Top 20 Nevada Attractions You Shouldn't Miss

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Nikki Jain

Nevada, known unofficially as The Sagebrush State and The Battle Born State, got its fame as a mining state filled with silver and gold. It is one of the most sparsely populated states, which has led to its value for large natural preservation areas featuring different environments, terrain types, and habitats.

As such, many Nevada attractions are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, and watersports lovers, among other explorer types.

Nevada, The Silver State, is also renowned for its gambling, especially because of Las Vegas. However, while many things to do in Nevada are within Vegas, there are also plenty of other things to enjoy outside the teeming, neon-lit metropolis of Sin City.

So, where should you go? How can you best immerse yourself in the deserts of Nevada, the state's history, and its rich culture? Here are the top tourist attractions in Nevada.

Things To Do in Nevada

Table of Contents [Show]

Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link.

1: Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas Strip
Dreamstime/F11photo

The Strip is pure entertainment, and it has something for everyone.

More than 37 million people visit the Strip every year, and the entire area of 4.2 miles consists of casinos offering gambling, entertainment facilities with rides and shopping, live music, theaters, restaurants, clubs and pubs.

Fifteen of the city's 25 hotels are located on the strip, and the area is open 24-7. The Strip also has several golf courses, major malls, and restaurants.

From the Strip, tourists can see the fountains at the Bellagio, the Mirage's volcano and Caesars Palace with its Fall of Atlantic and Festival Fountains.

The Strip has a vibrant nightlife, and free trams operate from major hotels to the Strip all through the day.

Accommodation: Where to stay on Las Vegas Strip

Address: S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Also Read: What's So Special About Las Vegas?

2: National Automobile Museum

National Automobile Museum
Dreamstime/Victorianl

The National Automobile Museum, also called NAAM, is one of the most popular attractions in Reno, Nevada.

Since it opened in 1989, it has been a haven for automobile enthusiasts, educating guests on the development of cars and their impact on the nation's society.

The significant collection of the National Automobile Museum contains over 200 different cars, ranging from celebrity-owned to vintage and from racecars to unique, one-of-a-kind builds.

These cars were essentially a part of the private collection of Bill Hurrah, a famed casino magnate.

You can take a guided or audio tour of the National Automobile Museum, where you'll learn about cars across era-organized galleries and exhibits.

You'll begin with the 20th century and work your way forward, viewing presentations, storyboards, photos, artworks, and various vehicles.

It's definitely one of the most interesting educational spots in Nevada.

Accommodation: Where to stay in Reno

Address: 10 Lake St, Reno, NV 89501

Visit Website

Also Read: Best Car Museums in The US

3: Las Vegas Bellagio Fountains

Las Vegas Bellagio Fountains

It's tough to talk about the things to do in Nevada without ever bringing up casinos and top gambling sites like The Bellagio. Professional gamblers often call this hotspot The Office, and for a good reason.

With two high-limit areas, a 2,300-machine slot floor, a poker lounge for high stakes players, a 40-table poker room, and loads of table games, this is the best place to be whether you're a high roller or a small better.

Live entertainment often keeps you company as you play, and tournaments with huge prizes are commonplace.

Not much of a gambler? The Bellagio is still a fantastic place to visit! Right across the lobby's front desk are the botanical gardens in a 14,000-square-foot conservatory containing 25 trees, 34,000 flowers, and 750 gorgeous shrugs.

The conservatory has a jaw-droppingly stunning glass ceiling of green oxidized copper.

Also, check out the 24/7 chocolate fountain at the Bellagio Patisserie.

It was once the biggest of its kind in the world, standing at 27 feet in height and flowing with a mix of dark, white, and medium in a mesmerizing drizzle.

And, of course, the real water fountains of the Bellagio are a pretty prominent feature of Las Vegas, with free water shows and showstopping lighting.

Book your stay in Hotel Bellagio >>

Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas

4: Fremont Street Experience

Fremont Street Experience
Dreamstime/Kobby Dagan

The Fremont Street Experience is a highly trendy, lively, and hip place in downtown Las Vegas.

It is one of the quintessential Nevada attractions famous among tourists for its vibrance, chaotic energy, and glitz and glam across stylish eateries, flashing lights, loud music, and high-end stores.

The Fremont Street Experience encompasses five historic city blocks and never slows down.

Viva Vision, a 90-foot-wide and 1,500-foot-long TV screen, provides hourly light shows and music for free in a six-minute show on the hour.

There are a total of three stages spread across the so-called experience, where free live entertainment and concerts often take place.

Don't forget about the amazing zip line that can carry you through the whole span of the Fremont Street Experience.

Accommodation: Where to stay on Fremont Street

Address: Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Also Read: Top 15 Free Shows in Las Vegas You Must Not Miss

5: Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam
Dreamstime/Oscity

The Hoover Dam is an absolute must-see in Nevada, a National Historic Landmark widely considered an absolute wonder of modern civil engineering.

