When I first moved to Nevada about seven years ago, I knew little about the state aside from the Las Vegas Strip.
Tens of millions of tourists visit Las Vegas each year, spending billions of dollars in the city’s casinos, entertainment venues, and attractions.
Yet my move brought me to Reno, a seven-hour drive from the desert of Las Vegas. Although Reno still has its fair share of casinos, the city feels like a world apart.
In Reno, Vegas’ palm trees are traded for pine trees, and the Sierra Nevada mountains are unlike anything found within a reasonable distance from the Sphere.
After moving to Reno, I was intrigued by the diversity of the state. I set a goal to travel around Nevada. Since then, I’ve visited otherworldly deserts, stunning mountain lakes, and historic mining towns.
Nevada has so much more to offer than just casinos, but most tourists flee to the slot machines without considering other options.
Las Vegas has its appeal, but if you’re feeling adventurous, consider visiting these destinations instead.
First, Lake Tahoe makes for a perfect summer (or winter) getaway.
Nevada may be famous for its desert landscapes, but to me, Lake Tahoe is the crown jewel of the state.
The almost 200-square-mile lake marks the border between Nevada and California, with about a third of the lake’s shoreline in Nevada.
Lake Tahoe offers year-round recreation. In summer, tourists head to the beaches to swim in crystal-clear water. The region also has hundreds of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and backpacking.
In winter, the lake is a true winter wonderland. Skiers and snowboarders flock to resorts and backcountry trails. If that’s not your thing, you can snowshoe through Tahoe’s forests or simply walk along a snowy beach with a hot chocolate in hand.
Both the California and Nevada sides of Lake Tahoe are spectacular, but I find the East Shore in Nevada to be more laid-back.
It’s got places like Secret Cove and Chimney Beach that are only accessible by foot (or perhaps by kayak), making them quieter than other areas of the lake.
A trip to Virginia City should be on your list if you’re a history buff.
Long before Nevada was known for casinos, the state was a hot spot for mining. The 19th century’s gold and silver rush led to rapid growth throughout the American West, including in Nevada.
Virginia City is one of the country’s most well-preserved mining towns. It’s located just 35 minutes from downtown Reno.
The town rose to fame following the discovery of silver ore in 1859. Soon enough, 25,000 residents called the area home, and the town boomed with saloons, theaters, mansions, and mines.
Today, a visit to Nevada City transports you to the Wild West. You can head underground to walk through old mine shafts, tour the (supposedly) haunted Mackay Mansion, or grab a drink in the notorious Bucket of Blood Saloon.
The town has its fair share of cheesy tourist attractions, but it’s all part of the fun.
The Ruby Mountains offer scenery akin to the Swiss Alps.
I’m not sure what I expected to see when I took my first road trip to northeastern Nevada, but it certainly wasn’t scenery akin to Switzerland.
Nevada’s Ruby Mountains are often nicknamed “The Swiss Alps of Nevada.” The massive mountain range features peaks towering over 11,000 feet, and the region offers a surprising amount of greenery.
Springtime brings blooming wildflowers and serene waterfalls, and after the snow melts, the region becomes a hiking paradise.
Backpackers can challenge themselves to the Ruby Crest Trail, which traverses more than 40 miles through isolated ridgelines and strikingly blue alpine lakes.
Aside from hiking, the region offers tranquil fishing opportunities in the Ruby Marsh wetlands. Throughout the winter, the mountains are popular among heli-skiers.
If that all sounds too active, it’s easy to explore the Ruby Mountains without breaking a sweat. The 12-mile-long Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway travels through the largest valley in the range, offering unbeatable scenery around every curve.
However, if you do insist on going to Las Vegas, try seeing more than just the inside of a casino.
If you’re set on visiting Las Vegas, don’t limit yourself to just the Las Vegas Strip.
Red Rock Canyon is just about a 30-minute drive away from the flashy lights of Las Vegas Boulevard. Here you’ll find hiking trails, cycling routes, and a 13-mile scenic drive through the canyon.
Places like Mount Charleston and the Hoover Dam are also easy ways to escape the casinos and explore Nevada’s natural and engineering marvels.
After living in Nevada for almost a decade, I’ve come to appreciate each and every corner of the state. Las Vegas seems to get all the attention — and for good reason. There are few places in the country with such a non-stop, bustling energy.
If you’re willing to dig just a little deeper, though, I think the real treasures of Nevada lie far from the slot machines and table games.
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