21 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas (By a Local) (2024)

Living in Las Vegas, there are always fun things to do. But there are times when I need a change of scenery, and day trips from Las Vegas are the best way to do that!

I’m a Las Vegas local and this guide, I cover the best day trips from Vegas, including ones most people don’t know about. From swimming in the mountains to exploring ancient petroglyphs, you can do it all within a couple of hours from the Strip!

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21 Best Las Vegas Day Trips

Grand Canyon

The world-famous Grand Canyon is accessible via a short but epic day trip from Las Vegas.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 90 minutes to 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Grand Canyon West Website | 👉 Top Private Tour for Grand Canyon West

As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is at the top of most lists of day trips from Las Vegas. It’s one of the most famous attractions in the USA and only a couple hours’ drive from Sin City!

Grand Canyon West features a 4,000-foot-tall glass bridge that you can walk on by adding the ticket to your admission passes! You can also try ziplining over the canyon or white-water rafting in the Colorado River.

Don’t have a car or want someone else to take care of the logistics? This private tour provides round-trip transportation from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and takes you to see the most popular spots!

👉 Local Tip: Make sure that you plan to visit the west rim of the Grand Canyon, as the south rim is a 5-hour drive (a little too long for a day trip from Las Vegas).

Antelope Canyon

Snap breathtaking photos against the perfect canyon background.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 4 hours | 📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Top Antelope Canyon Tours on Viator

Antelope Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon located in northern Arizona. It is very unique because of its shape and the way the sunlight reflects off certain angles. It is considered to be one of the most famous slot canyons in the world.

Antelope Canyon is only accessible via licensed tours. I suggest pre-booking this highly rated tour to see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, which also provides round-trip transportation from Las Vegas.

Horseshoe Bend is only a 10-minute drive from Antelope Canyon and admission is free. The hike is only around a mile long and you get extraordinary views of the Colorado River while you are there.

Lake Las Vegas

Stunning scenery and weekly live entertainment make this one of my favorite Vegas getaways.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 30 minutes to 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Lake Las Vegas Website

Lake Las Vegas is one of the day trips from Las Vegas that I take many times each year. The lake is surrounded by a small town (side note: it tops my list of the best towns near Vegas). Coming from Vegas, it makes you feel like you have traveled to a different state entirely.

At the Lake Las Vegas inflatable water park, you can climb, swing, and slide on the lake! Kayaks, paddleboards, and small boats are available to rent out for the day at different areas on the lake.

You’ll also find many of the best places to stay in Las Vegas here, perfect if you want to extend your trip. A few are right along the waterfront!

Red Rock Canyon

The perfect place to get lost in nature away from the bright lights of Sin City.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Red Rock Canyon Website

Red Rock Canyon is one of my favorite short day trips from Las Vegas, located just 30 minutes from downtown. Find it just west of Summerlin, one of the best Las Vegas neighborhoods. The canyon is a magical place to explore, hike, and even do some bird watching.

There are several different mountains and paths to explore, some of which are the best hikes near Vegas. You may even catch a glimpse of the beautiful waterfalls after it has rained or during the spring months.

Red Rock Canyon has many areas to go rock climbing if you are feeling adventurous! Horseback riding through this stunning canyon is another popular activity.

If you just want to stay in the car, there is a 13-mile long scenic drive that will take you through the whole canyon! Also, at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center, you will find a Desert Tortoise habitat and a variety of outdoor exhibits.

Mount Charleston

The perfect mountain retreat, with fun activities to enjoy for every season.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes to 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Mount Charleston Website | 👉 Top Suggested Mount Charleston Tour

While driving around Las Vegas, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Charleston looming over the city. Mount Charleston sits at an altitude of around 7,510 feet, so be aware that it is often much colder than the city.

Skiing, snowboarding, and sledding are the most popular things to do in the winter in Mount Charleston. You’ll even find magical winter sleigh rides during the holiday season.

In the summer months from June to September, you’ll find perfect temperatures with highs in the 70s, making it the perfect Las Vegas day trip to escape the heat. During the warmer seasons, Mount Charleston offers horseback riding, rock climbing, and a variety of places to go camping near Las Vegas.

