Choose from 88 Fun Things to Do in Nevada
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 88 listings.
Virginia & Truckee Railroad
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad allows travelers to experience the frontier days, taking them back to the golden era of the West, when railroads were supreme and ’49ers populated the hills looking for gold. This steam-powered railway revives the bygone days when Carson City and the mining towns of Nevada were some of the richest on earth—filled with overnight millionaires. See the mines in person, learn about the flats and mountains, and hear stories of great wealth, boom and bust. Rides are often taken on tours out of Lake Tahoe.
Practical Info
A great experience for young and old, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad operates on original railways and maintains two open routes. The Historic Route is the most popular and runs seven daily trips from 10:30am to 4pm between May 24 and October 31. Trains start in Carson City, and tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 10 and under.
Address: 166 F Street, Virginia City, Lake Tahoe 89440, USA
Hours: May 24-Oct 31 10:30am-4pm
Admission: $10 adults, $5 kids 10 & under
From $ 65
The LINQ
One of the nicest additions to the Las Vegas strip in quite some time, The LINQ is an upscale outdoor mall district, hotel and casino next to the Flamingo that boasts excellent shopping, dining and even free Wi-Fi for those strolling this expansive promenade. The spot's main hotel, once known as the Imperial Palace before going by the Quad, has undergone one more fitting name change and is now known as The LINQ Hotel and Casino. The namesake hotel provides access to the new glittering jewel of Las Vegas: the High Roller, which is known as the world’s largest rotating observation wheel (a technical term for Ferris wheel) and stands a full 550 feet high.
While enjoying your stay in Vegas, take in the hotel's shows, which include offbeat options that can't be found anywhere else: Jeff Civillico: Comedy in Action and Divas starring Frank Marino.
In addition to all this, the Polaroid Fotobar and Museum, some carnival stands and other charming eccentricities are all situated in the area, making for the rarest of Las Vegas gems—a place frequented by both locals and tourists.
Practical Info
The LINQ is located on the Las Vegas Strip, easily accessible from hotels in the area.
Address: 3535 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas 89109, USA
From $ 13
Valley of Fire
The Valley of Fire, Nevada’s oldest state park, covers 34,880 acres (14,115 hectares) of red rock formations, sandstone cliffs, dramatic canyons, and peaceful valleys. Some of the park’s most famous features include the ancient Moapa petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock and the three-mile (4.8 km) Fire Canyon hike, which shows off the colorful sandstone that gives the park its name. In addition to being one of the most popular hiking destinations near Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire also attracts picnickers, campers, and photographers.
The Basics
With some of the most stunning scenery in the Mojave Desert, the Valley of Fire State Park is a popular escape from nearby Las Vegas. While guided hikes are a popular option, visitors can also opt for photography tours, buggy or ATV tours, or a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of both the Valley of Fire and the Grand Canyon West Rim. Couples planning a wedding can arrange to say their vows amid the fiery rock formations of this state park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This site is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground.
- The park provides little shade, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinking water.
- Most tours from Las Vegas last four to eight hours.
How to Get to the Valley of Fire
The Valley of Fire sits within the Mojave Desert, 58 miles (93 km) from the Las Vegas Strip. The most convenient way to visit is on a guided tour with transportation from your Las Vegas hotel, but you can drive yourself by taking I-35 North to the Valley of Fire/Lake Mead exit.
When to Get There
The Valley of Fire is open to day-trippers from sunrise to sunset. Those who wish to stay overnight can do so at one of two campgrounds. For hiking and other outdoor activities, the mild weather between November through March is ideal. In summer, when temperatures can top 100°F (38°C), it’s best to tour the park by air-conditioned car instead.
Things to Do Near the Valley of Fire
While you’re visiting the Valley of Fire, consider a side trip to another area attraction. Valley of Fire State Park is adjacent to Lake Mead, which has plenty of recreational options on water and land. Just northwest of the park lies the town of Overton, where it’s possible to fill upon gas, grab some food, or visit the Lost City Museum, dedicated to an ancestral Puebloan village discovered in 1924.
