Best Tourist Attractions Within an Hour of Las Vegas

Las Vegas has so many things to do and sights to see, but if you're ever craving to break away from the crowds and neon lights, there is also some great attractions outside the city limits.

Hoover Dam

About half an hour from Las Vegas stands the largest dam and man-made concrete structure known to mankind, and is definitely something you shouldn't leave the area without seeing at least once. No way to get there? That's not a problem, as the Hoover Dam Tour Company offers round-trip transportation. Their Premium Express Tour provides a narration of Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City as you make your way to the Dam on one of their modern, clean buses. Once at the dam, you will have two hours to do pretty much anything you want. You can even take the Hoover Dam Discovery Tour for free! Also as part of the tour, you get to stop at the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory (including free samples), check out the botanical garden, and more.

The Hoover Dam Visitor's Center is open daily from 9am-5pm. If going through the tour service, it begins daily at 10am and about 5 hours should be allotted to total time, from your departure from Las Vegas to return.

The entire tour (including transportation) is $49 per person. Other tour packages with different methods of transportation are also available.

Website

Red Rock Canyon

Scenic drive hours: 6am - dusk daily.

Not too far from Vegas (about 17 miles) is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which encompasses 197,000 acres of the Mojave Desert. A thirteen mile one-way loop provides a road to travel on and check out the beautiful scenery. Bicyclists and hikers are welcome here, but the area is definitely not for beginners, as the terrain is considered quite challenging. Several pullover areas offer an opportunity for photography, a picnic, etc. Before you leave, don't forget to check out the Visitor's Center, which holds great exhibits of Nevada's plants and wildlife.

To get there, head frmo Charleston Boulevard (north of Sahara Avenue) which will turn into State Route 159. Follow it until you see the entrance.

There is a day fee at $5/car, $2/motorcycle, but bicyclists and walkers are free.

Website

Bonnie Springs - Old Nevada

Open Wednesday-Sunday 10:30am-6pm

If you've already gone to Red Rock, the Bonnie Springs Ranch is only a few miles further on. Otherwise it's about 25 miles from Las Vegas. Residing as a replica of an 1880's mining town, this 115-acre ranch is a great place to spend some hours (or even the whole day) with the family. There is really something for everyone in this fun, unique attraction.

A petting zoo, cowboys, simulated gunfights, a miniature train ride on the weekends are some of the things that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's also a wax museum, saloon, restaurant with authentically homemade meals, and an 1800's-style wedding chapel.

If you want to check this place out but don't want to or can't drive yourself, shuttle service is available from Star Land Tours (702-493-0416).

The day fee is $20 per car (up to 6 people per car) or $8 per person if you're coming on a bus.

Website

Raiders of the Lost Mine ATV and Gold Mine

September 15 - May 14, AM Tour: 10:15am, PM Tour: 1:30pm
May 15 - September 14, AM Tour: 7am, PM Tour: 4pm

For an excitingly unique and more exhilarating attraction, you may want to consider the Raiders of the Lost Mine ATV tour. In this experience, you can ride on a fully automatic ATV that is provided to you over off-road mountain terrain, with beautiful views of the Colorado river and the mountain ranges that lead to the Grand Canyon. There are two types of tours (AM and PM), and if you choose the AM one you also get to take a walking tour of the Techaticcup mine, which is rumored to be haunted. Afterwards you will take a stop in the Old West Town for a fulfilling meal.

To get there, a shuttle or buss will pick you up from your Las Vegas hotel and transport you to Eldorado Canyon, about 40 minutes away.

The cost of the AM Tour is $189/person (includes the Gold Mine Tour and a picnic lunch), and the PM Tour is $199 (includes viewings of old, abandoned mineshafts along the trail and a steak BBQ afterwards).

Website

Pahrump Valley Winery

3810 Winery Road
Pahrump, NV

Winery Tour Hours: 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm daily
Restaurant Hours: 11am-3pm. 5pm-9pm

If you're willing to drive slightly farther away from Las Vegas (keep driving past Red Rock), about an hour from there is the Pahrump Valley Vineyards - Nevada's only winery that has been awarded over 40 national awards for their Chardonnay, Cabernet, Burgundy, Sherry, and Merlot wines. It's also a must-see for the wine lovers. A free tour is offered, where you'll learn the history of the winery and how wine is made there, along with a wine tasting bar. Also on-site is a casual restaurant known as Symphony's, with great food for reasonable prices. Walking through this winery is a relaxing experience, with its gardens and view of the Spring Mountains, along with the live jazz that gives a great ambiance.

Website