Standing at a massive 726 feet in height, it was built during the Great Depression and remained one of the world's largest dams as it straddles the borders between Arizona and Nevada.

45 minutes from Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam was once crucial for providing paying jobs during the Great Depression.

Unfortunately, walking out onto the dam's walkways will let you peer over the edge, which is sure to induce vertigo.

Tours of the Hoover Dam are led by knowledgeable experts.

There are hour-long full Dam Tours as well as half-hour tours of the powerplant alone.

These tours are filled with commentary, media presentations, and exhibits that teach you all about dam operation.

The Dam Tour also lets you travel through various internal passages within the dam.

Accommodation: Where to stay near Hoover Dam

Address: Hoover Dam, Nevada 89005

Also Read: Most Awe-Inspiring Dams in America

6: Grand Canyon Tours

Grand Canyon Tours
Dreamstime/Valentin M Armianu

The Grand Canyon is one of the most impressive natural attractions in Nevada.

The Canyon is formed by the Colorado River as it winds its way down the state. The Canyon is approximately 277 miles long, and the scenery constantly changes along its length and breadth.

The area has more than 1500 unique plants, fungi, and moss that are found only in the Canyon area.

The area is also home to more than 1000 unique insects, animals, birds, and reptiles. For this reason, the Grand Canyon is a very popular tourist destination.

Apart from sightseeing, tourists can raft on the river, hike and run on trails surrounding the river, and view the river from a helicopter.

Camping is also allowed on the North and South Rim of the Canyon, and there are great amenities around the Canyon for visitors and tourists.

Accommodation: Where to stay near Grand Canyon National Park

Address: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Visit Website

Also Read: Best Things To Do In The Grand Canyon National Park

7: Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe
Dreamstime/phoenixlabs

This beautiful freshwater lake is one of the most dazzling lakes in Nevada. It is the largest alpine lake in the state and the second deepest lake in the US. The stunningly clear lake is famous for its pure-blue waters.

Looming mountain peaks surround the lake and are reflected on the pristine lake waters creating an eye-catching visual.

The lake is also surrounded by ski resorts, summer holiday homes and tourist attractions.

Visitors can enjoy winter and summer activities in and around the lake. Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing are popular.

During the summer, water sports like jet skiing, para-sailing, paddle sports, yachting, and sailboat racing are common.

As thick forests surround the lake, tourists can arrange for hiking, biking, camping, and many more activities in the lush forests.

Accommodation: Where to stay in Incline Village

Address: 2005 NV-28, Incline Village, NV 89452

Also Read: Best Things To Do In and Around Lake Tahoe

8: Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Flickr/lakemeadnra

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a gorgeously picturesque spot, easily one of the most beautiful Nevada attractions.

Big and lovely, it is famous for its two massive reservoirs filled with crystalline blue waters and surrounded by mountains, valleys, and canyons.

Beaches, camping areas, and a total of nine wilderness regions create a variety of environments to explore.

It's one of the country's first national recreational areas, officially instated in 1936.

It contains both Lake Mohave and Lake Mead, which are well-loved by watersports enthusiasts.

If you'd like to hike, bike, or otherwise explore, you'll never run out of space to do it, as the area spans 1.5 million acres.

Accommodation: Where to stay in Boulder City

Address: 268 Lakeshore Road, Boulder City, Nevada 89005

Visit Website

9: Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park
Dreamstime/trekandshoot

If you've noticed that many attractions in Nevada are themed around nature and conservation areas, that's because there's so much natural beauty to explore and enjoy.

The Great Basin National Park is yet another entry on the list.

This gorgeous spot is filled with diverse scenery close to Utah's border, from lakes to valleys and caves to pine groves.

The Great Basin National Park is named after the Great Basin, a vast and dry mountainous expanse that lies squarely between the Wasatch and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The park is also known for its ancient woodlands filled with all sorts of flora and fauna.

One of the mountains you can find here is Wheeler Peak, which rises 13,063 feet above the ground.

You can also spot the huge Lexington Arch, the imposing Lehman Caves, and the glittering body of Stella Lake.

Accommodation: Where to stay in Baker

Address: Great Basin National Park, Baker, Nevada 89311

Visit Website

10: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Dreamstime/Oskyle

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is probably one of the most iconic Nevada attractions.

The stunning park has been protected since 1967, and it's one of the region's most popular spots for hikers, horseback riders, rock climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

There is even a simple campground for those who really want to rough it!

The canyon rises over the striking expanse of the Mojave Desert with many natural geological formations, such as mountains, box canyons, and of course, the gorgeous and imposing Keystone Thrust.

If you'd rather get around by car or bike, you can do so across its looping road, which spans 13 miles and is a delightful one-way exploration trail.