Zion National Park

Utah’s famous park offers stunning vistas, epic hiking trails, and picture-perfect swimming pools.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 90 minutes to 2.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Zion National Park Website

Located in southern Utah, Zion National Park sports spectacular mountains and canyons. Some of the top hikes in Utah are at Zion National Park, including The Narrows and Angels Landing. The Narrows is a long and intense trail, while Angels Landing is pretty dangerous so make sure to do your research beforehand!

For a more relaxing and beginner-level trail, the Canyon Overlook Trail is also recommended. The Emerald Pools Trail at Zion National Park will take you to see the glistening natural pools and waterfalls.

Area 51

Immerse yourself in intriguing mysteries at one of the most out-of-this-world day trips from Las Vegas.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 90 minutes to 2.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | 👉 Top Suggested Area 51 Day Tour

Area 51 is infamous for all of the mysteries attached to this military base. Learn more from a knowledgeable guide on this highly rated tour, which will take you down the Extraterrestrial Highway and cover everything Area 51-related. You will see the eerie black mailbox, Area 51 itself, and the mysterious Joshua tree forest.

Stop by the alien research center to pick up some out-of-this-world souvenirs and also learn more about the history of Area 51. You might work up an appetite going on an alien hunt, so be sure to go to the Little A’Le’Inn in the tiny town of Rachel, Nevada to try its alien burger!

If visiting independently, be sure to call the alien research center ahead because I’ve learned that sometimes, it’s not always open according to the hours posted on its website.

Seven Magic Mountains

A unique and free outdoor art installation that makes for a perfect sunset picture spot, or a nice add-on to a day trip to see the Hoover Dam.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Seven Magic Mountains Website | 👉Browse Top Seven Magic Mountains Tours on Viator

Swiss artist Ugo Rodinone opened this art exhibit in 2016 to represent the presence of humans in preserved places, such as the Nevada desert. The dazzling Seven Magic Mountains exhibit is completely free to visit and take photos in front of.

If you are already planning to visit the Hoover Dam or Valley of Fire, some tours will take you to see this art installation along the way. It’s a great way to combine multiple day trips from Las Vegas into one day!

Seven Magic Mountains was originally only intended to be on display for a couple of years. But it became such a big Vegas area attraction that there are no longer plans to take it down. It is a perfect place to take photos (especially during golden hour), and it is a very enchanting piece of art to see in person.

Willow Beach

A quick Las Vegas day trip that makes for a relaxing day on the water.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes to 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Willow Beach Website

Just a short drive away from the Las Vegas Strip lies a hidden gem and its name is Willow Beach. This destination is one of my favorite day trips near Las Vegas!

At Willow Beach, you can rent small boats, kayaks, and paddleboards to take on the water. Be sure to make your way to Emerald Cove to experience the beautiful emerald-colored water. The trip to Emerald Cove on the water is around two miles, so don’t forget to bring plenty of water and snacks!

Once you finish exploring in the water, you can head to the recreational area and experience different hiking trails. If you want to make it into a weekend trip, there are also cozy campgrounds.

Eldorado Canyon

Try your luck at mining for gold, take an ATV tour, and explore an abandoned mining town less than an hour from Las Vegas.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes to 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Eldorado Canyon Website | 👉 Top Suggested Eldorado Canyon ATV Tour

Eldorado Canyon is most well known for having the oldest gold mine in Southern Nevada, Techatticup Gold Mine. Take an ATV tour around El Dorado Canyon, the gold mine, and Nelson ghost town, with lunch and admission tickets included. If you’re lucky, you might even find your own gold on this Vegas day trip.

Nelson ghost town is an abandoned mining town where you will find restored buildings and cars to take pictures with. If you are feeling bold, visit Nelson’s Landing and go cliff jumping into Lake Mojave!

