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Nevada shines as a fantastic vacation destination for all kinds of travelers. Those who love the outdoors will appreciate its vast wildlands and rugged yet beautiful desert landscapes, while those who are looking for thrills in a more urban environment often visit Las Vegas or Reno.

Here are some ideas for your next trip to this state. From historic downtowns in which you can stroll around to must-visit state and national parks, there are incredible vacation spots for everyone in Nevada.

Boulder City

Boulder City, located just 30 minutes from Las Vegas, makes for a quieter escape with its significant historic and outdoor attractions. Originally established in 1931 to house workers building the Hoover Dam, the town retains a distinct vintage charm that many find to be quite cozy.

Definitely check out the Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum, which provides deep insight into the town's origins and the dam's construction. Pay a visit to the actual Hoover Dam, where guided tours and impressive views of both the dam and Lake Mead can be had. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area itself is a hub for outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, kayaking, and hiking around its shores. The Historic Railroad Hiking Trail, with its views of the lake and dam, is another popular option for a more leisurely walk.

Boulder City also has an unexpected artistic side, showcased at the annual Art in the Park festival, one of the largest outdoor art festivals in the Southwest. The town's prohibition on gambling (one of only two communities like this in the state) keeps the atmosphere relaxed and more family-oriented.

Virginia City

Virginia City, a historic mining town sitting a short drive southeast of Reno, is a goldmine, so to say, of history relating to Nevada鈥檚 storied past. Founded in 1859 during the Comstock Lode silver rush, the town鈥檚 preserved 19th-century structures, and boardwalk-style sidewalks create an immersive experience for all who come.

The town's history is openly displayed at locales like the Fourth Ward School Museum, which features exhibits on mining, Mark Twain's time as a local reporter here, and the city鈥檚 early boomtown era. Moreover, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad offers scenic rides through the surrounding high desert, a fun and unique way to see and experience the region. The Comstock Adventure Pass allows you access to multiple historic sites, including the Chollar Mine and the Way It Was Museum.

Ghost tours and the haunted Washoe Club cater to those interested in the town's paranormal lore, making a trip to Virginia City a good idea if you are looking to travel around the Halloween season.

Beyond history, Virginia City hosts lively events such as the International Camel and Ostrich Races and themed parades. It is also close to a number of amazing natural landmarks, including Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevadas. The latter is a 海角社区-class destination for skiing in the winter, with several renowned resorts nearby.

Genoa

Genoa, Nevada's oldest settlement, also sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada and can be found just 25 minutes from Carson City. Founded in 1851, this small town is well known for the Genoa Historic District, which houses several well-preserved sites dating back nearly 200 years. The district includes the original Mormon Station, now a state historic park with a museum showcasing a cool collection of pioneer artifacts. Be sure to check out Genoa Bar as well, Nevada's oldest functioning saloon.

The town's picturesque setting makes it a gateway for outdoor recreation, too. The nearby Sierra Canyon Trail, for example, is a popular spot for challenging hikes with expansive views, while the Carson River provides ways for you to go kayaking and fishing. A short drive away, the lush alpine scenery of Lake Tahoe further enhances the range of activities you can have fun with, like boating, beaches, and winter sports when snow is on the ground.

Genoa鈥檚 is also home to the annual Candy Dance, a festival dating back to 1919 that includes craft vendors, live music, and homemade candy.

Elko

Elko rests in the rugged deserts of northeastern Nevada along Interstate 80. Many see it as a gateway to the Ruby Mountains and a cultural hub for the American West, with a long history that can now be explored in several historic landmarks in and around town.

The area is known for its strong Basque heritage, which can be experienced through local cuisine at family-style restaurants like The Star Hotel. Elko's diverse Western roots are further celebrated at the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, a week-long event where storytelling, music, and cowboy culture can be enjoyed by all.

The Northeastern Nevada Museum is another way to learn about regional history. It has a collection of art and displays exhibiting Native American artifacts, mining history, and the wildlife of the surrounding Great Basin.

