Summary

  • Spring Valley, located just 4.5 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle and explore the stunning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
  • Henderson, located 17 miles southeast of the Strip, provides a relaxed atmosphere and boasts more public parks per capita than any other place in Nevada. It's a great destination for outdoor activities, shopping, and cultural attractions.
  • Mesquite, located just over an hour from the Strip, combines the charm of the Old West with scenic desert landscapes. Visitors can enjoy golfing, gaming, and exploring museums and galleries in this small city.

Also known as Sin City, Las Vegas is a mecca for fun, thrills, and gambling. As one of the most visited cities in the US, Las Vegas is home to an urban landscape of glittering city lights, overwhelming traffic, an abundance of slot machines, and seemingly endless parties.

If someone is a frequent visitor to Sin City, it is time to take a break and enjoy the scenic beauty of Las Vegas' surrounding areas. Exploring the towns outside of Las Vegas is also an excellent way to save money on a trip to Vegas. So, without further ado, here are some beautiful towns within a short drive of The Strip that people should consider visiting during their next trip to Sin City.

UPDATE: 2023/11/16 00:03 EST BY SUNIL PURUSHE

Two More Towns To Check Out Around Las Vegas, Nevada

The Nevada landscape and casino scene always engage people anywhere within the state. This list now has two additional towns worth checking out if you're in the Las Vegas area.

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1 Spring Valley: A Hop, Skip, And Jump From Vegas

Away from the bustle of the strip but close enough for a quick dash.

Red Rocks in Nevada
Image by esudroff from Pixabay
The nearby Red Rocks in Nevada

Wondering how to navigate the Vegas Strip and its surroundings? If yes, this is one of the places one should consider adding to the travel plan. Spring Valley is one of the small towns near Las Vegas, approximately four and a half miles west of the Strip. The town offers visitors an excellent opportunity to break away from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip.

To the West of this town is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This reserve area is known for its amazing geological features, including the Keystone Thrust Fault, the towering red sandstone peaks, and the Native American petroglyphs. The town also boasts several parks and recreational facilities, including Desert Breeze Park, which features a lake, picnic areas, and sports fields.

2 Boulder City: Small-Town Charm, Historical Heritage, And Unique Identity

A community without gaming and home of the state's number one tourist attraction, Hoover Dam.

The Hoover Dam in Boulder City, Nevada
Photo by Ethan on Unsplash
The Hoover Dam in Boulder City, Nevada

Boulder City is a small town approximately 27 miles southeast of the Las Vegas Strip. This town offers visitors a spectacular view of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. This city has numerous historical buildings and sites, including a historic district, which was established in the 1930s to house workers who were building the Hoover Dam. Boulder City is one of those cool towns near Las Vegas that is home to an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.

3 Henderson: More Public Parks Per Capita Than Any Other Place In Nevada

Boundless entertainment everywhere you look, but just far enough away.

Moon rising at sunset in Lake Las Vegas, Henderson, Nevada
Photo by Ryne Anderson on Unsplash
Moon rising at sunset in Lake Las Vegas, Henderson, Nevada

Henderson offers visitors a relaxed atmosphere, located approximately 17 miles southeast of the Las Vegas Strip. The city has a long history, dating back to the early 1900s when it was founded as a mining town. Today, Henderson is a modern city with a vibrant downtown area, cultural attractions, and a strong sense of community. The town has several recreational facilities, including Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. Henderson is definitely one of the nicest cities near Las Vegas to visit.

In addition to bird viewing, visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and skiing while in this city. Henderson also offers tourists tremendous shopping choices, such as outlet malls and large-scale supermarkets. It is right there on the list of the best towns to visit in Nevada, together with the likes of Reno and Carson City.

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4 Summerlin: Clean, New, Organized and Uncrowded

Over 150 parks and golf courses, nearly one-third of the area is designated as open space.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas, United States
Photo by Carl Hunley Jr on Unsplash
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas, United States

Summerlin is one of the most beautiful towns near Vegas, located 14 miles northwest of the Vegas Strip. This town offers visitors an extensive range of recreational facilities. These include the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, popular for hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking.

The community also has several golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools, making it a great place for sports enthusiasts. This town also offers visitors a contemporary shopping experience in its large shopping centers.

5 Pahrump: 62 miles west of Las Vegas and adjacent to the Nevada–California border.

Award-winning Nevada wineries, gaming, relaxing resorts, and lush RV parks.

Picturesque resort in Mount Charleston, 19 miles from Pahrump
Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
Picturesque resort in Mount Charleston, 19 miles from Pahrump

Pahrump lies fifty-seven miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, near the California border. This town may be small, but it offers a taste of the Old West. It's known for its vineyards, hot springs, and outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can try wine tasting at one of the wineries, relax in the hot springs, or explore the nearby state parks. Pahrump is also one of those towns around Las Vegas that is home to several casinos and resorts, making it a popular destination for gamblers.