Valley of Fire State Park

Explore colorful mountains, watch wildlife, and get active on this day trip’s many hiking trails.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes to 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Valley of Fire State Park Website | 👉 Browse Top Valley of Fire Tours on Viator

The Valley of Fire State Park in the Mojave Desert features colorful mountains that are perfect for hiking and taking incredible photos. You may catch a glimpse of lizards, bighorn sheep, or even rattlesnakes while you are there.

Stop by the Valley of Fire visitor center to learn more about the park’s history and get maps to make the most of your hikes. One of the main points of interest at the Valley of Fire State Park is the fire wave which is a picture-perfect spot and it does not take long to walk around it.

In certain areas of the valley, you can enjoy the thrill of rock climbing. Children can even join since they are not very threatening climbs. Overall, Valley of Fire State Park is one of the best Vegas-area attractions for kids.

👉 Local Tip: If visiting in the summer make sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated, as the temperatures can get to over 100 degrees in the Valley of Fire.

Lake Mead

Bathe in the natural hot springs at Lake Mead or hike historic railroad tunnels on this easy day trip from Vegas.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Lake Mead Website

Lake Mead offers a wide variety of things to see and do. It’s one of the best day trips from Las Vegas, as well as one of the top Vegas-area date ideas! I especially recommend a Lake Mead cruise, which tours the Hoover Dam and hosts brunch or dinner on the water.

The Historic Railroad Hiking Trail at Lake Mead has stunning scenery that takes you through old train tunnels no longer in use. The Arizona Hot Spring Trail is also a very unique Vegas area hike because it will lead you to bubbly hot springs. This trail is a little more strenuous and is around 5 miles long so make sure to plan in advance.

Hoover Dam

One of the seven engineering wonders of the modern world is undeniably one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes to 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Hoover Dam Website | 👉 Browse Top Hoover Dam Tours on Viator

The Hoover Dam is in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, and it opened in 1936. The Hoover Dam has many different guided tours, which will give you the full backstory of this incredible landmark. The Hoover Dam helps fuel hydroelectric power and decreases the amount of flooding that came from the Colorado River.

It is free to walk around the dam, but the powerplant and visitor’s center have admission fees ranging from $15-$30. The Hoover Dam is one of the most special day trips around Las Vegas that you can take, because it is considered to be one of the seven engineering wonders of the world.

It is important to note that if you are bringing children younger than 8 years old, they are not allowed to go on the Hoover Dam tour. Children are welcome in places like the powerplant, visitor’s center, and other areas of the Hoover Dam.

Boulder City

Enjoy a picnic and fantastic lake views surrounded by bighorn sheep galore.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Boulder City Website

Boulder City is most famous for being home to the historical landmark, Hoover Dam, but there is much more to see on this easy day trip from Las Vegas.

Bighorn sheep are Nevada’s state animal and at Hemenway Park, you can enjoy a picnic alongside these fascinating animals. Check out the Historic Downtown Main Street, which has antique shops, restaurants, and museums. These include the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum and the Nevada State Railroad Museum.

After a long day visiting the Hoover Dam and walking around Boulder City, end the day with even more fun at its local bowling alley, Boulder Bowl.

Cathedral Gorge State Park

Famous for being the perfect picnic spot, Cathedral Gorge State Park is the perfect getaway from the Vegas crowds.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 2.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Cathedral Gorge State Park Website

Cathedral Gorge State Park is famous for its magnificent caves and unparalleled hiking trails. This is one of the top day trips from Las Vegas to take if you want a break from large crowds and tourists. This low-key spot is also perfect for a sunrise or sunset picnic with breathtaking views in the picnicking area.

The Bullionville Cemetery Trail is a short trail that leads you to a cemetery from the 1800s. Some of the caves to see include the Cathedral Caves, the Moon Caves, and the Canyon Caves. The Miller Point Trail is a short and simple hike, which leads you to a tall staircase where you can get the best views of Cathedral Gorge.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Take a long day trip to Utah’s breathtaking park, or stay overnight to soak in amazing sunrises and night sky views.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 4 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Bryce Canyon Website | 👉 Browse Top Bryce Canyon Tours on Viator

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best national parks in Utah. Set in the southern part of the state, it’s famous for its hoodoo formations. Sunrise Point and Sunset Point give you an amazing spot to see the colorful skies. If you stay past the sunset, you are sure to see incredible views of stars shimmering in the night sky.

