15 best day trips from las vegas

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15 best day trips from las vegas – a local’s guide.

Okay, so there’s technically a lot of places under a 24 hour drive, but this list will summarize all the best day trips from Las Vegas that are feasible to do within 1 day! AKA less than 5 hours of driving… because NOBODY  wants to drive more than 5 hours + sight-seeing in a day. Am I right?!

Being a Las Vegas local (who is rarely born AND raised) , I have done many of these day trips several times! I will honestly tell you if I feel they are worth the long drive or not!

Pssst… Before you plan your trip to Las Vegas, I found a few resources I think you’ll love:

• Vegas Packing List – For Ladies!
• BEST Instagram Spots in Las Vegas
• Best Things to do in Vegas Besides Gambling!
• 10 BIG Mistakes to Avoid in Las Vegas!
• Best Bars in Downtown Las Vegas
• 40 FREE Things to do in Las Vegas
• Girls Guide to Las Vegas
• How to spend your 21st Birthday in Las Vegas
• 3 Days in Las Vegas Itinerary!

There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links . I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you), that goes directly towards little Rosie’s dog treats!

What to Pack for a Road Trip

Before we dive into the guide, I always like to recommend a few “must-have’s” for the specific itinerary. I have done SO many road trips (exhibit A , B & C ), that I am confident you will regret not bringing these goodies!

1. Good pair of Sunglasses 

Getting a good pair of sunglasses is such a priority for a long road trip! If you are driving, you are constantly glaring at the road and the sun beating off your dashboard. Finding a pair of polarized sunglasses is crucial for any road trip! Click here for a really cute pair !

2. GPS for when you don’t have service

I don’t think you always need a GPS, especially when you have an I-Phone with reliable maps, but in certain areas you loose all your service. For example, Valley of Fire State Park (mentioned in this guide), you loose service before you even enter the park! If you are trying to find an exact locations or hiking spot, you may want something that is more reliable than an I-Phone. Click here for an affordable GPS !

3. USA National Park Booklet

This is such a fun thing to read during the road trip or on the plane ride to your destination. I feel like this gets you in the traveling mood and sparks a lot of inspiration. Click here to check it out !

4. Hand Sanitizer 

Okay, I know this sounds weird to think of but I truly feel like this is a must-have on a road trip. Doesn’t it make you cringe thinking about all the gas station and national park bathrooms you’ll be going in?! YUCK..

Best Day Trips From Las Vegas

1. antelope canyon / horseshoe bend (4.5 hours).

The longest drive on this list, but by far the best day trip from Las Vegas. Antelope canyon and Horseshoe bend are within minutes of each other so you get the chance to see two world wonders in one trip. I did an entire 3 day itinerary on this trip , but you can easily do it in one day if you go with someone else.

After hiking and a long drive, you’ll want to make sure you either stay the night or have the opportunity to switch off driving with someone else.

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon that is broken up into two sections, “Lower Antelope Canyon” and “Upper Antelope Canyon.” Creative right?  This is by far the most photographed canyon in the southwest due to its smooth, flowing, sandstone walls. If you plan to make a weekend out of this, check out my guide on Kayaking to Antelope Canyon!

Horseshoe bend is a portion of the Grand Canyon where the river carves the canyon into the shape of, you guessed it, a horseshoe ! Stay to watch the breathtaking sunset, grab some dinner at the few restaurants in Page , and have plenty of time to drive back to Las Vegas.

Antelope Canyon

Horseshoe Bend

2. Grand Canyon (2 hours)

You have a few options here: The Grand Canyon is a HUGE stretch that is nearly 2,000 miles long. There are several different lookout points that people refer to them as “rims.”

The closest rim to Las Vegas is the West rim, which is only a short 2 hour drive, making this easy & one of the most popular day trips from Vegas! This rim is known to be the least impressive (if you’ve never seen the Grand Canyon before, it is still absolutely incredible). Because it’s the closest to Las Vegas, it’s the most touristy rim because there are tour buses, helicopter tours and plane tours shuffling people in every hour! If you prefer to do a tour, Viator has great options that give you the option to bundle with other Las Vegas attractions. You can find those here .

If you chose to go to the other rims, It is 5+ hours each way making it a brutal day trip. You’ll definitely want to make a weekend out of it if you choose to see the other rims. Hotels can be costly and you will need to plan far in advance because there are not many!

I visited the West Rim during sunset and it was truly magical. I’ve never seen the other rims to compare it to, but I can’t ever imagine myself saying the West Rim wouldn’t be worth the drive. 

It costs $45.00 to enter the Hualapai Land. When you get there, you’ll get on a shuttle and they will take you to 2 different lookout points. If you aren’t afraid to drive at night, I would HIGHLY recommend going for sunset!

3. Hoover Dam (45 minutes)

If you are going to the Grand Canyon, this is on the way! The Hoover Dam is only a short 45 minutes away from the city. You can either do the free bridge lookout, or you can drive into the museum and do a tour.

The Hoover Dam is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world and has a lot of history to it. If you’re a history buff, then I would definitely opt in for the tour . Otherwise, the bridge lookout is impressive, free and quick!