6 Moapa: A Small Town Known For Petroglyphs

Home to the second and the third-tallest structures in Nevada, the Moapa Entravision Tower and the Moapa Kemp Tower.

Valley of Fire, Moapa, Nevada
Photo by Lisha Riabinina on Unsplash
Valley of Fire, Moapa, Nevada

Located just 51 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Moapa offers visitors a peaceful retreat. This town is close to the Valley of Fire State Park, which is known for its red sandstone formations and scenic views. The park is also famous for its petroglyphs and hiking trails and is a great place to go camping and picnicking.

This place is also home to the Lost City Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Moapa Valley. While in this town, visitors will also get a chance to enjoy several outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting, fishing, and off-road vehicle trails.

7 Mesquite: Conveniently Located Near A Wide Range Of National Parks

Home to a growing retirement community, as well as several casino resorts and golf courses.

Valley of Fire State Park
Photo by Tom Delanoue on Unsplash
Stunning rock formations in the Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Located just over an hour from the Las Vegas Strip, Mesquite is another one of the most beautiful places near Las Vegas. It's a small city that offers visitors a taste of the Old West. The city has numerous golf courses, casinos, and resorts. The city has a rich history and culture, exhibited in the many museums and art galleries. Scenic desert landscapes also surround the town and offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and ATV tours.

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8 Goodsprings: A Rich History Of Both Mining And Hollywood Connections

A reminder of an era gone by.

View of rocky Nevada Mountains
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Pexels
In 1942, American actress Carole Lombard's plane crashed into the rocky Nevada mountains near the ghost town of Goodsprings.

Located approximately 33 miles southwest of the Las Vegas Strip, Goodsprings is also one of the best towns near Las Vegas to visit, and it offers visitors a taste of what Nevada was like in the early 1900s. There are a lot of historic buildings and ghost tours to explore in this old mining town.

Visitors can explore the town's old saloons or tour the nearby Bonnie Springs Ranch. Goodsprings is also home to several hiking trails and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert.

9 Mount Charleston: A Quiet Mountain Getaway Surrounded By Tranquil Landscapes

Named for nearby Mount Charleston, whose Charleston Peak, at 11,916 feet, is the highest point in the County.

View of the summit of Mount Charleston from North Loop Trail in Spring Mountains National Recreation Area near Las Vegas, Nevada
Shutterstock
View of the summit of Mount Charleston from North Loop Trail in Spring Mountains National Recreation Area near Las Vegas, Nevada

Located about 42 miles northwest of the Las Vegas Strip, Mount Charleston is a small city known for its beautiful alpine lakes and meadows. It is so beautiful that it can be regarded as one most beautiful towns in Nevada. This town has numerous hiking trails and camping facilities, making it a great weekend place. Visitors will also get a chance to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding areas from the scenic overlooks.

10 Beatty: A Gateway to Death Valley

Beatty, a picturesque desert town in the Amargosa River Valley, is the Nevada approach to Death Valley National Park.

Beatty, Nevada - Gateway to Death Valley
Image by Mike from Pixabay
Beatty, Nevada - Gateway to Death Valley

Located less than two hours northwest of the Las Vegas Strip, Beatty offers visitors a glimpse into the past. This is one of the historic small towns near Las Vegas known for its mining history and related historical buildings, including the Beatty Museum and Historical Society. Beatty is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and proximity to popular attractions like Death Valley National Park. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for hiking and camping in and around this town.

11 Laughlin: Small Gambling Town On The Banks Of The Colorado River

A resort town known for its gaming and water recreation.

Laughlin, Nevada, one of the best small towns on the Nevada border, USA
Photo by Thomas Haas on Unsplash
Laughlin, Nevada, one of the best small towns on the Nevada border, USA

Laughlin is a Colorado River town just an hour from the Las Vegas Strip. It has its own institutions, hotels, and neighborhoods and is a beautiful place to be near the water. A popular tourist activity is taking a jet boat tour to see the famous London Bridge in Arizona. There are also multiple casinos and hotels where you can gamble, swim, and enjoy a nice meal.

12 Searchlight: Enjoy Southern Nevada Wilderness Or Hit The Casino.

A mining town that grew up around a rich gold strike in 1897.

Nelson near Searchlight Nevada
Photo by MojaveNC, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Nelson near Searchlight Nevada

The old mining camp and revived town of Searchlight, Nevada, has a rustic sense of beauty. And is about an hour south of Las Vegas and is full of activities and things to do. Take a day trip from Las Vegas to experience Nelson's Landing. It's a popular place to try cliff jumping and relaxing near the sparkling blue water. Visiting Nelson Ghost Town to explore the old gold mines and historic houses is a popular activity in Searchlight.

Feeling lucky? Hit the gambling tables at Searchlight Nugget Casino. It also has a free museum and teaches about the town's mining history. When visiting, drive through the Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness to see the incredible scenery and take memorable photos.