Las Vegas may be known famously for its flashy strip and stunning scenery but another thing it should certainly be known for is its prime location for adventure. Las Vegas is located in Southern Nevada making it an easy destination to explore many parts of the American West. Whether you enjoy National Parks or bustling Western cities, many destinations are within a 6- hour drive and make for the best drivable weekend getaways from Las Vegas. So, if you’re a Las Vegas local looking to get away from the tourist scene for a weekend or traveling into Las Vegas looking to extend your trip with a western adventure, check out this list of where you can drive to from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Note: This is a rolling list. As we experience new drivable destinations from Las Vegas, this list will be updated with new information. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links with Airbnb.
Best Driving Trips from Las Vegas:
- Mount Charleston, Nevada- 1 Hour Drive
- Lee Canyon, Nevada – 1 Hour Drive
- Southern Utah- 2 Hour Drive Time
- Sedona, Arizona- 4 Hour Drive Time
- Tempe, Arizona- 4 1/2 Hour Drive Time
- Phoenix, Arizona – 4 1/2 Hour Drive Time
- Grand Canyon National Park – 4 Hour Drive
- Grand Canyon West Rim – 2 Hour Drive
- Los Angeles, California- 4 Hour Drive Time
- Anaheim, California- 4 Hour Drive Time
- San Diego, California- 5 Hour Drive Time
Places to Visit Near Las Vegas
Mount Charleston, Nevada and Lee Canyon, Nevada
Las Vegas is known for its over 300 days of perfect sunshine but sometimes, even the locals want to get away and experience snow and cabin life. Just 40 minutes to an hour away from Las Vegas, Mount Charleston is a great day trip from Las Vegas or you can make a weekend out of the trip to the mountains. Mount Charleston boasts several hiking trails, rustic log cabins, camp grounds and a couple of dining options with great views. If you’re a local or visiting and looking for things to do Las Vegas in the fall or winter, consider adding Mount Charleston to your list to spend at least a day exploring.
Mount Charleston and Lee Canyon are approximately a 1 hour drive from Las Vegas
Southern Utah
If you’re a National Parks enthusiast or have seen any piece of art, culture or film depicting the American west, chances are you’ve seen stunning Utah in some way shape or form. Southern Utah is notorious for boasting the Mighty 5 or Big 5 National parks including: Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyon Lands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. Not only are these parks iconic in the National Park System but they each have unique and unreal views and experiences that are truly once in a lifetime. So, if you’re looking to spend a weekend reconnecting with nature and taking in a much simpler lifestyle, Southern Utah is the weekend getaway from Las Vegas for you. Other city like experiences in Southern Utah include Springdale near Zion National Park, St. George, Utah.
If Zion National Park is on your list, check out this first timer’s guide to Zion National Park or click HERE to learn about a Unique Airbnb Tiny House RENTAL near Zion National Park that is great for solo travelers, couples and families. Click HERE to get $65 off your first Airbnb rental.
Southern Utah ranges from a 2 to 4- hour drive from Las Vegas depending on where you choose to vacation.
Sedona, Arizona
One of the most beautiful things about the American west is the red rocks and Sedona, Arizona is famous for having a ton of it. They don’t call it “Red Rock Country” for no reason. The entire city is surrounded by majestic views of towering red rocks and evergreen. Many people travel to Sedona for a balance of outdoor adventure and wellness travel experiences. Take a tour on a popular Sedona Jeep Tour or take it easy for the weekend at a spa or wellness retreat, the options are endless. More popular things to do in Sedona, Arizona is drive the red rock scenic bypass, have dinner with a stunning view, hike to spiritual vortex locations or shop in the town historical arts village.
Visiting Sedona with kids or need suggestions on what to do in a weekend in Sedona? Click HERE to read our guide to how to spend the weekend in Sedona.
