The 10 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Nevada
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.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1. Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161, USA
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
6. Fort Churchill State Park
Fort Churchill State Historic Park, 10000 US-95 ALT, Silver Springs, NV 89429, USA
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.
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
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.
Another well-preserved ghost town located just 25 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, 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
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!
Address: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161, USA
Address: Rhyolite, NV 89003, USA
Address: Lehman Caves, 5500 NV-488, Baker, NV 89311, USA
Address: Hoover Dam, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Address: Carson City, NV, USA
Address: Virginia City, NV 89440, USA
Address: Fort Churchill State Historic Park, 10000 US-95 ALT, Silver Springs, NV 89429, USA
Address: Pioneer Saloon, 310 NV-161, Goodsprings, NV 89019, USA
Address: Gold Point, NV 89013, USA
Address: Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Ely, NV 89315, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
day trips near me in Nevada
October 20, 2021
Sarah
What are the best day trips to take in Nevada?
If you are looking to explore more of Nevada, then you’ve come to the right place. The sky is the limit when it comes to amazing day trips in the Silver State, and these 12 destinations are a great place to start. Some of our favorite day trips on the list include: Valley of Fire State Park, a place of sublime beauty and grandeur; Black Rock Desert, a remote desert landscape most famous for the annual Burning Man Festival, that is a great place to visit year-round and includes attractions such as a strange man-made geyser and a steaming hot spring; and Lake Mead, a beautiful body of water that might not get the attention of Nevada’s glorious Lake Tahoe, but is a stunning spot to visit nonetheless.
Are there any fun roadside attractions in Nevada?
Here in Nevada, we’re no stranger to things that are strange. In fact, we revel in weirdness — and we wouldn’t have it any other way! From neon museums to bizarre roadside monuments, there’s simply no shortage of unique attractions waiting to be discovered in the Silver State. In fact, one of the strangest roadside attractions can be found way out near Hiko on the side of the Extraterrestrial Highway. The Alien Research Centersounds like it’d be a top-secret, closed-off destination, but don’t worry — it’s completely open to the public and it’s definitely worth seeing for yourself… if you’re feeling brave, that is!
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!
Address: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161, USA
Address: Rhyolite, NV 89003, USA
Address: Lehman Caves, 5500 NV-488, Baker, NV 89311, USA
Address: Hoover Dam, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Address: Carson City, NV, USA
Address: Virginia City, NV 89440, USA
Address: Fort Churchill State Historic Park, 10000 US-95 ALT, Silver Springs, NV 89429, USA
Address: Pioneer Saloon, 310 NV-161, Goodsprings, NV 89019, USA
Address: Gold Point, NV 89013, USA
Address: Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Ely, NV 89315, USA
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