Nevada can be a confusing place to travel if you’re unfamiliar with it. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start.
Most people think of Las Vegas when they think of Nevada, but there is so much more to the state than just Sin City. From the bright lights of the Strip to the stunning natural wonders of Death Valley, Nevada has something for everyone.
Our Ultimate Travel Guide to Nevada will help make your trip planning a breeze. We’ve put together a detailed day-by-day itinerary to show you all of the best places to visit in the Silver State.
By the way, we also have a blog where we have to discuss the things to do with kids in Las Vegas. You can read it, and you will surely enjoy it!
So without further ado, let’s get started!
Day 1
Arrive at Hoover Dam
Begin your trip to Nevada with a visit to the fascinating Hoover Dam. This impressive feat of engineering is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and a must-see for anyone visiting Nevada.
Lunch at Chilly Jilly’z
After exploring the dam, head to Chilly Jilly’z in Boulder City for a delicious lunch, this family-owned restaurant is famous for its award-winning chili and hot dogs and is the perfect place to refuel after a morning of sightseeing. Don’t forget to try their pineapple Dole Whip, it’s what they are famous for.
Menu Highlights:
Burgers, chicken, sandwiches, and salads, plus “the best dessert in the desert,” including Dole Whip!
Nature Discovery Trail
After lunch, take a stroll on the Nature Discovery Trail. This easy 1-mile hike takes you through some of Nevada’s unique desert landscape and is a great way to get some fresh air and stretch your legs.
CasaBlanca Resort & Casino
Done for the day? Head to your hotel, the CasaBlanca Resort & Casino in Mesquite. This luxurious resort offers everything you need for a relaxing stay, including a full-service spa, five heated pools, and various dining and entertainment options.
CasaBlanca Hotel is located just a short drive from Hoover Dam making it the perfect spot for the night.
Address: 950 West Mesquite Blvd., Mesquite, NV 89027
Day 2
E.T. Fresh Jerky
Start your day with a stop at E.T. Fresh Jerky, a local favorite in the town of Laughlin. Restock those road trip snacks with some damn good jerky and treats, freshen up at the “cleanest restrooms in Area 51,” and snap a selfie with the cowboy alien murals out front for an ET Highway road trip pit stop you’ll never forget.
Address: 12600 US-93, Hiko, NV 89017
Check out the Alien Research Center
Just down the road from E.T. Fresh Jerky is the Alien Research Center, a small museum dedicated to all things extraterrestrial.
Gleaming in the desert sun like an actual spaceship itself, plan to find a silver Quonset hut with a giant two-story silver alien ushering you in the door. Peruse the Alien Research Center for UFO books and souvenirs “from” Area 51.
This place is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about the UFO and alien sightings that have been reported in the area over the years.
Address: 100 NV-375, Hiko, NV 89017.
See the Flying Saucer at the Little A’Le’Inn
For the ultimate Area 51 experience, continue your journey down NV-375 to Rachel, Nevada, home of the Little A’Le’Inn. This tiny desert town (population: 54) is situated just outside the boundaries of the infamous Area 51 military base.
While you won’t be able to see any aliens here, you can enjoy a delicious meal and a cold beer at the Inn and check out the flying saucer on display out front. The Little A’Le’Inn is also a great place to pick up some Area 51 souvenirs before heading back to reality.
Address: 9631 Old Mill St., Rachel, NV 89001
Along the way, after you leave The Little A’Le’Inn’s keep your eyes peeled for roadside signs and alien-themed sights worth pulling over for and snapping a photo or two!
You’ll see sky-high signs for the Extraterrestrial Highway, only-in- Nevada signs for Rachel, Nevada, a storage container with an outta-this-world mural, The Black Mailbox, and maybe a UFO or two! Alien decor—right down to the jerry-rigged UFO hanging from a crane – make this an unmatched Nevada landmark, to say the least.
Belvada Hotel
Stay overnight at the Belvada Hotel, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Tonopah. With its excellent location and historic luxurious guest rooms, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind after an epic day exploring Nevada’s alien attractions.
Address:101 South Main St, Tonopah, NV 89049
Check out The Clown Motel
It’s not just a clever name – The Clown Motel boasts what’s got to be the largest private collection of clown figurines and memorabilia under the sun.
If you don’t stay the night, drop by the lobby, walk amongst thousands of clowns, and snap up some unique souvenirs from the mini gift shop on the corner.
Day 3
Visit Seven Magic Mountains
Internationally renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains is a large-scale public art installation located near Jean Dry Lake and Interstate 15, approximately ten miles south of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Featuring seven towers of colorful, stacked boulders standing more than 30 feet high, Seven Magic Mountains punctuate the Mojave with a poetic burst of form and color.
The artwork was made possible by a partnership between the Art Production Fund, the Nevada Museum of Art, and the City of Las Vegas.
Address: Follow I-15 S to Sloan Road (Exit 25). Turn left (east) to Las Vegas Blvd. Drive approximately seven miles south on Las Vegas Blvd. and the artwork will appear on your left.
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Relax after a whirlwind day of road tripping the Silver State! The Mandalay Bay Beach includes a lazy river and wave pool, or you can partake in some retail therapy at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place. There’s also the Shark Reef Aquarium!
Address: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving the city’s most iconic art form – the neon sign.
Tours are available daily, and advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Address: 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Nevada has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in aliens, art, or just want to relax by the pool.
With its plethora of roadside attractions and quirky hotels, a road trip through this state is sure to be an unforgettable experience. So gas up the car and hit the open road – Nevada awaits!
This concludes our three-day travel itinerary for Nevada. We hope you enjoy your time in the Silver State!