11 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In Nevada
There is more to Nevada than the chaotic night scene of Las Vegas and the gambling culture in its world-renowned casinos. The Silver State boasts one of the most breathtaking sceneries in the country, presenting unique experiences that call for an unforgettable weekend getaway. Whether you want to ride an air balloon over the vast Mojave desert or get lost in the depths of the Great Basin National Park, endless fun possibilities await you in the state.
But there is no shortage of idyllic escapes that will have you planning a return trip to Nevada, and settling for one might require a great deal of due diligence. Whether a thrill seeker, outdoor explorer, or history enthusiast, there is something to suit all preferences. To get you started, here are the perfect destinations to consider when planning a weekend in Nevada.
Valley Of Fire State Park
Fancy a weekend of nonstop adventures in the desert? It does not get better than Valley of Fire State Park. Covering over 40,000 acres, this geologic wonderland in the heart of the Mojave Desert is laden with panoramic vistas, centuries-old petroglyphs, isolated hiking trails, and stunning red rock formations, serving as the perfect playground for outdoor explorers. The park is famous for its 2,000-year-old petroglyphs hinting at early human civilization, and climbing Atlatl Rock offers the best display of these wonders in the park.
Furthermore, you can take a scenic drive along the Valley of Fire Highway, stopping at major sights like Elephant Rock, the Beehives, and Seven Sisters to admire the dramatic rock formations. Hiking is a go-to activity in the Valley of Fire, and taking on the 2.5-mile Seven Wonders Loop exposes some of the best scenery in the area, passing through the Pink Canyon and the Fire Wave. For your night stays, the nearby North Shore Inn at Lake Mead provides comfortable accommodation.
The Retreat On Charleston Peak
Sitting less than an hour from the Las Vegas Strip, this rustic resort in the Kyle Canyon offers a quiet escape from the turbulent Vegas scene. Guests get to enjoy luxurious accommodations in modern guest rooms with numerous amenities and fine dining restaurants while taking in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks and canyons. The resort is within striking distance of Mount Charleston, presenting hiking and biking opportunities in the neighboring wilderness.
Not too far away, tourists will run into the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, where various outdoor activities await. Straddling more than 300,000 acres, the site hosts numerous trails for all skill levels, picnic areas, two amphitheaters, and vantage points that reward hikers with unprecedented views of Charleston Peak and Kyle Canyon.
New Washoe City
Sitting between Reno and Carson City, New Washoe City is an underrated gem that beckons visitors for exciting outdoor escapades. This tiny village in the Washoe Valley provides a mix of awe-inspiring sights for those who dare to venture into the wilderness. Washoe Lake State Park is a must-visit, offering enchanting views of the Sierra Nevadas and Virginia Mountains and fun adventures like camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and picnicking on the shores of Washoe Lake. You cannot miss out on Davis Creek Regional Park, which delivers a serene forested environment ideal for family picnics and lazy hikes.
Another unique way to explore the town is by going horseback riding with Heavenly Hoofprints for a relaxed excursion into the backcountry. With several lodging options in and around the town, you can opt for the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City for a remarkable experience.
Great Basin National Park
It will take more than a weekend to fully explore the 77,000-acre expanse of the Great Basin National Park, but this should not stop you from experiencing some of its top points of interest. Set in the Great Basin Desert near the Utah border, the park has enough attractions to keep you busy throughout your stay. For starters, you can take the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to get to the highest peak in the Snake Mountain range. The Lehman Caves are also a must-see, featuring the state’s longest cave system.
Hiking is popular in the Great Basin National Park, and the Alpine Lakes Loop hike offers one of the best routes in the area. It cuts through pristine meadows with exquisite mountain views along the way, leading to serene alpine lakes that are a sight to behold. For the ultimate outdoor experience, visitors can spend their nights camping at the Upper Lehman Creek Campground.
Virginia City
Virginia is a tiny historic village southeast of Reno, known for its beautiful Victorian buildings from the 1800s mining boom. History enthusiasts have a lot to uncover in the town, thanks to its treasure trove of interesting sites. A good start would be the Mackay Mansion Museum, a beautiful Victorian mansion built in 1859. Besides the furnishings from the housing period, the home is rumored to be haunted, which should add a spark to the tour. The Way it Was Museum is also an interesting stop, offering a look into the town’s mining heritage through a collection of old photographs, documents, and other artifacts.
History aside, Virginia City hosts a thriving theater scene with an impressive cluster of performance venues. Enthusiasts can visit Piper’s Opera House to catch various theatrical productions inside a 19th-century building. When it comes to lodging, Virginia City Inn offers down-to-earth yet comfortable accommodation.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
An exciting mix of landscapes, from valleys and canyons to lakes and mountains, makes Lake Mead National Recreation Area one of the most diverse escapes in the Silver State. With 1.5 million acres, it will take more than a weekend in Nevada to fully experience this recreation hub, but you can still have lots of fun. Among the top activities in the park are kayaking and canoeing, which you can enjoy along the waters of Lake Mohave or Lake Mead.
