Summer is the best time to take a road trip…or 11. From visiting the most scenic places in Nevada to crossing off some bucket list locations, what are you waiting for? Here are some of the best day trips in Nevada you can possibly take this time of year for epic fun:

1. Behold amazing rock formations at Gold Butte National Monument.
Gold Butte National Monument, Nevada, USA
John Fowler/Flickr
Only relatively recently declared a National Monument, Gold Butte, located between Las Vegas and Mesquite, is home to some of the most beautiful and unique red rock formations in the entire state.
2. Take a scenic drive to Hamilton Ghost Town.
Hamilton, NV, USA
Don Barrett/Flickr
Located near Ely, the ruins of the once prosperous town of Hamilton, Nevada rose to prominence at the height of the silver rush from 1867 to 1887. Following two fires that destroyed many of the buildings, not much remains except for building remnants and a picturesque scenic drive.
3. Visit the yummy Jacobs Family Berry Farm in Gardnerville.
1335 Centerville Ln, Gardnerville, NV 89410, USA
Jacobs Family Berry Farm/Facebook
This picturesque berry farm in Nevada located in Gardnerville just 30 minutes from Carson City and Lake Tahoe is known for its amazing blackberries and raspberries in addition to fresh, locally-sourced honey. The farm is also a popular backdrop for weddings!
4. Take a dip in the beautiful blue water at Nevada Beach on Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe, United States
Faye P./Yelp
Located on Highway 50, just two miles from the California-Nevada state line, is Nevada Beach. The pristine sand and gorgeous water of this underrated beach are surrounded by stunning views of the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains. From water sports to hiking to camping to simply lounging on the beach, Nevada Beach is the epitome of summer day trips.
5. Catch a glimpse of Native American cave art in Toquima Cave in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Toquima Caves, 39., -.7905, 1877 CA-116, Austin, NV 89310, USA
WildEarth Guardians/Flickr
This unique cave in Nevada's claim to fame is its thousands of ancient Native American pictographs and petroglyphs. A short hike from the Toquima Campground takes visitors to the cave. Finish a wonderful day trip in the nearby living ghost town of Austin.

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6. Go ghost hunting in historic Virginia City.
Virginia City, NV 89440, USA
Don Graham/Flickr
The county seat of Storey County, Virginia City, Nevada is a paranormal enthusiast's delight. Chock-full of allegedly haunted locations such as the Silver Terrace Cemetary, Washoe Club, Silver Queen Hotel and Casino, and Piper's Opera House, this is one Nevada day trip guaranteed to make your summer much more interesting. And probably give you nightmares to boot.
7. Take a scenic hike up Mount Rose in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
Mount Rose, Mt Rose, Nevada 89511, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
The fairly easy but long hike up Mount Rose offers glorious views of the nearby mountains, waterfalls, streams, wildflowers, and everything else that makes this part of the Silver State so stunning during the summer.
8. Visit Nevada's oldest town: Genoa.
Genoa, NV, USA
193 Genoa Ln, Genoa, NV 89411, USA
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
The quaint, tiny, 9.2-square mile town of Genoa is chock full of history. Originally settled by Mormons in 1861, this historic town boasts Nevada's oldest saloon, museums, a general store, antique store, cemetery, the famous Pink House restaurant, and Mormon Station Historic Monument. This is one day trip to remember!
9. Visit historic Tonopah.
Tonopah, NV 89049, USA
Curtis Gregory Perry/Flickr
Located between Las Vegas and Reno, Tonopah used to be a booming mining town. Today, tourists flock to this small town to visit its historic Mizpah Hotel, the creepy Clown Motel, Tonopah Historic Mining Park, and the Tonopah Cemetery.
10. Travel the Valley of Fire Highway though the Valley of Fire State Park.
Valley of Fire State Park, Moapa Valley, NV 89040, USA
Steve & Michelle Gerdes/Flickr
Located in Overton, the Valley of Fire State Park is the preeminent place in Nevada to see stunning red rock formations, petroglyphs, and incredibly picturesque vistas.
11. Take a refreshing dip in the First Creek waterfall-fed swimming hole.
First Creek Trailhead, NV-159, Las Vegas, NV 89161, USA
Norm K./Yelp
Located near Red Rock Natural Conservation Area just 30 miles west of Las Vegas, the First Creek Trailhead takes hikers on a flat, relatively easy 3.6-mile round trip hike to and from a refreshing waterfall-fed swimming hole surrounded by lush natural beauty.

Nevada is the perfect place for summer day trips because of its varied history, topography, and scenery. Have you taken any of these amazing summer day trips in Nevada? Did we leave your favorite off the list? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments!

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Best Day Trips in Nevada

Tori Jane | July 04, 2022

What are some fun and unique things to do around Nevada?  

Nevada is a state that’s known for one thing: Las Vegas (well, and the Vegas Strip). But little do people know, Nevada is an amazingly diverse and fascinating place with all kinds of interesting things to learn, sights to see, and natural wonders to behold, and many of those things to do in Nevada are unique to the Silver State alone. Some of our favorite unique things to do around Nevada include the legendary Hoover Dam, which offers tours and some truly amazing perspectives of our state. Then, there’s the National Atomic Testing Museum, which is a very Nevada experience that also offers tours (and truly interesting educational information about nuclear testing and science). If you enjoy museums in Nevada, be sure to also check out the National Automobile Museum.  

What are some of the best day trips near me?  

No matter what part of Nevada you’re from, you’ll find something amazing to do for a day trip. As we alluded to above, there are plenty of museums all over Nevada that are perfect for spending an entire day at. Animal lovers will enjoy a trip to the Lion Habitat Ranch, which is home to no less than 40 lions and offers tours of its sanctuary to guests. You can even book training sessions with the lions – it's an incredible experience. Anyone with even a passing interest in geology and/or mining ought to experience the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, which covers more than 100 acres and includes a bookstore at the end of all the tours, lessons, events, and more held at the park. Finally, spend a whole day wandering around the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, an incredible 14-exhibit aquarium with more than 2,000 aquatic critters to observe and learn about.  

Where are some amazing getaway spots near me?  

For the sake of this answer, we’ll avoid mentioning places on the Vegas strip (which does make for a great getaway destination, depending on what you’re looking for). Some truly amazing and totally underrated getaway spots in Nevada include the cities of Reno and Laughlin; both are a much lower-key version of all the excitement of Vegas, and those who prefer to avoid the large crowds will appreciate a visit to either. Another amazing place in Nevada is, of course, Lake Tahoe, which is more than just one of the most beautiful lakes in Nevada – it's one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. It’s excellent for getting away from it all!  

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