Tourists of Nevada are often attracted to ‘the Strip’ in Las Vegas and Hoover Dam but when locals are looking to get away for a few days, the options are endless because there are so many things to see and do! Nevada is a beautiful state that is rich in history and offers so many sights to see and some that are just a short trip away. Nevada getaways are easy to plan with our list of beautiful places and points of interest. Prepare yourself and your car for a fun weekend with our list of Nevada getaways near Reno.
Black Rock Desert
Just two hours outside of Reno, this area is the largest, flattest surface on our planet covering about 200 square miles. This unique landscape is the host for the annual Burning Man festival held at the end of the summer, though the rest of the year is an attraction for outdoor adventurers. Travelers can explore the hot springs, steep canyons, towering mountains, volcanic lava flows, and the infamous playa formerly the Pleistocene Lake Lahontan. Numerous varieties of wildflowers will take your breath away during the months of April through August. For travelers who opt not to camp, a stay at the Soldier Meadows Lodge is a must. Set on a working ranch that dates back to 1865, accommodations include comfortable bed and breakfast style lodging or tent and RV camping facilities. The lodge serves up three meals a day available to all travelers as well as access to their private hot springs.
Lake Tahoe
Just west of Carson City and close to the borders of Nevada and California, you’ll find the largest mountainous lake in all of North America. This area is a favorite as it is a popular year-round attraction boasting many outdoor activities including mountain biking, hiking as well as paddle boarding and sailing in the summertime. In winter, it’s a popular area for skiing and snowboarding. Be sure to visit Sand Harbor State Park to take in the sprawling beauty of long sandy beaches intermingled with forestry and rocky coves. The crystal, clear, blue water beckons for water play such as swimming and even scuba diving.
Goldwell Open Air Museum
If the art scene is more your vibe, check out the open-air museum just outside of Rhyolite, Nevada. Inspired by the late Albert Szkalski, in 1984, a group of artists from Belgium created seven enormous outdoor sculptures in the Mojave Desert. Now, artists from all over the world travel to Goldwell to live and work at the Red Barn Art Center. The sculpture park is open to the public twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Admission is free with onsite parking. Free self-guided tour brochures are available, and donations are greatly appreciated. Organized group visits and tours can be arranged by calling ahead. Stop into the visitor center from 10 AM to 4 PM daily (closed Sundays) to view local exhibits and purchase souvenirs from the gift shop featuring the museum merchandise and original art pieces.
Great Basin National Park
Located in the eastern central part of Nevada, you’ll find Great Basin, a relatively new national park. Known to few, this is one of the best places in the country for secluded hiking or rock climbing. On the way, travelers will revel in the scenic drive with breathtaking views. Visit Lehman Caves and take a Park Ranger guided Lodge or Grand Palace Tour. The Lodge Room tour takes just 60 minutes and is ideal for families of small children. The Grand Palace tour includes the Lodge Room tour and takes 90 minutes. Both tours include incredible views of marble and limestone passages, aragonite crystals, helictites, and rare cave shields. The Park is open year-round but is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Cave tours are offered daily. Because of its near-isolation, the night sky is also a sight to take in. Designated an International Dark Sky Park, Great Basin is an idyllic location to witness thousands of stars, five of the eight planets in the solar system, the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, and so much more. Astronomy programs are offered every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights beginning at 8:30 PM. Offered free to the public, this program begins at the Lehman Caves with a ranger talk followed by viewing by park-provided telescopes.
The hustle and bustle of the daily grind including bumper to bumper traffic can wear on most any city-dweller. Exploring your state is just what you need to relax your soul. With our list of Nevada getaways, all you need to do is pick your destination and go! Your checklist of road trip essentials should include plenty of water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a trip inspection by Sun Auto Service to make sure your car is ready for travel. We have several locations in Las Vegas and Henderson to help you prepare for your trip. Once your vehicle is ready for the road, you can travel trouble-free. Leave your worries behind and enjoy the great state of Nevada on your next weekend getaway!