All you need to know about Las Vegas, NV
What to See and Do in Las Vegas
No trip to Las Vegas would be complete without first exploring the famous Las Vegas Strip. There are also many unique hotels and casinos to explore, including the Bellagio, the Luxor, the Stratosphere and the MGM Grand. If you want to go on a quick day trip, you can drive for about 30 minutes to Red Rock Canyon, a scenic area just outside the city that is great for hiking.
Driving Tips in Las Vegas
Driving tips: Speed limits in Las Vegas and Nevada are 20-30 mph in cities, 55-75 mph on rural roads and highways, and 55-80 mph on interstate highways. You can turn right on red lights after coming to a full stop, unless there are signs saying not to, and using a cell phone while driving is illegal in the state.
Toll roads: There are no toll roads in Nevada. However, you will have to pay a per-vehicle park admission fee if you use Valley of Fire Road to visit Valley of Fire State Park.
Where to park in Las Vegas
There are plenty of places to park in Las Vegas. On the Strip there are parking garages open to the public, charging $6-$10 per hour. Large hotels and casinos like Treasure Island and the Wynn may even offer free parking. Downtown you can park on the street for $1 per hour and in other parts of the city you can look for free parking.
Best Road Trips from Vegas
Grand Canyon National Park: If you’re in Las Vegas for more than a day or two it’s almost mandatory to visit the Grand Canyon. You can reach it in just over 2 hours, and it’s a great place for some hiking or simply to enjoy the scenery. No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to bring plenty of water!
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: This park is just a 20-minute drive west from Las Vegas on Highway 159. Escape the city and go hiking on one of the many trails if the weather is cool, or just enjoy a 13-mile scenic drive through the park with the air conditioner blasting.
Hoover Dam/Lake Mead: Located next to each other, you can drive for 45 minutes and see the human engineering wonder of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead all in one go. Just keep in mind that you have to pay $25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Los Angeles: Take a 4-hour drive southwest on I-15 to Los Angeles where you can enjoy the beach, culture and food from around the world. If you have kids along, a stop at Disneyland in Anaheim is almost mandatory.
Zion National Park: If hiking and nature suit you, take the 3-hour drive northeast on I-15 to Utah’s Zion National Park. Hike through slot canyons and enjoy the beauty of Zion’s landscape. Be aware you’ll need to pay $25 per vehicle to access the park.