored outdoor things to do near Las Vegas. The hiking trails will take you to some of the most spectacular views in the country, like Angels Landing or the Narrows.
Zion is situated relatively close to Bryce Canyon, one of the finest locales to explore away from the Las Vegas Strip. This area contains unique geological structures known as hoodoos that cannot be observed anywhere else. Furthermore, many hiking trails allow visitors to reach some of the most renowned formations such as Thor`s Hammer or Queen Victoria.
As these are extremely expansive regions, with limited time I suggest joining a guided trip such as this one, including transport from Las Vegas plus entrance and guiding within these two national parks.
You now possess all the data required to explore independently and inspect the best things to accomplish near Las Vegas. I hope this guide aided you in realizing that, though there are many things to accomplish in Las Vegas Strip, there exists more to Sin City than gambling and expensive hotels.
Should you have any queries regarding activities to engage in within Las Vegas and surrounding locales, feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to offer assistance. Thank you for reading, and happy exploring!
