Top 3 Weekend Escape Ideas from Las Vegas

It always surprises people when Las Vegas locals say they go on vacation away from our city. A change of scenery is always welcome and there are some places within driving distance that make for an excellent getaway to rejuvenate and relax. Here are my three picks for the top weekend escape ideas from Las Vegas:

Top 3 Weekend Escape Ideas from Las Vegas: Hermosa Beach, California

Abut a five hour drive from Las Vegas, Hermosa Beach is a charming eclectic beachfront city sandwiched between the more well known Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach. My friends and I travel to Hermosa Beach every summer for the annual Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) tournament. While the AVP circuit makes its rounds among beach cities along the California coastline, we like Hermosa Beach because of the close proximity of the hotel properties to the shoreline. We park once, check into our hotel, and then walk to the beach every day while we're there.

After trying several hotels over the years, the one we unanimously recommend is the Beach House, which is a 4 star property located right on the main boardwalk called the Strand. Prices vary depending on the view you want and the time of year you stay. The all suite hotel boasts modern amenities including wireless Internet, two TVs, and a kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave. Each suite has a king size bed, full bath, sleeper sofa, and balcony. The hotel also offers spa treatments and complimentary continental breakfast on their outdoor patio.

Just outside the Beach House is the Strand, the pier, and of course the beach. Visit the shops and restaurants, fish on the Pier, or take a stroll down the Strand to view multi-million dollar mansions. Everything is within walking distance and California's climate makes this an ideal weekend escape from Las Vegas anytime during the year.

Top 3 Weekend Escape Ideas from Las Vegas: Cedar City and Brian Head, Utah

Just a three hour drive north of Las Vegas, the Cedar City area has a lot to offer Las Vegans throughout the year. In 2009, Las Vegas Review Journal readers rated Cedar City as the Top Utah Getaway for the annual Best of Las Vegas awards.

If you love culture and theatre, visit the Utah Shakespearean Festival, which received the Outstanding Regional Theater Tony Award in 2000. The festival takes place on the Southern Utah University campus¸ and features plays that cover the gamut of Shakespeare's works as well as productions from other classic playwrights. The university even built a Shakespearean era theater so you can view his plays as his audience would have all those years ago.

Between plays, visit the shops, take part in a workshop, have dinner medieval style, stay at a local bed and breakfast, or see the puppet show and minstrel entertainment on the greens. Plays run every day during the summer and on weekends during the fall. Productions change between the summer and fall seasons, and patrons are charged per play. Truly an educational experience for the whole family, I highly recommend attending the Utah Shakespearean Festival at least once.

For a change of scenery, head up the mountain to Brian Head, a resort town that offers breathtaking views during the summer and awesome skiing during the winter. We've taken several ski trips up there, and the variety of slopes to choose from make this an ideal resort for both beginners and pros. Snowtubing and snowmobile rentals are also available.

As far as lodging, shop around to get the best price. You can lease a condo located next to the slopes for "ski-in" convenience, which is ideal for large groups and families. Or stay at the Cedar Breaks Lodge & Spa, which offers modern amenities like wireless Internet, concierge, a day spa, and fine dining restaurants.

If you haven't visited our neighbors to the north, I would highly recommend visiting Cedar City or Brian Head for the weekend. Just remember that Utah's time zone is one hour ahead, so plan your drive and trip accordingly,

Top 3 Weekend Escape Ideas from Las Vegas: Laughlin, Nevada

An hour south of Las Vegas, Laughlin is sometimes known as an older person's getaway. However, in recent years Laughlin shows their continued effort to attract a wider audience through remodeling of hotels, increased attractions, and special events.

The majority of Laughlin hotels overlook the Colorado River, where visitors can take a water taxi between properties, rent watercraft vehicles, or board a cruise to nearby dams and Lake Havasu, Arizona. Or relax in one of the hotel spas to recharge and rejuvenate before returning to town. Laughlin also hosts several events a year, including the annual River Run where more than 50,000 motorcycle enthusiasts gather for five days to enjoy exhibits, trade shows, and entertainment.

For a change of pace, cross the river to Bullhead City, Arizona for some shopping or dining. The best Mexican restaurant I've ever experienced, El Palacio, is located on Highway 95 in Bullhead City.

Whether you're looking for a change of scenery or just want to get away, Laughlin is the ideal last minute weekend escapes for Las Vegans because of its proximity to our city. If you haven't been there for a while, I highly recommend you check it out.

Top 3 Weekend Escape Ideas from Las Vegas: Final Thoughts

Living in Southern Nevada means we are centrally located to other destination venues throughout the Southwest. Taking a weekend escape from Las Vegas does not require too much planning, so I encourage everyone who can to get away for a couple of days. Travel safe, everyone!

Sources:

Hermosa Beach..."One of the Top 10 Beaches in the USA", Hermosa Beach Chamber & Visitors Bureau

AVP Nivea Tour Hermosa Beach Open Presented by Bud Light, AVP.com

Beach House Hermosa Beach, Beach House Hotel

Welcome to Scenic Southern Utah, Cedar City Brian Head Tourism Bureau

Las Vegas Review Journal votes Cedar City - "Best Utah Getaway", Cedar City Brian Head Tourism Bureau

Quick Facts, Utah Shakespearean Festival

Resort, Brian Head Resort

Home Page, Cedar Breaks Lodge & Spa

Laughlin Nevada - It's Like You Own the Place, VisitLaughlin.com

Laughlin River Run, VisitLaughlin.com

Home, Bullhead City, Arizona

El Palacio of Bullhead City, El Palacio Casa Serrano