To get to the free bridge lookout, look for the signs that say Hoover Dam Access Road. Take the exit for the Hoover Dam and go through the security check point. You should reach the parking lot soon after that and it will be on the right hand side.

4. Lake Mead (45 minutes)

If you’re making your way down the Hoover Dam, you will also see Lake Mead. Being one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, there is so much to do! You can rent boats, go on a dinner cruise , paddle board, check out some of the many beaches, jet ski, or do a kayaking tour to the hot springs along the lake!

I would recommend going in the summer, because the winter can get very cold. And if you’re in Las Vegas during the summer, you will definitely want to incorporate some water-filled activities!

Recommended Read: Things to do in Vegas besides gamble!

5. Valley of Fire (1 hour)

Valley of fire is a unique hiking experience that should NOT be done in the summer. Temperatures reach well over 100 degrees and there is minimal shade.  Being only an hour away from the city, you can see the beautiful red-rock formations. Think Red Rock Canyon’s big sister!

The most recommended and picturesque hike for Valley of Fire is the fire wave hike . You have likely heard of The Wave in Arizona that is extremely popular and has a very strict permit program (only 20 per day). This hike looks very similar, but you don’t need a permit to access it! If you want more ideas for scenic hikes, be sure to check out this guide on everything you need to know about Valley of Fire!

This was recommended on my girls guide to Las Vegas and my personal favorite day trip from Vegas! 🙂

Hey, like this photo!? It was edited in ONE CLICK using my “Earthy Preset Pack!”

6. Mount Charleston (1 hour)

Mount Charleston is a short 45 minutes away from Las Vegas and will give you cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery! If you are sick of the desert and want some greenery in your life, head up to Mt. Charleston for one of their endless hiking trails.

The most popular hike is Mary Jane Falls , which I have done this a few times and it is free, not too challenging, very easy to follow and ends with an amazing view!

If you are in Las Vegas during the winter months, you can head up to our ski resort, Lee Canyon , for snowboarding or skiing!

7. Zion National Park (2 hours and 30 minutes)

More hiking?! Yes, hopefully you can tell by now I like to hike! Zion is a little further for a hiking trip, 2.5 hours each way. But I can promise you it’s worth it!

The most famous hike in Zion is The Narrows  where you walk through a large, red canyon along a stream. This is perfect for the summer because even though it’s hot outside, the canyon provides a lot of shade and you are constantly wet with you feet in the river.

If you like to camp, there are endless camp sites either along the river or along other hiking paths. I’ve never camped there, because… I’m more of what you call a glamper. BUT I’ve heard great things about the camp sites there.

Click here to read my One Day Zion Itinerary, Perfect for First Timers!

This was recommended on my Utah National Parks Road Trip from Las Vegas Itinerary ! 🙂

8. Badwater Salt Flats (2 hours)

Located just 2 1/2 hours from Las Vegas, you can head over to Death Valley National Park . This is also not a good place to go in the summer, they do call it Death Valley for a reason!

Death Valley National Park has had a record high of 134 degrees and has the lowest elevation on the continent .

You could easily spend an entire weekend exploring Death Valley for all its unique viewpoints and hiking trails. While you are there, be sure to check out Zabriskie Point , Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Artist’s Palette . These spots PLUS SOME are included on my detailed guide: One Day in Death Valley!

Like how I edited this photo!? Click here to learn how to edit like me!

9. Area 51 (2 hours and 30 minutes)

For all you science fiction fans out there, you can check out Area 51 located in Lincoln County. Even though it has only been confirmed as a testing facility for air crafts and weapons, many people believe it ‘s a facility to study Extraterrestrial life (AKA Aliens).

To (kind of) access this, you will need to take Extraterrestrial highway. You can visit all of the neighboring towns, like Rachel , and see the quirky Alien decorated cafes. From there, you can drive all the way up to the military base gates.

Keep in mind, this is a top-secret, military facility. Be respectful and do not try to break in by any means .

10. Lake Havasu (2.5 Hours)

I’ve only been to Lake Havasu for College Spring Break, which I’m sure it’s just a tad different on a normal day, ha. During spring break, there were booze cruises full of drunk college kids and beach parties surrounding the entire lake, gooood times…

Anyways.. Lake Havasu is located in Arizona and is only a short 2 1/2 hour drive from Las Vegas. It’s filled with warm beaches, fun parties, tons of boats, water sports and several golf courses along the lake.

Just a few minute drive from the Lake, is a small city that has restaurants and shops. This is a fun day trip or even over night trip from Las Vegas because Lake Mead, is well… not the prettiest lake in the world. You can rent a boat, have a picnic out on the lake, sign up for some water sports and head back at a reasonable time.

11. Los Angeles & Hollywood (4 hours)

So this is pushing it a bit because driving 4 hours one way is a far drive! However, a lot of people travel from Europe wanting to see two famous cities in one trip so I thought I would include this one. Even though the drive is long in comparison to the other ones on this list, the “City of Angels” is an absolute must see.

Hollywood is a neighborhood within the large city of Los Angeles, California. Here you can walk on the same streets as some of the most famous people in the world! You can take a picture on the walk of fame with your favorite stars and visit historic music venues and theaters.

