Where to Stay
If you don’t care about being on the Strip, Red Rock Resort has un-inhibited views of the mountains as well as a quick drive to the park for hiking. The Spa there is fantastic so after a day of hiking you can come back and get a massage and relax. If you want to be on the Strip, the Paris hotel tries to bring the outdoors inside with their cobblestone walkways and sky-painted ceilings. If you want to have the best of both worlds, staying at New York New York or Monte Carlo will give you instant access to the brand new Park on the strip – and immersive outdoor destination spanning more than eight acres!
Where to Eat
Breakfast/Brunch – Marche Bacchus is the perfect off-strip spot to brunch on the water. Overlooking the three-fingers lakes, this peaceful spot has a killer menu to go with the views.
Lunch – If you go for a hike in Mt. Charleston (see below) you may want to stop at the Lodge up there for a small lunch and a drink. If the weather is nice, sit outside so you can keep taking in the gorgeous views! Sorry the picture I have is from a snowy day but it is gorgeous in the summer too!!
Where to Drink
Park. You may not think Fremont Street is the best place to stop if you want fresh air but walk straight through the bar to the outdoor area in the back and you will understand. Snag a table under the many trees they have out there and grab a drink. Don’t forget to jump on the see-saw for a second too!
What to See
The Bellagio gardens are updated frequently and are always stunning to see and walk through. While you are there, stop and watch the fountains too!
What to Do
The Vegas Springs Preserve has a botanical garden and some lovely nature trails to walk along. It always surprises people that there is life outside of the strip but just 20 minutes from the airport and you can be at Red Rock National Park, a 13 mile loop with dozens of hiking trails along the way ranging from easy to challenging.
Drive another 30 minutes north and you wont even think you are in Nevada any more when you reach Mt Charleston. Take a hike to Mary Jane Falls or just drive straight through to the little restaurant for a drink and take in the scenic views.
If you don’t mind a longer drive, Death Valley (and the lowest point in the U.S.) is a two-hour drive and makes a perfect outdoor day trip (just don’t go in the Summer).
Hoover Dam is 30 minutes from the Strip and a pretty impressive sight to see, even if the water level of Lake Meade is depressingly low…
Did you know there was this much to do in Vegas in the gorgeous outdoors? Not a neon light in sight!
Xx
Kali