When I first thought about visiting Nevada, all I pictured was bright lights, big casinos, and the buzz of Las Vegas. But once I got there, I realized Nevada is so much more. Yes, Vegas is exciting and full of energy—but there are also peaceful lakes, scenic drives, quiet mountains, and historic towns waiting to be explored.
In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite things to do in Nevada. Whether you love outdoor adventures, relaxing by the water, or diving into the city nightlife, there’s something here for everyone. From hiking in Red Rock Canyon to enjoying live shows in Las Vegas, my trip through Nevada was full of surprises—and I can’t wait to show you why it’s worth the visit.
Experience the Lights and Shows of Las Vegas
Las Vegas was like nothing I’d ever seen before. The moment I arrived, the bright lights, the music, and the nonstop energy hit me. Walking along the Las Vegas Strip felt like being in a movie. Huge hotels, colorful billboards, and famous landmarks were everywhere—each more exciting than the last.
One of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas was watch a live show. There’s something for everyone—Cirque du Soleil performances, magic shows, comedy acts, and concerts by big-name artists. I booked tickets to a magic show and it blew me away. The lights, the music, and the crowd made it unforgettable.
Of course, I also checked out the casinos. Even if you don’t gamble, walking through places like Caesars Palace or the Bellagio is an experience on its own. I spent time watching the dancing fountains in front of the Bellagio, and they were even more beautiful in person.
At night, Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas gave off a totally different vibe. The light show above the street, live bands, and street performers made it feel like a party. It was a fun and more laid-back way to see another side of the city.
Las Vegas is loud, bright, and full of life. Whether you’re there for the shows, the nightlife, or just the atmosphere, it’s something you need to experience at least once.
Take a Day Trip to Red Rock Canyon
After spending some time in the busy streets of Las Vegas, I needed a little break from the noise—and Red Rock Canyon was the perfect escape. Just a short drive from the city, this natural wonder feels like a whole different world. The red and orange cliffs, wide open skies, and peaceful desert trails made me feel calm and refreshed.
I took the 13-mile scenic drive through the canyon first. There were plenty of spots to stop for photos, and the views were stunning. The rock formations looked like something out of a painting. Even if you don’t want to hike, this drive alone is worth the visit.
But since I love a good walk, I also hit one of the easy trails. I chose the Calico Tanks Trail, which had some rocky spots but offered amazing views of Las Vegas in the distance once I reached the top. I even saw a few lizards sunbathing on the rocks!
Red Rock Canyon is great for hiking, rock climbing, and taking in nature. There are picnic areas too, so I brought some snacks and enjoyed a peaceful lunch with a view.
Visit Lake Tahoe – Year-Round Beauty
Lake Tahoe completely stole my heart. It’s one of those places that looks like a postcard—crystal-clear water surrounded by tall mountains and pine trees. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s something special to do.
I went in the summer, and it was perfect for swimming, kayaking, and just relaxing by the beach. The water was cool and refreshing, and the air smelled like fresh pine. I rented a paddleboard and spent hours floating on the lake. It was peaceful and calm, with mountain views all around.
But I’ve heard winter is just as amazing here. People come from all over to ski and snowboard at the nearby resorts. The snowy landscape turns Tahoe into a winter wonderland. Even if you don’t ski, you can go tubing, snowshoeing, or just sip hot chocolate by a cozy fire.
One of my favorite spots was Sand Harbor on the Nevada side of the lake. The rocks along the shore and the blue water made it a great place for photos and picnics. It wasn’t too crowded either, which made it feel even more special.
Lake Tahoe is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you go for summer fun or snowy days, it’s a must-visit spot in Nevada.
Explore Reno – The Smaller “Big City”
Reno surprised me in the best way. It’s often called “The Biggest Little City in the World,” and after spending a few days there, I totally got it. It has the energy of a big city but still feels friendly and easy to explore.
I started my visit downtown, where the famous Reno Arch lights up the street. It’s a great spot for photos and feels like the heart of the city. There are cool shops, fun bars, and some tasty local restaurants nearby. I grabbed a burger at a local diner, and it hit the spot.
One of the best parts of Reno is how close it is to nature. I spent an afternoon walking along the Truckee River, which runs right through town. There’s a nice riverwalk with bridges, sculptures, and peaceful views. It’s a great way to relax without leaving the city.
If you like museums, check out the Nevada Museum of Art or the National Automobile Museum. I’m not a huge car person, but even I found the collection pretty amazing.
Reno also has casinos like Las Vegas, but on a smaller scale. I tried my luck on the slot machines, and even though I didn’t win big, it was still fun.
Reno may not be as famous as Vegas, but it’s full of charm, culture, and things to do. If you’re visiting northern Nevada, don’t skip this little gem.
Step Back in Time in Virginia City
Visiting Virginia City felt like walking into an old Western movie. This small town is packed with history, wooden sidewalks, and stories from the past. If you want to experience the Old West in Nevada, this is the place to go.
I strolled down the main street and saw saloons, old-timey shops, and buildings that looked just like they did back in the 1800s. I even saw people dressed in period costumes—it really brought the place to life! The town was once one of the richest silver mining areas in the country, and it still holds onto that wild west feel.