Once you venture out beyond Hollywood, you will find gorgeous beaches, perfect weather, celebrity spottings, amusement parks, great nightlife, history + more!

12. Pahrump Wine Tasting (1 hour)

Pahrump is a very small town located just 45 minutes from Las Vegas. They have a handful of family owned wineries with so much charm! If you’re going to go wine tasting, please make sure you don’t drink and drive. Get some food and go shopping for a few hours before driving back or there are plenty of tours that will take you there and back!

The best part about tasting wine in Pahrump is that both wineries are completely FREE. They will give you a free tour throughout their small properties and give you a free tasting! The two wineries are Pahrump Valley Winery and Sanders Family Winery . There is a third one in town as well (not free, but only $5) called Artesian Cellars !

Like this idea? This was mentioned on my Romantic Things to do in Vegas for Couples guide!

13. Brian Head (3 hours)

Brian head is a really great ski resort located in southern Utah, only 3 hours from Las Vegas. I have done day trips to go snowboarding up in Brian Head on countless occasions and the drive is very scenic. If you wake up early (like 5am), you can get to Brian Head by 8am and have a full day of snowboarding before having to drive back home.

TIP: If you stay the night, get a ski in/ ski out cabin and bring your dogs! Once the lifts close you can let your dogs run free on the slopes. SO. FREAKING. CUTE!

14. Sand Hollow Lake, St. George Utah (2 hours)

San Hollow is about 20 minutes outside of the town of St. George , which is located only 2 hours from Las Vegas. Not only is the drive reasonable, but it’s a beautiful drive! If you plan to head out to St. George, I would pair it with Valley of Fire (#4), because it is on the way.

When I think of Sand Hollow I think of red sandstone cliffs, sand dunes surrounding the lake, a long stretch of vibrant red sand, and tons of water sport rentals! My girlfriends and I have driven out for the day and brought wireless speakers, beer pong tables, a few cute floats , and a cooler to party on their beach.

I have also gone out with friends on Memorial Day weekend to rent a pontoon boat and it was SO much fun!

TIP: If you want to spend some time off the strip, but don’t want to drive hours away, check out this guide on best things to do off the strip!

15. Bryce Canyon (4 hours)

Bryce Canyon , located just 4 hours northeast of Las Vegas, is known for crimson-colored hoodoos. What are hoodoos you may ask? They are spire-shaped rock formations ranging in colors of deep red to gold.  The park’s main road leads past the expansive Bryce Amphitheater, which will give you one of the best desert views in the world.

Many people travel to Bryce Canyon for its desert wild life. If you keep on the lookout, you can try to spot snakes, deer, antelope, lizards, eagles, coyotes and even mountain lions!

TIP: If you plan to travel to Bryce Canyon, don’t miss my all time favorite hike, Navajo Loop Trail !

Click here to edit like I do using my one-click filters!

That’s a wrap! These are all my favorite places to travel to that aren’t too far from Las Vegas! It’s nice to have a little get-a-way without missing too much work. 

If you want to save this list of best day trips from Las Vegas, I can email you a map! Just fill out your info using the form below. 🙂

Want more guides on Las Vegas? Don’t forget to read these:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

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15 Best Las Vegas Tours and Day Trips from Las Vegas

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Nevada | Vegas | 15 Best Las Vegas Tours and Day Trips from Las Vegas

There are so many awesome day trips from Las Vegas , so if you’re staying in this city, be sure to check out the surrounding areas. While there are lots of   things to do in Las Vegas , there are also some  Las Vegas excursions  you shouldn’t miss.

The city is famous for gambling, but there are plenty of  things to do outside Las Vegas if you want to experience part of the desert that surrounds the City of Lights. Renting a car in Las Vegas is the easiest way to explore the nearby sites. However, don’t worry if you don’t want to drive, because there are many great Las Vegas tours .

You just have to find a beautiful hotel to stay in Las Vegas , and then take a different day trip each day to get the full experience. I can help you out with my top day tours from Las Vegas .

7 Best Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas, Nevada

The Best One-Day Tour from Las Vegas to Hollywood

The Best Area 51 Tour from Las Vegas, Nevada

The Best Valley of Fire Tour from Las Vegas

5 Best Tours to Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas

6 Best Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas in 2024

5 Best Tours to Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas

The Best Tour to Death Valley from Las Vegas

5 Best Tours to Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas

Best tours and one-day trips from las vegas.

Choosing between all the  day trips from Las Vegas  can be difficult, but I hope my recommendations can help you out. No matter your budget or interests, I know there is a tour that will appeal to you!

To sum up, these are the 15 best excursions from Las Vegas:

• Las Vegas Night Tour
• Grand Canyon
• Antelope Canyon
• Downtown Walking Tours
• Death Valley
• Valley of Fire
• Zion & Bryce Canyon
• Red Rock Canyon
• Black Canyon
• The Strip from the Air
• Hollywood & Los Angeles
• El Dorado Canyon
• Monument Valley & nearby wonders

1. The Strip at Night, one of the top Las Vegas bus tours

The best way to get acquainted with Sin City is by taking a  Las Vegas night tour .  This tour   will take you to see the lights of downtown Vegas and the famous Strip. Pass by the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Mirage volcano, Bellagio Fountains, and more. This  cheap Las Vegas tour  also includes a walk through the Fremont Street entertainment district to see the Viva Vision light show, one of the coolest things to do on the Las Vegas Strip .

