Nevadans are lucky to live in a place with so many options for summer vacation. There are great destinations throughout the state, plus many vacation destinations in the Western U.S. are easily accessible from Nevada. Here are twelve great options for your summer vacation.
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes, California is roughly 3 hours from Reno or 5 hours from Las Vegas. It's in the Eastern Sierra region and features beautiful views with great hiking trails and lakes. It also has the Devil's Postpile National Monument as well as Rainbow Falls. The area is great for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. More at www.visitmammoth.com.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park, Utah is about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas and features towering red cliffs, winding canyons and gorgeous pools. It's great for hiking and amazing views. The Virgin River flows through red sandstone formations and makes for some spectacular scenery. Angels Landing is a 1,488-foot-tall rock formation in the park, and it must be seen to be believed! More at www.nps.gov/zion.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is mostly in Wyoming, but parts stretch into Montana and Idaho. From Northern Nevada, it will make a nice road trip (around 10.5 hours) or a short flight to Salt Lake City and then a 4- to 5-hour drive. It's one of the most popular parks in the country for good reason. It's filled with amazing geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and vast open spaces. Summer is a great time to visit as temperatures are generally pleasant. Learn more about the park on www.nps.gov/yell.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is roughly a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas to the West Rim and 4.5-hour drive to the more popular Southern Rim. The South Rim has numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and ranger programs. The North Rim has a quiet, secluded feel. Both are visually stunning. There's great hiking, biking, camping, mule trips, raft trips, and activities for kids. You can even ride the Grand Canyon Railway. More at www.nps.gov/grca.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is about 4 hours from Las Vegas. It also has amazing views and hiking with clear skies and cool mountain air in the summer along with unbelievable sunrises (check out Sunrise Point). Check out the unique rock formations, including the famous red rock hoodoos. More at www.nps.gov/brca.
San Diego
From Las Vegas, San Diego, California is about a 5- or 6-hour drive or a quick flight. The city has beautiful beaches and coastal breezes as well as great seafood. The weather is consistently great and ideal for summer vacation. Visit Pacific Beach, the historic Gaslamp Quarter and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. More of what the city has to offer at www.sandiego.gov.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is about an hour from Reno or 7 hours from Las Vegas. It's great for a variety of outdoor summer fun including swimming, kayaking, hiking, biking, and of course relaxing on the beach. There are wonderful lake views and great nightlife, casinos, and entertainment. If you're looking for something a little quieter, try the North Shore. More on Lake Tahoe at www.visitlaketahoe.com.
San Francisco
The San Francisco Bay Area is roughly 4 hours from Reno. It's home to numerous attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city's famous cable cars. The Bay Area also has an amazing wine country and a vast array of great cuisine. There is no shortage of things to do in and around the city. More at the San Francisco Travel Association's site: www.sftravel.com.
Napa and Sonoma
Napa and Sonoma are ideal for wine lovers. They are easily accessible for Northern Nevadans at about 3.5 to 4 hours from Reno. There are luxurious resorts, gourmet restaurants and renowned wineries. Summer is a great time to visit as the vineyards are green and lush and the weather is warm, but usually in the 50s at night. You'll find live music, picnics and plenty of relaxation and enjoyment. Check out Wine Folly for a comparison between the two destinations: www.winefolly.com/tips/napa-vs-sonoma-wine-country-style.
Los Angeles and Santa Barbara
From Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara are a 5- to 6-hour drive, or a quick flight. There are plenty of beaches like Malibu and Venice, as well as theme parks, shopping, and all types of food. Up the coast from L.A., Santa Barbara has a quieter vibe with wine tasting, scenic waterfronts, and beautiful Spanish-style architecture.. Take a look at Discover Los Angeles for some ideas: www.discoverlosangeles.com.
Oregon
There is also plenty to do in the state of Oregon, which is a nice road trip from Nevada. It is about a 15-hour drive from Portland to Las Vegas or you can take a train. With so many destinations within reach for Nevadans, you might consider Oregon underrated for summer vacations. There is a beautiful coastline and lush forests, as well as Crater Lake National Park and Bend with its craft beers, river attractions and mountain biking. It offers cooler temperatures, beautiful scenery and lots of great outdoors without the crowds. Learn more about the state at www.oregon.gov.
Hawaii
Hawaii might not be the first place that comes to mind in terms of accessibility to Nevadans, but there are direct flights from Las Vegas. In fact, Vegas has a unique connection to the state. It's even known as "the Ninth Island" because of its large Hawaiian community. There are frequent deals on nonstop flights to Honolulu, Maui, and other Islands. You'll find perfect beach weather and lots of festivals, luaus, and other fun. More on Hawaii at www.gohawaii.com.
As you can see, there is plenty for Nevadans to do in the beyond in-state destinations. Explore new experiences in the western U.S. this summer! Best wishes for fun and safe travel.