If you think of Nevada, Las Vegas and Reno might be the first cities to pop into your mind. These shimmering worlds of neon-lined roads, gambling galore, and loads of entertainment draw around 40 million combined visitors yearly.
But, there is more to the Silver State than gambling, shopping and fine dining — as entertaining as these might be. As the USA’s seventh-largest state, you can bet there are more fun things to do in Nevada than meet the eye.
Visiting Nevada: Get A Little Out There
Disclosure: This trip was a paid collaboration with Travel Nevada for their GALOT campaign. However, all views and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links whereby I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps with the costs of running my website so I can keep my content free for you. Thanks as always for your support! See my disclosure policy here.
Nevada is the road trip capital of the world, with sights abound along its over 100,000 miles of road. In a campaign to encourage travellers to #getalittleoutthere, Travel Nevada helped my fellow travellers and I plan the ultimate girls’ trip. Along with The Boutique Adventurer and Brogan Abroad, we hit the road to live out our Thelma and Louise moment.
Our loop journey started and ended in Las Vegas and combined four of Nevada’s iconic themed road trips:
- Neon to Nature
- Great Basin Highway
- Extraterrestrial Highway
- Free-range Art Highway
This road trip took us beyond the typical Nevada tourist attractions to some of the state’s most unique sights. These included spooky ghost towns, alien-tastic attractions, and breathtaking natural rock formations.
So, if you too are keen to get a little out there, this itinerary will offer just the inspiration you need.
Tip: Starting your road trip in Las Vegas? Have a look at my top things to do in Vegas to set the tone for an unforgettable trip.
Exploring the Coolest Places in Nevada: Our Road Trip Itinerary
Arriving at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) on our first night, we collected our rental car and checked into Harrah’s Las Vegas. Situated in central Vegas, this glitzy resort boasts minimalist rooms, an on-site spa, and a swimming pool.
We headed to bed early to get an early start the next day. Of course, we had to stop for a photo in front of the iconic Las Vegas sign before hitting the road.
Day 1 – The History & Nature of Nevada
With about 300 days of sunshine, this sunny state is perfect for outdoor adventures year-round. So, of course, we kicked off our first day with a visit to the stunning Valley of Fire.
Note: You’ll be adventuring through the US’ driest state, so be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and a hat.
Valley of Fire State Park
The Valley of Fire is the oldest and largest state park in Nevada. Its red Aztec sandstone formations are said to have formed during the time that dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
These ancient red sandstone formations feature stunning swirls of varying hues. Illuminated by the sunset glow, the vibrant red valley almost looks like it’s on fire.
One of the highlights were the Beehives, stone formations that look like, well, large beehives. This is due to the pattern of the stone, created by geological cross-bedding (different layers of silt forming in various directions over time). We also took a mile-and-a-half hike to the Fire Wave. This is one of the park’s most iconic formations, featuring dynamic swirls of red and white.
Other easy hikes to try include:
- White Domes Hike: A beginner-friendly 1.1-mile roundtrip hike that winds past white sandstone formations, caves, and a slot canyon.
- Mouse’s Tank Hike: This 0.7-mile roundtrip trail ends at a rainwater basin in a canyon. Along the way, you’ll also spot ancient petroglyphs.
Did you know: Nevada is home to the oldest known petroglyphs in North America. Winnemucca Lake, about 35 miles northeast of Reno, features petroglyphs dating back an estimated 14,000+ years! The Valley of Fire’s petroglyphs are estimated to date back over 2,000 years.
The Lost City Museum
If you’re looking for more interesting sights in the area, you can take a short drive to the Lost City Museum. Located about 15 minutes from the park, this museum is built on the prehistoric site of the Ancestral Puebloans. The Pueblo people were the first permanent residents of Nevada, living here between 200 AD and 1,200 AD.
The museum houses Puebloan farming tools, basketry, jewellery, pottery and art, offering a glimpse into life at the time. Look out for the reconstructed pueblos and a reconstructed pit house showcasing the ancient village architecture.
