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.