Numerous trails allow hikers to immerse in the wilderness, from the River Mountains Loop Trail to the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail. But if hiking proves too strenuous an activity, you can take advantage of scenic drives to discover the area, choosing between Lakeshore Road and North Shore Road. Finally, numerous campgrounds in the park ensure your night stays are well catered for, with a chance to enjoy beautiful meteor showers at night.
Incline Village
One of the best cold-weather getaways in Nevada, Incline Village promises an unforgettable winter experience for the outdoorsy traveler. This quaint community boasts some of the most sought-after mountain retreats around Lake Tahoe. Diamond Peak Ski Resort is an excellent start, inviting winter sports lovers to fully utilize its 655 acres of skiing terrain, plus state-of-the-art accommodations.
Adventurers will fancy taking on the Tahoe East Shore Trail to discover the spectacular natural landscapes in Incline Village and harness opportunities for rock climbing, swimming, and sightseeing. The beautiful trail leads to Sand Harbor State Park, which presents recreational activities like swimming, fishing, and boating on the clear waters of Lake Tahoe. When you work up an appetite from continuous day-long adventures, be sure to pop into Inclined Burgers and Brews for scrumptious hamburgers when you come back to town,
Ely
If you are planning a short Nevada getaway that will not put a dent in your wallet, Ely offers an affordable and laid-back way of experiencing the Silver State. This White Pine County village is teeming with a rich history and spectacular natural landscapes. The Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is among the town’s top tourist draws. It stretches 700 acres and houses a cluster of beehive-like charcoal ovens erected during the Victorian era.
Ely is also an excellent destination for railway enthusiasts, thanks to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, which documents the legacy of the Nevada Northern Railway. There is more interesting history to check out inside the White Pine Public Museum, home to a fine collection of artifacts chronicling the progression of the region through the years. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to lodging options, from Holiday Inn Express & Suites to Ramada by Wyndham.
Mesquite
This desert oasis in Clark County is renowned for its world-class golf courses and popular casinos and sits just next to the Arizona border. Mesquite promises a relaxed escape in the desert, where visitors can make the most of relaxing “tee time” at Wolf Creek Golf Club while enjoying jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountain landscapes. Those feeling lucky can try their hand at the slot machines or table games of Eureka Casino Resort, which also provides a luscious dining and accommodation experience.
Do not miss the opportunity to explore the colorful history of the area by stopping by the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum. This lovely facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases the history of Mesquite and the surrounding region, starting from the pioneer days.
Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area
Situated a short drive from Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon allows you to substitute bright city lights for spectacular nature in the middle of the Mojave desert. This popular park features over 195,000 acres and harbors a wealth of recreational opportunities for all types of thrill seekers. There is no shortage of adventurous hikes for all skill levels, so visitors can strap on their boots to challenge themselves along the Moenkopi Loop, Calico Hills, or Turtlehead Peak. A 13-mile Scenic Drive cutting through the park offers a friendlier way of exploring the canyon behind the wheel or on two wheels.
Red Rock Canyon is rich with Flora and Fauna, hinting at the diversity of the region. There are plenty of opportunities to discover local wildlife species, such as the antelope ground squirrel, burrows, and gambel’s quail. Finally, the park hosts a developed campground for visitors who opt to spend the night.
Boulder City
From historical landmarks and natural marvels to artsy attractions, Boulder City has a little bit of something for everyone. This small community southeast of Las Vegas is less than 15 minutes from Hoover Dam, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. A must-see, the dam is an engineering marvel that draws millions of visitors annually. However, history enthusiasts will gravitate towards the Nevada State Railroad Museum to enjoy a relaxed ride aboard an antique train or the Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum to explore the art and history of special makeup effects.
For the outdoor inclined, Hemenway Park offers a variety of amenities to keep you engaged in the open spaces, including basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, and a playground with unparalleled vistas of Lake Mead. To spend the night, remember to book a stay at the Hoover Dam Lodge and Casino.
Although Las Vegas grabs most, if not all, the headlines when it comes to Nevada travel, Nevada also provides a range of alternative destinations that will be ideal for a short stay. From famous national parks and world-class resorts to overlooked waterfront towns, numerous exciting experiences await, guaranteeing an unforgettable weekend in Nevada. The above spots are suited for all types of preferences, whether traveling alone, as a couple, or with family. The next time you need a break from the busy urban schedule, be sure to consider them for a relaxing getaway.