Address: 29450 Valley of Fire Road, Overton, NV, USA
Hours: Visitor Center open daily 8:30am - 4:30pm
Admission: $10 Entrance Fee, additional fees to camp
From $ 119
Wet 'n' Wild Las Vegas
Today's Las Vegas is far more family-friendly than it used to be, especially with the 41-acre Wet 'n' Wild water park. This site is home to 25 attractions, including two pools and 10 water slides. These slides were largely designed for adventure seekers, with names like the Tornado and the Rattler, which may be more like a roller coaster on water than a traditional slide. There's also a kid-friendly area with less intimidating slides and wade pools.
Practical Info
Ticket prices are determined largely by height rather than age. Those 3'6" (42 inches) and taller pay $39.99, while those under that height pay $29.99. After 4pm, admission costs only $19.99, but on some nights the park is only open until 6pm. The park opens at 10am and closing times vary between 6 and 10pm depending on the day and season. The park is located in Summerlin, off I-215.
Address: 7055 S. Fort Apache Road, Summerlin, Nevada, USA
Hours: Opens at 10am; closing times vary from 6–10pm.
Admission: Based on height: 42” and taller: $39.99, Under 42”: $29.99
From $ 30
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
Call it cheesy—or just classic Vegas neon—but there’s no denying that the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is an iconic symbol of the city. Constructed in 1959 in the early days of Sin City, the sign today is an old-school throwback that differs in size, structure, and style from the modern city lights. There was once a time when tourists would literally stand in the road to snap photos—risking their lives on the Las Vegas strip for the perfect shot of the sign. Today, however, visitors can park in a small parking lot that’s adjacent to the 25-foot tower, and get the timeless Vegas backdrop set perfectly inside the frame. Technically, the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign isn’t actually inside of Las Vegas, as the sign is mounted outside the city limits in the neighboring town of Paradise. Chances are, however, that not many visitors care about the exact placement of the sign, as they’re simply excited to descend on the strip of the world’s most infamous town. In 2009, 50 years after the neon bulbs shone bright in the dusty desert, the Welcome to Famous Las Vegas sign was nominated and approved for a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Practical Info
Visiting the sign and snapping a photo only takes a couple of minutes, and the sign is approximately four miles south of the heart of the Las Vegas strip.
Address: 5200 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 89119, USA
From $ 35
Zion National Park
Carved over time by the Virgin River, Zion National Park is a remarkable 148,000-acre (59,893-hectare) stretch of white, pink, and red rock formations in southern Utah's canyon country. The state's first national park draws hikers, birders, and nature lovers with its cliffs and mesas, waterfalls and wildflowers, and varied wildlife from jackrabbits to condors.
The Basics
When to Get There
Zion park is open 24 hours a day, all year round, but certain areas close or have reduced hours based on the season or weather conditions. If you're looking to avoid the heat and crowds, visit in late spring or fall. Regardless of the season, be prepared for temperatures that can shift by up to 30°F in the course of a day, depending on elevation and time.
Best Zion National Park Hikes
The Basics
While the Grand Canyon may be the most famous natural wonder of the American Southwest, Zion Canyon is a gem all on its own. Opt to see the highlights on a guided day trip from Las Vegas or on a multi-canyon getaway that combines a trip to Zion with visits to Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and/or the Grand Canyon. Independent travelers can also join limited free programs offered by National Park Service rangers.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to Zion National Park
The park is located on Route 9 in Springdale, Utah. By car, Zion is one hour from St George, Utah; two hours from Page, Arizona; and 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Nevada. During summer, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles, but a free and convenient shuttle bus runs between Springdale and the park. There is a fee to enter Zion, either per person or per vehicle.
- There are restaurants, a lodge, and campgrounds inside the park. Additional food and lodging options are available in nearby towns.
- Many park facilities are wheelchair accessible, including two trails and certain campsites.
- Internet access is available in the Zion Lodge lobby and at various places in the town of Springdale.
The park is located on Route 9 in Springdale, Utah. By car, Zion is one hour from St George, Utah; two hours from Page, Arizona; and 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Nevada. During summer, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles, but a free and convenient shuttle bus runs between Springdale and the park. There is a fee to enter Zion, either per person or per vehicle.
When to Get There
Zion park is open 24 hours a day, all year round, but certain areas close or have reduced hours based on the season or weather conditions. If you're looking to avoid the heat and crowds, visit in late spring or fall. Regardless of the season, be prepared for temperatures that can shift by up to 30°F in the course of a day, depending on elevation and time.
