If you’d like to explore more of Nevada, then you’ve come to the right place! Although there is a LOT more to the Silver State than the destinations on this list, we think you’ll find that this is a fantastic place to start. Below is a wide variety of unforgettable day trips to take in Nevada – one for each month of the year. Pick and choose as you please, but definitely be sure to visit some of these amazing spots – easily some of the best day trips in Nevada you can take – throughout the year!
- January: Valley of Fire State Park
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr Start the year off with a bang by visiting one of Nevada’s most picturesque destinations. Valley of Fire State Park is a popular place to visit, and for good reason! The park’s fiery red sandstone formations look like they could’ve been taken from an alien planet. Photos of this park are always amazing, but nothing beats seeing it firsthand. Valley of Fire State Park, 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, USA
- February: Black Rock Desert
GoogleMaps Hiding out in the northwest corner of the state is a remote desert landscape that reeks of adventure. The Black Rock Desert famously hosts the annual Burning Man Festival, but it’s a great place to visit no matter what time of year it is. From a strange man-made geyser to a steaming hot spring, you’ll love spending the day exploring this impressive landscape. Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA
- March: Eureka
Tofu/Flickr After just one day in Eureka, you’ll quickly understand why it’s called “The Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road in America.” From its quiet small-town atmosphere to its rich history, you’ll love getting to know Eureka and all of its quirks. In fact, one day might not be enough time to enjoy all that it has to offer! Eureka, NV 89316, USA
- April: Lake Mead
Lake Mead Cruises/Facebook Oh, how we love Lake Mead. Hiding out in Southern Nevada, there’s always an adventure to be had at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Whether you opt to explore the famous railroad tunnels, cruise across the lake’s clear waters, or simply enjoy a tasty meal at a waterfront restaurant, time at Lake Mead is always time well spent. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
- May: Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park/Facebook Did you know that Great Basin is one of the country’s least visited national parks? That’s just crazy! Great Basin National Park is full of gems, from the otherworldly Lehman Caves to Bristlecone Pines a.k.a. the oldest trees in the world. Spend a beautiful May day getting to know this beautiful park and the treasures it’s hiding. National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
- June: Beatty
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr There’s no better way to spend a summer day than getting to know one of Nevada’s small towns. Known as “The Gateway to Death Valley”, Beatty has something for everyone. Historic structures, great dining options, weird desert art, and even an old ghost town all wait for you in this unassuming little town. Beatty, NV, USA
- July: Lake Tahoe
Picture Lake via Getty Images Summers in Nevada can get hot, hot, hot, and an escape to the mountains is just what you need to cool down. Lake Tahoe’s cerulean waters offer the perfect escape. It is easily the most beautiful lake in Nevada. The lake’s waters are famously chilly - perfect for taking a dip, paddleboarding, kayaking, and so much more! Turn it into a weekend escapade by staying at one of the lake’s surrounding lodges or campgrounds. Lake Tahoe, United States
- August: California Trail Interpretive Center
California Trail Interpretive Center/Facebook/ Take some time to delve into Nevada’s history with a visit to the California Trail Interpretive Center. Located in Elko, the center is home to life-size exhibits, summer programs, and some incredible hiking trails. It’s a great place to visit for families especially, and a memorable way to spend an August day! 1 Interpretive Center Way, Elko, NV 89801, USA
- September: Sanders Family Winery
Sanders Family Winery/Facebook Sit back, relax, and sip on wine at the local winery that’s hiding out in Pahrump. Sanders Winery is surrounded by gorgeous vineyards and welcome visitors for daily tastings and vineyard tours. There’s simply no better place to be if you love wine! 3780 E Kellogg Rd, Pahrump, NV 89061, USA
- October: Ione
Famartin/Wikimedia Commons Referred to as “The Town That Refused To Die”, visiting Ione is like stepping back in time to the 1800s. This little town burst to life in 1863, but today it’s home to just a few dozen individuals. Spend the day exploring some of the ghost town’s original structures that are surprisingly still standing to this day. Ione, NV, USA
- November: Genoa
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr Have you been to Nevada’s oldest town? If not, consider it a must this year! Genoa may be small, but it boasts plenty to see and do. Hop up on a stool and have a drink at Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor, walk along the charming main street, and explore Mormon Station State Historic Park which can be found smack dab in the middle of town. Genoa, NV, USA
- December: Buckland’s Station
Buckland Station/Facebook Enjoy a rare glimpse at early pioneer life with a visit to Buckland’s Station, located within Fort Churchill State Historic Park. Once a prominent rest stop for stagecoach travelers, the station serves as a reminder of the state’s early days. The surrounding area is also worth exploring, and is home to hiking, camping, fishing, and more. 10050 US-95 ALT, Silver Springs, NV 89429, USA
What do you think? Are you ready to make this year one to remember? Share the places you plan on visiting (and when) with us in the comments; we love hearing about your adventures.