1. The Strip at Night, one of the best Las Vegas bus tours

• Highlights:  Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Mirage volcano, Bellagio Fountain, Fremont Street walking tour
• Duration:  3 hours
• Price:  $50
• Description:  Hop on an open-top bus and ride along the Vegas Strip at night, passing some of the most iconic landmarks and stopping to see the light show at Fremont Street.

2. Grand Canyon Voyager, best day trips from Las Vegas

Grand Canyon is only a couple of hours from the city, so it’s no wonder why it is one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas. There are so many options to choose from, so we’ve hand-picked the 6 best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas to help you find the one that fits your interests and budget.

Some even cost less than a hundred bucks, so this is a must-take Vegas tour for everyone spending some time (or even a layover) in Vegas.

2. Grand Canyon Voyager, one of the best day trips from Las Vegas

If you want to go big, I suggest checking out the Grand Canyon Voyager . This is not only one of the best Grand Canyon helicopter tours ; It also includes a below-the-rim landing and a scenic boat ride on the Colorado River. Besides, it will give you some time to explore the most popular lookouts on the West Rim, like Guano Point and Eagle Point.

And if you want to have the full experience, upgrade to add access to the famous Skywalk bridge.

In case you prefer to drive there, check our guide on road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon .

• Highlights:  Hotel pick-up/drop-off, Grand Canyon West Rim, below-the-rim landing, Colorado River cruise, Guano Point, Eagle Point
• Duration:  7 hours (70-minute flight)
• Price:  $500+
• Description:  Board a flight to the West Rim and land on the canyon floor. From there, take a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River, then fly back to Guano and Eagle Points.

3. Hoover Dam, one of the top Las Vegas excursions

Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas   are another popular option, and this amazing feat of human engineering is incredible in person.  This 3-hour tour  takes you to the  Hoover Dam  via historic Boulder City.

You’ll walk along the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge and get sweeping views of the dam, the Colorado River, and  Lake Mead , the country’s largest reservoir. This  Las Vegas bus tour  ends with a visit to Hemenway Park, where local bighorn sheep like to graze. You’ll get back to the city in time for other fun things to do in Las Vegas during the day .

• Highlights:  Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Boulder City, Hemenway Park
• Price:  $65
• Description:  Get picked up from Las Vegas and take a comfortable bus through Boulder City to the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, the perfect lookout for viewing the dam and Lake Mead. Stop and see bighorn sheep at Hemenway Park before returning to Las Vegas.

4. Antelope Canyon  day tours from Las Vegas

On this  small-group tour , you can  visit Antelope Canyon  and  Horseshoe Bend  in one day trip since they’re both in Page, Arizona. If you’re short on time, this  Antelope Canyon tour from Las Vegas  is the perfect way to see these two natural wonders.

You’ll take a guided hike through the canyon’s most stunning areas, then head to Horseshoe Bend, where you’ll take a short hike to a beautiful lookout 1,000 feet above sea level. It’s one of the best  day trips from Las Vegas  if you want to get off the beaten path but you’re not sure where to go.

Check our guide with the 6 best Antelope Canyon tours from Las Vegas for more awesome options.

4. Antelope Canyon, one of the top day tours from Las Vegas

• Highlights:  Hotel pick-up/drop-off, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend
• Duration:  16 hours
• Price:  $299
• Description:  Take a guided hike through Antelope Canyon’s incredible slot canyons and enjoy the views from the Horseshoe Bend lookout.

5. Downtown Walk, a popular walking tour in Las Vegas

There are so many  things to do in downtown Las Vegas , so I suggest a  Las Vegas sightseeing tour  to acquaint yourself with the area. This  walking tour  takes you to  Fremont Street , one of the most iconic downtown spots. During this  Las Vegas walking tour , you’ll be able to photograph several of the Strip’s famous neon signs and casinos.

5. Downtown Walk, one of the most popular walking tours in Las Vegas

• Highlights:  Fremont Street Experience
• Duration:  2-2.5 hours
• Price:  $35
• Description:  Take a Las Vegas city tour  of vibrant Fremont Street, where you’ll pass by famous bars, clubs, casinos, and hotels. Marvel at the sights while learning about the history and revitalization of the area.

6. Death Valley, my favorite Las Vegas tour

A   visit to Death Valley   is a unique and memorable adventure, making it one of the  best day trips from Las Vegas . There are several  Death Valley tours from Las Vegas , but I recommend  this full-day tour   to the national park. You’ll experience some of the hottest temperatures in the country, as well as an intriguing landscape full of breathtaking views and colorful terrain.

• Highlights:  Badwater, Artist’s Palette, Dante’s Point, Zabriskie Point, Devil’s Golf Course, Furnace Creek, Mule Team Canyon
• Duration:  1 day
• Price:  $239
• Description:  Take a small-group tour through Death Valley National Park, stopping at the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere and one of the world’s largest salt flats.