Bryce Amphitheater has a variety of hiking trails and holds some of the most popular attractions like Thor’s Hammer. Bryce Canyon is part of the Dixie National Forest where you will find more magnificent, red canyons.

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the top day trips from Las Vegas by car. But it’s a longer drive, so consider places to stay in St. George, Utah, located nearby.

Snow Canyon State Park

Journey through unique sand dunes and lava tubes at this unique day trip spot.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 2.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Snow Canyon State Park Website

If you love to hike, Snow Canyon State Park is one of the day trips from Las Vegas that I recommend. There are different trails to hike, each with extraordinary views and scenery surrounding them. The scenic Snow Canyon Drive is also a great place to see all the incredible parts of the canyon from the comfort of your own car.

One of the main points of interest at Snow Canyon State Park is its bright red-colored sand dunes and lava tubes which you can hike into. The Snow Canyon website also lists different events that it hosts such as moonlit and sunset hikes.

Death Valley National Park

Explore the hottest place in the United States and the nearest national park to Las Vegas.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Death Valley Website | Death Valley Guide

California‘s Death Valley National Park is the closest national park to Las Vegas and is part of the expansive Mojave Desert. Death Valley is the hottest and lowest place in the United States, so be sure to bring lots of cold water if visiting in the summer.

Take a hike through Badwater Basin, or take a night trip to see some of the best views of the night sky that Las Vegas has to offer.

Rhyolite is a ghost town on the way to Death Valley National Park, abandoned in 1920. Check out the Tom Kelly bottle house which is completely made out of medicine and liquor bottles! The sculpture garden of ghosts is also a great location for a spooky photoshoot.

👉 Read Next: Best Day Trips from Los Angeles, CA

Lake Havasu City

See the world-famous London Bridge and other unique attractions.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 2.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Lake Havasu City Website | 👉 Top Suggested Lake Havasu Tour

Lake Havasu is a world-famous attraction because it is where the London Bridge is now located. You can take this tour from Las Vegas to Lake Havasu to learn all about the London Bridge.

Lake Havasu has a variety of different beaches to check out, like London Bridge Beach. If you are traveling in January, you can also check out the Lake Havasu Hot Air Balloon Festival over the lake.

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

Explore ancient volcanoes and petroglyphs at one of the closest day trips from Vegas.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Sloan Canyon Website

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is one of the closest day trips from Las Vegas that you can take. This ancient site is a lesser-known area, so it remains untouched for the most part.

From a distance, you will notice black volcanic mountains hovering above Sloan Canyon. These black mountains are available to hike, although it will take around five hours. Up close, you will find the lava flows and sparkling obsidian from when the volcano last erupted, about 20 million years ago.

The most notable thing about Sloan Canyon is the petroglyphs found, dating back to the historic era. There are over 300 rock walls filled with this ancient art. The Petroglyph Trail is around a 4-mile hike, but you can also join a guided tour to make the most out of your experience.

👉 Pro Tip: When observing the petroglyphs, be sure not to touch them so that the rock art can stay preserved for many more years to come!

Laughlin

Get the best of both worlds with an active nightlife and outdoor activities.

🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 90 minutes to 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Laughlin Website

Laughlin, Nevada has the nightlife of a big city, but the close-knit feeling of a small town. While in Laughlin, you can do everything from gambling at the casinos to scuba diving in Lake Mohave. This makes for one of the most unique Vegas day trips because you can enjoy both city life and nature.

Lake Mohave is a great place to unwind on the beach, try scuba diving, or even rent a boat! After a day spent relaxing at the lake, you can head over to the waterfront casinos to try your luck at gambling, or grab a bite to eat.

FAQs About Day Trips From Vegas

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Thank you for reading my guide on the best day trips from Las Vegas. Safe travels, and let me know in the comments what you think is the best day trip from Las Vegas!

-Travel Lemming Editor, Abigail Bliss, contributed to this post.