5 things to do outside Las Vegas
Las Vegas is famous for its casinos, entertainment, and nightlife, but there are so many interesting things to see and do just outside of the city. From gun ranges to wildlife, the area surrounding Las Vegas is teeming with exciting attractions. If you are traveling to the area, here are five things to do outside Las Vegas you don’t want to miss out on.
Visit a Gun Range
There are several gun ranges outside of Las Vegas where you can practice your shooting skills. Shooting guns has numerous benefits, and it’s a fun activity to incorporate into your vacation itinerary. It can make you mentally and physically stronger, and some people find shooting incredibly relaxing. If you are looking for a rush of adrenaline that doesn’t require gambling at a casino, be sure to check out one of the gun ranges outside of Las Vegas.
Take a Tour of Hoover Dam
Located on the border of Arizona and Nevada, the Hoover Dam sits in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. The dam was built in the early 1900s in order to prevent flooding and harness the hydroelectric power of the river. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction located about forty miles outside of Las Vegas. Over a million people visit Hoover Dam each year, and it is a truly magnificent sight to behold. You can take a guided tour of the dam offered by the Bureau of Reclamation. Hoover Dam is an important part of history, and it is a must-see attraction if you are heading to Las Vegas.
Explore the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
If you are getting tired of the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, you can take a day trip to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The park is only a half hour drive from the city, and you’ll be able to experience the wildlife of the Mojave Desert. The geological features of Red Rock Canyon are the main attraction, so be sure to bring a camera along to capture the park’s beauty. Red Rock Canyon offers plenty of beautiful hiking trails, and camping is available if you want to spend a few days surrounded by Nevada’s natural beauty.
Experience Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas is a luxury riverside resort located in Henderson, Nevada. Here you’ll find the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort, the Aston MonteLago Village Resort, and the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort centered around the manmade lake. Lake Las Vegas also features the Lake Las Vegas Event Center, formally the Casino MonteLago. At the event center, visitors can enjoy exciting exhibits and entertainment. You can also enjoy golfing, hiking, boating, and fine dining while you’re in Lake Las Vegas. This area offers some of the best things to do outside Las Vegas.
Check Out the Valley of Fire State Park
The Valley of Fire State Park is a bit of a hike from Las Vegas, but if you don’t mind making the hour drive, it’s an excellent place to spend the day away from the city and one of the best things to do outside Las Vegas. Petroglyphs carved into red rock make this park a beautiful place to go hiking, camping, or picnicking. The park was founded in 1935 and is a product of the Jurassic period. Many tourists agree that the Valley of Fire State Park is one of the best places to camp, so don’t be afraid to sneak away from the city from a few days to experience the stunning beauty of Nevada’s wilderness.