One of the highlights for me was touring an old mine. I put on a hard hat and went underground to see what it was like for the miners who worked there. It was cool, a little spooky, and super interesting.
I also checked out the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. It’s an old-fashioned train ride that gives you beautiful views and a fun bit of history along the way.
Whether you’re into ghost stories, history, or just want something different, Virginia City has it. I had a blast exploring and learning about this unique place. It’s a perfect day trip if you’re near Reno or Lake Tahoe.
Discover the Beauty of Great Basin National Park
I didn’t expect to find such a quiet and beautiful place in the middle of Nevada, but Great Basin National Park truly amazed me. It’s one of those hidden gems that not many people know about—and that’s part of what makes it so special.
When I got there, I was welcomed by wide-open spaces, tall mountains, and the peaceful sounds of nature. The air felt crisp and clean, and the skies were so blue. I started with a drive up Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, which gave me awesome views of the valleys and peaks. There were lots of pull-offs to stop and take pictures.
I also hiked to the Lehman Caves, which are inside the park. The guided cave tour was amazing. The formations inside were like something from another world—stalactites, stalagmites, and cool rock shapes everywhere. It was both fun and educational.
If you’re into hiking, there are trails for all levels here. I picked a short one that led to a peaceful alpine lake. I didn’t see many other people on the trail, so it felt like I had the place to myself.
And at night? Wow. This park is known for its dark skies, and I saw more stars than I’ve ever seen in my life. It was quiet, calm, and absolutely stunning.
Great Basin National Park is perfect if you want to escape the busy city and get close to nature. I left feeling refreshed and totally in awe of Nevada’s wild beauty.
Drive the Loneliest Road in America (US-50)
Driving down Highway 50, also known as the Loneliest Road in America, was one of the most peaceful and interesting parts of my trip through Nevada. This stretch of road runs right across the state, and while it’s quiet and wide open, it’s full of little surprises if you take the time to stop and look around.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. There aren’t many cars, and at times it felt like I had the entire desert to myself. But that’s what made it special. The silence, the big blue sky, and the endless open road gave me a calm feeling I didn’t expect.
Along the way, I stopped in small towns like Ely, Austin, and Eureka. These places are full of old western charm—tiny cafés, friendly locals, and fun little museums. I even picked up a special “passport” that you can get stamped in each town to mark your journey across the highway.
I also passed by ghost towns, mountains, salt flats, and wide-open desert views. The scenery changes just enough to keep things interesting, and every stop gave me a chance to stretch my legs and learn a bit more about Nevada’s past.
Enjoy Local Food and Festivals
One of my favorite parts of traveling through Nevada was trying all the local food and joining in on small-town festivals. Even though the state is known for Las Vegas, there’s so much more to enjoy when it comes to eating and celebrating like a local.
In the towns I passed through, I found diners and cafes serving up delicious comfort food. I had juicy burgers in Ely, homemade pie in Fallon, and even Basque food in Elko. I didn’t know much about Basque culture before, but the big family-style meals, hearty stews, and friendly atmosphere made me feel right at home. If you’re a food lover, trying Nevada’s local dishes is a must.
I also timed my trip to catch a few fun festivals. In the summer, I went to Reno’s Hot August Nights, where classic cars line the streets and old rock music plays into the evening. It felt like stepping back in time. Another cool one was the Elko National Basque Festival, where I saw traditional dancing, wood chopping, and lots of amazing food.
Some towns host quirky and fun events you won’t find anywhere else—like the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko or the International Camel Races in Virginia City. These festivals gave me a real taste of Nevada’s unique personality.
Family-Friendly Activities in Nevada
Traveling with family? Nevada has plenty of fun activities that kids and adults will both enjoy. I found that there’s much more than just casinos here—lots of places where families can have a great time together.
In Las Vegas, besides the famous Strip, there are cool spots like the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, where kids can see sharks, sea turtles, and colorful fish up close. We also visited the Discovery Children’s Museum, which has hands-on exhibits that kept the little ones entertained for hours.
If you want a bit more nature, the Springs Preserve near Las Vegas is a fantastic place to explore with kids. There are gardens, walking trails, and even a train ride that made learning about desert life fun for everyone.
Outside the city, I loved taking my family to Lake Tahoe. In the summer, we enjoyed swimming and paddleboarding, and in winter, skiing was a blast. The fresh mountain air and beautiful views made it easy for all of us to relax and have fun.
For something really unique, we visited Animal Ark, a wildlife sanctuary north of Reno. It’s a great chance to see rescued animals like wolves, bears, and big cats. The kids loved learning about wildlife conservation.
No matter where you go in Nevada, there are plenty of family-friendly options that make the trip enjoyable for all ages. I highly recommend including some of these activities when you’re planning your visit.
Conclusion
Nevada surprised me in so many ways beyond the bright lights of Las Vegas. From the peaceful beauty of Great Basin National Park to the fun of driving the Loneliest Road in America, this state has something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, exploring small towns, enjoying local food, or finding family-friendly activities, Nevada won’t disappoint.
If you’re planning a trip, I recommend taking your time to explore beyond the usual spots. There’s a rich history, stunning nature, and friendly communities waiting for you here. Pack your bags, hit the road, and discover all the unique things Nevada has to offer!
