If you're wondering where to stay in Las Vegas, Summerlin is one of the best places away from the busy streets of downtown.

Located about 25 minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip, this master-planned community of Las Vegas with a suburban vibe boasts great restaurants, sports facilities, and a vibrant outdoor scene. It’s a perfect getaway from the craziness of the Las Vegas Strip, so give it a try on your next trip.

One of the most popular venues in Summerlin is Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa where you can relax, dine, and gamble. This resort is located right next to the outdoor shopping mall in downtown Summerlin where you can go on a shopping spree and try some great food.

If you are an outdoor lover, head west on Charleston Boulevard and you will arrive at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, more commonly referred to as Red Rock.

The area requires a $15 entrance fee per car and features some of the most gorgeous landscapes in Southern Nevada.

Here you will be able to find scenic views, picnic under the open sky, and hike a variety of trails. If you plan to visit Red Rock, I recommend setting aside at least half a day for it.

Although Henderson is often referred to as just an area of Las Vegas, it is actually its own city.

Yep, you heard it right, Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada with a population of over 310,000 people (only behind Las Vegas).

It has downtown, gorgeous views of Lake Mead and plenty of entertainment and dining options, making it the perfect spot for those looking for a relaxed stay near Las Vegas.

Whether you want to spend your day hiking in the mountains or savoring delicious chocolates at Ethel M Chocolate Factory, Henderson has it all.

Craving some adventure? Get out into Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, home to rustic desert hikes and stunning petroglyphs.

The National Conservation Area borders the southern side of Henderson and encompasses dark volcanic ridges that can be seen from far away. If you're feeling bold, climb the Black Mountain. It's one of the toughest hikes in the Las Vegas area that requires rock scrambling but leads to one of the best views of Sin City.

Still wondering where to stay in Las Vegas? Downtown Las Vegas, commonly abbreviated to DTLV, combines the historic center of Las Vegas and its business district.

However, just because it sounds old and unexciting, don’t hurry to brush it off. Downtown Las Vegas is the place where the concept of Sin City was born and has many exciting things aside from old hotels and vintage neon signs.

It's actually one of the coolest places to stay in Vegas, with so much going on in the neighborhood that one day might not be enough.

If you want to get an adrenaline rush, jump on a zip line right above the iconic Fremont Street. Or, grab a drink and watch a 3D show under the largest canopy in the world!

Want to see some of the coolest museums in Nevada? The downtown area, called Las Vegas’ Cultural Corridor, has some fantastic museums. These include the Neon Museum, Mob Museum, and Las Vegas Natural History Museum.

If you want to see some street art, take a tour around the nearby streets where you will find cool murals and graffiti. When you get hungry, head over to Downtown Container Park along Fremont Street where you can shop and dine at affordable prices.

When you picture Chinatowns in big American cities such as San Francisco or New York, you probably think of quirky streets lined with ethnic restaurants and colorful stalls that sell street food and trinkets on every corner.

While Chinatown in Las Vegas might come as a big surprise to some travelers, it's worth a visit if you want to check out a sprawling district known for various Asian restaurants located just a few miles away from the Las Vegas Strip.

A good place to start your trip is the Chinatown Plaza that is easily recognizable thanks to the big ornate gate.

From here, you can start eating your way through Chinatown as this neighborhood offers everything from Pan-Asian eateries, to many ethnic cuisines, such as Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese.

If you have seen the Las Vegas lights many times and want to see something new without traveling too far, consider visiting Boulder City and nearby Hoover Dam, a major tourist attraction located between Nevada and Arizona.

Located about 45 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam is a place known for its history. The best way to learn this history is to take a guided paid tour through the area that is offered onsite.

Top 10 Sights to See in Las Vegas

The Bellagio Fountains 

The Bellagio Fountains is one of the main highlights of the Las Vegas Strip. Located right in front of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, the fountain erupts in a vibrant show of light and music every 30 minutes from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.

On Saturday, visitors can enjoy the show every 30 minutes from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Welcome to the Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Standing in line to take a photo in front of this iconic sign is probably one of the most touristy things you can do in Las Vegas. Located on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, this neon sign has become famous around the world since it was created in 1960.

