Embark on a journey to the lesser-explored wonders of Nevada, where the thrill of discovery awaits. Escape to the tranquil oasis of Lake Las Vegas, where azure waters and picturesque landscapes create a serene retreat. Dive into the enchantment of Emerald Cave Kayaking, navigating through emerald waters and hidden grottos.
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Virginia City, a captivating relic of the Wild West, with its authentic streets and tales of yesteryears. For a taste of rustic charm, Carson Valley beckons with its unspoiled nature and outdoor pursuits. Nevada’s underrated treasures promise an extraordinary travel escapade beyond the ordinary.
Carson Valley
Carson Valley is just a 20-minute downhill drive from Lake Tahoe. It is located on beautiful Highway 395.
The valley is beautiful year-round and is home to numerous species of wildlife. Genoa, the oldest settlement in the state and home to Nevada, is home to the’s “Oldest Thirst Parlor,” the Genoa Bar. Carson Valley will not disappoint, whether you are looking for excitement or a getaway.
Mizpah Hotel
The Mizpah Hotel, located in a small village south of Reno, is an attraction in its own right. It is a posh hotel that opened in 1907. In addition to its longevity, one of its highlights is that its elevator is the oldest continuously operating electric elevator west of the Mississippi.
The hotel closed in 1999 and sat empty until California winemakers Fred and Nancy Cline bought it in 2011 and gave it a thorough renovation. Today, it’s one of many things to do in Tonopah, Nevada.
18B Arts District
One of the best places to experience Las Vegas off the Strip is the 18B Arts District. This thriving and artistic neighborhood, which the New York Times called “the least Vegas area in Las Vegas,” is home to numerous artists, musicians and performers.
Virginia City
It takes only a short drive from Reno to Virginia City to reach one of Nevada’s best-kept secrets. An old western town, it quickly became a boomtown due to the nearby silver mines, which boosted the area’s population to 25,000 during that time.
Today, the entire town serves as a living museum, with all of the original buildings still standing, as well as museums, classrooms and other public and commercial facilities for tourists to explore.
Nipton
Beyond the Las Vegas Strip, there are plenty of amazing places to visit. The Ivanpah Valley, 50 miles from Las Vegas, is home to the small abandoned town of Nipton and an amazing solar power plant. Nipton is located on the border between Nevada and California.
Over the years, Nipton’s distinctiveness has attracted both a special kind of tourist and the interest of various investors. In an effort to transform the community into a “cannabis-friendly hospitality destination,” American Green Inc, a technology company specializing in marijuana, purchased the town in 2017.
Area 15 & OmegaMart
Area 15 is the ideal place for a unique Las Vegas experience. Area 15 is hard to convey until you actually experience it. Area 15 resembles a cross between a science fiction mall and an arts festival, if that makes sense.
Area 15, one of the newest attractions in Las Vegas, located on the north end of the Strip, only recently opened in September 2020 and is still undiscovered by the general public.
Lake Las Vegas
Golf courses, opulent residences and hotels, and a charming European-style village can be found on this small man-made lake about 30 minutes east of the Strip. With archways reaching from one side of the lake to the other, reminiscent of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy, there are several stores and fine restaurants overlooking the lake, as well as a hotel over the water.
Valley Fire State Park
Located within the captivating landscapes of Nevada, the Valley of Fire State Park stands as a mesmerizing testament to the raw beauty and geological wonders of the American Southwest. This iconic park, known for its vibrant red sandstone formations that appear to be aflame under the sun’s rays, offers a surreal and otherworldly experience for visitors.
Emerald Cave Kayaking
Right on the Arizona border lies one of Nevada’s best-kept secrets. Since the Colorado River forms the state border, you will actually cross it several times on your kayak trip to Emerald Caves.
You will begin your journey at Willow Beach Marina at the Lake Mead Recreational Area, an hour from Las Vegas. At Willow Beach, you have the option of renting kayaks, bringing your own inflatable kayak, or joining a guided tour.