7 Slow-Paced Towns To Visit In Nevada

When most people think of Nevada, they picture the flashy lights, music, and dice rolling of Las Vegas. While a trip to Vegas can make for an exciting vacation, sometimes it is refreshing to recharge in a quieter spot, where starry nights replace neon lights and the sound of birds chirping takes the place of loud music. If kayaking down a river, taking a scenic train ride through the Great Basin, or antique shopping in historic Victorian districts sounds like your ideal vacation, keep reading to discover your perfect next relaxing getaway.

Fallon

Known as the 'Oasis of Nevada,' Fallon uniquely contrasts Nevada's arid stretches with its wetlands teeming with native wildlife. Covering 80,000 acres, the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge is the best place to experience this remarkable ecosystem. Recognized by the American Bird Conservancy, it is a key habitat for a wide array of migratory bird species. Within the park, visitors can experience brackish and freshwater marshes, alkali playas, river corridors, a desert lake, and sand dunes.

Regarding Fallon’s history, the Churchill County Museum has 14,000 feet of exhibits filled with documents, artifacts, and photographs that dive into the county’s earlier years. The Robert L. Douglass House, built in 1904, is a beautiful example of Queen Anne architecture. For a savory, American-style meal and a nice outdoor patio, Maine Street Cafe is a local favorite.

Incline Village

Along the northern shores of Lake Tahoe, the entire town of Incline Village feels like a relaxing resort. In the summer months, residents and visitors are often found kayaking, waterskiing, fishing, or surfing on the lake, while in winter, the town’s mountainous terrain and tall slopes become the perfect attraction for skiers, with Diamond Peak Ski Resort and Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, being two of the most popular.

Those looking for a cozy and luxurious hotel to complete the resort-style experience can stay in the Incline Lodge, newly renovated and right next to beaches, miles of hiking trails, golf courses, restaurants, and more. Crosby’s Kitchen and Cocktail and Lone Eagle Grille are two rustic restaurants specifically worth checking out!

Genoa

As Nevada’s oldest permanent settlement, Genoa is home to just over 1,000 residents and attracts countless history enthusiasts each year. Its historic district exemplifies Victorian architecture, with many of the buildings hosting restaurants, gift shops, and antique shops, such as the Genoa Country Store and Dancing Deer Gift Shop, two favorites among shoppers. Also in the historic district, on Genoa’s main street, is Genoa Bar and Saloon, the oldest saloon in Nevada. Founded 11 years before Nevada claimed statehood, visitors today can soak in its history while enjoying a whiskey on the rocks or bloody mary.

If Genoa’s history isn’t reason enough to visit, travelers can unwind with a hike along one of the Genoa Trail System’s scenic trails or explore the 800-acre River Fork Ranch Preserve, home to wetlands and wet meadow ecosystems.

Ely

Located in eastern Nevada, Ely is surrounded by mountains, state parks, caves, and historic sites, making it a year-round destination for outdoor recreation and exploration. About an hour away, Lehman Caves is one of the most impressive natural attractions, as the longest cave system in the state, dating back millions of years. Nearby, you will find Great Basin National Park, with foothills covered in sagebrush and ancient bristlecone pines, as well as Cave Lake State Park, home to a high desert ecosystem and a 32-acre reservoir.

Be sure to visit the Nevada Northern Railway, a national historic landmark in town dating back to the early 20th century. It offers daily train excursions, allowing visitors to experience a historic ride through Nevada’s Great Basin.

Caliente

Just over two hours from Las Vegas, Caliente is a great place to escape for the weekend, with a national monument, several parks, and an unexpectedly diverse range of restaurants nearby. In the heart of the Great Basin desert, the Basin and Range National Monument is home to 704,000 acres of unique rock formations as well as 4,000-year-old petroglyphs, perfect for those interested in both geology and history.

Also near Caliente are Barnes Canyon, with its mountain biking loops, and Cathedral Gorge State Park, renowned for its dramatic erosion-formed rock features, including slot canyons and spires. For a cozy and relaxing cocktail, visitors must stop by Side Car Speakeasy in the evening, which serves Prohibition-themed cocktails.

Elko

Elko very interestingly blends cowboy and Basque culture together, two cultures that otherwise have little in common. The Centennial Boots project is a wonderful display of its southwestern culture, featuring dozens of colorful, hand-painted boots across town, in front of hotels, grocery stores, hospitals, and museums. During the mid-19th century, many Basque groups immigrated to Elko from France and Spain, now preserving their culture through events such as the National Basque Festival, taking place in July each year with traditional music, dances, foods, and strength competitions.

Just half an hour from Elko, visitors can disconnect and immerse themselves in nature with activities like hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling in the Ruby Mountains, where glacier-capped peaks rise higher than 10,000 feet, alongside alpine lakes and lush forests.

Laughlin

Famous for its resorts, casinos, shows, and water activities, Laughlin offers a laid-back alternative to Las Vegas. Loughlin River Lodge Hotel & Casino and Edgewater Casino Resort are excellent lodging options, both large hotel and casino complexes situated along the Colorado River. Many performers have taken the stage in Laughlin as well, including Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, and Toby Keith. Some of the soon-to-be performers include Blood Sweat & Tears, Alfred Robles, and Jay Leno during the month of November alone.

The Colorado River is one of the most popular natural attractions, where residents and visitors often take to the water, kayaking, paddling, and jet boating, appreciating views of the Topock Gorge and Black Canyon.

Final Thoughts

There is so much more to Nevada than just Las Vegas. Its diverse desert, lakes, wetlands, and canyon landscapes offer memorable hikes, while its historic towns, many dating back to the 19th century, are home to some of the state's most fascinating stories. Trying to decide where to spend a long weekend or how to make the most of your time off? All of these towns promise the opportunity to kick back, relax, and reconnect with nature.