Elko's proximity to the Ruby Mountains provides access to exceptional outdoor activities, too. The Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway is the spot for dramatic mountain views, and nearby trailheads also lead to alpine lakes and wildflower meadows. Furthermore, the Ruby Crest Trail attracts backpackers with its remote and scenic terrain. The South Fork State Recreation Area is another nearby option, offering fishing holes and boat launches, a luxury in this otherwise arid corner of the country.

Gardnerville

Gardnerville sits in the scenic Carson Valley, about 50 miles directly south of Reno. It is notable for its nice collection of historic buildings along Main Street, many of which house shops, galleries, and eateries. Gardnerville is another town with a strong Basque influence that can be seen by visitors mainly in its traditional Basque restaurants, like the famous J T Basque Bar & Dining Room.

Outdoor lovers will also find Gardnerville an ideal base for exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains. Drive out to the Jobs Peak Ranch Trailhead, a favorite way to get close to this region's high desert landscape. Just a short drive away, Lake Tahoe is a must-visit, with its pristine blue water surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Delve into Gardnerville's history at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, which focuses on local history and the area's ranching and Native American heritage.

Ely

Ely can be accessed via US Route 50 and offers a mix of history, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. Founded as a mining town in the late 1800s, Ely's history can be explored at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, where you can also ride a historic train. The town's historic district is worth an extended stroll, too, as it features several colorful murals depicting local history and culture.

Many also come to the area to visit the Great Basin National Park, known for its ancient bristlecone pines dating back thousands of years, the Lehman Caves, and the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak. One of the least visited national parks in the United States, the area's clear, dark skies also make it an excellent spot for stargazing, with regular astronomy programs offered. For something a little closer to town, Cave Lake State Park offers opportunities for you to go fishing, boating, and hiking.

Ely is home to a couple of unique annual events that alone make it worth a visit, like the Great Bathtub Races and the Silver State Classic Challenge, a public road race on Nevada鈥檚 open highways.

Pahrump

Pahrump is seated between the California border and Las Vegas and is best known as a useful stop before arriving in Death Valley National Park. This famous park contains a number of incredible landscapes, including the Badwater Basin, and iconic viewpoints like Dante鈥檚 View, a renowned spot for sunset views.

There is more to this small town than simply being a pit stop. Pahrump has a surprising number of great wineries, including Charleston Peak Winery, which offers tastings. The nearby Sanders Family Winery adds to the town鈥檚 emerging wine scene, showcasing local vintages in a desert setting. Pahrump also features a growing craft spirit culture, with distilleries offering a range of locally produced products that can be found at locales like Desert Cane Distillery.

There are other local options to get outdoors within the Nevada border. Nearby Charleston Peak is a great spot for outdoor adventure, hosting hiking trails. Moreover, the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club provides a high-speed experience within Pahrump, with driving courses and frequent racing events.

Tonopah

Founded in the early 1900s during a silver boom in this remote region of central Nevada, Tonopah preserves its heritage at popular tourist destinations like Tonopah Historic Mining Park, where you can check out original mine structures and learn about the town鈥檚 mining economy in detail. The Central Nevada Museum adds another layer of local history, featuring exhibits on mining, pioneer life, and the Western frontier.

See Tonopah's other quirky landmarks, like the iconic Clown Motel. Located next to the town's historic cemetery, this accommodation has gained a cult following for its eccentric, circus-themed d茅cor and even a bit of ghostly lore!

If you are looking for something a little more normal to spend the night in, the Mizpah Hotel is an official member of Historic Hotels of America and has accommodated famous politicians and Wild West legends like Wyatt Earp. Note that this hotel is also alleged to be very haunted, so maybe try out the Best Western down the street if ghosts aren't your thing.

This town is renowned for its dark skies, ranked among the best in the United States for its clarity and near complete lack of light pollution. The Tonopah Stargazing Park is the best local place to go, as it offers unobstructed views of the Milky Way and more stars, planets, and other celestial objects you may never get the chance to see if you live in a big city.

Plan Your Next Trip to Nevada

With these wonderful destinations in mind, you have many options to enjoy Nevada outside of Las Vegas. From the Sierra Nevada mountains to the expansive Great Basin, amazing natural sights are clearly abundant, and history buffs can enjoy the historic downtown cores that many of these towns harbor, too. Make your next trip this year memorable by adding one (or all) of these places to your itinerary.