Iconic Nevada Attractions

Here’s the wonderful thing about Nevada: We’re wild, offbeat, and eclectic—a mix of unexpected and iconic. We have world-famous landmarks like the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Tahoe, and the Reno Arch alongside alien-themed attractions, desert open-air galleries, and haunted hotels.

We like to say it’s a perfect mix here: the oddball mixed with the magnificent, the ordinary blended with the extraordinary, the outdoor adventure with the indoor fun. Put it all together and it’s…well, a little out there. Here, we’ll explore the major Nevada tourist attractions, must-sees in Nevada, and top Nevada sights you’ll find on your next visit to the Silver State.

International Car Forest of the Last Church

Highlights

Las Vegas Attractions
Reno Attractions

5 Classic Nevada Tourist Attractions

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All Seasons

Region

State of Nevada

Anyone who’s made a visit to Nevada knows that there’s more to see, do, and experience than can fit into one trip—or one lifetime, for that matter. That’s why it might be best to opt for the highlights, especially if it’s your first time here. Nothing wrong with hitting the top Nevada tourist attractions—after all, there’s a reason they’re so popular.

Las Vegas Strip

Across four glorious, neon-lit miles, you’ll travel the entire globe. There’s a pyramid, the Eiffel Tower, the Manhattan skyline, and even a Roman temple sitting right on the Las Vegas Strip Scenic Byway. Named America’s only “nighttime scenic byway,” this stretch of road is impressive any time of day, but really shines at night.

nevada tourist attractions — Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Welcome to Las Vegas Sign

Since the late ‘50s, this iconic sign has welcomed literal millions with its bright lettering and retro design. A can’t-miss on any trip to Las Vegas, this official neon welcome stands 25 feet tall and is impressive day or night.

The Reno Arch

Reno’s answer to the Las Vegas sign is its massive “Reno: The Biggest Little City in the World” arch which spans Virginia Street in the heart of downtown. Grab a selfie during the day or wait for the sun to set when the sign is lit up.

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam hardly needs an introduction, but suffice it to say this engineering marvel is a must-see for any southern Nevada vacation. Be sure to walk across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which towers 880 feet over Hoover Dam, or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the dam’s power plant.

The Stratosphere

The STRAT—formerly known as the Stratosphere—features a hotel, casino, shops, and a world-famous tower and observation deck. While the rotating deck doesn’t quite reach the actual stratosphere, it does tower 1,149 feet above the Las Vegas Strip, offering the best views around.

8 Stunning Outdoor Nevada Sights

Nevada is as geographically diverse as any state, from the sandy shores and crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe to the rugged beauty of our desert national recreation areas. Check out these Nevada sights that include a national park and tons more outdoor recreation.

Lake Tahoe

In life, some things fall into the “you have to see it to believe it” category. Lake Tahoe is certainly one of those. Spanning 12 miles across and 72 miles around, the nation’s largest alpine lake is a crystal-blue dream that, once seen, can never be forgotten. Sitting at an elevation of 6,224 feet on the border of northern California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is home to world-class ski resorts, hotel-casinos, camping, restaurants, golfing, hiking, mountain biking, and much more.

valley of fire nevada sights — Valley of Fire State Park

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area comprises 759 miles of shoreline and a great day trip while staying in Las Vegas. This massive lake formed after the construction of Hoover Dam, and its craggy shoreline features a pristine desert, deep canyons, starburst rock colorations, dry washes, plentiful hikes, and tons of places to spend the day splashing around.

Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park is named for the fiery rock formations scattered throughout this 46,000-acre park. The iconic, swirling red sandstone—known as Aztec sandstone—formed 150 million years ago from layers of shifting sand dunes. Valley of Fire is a photographer’s dream, and its otherworldly landscapes may be enjoyed from the car or through a wide range of hikes available for all skill levels. Valley of Fire experiences high temperatures during the summer, so plan outdoor activities in the early morning hours and always bring more water than you think you’ll need.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Another popular southern Nevada attraction near Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located just 30 minutes from The Strip. This conspicuous landmass features red-banded canyons that blend with towering sandstone peaks and ancient petroglyphs. It’s no wonder more than two million people visit this park each year for hiking, biking, and climbing.