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
Start the year off with a bang by visiting one of Nevada’s most picturesque destinations. Valley of Fire State Park is a popular place to visit, and for good reason! The park’s fiery red sandstone formations look like they could’ve been taken from an alien planet. Photos of this park are always amazing, but nothing beats seeing it firsthand.
Valley of Fire State Park, 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, USA
GoogleMaps
Hiding out in the northwest corner of the state is a remote desert landscape that reeks of adventure. The Black Rock Desert famously hosts the annual Burning Man Festival, but it’s a great place to visit no matter what time of year it is. From a strange man-made geyser to a steaming hot spring, you’ll love spending the day exploring this impressive landscape.
Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA
Tofu/Flickr
After just one day in Eureka, you’ll quickly understand why it’s called “The Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road in America.” From its quiet small-town atmosphere to its rich history, you’ll love getting to know Eureka and all of its quirks. In fact, one day might not be enough time to enjoy all that it has to offer!
Eureka, NV 89316, USA
Lake Mead Cruises/Facebook
Oh, how we love Lake Mead. Hiding out in Southern Nevada, there’s always an adventure to be had at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Whether you opt to explore the famous railroad tunnels, cruise across the lake’s clear waters, or simply enjoy a tasty meal at a waterfront restaurant, time at Lake Mead is always time well spent.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Great Basin National Park/Facebook
Did you know that Great Basin is one of the country’s least visited national parks? That’s just crazy! Great Basin National Park is full of gems, from the otherworldly Lehman Caves to Bristlecone Pines a.k.a. the oldest trees in the world. Spend a beautiful May day getting to know this beautiful park and the treasures it’s hiding.
National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
There’s no better way to spend a summer day than getting to know one of Nevada’s small towns. Known as “The Gateway to Death Valley”, Beatty has something for everyone. Historic structures, great dining options, weird desert art, and even an old ghost town all wait for you in this unassuming little town.
Beatty, NV, USA
Picture Lake via Getty Images
Summers in Nevada can get hot, hot, hot, and an escape to the mountains is just what you need to cool down. Lake Tahoe’s cerulean waters offer the perfect escape. It is easily the most beautiful lake in Nevada. The lake’s waters are famously chilly - perfect for taking a dip, paddleboarding, kayaking, and so much more! Turn it into a weekend escapade by staying at one of the lake’s surrounding lodges or campgrounds.
Lake Tahoe, United States
California Trail Interpretive Center/Facebook/
Take some time to delve into Nevada’s history with a visit to the California Trail Interpretive Center. Located in Elko, the center is home to life-size exhibits, summer programs, and some incredible hiking trails. It’s a great place to visit for families especially, and a memorable way to spend an August day!
1 Interpretive Center Way, Elko, NV 89801, USA
Sanders Family Winery/Facebook
Sit back, relax, and sip on wine at the local winery that’s hiding out in Pahrump. Sanders Winery is surrounded by gorgeous vineyards and welcome visitors for daily tastings and vineyard tours. There’s simply no better place to be if you love wine!
3780 E Kellogg Rd, Pahrump, NV 89061, USA
Famartin/Wikimedia Commons
Referred to as “The Town That Refused To Die”, visiting Ione is like stepping back in time to the 1800s. This little town burst to life in 1863, but today it’s home to just a few dozen individuals. Spend the day exploring some of the ghost town’s original structures that are surprisingly still standing to this day.
Ione, NV, USA
Have you been to Nevada’s oldest town? If not, consider it a must this year! Genoa may be small, but it boasts plenty to see and do. Hop up on a stool and have a drink at Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor, walk along the charming main street, and explore Mormon Station State Historic Park which can be found smack dab in the middle of town.
Genoa, NV, USA
Buckland Station/Facebook
Enjoy a rare glimpse at early pioneer life with a visit to Buckland’s Station, located within Fort Churchill State Historic Park. Once a prominent rest stop for stagecoach travelers, the station serves as a reminder of the state’s early days. The surrounding area is also worth exploring, and is home to hiking, camping, fishing, and more.