The Canals at the Venetian 

Another classic Las Vegas staple, the canals at the Venetian are popular with tourists because they look like they're straight out of Venice, Italy. Inside the Venetian you can also find an indoor mall with many stores and restaurants.

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 

One of the most popular stops inside the Bellagio is the botanical gardens. Every season, this venue features a new theme that presents visitors with tons of photo opportunities. It’s better to visit this place at night or early in the morning as it gets very crowded during the day.

High Roller 

To get a glimpse of the glowing Las Vegas skyline, get on the Las Vegas High Roller, the tallest observation wheel in the world. This popular tourist attraction is hard to miss as it towers above the Las Vegas skyline and is located near the Link Hotel.

Grab your tickets for the High Roller here

Fremont Street Experience 

Few things are more fun than Fremont Street located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. Here you can glide on a zipline and watch a cool 3D show on the world’s largest canopy right above the Fremont Street Experience.

Recommended Experience: Fremont Street History Walking Tour

The Las Vegas Cultural Corridor 

If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, head to the Las Vegas Cultural Corridor to check out some of the best museums in Las Vegas and also learn about the city's history.

For a nice photo op visit the Neon Museum, famous for its collection of vintage sings from old casinos and businesses that used to be displayed on the Las Vegas Strip.

And if you want to learn about the crime history of Las Vegas and the United States as a whole, pay a visit to the Mob Museum. It's one of the most popular museums in Las Vegas.

Downtown Las Vegas murals 

Although not many people would think of Sin City as an artist-friendly destination, Las Vegas has many cool murals located near Fremont Street. Head East of Fremont Street and you will be able to find unique art within a few blocks of this popular area.

Recommended Experience: Explore the street art via E-Scooter 

New York New York Rollercoaster  

Thrillseekers can take a ride on the rollercoaster at New York New York or try some bungee jumping and run rides at the top of the Stratosphere.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

If you want to see the outdoors but don’t want to drive too far, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is the place.

It takes about 25 minutes from the Strip and you will most likely need a car to fully explore this place, as Red Rock spans around a 12.5-mile scenic loop with beautiful overlooks and trails.

3 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

Zion National Park, Utah 

Utah boasts some of the most breathtaking and picturesque sites in the southwest United States. One of them is Zion National Park famous for its gorgeous red cliffs and plenty of greenery.

The park is located just 2.5 hours away from Las Vegas and offers cooler temperatures, superb hiking trails for all levels and jaw-dropping scenery.

Keep in mind that driving through Zion National Park is allowed only during the off-season. During summer season, visitors of the park either have to take a bus (which is the fastest way to get around the park ) or walk along Zion - Mount Carmel Highway, the only road that cuts through the park.

Also, since summer brings the most visitors to the park, make sure to arrive early as hiking spots fill up as early as by 9-10 a.m.

Short on time? Check out this day tour to Zion National Park from Las Vegas. 

PRO TIP: Over the last few years, Zion National Park has become increasingly overcrowded. If you plan your getaway during holiday or weekend, prepare to share park with thousands of other visitors. To avoid the crowds, try to plan your trip for the middle of the week.

Death Valley National Park, California 

Famous for its scorching hot temperatures and low altitudes, Death Valley National Park is located in California’s Mojave Desert about 2.5 hours way from Las Vegas.

The park is a home to some amazing geological features, sweeping vistas and hiking trails. While it’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach close to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in summer,  fall and winter bring mild weather to the Death Valley National Park.

If you don't want to drive yourself, this Death Valley day trip from Las Vegas is highly rated.

PRO TIP: Death Valley National Park has plenty of scenic trails and overlooks however, because of its extreme heat and remoteness, this place requires some preparation. One of the most important things to do on your trip to Death Valley is drink plenty of water.

Valley of Fire State Park 

Valley of Fire State Park is the largest state park in the state of Nevada located about one hour north of Las Vegas. I recommend allocating at least half a day for your visit to the Valley of Fire because it has a lot of trails and scenic views that are definitely worth checking out.

The park is located in a remote area and has minimum facilities that don’t include hotels or restaurants, so make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks on your trip.

What to Pack for Las Vegas