7. Valley of Fire, one of the top day trips from Las Vegas

A  day trip from Las Vegas  can be a great  thing to do in Las Vegas for couples   who love adventure. One of my favorite  Las Vegas tours  is   this guided hike  through the  Valley of Fire State Park , a must-do in Nevada since it’s is one of the oldest state parks in the state. You can choose a hike that suits your fitness level, then scramble over red rocks and other geological formations to find ancient petroglyphs.

Check how was our experience in our guide to Valley of Fire tours from Las Vegas.

7. Valley of Fire, one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas

• Highlights:  Valley of Fire State Park
• Duration:  4-6 hours
• Price:  $119
• Description:  Take an easy, moderate, or challenging guided hike through the Valley of Fire. Explore the red rock formations, boulders, and plateaus of the park while searching for prehistoric rock art.

8. Zion & Bryce Canyon day trips from Las Vegas

You could spend a couple of days   visiting Zion National Park  and another   day in Bryce Canyon , but if time is limited, I recommend one of the  national park tours from Las Vegas .  This guided tour  will introduce you to the natural wonders of  Zion National Park  and  Bryce Canyon , making it one of the best  day trips from Las Vegas .

Zion has gorgeous hiking trails, like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and The Subway, a picturesque passageway. The Emerald Pool Trail is a family-friendly trail with turquoise pools and waterfalls. In Bryce Canyon, you can explore the famous hoodoos and fascinating rock formations like Thor’s Hammer and Queen Victoria.

Check our guides to best day trips to Zion from Las Vegas and best tours to Bryce from Las Vegas for more ideas.

8. Zion & Bryce Canyon, one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas

• Highlights:  Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
• Duration:  13 hours
• Price: $185
• Description:  This  Las Vegas bus tour begins with a visit to Zion National Park, where you can witness the immense beauty of the red sandstone cliffs and mountains. Then, head to Bryce Canyon for a short hike through the hoodoos.

9. Red Rock Canyon, a great excursion in Las Vegas

This tour  to  Red Rock Canyon  is another popular  day tour from Las Vegas . You’ll depart from the Strip and take a ride along the 13-mile scenic loop to the conservation area. There, you can witness the desert landscape, flora, and ancient rock art. Your tour guide will stop at several picturesque spots, including Wilson Cliffs, Calico Hills, and Red Springs.

If you want to check other options, check our guide to the 5 best tours to Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas.

9. Red Rock Canyon, another interesting excursion in Las Vegas

• Highlights:  Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
• Price: $113
• Description:  Discover the natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon on this  Las Vegas tour , stopping for photos at several impressive viewpoints.

10. Black Canyon, Las Vegas kayak tours

Nearby  Black Canyon  is a wonderful  day trip from Las Vegas , especially if you want to get active in a scenic location. It’s also one of the best places for a  Las Vegas kayak tour , and I recommend  this kayaking trip   with hotel pick-up and drop-off. You’ll head to Willow Beach, where you’ll get suited up to kayak through the grottoes of Emerald Cave.

Along the way, you’ll kayak on a portion of the Colorado River that runs through the Black Canyon, surrounded by the natural flora, fauna, and interesting geological formations of the area.

10. Black Canyon, one of the most popular Las Vegas kayak tours

• Highlights:  Willow Beach, kayaking on the Colorado River, Emerald Cave
• Duration:  4 hours
• Price: $133
• Description:  See beautiful Willow Beach before kayaking along the Colorado River and through Emerald Cave.

11. The Strip from the air, the best Las Vegas night tour

The  helicopter tours in Las Vegas   are some of the most magical tours you can take. It’s one of the top  things to do in Las Vegas at night , so I recommend   this flight  over the Vegas nightlife. You’ll fly over the most famous landmarks like the Bellagio Fountains, Luxor pyramid, Stratosphere Tower, and the Paris Hotel, all while listening to a guided narration. This is one of the coolest  Las Vegas Strip tours , and you can even add a dinner option to make it extra special.

• Highlights:  Fly over the downtown Vegas and the Strip at night
• Duration:  15 minutes
• Description:  Strap in for an exciting nighttime flight over the Strip. Get a birds-eye view of iconic sights like The Mirage, The Venetian, New York-New York, and more.

12. Los Angeles Escape, Hollywood tour from Las Vegas

Ideally, you’ll spend a few days in Los Angeles , but if you’re short on time, you can take a  Hollywood tour from Las Vegas . This  Hollywood day trip   takes you through the Joshua tree forests to LA, where you’ll walk past some of the most memorable film locations. Visit Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier, Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Kodak Theater terrace, where you’ll have sweeping views of the Hollywood sign.

12. Los Angeles Escape, the best Hollywood tour from Las Vegas

• Highlights:  Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier, Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Duration:  14-15 hours
• Price: $247
• Description:  Get the Hollywood treatment and visit some of the top Los Angeles landmarks on one of the  best day trips from Las Vegas .

13. Area 51, a unique day trip from Las Vegas

Area 51  is a wonderland for anyone interested in aliens and the paranormal, and it’s just a few hours from Vegas. This  full-day trip   is a good   Area 51 tour from Las Vegas  and includes a visit to the so-called “Janet Airlines” at McCarran airport and the mysterious Black Mailbox for UFO enthusiasts seeking alien contact. This  Las Vegas bus tour  also travels along the Extraterrestrial Highway and right up to the perimeter of the world’s most top-secret military facility.

