9 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Nevada
When it comes to Nevada, bright lights and a desert landscape often come to mind thanks to its popular and famous cities like Las Vegas and Reno. However, there is more to The Silver State’s beauty than sparkling casinos and crowded tourist spots. Escape from the hustle and bustle of Nevada’s bigger cities and discover how pretty this state is with its small towns!
From iconic dams and canyons to its oldest settlements and historic business districts, these are some of the prettiest towns to visit in Nevada. Aside from having a meager population and a lower crime rate than others, these destinations truly showcase how beautiful the state can be.
Incline Village
With its gorgeous mountain views, stunning lakes and beaches, and thriving golf culture, the best way to describe Incline Village is this: It’s a huge country club. However, unlike exclusive clubs, you don’t need to sign up for anything, and the small town welcomes anyone who desires to enjoy its natural beauty, particularly Lake Tahoe - Nevada State Park, which is just south of downtown.
After a swim at Lake Tahoe’s Sand Harbor Beach, rent a bike via Flume Trail Bikes to enjoy premier mountain trails and get views of the lake from above. Spend tee time at Incline Village’s golf courses, then dine at Lone Eagle Grille for a lakeside dining experience. For souvenirs, Handmade At the Lake has unique housewares and soaps that showcase the natural beauty of this tiny town.
Boulder City
The main reason to visit Boulder City is to behold the majestic beauty of the Hoover Dam. Created to help millions of people with irrigation water and hydroelectric power, start your Boulder City trip with a Hoover Dam guided tour, followed by a visit to the Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum for a history lesson. For thrill-seekers who have an inclination for breathtaking views of the dam, Papillon Helicopters offers aviated tours in the air.
If you would rather enjoy the dam on the ground—or in its waters, enjoy kayaking fun with Blazing Puddles or raft down via Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures. After basking in the dam’s beauty and activities, reward yourself with drinks and souvenirs at Boulder City Co. Store.
Mesquite
Merging the picturesque landscapes of Nevada’s mesas with resort-like amenities and activities, Mesquite is an absolute oasis and one of the best places to retire in Nevada. Stay at Mojave Edge for great views of the city, then head out to see the chiseled sandstones of Gold Butte National Monument. You can even say hello to an ambassador camel through Camel Safari Las Vegas.
However, the most popular activity in Mesquite is still golfing, with a few courses all reachable within a 10-minute drive. Wolf Creek Golf Club, Oasis Golf Club, and Casablanca Golf Club are just some of your options for tee time.
Minden
A quaint ranch town in the heart of Carson Valley, Minden is proof that Nevada isn’t just about casinos and deserts. Begin your Minden trip with a visit to the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park, one of Nevada’s oldest ranches. The park has four generations' worth of ranch history, with artifacts and guided tours open to visitors all year round. The park is jam-packed with both paid and free events during summer.
For a day with Nevada’s wildlife, drop by Jake's Wetland and Wildlife Meadow, a 7.4-acre park that aims to preserve Minden’s flora and fauna. Meanwhile, Minden’s downtown is full of centuries-old buildings and eateries that celebrate the city’s German heritage. Minden Meat and Deli has amazing sandwiches and craft beers, while Red Barn Antiques likes to preserve history with its restored items.
Gardnerville
Just a stone’s throw away from Minden is Gardnerville, a livelier small town with the stunning Sierra Nevada as its backdrop. With plenty of parks, the community is a paradise for outdoorsy and social folks. Heritage Park is where Gardnerville’s festivities usually happen, like the Carson Valley Christmas Kickoff, Oktoberfest, and Movies in the Park. Wildlife viewings are relegated to Mountain View Nature Park.
Enjoy a scenic trail of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the distance while on horseback with Sheridan Creek Equestrian Center. They offer riding lessons and even training camps for kids. More of a fishing person? Try fly-fishing at the nearby Carson River with Angler’s Edge! Lastly, enjoy Gardnerville’s historic downtown with Carson Valley Museum, Cheshire Antiques, Eddy Street Vintage Market, and the Victorian-era building of J T Basque Bar & Dining Room.
Genoa
As the first settlement in Nevada, history is a big aspect of Genoa’s beautiful and historic tourist attractions. Start your Genoa visit with the Mormon Station State Historic Park—a half-park, half-museum that showcases Nevada’s captivating history and scenery. In it, you will find pioneer-era artifacts, a replica of an old fort, and even a reconstruction of the town’s old trading post. Families can also have picnics in the area.
You can learn more about Genoa’s past through the Genoa Courthouse Museum, where original oak furniture and American Indian baskets are well-preserved. If you would rather drink history, the Genoa Bar and Saloon is open to serve you history with its drinks. Established even before Nevada became a state, the saloon is filled with pioneer paintings and even a wanted poster of President Abraham Lincoln’s shooter.
Stateline
Bordering California, Stateline is a popular Nevada destination for Lake Tahoe activities, golf courses, and casinos. Have much-needed “me time” by staying at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort and lounging at the beach. Enjoy the pristine water by renting crystal kayaks from Tahoe Paddle Sports. Around dinnertime, enjoy lakeside views and delectable dishes from Edgewood Restaurant—both a feast for the eyes!
Stateline’s Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena is a great way to enjoy live outdoor concerts, as you can also appreciate views of the mountains, the pine tree forest, and Lake Tahoe in the distance. Since gambling isn’t allowed on the California side, many tourists stay in Stateline to have gaming fun, with Harrah’s as one of the top casino choices in the area.
Lamoille
If hiking and the outdoors are more your thing, you can’t go wrong with Lamoille as your next Nevada destination. Often called a tiny town with a big backyard, Lamoille’s best attraction is the Lamoille Canyon. Serious hikers and casual trekkers are welcome to try its different hiking trails through the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail. You will find short excursions and even multi-day hikes during dry months, while winter turns it into a ski wonderland.
For visitors keen on fully experiencing the Lamoille wilderness, you can stay in a yurt in the middle of an aspen forest or sleep atop the Ruby Mountains. If you would rather just explore the town, check out the historic and picture-perfect Little Church of the Crossroads and dine at the rustic Pine Dinner Lodge. Stop by every first Saturday for Lamoille’s Farmer’s Market!
Ely
The beauty of Ely comes from its well-kept mining heritage, mountain backdrop, and railroad history. Take a trip down memory lane with Nevada Northern Railway and ride its vintage locomotive and themed trains (there is a geology train, a Wild West one, and even a haunted train). The East Ely Railroad Depot Museum further showcases the rich and colorful railroad past of the town.
Continue your trip back in time by exploring the preserved artifacts at White Pine Public Museum or drive to the abandoned mining communities in Belmont Mill and Hamilton—both hauntingly beautiful remnants of the town’s bygone mining era. For those who love shiny rocks and want to experience modern casual mining, bring a shovel and a pair of hiking boots and head to Garnet Hill. You are welcome to dig and hound any of the shiny garnets lying on the ground!
Nevada is a state rich in character, history, and beautiful tourist attractions. While its casinos are usually in the spotlight, there is a side to Nevada that you can only see and experience through its small towns.
From the great Hoover Dam and views of Lake Tahoe to Ely’s historic railroad and Mesquite’s luxurious golf courses, these are the prettiest towns to visit in Nevada. The state’s beauty is truly eclectic, varied, and plenty, and can cater to different kinds of travelers. Next time you are hankering for a trip, consider Nevada as your next travel destination and add these beautiful towns to your itinerary.