Best Zion National Park Hikes
While there are over a dozen major hiking trails in the park, a few stand out. The Zion Narrows gorge allows hikers to walk through the Virgin River between two towering rock walls. Many Narrows hikers start at the Temple of Sinawava via the Riverside Walk and then hike upstream before doubling back and finishing where they started. Another favorite is Angels Landing, an intense 5-mile (8-km) trail that rewards brave hikers with sweeping views at the summit. Emerald Pools Trail serves as a great place to hike alongside multiple waterfalls and glistening pools.
Address: Zion National Park, Virgin, Utah, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: $18
From $ 200
Venetian Hotel & Casino
The Venetian Hotel and Casino is the premier location to catch great shows and indulge in unique experiences. With a booming nightlife and entertainment scene, coupled by the beautiful architecture and world famous gondola rides, this hotel will transport you to the streets of Venice.
Experience a first-class ride on a majestic gondola, painted white and gold with elaborate details and decorations. Then, travel through the canals and ride above a man-made lagoon, which mirrors the incredible, sky-painted ceilings. The ride will take you beneath bridges and alongside charming boutiques and cafes, so that you’ll feel only steps away from Italy.
For world class entertainment the Venetian offers the most variety and best in Vegas. The Blue Man Group, The Phantom of the Opera, Jersey Boys, and the comedian Joan Rivers play there regularly. Then there’s the nightlife, and the Venetian is home to the world-famous bar Tao Nightclub, where celebrity sightings are an every day occurrence. And what hotel and casino would be complete without games galore? From poker to slot machines, the Venetian has your winning number.
Address: 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas 89109, USA
From $ 55
V Theater
One of Las Vegas’s cozier venues, the V Theater is a favorite for many looking for live entertainment. There are two showrooms with a total of eight different productions, including “V - The Ultimate Variety Show,” which is frequently named the best show in Vegas. The show has fourteen different acts featuring everything from comedians to magicians and even jugglers.
The V Theater has become known for just that - variety. Many of the smaller, more unique shows that don’t play in the larger venues come to the V. There is something going on every night of the week, and the theater’s location makes it easy to combine with a restaurant visit — for an old-fashioned Vegas dinner and a show.
Practical Info
The V Theater is located inside the Miracle Mile Shops of Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. The box office is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm.
Address: 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd #360, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, USA
Admission: Check website for show prices
From $ 29
Welder Up
Fans of the show Vegas Rat Rods will love taking a tour of Welder Up, a Las Vegas customized car shop that’s made local welder Steve Darnell a star.
Travelers can explore the showroom where this true American artist brings junk back to life and see why his inventive rat rods have graced the pages of Hot Rod Magazine, Rat Rod Magazine and more. Visitors can tour the shop for free every day and check out not only the personal collection of cars owned by Steve, but some of the builds featured on his popular show, too.
Practical Info
Welder Up is located at 3160 South Highland Drive in Suite D in Las Vegas. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am until 4 pm and Sunday from noon to 4 pm.
Address: 3160 South Highland Drive, Suite D, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, USA
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 am until 4 pm and Sunday from noon to 4 pm.
From $ 70
Toy Shack
Whether you’re an avid toy collector or just keen to take a nostalgic journey down memory lane, Toy Shack will probably succeed in getting you excited. Though the shop’s floor-to-ceiling displays feature new items, their specialty is most certainly vintage and antique toys, which will inevitably induce a few blasts from the past. Think: old-school treasures such as Barbies, GI Joes, and a massive collection of Hot Wheels — but really, you can probably find just about any toy or game here, and if you don’t, just ask.
Toy Shack is especially famous for its inclusion in the History Channel’s Pawn Stars show: In fact, you might even come across the store’s owner Johnny Jimenez, who also stars in the show, and is famously gracious and friendly with visitors. A visit here promises more than just toys but also an opportunity to check out the surrounding Fremont Street Experience, a dazzling stretch of street-turned-outdoor mall that is covered in a canopy of lights and spans this part of downtown Las Vegas.
Practical Info
The Toy Shack is located a short drive away from the strip, but is easily reachable via the hop-on hop-off bus tour (stop: El Cortez (East Fremont Street)). If you’re into collectors’ items or Pawn Stars, consider joining a tour to visit similar stops, such as the Shelby American Museum, Ultimate Sports Cards and Memorabilia, and others. Meanwhile, get to know this historic part of Las Vegas better on a tour by foot, Segway, or even open-air Jeep.
