Nevada Road Trips: Where to Go and Where to Stay while Enjoying the Best Road Trips in the State

The final stretch to Las Vegas is quiet, which just makes the bright lights of Sin City even more exciting as they emerge over the horizon. Try skipping the excitement of the Strip for a night at the Red Rock Resort. The hotel has a sharp and modern design, an expansive pool deck and strong lineup of restaurants.

The property is next to Downtown Summerlin, a shopping plaza that’s home to both City National Arena (where the Vegas Golden Knights practice in front of the public) and the Las Vegas Ballpark (which hosts the Aviators minor league baseball team). It also isn’t far from the scenic loop of Red Rock Canyon. Think of it as a small way to extend your road trip a few more miles.

Unless you plan to go trout fishing at Illipah Reservoir, you’ll then wrap things up in Ely. The Hotel Nevada is Ely’s most famous building, but the Prospector offers a more satisfying night’s rest. The lobby is full of quirky décor and it has a rare doggie-friendly casino. The hotel is the perfect base for exploring the great outdoors of Ely, including Great Basin National Park, possibly the quietest national park in the United States. If you prefer to stay close to the hotel, the indoor pool will keep you busy for hours.

Goodsprings doesn’t have a hotel, but there are a few near the California border in Primm. Your best bet is Buffalo Bill’s. The resort has comfortable accommodations and is attached to the Star of the Desert arena, which hosts concerts by national acts. The resort even has a roller coaster that passes through the casino.

On the other side of Interstate 15, the Bonnie & Clyde “Death Car” is on display in the lobby of Whiskey Pete’s. Riddled with bullets, it’s where the criminal duo met a violent demise. Shoppers will find more than a few discounts at the nearby Fashion Outlets shopping mall.

After visiting all those ghost towns, you’ll be eager to reconnect with U.S. 95 and continue to Virginia City, which retains the culture and architecture of a hilly mid-1800s mining town. And yes, it’s very much alive and active.

Book a reservation at the B Street House, a charming Victorian-style bed and breakfast just steps away from Virginia City’s saloons, museums and other historic sites. Beware of the Suicide Table in the Bonzana Saloon. A few who owned it were cursed with bad luck and met untimely deaths.

After arriving in Reno, explore the city’s emerging restaurant, beer and art scene, especially in the up-and-coming Midtown neighborhood. The city also has plenty of casino hotels.

Your best bet is the Grand Sierra Resort, which feels brand new despite dating back to the ’70s with a few name changes over the years. The renovations are dramatic and include a few fun attractions, like the majestic Grand Theatre, multi-level pool deck and the Ultimate Rush, a slingshot-like carnival ride. You can also drive golf balls into a small lake.

From lavish resorts to indulgent restaurants, it feels like there’s always something new in Las Vegas. Yet Nevadans who appreciate the comfort of the familiar often relish day trips and weekend staycations in Mesquite.

The town is known for golf courses, old-school casinos and the charm of the outdoors. There’s even a Camel Safari. Katherine’s Steakhouse at the Casablanca hotel is known for its vintage supper club atmosphere and intricate tableside presentations. However, Mesquite’s best accommodations are at the Eureka hotel and casino. Ask for a Garden Suite with an outdoor patio.