Discover Exciting Day Trips from Las Vegas with iBestTravel
In a city filled with glamour and excitement, it’s easy for visitors to fall into the typical tourist routine. The well-known mantra of Sin City often includes gambling, attending shows, enjoying drinks, and repeating this cycle until it’s time to catch a flight home. Many tourists focus solely on the Strip or Downtown, but they’re missing incredible historical, geographical, and cultural attractions located just a short drive away.
Why Explore Beyond Las Vegas?
By renting a car, visitors can easily access stunning locations such as Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park, both of which are merely a 45-minute drive from the Strip. These areas provide breathtaking landscapes, with orange rock formations just waiting to be explored through hiking and sightseeing.
The Roadways: Your Gateway to Adventure
Las Vegas boasts a network of well-maintained roadways, primarily consisting of Interstate 15, Clark County Route 215, and US Route 95. Therefore, navigating to nearby attractions is straightforward, making it convenient for anyone looking to explore the surrounding beauty.
Top Day Trips from Las Vegas
1. Grand Canyon West
Best road trip to do via bus
Las Vegas – Grand Canyon West Skywalk; 125 miles (201km); allow one long day
Grand Canyon West is within a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Las Vegas. Operators provide full-day tours, which typically include early morning pick-ups and three hours of free time at the canyon. The highlight is the glass-bottomed Skywalk, where you can step out into the air above the canyon.
2. Boulder City
Best road trip for history lovers
Las Vegas – Boulder City; 26 miles (42km); allow one day
Just a 30-minute drive from Las Vegas, Boulder City has a charming, historical appeal with over 500 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This city was founded during the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, and the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum provides fascinating insights into its history.
3. Laughlin
Best road trip for a river reprieve
Las Vegas – Laughlin; 97 miles (156km); allow one day
Located at the southern tip of Nevada along the Colorado River, Laughlin offers a unique atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy various water sports, including kayaking and Jet Ski rentals, making it a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Reno
Best road trip for seeing another side of the Silver State
Las Vegas – Reno; 438 miles (705km); allow 4–5 days
Reno, known as the “Biggest Little City in the World,” boasts a vibrant arts scene and a wide array of craft breweries. The drive presents an opportunity to explore haunted historical sites, including the Goldfield Hotel, along the way.
5. Zion National Park
Best road trip for outdoors enthusiasts
Las Vegas – Springdale, Utah; 159 miles (256km); allow 4–5 days
Located just a two-hour drive from Las Vegas, Zion National Park is an outdoor paradise. The scenic route includes a stop at Valley of Fire State Park, renowned for its vibrant sandstone formations. Additionally, Springdale offers charming shops and dining options for visitors arriving at the park.
Exploring beyond Las Vegas not only expands your understanding of the region’s natural beauty but also grants you access to many adventures from national parks to historical sites. Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast, a history lover, or simply seeking new experiences, there’s something for everyone within reach of iBestTravel.
