When most people think of Las Vegas, they think of bright lights, busy casinos, fantastic hotels and staying out until the sun rises. Vegas provides all that and more, but the location of Las Vegas, Nevada also ideally situated for incredible day trips. If you need a break from the sensory overwhelm of Vegas, consider leaving the city for the day. Within a few hour's drive, some of the most incredible natural wonders await — from the stunning Grand Canyon to the Hoover Dam to the blazingly hot Death Valley.
You can also completely forgo the casinos, restaurants and nightlife of Vegas and simply keep it your home base to tour the incredible surrounding areas. There are many hidden gems within a half-day's drive from the Strip, so choose your adventure and get outside the concrete jungle!
1. The Grand Canyon
- 4.5 hour drive and about 253 miles from Las Vegas
One of the most popular day trips from Vegas, the Grand Canyon is a must-see for anyone in the Southwest. Located about four hours from Las Vegas, the day trip will take up most of the day. Carved over six million years ago, these layered bands of red rock truly look like the landscape of Mars. Mile-high canyon walls expose some of the oldest exposed rock and take up 217 miles.
There are many activities once you reach the Grand Canyon; adventure through the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass-bottomed bridge that stretches 70 feet out over the edge of the 4,000-foot drop to the bottom of the canyon. Bask in stunning, panoramic views of the West Rim and Colorado River. Take a luxury helicopter tour, or ride mules above heart-pounding sheer drops. Extend your day trip if you hike trails like the Bright Angel trail or North Canyon Rim, or simply bring a blanket to enjoy the stunning sunset.
2. Zion National Park
- 2.5 hour drive and 160 miles from Las Vegas
Two hours northeast of Las Vegas is another world-famous national park, Zion National Park. Across 232 square miles, Zion is home to spectacular scenery, challenging hikes and canyoneering. Zion is not for the faint of heart and is packed with adventurous things to do.
Hike through the popular Narrows, a water-filled gorge with thousand-foot tall walls and only about 20 feet wide in some areas. Rent ATVs for an adrenaline-pumping view of the sandy dunes and desert landscape. If that’s not enough, book a skydiving excursion and plummet to the ground at 120 miles an hour.
3. Hoover Dam
- 45-minute drive and 40 miles from Las Vegas Strip
Need a quick trip that will only take up the morning or afternoon? The Hoover Dam is a short 45-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip and well worth the adventure. It powers four billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric power for 1.3 million people across Nevada, Arizona and California and is a miraculous feat of engineering, nature and machinery.
Kayak the Hoover Dam, or take a guided power plant tour. Walk across the Memorial Bridge, or head to one of the many lookout centers for wild views of the dam’s power, cascading water and deafening sounds.
4. Lake Mead
- 45-minute drive, or about 30 miles from the Las Vegas Strip
Need to cool down and splash in some refreshing water in the middle of the desert? Drive out to Lake Mead about an hour east of Vegas, perfect for boating, fishing and swimming. Not only a recreation spot, Lake Mead is actually man-made and provides water for Las Vegas and irrigation for the surrounding area. It's a reservoir from the Hoover Dam and provides a go-to spot for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating or water skiing. There are many picnic areas and shaded spots by the water, so bring some snacks and drinks to spend the day diving in and out of the refreshingly cold water.
5. Death Valley National Park
- 2.5-hour drive, or about 130 miles from Las Vegas Strip
Appropriately named, Death Valley in Southern California is one of the hottest and driest national parks in the United States. Sitting below sea level, Death Valley can experience soaring temperatures into 120°F in the summer, only cooling off to about 90°F at night. It's also home to the singular hottest temperature in the world, a record-breaking 134°F (57°C) in 1913.
However, it’s also a beautiful spot for sandy dunes, outer space-like craters and challenging hikes. Grotto Canyon is a difficult 2.2-mile out-and-back trail. The Badlands Loop is a moderate 2.7-mile loop, or you can take it easy on the 0.5-mile Salt Creek Interpretive Trail, which runs along a flat boardwalk. There are also ample opportunities for stargazing, camping and rock climbing and if you visit Death Valley, make sure to come well-prepared with water, food and shade and avoid peak summer.
Just like the Las Vegas Strip itself, the cities surrounding Vegas offer some of the most incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or living full-time in the area. The top day trips from Las Vegas typically take you to beautiful national parks and allow you to enjoy the best scenery in the Southwest.
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