No matter what kind of adventure you’re after, you’ll find endless things to do in Nevada. Discover uniquely Nevadan experiences, breathtaking national and state parks, and urban excursions fit for the whole family. The Silver State is full of surprises—as well as endless, only-here ways to get a little out there.
Best Things to Do in Nevada
Things to Do in Nevada
From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the sky-scraping peaks of Great Basin National Park, Nevada offers a little of everything. Browse top attractions, ghost towns, museums, outdoor adventures, and more to find out why you’ll never run out of things to do in Nevada.
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Outdoor Recreation
With more than 60 million acres of public lands to roam—and elevations soaring from 479 feet at the Colorado River to 13,063 feet atop Wheeler Peak—Nevada is where pristine wilderness and pure adventure collide.
National & State Parks
With topography spanning sunbaked sandstone to sky-high mountain ranges, Nevada’s stunning national and state parks offer endless ways to explore. Hike through sculpted canyons, cool off in crystalline lakes, kayak or cast a line into still-wild rivers, or simply savor the scenery. These protected places invite you to slow down, look around, and experience nature at your own pace.
Wildlife Areas
Covering sagebrush seas, hidden marshes, alpine peaks, and beyond, Nevada’s wildlife areas preserve habitats as varied as the creatures they harbor. Hoof it through havens for antelope and bighorn sheep, watch for waterfowl and soaring raptors, or encounter endemic, endangered, and otherwise uncommon species. But whatever you do, bring your camera, a set of binoculars, or simply a keen eye—and come wander where the wild things are.
Stargazing
Although it’s home to the brightest place on Earth (you guessed it: The Strip), the Silver State boasts multiple destinations officially recognized by DarkSky International for some of the darkest—and therefore most dazzling—skies in the Lower 48. Head just beyond the glow of any metro for a celestial show featuring complete constellations, the Milky Way, streaking meteors, and more stars than you’ve ever imagined.
Only-in-Nevada Wonders
Nevada’s wonders are as unexpected as they are unforgettable. Explore ghost towns frozen in time, dig into delectable Basque traditions, or cruise through country infamous for otherworldly encounters. If you’re craving the curiously uncommon, you’re in the right place.
Ghost Towns
Nevada’s 600-plus ghost towns outnumber its living ones, each with its own tales etched into weathered wood, rusted relics, and other mining-era ruins. Stroll down long-silent streets, admire old stamp mills and towering headframes, and—in some cases—step inside still-serving, Wild West saloons where you can drink in Silver State history in more ways than one.
Extraterrestrial Adventures
In the Silver State, you can have a plate full of eggs and sausage in the morning and a saucer full of little green men in the evening. Home to Area 51 and the E.T. Highway, Nevada is the place to be for all the galaxy’s outsiders, making it the perfect destination for when you need an adventure with something a little extra(terrestrial).
Basque Culture
Nevada’s Basque heritage thrives in former boardinghouses—now dining halls and bars—where history runs deep and hefty, multi-course meals arrive family-style. Show up hungry, grab a seat, raise a glass (of Picon Punch, Nevada’s official state cocktail), and discover a culture shaped by generations of sheepherders, storytellers, and proud families who helped define the Silver State.
Urban Adventures
Nevada’s cities buzz with energy, creativity, and character. While famous for neon lights and wild nights, our major metros are also art-obsessed, family friendly, and rich with culture. Whether you’re meandering through an immersive museum, making new memories with the kids, or chasing vibes in a hip or historic neighborhood, Nevada’s urban hubs go all-in on getting you a little out there.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas dazzles well beyond The Strip. Pay respects to the city’s now-retired iconic signs at The Neon Museum (and be sure to schedule a twilight tour). Amble around the 18-block Arts District where murals, maker markets, and award-winning restaurants reveal the city’s creative pulse. Then hit the Downtown Container Park (which welcomes visitors nightly with a flame-spitting, Burning Man-born praying mantis) and let the kids loose at the treehouse playground while you peruse dozens of shops, food stalls, and bars.
Reno
The Biggest Little City in the World wears its arts-and-culture-loving heart on its proverbial sleeve. Burning Man sculptures line the Downtown Reno Riverwalk, while the mural-draped MidTown District adds cafés, coffee shops, cocktail bars, funky boutiques, and breweries to the scene. Meanwhile, the Nevada Museum of Art always astounds with rotating exhibits by artists from around the globe, and The Discovery invites imaginations of all ages to run wild through fully interactive STEAM galleries and exhibitions.
Carson City
In Nevada’s storied capital, past and present go hand in hand. At the Nevada State Museum, discover the Silver State’s geologic origins, prehistoric creatures, American Indian culture, and mining-era legacies. Hop aboard the V&T Railway to Virginia City, where candy shops, museums, and saloons delight visitors of any age. Then wander the West Side Historic District’s leafy streets lined with landmarks and Victorian homes, leading to cute shops and killer eats in the heart of its charming downtown.
Road Trips
There’s a reason Nevada is the Road Trip Capital of the USA. Whether it’s Neon to Nature’s off-The-Strip trips to world-famous destinations, the Rubies Route’s majestic mountains and outdoor action, or the Burner Byway’s art-fueled blast into the backcountry, all 10 of our curated road trips deliver out-there adventures you only find here.
#TravelNevada
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