• Highlights:  Black Mailbox, “Janet Airlines”, Little A’le’ Inn
• Duration:  10 hours
• Price: $205
• Description:  Take one of the most curious  day trips from Las Vegas  and see Area 51, stopping at several legendary sites in the UFO community.

14. El Dorado Canyon, the best ATV tour from Las Vegas

El Dorado Canyon  in nearby Clark County, NV is famous for its silver and gold mines, and this  ATV day trip  is the perfect  Las Vegas tour  that explores the area. Go off-roading through the desert and visit the most remote parts of the canyon, such as the old Techatticup mine and desolate back canyons. This  adventure tour from Las Vegas  is not only exhilarating but educational as well.

• Highlights:  ATV or UTV ride, El Dorado Canyon, Techatticup gold mine
• Duration:  5 hours
• Price: $169
• Description:  Hop on an ATV and drive through remote back canyons to the famous El Dorado Canyon gold mines. Vegas hotel pick-up and drop-off is included.

15. Monument Valley and nearby wonders, a great 3-day Las Vegas tour

We visited  Monument Valley   during our   10-day West Coast road trip  and it was one of the best  Las Vegas excursions  we took. This   3-day trip  is ideal if you have time to spend a few days exploring the area. You’ll start with a visit to  Red Rock Canyon , then take a Navajo-led Jeep tour through Monument Valley, followed by a trip to  Horseshoe Bend . The last day includes a visit to the beautiful  Antelope Canyon , followed by a stop at the  Valley of Fire  before returning to Vegas.

• Highlights:  Red Rock Canyon, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Valley of Fire
• Duration:  3 days
• Price: $540
• Description: This complete 3-day  tour from Las Vegas  takes you through the stunning red rock formations and desert landscapes of Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and Valley of Fire.

Those are all the  day trips from Las Vegas  that I recommend! I tried to include a  Las Vegas excursion  for all interests and budgets, so let me know what you think. If you have any questions or you’d like to suggest another  Las Vegas tour , leave a comment and I’ll get back to you!

Happy trails!

Ascen Aynat

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15+ Best Day Trips from Las Vegas You Can’t Miss

• Arizona / California / In the City / Las Vegas / Nevada / North America / Outdoors / USA / Utah
• 10 Comments

Need a quick getaway? These are the best day trips from Las Vegas.

Whenever people find out we live in Las Vegas, the common response by far is “Wow, how is that?”

Most people only think of the Strip when they’re visiting Vegas, but our favorite part of living here are all the outdoor adventures you can go on in our backyard and within a few hours drive.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: October 23, 2023

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15 best day trips from las vegas.

• More Day Trip Ideas Under 3 Hours
• Map of Las Vegas Day Trips
• Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Planning Checklist

1. red rock canyon national conservation area →.

1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161,  map

Distance:  16.4 mi / 20 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Calico Hills, Scenic Loop,  Red Springs Loop Hike What to Eat:  Poke Express, Esther’s Kitchen, Island Flavor

Red Rock Canyon  (out of towners call it Red Rocks) is technically still part of Las Vegas, but we consider it a day trip depending on what area you live in. You get spoiled driving in Vegas, and you start to think anything over a 10 minute drive is far.

Red Rock is great for a day hike or scenic drive. If you’re a climber, you’re probably already familiar with this place since it’s a huge climbing destination. Tons of climbers travel here to climb the  hundreds of boulders and trad and sport climbing routes .

When it’s climbing season, you can find us here at least once a week.

Local Tip: The best time to visit is late fall through early spring. 

See More: 7 Best Things to Do in Red Rock Canyon

2. Boulder City, Nevada

81 Hoover Dam Access Rd, Boulder City, 89005,  map

Distance:  26.2 mi / 31 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Gold Strike Hot Springs ,  Arizona Hot Springs , Hoover Dam What to Eat:  The Coffee Cup ,  Fox Smokehouse BBQ , Boulder Pit Stop

Boulder City is close by but it feels completely different than Vegas. Downtown is a great area to eat and shop, but there is also plenty to do in the area. You can check out the natural hot springs ,  go shooting , or tour the iconic  Hoover Dam .

See More: The Hot Springs Hike in Boulder City You Can’t Miss

3. Mt. Charleston, Nevada

2525 Kyle Canyon Road, 89124,  map

Distance:  39.1 mi / 45 min ( map ) What to Do / See:  Mt. Charleston Scenic Byway, Spring Mountains Visitor Center, Bristlecone Trail What to Eat:  Brewin Burro , The Retreat on Charleston Peak , Bighorn Grill

Mt. Charleston is the local’s getaway especially on days that are blistering hot in the city. It’s typically 10 degrees cooler and gets you away from all the crowds of the strip. Go for a hike, have a picnic, or just enjoy the views along the byway.

If you climb, it’s also where we locals like to go climbing in the summer when Red Rock gets too hot.

4. Nelson Ghost Town + Nelsons Landing →

35.7098459,-114.8055399, map

Distance:  44.5 mi South / 45 min ( map ) What to Do / See:  Chapel, Crashed Plane, Eldorado Canyon Gold Mine Tour What to Eat:  Poke Express ,  Island Flavor ,  Settebello Pizza

It’s a beautiful, rustic ghost town to explore and photograph. It’s popular among photographers. We’ve been twice, and both times there were multiple photo shoots happening. Our favorite area to shoot was the crashed plane.