Lunch in the Moapa Valley
Before hitting the road for a 2.5-hour drive, we stopped to fuel up for our next adventure. Here are some lunch spots to consider near the Valley of Fire State Park:
- The Inside Scoop: Pop by this welcoming eatery for a filling sandwich or a cooling serving of ice cream. For those who love potatoes, they serve both waffle and curly fries.
- Pirate’s Landing: Craving some cheesy goodness? Head to this pirate-themed restaurant in North Moapa Valley for some of the best pizzas in town.
- Criss Angel’s BLP: Breakfast, lunch, and pizza: Criss Angel’s serves all the essentials for a road trip refuel.
Cathedral Gorge State Park
En route to our next stop, we dabbled in some classic road trip singing while soaking up stunning roadside views. Our final stop on day one was Cathedral Gorge State Park.
This spot felt like stepping onto another planet.
Once completely submerged in water, this park features a narrow valley of soft clay carved by erosion and time. The result is towering slots and spires with unique patterns — making it easy to see where the park gets its name.
This park is an absolute dream for photographers and hikers alike. So, whether you’re looking for a calm photography stroll or an adventurous hike, this park’s got it. Wander through cave-like formations, snap photos of the towering “hoodoos” during golden hour, or spend a night at one of the campsites.
Conclude at Shady Motel
After a 20-minute drive, we arrived at the family-owned Shady Motel in Caliente for a much-needed rest. The motel is also pet-friendly, so perfect if you’re road-tripping with your pooch.
Within walking distance you can head for refreshments and food here:
- Knotty Pine Restaurant and Lounge: Enjoy generous portions of good old American fare in the heart of Caliente.
- The Barrow Brew Company: Take note of this spot for all your caffeine essentials. This quaint truck serves everything from iced coffees to classic cappuccinos and iced tea.
Day 2 – Curious Sights Along the Extraterrestrial Highway
Day two kicked off with a roughly 45-minute drive (past a mini dust storm) to Crystal Springs.
Photo Stop at the Extraterrestrial Highway Sign
Our first stop was at the E.T. Highway sign, a giddy moment for a once X-files super geek! With an iconic photo secured, we were ready for a day of extraterrestrial escapades.
Alien Research Center
Greeted by a two-story-tall silver alien, we arrived at the first official stop on the 98-mile Extraterrestrial Highway. This spot is truly one of the most unique places to visit in Nevada.
Pop into the gift shop for some quirky alien mementoes, including magnets, mugs, socks, and beyond. You might also uncover some alien secrets and learn about the latest UFO sightings if you chat with the locals.
Visit Rachel
After a 35-minute drive, we were in the town of Rachel — named after the first baby born here in the 70s. It is the closest town to Area 51 (around 35 miles away) and home to only about 70 residents.
This must-see town has one of the quirkiest motels and restaurants called Little A’Le’Inn. This little spot is perfect for a lunch stop, gift hunt, or conversation with the locals.
You’ll see funky alien statues, fun wall art, and all sorts of unique extraterrestrial memorabilia. Plus, you can leave your mark by sticking some spare cash to the ceiling. You’ll spot all sorts of currencies overhead.
You can also stop at Alien Cowpoke Gasoline and General Store. Fill up on gas, refill the snack stash, and get more insider scoop about must-see sights along the ET Highway.
Look Out for Aliens Along the ET Highway
State Route 375, more popularly known as the ET Highway, is lined with all sorts of alien-inspired sights. So keep your eyes peeled while on the road — for alien sights or alien sightings!
Besides the town of Rachel, fun photo ops include towering roadside sights and The Black Mailbox. There are only about 200 vehicles passing along the ET Highway daily. So you’ll also have plenty of opportunity for experimental poses along the seemingly endless stretch of road.
Before heading to our next destination, we also made a sneaky stop at the back gate to Area 51. This is the closest one can get to the active military base!
Note: Area 51 is heavily patrolled and anyone trespassing will be arrested. Make sure to keep your distance.
