Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
Nevada is a huge state, and there is a lot to explore and a lot of history in those many miles. Many of the state’s best state and national parks hold some of America’s most unique climates, containing a surprising amount of beauty in the middle of the desert. And of course, you’ll need to fuel up on an epic road trip — so why not stop in at some of Nevada’s best pizzerias? If you’re up for a multi-day adventure exploring the state’s best parks and pizzerias, this road trip in Nevada won’t be one you forget any time soon.
At 906 miles of driving, dining, and exploring, this road trip itinerary is one you’ll want to take a few days to explore. So you’ll want to find some great places to stay the night and recharge for the next day of travel. Nevada requires some long stretches of travel along the beautiful desert road, so conveniently-located Best Western hotels in Nevada are always available for you to rest your head in comfort. Ready to start exploring Nevada’s best parks and pizzerias? Let’s get on the road!
1. Smiling With Hope Pizza
Smiling with Hope Pizza, 6135 Lakeside Dr #101, Reno, NV 89509, USA
The owner of this Reno pizza joint grew up in New York City, and he brought that city's pizza all the way to Nevada. The hand-stretched dough has just the right amount of chew, the authentic pizza oven stones provide the ideal crunch, and the pepperoni even curls up to create those little cups full of delicious oil. Sometimes, the classics are still the best.
2. Lake Tahoe - Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe - Nevada State Park, NV-28, Incline Village, NV 89451, USA
Lake Tahoe is split between Nevada and California, and the Nevada side is no less beautiful while usually being far less crowded. The crystal-clear waters make for a perfect place to catch your breath and take in the crisp, clean air before getting back on the road!
This historic state park is a testament to human history rather than nature, and a lot of history has happened here. You'll find the remains of a United States Army fort, as well as markings that indicate when it was a key spot on the Pony Express and Central Overland railroad route.
You've got a long road before your next destination, so you might want to consider a stay at Best Western Topaz Lake Inn, right on the Nevada/California border.
4. Old Nevada Pizza
Old Nevada Pizza, 497 E St, Hawthorne, NV 89415, USA
Hawthorne, Nevada is in the middle of a long stretch of road between the Reno and Las Vegas metro areas, so it's no surprise that Old Nevada Pizza has become a bit of a waystation. This old-school family restaurant has an extensive menu of Italian and all-American classics, but their pizzas are hearty favorites. They're not afraid to go a little offbeat - their breakfast pizza is topped with three fresh-fried eggs and is a must-have no matter what time of day you're in Hawthorne. Make sure to get an order of their cinnamon sticks for dessert!
A natural wonder on the outskirts of Las Vegas' biggest city, this national preserve is not to be missed. The high, bright red rocks are unlike anything you've seen, and the preserve is home to local wildlife including burros and bighorn sheep. It's also a protected habitat for the desert tortoise.
This area is packed with great places to stay after your drive, so why not book a room at The Best Western Plus Casino Royale, one of Best Western's premier hotels right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.
6. Vinny's Pizzeria
Vinny's Pizzeria, 1312 Boulder City Pkwy, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
What's the best type of pizza? This question might be likely to start a heated debate, but at Vinny's Pizzeria in Boulder City, they believe pizza can bring peace. This old-school pie-slinger serves up classic pizzas, thin-crust, deep-dish, and even stuffed-crust pizzas so everyone goes home happy.
You've got a big journey ahead, so make sure to get a good night's rest at Best Western Hoover Dam Hotel, conveniently located only minutes away from your pizza dinner.
7. Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park, Moapa Valley, NV 89040, USA
The red sandstone around Nevada is probably the state's most unique geographical feature, but at Valley of Fire State Park, you'll also get to see 2000-year-old petroglyphs carved into the rocks. A museum nearby offers a fascinating look into the natural and human history of Nevada's oldest state park.
If this is where you want to stay the night without heading back to the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, you can check into Best Western Mesquite Inn, located right on the Utah border.
8. Hometown Pizza
Hometown Pizza, 2060 E Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301, USA
Your next stop takes you to the small town of Ely in the north, far away from the busy southern Nevada corridor. It's home to Hometown Pizza, an old-school family restaurant. Not only are their classic pizzas loaded with toppings - like the six-meat monster above - but the salad bar is full of sides, greens, pastas, and desserts to make sure no one goes away hungry.
9. Great Basin National Park
National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
Now head due east to your final destination - Great Basin National Park. The desert is home to a surprisingly diverse range of flora, and the massive Great Basin Bristlecone Pines that dot the landscape here are the longest-living non-clonal organisms on the entire planet! They've been waiting a very long time to provide you some shade at the conclusion of your epic pizzerias and parks road trip.
Need a final place to stay on your way home from this road trip? Depending on where you're headed, Best Western Elko Inn or Best Hi-Desert Inn make for excellent options.
Is this parks and pizzerias road trip an adventure you’re excited for? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and make sure to tell us if there are any stops along the way you’d never pass up. Don’t forget to find the closest Best Western property near you before you head out on the road!