There are more than 200,000 acres in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, so there's plenty to see and enjoy.

In addition, 26 hiking trails provide lots of ways to explore, so keep your eyes open for petroglyphs left behind by Native American communities.

Accommodation: Where to stay near Red Rock Canyon

Address: 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161

Visit Website

Also Read: Top 10 Gardens and Natural Wonders to Explore in Las Vegas

11: Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park
Dreamstime/Roman Slavik

If you want to be reminded that Nevada is one of the most beautiful States in the US, head right to the sublime and glorious Valley of Fire State Park.

The site is filled with stunning formations of red rocks, majestic petrified trees, and awe-inspiring prehistoric petroglyphs.

This is Nevada's oldest state park, as well as its biggest, set up in 1935 to conserve its lovely natural landscapes.

Hiking is a common activity at the Valley of Fire State Park and other forms of exploration.

Rock art can be found that dates back to ancient times, viewpoints offer sweeping panoramas of the park and its many sandstone formations, and historic cabinets remain here that were constructed once upon a time by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

You'll also see all sorts of wildlife, like spotted skunks, coyotes, black-tailed jackrabbits, desert tortoises, kit foxes, and antelope ground squirrels.

Accommodation: Where to stay near Valley of Fire State Park

Address: 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040

Also Read: 25 Best State Parks to Visit in the US

12: Seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic Mountains
Dreamstime/Mariakray

In search of more unique and unorthodox Nevada attractions? The Seven Magic Mountains art installation is a fantastic creation that stands out against its relatively flat Mojave desert's sun-touched landscape.

Brightly painted with vivid colors, these "mountains" are made of several boulders stacked in one-rock-wide columns that stand over 30 feet in height.

The Seven Magic Mountains were installed in 2016 by Ugo Rondinone, a Swiss artist.

It's been a popular spot for photo opportunities, social media influencers, art lovers, and the like.

The sight of these columns seemingly defying gravity has been said to represent a blend of the natural and man-made with the present and past, but you're welcome to take away your own meaning from the fluorescent marvel.

Address: S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054

13: The Mob Museum

The Mob Museum
Dreamstime/Chon Kit Leong

The fascinating and unique Mob Museum is among the most interesting Nevada tourist attractions.

It covers the tales of America's organized crime scene and how the law has worked to fight it.

There are hundreds of artifacts on display, re-telling true stories in interactive and interesting ways so you can follow storylines and themes across exhibits.

The Mob Museum, founded in 2012, contains displays on mob relationships with politicians and Hollywood, the Prohibition era, and 1929's Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre.

It's a fascinating glimpse into the tense worlds of gambling, bootlegging, speakeasies, smuggling, and all manner of illicit, illegal, and shady activity.

Head down to the cellar of this museum to visit its own recreated speakeasy, which sells special museum-brewed moonshine.

Accommodation: Where to stay near Mob Museum

Address: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Visit Website

Also Read: The Best Museums in Las Vegas

14: The Neon Museum

The Neon Museum
Dreamstime/Wirestock

The Neon Museum is one of the most popular things to do in Nevada, especially in the Las Vegas area.

It is a large three-acre campus, including nine public art signs that you can tour anytime you like.

Signs displayed here are either loaned or donated.

The most popular portion of the Neon Museum is its stunning Boneyard, an outdoor exhibition boasting more than 200 signs, not including the 60 or so in its event venue, the North Gallery.

Daily guided tours of the Boneyard grant you insight into the many signs displayed in this strange and unorthodox graveyard.

With retro-modern aesthetics that complement the story of Las Vegas, the Neon Museum should not be missed.

You'll spot old signs from many famous casinos in Vegas, including Binion's Horseshoe, the Golden Nugget, Aladdin Casino, and the Silver Slipper.

Accommodation: Where to stay near Neon Museum

Address: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Visit Website

Also Read: Best Things to Do On Fremont Street

15: High Roller

High Roller
Dreamstime/Oliver Perez

The High Roller is another one of the Vegas-specific Nevada attractions, as you can likely guess by its name.

Situated on the outdoor promenade of the LINQ, this is the world's tallest observation wheel, with 550 feet of height to its name.

Its cabins are made with beautiful clear glass so you can get full views of the surrounding city, and each pod can hold a maximum of 40 people.

These pods also rotate independently, so you're always upright!

Since its opening in 2014, the High Roller has been a must-do in Las Vegas, so treat yourself if you're in this neon-lit city. Rides on the High Roller take half an hour.

Special variations of the usual ride are available, such as the happy hour ride with cocktails and drinks, the chocolate-tasting ride perfect for sweet tooth, and the High Roller Yoga sessions for a relaxing experience in the sky.

