Must-Try Things to Do Outside of Las Vegas This Year

Top things to do near Las Vegas this summer

Hey there! So, you are heading to Sin City this summer? That is awesome! But let me tell you a little secret from my own travels: while the neon lights, massive casinos, and world-class shows are incredible, the real magic happens when you rent a car and leave the city limits. I used to think Vegas was just about the casinos, but once I started looking for things to do outside of las vegas, my mind was completely blown. The surrounding Mojave Desert is packed with breathtaking landscapes, cool mountain escapes, and wild adventures. If you want a trip that is genuinely unforgettable, you absolutely need to explore the Things to do outside of Las Vegas Strip. Grab an iced coffee, put on some sunscreen, and let me share my absolute favorite summer day trips with you!

things to do near horseshoe las vegas

Red Rock Canyon: An Early Morning Must

Valley of Fire State Park

Get tour guides and enjoyable sightseeing tours

Cooling down at Mount Charleston

Finding those Hidden gems outside Las Vegas

Nelson Ghost Town & Eldorado Canyon

Romantic day trips from Las Vegas

Epic things to do near las vegas nevada for thrill-seekers

Quick start: things to do near horseshoe las vegas

things to do near horseshoe las vegas

Before we hit the open highway, let’s talk about your starting point. If you are staying right in the center of the action, you might be wondering about things to do near horseshoe las vegas just to get your day started right. My pro tip? Grab a quick, hearty breakfast at one of the cafes on the Linq Promenade right next door, take a spin on the High Roller observation wheel right as it opens to get a bird’s-eye view of the desert you are about to conquer, and then head straight to your rental car. The earlier you start your summer road trip, the better you can beat that intense midday heat!

The best things to see around las vegas nv

Once you are on the road, you will realize how drastically the scenery changes. You trade towering hotels for towering cliffs in a matter of minutes. When friends ask me about the absolute best things to see around las vegas nv, my first answer is always the same: you have to see the rocks.

Red Rock Canyon: An Early Morning Must

Just a short 25-minute drive from the Strip is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Because it is summer, I highly recommend getting here right at sunrise. I did this last July, and watching the morning light hit those massive, rust-colored Aztec sandstone peaks was a spiritual experience. There is a fantastic 13-mile scenic drive loop if you want to stay in the air conditioning, but if you are up for it, the Calico Tanks trail is a brilliant, moderately easy morning hike that rewards you with a hidden pool of water and a cool view looking back at the city. Just bring way more water than you think you need!

Free scenic drives near Las Vegas

If you love blasting your favorite playlist with the windows down, you will be thrilled to know there are some incredible Free scenic drives near Las Vegas that cost absolutely nothing but the gas in your tank. Heading out into the wide-open desert highways gives you a sense of absolute freedom that you just cannot get on the crowded casino floor.

Valley of Fire State Park

Okay, while entering the park has a small day-use fee, the drive through the surrounding area is spectacular. Once inside, the Valley of Fire is literally out of this world. The bright red Aztec sandstone formations look like they are actually on fire when the sun hits them! Because it is summer, you definitely want to do this drive early in the morning. I remember driving through the park’s winding, dip-filled roads and feeling like I was exploring the surface of Mars. It is a photographer’s absolute dream.

Get tour guides and enjoyable sightseeing tours

Cooling down at Mount Charleston

Here is my ultimate summer survival secret: when the Vegas heat gets a little too intense, locals head straight up to Mount Charleston. It is usually a good 20 to 30 degrees cooler up there! The scenic drive up the mountain is gorgeous, as you slowly trade the dusty cactus landscape for towering, fragrant pine trees. You can grab lunch at the lodge or just enjoy a cool, breezy hike without breaking a sweat. It is the perfect summer escape.

Finding those Hidden gems outside Las Vegas

Everyone knows the big tourist spots, but I always love taking my friends to the weirder, off-the-beaten-path locations. If you are into photography or just want a really unique story to tell when you get home, Finding those Hidden gems outside Las Vegas is where the fun really begins.

