3 Quick and Fun Day Trips from Las Vegas by Car
Las Vegas is filled with endless entertainment and excitement, from world-renowned casinos and luxurious resorts to celebrity chef restaurants and high-end shopping. There’s never a dull moment in Las Vegas. However, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the strip, there are great destinations within an easy day trip from Las Vegas.
We’ve compiled a list of 3 quick and fun day trips that you can take from Las Vegas by car. All of these destinations are less than 100 miles from Las Vegas, meaning that you won’t spend a lot of time behind the wheel.We’ve also suggested itineraries for each of the day trips, so you can make the most of your fun day.
Red Rock Canyon
17 miles: About 30 minutes by car
This destination offers beautiful hiking trails and exceptional views, perfect for nature lovers. Start your day early and leave the Las Vegas Strip behind, embarking on a short 30-minute drive to the stunning Red Rock Canyon. This destination is also on the road trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, so you could also plan to stop by on your way back home to LA.
8:00 AM – Depart from Las Vegas
With a full day of exploration ahead, an early start is recommended. Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and your camera before heading out.
Start your journey by heading west on Charleston Boulevard (State Route 159). Continue driving on this road, passing the cities until you reach the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You’ll notice a large, clearly marked sign pointing to the park entrance on your right.
9:00 AM – Arrive at Red Rock Canyon
After a scenic drive, arrive at the visitor center. Here, you can learn about the park’s ecology, wildlife, and the Native American history of the area. The rich Native American history of Red Rock Canyon can be traced back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting human habitation as early as 8000 BC.
The area was predominantly inhabited by the Southern Paiute nation in the 1800s, but the land tells stories of older civilizations like the Patayan, Anasazi, and Pueblo cultures that preceded them.
10:00 AM – Morning Hike
Start your adventure with a hike on one of the many trails. Each trail offers unique views of the park’s signature red sandstone formations. Some popular trails include the Calico Tanks trail or the Ice Box Canyon trail.
12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch
Pack a lunch and enjoy it at one of the picnic areas with breathtaking views. Remember, leave no trace!
1:30 PM – Afternoon Exploration
Spend the afternoon exploring more trails or taking a scenic drive around the 13-mile loop to witness more of Red Rock Canyon’s natural beauty.
4:00 PM – Depart for Las Vegas
As the day winds down, make your way back to Las Vegas. Drive safe and remember to take one last look at the stunning red rocks as you depart.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
40 miles: About 40 minutes by car
Embark on an adventure outside the cityscape and immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a national park managed by the US National Park Service. This Vegas day trip itinerary includes plenty of relaxation, scenic drives, and explores the area’s rich history.
8:30 AM – Depart from Las Vegas
Start your day by heading out from Las Vegas. Don’t forget to pack swimsuits, sunscreen, water, snacks, and your camera. Getting to Lake Mead from Las Vegas by car is a fairly straightforward process, with the journey typically taking around 40 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Start by heading southeast on I-515 S/US-93 S from the city center. Continue to follow US-93 S, then take exit 2 for Lakeshore Rd. Turn right onto Lakeshore Rd, and you’ll find yourself heading straight into Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
9:15 AM – Arrive at Lake Mead National Recreation Area
After a short drive, you’ll arrive at the park’s visitor center where you can gather information about the area and its attractions.
9:45 AM – Hoover Dam
Make a stop at the Hoover Dam, a marvel of modern engineering. Make sure to take some photos of this historic structure and the magnificent views of Lake Mead.
11:30 AM – Cruise on Lake Mead
Take a mid-morning cruise on Lake Mead. Enjoy the calm and serene water while basking in the stunning landscapes that surround the lake.
1:00 PM – Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a packed lunch by the lakeside. Take in the tranquil atmosphere and the breathtaking views that surround you.
2:00 PM – Swimming and Relaxation
Spend the early afternoon swimming in the lake or simply relaxing by the water, soaking up the Nevada sun. The lake’s extensive shorelines offer plenty of spots to take a refreshing dip. Boulder Beach is a popular choice with its sandy shore and clear waters. Cottonwood Cove and Echo Bay also offer excellent swimming conditions.
For those seeking a more secluded experience, the various coves around the lake provide a peaceful retreat. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty at Lake Mead, so safety precautions are imperative. Always swim in designated areas, and avoid strong currents and sudden drop-offs.
Whether you’re looking to cool off, exercise, or simply relax in the water, Lake Mead offers plenty of swimming options to enjoy during your day trip from Las Vegas.
4:00 PM – Scenic Drive Through Lake Mead
Finish your visit with a leisurely scenic drive through different areas of the park. This is a great chance to see any parts of the park you might have missed earlier in the day.
6:00 PM – Depart for Las Vegas
As the sun begins to set, it’s time to head back to Las Vegas. Reflect on the memories made during your day trip as you wind down the day.
Mt. Charleston, Nevada
40 miles: About 45 minutes by car
Mount Charleston, Nevada, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its unique geography offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat of Las Vegas, with temperatures often 20-30 degrees cooler. The serene ambiance and the opportunity to engage in recreational activities make Mount Charleston an ideal day trip by car from Las Vegas. Getting from Las Vegas to Mount Charleston is an easy and scenic drive. The distance is around 45 miles and usually takes about an hour, depending on traffic and your driving speed.
Mount Charleston is home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna, along with numerous hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. The area’s stunning landscapes, from lush forests to rugged mountain vistas, provide a picturesque backdrop for photography. Besides, the quaint Mount Charleston Lodge offers a cozy spot to relax and soak in the magnificent views.
8:00 AM – Depart from Las Vegas
Start your day early and depart from Las Vegas. Remember to pack some essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and of course, your camera to capture the stunning landscape.
9:00 AM – Arrive at Mount Charleston
After an hour’s drive, arrive at the picturesque Mount Charleston. Begin your day by breathing in the fresh mountain air and taking in the panoramic views.
9:30 AM – Explore the Mount Charleston Visitor Center
Visit the Mount Charleston Visitor Center, also called the Spring Mountain Visitor Gateway, to learn about the area’s rich biodiversity and history. The center offers educational exhibits and helpful information for planning your activities.
10:30 AM – Hiking at the Mary Jane Falls Trail
Embark on a hiking adventure on the popular Mary Jane Falls Trail. This moderate 2.5-mile round trip hike offers a waterfall view and stunning sights of the mountain landscape.
1:00 PM – Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the tranquil beauty of Mount Charleston. Remember to adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ policy to help preserve the natural environment.
2:00 PM – Visit the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
Spend your afternoon exploring the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, home to diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
4:00 PM – Relax and Refuel at The Retreat on Charleston Peak
After a day of exploration, unwind at The Retreat on Charleston Peak. The Canyon Restaurant & Tavern Bar offers a range of American comfort food like chili, burgers, and BLTs. Enjoy a filling meal, refreshing beverage, and a decadent dessert after taking in the astounding views of the surrounding mountains.
6:00 PM – Depart for Las Vegas
As the day ends, begin your journey back to Las Vegas. Take back with you some beautiful memories and photos of your day at Mount Charleston.
Enjoying Vegas Day Trips
In the midst of the vibrant energy of Las Vegas, there’s a world of adventure waiting just beyond the city limits. Whether you’re craving the serene landscapes of Red Rock Canyon, the tranquil waters of Lake Mead, or the cool mountain air of Mount Charleston, there’s a day trip to suit every taste. And after a day of exploration and discovery, there’s no better place to unwind than at Golden Gate Las Vegas Hotel. Book your room now and make the most of your Las Vegas getaway. Your next adventure awaits!
