Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
Las Vegas has some great outdoor adventures, restaurants, and museums away from its world famous Strip. Sure, the casinos, neon lights, shows, and nonstop action wow millions of visitors every year. However, Las Vegas has many lesser known but equally enjoyable experiences off the Strip.
Read more (and watch our video) about these great places just a short distance from the Las Vegas Strip.
Map of the Las Vegas Area
The Las Vegas Metro area has a population of over 2.8 million people. Vegas is best know for the famed Las Vegas Strip with its glitzy casinos, neon lights, shows and extravaganzas of all types. While the Strip is obviously the heart and soul of Las Vegas, this large metropolis in the Mojave Desert has so much more to offer.
This map shows several natural wonders in the area, including Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead National Conservation Area, and SunBuggy Fun Rentals. Each of these areas are within a one hour drive of the Strip, and offer a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of casino central.
SunBuggy Fun Rentals, with Dune Buggies and ATVs
Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is one of the best day trips away from the Las Vegas Strip. Although this geologic wonderland is less than an hour away from the city, it is a whole other world! Over 40,000 acres of Aztec Red sandstone is interspersed with tans, grays, greens, and other colors against the deep blues of the big skies.
A central Visitors Center explains the history, formation, and wildlife of this beautiful natural wonder, voted best scenic drive in southern Nevada. They also have bathrooms, a gift shop, and answers to your questions at the Visitors Center. In addition to the gorgeous landscapes, visitors can find petrified trees, petroglyphs, and a variety of plants and wildlife. There are two campgrounds with 72 sites, and rock climbing is allowed in specified areas.
If you are craving Mexican food, La Fonda Mexican Restaurant in Overton is the place for you. This popular restaurant is only 15 minutes from the east entrance of Valley of Fire. A long list of traditional fare including enchiladas, zarapes, tacos, burritos, chili rellenos, tamales, and more fill the menu.
I started with the excellent Chips and Salsa, some of the best I’ve ever had. For my entree I chose the delicious Steak Zarapes, tortillas stuffed with steak and tomatoes and covered with flavorful cheeses, pico de gallo, and green and red sauces. The friendly and professional staff will make you feel welcome at this casual, comfy restaurant.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
The 13 mile Scenic Drive in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is another great getaway from the Las Vegas hustle and bustle. A short 15 miles from the Strip, Red Rock Canyon offers a delightful combination of driving, hiking, learning, and viewing more of nature’s wonders. Allow at least an hour to drive through and stop a few times to enjoy the views. Add time if you intend to hike one of the many scenic trails in Red Rock Canyon Natural Conservation Area.
The Visitor Center located near the entrance to the park is well worth a stop. Exhibits, displays, maps, and brochures provide educational and informative materials about Red Rock Canyon. There are also numerous hikes through Moenkopi Loop, Calico Hills, Turtlehead Peak, Ice Box Canyon, and other scenic trails.
McMullan’s Irish Pub
McMullan’s Irish Pub, open 24/7, is an authentic Irish pub located about ten minutes from the Vegas Strip. Owner Brian McMullan is understandably proud of the establishment he founded in 2002. With a long family history of operating pubs and other businesses in Ireland, McMullan’s has put together an extremely popular Irish Pub, one that FlipKey of TripAdvisor awarded “Top Irish Pub Worth Traveling To.”
McMullan’s boasts the biggest selection of Irish Whiskeys, lots of beers on tap, and creative cocktails. On many nights, guests at McMullan’s enjoy live music from some very talented musicians. On the Saturday night we were there, the talented Whiskey Fiddlers played some traditional Irish music as well as many American numbers.
Weera Thai Restaurant Rainbow
The Weera Thai story begins in Chiang, Thailand, with the original restaurant, Weera Larb Ped, in 1978. In 2010 they brought their special recipes and customer service to Las Vegas, where they now have three successful locations.
We dined at their newest location, the beautiful Weera Thai Rainbow, which joins the existing Sahara and Chinatown locations. Upon entering the modern, sleek, but comfortable dining room, we were greeted by a very friendly and professional staff. A wall of colorful flowers and various lights and decor brightened the room. Throughout the evening, the smiling waitstaff were extremely courteous and helpful, and made us feel special the entire evening.
We started with a glass of cool, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and listened attentively to our server as she described some of the dishes and answered our many questions.
Mob Museum
The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas tells the story starting with the “Birth of the Mob” and chronicles some of its most famous characters and activities. From Bugsy Siegel to Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, the cast of characters is long and intriguing. The official name is the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, and is housed in the renovated 1933 Post Office and Courtroom.
Starting up on the 3rd floor, exhibits describe the conditions and circumstances that led to the the birth of the mob, early efforts to organize, and how Prohibition shaped the mob. Photos, videos, and displays take visitors through the years, include infamous incidents life the St. Valentine Day’s Massacre and the Kefauver trials.
The museum does a good job explaining how Las Vegas became associated with the mob. Visitors also learn about connections to famous entertainers, Hollywood, and the media.
Come visit the Mob Museum – they’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse!