Nelson Ghost Town & Eldorado Canyon

Just about 45 minutes south of the city, you will find Nelson Ghost Town. It is this incredibly quirky, abandoned mining town filled with vintage cars, crashed airplanes (used in movies!), and rusty gas pumps. It feels like walking straight onto the set of a wild west movie. It is an absolute paradise for taking cool, vintage-style photos and getting a taste of Nevada’s quirky, rugged history without dealing with massive crowds.

Romantic day trips from Las Vegas

Are you traveling with your partner? Vegas isn’t just about loud nightclubs and crowded pools. In fact, some of the most Romantic day trips from Las Vegas involve water, nature, and pure tranquility. There is something incredibly peaceful about escaping the neon lights and just enjoying the vast desert silence together.

Kayaking the Emerald Cave on the Colorado River

This is easily one of the most romantic and refreshing things I have ever done near the city. You can rent a tandem kayak at Willow Beach and paddle up the Colorado River. The water is surprisingly cold and crystal clear, which feels amazing in the summer heat. The absolute highlight is paddling into the Emerald Cave. When the sun hits the water at the right angle, the whole cave glows a brilliant, jewel-toned green. It is stunningly beautiful and makes for a perfect, intimate couples’ adventure.

Cheap weekend getaways from Las Vegas for couples

If you want to extend your day trip into an overnight stay without spending a fortune on resort fees, there are some fantastic options. Finding Cheap weekend getaways from Las Vegas for couples is totally doable if you know where to look beyond the city limits.

Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam

Pack a cooler with some sandwiches and cold drinks, and head out to Lake Mead. You can rent a small boat, go paddleboarding, or just find a quiet beach to relax by the water. Right next door is the magnificent Hoover Dam. Walking across this massive concrete marvel and looking down into the canyon is completely free! For a cheap overnight stay, check out nearby Boulder City. It has a charming, small-town vibe with cute vintage diners, antique shops, and very affordable motels. It is a perfect, low-cost romantic escape from the Vegas madness, giving you a chance to truly connect.

Epic things to do near las vegas nevada for thrill-seekers

If you are the kind of person who likes a little adrenaline mixed in with your vacation, you are in the right place. When friends ask me for the most exciting things to do near las vegas nevada, I always tell them to look towards the dunes. The desert isn’t just for looking at; it is an incredible playground if you know how to explore it safely during the summer.

Off-Roading in the Mojave Desert

One of my all-time favorite memories was renting an ATV and tearing through the Hidden Valley and Primm Valley. There are plenty of guided tours that will set you up with a dune buggy or an ATV, a helmet, and plenty of water. Kicking up dust on the desert trails, climbing over massive sand dunes, and feeling the warm wind in your face is an absolute rush. Since we are talking about summer, book a sunset or early morning tour to avoid the midday heat. It is a wildly fun way to blow off some steam after a night out on the Strip.

Seven Magic Mountains at Sunset

Before you wrap up your trip, you have to stop by the Seven Magic Mountains. It is this massive, incredibly vibrant art installation featuring stacked neon-painted boulders right in the middle of the dusty Ivanpah Valley. It sounds simple, but standing next to these towering, glowing rocks as the sun goes down and paints the sky in shades of purple and orange is surreal. It is the perfect, colorful finale to your desert road trip and guarantees some amazing photos for your feed.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Summer Road Trip Awaits

So, there you have it! Las Vegas is so much more than just the casinos and clubs. By stepping out of the city limits, you unlock a world of red rock canyons, cool mountain escapes, romantic emerald rivers, and quirky ghost towns. These summer day trips will add a whole new layer of adventure to your vacation. Rent that car, pack plenty of water, crank up your favorite tunes, and go make some incredible memories in the desert. Have an absolutely amazing trip!