See More: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Nelsons Landing

5. Valley of Fire, Nevada →

Distance:  49.1 mi / 55 min ( map ) What to Do / See:  Fire Wave Hike , Elephant Rock, Mouse’s Tank Road View What to Eat:  Inside Scoop , La Fonda , Cablp

During fall and spring, we get visitors almost every week, and this is one of our favorite spots to take them since it’s only an hour away.

There are plenty of hikes to check out or if it’s really hot, you can enjoy the views from your car on the scenic drive. Seeing the night sky from the park is amazing too!

See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Valley of Fire State Park

6. Lake Mead National Recreation Area →

10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005,  map

Distance:  20.3 mi, 30 min drive ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Cruise to Hoover Dam, Rogers Spring, Dive at Kingman Wash What to Eat:  The Coffee Cup ,  The Dillinger

Lake Mead National Recreation Area  covers a massive 1.5 million acres with mountains, canyons, valleys, and two huge lakes. It is America’s first and largest national recreation area and you can hike, swim, boat, camp, and explore to your heart’s content.

See More: 7+ Best Things to Do in Lake Mead National Recreation Area

7. Mojave National Preserve, California

90942 Kelso Cima Rd, Kelso, CA 92309 , map

Distance:  58.5 mi / 53 min ( map ) What to Do / See:  Lava Tube, Kelso Dunes, Rings Trail What to Eat:  No restaurants in the preserve,  eat in Vegas  or pack food.

We drive through Mojave National Preserve a lot going to Joshua Tree, but have only stopped by the Lava Tube and Kelso Dunes once. Just like Death Valley, it covers a huge amount of land, so we recommend only trying to see a portion of it at a time as a day trip.

Did you know that Mojave has the largest concentration of Joshua trees in the world (not Joshua Tree National Park)?

8. St George, Utah →

1835 S Convention Center Dr, St. George, UT 84790, map

Distance:  119 mi / 1 hr 45 min ( map ) What to Do / See:  Pioneer Park, Red Hills Desert Garden, Kayenta What to Eat:  Viva Chicken , Farmstead , Angelica’s Mexican Grill

We’ve done a handful of day trips to St George mostly to go bouldering at Moe’s Valley and Super Mario World.

Desert red rock meets alpine mountains here. You can explore museums, shop in town, or enjoy all the amazing outdoor scenery. It’s an easy getaway for a day trip but can easily fill your whole weekend too. It’s also the closest “big” city to  Zion National Park .

If you want to escape the crowds, though, there are some amazing hikes at Red Cliffs NCA with roughly 45,000 acres of public land. It’s surrounded by small communities, and you can easily access the amenities you need before or after visiting. Once in the area, there are a ton of hikes and trails to explore.

You can also check out Snow Canyon State Park also nearby made up of beautiful red and white Navajo sandstone.

See More: 15+ Best Things to Do in St George UT

9. Grand Canyon West, Arizona →

35.9823957,-113.8305328, map

Distance:  122 mi / 2 hr 10 min ( map ) What to Do / See:  Grand Canyon Skywalk, Hualapai River Runners, Helicopter Ride What to Eat:  Sa Nyu Wa Restaurant . Not many great options, so pack food.

Grand Canyon West isn’t our favorite part of Grand Canyon National Park, but it is the closest part of the park from Las Vegas. There’s so much to see and do at the Grand Canyon that we recommend you make a weekend out of it or longer.

If you’ve never seen it before and you’re limited on time, though, it will be worth the drive. You can walk along the skywalk, go white water rafting, or ride a helicopter.

See More: The Ultimate Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip + Best Tours

10. Death Valley National Park, Nevada and California →

36.4618952,-116.8693994, map

Distance:  142 mi / 2 hr 11 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Zabriskie Point ,  Mesquite Dunes ,  Badwater Basin What to Eat:  Stateline Saloon , Ruby Restaurant , Furnace Creek Inn Dining Room

Death Valley National Park is a huge park! You can be in the middle of sand dunes at one moment, then amongst some of the most colorful hills you’ve ever seen the next. If you’re headed up for a day trip don’t try to do it all. Focus on one region of the park. Everything is so far apart.

See More: 9 Incredible Things to Do in Death Valley National Park

11. Extraterrestrial Highway Road Trip, Nevada →

37.5326076,-115.2351237, map

Distance:  147 mi / 2 h 13 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Rachel, Extraterrestrial Hwy, Black Mailbox / Area 51 What to Eat:  Little A’Le’Inn ,  Strawberry Hill Diner , The Dinky Diner

If you’re into aliens or just looking for something weird and quirky to do, check out  our ET Highway road trip guide with all the best stops . You’ll drive near Area 51. Don’t you ever wonder what’s really going on there?

