Top 33 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

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1: Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas Strip
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

Also Read: Best Things To Do in Las Vegas With Kids


21: Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe

Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe

If you're seeking a nice winter-themed ski getaway, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is among the best destinations in Nevada for such excursions.

It covers a whopping 2,100 acres and is elevated an impressive 8,260 feet, providing Lake Tahoe's highest base elevation.

This means you'll get vertical drops as drastic as 1,800 feet across three terrain parks and more than 60 different trails.

People of all experience levels can enjoy their time at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe.

The split of terrain options is about 10% expert, 40% advanced, 30% intermediate, and 20% beginner, so there's really something for everyone.

There are also lessons available for groups and private preferences.

Address: 22222 NV-431, Reno, NV 89511


22: National Atomic Testing Museum

National Atomic Testing Museum
Dreamstime/Chon Kit Leong

The National Atomic Testing Museum is a one-of-a-kind location that educates guests on the nation's various nuclear weapons testing endeavors and the history of such efforts on a geopolitical scale.

One of the most exciting attractions in Nevada, this unique site preserves and exhibits various artifacts, with over 16,000 items across an 8,000-square-foot expanse.

The National Atomic Testing Museum has exhibits on radiological science, deterring nuclear weapons, atomic testing, nuclear science, the Cold War, radiation, atmospheric and underground testing, the atomic age, and much more.

There is no better place to learn about this sobering subject and how it affects America and the world.

Address: 755 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Visit Website


23: Lehman Caves

Lehman Caves
Dreamstime/Davetroesh

The Lehman Caves are technically a part of the Great Basin National Park, which we've already mentioned on this list of the top attractions in Nevada.

However, they're extremely popular and deserve their own spot here!

Ranger-led tours of Lehman Caves are top-rated, and experienced guides can tell you a lot about the fantastic cave system and the many sections inside.

There are many available tours, with the longest lasting 90 minutes and bringing you 0.6 miles through all the cave sections.

Address: 5500 NV-488, Baker, NV 89311

Also Read: Best Caves & Caverns in the USA


24: Fly Geyser

Fly Geyser
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Fly Geyser is an extremely unique wonder of geology.

On the edge of the Black Rock Desert, this is a man-made attraction touched by natural forces that gave it a gorgeous, unusual, alien-like appearance.

It's an absolute must-see in Nevada, created entirely by accident.

Fly Geyser can be found on the grounds of Hualapai Geothermal Flats, which is filled with geothermal pools and boasts three different geysers.

In 1964, a company drilled a test well here in search of geothermal energy support and struck geothermal water.

While the water was extremely hot, it was not sufficiently so, and as such, it was re-sealed and left alone.

But the seal did not hold, and eventually, it ruptured, creating a new geyser as geothermal pressure exploded outward several hundred feet to the north.

This geyser is the Fly Geyser and boasts numerous cone-shaped orifices, some of which hit six feet in height and boast minerals grown from water that has fallen onto the desert ground.

Address: Gerlach, NV 89412


25: Sand Harbor Beach

Sand Harbor Beach
Dreamstime/Mariusz Blach

Sand Harbor Beach is a fantastic opportunity to escape the arid desert of the general Vegas area, as well as the dry spots of Nevada.

This is one of the loveliest places to visit in Nevada for fun in the sun and lovely sand and surf.

With watersports galore and crystal clear waters perfect for sailing, fishing, and swimming, Sand Harbor Beach is nothing short of beautiful.

It is situated on the northwestern portion of Lake Tahoe, where it spans an impressive 2,500 feet across verdant forests and dramatic rock formations.

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

Also Read: Best Beaches in the USA to Visit


26: Lamoille Canyon

Lamoille Canyon
Dreamstime/Chon Kit Leong

Found in the middle of Elko Country's Ruby Mountains, Lamoille Canyon is one of the lesser-known but equally beautiful Nevada attractions.

Its eponymous Lamoille Canyon Road is a National Forest Road that brings you around a winding path on the base of the Ruby Dome, which stretches 11,387 feet into the air.

The canyon is 8,800 feet in height and was created due to various glaciers.

If you're here in the summer, you'll be in luck, as you'll see the meadows filled to the brim with wildflowers.

Lamoille Canyon and its surrounding area are well-known for their teeming wildlife and many waterfalls.

Keep your eyes peeled for peaceful grazing mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and birds!

Address: NF-660, Spring Creek, NV 89815


27: Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake
Dreamstime/Francisco Blanco

Pyramid Lake is far from an ordinary lake. It is named after a unique pyramid-shaped rock close to its shores.

The lake's contents are remnants of an ancient body of water known as Lake Lahontan, and all sorts of unusual and unique formations of rock and stone surround it.