The Clown Motel
About an hour and 45 minutes on (complete with a road trip sing-along), we arrived in Tonopah. Our first stop was The Clown Motel. This might just be one of the spookiest sights and most unique places to stay in Nevada. This motel boasts possibly the largest private collection of clown figurines and memorabilia.
Buy funky souvenirs at the gift shop, snap photos of the thousands of clowns, or book a room — if you dare. To add to the creepy factor, the (allegedly haunted) Old Tonopah Cemetery is just next door.
So if you haven’t spotted any aliens just yet, you might have some luck spotting the spooks.
The International Car Forest
About 30 minutes from The Clown Motel sits the International Car Forest of the Last Church. With over 40 cars scattered across the “forest” (seemingly fallen from the sky) you can’t help but whip out your camera.
This sight along the Free Range Art Highway features all sorts of colourful graffiti. But don’t add your own! There are plans to jazz these cars up with some more artistic decorations in the future.
End the Day at Mizpah Hotel
We ended our day in Tonopah at the century-old Mizpah Hotel. This historic hotel had a real old-world feel, with antique furniture and rustic fixtures. If you can look past the fact that it was voted America’s “#1 most haunted hotel” by USA Today, you’ll sleep quite snug.
You can have dinner at the on-site restaurant or explore some local eateries:
- Tonopah Brewing Company: If you’re big on barbeque, head here for pulled pork or brisket and a locally brewed beer.
- Pittman Cafe: Located in Mizpah Hotel, this cafe is open for breakfast and dinner and offers American classics in an antique setting.
- Hometown Pizza: Cure your cravings at this local spot with everything from calzones and pizzas to sandwiches and salads.
Day 3 – Get Spooked in a Ghost Town
Continuing the theme of kooky and spooky Nevada attractions, we had breakfast in Tonopah before heading to the ghost town of Rhyolite.
Did you know: There are more ghost towns in Nevada, USA than occupied towns.
Breakfast in Tonopah
Pack in a hearty breakfast before your spooky endeavours. Here are some breakfast suggestions in Tonopah:
- Belvada Coffee Shop: Tucked inside the Belvada Hotel, this coffee shop features a breathtaking ceiling, mosaiced floors, and a chandelier. It’s certainly one of the fanciest coffee shops around.
- Strawberry Hill Diner: Stop by this spot for a generous serving of fluffy pancakes or chicken and waffles.
The Goldwell Open Air Museum
An hour-and-a-half drive gets you to the Goldwell Open Air Museum — a true delight for art fans. While the concept of an art gallery in the desert is odd enough, the art is even quirkier. Look out for interesting sights like Portone by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya and the funky Lady Desert: The Venus of Nevada by Hugo Heyrman.
Perhaps the spookiest of the sights is The Last Supper by Albert Szukalski. This Belgian artist’s 1984 installation set the ball rolling for the open-air museum you’ll find today. The installation is a ghostly rendition of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting of the same name.
Ghost Town of Rhyolite
Just behind the Goldwell Open Air Museum, sits the deserted town of Rhyolite. This is one of Nevada’s over 600 boomtowns that fell to ruin as fast as it sprung up.
The first gold ore was discovered by prospectors in 1904. This led to a rapid influx of workers and the start of the Bullfrog Mining District, followed by the founding of Rhyolite. At the height of its success, the town got to enjoy comforts like plumbing and electricity. There were also concrete sidewalks, telephone lines, a railroad and a public swimming pool.
This all fell abandoned when the gold ore dried up after three years and $1 million in earnings. Workers sought out new job opportunities and many buildings (made of brick and timber) were deconstructed to be reused in nearby Beatty.
The deserted town has seen everyone from film crews to curious photographers among its well-preserved, though deconstructed buildings. You can put your own photography skills to the test at spots like the old Cook Bank (or what is left of it). The Tom Kelly Bottle House is another of the best places in Nevada for a unique photo opportunity. It’s made entirely out of beer, medicine, and whisky bottles.