Address: 450 Fremont St, Ste 117, Las Vegas 89101, USA
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 a.m.
From $ 35
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Our fascination with the Titanic seems to have only grown stronger with time, and more than 100 years after the ship sank, The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel and Casino is one of Las Vegas' many popular attractions.
The exhibit features more than 250 items recovered from the wreck of the Titanic on the sea floor, including the ship's whistle, passenger luggage and even an unopened 1900 vintage bottle of Champagne. There are also careful recreations of some elements of the ship, including the grand staircase, first-class cabins and the promenade deck.
Practical Info
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is located in the Luxor Hotel and Casino. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the last admission at 9 p.m. each day. Tickets are $32 for adults, $30 for seniors and $24 for children ages 4-12.
Address: 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the last admission at 9 p.m. each day.
Admission: Adults: $32, Seniors: $30, Children (4-12) $24
From $ 35
Stratosphere Tower
Standing 1,149 feet (350 meters) above the Las Vegas Strip, Stratosphere Tower is the tallest observation tower in the United States. From the top, visitors enjoy 360-degree views of Las Vegas from an observation deck, aboard thrill rides, or over a drink or meal at one of several bars and restaurants.
The Basics
Visible from just about everywhere on Las Vegas Boulevard, Stratosphere Tower is often included as a stop on city sightseeing tours. Experiences within the tower include indoor and outdoor observation decks for some of the best views of the city, as well as thrill rides like Big Shot, Insanity, X-Scream, and SkyJump, the world record highest commercial decelerator descent. Visitors choose among single attraction tickets or a multi-attraction option, such as the Las Vegas Thrill Pass, which also includes attractions like the Eiffel Tower Experience, the roller coaster at New York New York, and the VooDoo Zip Line.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The tower is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies.
- Tower rides have height and age restrictions.
- Professional camera equipment, including tripods and long lenses, are not permitted inside the Stratosphere Tower.
How to Get There
Stratosphere Tower is located in front of Stratosphere Hotel on the northern end of the Strip. The tower entrance is accessible via escalators across from C Bar or Roxy’s Diner. The Deuce Bus stops directly in front of Stratosphere.
When to Get There
One of the best times to visit Stratosphere Tower is in the evening, when it’s possible to watch the sunset over the Nevada desert, followed by the illuminated city skyline after dark.
Dine High in the Sky
Top of the World restaurant sets the stage for a romantic dinner as it makes its 360-degree rotation over the course of an hour—a popular option for couples in Sin City. The 107 SkyLounge on the 107th floor serves signature cocktails with 360-degree panoramic views, while AirBar on the 108th floor affords views of brave travelers making the SkyJump leap just a few feet away. The Tower Creamery serves adult milkshakes, ice cream, coffee, and other sweet treats.
Address: 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas 89104, USA
Hours: Varies
Admission: Varies
From $ 24
Williams
Williams, Arizona, is a town in the northern part of the state and within the Kaibab National Forest. It was founded in 1881 and named after Bill Williams, a famous trapper, scout and mountain man. Williams offers a variety of outdoor activities. There are seven fishing lakes in the area. Several hiking trails go up Bill Williams Mountain and into Sycamore Canyon. The town has an alpine ski area as well as cross country skiing trails. There is plenty of wildlife in the area, including a drive-thru wildlife park. Visitors can also play golf at one of Arizona's premier golf courses, Elephant Rocks Golf Course.
Williams is known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, since it is only an hour's drive away. You can also choose to ride in a vintage train to the park with the Grand Canyon Railway, a journey that takes about two hours. The town also lies along the historic Route 66 and was the last town on the route to be bypassed by Interstate 40. Williams continues to celebrate the historic route with vintage car shows and the Route 66 Cultural Heritage Days.
Practical Info
Williams, Arizona, is located about 35 miles west of Flagstaff and can be reached from Interstate 40. You can also reach Williams from Amtrak's Southwest Chief line.
Address: Williams 86046, USA
From $ 22
Adventuredome
Adventuredome is America's largest indoor theme park, and is situated within the Circus Circus resort in Las Vegas. The park is connected to the hotel via a large glass dome, and features various rides and attractions, from huge roller coaster rides to family friendly games and activities.
