Around Las Vegas
Looking for something to do other than gamble during your trip to Las Vegas? Well look no further because this page has plenty of information on Nevada tourist attractions like the Hoover Dam, Mt. Charleston, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon. All of these attractions are within a days drive from Las Vegas in your exotic car rental, so why not plan a fun and exciting trip for you and your travel mates tonight?
Hoover Dam
The Hover Dam is a man-made wonder located in southern Nevada. This must see attraction is only and hours drive in your exotic car rental from Las Vegas, so be sure to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity! The Hover Dam was originally named the Boulder Canyon Dam in 1930 when the building commenced. (It was later changed in honor of President Herbert Hoover). Over 16,000 people worked on the damn, which took five years to build. More than 5,000 men worked at a time, with construction going on 24-hours a day.
The Dam was finished in 1936, two full years ahead of schedule. The Hover Damn visitor’s center is open everyday (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 8:45AM to 5:45PM. A fill on the construction of the dam is offered along with a guided tour. Admission fees begin at $10.00, with in depths hard hat tours, which last for approximately an hour are available for $25.00. For more information visit the US Department of the Interior’s Reclamation page for the Lower Colorado Area at http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/.
Mt. Charleston
Mt. Charleston is the perfect retreat from the glitz and glam of Las Vegas. Mt. Charleston is located about 35 miles north and west of Las Vegas, which equals a quick trip in your exotic rental car! In the summer the mountain offers a cool retreat from the intense Las Vegas heat; in the winter Mt. Charleston is packed full of ski enthusiasts from around the world. The peak of Mt. Charleston is 11,918 feet above sea level and is the eighth highest peak in Nevada. If you would like to stay the night you can brave the outdoors in one of the suitable camping areas, spend a night in one of the Mt. Charleston Lodge’s or you can even book a room at the Mt. Charleston hotel and restaurant. If you’re planning on visiting Mt. Charleston in winter please call 702-593-9500 for a snow report, and stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for snow advisories.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Over nine million people visit the Lake Mead National Recreation Area each year making it one of ‘the premier inland water recreation area in the west’ says the National Park Service. This area is paradise from hikers, fishers, boaters and wilderness enthusiasts alike. Three of America’s four desert climate ecosystems converge at Lake Mead including the Mojave, the Great Basin, and the Sonoran Desert. For more information on this outside haven visit https://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm.
Red Rock Canyon
Another popular environmental tourist attraction near Las Vegas is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Simply hop into your exotic rental car and drive for approximately 17 miles west down Charleston Highway and you’ll run smack dab into the monstrous mountains of Red Rock. The entry fee is a low five dollars, which not only admits your exotic car rental into the park, but also hooks you up with a glossy brochure full of maps and information on the Canyon. Red Rock Canyon offers a Visitor’s Center full of fun and educational exhibits for both you and your kids along with scenic overlooks and hiking trails, perfect for a little outdoor R & R.
The Extra-terrestrial Highway (Nevada’s ET-Highway 375)
Are you looking to take your exotic rental car out of this world? Than highway 375 is your tourist destination. Nevada’s ET Highway is the only highway on earth dedicated to outer worldly travelers. The Extraterrestrial Highway sign can be seen at the junction of 318 and 375 welcoming visitors to this alien themed stretch of pavement. On Nevada’s ET-Highway you’ll find the Little A’Le’Inn and the mysterious, unmarked service road to AREA 51 (the secret military facility rumored to study extraterrestrial visitors!). This tour probably isn’t going to entertain your young ones, but for those who are crazy for sci-fi, or even for those who just want to get out and take a drive, the ET-Highway 375 is a great twist for a Sunday cruise!
State & National Parks
For those of you aching for a little nature and the great outdoors, Las Vegas offers numerous state and national parks perfect for hiking, camping, skiing and picnicking all year round. Death Valley National Park is filled with historic sites, and unique natural areas while the Grand Canyon National Park encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado river and its adjacent uplands. Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, and derives its name from the red sandstone formations found within its boundaries. Other state and national parks in and around the Las Vegas area include Great Basin National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
The Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base is home to the Air Warfare Center, the Nevada Test and Training Range, Red Flag and Threat Training Facility, USAF Air Ground Operations Sch, USAF Thunderbirds, USFA Weapons School and the USAP AMMOS. Group tours are available for the Air Force Base, and require that a request form be submitted in order to organize a suitable time. Many Las Vegas bus tours offer day trips to the Nellis Air Force Bas, so if you feel like giving your exotic car rental a rest, check out one of the many tour companies available in Vegas.
The University Of Nevada
The University of Nevada Campus in Las Vegas is a beautiful place to visit year round. New Buildings are popping up on the landscape constantly, creating new programs and degree options. Why not check out on of their college sports team games or listen in on one of the musical and dramatic productions? A trip to the University of Nevada is a great inexpensive way to pass an afternoon or evening, so grab a foam finger or a musical program and join in the fun!
