Have you ever had one of those days with absolutely nothing to do? Of course, you have; we all have. Before you ask Siri, “What are some day trips near me in Nevada?” — read on! Nevada is chock-full of fun-filled and interesting day trips for any type of occasion. From exploring beautiful scenery to learning about Nevada’s history to hunting for ghosts, here are 10 options for enjoyable, historical, and amazing day trips in Nevada.

1. Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Mountain Springs, NV 89161, USA
Joel/Flickr
A short 17-mile drive from the Las Vegas strip, Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is one of the most beautiful places in the entire state. Visitors can take the 13-mile scenic loop through the park or enjoy other activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, picnicking, nature study, bird watching, and horseback riding. For more information please call (702) 515-5367.
2. Virginia City
Virginia City, NV 89440, USA
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
Virginia City, Nevada, is chock full of day-trip-worthy activities such as visiting the old mining district, learning about the city's haunted history, visiting the Mark Twain Museum, Piper's Opera House, Western Historic Radio Museum, Comstock Gold Mill, Yellow Jacket Mine, and other haunted sites such as the Silver Terrace Cemetery, Gold Hill Hotel, Fourth Ward School, Silver Queen Hotel, Mackay Mansion, and Washoe Club. There are also several fun and delicious saloons and restaurants to make this popular day trip a winning outing. For more information, please contact the Virginia City Visitor Center at (775) 847-7500.
3. Hoover Dam/Lake Mead
Hoover Dam, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Andy Morales/Flickr
A great day trip from Las Vegas, guests can enjoy a historical and informative tour of Hoover Dam and then bask in the fun and sun of Lake Mead. This 16th-largest man-made lake in the world has numerous activities such as boating, water-skiing, picnicking, sunbathing on the miles of beaches, animal and bird watching, and nature study. For longer than a day, guests can also camp in the area or rent a houseboat. Looking for a bucket-list-worthy adventure? Check out this cruise around the Hoover Dam!
4. Rhyolite
Rhyolite, NV 89003, USA
Craig Wyzik/Flickr
One of the most photographed ghost towns in the western U.S. and the site of many movies, Rhyolite is located just four miles from Beatty off State Highway 374 near Death Valley. Once a booming gold rush town of over 10,000 people, Rhyolite fell into ruin and disrepair almost as quickly as it rose. A true ghost town, there are many areas to explore like the famous bottle house, the remains of the Cook Bank building, and Goldwell Open Air Museum.
5. Carson City
Carson City, NV, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Located about 30 miles from Reno, Carson City (Nevada's state capital) offers a wonderful day trip through the state's history. Visitors can take the Kit Carson Trail, a 2.5-mile walking tour throughout Carson City's historic district and see such sights as the state capitol building, Nevada State Museum, Nevada Railroad Museum, and governor/lieutenant governor houses. For more information, please contact the Carson City Visitors Bureau at (775) 687-7410.

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6. Fort Churchill State Park
Fort Churchill State Historic Park, 10000 US-95 ALT, Silver Springs, NV 89429, USA
David~O/Flickr
Located in Silver Springs, Nevada, Fort Churchill was built in 1861 as protection for early settlers and to guard Pony Express mail runs. Today, the ruins are preserved in a state of arrested decay in the Fort Churchill Historic Park. Visitors can explore the ruins along designated trails as well as enjoy hiking, bird-watching, canoeing along the Carson River, horseback riding, and checking out the renovated Buckland Station. For more information, please call (775) 577-2345.
7. Lehman Caves/Great Basin National Park
Lehman Caves, 5500 NV-488, Baker, NV 89311, USA
leiris202/Flickr
Part of Great Basin National Park near Ely, Lehman Caves are beautiful marble caves that are ornately decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, flowstone, popcorn, and over 300 other rare shield formations. Various guided tours are available where visitors can learn about the caves' ecology, geology, and history. For more information about the caves, please call (775) 234-7517. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the awe-inspiring beauty of Great Basin National Park. For operating hours and various activities and attractions inside the park, please call (775) 234-7331.
8. Goodsprings/Pioneer Saloon
Pioneer Saloon, 310 NV-161, Goodsprings, NV 89019, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Located a mere 25 miles from Las Vegas, Goodsprings was once a bustling gold town and is now one of the most popular day trips in the area. In a state that's known for its ghost towns, this one stands out as one of the best to visit! The popular and historic Pioneer Saloon is the last remaining bar in Goodsprings from the gold rush era. Constructed in 1913, the Pioneer Saloon transports visitors back in time and allows history buffs the opportunity to examine historical memorabilia, dine on great food and drinks, and explore the neighboring Goodsprings General Store for unique souvenirs. For more information, please call the Pioneer Saloon at (702) 874-9362.
9. Gold Point
Gold Point, NV 89013, USA
Don Barrett/Flickr
Another well-preserved, Gold Point was once a hustling and bustling mining town. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved town, talk to one of about a dozen residents who still live here and who love to share their town's history, dine at the Gold Point Nevada Saloon, visit historic mining sites, and even catch historic reenactments by the High Desert Drifters Western Historical Society. For more information, please call (775) 482-4653.
10. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Ely, NV 89315, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Located near Ely, the Ward Charcoal Ovens are six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens used from 1876 through 1879 to help process the silver ore found in the area. Following the mining boon, the ovens were used as a shelter for travelers and even as a stagecoach bandit hideout. The ovens are open for touring and provide an amazing glimpse into Nevada history. Other area activities include hiking, photography, bird and animal watching, picnicking, and mountain biking. For more information, please call (775) 289-1693.

As the list above suggests, Nevada is far more than gambling and deserts. Instead, it is a state rife with natural beauty and impressive history. Several locations provide wonderful day trips for a fun-filled family outing. How many of these day trips in Nevada have you taken? What’s your favorite place to visit in the Silver State? Let us know in the comments below!

Still wondering about great “day trips near me in Nevada?” Check out this amazing, multi-stop day trip that leads to several must-visit spots in the Silver State!

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day trips near me in Nevada

Sarah | October 20, 2021

What are the best day trips to take in Nevada?

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What are some must-visit places in Nevada?

Instead of playing favorites, we are going to direct you to this epic list of bucket-list-worthy road trips, each of which explores some of the top must-visit places in Nevada! From lonely ghost towns to natural wonders -- and everything in between -- you will most surely discover some new favorite places in Nevada during these excursions!

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