What’s exciting for adults to view, outside of VEGAS?

Gonna expand my VEGAS routine to venture outside of vegas. I’ll have a 7 passenger SUV. No long Tripp to grand canyon..1 hr or less. Nothing farther. But something about an hour or so that would be......Special ..or unique.

Thanks

 

If 1.5 hours is ok with you, Laughlin is absolutely worth checking out IMO. Between the views of the river and the mountains, good low-limit gaming options at the casinos, and a very unique old-school casino town vibe compared to Vegas, I generally cannot say enough good things about Laughlin. One absolute must is taking the USS Riverside boat tour. Costs only $12 for an hour and a bit, it's an awesome experience: http://www.riversideresort.com/uss-riverside-tours/

Might also suggest heading south on Boulder Highway. The Clark County Museum is only $2 to get into, and I maintain it's the best $2 you can spend in the entire valley. Aside from very interesting permanent exhibits on the inside (including early settlements of Vegas, all the way up to 20th century casino artifacts), there's also a "heritage village" outdoors, which is the best part IMO. Lots of restored houses and buildings dating back to the late 1800s... to include household fixtures and items. Truly feels like stepping back in time. One notable building there is the Candlelight Wedding Chapel, which supposedly held the world record of most weddings performed in one day (425, all conducted by the same person too no less). If you're familiar with Pawn Stars, this is where Mark Hall-Patton (Beard of Knowledge) is the administrator. I've been twice and met him both times that I was there... he's very forthcoming when it comes to meeting guests. https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/parks___recreation/cultural_division/musuems/clark_county_museum.php

Out that way as well is the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve... need to go early in the day though. When I went there was no fee for entry and they loaned binoculars for no charge as well. It was very enjoyable, especially since from some parts of it you can see the Vegas strip! https://www.cityofhenderson.com/henderson-happenings/facilities/henderson-bird-viewing-preserve

 

I was always of the elk just get in the car and drive Red Rock Canyon Valley of Fire Etc.. I also found the smaller local houses meaning casinos enjoyable just to stop in

 

If you have never been to the Hoover Dam, it is amazing and absolutely a worthwhile trip. It used to be an hour away but with the new Route 11 freeway it's now considerably less than that.

 

En route (just before the Route 93/11 split) is also the Railroad Pass casino... which has been in continuous operation since 1931, making it the longest-running casino operation in the state.

 

Rent a pontoon boat at Willow Beach Marina, located 20 miles past the Hoover Dam. Once on board, head north through the Black Canyon, up the Colorado River toward the Hoover Dam. No special license is required to handle the boat, but you will need a reservation.

https://willowbeachharbor.com/watercraft-rentals/

 

I will send you my itinerary , but I would include:

Seven Magic Mountains

The Brilliant show at the Neon Museum if you haven't yet seen the show

The drive through Red Rock Canyon

Drive to Mt. Charleston. Even with no hiking the view is supposed to be beautiful

Your wife/my SIL would also enjoy:

Ethel M Chocolate Factory and the Cactus Garden

 

I'll try to keep this under 61 minutes:

Hoover Dam.
RR Canyon, but you'll need to move pretty quickly if doing the loop.
Springs Preserve (OK, it's where what we call Vegas started but too many never go there.)

 

FYI Hoover dam is closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic right now. I would also suggest Mt. Charleston, RR canyon or VOF. We also love Henderson Bird preserve and go there almost every trip. They never charge an entrance fee and neither does Clark County Wetlands Park.

 

I would also add Spring Mountain Ranch to a Red Rock loop.
Red Rock Canyon Loop, Spring Mountain Ranch, Blue Diamond road to a little hamlet that might be called blue diamond too. I forget, but it was really peaceful and had lots of burros walking around the streets the few times we have been there. From there, stop a Brando's sports bar for cheap drinks and eats. Then on to Silverton to see the aquarium and the Bass Pro shops.

 

I LOVE Springs Preserve but given my screen name I know it's not surprising. I was going to suggest it but figured it wasn't going to be @Champster's cup of tea, though my SIL would love it!

 

Maybe he needs to let the others decide, too. lol

 

Agree.

 

Primm, NV - Probably not the most exciting place to visit. LOL Although, Bonnie & Clyde's car is on display at Whiskey Pete's which was the highlight of my visit several years ago. There's an outlet mall out there too.


Lake Las Vegas in Henderson. It's been a few years, since I've been out there too, but here's a more recent vlog that was taken back in May 2020.

 

Pahrump is a little more than an hour away. You can look up the main attraction there yourself. Looky Loos are welcomed as much as earnest patrons.

But I agree with notfromsomeconcentrate about Laughlin too. The main thing is just driving through the desert to somewhere. It is so other worldly that in itself it is worth doing. But having somewhere to go makes it better.

 

@Sonya may be able to verify but this morning on local news it was announced reservations are going to be required to enter Red Rock soon (I missed the date) until late spring. The purpose is to control numbers of visitors as the weather grows more compatible with outdoor activities. Sorry I don’t know the start date but you must have a reservation to enter at that point. There also could be information on RRC website if one exists.

 

This was a thread Sonya started yesterday regarding Red Rock Canyon reservations.

https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/index.php?threads/red-rock-canyon-nra-to-require-timed-entry-reservations-for-scenic-drive.177782/

 

Ok thanks. I missed it.