Discover Your Nevada

This sunny city packs a splashy punch, boasting endless opportunities to get your kicks on the Colorado River. With boating, fishing, jet skiing, kayaking, and cruising at your fingertips (plus a lively riverwalk scene featuring almost a dozen amenity-packed resorts), it won’t take you long to learn why this family-friendly outdoor destination is one of our favorites to escape to for a night or two.

Halfway between Las Vegas and Reno, a quick family getaway awaits. Tonopah beckons adventurers, budding rockhounds, and lovers of history and all things odd, thanks to its Historic Mining Park, incredible hike-able rock formations, killer grub, plenty of haunted history, and even the infamous Clown Motel.

From the Biggest Little City to the “Friendliest Town in Nevada” – give a big ol’ howdy to Winnemucca, just over two hours northeast of Reno. Smack dab in the heart of cowboy country, you’ll find rich buckaroo history, big Basque dinners, endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, and warm hospitality waiting to welcome you. Pack an appetite for adventure, and your favorite Stetson.

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.

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.

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.

These dark sky destinations often feel light years away from Las Vegas. But if you’re really shooting for the stars, you’re gonna want to get these gaze-worthy waypoints firmly on your radar.

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.