See More: ET Highway – All the Best Stops

12. Lake Havasu City, Arizona →

422 English Village, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, map

Distance:  154 mi / 2 hr 26 min ( map ) What to Do / See:  Lake Havasu, London Bridge, Rotary Park What to Eat:  Cha-Bones ,  Barley Bros Brewery ,  Shugrue’s Restaurant & Bakery

Lake Havasu is known as a spring break spot, but the beautiful waters are worth visiting without all the crowds. It’s a great way to get in some beach time without heading to the coast. Also, don’t forget to check out London Bridge. In the 60s, the London Bridge was dismantled and shipped to Lake Havasu, so you can actually cross the bridge in Arizona!

See More: 15 Fun Things to Do in Lake Havasu Arizona

13. Zion National Park, Utah →

1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, map

Distance:  160 mi / 2 hr 35 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Angels Landing ,  Zion Narrows (Bottom-Up) ,  Canyon Overlook Trail What to Eat: King’s Landing Bistro , Cafe Soleil , Cliffside Restaurant

Zion National Park deserves more than just a day, but with Las Vegas being so close, you can absolutely pop over for just a day. We took a day trip to hike Angel’s Landing. It was exhausting driving back, but if you’re limited on time, it’s still an option. There are plenty of amazing day hikes or you can just enjoy the views from the valley.

See More: 15 Best Hikes in Zion National Park

14. Cathedral Gorge State Park →

111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, NV 89042, map

Distance:  165 mi / 2 hr 35 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Miller Point, Cathedral Caves, Moon Caves What to Eat:  Silver Cafe ,  Gunslingers

We visited Cathedral Gorge State Park during our  Ultimate Nevada Road Trip  and it was one of our favorite spots by far! It has such a unique landscape and so many corners to explore and is a true Nevada hidden gem. There are also a couple of other state parks nearby to check like like Kershaw-Ryan State Park and Echo Canyon State Park, but you can easily fill your day playing at Cathedral Gorge.

See More: 11 Things You Can’t Miss at Cathedral Gorge State Park

15. Route 66 to Seligman, AZ

Distance:  190 mi / 3 hr ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Giganticus Headicus, Keepers of the Wild, Grand Canyon Caverns What to Eat:  Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In ,  Westside Lilo’s Cafe ,  Route 66 RoadRunner

For those of you who love road trips, head south to Route 66 and drive to Seligman, AZ. Enjoy the views along this scenic drive and appreciate why this is such an iconic trip. The town itself is a tourist trap with plenty of stores selling Route 66 souvenirs, but it was still fun to explore.

Local Tip: The iconic route 66 signs on the roads have been painted over by locals so that tourists don’t stop in the middle of the road for photos.

Map of the Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

More Las Vegas Day Trip Ideas Under 3 Hours

• Lake Las Vegas (20.2 mi / 31 min /  map )
• River Mountains Loop Trail, Henderson (21.0 / 24 min /  map )
• Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Henderson (28.2 mi / 33 min /  map )
• Pioneer Saloon (38.3 mi / 41 min /  map )
• Willow Beach (48.7 mi / 56 min /  map )
• Pahrump, NV (63.1 mi / 1 h 10 min /  map )
• Overton – Lost City Museum (64.1 / 1 hr 2 min /  map )
• Nipton, CA (64.4 mi /1 hr 2 min /  map )
• Mount Tipton Wilderness Area, AZ (82.8 mi / 1 hr 30 min /  map )
• Armagosa Valley (87.9 mi / 1 h 17 min /  map )
• Shoshone, CA (90.1 mi / 1 h 34 min /  map )
• Laughlin, NV (97.6 mi / 1 h 30 min /  map )
• Rhyolite Ghost Town (120 mi / 1 h 49 min /  map )
• Dixie National Forest, UT (182 mi / 2 h 40 min /  map )

Best Places to Stay in Las Vegas

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on Las Vegas hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Las Vegas travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Save money on attractions with Go City .

How many have you done? Any other day trips from Las Vegas that aren’t on here?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J) , YouTube , TikTok , and Pinterest.

This Post Has 10 Comments

I looked online to find a road trip while staying in Vegas and found your page. We decided to go to St. George, Utah. What a really lovely day we had. Great drive from Vegas through Virgin River Gorge, amazing scenery. We had brunch at Black Bear Diner which we enjoyed. Just wanted to say thanks. We shall do another of your recommends next time we visit Vegas. Merry Christmas.

I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip. Merry Christmas, Kim!

Great list! Red Rock and Boulder City are some of my favorites. Ashleigh

Incredible post! There’s so much more to Las Vegas than the strip. Although the strip is iconic in it’s own right, the real beauty lies beneath. Death Valley is one of the most memorable places for me and your post with it’s excellent photography just brought all those memories back, thanks Ester and Jacob.

Thank you, Jason. And I totally agree. It’s funny how people only think of the Strip, but I’m more familiar with a completely different side of Vegas.

wow, this is a different las vegas from what i knew. looks awesome, have to do a road trip there soon!

Definitely! So many great things to do other than visiting The Strip. :)

First of all thanks for sharing this post your photographs are really amazing. I want to visit here with my friends.

Thanks, Shivendra! Definitely worth a trip!

Hey Ester and Jacob. Cool article but the title says 25 spots then there’s only 15 in the list. I think it’s a typo. I can’t wait to do a road trip around Las Vegas it’s looks sensation, especially all the national parks.

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