Leisure Activities

In a state that essentially redefined hospitality and service, nobody has your R&R needs handled better than Nevada. Whether you’re looking to tour luxury cars through spectacular scenic byways with your beau by your side, kick up your heels with the fam on a paddlewheel boat cruise atop some of the most famous lakes and rivers in the world, or book that Forbes four-star spa pamper sesh you’ve been fantasizing about for years, world-renowned leisure activities await at every resort, shopping center, park, and walkable district in the Silver State.

All Shopping & Leisure

Las Vegas Arts District

All Shopping & Leisure

Highlights

Silver State Scenic Byways and Paddlewheel Cruises
Outlets, Antiques, and High-End Shopping
Luxury Packages, Holistic Treatments & Nevada Spa Getaways

In a state that essentially redefined leisure, nobody has your R&R needs handled better than Nevada.

Scenic Tours Across Nevada

With so much action along those boulevards shimmering with miles of neon, take it down a notch and get some well-earned R&R begging to be basked in along Nevada’s leisurely river strolls, historic neighborhood walking tours, winding scenic drives, and even a few sunset dinner cruises atop some of the most famous bodies of water in the world.

Season

All Seasons

Region

State of Nevada

River Walks & Historic District Walking Tours

Some of Nevada’s most celebrated cafes, bars, art emporiums, and even history vibes line scenic river walks in both northern and southern Nevada. Get away from Vegas’ big-city bustle for a day or three on the rewarding Neon to Nature road trip down to easygoing Laughlin. Perched along the banks of the mighty Colorado River, this bordertown has mastered the balance between casino nightlife and natural wonders, all slowed down to a satisfying roll, along the Laughlin Riverwalk. This paved, mile-long walking trail serves up spectacular sights of the Colorado River and surrounding Mojave desertscapes, dipping in and out of seven resort properties along the way. Best yet, the Laughlin Riverwalk provides direct and easy access to a variety of other tours and rentals, including dinner cruises, scenic riverboat cruises, jet boat tours and other mild or wild ways to get on the water.

walking ghost tours in carson city — Carson City Ghost Walk

Up in northern Nevada, one of the best ways to get to know the Biggest Little City is by strolling the Downtown Reno Riverwalk. This action-packed district brims with some of Reno’s best bistros and bars, vibrant local arts, and tons of indoor and outdoor entertainment venues unlike anywhere else in the Silver State. Whether you’re looking to kick back with a great bite or cocktail, catch some tunes, or soak up the scenery with a relaxing Truckee River stroll—or all three—hoof it down to the Reno Riverwalk District.

Just down the road in Carson City, stretch your legs and get to know some true Silver State history along the Kit Carson Trail, which winds through our capital’s most historic district. More than 60 landmarks tell the story of the Capital City’s history and heritage, with beautiful, photogenic stops among museums, churches, and 19th-century Victorian-style houses that Nevada’s founders, scions, and other early movers and shakers—from D.L. Bliss to Mark Twain—once called home.

Breathtaking Byways & Scenic Drives

Whether you’re loading up the car for a road trip or renting a Ferrari for the afternoon, there’s no better way of getting to know Nevada than jumping in the driver’s seat and heading out for a gorgeous drive. Point those wheels toward memory-makers like the gorgeous, vista-studded eastern shoreline of Lake Tahoe; Elko County’s glacier-carved Lamoille Canyon; the fabled, wide-open Black Rock Desert, and pristine Pyramid Lake.

