- Direct flights from the UK to Las Vegas make it an easy fly-drive starting point
- Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon are both within an hour of the Strip
- Summer heat in the south regularly passes 40°C
- Lake Tahoe and Great Basin show a cooler, greener side of the state
- Airports
- Las Vegas (LAS), direct from London and Manchester; Reno (RNO) for the north, via a US hub
- Best time to go
- March-May and September-November; summer for Lake Tahoe
- Type
- State
Nevada is mostly high desert, and most British visitors only see one small corner of it: the neon of Las Vegas. That is a perfectly good reason to come, but the state also holds glowing red sandstone, the vast reservoir behind Hoover Dam, the alpine blue of Lake Tahoe and some of the darkest night skies in the country.
It is also the natural starting point for a Southwest road trip, with the Grand Canyon, Zion and Death Valley all within a day's drive of Vegas. For the wider picture, see our USA guide.
Things to do
- Las Vegas – the Strip, shows, pool clubs and buffets, plus the older, quirkier Fremont Street downtown.
- Valley of Fire State Park – Nevada's oldest state park, with fiery sandstone, petroglyphs and the Fire Wave hike, about an hour from Vegas.
- Red Rock Canyon – a 13-mile scenic drive and great hiking and climbing barely half an hour from the Strip. A timed entry reservation has been needed at busy times.
- Hoover Dam and Lake Mead – the 1930s dam on the Arizona border is impressive on a guided tour; Lake Mead offers boating and swimming.
- Lake Tahoe – shared with California, with clear water, beaches in summer and ski resorts in winter.
- Reno and Virginia City – the "Biggest Little City in the World" and a restored silver-mining boomtown nearby.
- Great Basin National Park – ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves and superb stargazing, far from anywhere.
- The Loneliest Road – US Route 50 across the middle of the state, a classic empty desert drive.
Where to stay
- The Las Vegas Strip – mega-resorts at every price; midweek rates are often much cheaper than weekends.
- Downtown Las Vegas – cheaper, older and more characterful around Fremont Street.
- Lake Tahoe – cabins and lodges at Incline Village, Stateline or on the California side.
- Reno – a good-value base for Tahoe and the north.
- Ely or Baker – simple motels for Great Basin and Route 50.
Getting there
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from London Heathrow to Las Vegas, and Virgin Atlantic has also flown from Manchester; the flight takes about 10 to 11 hours. Northern Nevada is best reached via Reno with a connection, or by driving from San Francisco, about four hours away. Hire a car from Las Vegas airport for road trips. You will need an approved ESTA.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and road trips, with warm days and cool nights. Summer in Las Vegas and the southern deserts is ferociously hot, often above 40°C, so do any hiking at dawn. Winter is mild in Vegas but brings snow to Tahoe and the high country.
In the desert, carry far more water than you think you need, and never set off on a remote road like Route 50 without a full tank.
Top attractions in Nevada
NatureCentral Park
Manhattan's 843-acre green heart, with lakes, meadows, bridges and woodland stretching for 51 blocks between Midtown…
LandmarkStatue of Liberty
The copper colossus in New York Harbor, a gift from France in 1886, visited by ferry with Ellis Island on the same trip.
Nevada on the map
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?
Yes. The West Rim is about two and a half hours away and the South Rim around four and a half. The South Rim is more impressive but works better as an overnight trip.
Is Las Vegas suitable for families?
It can be, with big pools, shows and nearby parks, but much of the Strip is built around gambling and nightlife. Off-Strip hotels and day trips make it more family-friendly.
How many days do I need in Nevada?
Three or four nights covers Las Vegas with day trips to Valley of Fire, Red Rock and Hoover Dam. Add several days for Lake Tahoe or a longer Southwest loop.
What is the legal age for gambling and drinking?
It is 21 for both, and casinos do check ID, so carry your passport or a photo driving licence.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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