Given the vast variety of Nevada attractions, determining what to do on your Nevada vacation may be a challenge. While much of your vacation preferences will depend on your individual interests, there are a number of things to do in Nevada that should not be missed.

Ski Lake Tahoe

With blue skies, plenty of sunshine and modern chairlifts that carry six people simultaneously, Mount Rose, Lake Tahoe is a skier’s dream! Snowboarders will enjoy showing off their tricks in the parks and pipes. For snow-sliders, this is one of the best things to do in Nevada.

Drive Around Lake Tahoe

Even if you are not a skier or snowboarder, you will enjoy the 72-mile drive around Lake Tahoe, which is one of the most popular Nevada attractions. Mark Twain referred to the Lake Tahoe area as a place where the air is so pure that the angels breathe it.

Visit Las Vegas

Come on! You know you want to! Even if you are not a gambler, a visit to “Sin City” is one of the most essential things to do in Nevada. The bright lights are beckoning. Surrender to the call of the showgirls. Las Vegas awaits you. Visiting Las Vegas is one of those uniquely Nevada things to do.

Cruise Lake Mead Nevada

You will love the Lake Mead Desert Princess Cruises! This authentic, three-level Mississippi-style paddle wheeler will transport you back to the Old South. For an afternoon of romance, enjoy the Lake Mead Champaign Brunch Cruise! This is one of the most romantic Nevada attractions.

Splash Around Sparks Wild Island Water Park

In the summertime, you will enjoy the cool fun at Sparks Wild Island Water Park. The whole family will have a blast on the various water slides. Later, enjoy a game of miniature golf. Playing around in Sparks is definitely one of the coolest Nevada things to do.

Discover the Wild, Wild West in Bonnie Springs, Old Nevada

Bonnie Springs, Old Nevada is a replica of an 1880s mining town. For history buffs, this is one of the most popular Nevada attractions. The saloons, stagecoaches, cowboys and cowgirls help set the scene as you are transported back in time to the old west. Watch the street gunfights, participate in a hanging and visit the Boot Hill Cemetery. You can even get married in the Bonnie Springs Chapel. Kids and kids at heart will love the petting zoo!

Have an Adventure at the Wilbur D. May Center

A visit to the Wilbur D. May Center is a unique experience. Visitors can view rare and exotic artifacts at the center’s museum. The Arboretum at the Wilbur D. May Center is considered a living museum. Because of its location in a transitional zone between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Great Basin Desert, it faces the challenge of a rugged climate. With an elevation of 4,600 feet and an average daily temperature of 50 degrees, the Arboretum is the perfect environment for conducting research about botanical life in a high desert environment.

At the Great Basin Adventure at the Wilbur D. May Center you can pet live animals, ride a pony or experience the thrill of the Great Flume Ride.

Relax at the Carson City Hot Springs Resort

Hot tub, schmot tub! At Carson City, natural mineral water flows from the ground at 121 degrees. The history of Carson Springs dates back to 1849, when Indians and settlers enjoyed their healing powers. This is one of the “hottest” Nevada attractions.

Ride the Heavenly Aerial Tram

A five minute tram ride ascends to an altitude of 8,250 feet while you enjoy spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. Hiking, nature walks and Top of the Tram dining are also available.

Visit Virginia City

In the 1860s, a large vein of silver was found in Virginia City. This discovery was known as the Comstock Lode. Today, the town is one major tourist attraction Nevada has. Fans of Mark Twain will enjoy visiting the town where he wrote Territorial Enterprise, which was a memoir of his journalism career in Nevada. A visit to Virginia City is yet another one of the distinctly Nevada things to do.

Whether you are a casual hiker in search of a leisurely walk or a serious hiker looking for a challenging trek, Nevada’s trails offer thousands of miles of hikes with amazing surroundings and scenery. Everything from desert to lush meadows, mountains to valleys and rivers to lakes, Nevada has a trail for you.With acres of pine trees and snow-capped peaks, hikers in northern Nevada will find mountain lakes, creeks and canyons to explore. The Tahoe Rim Trail provides 165 miles of breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe while Spooner Lake offers 2 miles round trip with routes that lead to Marlette Lake and the Flume Trail. The Mount Rose Wilderness Area, just a quick drive from Reno, offers intermediate and advanced trails such as the Mount Rose Summit Trail, the Jones-Whites Creek Loop Trail, the Whites & Thomas Creek Canyons and Hunter Creek.

Your visit to rural Nevada should include a trip to Great Basin National Park just outside of Baker where you can hike over 60 miles of trails such as the Bristlecone-Glacier Trail and Baker Lake Trail. Other great hikes include the Mount Moriah Wilderness, which is home to Nevada’s 5th highest peak, Table Mountain Wilderness just north of Tonopah and the Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness north of Winnemucca.

During your stay in Las Vegas head out to a number of southern Nevada desert trails. Explore the awe-inspiring red sandstone at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the miles of trails at the Mount Charleston Wilderness or the petroglyphs on the Mouse’s Tank trail at Valley of Fire State Park.

Hiking Nevada is always a beautiful experience, especially in the fall as the vibrant autumn foliage is spectacular. With stunning scenery and varied terrain awaiting you, follow the trail to Nevada.