In the Las Vegas area, just about a half-hour beyond the Strip lies a loop through the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Filled with ancient red rock formations, this paved 13-mile scenic drive ambles past recreational and picnic areas, with access to dozens of hikes and trails among those stunning mountains you may have seen from your high-rise hotel room. Venture a little further north and you’ll find another gorgeous canyon at Valley of Fire State Park. Surrounded by swirling crimson landscapes, every stretch of road in this Nevada State Park is a spectacular car (or motorcycle) commercial waiting to happen; we highly recommend the always-impressive state and national scenic byway along White Domes Road.

valley of fire state park scenic drive — Valley of Fire Scenic Byway

great basin scenic byways at night — Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive & Campground

For more beautiful Silver State scenic byways, pack up the cooler and head for Nevada national parks. Unlike other national parks, you can experience almost all of Death Valley National Park from the comfort of your own car. See the Funeral Mountains and Telescope Peak, Death Valley Junction, Devil’s Golf Course, Artist’s Palette, and the lowest, hottest, and driest place in the United States from dozens of scenic loops throughout the park—even during those sweltering summertime temps. In the opposite corner of the state, behold the brightest stars beneath the darkest skies in the country at Great Basin National Park along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Climbing up to some of the highest elevations in Nevada, this 12-mile scenic drive hugs the mountainside, bringing the Great Basin to life with 60-mile vantage points of the aspen-blanketed valleys, lush meadows, and desertscapes down below.

Fancy a joyride? With red rock canyons and shimmering, caribbeanesque lakes, Nevada’s scenic byways call to cruisers. Up your ante by renting an exotic sports car—think Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and beyond—in Las Vegas and Reno for the ride (and probably photo opp) of your life.

Cruise Lake Mead, Lake Tahoe & Beyond

Whether you’ve got the whole fam in tow or have your sights set on a romantic sunset getaway for two, embark on a boating tour along some of the most famous waterways in the country. Nestled against jagged Mojave Desert peaks, what better way to experience the country’s most diverse National Recreation Area and see the amazing Hoover Dam is there than from a climate-controlled Mississippi-style paddlewheel boat? Headquartered on the shores of Lake Mead, experience fine dining and spectacular sights from a mid-day sightseeing cruise, a champagne brunch cruise, or sunset dinner cruise, each lasting between 90 to 120 minutes.

Cruise Lake Tahoe, the “Jewel of the Sierra”—one of the largest, purest, and clearest alpine lakes in the world—aboard the 570-passenger M.S. Dixie II. Offering five cruises daily, this old-school paddlewheeler departs from Zephyr Cove Resort—one of the best family-friendly getaways in Lake Tahoe. Stay in cozy, lakeside cabins, then hop on board for a narrated history of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe, a tasty lunch and refreshments, and unmatched views of Big Blue from the bow or deck lounges.

paddle boat on lake mead — Lake Mead Cruises

Shopping in the Silver State

Looking to spend a little vacation time shopping? From some of the country’s most luxurious shopping experiences along the Strip to charming antique shops packed with pages of the Silver State story, we can’t say we blame ya. Browse through shops with Caesar, or take home a one-of-a-kind true Nevada treasure—either way, if you come to Nevada to shop, better bring (or buy) an extra duffel bag.

Antique Shop-Hop Your Way Around Nevada

Sometimes the best thing to bring home from a place is a piece of its past. If you’re looking to nab a one-of-a-kind Silver State relic, keep an eye out for antique shops in every corner of the Silver State, each chock-full of relics of the local story—whether that be agricultural and farming, mining, boomtown grandeur, or another wild thread of Nevada’s character. Some of our favorite antiquing adventures lead to Carson Valley’s antique shops in Gardnerville and Genoa—the oldest town in Nevada. Amazing Art Deco artifacts await at antique stores in Boulder City, while a whole lotta vintage Vegas vestiges make Antique Alley—a collection of vintage shops, bars, design studios, clothing stores, and more—call Nevada treasure hunters to the Las Vegas Arts District.

linq promenade and ferris wheel — The LINQ Promenade

outside of cheshire antique shop — Cheshire Antiques

Luxury Shops, Outlet Stores & Shopping Malls in Nevada

Like to spend your leisure time perusing the high-end racks? Some of the swankiest luxury shopping in the U.S. awaits in Downtown Las Vegas and along the Las Vegas Strip, with designer stores including name brands like Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Dolce and Gabbana and beyond. Spend your free time in Sin City by going on the shopping spree of a lifetime at the Shops at Crystals, the Forum Shops at Caesars, Fashion Show Mall, or at the Grand Canal Shoppes—all within a few miles of each other along the Strip. If you’re after other tried and true department stores in more conventional shopping malls, head for some of the best shopping in Las Vegas for bargain hunters at the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets for brands like Neiman Marcus, Nike, Michael Kors and Banana Republic.