Lunch in Beatty
A short drive on and we were in Beatty, where we stopped for a quick lunch. Here are some good places to consider for a midday bite.
- Happy Burro Chili & Beer: Get transported back to the Wild West at this themed pub. Stop by for a bowl of chilli and an ice-cold beer.
- Gema’s Cafe: If you’re vegetarian, you’ll be happy to find veggie-friendly dishes here. These include options like Spanish omelette and veggie skillet. The Mexican-inspired dishes feature fresh ingredients and are well-priced.
Amargosa Opera House
This Amargosa Opera House was closed when we went, so we opted to see the Amargosa Big Dune as an alternative. But, this desert opera house is still well worth adding to your Nevada itinerary.
This opera house is one of the most interesting places to see in Nevada. It has a tale so fantastical you’d swear it was made up. Built in 1923, this Spanish Colonial Revival-style building was originally used by the Pacific Coast Borax Company.
The building eventually went into disuse until it was rediscovered by Marta Becket in the 1960s. Her car had broken down in the area and she peeped into the deserted building. Marta decided to fix the place up, completing it with a painted audience to whom she’d perform ballet and opera.
By the 1970s, publications drew attention to her story, attracting crowds from around the globe. This allowed her to perform to real audiences for over four decades. Her final performance was as recent as 2012, at the age of 87.
Marta sadly passed in 2017, but her legacy continues to be celebrated at the opera house. You can book a tour or stay overnight. New artists now grace the stage, celebrating the art of performance as Marta did.
Recharge at Beatty Motel 6
After an hour’s drive, we arrived at Beatty Motel 6 situated along Highway 95. This motel is only about a 10-minute walk from the heart of Beatty. If you have time to spare, you can stop by the Beatty Museum and Historical Society for more historical intel.
You can also find some dinner and breakfast at these spots:
- Mel’s Diner: This diner has a real vintage feel to it and is a great spot for a morning omelette and a cup of Joe.
- Smokin’ J’s Barbecue: Indulge in hearty delights like brisket, jalapeño mac and cheese, and decadent banana pudding at this popular local spot.
Day 4 – Blue, Pink, Yellow, and Red Rock Formations
Our last day of our Nevada road trip highlighted some of the state’s most stunning natural sights and a curiously colourful spot. First stop; Red Rock Canyon in Nevada’s Mojave Desert.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
About an hour from Beatty lies Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, spanning over 195,000 acres. Attracting nearly two million yearly visitors, this conservation area is filled with layered formations of red sandstone and grey limestone.
The park offers all sorts of adventuring opportunities. If you’re in a time crunch, a drive along the 13-mile Scenic Drive is a good way to see much of the park. We enjoyed some of the most incredible vistas. There are also panoramic viewpoints along the road.
If you have more time to spare, pack a picnic basket and head out on a hike or two. Popular hikes include the Keystone Thrust Trail and the Calico Tank Trail. Red Rock is also a popular climbing area, so bring your gear if you’re an avid rock climber.
Tip: Make sure you buy your timed entry pass for Red Rock Canyon before you enter the park.
The Seven Magic Mountains
The Seven Magic Mountains are about a 45-minute drive from Red Rock Canyon and just outside Las Vegas. These Nevada landmarks are not real mountains, as the name might suggest, but seven towering stacks of huge boulders. The installation was created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone.
Each boulder sports a vibrant hue, creating a stunning contrast to the soft natural shades of the surrounding Ivanpah Valley. These seven towers, standing more than 25 feet high, make for a brilliant group photo opportunity to commemorate the trip.
Wrapping Up: Unique, Quirky, Fun Places to Visit in Nevada
This four-day trip showed us there’s so much more to Nevada than meets the eye. The state’s natural beauty, history, and mysteries make this state a colourful and adventurous place to explore. And what better way to do that than with some amazing road trip companions?
Round up your family or a couple of friends and get a little out there. Beyond the major attractions in Nevada, there truly is something to pique every traveller’s interest.
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