hoover dam nevada

Places to Go in Nevada

Nevada: It’s wide open and seemingly endless. So it shouldn’t surprise you to hear that the places to go and things to do in Nevada are pretty much infinite.

Follow your curiosity, wander (and wonder), and collect stories you can only experience here. Whatever passion you’re chasing, you’re bound to find it all over the state. That said, while you’re here, mind if we make a few suggestions for places to visit in Nevada?

Northern

Where rich history and heritage gild the gateway to some of our wildest adventure playgrounds.

Battle Mountain
Battle Mountain

The site of the World Human Powered Speed Challenge is also surrounded by endless Nevada backcountry.

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Denio
Denio

Outdoor recreation, pay-to-dig opal mines, and Sheldon NWR draw visitors to this NV/OR border community.

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Elko
Elko

Nevada’s cowboy-est town offers Basque cuisine, museums, public art, and access to the Ruby Mountains.

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Gerlach
Gerlach

Discover Sagebrush Saloons, funky art, and Fly Geyser en route to the fabled Black Rock Desert.

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Jackpot
Jackpot

Located at the Idaho border, Jackpot offers gaming, dining, and access to the Jarbidge Wilderness.

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Jarbidge
Jarbidge

One of the most remote towns in the Lower 48 sits nestled against the stunning Jarbidge Wilderness.

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Lamoille
Lamoille

Bucolic ranch vibes give way to all manner of outdoor action up in famously stunning Lamoille Canyon.

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Lovelock
Lovelock

“Lock your love” at Lovers Lock Plaza, explore ancient history in Lovelock Cave, and enjoy some home cooking.

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Wells
Wells

Watch wildlife at Angel Lake and Ruby Lake NWR after walking through history at Metropolis Ghost Town.

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West Wendover
West Wendover

Enjoy big-name shows, gaming, the Bonneville Salt Flats, and WWII history in this NV/UT border town.

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Winnemucca
Winnemucca

Traditional Basque fare, the Buckaroo Hall of Fame, rodeos, and outdoor action all await in “the Mucc.”

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North Central

Follow in the hoof-steps of the Pony Express along the (in)famous Loneliest Road in America.

Austin
Austin

Historic churches, saloons, and wilderness access await along the famed “Loneliest Road in America.

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Baker
Baker

The gateway to Great Basin National Park delights with good food, cozy lodging, and funky art.

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Dayton
Dayton

Get into the spirit of early Nevada at the site of the Silver State’s very first gold discovery.

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Ely
Ely

This 4-season mountain town is all about art, rich historic sites, and outdoor action of all kinds.

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Eureka
Eureka

“The Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road” brims with history and several Uncommon Overnighters.

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Fallon
Fallon

“The Oasis of Nevada” is home to a cute historic downtown, farm-fresh food, and family-friendly fun.

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Fernley
Fernley

This high-octane racetrack town provides easy access to Pyramid Lake and plentiful outdoor adventures.

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Northwestern

Discover iconic destinations and intriguing attractions within easy range of fabulous Lake Tahoe.

Carson City
Carson City

Nevada’s capital melds shopping, dining, culture, and nightlife with tons of hands-on history and charm.

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Carson Valley
Carson Valley

The communities within Carson Valley draw crowds with small-town charm, great food, and outdoor fun.

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Gardnerville
Gardnerville

Window-shop for local art, crafts, and antiques, or hop among hearty restaurants and lively saloons.

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Genoa
Genoa

In Nevada’s first pioneer settlement, enjoy historic buildings, the state’s oldest saloon, and more.

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Minden
Minden

Local food, historic brick buildings, and artifact-packed cultural centers charm up this German-founded town.

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North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe

Swanky resorts and unlimited fun—on water or land, in sunshine or snow—define Tahoe’s North Shore.

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Reno
Reno

Nevada’s northern metro buzzes with art, music, cuisine, non-stop events, and easy access to Lake Tahoe.

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South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe

State-straddling South Lake Tahoe combines outdoor action by day with the lake’s best nightlife.

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Sparks
Sparks

“Rail City” draws thousands for the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, Hot August Nights, and more.

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Virginia City
Virginia City

Think Frontierland, except it’s real and has way more saloons, museums, and events. “Step back in time!”

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Southern

Where the glitz and glam of Las Vegas meets popular parks, famous landmarks, and fun little towns.

Boulder City
Boulder City

Art Deco vibes and gourmet food cap off days spent at Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River.

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Henderson
Henderson

Las Vegas’ quieter neighbor promises plenty of its own entertainment, shopping, dining, and more.

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Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas

11,000 resort rooms, world-class golfing, and a 320-acre lake sit just 17 miles from the busy Strip.

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Las Vegas
Las Vegas

There’s not a single reason they call it the “Entertainment Capital of the World” — there are millions.

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Laughlin
Laughlin

Entertainment, relaxation, and on-the-water recreation draw thousands to this riverfront resort town.

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Mesquite
Mesquite

Seven master-designed courses make Mesquite a golfer’s paradise in the stunning Virgin River Valley.

