Discover Your Nevada

Most Renoites have visited Virginia City. But have you really experienced the place? While you may have attended some wild annual events, until you’ve hunted barroom ghosts, danced a jig with locals clad in Victorian get-ups, or explored an underground mine or two.

Just over an hour from Las Vegas awaits a little slice of desert paradise. Mesquite marries the best of small-town life with resort getaway vibes, offering up five-star art, culture, eats, and recreation. Pack up the family and escape to the scenic Virgin River Valley for a southern Nevada staycation you won’t soon forget. This town is about to become your favorite hidden gem in the Silver State. Sorry not sorry for bogarting all your future vacation days.

Ready for a welcome change of scenery? Look just down the highway from Reno. Hardly just a haven for school-kid field trips, your very own capital city calls with culture, cuisine, and outdoor action. From Old West history to spankin’-new pedal-powered railway tours, craft brew-paired bistro bites to hot spring soaks, and kid-approved activities galore, you’ll wonder why you haven’t headed down for a slightly-south sleepover sooner.

Ready to get out of town? Head south to Carson Valley, where a close-to-home adventure awaits. This charming community, with its mountain-studded backdrop, brims with hands-on Nevada history, amazing eats (grown a fork’s throw from your plate), and some of the Silver State’s most prized antique shopping, but also plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities, outdoor action, and sunset soaks to ensure there’s something for the whole fam—even for just one night.

Marked by stunning contrasts around every bend, the Great Basin Highway blasts out of Las Vegas and winds through wide-open country to several Nevada State Parks and a couple of small towns teeming with tales. Pack all the things—this route is replete with hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and stargazing opportunities.

If you’re willing (and eager) to get a little out there, Las Vegas and its surrounding cities have a wide variety of curiously uncommon sights to see. From only-found-here history to larger-than-life landmarks, discover an anything-but-ordinary side of the Silver State.

An hour and change east of Reno “The Oasis of Nevada” awaits. The friendly farm town of Fallon invites fans of fresh food and outdoor action with great restaurants, a singing sand dune playground, an abundance of wildlife, plenty of comfy places to stay, and more.

Goodsprings, Nelson, St. Thomas, and Rhyolite are a few of the famous ghost towns near Las Vegas. Saddle up and venture out—these Wild West towns are just a short drive from Las Vegas.