With a meaningful and rich history, a trip to Pyramid Lake is among the most serene things to do in Nevada.

Once upon a time, this lake was central to the lives and survival of the Paiute Indian people.

A Visitor Center and museum near the lake allow you to learn more about this part.

You can also go paddleboarding, kayaking, or fishing on the lake or simply wind around it by hiking or biking.

Address: Reno, NV


28: U.S. Route 50

U.S. Route 50
Dreamstime/Tristan Brynildsen

U.S. Route 50 is called the country's Loneliest Highway, a barren road stretch that offers, quite literally, nothing.

It passes through some of America's most remote and rugged places with little to no sign of civilization.

This isn't a place where you'll find the most touristy Nevada attractions, but there are a few hidden gems along the road.

Still, the most exciting thing about U.S. Route 50 is the wide open road that offers a peaceful driving experience backed by gorgeous panoramic landscapes.


29: Nelson Ghost Town

Nelson Ghost Town
Dreamstime/Atmosphere1

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more unique neighborhood than the abandoned and deserted Nelson Ghost Town.

Fans of more unusual attractions in Nevada will love this atmospheric location.

It was settled in 1775 and, a century later, was populated by a huge number of miners digging up the gold so prevalent in the area's geology.

In the 1940s, the gold ran out, and Nelson was abandoned.

It is now empty, apart from the old buildings you can wander through.

There's an old church, a dilapidated water tower, several rotting cabins, and many rusted classic cars and planes.

Still, people haven't missed out on its touristic value, and tours of the old Nelson mine are offered to all who visit.

Address: Nelson Cutoff Rd, Searchlight, NV 89046


30: Tonopah Historic Mining Park

Tonopah Historic Mining Park
Dreamstime/Klodien

Looking for more things to do in Nevada that will grant you further insight into its rich mining history?

Check out Tonopah Historic Mining Park, which covers over a hundred acres and seeks to preserve the region's mining history and heritage.

The park is filled with old mining buildings that guests are more than welcome to explore.

Tonopah Historic Mining Park also offers presentations, displays of old mining equipment, special exhibits, and all sorts of unique events so you can fully immerse yourself in the past.

The visitor's center even has a bookshop! The coolest part of this park is arguably its Burro Tunnel or mine tunnel, which you can explore on an Underground Adventure tour.

The park's staff regularly perform historic re-enactments, and you'll even get the chance to learn to blacksmith.

Address: 110 Burro Ave, Tonopah, NV 89049


31: Cathedral Gorge State Park

Cathedral Gorge State Park
Dreamstime/Hpbfotos

Cathedral Gorge State Park is one of the more out-of-the-way Nevada attractions.

It is somewhat isolated but backed by beautiful canyons and landscapes, making it well worth the trip.

Situated in Nevada's east-central area beside U.S. Route 93, it houses some old stone buildings left behind by the Civilian Conservation Corps who worked here in the 1930s.

Cathedral Gorge State Park boasts several narrow slot canyons that have eroded into an otherworldly panorama of soft, sedimentary rocks in the badlands.

These deep slots are shocking in their thinness, and park signs often call them caves because of how tight and close to parallel they are.

Address: 111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, NV 89042


32: Pinball Hall of Fame

Pinball Hall of Fame
Dreamstime/Chon Kit Leong

The Pinball Hall of Fame is a stunning museum built by the Las Vegas Pinball Collectors Club.

It spans 10,000 square feet of space and is one of the more unique places to visit in Nevada.

The museum is home to a significant range of authentic pinball and game machines from as far back as the 1950s and as recent as the late 2000s.

Many of the machines at the Pinball Hall of Fame have been impressively restored and are playable in their close-to-new conditions.

Most games cost 25 or 50 cents, so avid pinball fans can try their favorite retro and vintage machines! Better yet, the museum is entirely non-profit, with extra revenue going directly to the charity.

Address: 4925 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Also Read: Best Things To Do On the Las Vegas Strip


33: Rhyolite Ghost Town

Rhyolite Ghost Town
Dreamstime/Dmitry Morgan

Yes, there is another one of the things to do in Nevada that is simply about exploring a long-abandoned mining town.

The Rhyolite Ghost Town was abandoned in 1915 after gold miners vacated the area, but the past meets the present in the many art installations scattered about the town.

Rhyolite Ghost Town lets you explore tons of old and abandoned buildings, such as a train depot, bank, and jailhouse.

There's also a more modern museum with an open-air structure that houses a replica of the Last Supper and 12 sculptures representing each disciple.

Address: Rhyolite Rd Hwy 374. Beatty, NV 89003


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.

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