To locals, Las Vegas isn’t just the Strip. There are a variety of destinations that are not far from Las Vegas that you can enjoy while on vacation, over the weekend, or any day of the week. Here are a few places we enjoy driving to and from.
1. Valley of Fire
Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, Valley of Fire was dedicated in 1935. With red sandstone formations that were formed from shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs over 150 million years ago, the park offers camping, hiking, picnicking and photography. The park is open year round and is located six miles from Lake Mead and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
2. Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon was designated as Nevada’s first National Conservation Area and is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. The area is visited by over one million people each year. With beautiful sites and lots of hiking, Red Rock Canyon is has a 13 mile scenic drive, more than 30 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, road biking, picnic areas, nature observations and a visitor center with exhibit rooms and a book store.
3. Mt. Charleston
Mount Charleston is located about 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas within the Mount Charleston Wilderness. Mount Charleston is a year-round getaway for Las Vegas’ residents and visitors, with a number of hiking trails and a modest ski area. Mount Charleston has nearly 200 camp sites and over 150 picnic areas. With Summer temperatures reaching over 100 degrees most of the Summer, Mt. Charleston is a great getaway for both visitors and residents.
4. Pahrump Valley Winery
Nevada may seem like a strange place to have vineyards. However, a small group of pioneers are making real progress in select areas and with certain grape varietals. While Nevada may never be Napa Valley, the winery is a destination spot for visitors and residents.
5. Grand Canyon
Nearing five million people see the Grand Canyon each year. Known as one of the Greatest Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is a destination spot for people all over the world. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and attains a depth of over a mile. Nearly two billion years of Earth’s geological history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted.
With over 41 million visitors a year, Las Vegas is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. While there is a plethora of things to do on the Strip, there is even more to do off the strip. Five Star Limousine offers tours and you can leave the driving to us.