One of Adventuredome's most popular rides is the Canyon Blaster, the world's only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 55mph. Other attractions include a pirate ship, slingshot, bumper cars, video arcades, rock climbing, FX movies, and clown shows.
Because the park is all located inside, it is not affected by the weather and is open all year round. In October, the Adventuredome transforms into "˜Fright Dome' "“ an alternative Halloween-themed park.
Practical Info
Adventuredome is located behind the Circus Circus resort at the intersection of Las Vegas Strip and Circus Circus Drive. As well as day passes, visitors can pay for the rides on an individual basis.
Address: 2880 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 89109, USA
Hours: Open Mon-Thurs 11am-6pm; Fri-Sat 10am-12am; Sun 10am-9pm
Admission: Regular Day Pass: $31.95; Junior Day Pass (under 48 inches tall): $17.95
From $ 44
VooDoo Zip Line
Las Vegas doesn't do entertainment on the small scale, and one of its newest amusement-park-like rides doesn't disappoint. The VooDoo Zip Line is strung between the Masquerade and Ipanema towers at the Rio Hotel and Casino and stretches almost a third of a mile between the two. The ride takes you from the high point at Rio's VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub down to the lower tower and then back again–you ride backwards on the return trip.
The zipline is also about 400 feet above the ground, and because Rio sits just off the main part of the Strip, you'll get panoramic views of the Strip and beyond in all directions. You'll have to look quickly, though, as the zipline can get reach speeds of more than 30 miles per hour.
Practical Info
The VooDoo Zipline is open from noon until midnight every day. Tickets start at $27.49 per person, and two people can ride together at the same time (like a ski lift seat). Tickets must be reserved in advance.
Address: 3700 W Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Hours: Noon-midnight daily
Admission: Start at $27.49 per person
From $ 30
Ubehebe Crater
This large volcanic crater in Death Valley National Park looks almost otherworldly. At half a mile wide and nearly 800 feet deep, the area is impressively large and can be hiked via three different trails. The crater is believed to have been formed 5,000-7,000 years ago from a large steam explosion created by pressure from hot liquid magma. Fields of cinder from the resulting explosion can still be seen in the area surrounding the crater.
A path to the edge of the crater’s rim allows those who hike up to peer down inside. The hike along the rim also leads to other older craters, including Little Hebe. The interior walls are colorfully striped by the many layers of different sedimentary rock and soil. For those who prefer not to hike, views of the crater’s exterior can still be seen from the parking area.
Practical Info
You can find Ubehebe Crater at the tip of the Cottonwood Mountains in Death Valley National Park, nearby to Scotty’s Castle. Be advised of heat and wind conditions before setting out on a hike.
Address: Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, California, USA, USA
Admission: Individual: $10; Vehicle: $20
From $ 215
The D Las Vegas
Formerly known as Fitzgerald’s Casino, The D Las Vegas is set at the heart of the city’s historic downtown, and just steps from the Fremont Street Experience with its evening sound and light shows.
The hotel spent $22 million during a 2012 renovation, and today two levels of gambling halls accompany 638 rooms, restaurants, and evening shows. For the raucous and raunchy late night crowd, head to Jokesters Comedy Club where many of the city’s best comedians sling jokes that are definitely on the dirty side. Or, for an evening of side-splitting shows and theater, catch a performance of “Marriage Can Be Murder” or the Broadway show, “Defending a Caveman.” To keep the night going after the show, grab a drink at the Long Bar— which is the longest bar in Las Vegas—or test your luck at one of the tables that feature dancing dealers.
Practical Info
The D Las Vegas is about 20 minutes away from the Las Vegas airport. While the hotel has a number of casual restaurants, Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse is reputed to have one of the best steaks in Vegas and is a must if staying at the hotel.
Did You Know? The D Hotel is home to American Coney Island restaurant—the only one outside Michigan.
Address: 301 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
From $ 18
Wynn Hotel & Casino
Bringing sophistication and elegance to the Las Vegas Strip, the Wynn Hotel stands out against the bright lights and flashing sign. With its golden, concave structure, and perfectly groomed trees out front, you’ll forget that Las Vegas is where all of the action happens, and instead is where the relaxation happens.
Surrounded by lagoons, waterfalls, and terraced landscapes, the effect of the Wynn Hotel and Casino is a peaceful one. The inside of the Wynn is marked by boutique hotels and the finest in restaurant offerings. With restaurants with the acclaimed fare of Daniel Boulud, Masa Ishizawa, and Mark LoRusso, you’ll enjoy a feast of the senses.
