10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Nevada (Plus Secret Spots, Where to Stay & Travel Deals!)

Explore the top 10 things to do in Nevada — from epic Las Vegas shows to hidden hot springs. Discover where to stay, insider tips, and travel deals with exclusive affiliate discounts.

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Welcome to Wild & Wonderful Nevada

If your image of Nevada stops at slot machines and neon lights, get ready to have your socks knocked off. This state is packed with ghost towns, stunning natural wonders, quirky roadside stops, and off-the-grid adventures. Buckle up — here are my top 10 unforgettable things to do in Nevada, plus hidden gems, where to crash for the night, and exclusive travel deals to save you cash while living it up.

1. The Las Vegas Strip — Because, Obviously

You can't mention Nevada without paying homage to Sin City.

Top attractions: Bellagio Fountains, The Venetian gondola rides, Fremont Street Experience.

Book show tickets and attractions here: [Las Vegas Shows & Attractions](https://tiqets.tp.st/h8P2EGQI)

Where to stay: Check deals at [Hotellook](https://hotellook.tp.st/eTR4sPTY) for epic rates on iconic hotels like The Bellagio or The Cosmopolitan.

Pro Tip: Save on your rental car with [EconomyBookings](https://economybookings.tp.st/bRR16EhB).

2. Valley of Fire State Park

Only an hour from Vegas, this red rock playground feels like another planet.

Must-see spots: Fire Wave, Elephant Rock, and Atlatl Rock petroglyphs.

Book a guided hiking tour: [Explore Valley of Fire](https://wegotrip.tp.st/YVL5ihrF)

Hidden Gem: Visit at sunrise for photos that’ll blow up your Instagram.

3. Area 51 & The Extraterrestrial Highway

For lovers of the weird and unexplained.

Stop by: The Little A’Le’Inn diner in Rachel and snap a selfie at the famous “Extraterrestrial Highway” sign.

Get a private transfer for the road trip: [Reserve Here](https://gettransfer.tp.st/7ugUWF39)

4. Lake Tahoe’s Nevada Side

Often overshadowed by its California half, but don’t sleep on the eastern shore.

Best activities: Kayaking Sand Harbor, hiking Monkey Rock, and sunset cruises.

Snag your adventure gear rental: [Bikes & Kayaks](https://bikesbooking.tp.st/lzXnwZrC)

Stay: Budget to bougie hotel deals via [Hotellook](https://hotellook.tp.st/eTR4sPTY)

5. Great Basin National Park

One of Nevada's least-visited national parks (translation: no crowds!)

Highlights: Lehman Caves tours and stargazing in this certified Dark Sky Park.

Need a taxi from nearby Ely? [Book it here](https://kiwitaxi.tp.st/cI2Zkn9s)

Travel insurance for peace of mind: [VisitorsCoverage](https://visitorscoverage.tp.st/YjSIozxi)

6. Rhyolite Ghost Town

A photographer’s dream, complete with an eerie outdoor art installation.

Don’t miss: Goldwell Open Air Museum and the Bottle House.

Hidden Gem: Visit at sunset for incredible light on the ruins.

7. Seven Magic Mountains

A quick Instagram hit south of Vegas featuring neon-painted boulder towers.

Parking Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and snag parking.

Book a tour including this stop: [Vegas Day Trips](https://trip.tp.st/LGkRYPEA)

8. Cathedral Gorge State Park

A total hidden gem for hikers and photographers.

Explore: Slot canyons and cathedral-like rock spires.

Stay nearby: Book rentals via [GetRentACar](https://getrentacar.tp.st/8lPV1jXk)

9. Tonopah’s Clown Motel

Possibly America’s creepiest hotel stay — if you dare.

Nearby: Check out the Old Tonopah Cemetery for an extra chill.

Road trip essentials: [Car rentals](https://qeeq.tp.st/fZzvdFjb) & [Local Rentals](https://localrent.tp.st/BWSEer3z)

10. Fly Geyser (Private Access)

One of the most surreal natural sites in Nevada.

Tip: Tours are only via Friends of Black Rock-High Rock.

Get travel SIM for rural coverage: [Airalo eSIM](https://airalo.tp.st/YSJ1DHLl) or [Drimsim](https://drimsim.tp.st/Y3raNHJt)

Where to Stay: Best Deals

Las Vegas:

* [The Venetian, Bellagio, and budget-friendly The LINQ](https://hotellook.tp.st/eTR4sPTY)

Rural Nevada:

* Local inns via [WayAway](https://wayaway.tp.st/a3ky7N3D)

Lake Tahoe:

* Book early with [EconomyBookings](https://economybookings.tp.st/bRR16EhB)

Hidden Gems to Discover

* Ward Charcoal Ovens

* Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park

* Gold Point Ghost Town

Want to uncover more? [Book unique experiences](https://wegotrip.tp.st/YVL5ihrF)

Plan Your Nevada Adventure Now

Ready to hit the road?

Book your hotels, rent your car, snag discounted show tickets, and get travel insurance in one swoop using my exclusive links. Plus — don’t leave without a local SIM card for desert detours and road trip playlists!

[Start Your Booking Here!](https://trip.tp.st/LGkRYPEA)

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Final Thoughts

Nevada is way more than slot machines and hangover-fueled regrets. From ghost towns to otherworldly natural wonders, you’ll find the wild, weird, and wonderful here. Use this guide to plan a trip you’ll brag about for years.