Whether you’re searching for that last minute adventure equipment or looking to elevate your style a bit, more decadent shopping excursions await at the Shops at Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. If you like your modern trends backed up with a bit of history, tour the plaque-bearing statues to learn about some of Nevada’s biggest history-makers—from the Pony Express riders to Basque sheepherders, Wovoka to Mark Twain and more—while scoring discount garb at The Outlets at Legends in Sparks. Complete with an IMAX movie theater, a 65-foot-tall indoor ferris wheel (located inside Scheels) and more than 45 stores, this upscale outlet experience is the largest shopping center in the area that suits every budget. For a local, funkier feel, head for the boutiques in Midtown and Downtown Reno where small business sings, each surrounded by mural covered walls, public sculptures, live music and theater, and Reno’s best collection of bars and restaurants.

Kick Back & Relax at the Best Resort Spas in Nevada

One of the most relaxing experiences in the Silver State is hightailing it to a hot spring—a true Nevada-style, spa experience. In fact, some natural hot springs have seduced soakers since before Nevada even became a state, helping Nevadans and visitors relax at places like David Walley’s Resort in Carson Valley, or Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa in Reno. Natural, mineral-loaded geothermal waters hold restorative properties that aid relaxation and holistic healing, attributes Steamboat has accentuated with Chakra-fied rooms, Ayurveda, and Sonatherapy services. Grab a day pass and relax your mind, body, and spirit—you earned it.

couple enjoying a hot tub in the winter — David Walley’s Resort

lounge bed at a nevada spa — Atlantis Reno Casino Resort Spa

Craving a more traditional spa experience? Reno spas and the best spas in Las Vegas, Mesquite, West Wendover, and beyond host some of the most elite and affordable spa aaaahs in the USA. Get in on LED therapies, microderms, standard facials, skin care products, hot stone massages, salon services, and more at casino-resorts along the Strip, at places like the Four Seasons Hotel, Waldorf Astoria, and the Wynn. Hit up the Forum Shops ‘til your feet hurt, then soak like a Roman at Caesar’s Palace at Qua Baths & Spa—a full-service spa that even features Roman baths and an arctic ice room.

After hole-hopping some of Mesquite’s eight golf courses, or a day spent exploring the Mojave, unwind at the Casablanca Spa or Eureka Casino Resort. Up in West Wendover, indulge in a detoxifying body wrap at Spa Montego Bay. Around “Big Blue,” book a body treatment at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort. Rejuvenate in the Brine Inhalation-Light Therapy Lounge at Spa Atlantis in Reno, choose from 24 treatment rooms at the Peppermill’s Spa Toscana, or hit the reset button at the Spa at Grand Sierra Resort with saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, waterfall showers, and more.

Grab Onto Silver State R&R

Treat Yourself

Hope you packed an empty suitcase, ‘cause you’re gonna need it for the scores of shoppable goodies Nevada has in store for you. Live lavishly with luxury experiences at Gucci and Balenciaga, snap up vintage finds at quirky boutiques, or barter for bargains at antique outlets. And once you’ve shopped ‘til you dropped, live a life of leisure with paddleboat cruises, hot springs resorts, and world-class spas. That’s what vacation is for, right?

#TravelNevada

Whether you’re shopping spree-ing it up at the Forum Shops, soaking in some luxury at a resort spa, or ambling down the Laughlin Riverwalk, be sure to tag #TravelNevada and bring us along for the ride. If your photo makes us ahhhh, look for it here.