As one of the largest states in the US, there is so much more to the Silver State than just the dazzling bright lights of Las Vegas. You certainly won’t run out of things to do be it hiking to a cobalt-blue mountain lake in Great Basin National Park; enjoying the ranch-style hospitality of some of America’s last cowboys; quad biking in the dunes of Sand Mountain; discovering ancient rock art in the Valley of Fire State Park; skiing in Lake Tahoe; playing world-class golf; or driving down Highway 50, America’s loneliest road. With a landscape that stretches from the Mojave Desert to the Great Basin, including 67 protected wilderness areas, not to mention a history ranging from extinct volcanoes to pioneering prospectors, there’s a great deal to do in Nevada. And plenty of ways to see it too: hiking, biking, kayaking, white-water rafting, snowshoeing or even skiing at one of Lake Tahoe’s 15 ski resorts. As if that wasn’t enough the infamous Las Vegas Strip really does offer something for everyone with over 100 world-class shows in town, designer shopping, gourmet dining and spa retreats, international sporting events and, of course, high-stakes poker, rollercoasters and an abundance of dance-tilldawn nightclubs.
Highlights
This state of contrasts is epitomised by never-ending skies and wide-open spaces, from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the rugged Wild West countryside. Come here to see showgirls, cowboys, ghosts and 'aliens' at play.
State Secret
Take a trip down the 287-mile 'Loneliest Road in America' through some of the best preserved mining towns. Highway 50 is the way to access the state’s best recreational activities.
State Facts
Land Area: 110,000 ssq miles (7th largest)
Population: 2,600,167
State Capital: Carson City
Largest City: Las Vegas
Local Time: PST – 8 hrs behind the UK
Climate
North Western Nevada enjoys four distinct seasons, with Eastern cities tending to be cooler year round. Temperatures in Southern Nevada run on average 25°F (-4°C) higher than up north
Parks
Ntl Parks: From the sagebrush at its alluvial base to the 13,063 foot summit of Wheeler Peak, Great Basin National Park includes streams, lakes, alpine plants, abundant wildlife, a variety of forest types including groves of ancient bristlecone pines, and numerous limestone caverns, including the beautiful Lehman Caves.
Find adventure, entertainment and enchantment from big city lights to serene hot springs
A spirit of discovery runs deep in Nevada. Across the state's adventure-packed northwest, to the metropolitan desert of Las Vegas, unlimited experiences are waiting for you to discover, explore and conquer. Whether it’s traversing vast expanses of wide-open spaces or joining in something a little more communal like music and art festivals, Nevada’s landscape and culture are tailor-made for cowboys, visionaries, dreamers and doers.
Road Tripping
While Nevada’s biggest cities, like Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City, offer plenty to explore, the heart of the Silver State experience lies on the scenic roads in between. No matter your vibe, you’ll find a stretch of highway that speaks to your personal sense of adventure. Hit the road from bustling Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park to experience some of the most dramatic landscape changes the USA has to offer, then continue down U.S. Highway 95 to indulge your artistic side with a tour through roadside art installations and funky small towns. More cultural curiosities await along U.S. Highway 50, nicknamed the Loneliest Road in America, and around the mysterious Area 51, where extraterrestrial
themed lodgings and other curiosities beckon. Stop into the dive bars, haunting ghost towns and stunning state parks you’ll find along the way to chat with locals.
Dramatic Natural Beauty
One of Nevada’s most distinctive features is its wealth of natural hot springs. These naturally occurring basins offer a chance to slow down, take a relaxing dip and soak in some truly incredible views from the comfort of their warm waters. Luxurious spa experiences have cropped up around some springs, such as David Walley’s Resort at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Genoa and the wellness-focused Steamboat Hot Springs just south of Reno. Other hot springs require more off-the-beaten-path exploration to reach, promising a relaxing treat at the end of your excursion – and incredible views of remote mountain and desert locales. In addition to its natural water features, Nevada is the most mountainous state in the contiguous USA. Visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area outside Las Vegas for hiking, biking and climbing adventures. You'll find incredible sandstone formations at Valley of Fire State Park, thrilling zip lining in Boulder City and year-round golf courses across the state.
Cowboy Culture and City Lights
Past meets present flawlessly in Nevada, where even the most modern cities brim with Wild West charm. Las Vegas is perhaps Nevada’s best-known destination, delivering on its larger-than-life reputation with enthralling nightlife, diverse dining and glamorous accommodations around every corner. Nevada’s capital Carson City is anchored by its frontier heritage, with many attractions in the downtown Historic District paying homage to this storied past. Visit the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum, a former boarding school for Indigenous children that now works to preserve the complex histories and celebrate the traditions of the Great Basin Native American tribes. Head to Reno for daytime rafting down the Truckee River before exploring the foodie culture in Midtown. Take in some Old West hospitality in Elko with a visit to the Western Folklife Center, and make time for a trip to some of the region’s fascinating ghost towns.