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Moapa Valley
Moapa Valley

Discover American Indian history at Lost City Museum after a day exploring Valley of Fire State Park.

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North Las Vegas
North Las Vegas

Rev up your trip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, home to NASCAR races and the Electric Daisy Carnival.

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Central

A vast, rugged region packed with parks, ghost towns & oddball attractions. PRO TIP: watch for UFOs.

Alamo
Alamo

Blast off to the ET Hwy, Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, Basin and Range National Monument, and more.

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Amargosa Valley
Amargosa Valley

This NV/CA border town offers lodging and dining close to Death Valley NP, Big Dune, and Ash Meadows.

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Beatty
Beatty

The “Gateway to Death Valley” experience includes wild burro encounters, BBQ, and Rhyolite Ghost Town.

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Caliente
Caliente

Nevada’s “City of Roses” is both a mountain bike mecca and a basecamp for several Nevada state parks.

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Dyer
Dyer

Enjoy a cozy vineyard B&B after exploring ghost towns, wild burro habitats, and NV’s tallest peak.

3
Goldfield
Goldfield

The state’s once-largest city wows with some of the richest—and most accessible—history in Nevada.

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Hawthorne
Hawthorne

America’s Patriotic Home” is home to a military museum, Walker Lake, and 1,000+ miles of OHV trails.

2
Pahrump
Pahrump

Wineries, a distillery, a meadery, and other indoor indulgences await at the edge of Death Valley NP.

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Pioche
Pioche

“Nevada’s Liveliest Ghost Town” houses historic buildings and intriguing museums near 3 state parks.

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Rachel
Rachel

Visit this Area 51-area community to eat Alien Burgers, shop for funky swag, and try to spot UFOs.

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Tonopah
Tonopah

Tour old mining grounds and a stargazing park, then bed down in a clown-themed motel or historic hotel.

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Yerington
Yerington

Grab grub or retire to a motel after a day spent fishing and exploring the fabled East Walker River.

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Explore the Map

Places to Visit in Nevada

Looking at a map of Nevada, you’ll notice one thing right away: It’s big. Like 60-million-acres-of-public-land big. Every part of the Silver State packs its own personality, wildly different landscapes, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Click around to get the lay of the land and see what kinds of adventure await when you explore it all yourself.

Las V egas Reno No r thern No r th w e s tern No r th C entral C entral Southern 12 D y er

Get Your Hands on a Nevada Map

Regions in Nevada

Here, we encourage you to get out of your routine, out of your comfort zone, and out of your box.

What better way to do that than to explore a state that’s as adventurous as you are?

 

We guarantee the other states on your list don’t have forests of cars, 600-foot sand dunes, hundreds of natural hot springs, UFOs, or the chance to become a fighter pilot for a day. Only Nevada offers those experiences. So, let’s have a look around.

Learn About Nevada
Paddle board on Tahoe with snow.
Northwest Nevada on a map
Northwest Nevada on a map

Reno-Tahoe Territory

Northwestern Nevada

Northwestern Nevada is home to the Wild West boomtown of Virginia City, idyllic Carson Valley, the storied state capital of Carson City, and hip-and-happening Reno, all just over the hill from world-famous Lake Tahoe, the “Jewel of the Sierra Nevada.” Discover some of Nevada’s most intriguing destinations, iconic history, and best-kept secrets.

Old mine and a starry night sky
Central Nevada on a map
Central Nevada on a map

Nevada Silver Trails

Central Nevada

Pioneers came seeking fortune. Today, this vast, rugged region offers a fascinating window into Nevada’s past. Ghost towns pepper the landscape. State parks are everywhere you turn. And who knows what you’ll find along the Extraterrestrial Highway? (Well, we know. But you’ll just have to experience that particular road trip for yourself.) See it all from the top of Boundary Peak, the highest point in Nevada.

People riding horses.
Northern Nevada on a map
Northern Nevada on a map

Cowboy Country

Northern Nevada

Picture Cowboy Country in your mind and you’ll have a good idea of Northern Nevada’s landscape and culture. It’s a place where jeans are always in fashion and Old West hospitality is the golden rule. Basque and American Indian cultures round out some real-deal Western heritage alongside some of Nevada’s best outdoor adventure secrets and proudest cultural institutions.

Highway in Nevada.
North Central Nevada on a map
North Central Nevada on a map

Pony Express Territory

North Central Nevada

Lonely? Hardly. Known as the home of the Loneliest Road in America, Nevada’s portion of US Highway 50 cuts across a region with dozens of mountain ranges and boundless, sagebrush-cloaked valleys. Soak in starry nights at Great Basin National Park, experience the vast caverns of Lehman Caves, and retrace the route of the Pony Express.

Hoover dam during sunset
Southern Nevada on a map
Southern Nevada on a map

Las Vegas Territory

Southern Nevada

Imagine jagged peaks, breathtaking vistas, and the mighty Colorado Riverthen realize we mean the part of Nevada containing Las Vegas. This metropolis is known for its gaming scene, but if that’s too dicey for you, escape the urban hustle for a night or two taking in popular parks, famous landmarks, and welcoming towns.