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Last Updated on February 5, 2021 by Tracy
There is more to Las Vegas than casinos, shows, and lots of pretty lights! Take a break from the action and discover these top things to do off the Vegas Strip.
Top Things To Do Off The Las Vegas Strip
Here’s a detailed account of interesting places located not too far off the Las Vegas Strip, including Mt. Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and Henderson, NV. If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Strip for a bit longer, be sure to check out the top day trips from Las Vegas.
When most people think of Las Vegas, their speculation or actual memories are often limited to the flamboyant casinos, the innumerable neon lights, and the ever-present gambling on The Strip. The stunning world surrounding it is often neglected by both business and pleasure travelers, but it may just be exactly what they need.
From the snow-capped mountain vistas of Mt. Charleston to breath-taking hikes in Red Rock Canyon to boating on Lake Mead, the scenery and climates vary drastically from the typically presumed desert terrain of the area. And if you are seeking a more leisurely experience away from The Strip, then the city of Henderson just next door has it all.
Best Things To Do Off The Las Vegas Strip
Mt. Charleston
Only about 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas, you’ll find the cool mountain breezes of Mt. Charleston. It makes for the best escape from the summer heat and for a prime location for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. The mountain offers 52 miles of stunning hiking trails as well featuring waterfalls, forests, and a wide range of plants and animals.
Red Rock Canyon
About 15 miles west of Las Vegas, you’ll see the spectacular rock formations of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Around 1.2 million people visit Red Rock each year to explore its plethora of hiking or scrambling trails and mountain climbing faces. There is also a 13 mile scenic drive through the park featuring several stops along the way to pull off and enjoy the magnificent views and hopefully spot some of the abundant desert wildlife.
The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead
Just 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas lies one of the most awe-inspiring man-made marvels, the Hoover Dam. It spans the breadth of the Colorado River and supplies much of the southwest United States with power and water. Tours of the dam have been carried out since 1937 and provide an up-close and personal look at some of the finest architectural structures you’ll ever come across. In October 2010, the gorgeous Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge opened to carry traffic over the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona.
Adjacent to the dam is the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which boasts 1.5 million acres of land surrounding the lake itself. Lake Mead is a great place for boating, swimming, hiking, biking, and all sorts of outdoor activities. There are also several tours and cruises available.
Henderson, NV
Las Vegas’ neighbor city Henderson may not be as extensively known, but it does have many similar experiences to Las Vegas in a much more casual setting. Some of the finest casinos, like the M Resort and Green Valley Ranch, are situated there. The Green Valley area is also home to The District, a vibrant outdoor mall of shops and restaurants that makes for an excellent day trip or night out.
There are also many other places of note-off The Strip like the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory, and Cactus Garden, and Town Square. The Las Vegas Strip is indeed a wondrous place to visit, but the surrounding mountains, parks, landmarks, and local casinos make for a trip in themselves.
What is one of your favorite things to do off the Las Vegas Strip?
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