When people think of Nevada, the first few things that probably come to mind are probably neon lights, nightlife, and gaming. But there’s more to “The Silver State” than just being the home of Sin City. Nevada is famous for its beautiful desert landscapes, Wild West history, and luxurious casinos.
Every year, millions of people flock to the Silver State to discover another adventure. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, more than 32.2 million people visited Las Vegas alone in 2021, and that's without factoring in the other tourist spots across the state. Whether it’s for relaxing in a casino, hiking in the desert, or exploring its history – there’s something for everyone!
Here are five fascinating places to visit in Nevada.
1. Bellagio Hotel and Casino
There are many casinos in Vegas, but none of them compare to the Bellagio. Located on the Las Vegas Strip, the Bellagio is a beautiful resort, luxury hotel, and vibrant casino that’s guaranteed to amaze anyone. It’s been featured in movies like Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean's Thirteen – two of the greatest casino films ever made! For poker enthusiasts, the Bellagio also has a famous poker room as it’s one of the stops of the prestigious World Poker Tour. After playing a few poker hands, take a stroll around the iconic Fountains of Bellagio and enjoy the show as the water fountains dance to music.
2. Red Rock Canyon
Just outside of Sin City is another great attraction, the Red Rock Canyon reserve. It’s rated as one of the top things to do in Las Vegas that doesn’t involve poker, roulette, and bright lights, mainly because it’s naturally beautiful and serene. Red Rock Canyon is a conservation area, so you’ll find gorgeous hiking trails and dramatic canyons to explore. If you’d like to enjoy a meal out in nature, there are picnic areas, too! If you want to enjoy the scenery while relaxing in a car, there’s a 13-mile scenic drive that cars can pass through.
3. Fremont Street Experience
The Fremont Street Experience, also known as the “old Strip,” is one of the secret places in Vegas that locals flock to. Located in the downtown area, Fremont is like a little neighborhood filled with little shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Every night, there are free live music performances from bands, and people dance on the street casually as if no one is watching. People often come to the Fremont Street Experience to see its signature attraction – the Viva Vision Light Show, which is an amazing digital display on a gigantic LED screen.
4. Death Valley National Park
If you’re wondering about its name, it’s called the Death Valley National Park because the highest temperature ever recorded anywhere in the world – a scorching 134 degrees Fahrenheit in July 1936 – was measured here! While this may sound intimidating, Death Valley is a place that is rich in beauty with deep canyons, sand dunes, and desert peaks – a hiker’s paradise! If it sounds too hot, you can also drive around and safely tour many of the sites from your air-conditioned vehicle.
5. Virginia City
In Nevada, you can get in touch with some history and visit a famous Wild West town like Virginia City. Back in the 1860s, Virginia City was a booming town thanks to the Comstock Lode, the first major silver deposit found in the U.S. People from faraway places came with the hopes of striking it rich. By 1878, the boom was over, the mines were empty, and people left town. Today, Virginia City is preserved, and tourists can visit places like the Way It Was Museum or tour the Chollar and Best & Belcher mines for a fun historical romp. To feel like a cowboy or cowgirl, you could visit the Ponderosa Saloon and have a drink at the bar, and maybe even play a few rounds of poker to complete your historic adventure.
Every state in the U.S. is beautiful, especially Nevada. Visit these places on your next trip, and experience the full beauty of what the Silver State has to offer. We hope these suggestions will help you, and for more articles like this one, please check out our past article, "7 Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling with Friends".
Also, don't forget to check out our MiTravel Planning Board to begin planning your next Nevada trip. Happy planning!
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