Are you looking for the best road trips from las vegas and weekend getaway ideas? In this article, I share the best drivable destinations from Las Vegas in 6 hours or less. Also, be sure to check out our other Las Vegas articles to help you plan your Las Vegas vacation.
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 road trips from Las Vegas are within a 6- hour drive or less 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 .
Best Road Trips from Las Vegas Las Vegas | Destinations 6 Hours or Less 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 | Road Trip from Las Vegas -1 Hour Drive
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 | Road Trip from Las Vegas- 2 Hours
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. These parks include 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. 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 . Also, click HERE to learn about a Unique Tiny House RENTAL near Zion National Park. Click HERE to book a tiny house near Zion National Park.
Southern Utah ranges from a 2 to 4- hour drive from Las Vegas depending on where you choose to vacation.
Sedona, Arizona | Road Trip from Las Vegas- 4 Hours
One of the most beautiful things about the American west is the red rocks. Luckily, 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.
Things to do in Sedona, Arizona
Adventurers can take a tour on a popular Sedona Jeep Tour . Vacationers looking to take it easy can indulge at a spa or wellness retreat, the options are endless.
Things to do in Sedona, Arizona
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 | Road Trip from Las Vegas- 4 1/2 Hours
Tempe, Arizona is a college town just east of Phoenix and south of Scottsdale.
The city is famous for being the home of the main campus of Arizona State University. Also, being the longest standing art festivals in the state.
Here, visitors can get a classic mix of small town with big city amenities. Tempe is just 7 miles from Phoenix. So, there is no shortage of things to do and discover.
Things to do in Tempe, Arizona
What to do during a long weekend in Tempe? In Tempe, you can Experience an up and coming culinary scene. Outdoor lovers will enjoy outdoor activities. Great places to explore are Tempe Town lake or one of the many hiking trails in the city. Explore the area by biking the downtown area or 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. Click here to find out where to stay in Tempe: canopy Tempe review.
Tempe is approximately a 4 ½- Hour drive from Las Vegas
Phoenix, Arizona | Road Trip from Las Vegas 4 1/2 Hours
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.
Things to do in Phoenix, Arizona
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 | Road Trip from Las Vegas 4 Hours
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.
Things to do in Anaheim, California
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 | Road trip from Las Vegas- 5 Hours
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. an Diego is a city with a very large metropolitan area. 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.
Things to do in San Diego
There are tons of things in do in San Diego during a weekend trip . Some of our favorite things to do are exploring San Diego Neighborhoods. La Jolla, Coronado Island, Point Loma, Gas Lamp Quarter and more. Watching the sunset on stunning beachside cliffs is unique to California. Take up skills like surfing and boating or take in history at one of the many museums and historic attractions.
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.
List of National Parks Near Las Vegas
- Zion National Park (2 Hours)
- Joshua Tree National Park (3 Hours 39 Mins)
- Canyonlands National Park (7 Hours 10 Mins)
- Bryce Canyon National Park ( 4 Hours 33 mins)
- Death Valley National Park ( 2 Hours 30 Mins)
- Arches National Park ( 7 Hours 12 Mins)
- Mojave Notional Preserve (1 Hours 52 mins)
- Yosemite National Park ( 8 Hours 21 Mins)
- Grand Canyon National Park ( 4 Hours)
- Great Basin National Park (4 Hours 38 Mins)
- Capitol Reef National Park ( 5 hours 18 Mins)
- Petrified Forest National Park ( 5 Hours 33 Mins)
- Sequoia National Park ( 6 Hours 12 Mins)
- Kings Canyon National Park ( 6 Hours 47 Mins)
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