Mount Charleston

Elevation gains are the name of the game on this southern Nevada mountain where trails start at more than 6,000 feet and climb all the way to the peak at 12,000 feet. A little easier on the legs is a hike to Mary Jane Falls, where you’ll be met by cooler air and picturesque waterfalls.

great basin national park stargazing — Great Basin National Park

Mount Rose

Reno’s towering peak—found on the south end of town—separates the city from nearby North Lake Tahoe. Popular with hikers, 10,776-foot Mt. Rose is home to a ski resort and a 30,000-acre wilderness that bears its name. Reno and Tahoe locals get a kick out of being able to say they “hiked to the top of Rose,” where panoramic views of Tahoe await the patient traveler.

Great Basin National Park

Home to the some of the darkest skies in the Lower 48, Great Basin National Park should sit atop every stargazer’s bucket list. Because it’s one of the nation’s least-visited national parks, visitors often have the run of the place to themselves. While there, hike Nevada’s second-tallest peak, explore alpine lakes, and experience a true sense of wonder beneath ancient bristlecone pine groves.

Cathedral Gorge State Park

Speaking of stargazing, don’t miss the fall Star Parties held at Cathedral Gorge State Park, located a stone’s throw from Old West favorites Caliente and Pioche. At the park, traverse slot canyons, hike Miller Point Trail, camp, picnic, and stay on the lookout for local wildlife, including kangaroo rats, cottontail rabbits, mule deer, bobcats, and more.

5 Artistic and Cultural Attractions in Nevada

Art comes alive on every trip to the Silver State, whether you’re up north or headed for a weekend in the southern climes. Here are our favorite cultural and artistic events and attractions in Nevada.

Burning Man

Most everyone knows a little something about Burning Man. Yes, it’s a big ol’ playa party in the desert, but it’s also a community that encourages self-reliance and radical self-expression among its 70,000-plus annual visitors. For 10 days, Burners gather in northern Nevada’s Black Rock Desert for one of the world’s largest social experiments, which culminates in the burning of an effigy—simply called The Man—on the final Saturday night of the event.

Goldwell Open Air Museum

The word “museum” usually inspires mental images of white walls and exhibit halls. But the Goldwell Open Air Museum’s outdoor sculpture park transcends four walls. Enormous sculptures cover eight acres of land against a breathtaking Mojave Desert backdrop. Along with no walls, there is no charge to enter the museum, and there are no hours of operation, either. Make Goldwell your destination or add it to your road trip itinerary: There’s nowhere else on Earth you can watch the sun rise or set over a haunting, life-size recreation of “The Last Supper.”

International Car Forest

The desert is the last place you’d expect to find a forest, but the International Car Forest in Goldfield is alive and well—with rust, that is. This funky, open-air gallery is home to more than 40 colorful vehicles, each sporting a unique coat of spray paint from commissioned artists. Some are stacked in precarious piles and others are nose-down, neck-deep in the earth. Grab your camera and capture a new point of view (or the coolest selfie you’ll snap on your visit). The forest is just off US-95 and free to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Cowboy Poetry Gathering

Every year in Elko, locals and travelers alike gather to celebrate Western cultural arts—not just poetry, but music, handcrafts, dancers, culinary geniuses, and more. Though it still bears the name National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the event has become a broad showcase of Western heritage, with exhibitions from local American Indian tribes and Basque communities. It draws artists and art appreciators of all ages, abilities, and origins, so don’t miss your chance to attend this week-long annual event during your visit.

seven magic mountains art — Seven Magic Mountains

Free-Range Art Highway

Sometimes getting a little out there means taking the long way around, especially if it’s the more interesting way. In Nevada’s case, getting there is all the fun on US-95’s Free-Range Art Highway, an eclectic stretch of road spanning 500 miles. This colorful route plays host to Wild West art installations and experiences, including the open-air exhibits we mentioned above, ghost towns, clown motels, bighorn sheep, famous BBQ spots, and more offbeat adventures.