Robin Recommends: Best Places to Visit Near Las Vegas

You’ve flown to Las Vegas. Maybe you’re spending some time with your pals at the casino. Maybe you’re in town for a conference. Or are you getting hitched, Elvis presiding over the ceremony?

While these are all good reasons to visit Sin City, there may come a time when you’ve had enough. It’s time to leave Las Vegas ... but that doesn’t mean you have to go home.

We talked to Robin, our Marketing Data Analyst who was born, raised, and still lives in Las Vegas, and asked him for his favorite getaways. Here are his picks for the best places to visit near Las Vegas by car.

1. Mount Charleston, Nevada

Distance from Las Vegas: 39 miles west, about 45 minutes by car

Mount Charleston is an unincorporated town of about 400 people named for the nearby mountain of the same name. “It offers mountainous forest views, as well as multiple hiking trails and mountain biking activities,” says Robin. “During the peak of summer, it's about 20 to 30 degrees cooler here than in Vegas.”

Of all the sites on this list, Mount Charleston is Robin’s favorite. “Being born and raised in the desert, I like seeing greenery everywhere,” he says. “If you like nature and could care less about the glitz and glam, Mount Charleston is your jam.”

This small town could be gaining popularity soon. A historic lodge burned down in 2021, but there are plans to rebuild and expand. The new property is slated to include a two-story lodge, restaurant with patio space, and parking garage, possibly taking Mount Charleston from relaxed village to must-see destination.

There are also cabins on the old lodge’s property that are currently open and a good option when you’re looking for a place to stay in Mount Charleston in between all that outdoor activity.

2. Tonopah, Nevada

Distance from Las Vegas: 230 miles northwest, about 3.5 hours by car

Tonopah is one of the many ex-mining towns in the region. But unlike some other cities, there are still attractions that make Tonopah (pronounced TOE-nuh-pah) worth visiting.

“This is a hidden gem for stargazing,” says Robin. “There is an astronomy park here, but the real treat is driving at least 30 minutes east or west of this town because outside of the city there is no light pollution at all.”

The Tonopah Stargazing Park is open year-round, 24/7, but you might still want to be intentional about the timing of your visit. Monthly Star Parties are held June to October, and if you come on the new moon cycle, you have a better-than-average chance of seeing the Milky Way in all its glory.

“If you plan your trip to go when the moon is least luminous, using a dark sky calendar, you can maximize the amount of stars and stellar objects that you will be able to see.”

There’s more to Tonopah, but it’s not for the faint of heart. “As a bonus, this town has one of the most haunted hotels in the U.S., and a clown motel if that is your flavor,” says Robin.

That would be the Mizpah Hotel, which we named as one of the world’s spookiest places to visit, and the appropriately named Clown Motel. We’re not sure which will inspire more nightmares.

3. Boulder City, Nevada

Distance from Las Vegas: 30 miles southeast, about 30 minutes by car

If you end up in Boulder City, it’s probably because you’re making a trip to Hoover Dam (if for no other reason than to get the “I took the dam tour” sticker).

“You can drive right through Boulder City on your way to Hoover Dam,” says Robin. “The downtown is pretty nice as well as Wilbur Square, which is near downtown. There’s lots of greenery at this park, which is the opposite of the rest of southern Nevada.”

The Historic District was originally built to support the construction of Hoover Dam. Today it’s shops and restaurants. Murals and sculptures also liven up the area.

Be sure to visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum-Boulder City. Among the history it captures is the story of the railway that carried materials to Hoover Dam for its construction. You can see meticulously restored original locomotives and other artifacts, take a scenic train ride, or sign up to ride a rail bike, too.

While most people stay in Las Vegas and head outward, you might consider doing the reverse. Stay in Boulder City to take in the dam and outdoor recreation around it, then make a short daytrip to the Vegas Strip. It will be more low key while still giving you a chance to experience the extravagance of a Las Vegas getaway.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

Distance from Las Vegas: 150 miles northeast, about 2 hours by car

There are several national parks within driving distance of Las Vegas, including Utah’s Zion National Park. Although part of Robin’s criteria for best trips near Vegas is temperature (he’s a big fan of cool-cations), Zion can still get pretty hot.

“It’s not as cool during summer but has breathtaking views,” he says. And it can be busy during peak season. “There are certain months where cars are not able to drive in the park.”

Most years, the park is closed to private cars March through November and around Christmastime. Plan to take the park shuttle during this period. You don’t need a reservation to ride the shuttle or enter the park. However, some trails, such as Angels Landing, do require a permit, which you can apply for online.

Another popular trail is The Narrows. Having hiked a long stretch of this in the past, I highly recommend packing or renting water shoes and a walking stick. Proper foot protection and a little extra stability — you'll be hiking in the river, sometimes waist-or chest-deep in water (depending on how tall you are) — can make the experience more enjoyable.

5. Big Bear Lake, California

Distance from Las Vegas: 250 miles southwest, about 4 hours by car

Robin calls Big Bear Lake “good for cooling off in the summer,” which is no surprise. This Southern California town is known for its ski resorts. In the summer, the sloped terrain is primed for hiking and mountain biking. Summer in Big Bear Lake also brings concerts, golfing, and dark sky photo opps.

Big Bear Lake is a family-friendly destination in ways that Vegas will never be, and not just because it’s bear-themed. There’s winter snow tubing, and fossil hunting at Gold Rush Mining Adventures for dino-loving little ones. And everyone is sure to enjoy a chill day at the lake, whether you spend it beachside or out on the water aboard a boat rental.

Preparing for Your Trip to Las Vegas and Beyond

Whether you’re traveling from overseas or visiting from elsewhere in the U.S., getting travel insurance could be one of your smartest moves before visiting the Las Vegas area. International visitors should look into medical coverage since healthcare in the United States can be very expensive. And those from the U.S. might have travel expenses to protect, like the cost of flights or even a rental car.

Visit SevenCorners.com or talk to a licensed agent to find the best travel insurance for your Las Vegas getaway ... even if you plan to get away from Vegas.