National Parks and Attractions Only a Few Hours Away From Las Vegas

There’s a lot to do and see in Las Vegas, making it the perfect place for tourists and locals alike. However, if you ever run out of things to do in the city itself, Las Vegas is located only a few hours away from several national and state parks as well as some beloved tourist attractions that make for a great getaway from the bright lights and casinos. So join us as we take a look at some beautiful sites not too far from Sin City.

Valley of Fire

With over 40,000 acres of stunning sandstone, petrified trees, and a wide array of 2,000 year old petroglyphs as far as the eye can see, Valley of Fire State Park is equal parts gorgeous and  awe-inspiring. It’s the perfect place to take a walk and explore nature, while also learning about its history.

Although you can explore the park on your own, you can also take tours to see parts of the park up close that you wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to see. We recommend A Day At Valley of Fire, which is an in-depth 6 hour tour of some of Valley of Fire’s best highlights such as Rainbow Vista and Fire Canyon. 

Featured Valley of Fire Tours

Oatman, Arizona

The town of Oatman is an incredibly unique destination that is only a two hours drive from Las Vegas. This town will make you feel like you’ve taken a step back into an era gone by. The town is full of Wild West history and charm with the historic buildings and saloons on the main street. Oatman is the perfect destination for those looking for a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas.

But perhaps the most unique aspect of the town are some of the main residents; the town is filled with wild burros and donkeys that roam the streets. These animals have been part of the town’s history for generations and have become an integral part of the local community. Some stores even have burro food you can buy to feed the burros and donkeys with. 

Grand Canyon

Perhaps one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas is the Grand Canyon. It is a stunning natural wonder that is a must see for anyone living in or visiting Las Vegas. From the stunning views everywhere you look, to exploring the many hiking trails in the area, you could spend your entire trip here.

However if you are looking to just spend a few hours at the grand canyon, choosing a guided tour that leaves from las vegas can be a great solution to maximize your time. Most tours include transportation, entrance tickets, and an experienced guide. You can also book a helicopter tour for an unforgettable experience. One of our favorite tours is the Grand Canyon West Rim & Helicopter 6 in 1 as it gives you a comprehensive tour of all the most notable spots, as well as continental breakfast and lunch. 

Featured Grand Canyon Tours

Hemenway Park

If you want to spend a fun day away from the Vegas strip, Hemenway park is the place to be. You can enjoy plenty of activities here, such as a playground for younger kids, bighorn sheep watching, and even kayaking on Lake Mead! 

You can rent kayaks from the Hemenway Marina, or you can book a guided tour like this one – which offers transportation to and from your hotel, and is suitable whether or not you’ve gone kayaking before as you’ll have an expert guide to lead your way around.

Featured Kayaking Tours

Death Valley

Death Valley is an absolutely gorgeous national park only 2 hours from Las Vegas. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore some of nature’s most stunning views. You can also book a guided tour to explore the park and learn more about its unique history.

One tour in particular that we like is the Death Valley VIP Tour! This tour makes stops at some of the most beautiful places in death valley such as the famous Badwater Basin. This tour is equal parts educational and a beautiful experience that cannot be missed.

Mount Charleston

A beautiful getaway from Las Vegas, Mount Charleston offers breathtaking mountain views, gorgeous hiking trails, and lots of outdoor activities. Mount Charleston is about an hour drive from Las Vegas and offers spectacular desert views on the way up, which is a reason to visit in itself. 

To really maximize your time in Mount Charleston, we recommend staying overnight. From horseback rides, to guided tours, there’s so much to do that you won’t want to miss out on. Plus, the views at night are even better in the evenings.

Hoover Dam

A feat of human ingenuity and ambition, Hoover Dam is awe-inspiring. Located only an hour from the strip, it offers breathtaking views of Lake Mead and the Colorado River from above. In addition to the stunning views, visitors can also enjoy learning about the history of the Hoover Dam at the visitor center. 

For an unparalleled view of the dam, as well as the perfect photo for your Christmas cards, the Hoover Dam Postcard Tour is the perfect tour! This excursion gets you as close to the base of the Hoover Dam as possible for some incredible photos of you and your group. In addition to the fantastic photos you get, you also will have a knowledgeable tour guide who will share the full amazing history of the Hoover Dam.

Featured Hoover Dam Tours

Red Rock Canyon

Located just a few miles outside of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is a beautiful canyon that offers stunning rock formations, lush vegetation, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the beauty of the 13 mile scenic drive, or hiking one of their 26 different trails, there’s something for everyone.

For those who want an extra special experience, the Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride is a phenomenal choice. This tour gives you the opportunity to see parts of Red Rock Canyon that cannot be walked at one of the most beautiful times of the day. 

Featured Red Rock Tours

Seven Magic Mountains

Last but not least on the list, Seven Magic Mountains is an absolutely stunning art display in the middle of the desert. The display is made up of seven towers of stacked boulders that are painted in bright neon colors.

Created in 2016 as a symbolic midway between the natural and artificial, this installation has quickly become a highlight of road trips between Los Angeles and Las Vegas and is a must-see attraction for many visitors.