A refined take on nightlife and entertainment, the Wynn Hotel offers shows by Cirque Du Soleil and secluded nightclubs like Blush and Tryst that are surrounded by lagoons. Then, there’s the window shopping at the Wynn Esplanade, offering high end clothes by designers like Chanel and Dior.
Practical Info
The Wynn Hotel is located in the north-east corner of the Las Vegas Strip. It has earned multiple five-star rating and is considered one of the best hotels in the world.
Address: 3131 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas 89109, USA
From $ 122
Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Wondering where to take your kids in Las Vegas during the day? Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat—a mini zoo of dolphins and exotic big cats right on the Strip—may be just the ticket. Located at the Mirage Hotel and Casino, where famed Vegas magicians Siegfried and Roy ran their famous animal show from 1989 to 2003, the attraction allows visitors to wander through tropically landscaped grounds to water areas, home to a small pod of bottle-nose dolphins, and the Secret Garden, which houses leopards, panthers, white lions, and rare white tigers—both solid white tigers and white tigers with black stripes.
While there are no formal or scheduled shows here, trainers do interact with both animals and visitors. In addition to the underwater viewing areas, stadium seating at the dolphin habitat offers a different vantage point from which to see the dolphins.
Although not offered on Viator, for an additional fee, it's possible to take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about animal care and maintenance, encourage dolphins to paint a canvas that you can take home, or learn how to swim with or train dolphins (from $159). These add-on experiences run at scheduled times throughout the day; advance reservations are recommended.
Practical Info
The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat is located in the Mirage Hotel and Casino, across from the Venetian and between Treasure Island and Caesar's Palace. The area is open daily from 10am to 5pm with final entry at 4pm (most visitors can experience the park in under two hours). Tickets cost $22 for adults and $17 for children ages 4 to 12; it’s free for children under 4. The park has two small gift shops fronting the dolphin and young white lion enclosures. as well as a snack bar.
Address: 3400 South Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, USA
Hours: 10am–5pm
Admission: Adults $22, Children (4–12) $17
From $ 22
Virginia City
Step back in time to the Wild West at the historical mining town of Virginia City, once called the “richest place on Earth.” Enjoy 100-mile (160-kilometer) views across the high desert, ride the V&T railroad, shop, have a bite to eat or drink in an old saloon, and tour museums, mines, and mansions in one of the country’s largest National Historic Landmarks.
The Basics
The best way to enjoy Virginia City is to walk up and down C Street, the town’s main street. Stop at the Welcome Center on the corner of C Street and Taylor, pick up a map of attractions, and purchase tickets to individual attractions or an adventure pass. Highlights include the Chollar Mine Tour, Bucket of Blood Saloon, Piper’s Opera House, the Mark Twain Museum, and The Way It Was Museum. A number of ghost-hunting tours are available for those interested in the paranormal. And fans of Bonanza may recognize Virginia City from the show.
Guided tours are available from South Lake Tahoe, driving along part of the historical Pony Express Trail. Tours include a ride on the V&T Railroad, as well as stops at historical points of interest in Carson City.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Virginia City is a must-see for any visitor to northern Nevada.
- The town is free to visit, but certain attractions charge an admission fee.
- Virginia City is in the high desert, so bring sun protection and plenty of water.
How to Get There
Virginia City is located in western Nevada, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Reno. From Reno take US 395 to exit 57B, then climb along NV 341, known as Geiger Grade. From Carson City take US 50 east to NV 341, the Comstock Highway.
When to Get There
Virginia City can be visited year-round, though the most pleasant weather is in spring and fall. Summer can get very hot, while winter can see snow, which can affect road conditions. Virginia City also hosts a number of festivals and races throughout the year, including the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry in March, the International Camel and Ostrich Race in September, and the World Championship Outhouse Race in October.
Virginia City History
With the discovery of the Comstock Lode, the first major silver deposit found in the US, in 1859, the town seemed to boom overnight. Thousands of people sought their fortunes here, including Mark Twain, who worked here for two years. At one point, this area produced nearly half of all the precious metals mined in the US. The boom didn’t last for long, though, and mostly died down by 1880. Today, the town welcomes over two million visitors a year.
Address: Virginia City, Lake Tahoe, USA
From $ 65