Address: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Also Read: Cheap Things To Do in Las Vegas

16: Burning Man Festival

Burning Man Festival
Dreamstime/Lukas Bischoff

You've probably heard of the Burning Man Festival, one of the most popular things to do in Nevada when it comes to artistic and unique events.

Every year for the last 30 or so years, this festival has taken place in the extremely barren and bleak middle-of-nowhere in the Black Rock Desert.

Attendees will have to perform or contribute to the festival and its gathering community in some shape or form while focusing on their own self-reliance and self-expression.

The Burning Man Festival is a radical, experimental, and interactive experience filled with shining sculptures, art installations, and innovative live performances of different genres and concepts.

The festival's guests live in tents, which also house bars, clubs, and other creatively themed camps.

Of course, the pride of the Burning Man Festival is its titular burning man, an effigy that is set on fire on the second-last day of the short but transformative festival as a way of signaling the end of the event.

Address: Black Rock Desert, NV

Visit Website

17: Mount Charleston

Mount Charleston
Flickr/Andrew

Need even more winter fun? Head to Mount Charleston, one of the places to visit in Nevada that will let you enjoy a winter wonderland in the middle of a desert-like state.

Situated at Lee Canyon Ski Resort, Mount Charleston is 11,916 feet high and welcomes 11 or so feet of snow each year.

It contains three different ski lifts and 26 runs, and the resort is known for being stylish and welcoming.

Mount Charleston itself is a great getaway in the summer.

It is filled with towering pine trees and has its own set of hiking trails, some of which will lead to delightful waterfalls.

Campers can stop at the McWilliams campground to spend a night or two, and you can ride horses to explore.

The mountain is also a part of the much larger Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, so you can also continue hiking through the region beyond.

Address: 2755 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt. Charleston, NV 89124

Also Read: Most Beautiful Mountains to Visit in the USA

18: Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
Dreamstime/Wirestock

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is named after the six huge stone ovens made from charcoal that date back to the late 19th century.

These ovens are a couple of miles east of the Egan Mountain Range and just two and a half miles south of the town of Ward.

The charcoal ovens spanned about 30 feet in size and were an important part of Nevada's silver boom.

These ovens were used for smelting the silver ore found in the ground, which was only possible by suitably high-enough temperatures.

Unfortunately, the wood needed to heat these ovens soon destroyed the pines in the area, thus putting an end to the silver industry here, just as the boom came to its own close in 1885.

It is believed that these ovens may have served as a bandit hideout later on.

The ovens were also useful for sheltering people who needed an escape from bad weather.

Today, the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is a protected area that's one of the best places to go in Nevada for rest and recreation.

There are biking and hiking trails, snowshoeing and skiing trails, picnic and camping facilities, fishing provisions, and more.

Accommodation: Where to stay in Ely

Address: Ely, NV 89315

Visit Website

19: Area 51

Area 51
Dreamstime/Meinzahn

There's no way you've never heard of the enigmatic and elusive Area 51, the world's most secretive military facility famously associated with UFOs, aliens, and conspiracies.

You won't find many more unique and strange places in Nevada than this secluded, classified facility for the United States Air Force.

Area 51 is situated right in the middle of a very lonely, unforgiving, and dangerously isolated part of the desert.

It is part of the larger Nellis Military Operations Area and is known by the nickname The Ranch and Site II. Of course, you cannot enter Area 51 or adequately explore it.

You can only see it from Tikaboo Peak, which is just 26 miles away, and if you get any closer, you enter the illegal territory and will receive a hefty $600 fine for your further approach.

Still, fans of the bizarre should make the trek to the peak just to get a glimpse of it.

You'll also get to take advantage of the many alien-themed tourist spots around it.

Address: Rachel, NV

20: Lion Habitat Ranch

Lion Habitat Ranch

The Lion Habitat Ranch is among the best Nevada attractions for animal lovers.

Just 15 miles from the iconic Las Vegas Strip, this 8.5-acre expanse is a fantastic family-friendly site filled with majestic lions, which are cared for with great love and expertise.

Tours of the Lion Habitat Ranch are exciting, allowing you to move around in behind-the-scenes tours that teach you about the resident animals and their lives here.

You'll also visit Ozzie the giraffe and several tortoises and exotic birds onsite.

Other offered experiences include the 4-hour lion training experience, the Feed The Animals private feedings, or the 2-hour Feast with the Beasts, where you can eat a meal near some lions.

Address: 382 Bruner Ave, Henderson, NV 89044

Visit Website

Wrapping Up

Nevada attractions are diverse, featuring natural parks, historic buildings and museums, glitzy casinos, and strange sites worth perusing. Contrary to the reputation that cities like Las Vegas have brought, Nevada boasts plenty of family-friendly spots and has something for just about everyone. With so many things to do in Nevada, you'll be spoiled for choice.

Nevada Travel Guide

Explore Guide