Sedona, Arizona is a 4- hour drive from Las Vegas
Tempe, Arizona
Tempe, Arizona is a college town just east of Phoenix and south of Scottsdale. The city is famous for the main campus of Arizona State University and being the longest standing art festivals in the state. Here, visitors can get a classic mix of small town with big city amenities. Coupled with the fact that Tempe is just 7 miles from Phoenix, there is no shortage of things to do and discover. What to do during a long weekend in Tempe? Experience an up and coming culinary scene, enjoy outdoor activities at the Tempe Town lake or one of the many hiking trails in the city, bike the downtown area, shop in Tempe marketplace or explore the campus of ASU. Tempe is just another example of a small town with big city offerings and proximity to other adventures.
Surprisingly, we discovered that Tempe, Arizona has a strong presence of black history and black owned businesses. So, if you are traveling to the area, check out this post to learn where to discover black history and black owned businesses in Tempe, Arizona.
Heading to Tempe? Check out our guide on a three- day weekend in Tempe, Arizona or find out where to stay in Tempe: canopy Tempe review.
Tempe is approximately a 4 ½- Hour drive from Las Vegas
Phoenix, Arizona
The Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area is sprawling with quintessential western city charm. Around every corner, you’ll find something to see and do within a healthy mix of outdoor life and city culture. Unlike Tempe, Phoenix is more of a major metropolitan city and also hosts a major hub International Airport which makes the city extremely accessible to Las Vegas via road trip and/or a quick flight. In Phoenix, you’ll find a hot culinary scene, swanky and eclectic high end hotels and resorts, shopping and nods to the western culture + Sonoran Desert. Some of the best things to do in Phoenix is the Desert Botanical Gardens which is arguable the most beautiful garden in the United States, see your fair share of Saguaro Cacti, take a hot air balloon ride, frolic around downtown or explore by horseback on an Indian Reservation. The opportunities are endless.
Phoenix is also approximately 4 ½- Hour drive from Las Vegas
Anaheim, California
The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Anaheim is Disneyland! Though for good reason, you would be surprised how much there is to do in the city of Anaheim aside from Disney. The city itself was built on entertainment and hospitality. With tons of great food options, hundreds of hotels and resorts and even more attractions; any guest can find something to do during a weekend in Anaheim, California. Plus, its prime location with easy access to Los Angeles and San Diego via the Pacific Coast Highway would make for the road trip of a lifetime. Some of the best things to do in Anaheim include: a plethora of amusement parks from Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney to Lego land, Knott’s Berry Farm and more. Dine at the Anaheim Packing House to try a variety of amazing foods and small shops from around the world or stay at one of the highly- rated hotels and resorts in the area.
Anaheim is approximately a 4 Hour drive from Las Vegas
San Diego, California
San Diego was coined as the most beautiful city in America and for a good reason. This city by the ocean is bursting with history and things to do for any type of traveler from solo to couple and family. San Diego is a sprawling city with a very large metropolitan area and that means a ton of activities to be explored. Not only is it California’s second largest city but it covers 70 miles along the Pacific Ocean and 6 unique beach regions. Though you can explore San Diego during a weekend trip, it could take several weeks to explore all that the city has to offer. San Diego is the best option for a quintessential beach town laid back vacay. There are plenty of beaches to cover, thousands of some of the state’s best restaurants and cuisines, hundreds of resorts and hotels, arts, culture and a twist on Mexican American history. There is truly something available in San Diego for everyone no matter your preferred style of travel, budget or family type. Some of the best things in do in San Diego during a weekend trip are: explore La Jolla and Coronado Beach towns, Watch the sunset on beachside cliffs, surfing and boating, take in history at one of the many museums and historic attractions, visit the Famous San Diego Zoo, take in night life, explore the unique downtown neighborhoods and districts like Little Italy or the Gas Lamp Quarter or even cross the border to Mexico for a day.
For tips on how to spend a long weekend in San Diego or to find out where to stay in San Diego, click HERE.
San Diego is approximately a 5 Hour Drive from Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Learn about the Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas, Find out where the most scenic drives near Las Vegas are located, Discover the best things to do with kids in Las Vegas for cheap and learn all about the best kid friendly hotels in Las Vegas.