10050 US-95 ALT, Silver Springs, NV 89429, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips In Nevada July 09, 2022 Tori Jane What are some fun, unique things to do around Nevada? Sure, sure, you can go to Nevada and do the Strip and nothing else, but what fun is that? You should head outdoors and do all the amazingly unique things to do around Nevada instead! Check out the fascinating and weird Fly Geyser, in Gerlach, which was quite literally created by accident and remains one of our strangest geological features. Do the Pinball Hall of Fame, or maybe check out some of our ghost towns, like Rhyolite. Oh, and did you know you can check out a replica of the Simpson home from The Simpsons? Yep, that’s Nevada. Where can I go for some interesting day trips near me? With lots of places to see and go, you’re sure to find lots of ideas for day trips in Nevada no matter which area you’re from. Make a day out of visiting Pyramid Lake, which is said to be one of the creepiest places in Nevada. Or, if that’s a little too creepy for you, make a day out of one of the many amazing scenic drives in Nevada, like the Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive or the Red Rock Canyon Backcountry Byway. Wander out to Fallon and check out the mysteries of the singing sand at Sand Mountain, or embark upon an amazing hike at any of our 24 state parks. Where are all the best getaway spots near me? This one’s easy: did you know Nevada is the hot springs capital of the United States? Seriously! There are more hot springs in Nevada – more than 300 – than any other state (even Wyoming). As a result, there are seemingly endless options for getaways in Nevada: just center them around the springs! Try out the historic Gold Strike Hot Springs in Boulder City, where you’ll feel all your stress melt away in the pleasantly warm water around you. Or, go to Bog Hot Springs if you like remote locations in Nevada. It doesn’t get much more remote – or relaxing – than that.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips In Nevada
July 09, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some fun, unique things to do around Nevada? Sure, sure, you can go to Nevada and do the Strip and nothing else, but what fun is that? You should head outdoors and do all the amazingly unique things to do around Nevada instead! Check out the fascinating and weird Fly Geyser, in Gerlach, which was quite literally created by accident and remains one of our strangest geological features. Do the Pinball Hall of Fame, or maybe check out some of our ghost towns, like Rhyolite. Oh, and did you know you can check out a replica of the Simpson home from The Simpsons? Yep, that’s Nevada. Where can I go for some interesting day trips near me? With lots of places to see and go, you’re sure to find lots of ideas for day trips in Nevada no matter which area you’re from. Make a day out of visiting Pyramid Lake, which is said to be one of the creepiest places in Nevada. Or, if that’s a little too creepy for you, make a day out of one of the many amazing scenic drives in Nevada, like the Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive or the Red Rock Canyon Backcountry Byway. Wander out to Fallon and check out the mysteries of the singing sand at Sand Mountain, or embark upon an amazing hike at any of our 24 state parks. Where are all the best getaway spots near me? This one’s easy: did you know Nevada is the hot springs capital of the United States? Seriously! There are more hot springs in Nevada – more than 300 – than any other state (even Wyoming). As a result, there are seemingly endless options for getaways in Nevada: just center them around the springs! Try out the historic Gold Strike Hot Springs in Boulder City, where you’ll feel all your stress melt away in the pleasantly warm water around you. Or, go to Bog Hot Springs if you like remote locations in Nevada. It doesn’t get much more remote – or relaxing – than that.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Sure, sure, you can go to Nevada and do the Strip and nothing else, but what fun is that? You should head outdoors and do all the amazingly unique things to do around Nevada instead! Check out the fascinating and weird Fly Geyser, in Gerlach, which was quite literally created by accident and remains one of our strangest geological features. Do the Pinball Hall of Fame, or maybe check out some of our ghost towns, like Rhyolite. Oh, and did you know you can check out a replica of the Simpson home from The Simpsons? Yep, that’s Nevada.
Where can I go for some interesting day trips near me?
With lots of places to see and go, you’re sure to find lots of ideas for day trips in Nevada no matter which area you’re from. Make a day out of visiting Pyramid Lake, which is said to be one of the creepiest places in Nevada. Or, if that’s a little too creepy for you, make a day out of one of the many amazing scenic drives in Nevada, like the Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive or the Red Rock Canyon Backcountry Byway. Wander out to Fallon and check out the mysteries of the singing sand at Sand Mountain, or embark upon an amazing hike at any of our 24 state parks.
Where are all the best getaway spots near me?
This one’s easy: did you know Nevada is the hot springs capital of the United States? Seriously! There are more hot springs in Nevada – more than 300 – than any other state (even Wyoming). As a result, there are seemingly endless options for getaways in Nevada: just center them around the springs! Try out the historic Gold Strike Hot Springs in Boulder City, where you’ll feel all your stress melt away in the pleasantly warm water around you. Or, go to Bog Hot Springs if you like remote locations in Nevada. It doesn’t get much more remote – or relaxing – than that.
