When planning Nevada travel, you will discover that there are a wide variety of options for Nevada tourism. At 110, 540 square miles, Nevada is the seventh largest state in the U.S. It is a state of contrasts and contradictions. While being one of the most mountainous states in America, Nevada is also one of the most urban states, with 80% of its population residing in either Las Vegas or Reno. Some people spend their Nevada vacations enjoying the state’s natural environment, while others enjoy the man-made glitz and splendor of Las Vegas. Due to its diversity of geography and culture, Nevada tourism can center on a number of activities. Whether you enjoy the bright lights of the stars or the colored lights of Vegas, your travels in Nevada will never fail to amuse you.

If you decide to travel by road, you will be able to sample the infinite variety of the State of Nevada attractions. Because of the majestic panoramas created by Nevada’s natural landscapes, the state’s official scenic byways make Nevada travel by road an absolute delight. In some cases, the roads themselves are the highlights of Nevada tourism. For example, Angel Lake Road is referred to as the “highway to heaven.” This beautiful road gains several thousand feet of elevation prior to reaching the spectacular Angel Lake. It’s truly a great way to travel Nevada.

Highway 50 in Nevada is known as The Loneliest Road in America. It parallels the Pony Express Trail, which goes from Silver Springs through the farming town of Fallon. Remnants of the original Pony Express Trail can be seen along the way. In his book Blue Highways, William Least Moon states that “for the unhurried, this little- known highway is the best national road across the middle of the United States.”

While historical sites and natural beauty are excellent reasons for Nevada travel, there are also some odd State of Nevada attractions that add to its appeal. These uniquely bizarre places actually attract a significant amount of Nevada tourism. For example, Groom Lake, also known as Area 51 is a secret military facility 90 miles North of Las Vegas. The site was developed in the 1950s for the testing of the U-2 Spy Plane. Of course, the secrecy of the project was the catalyst for a number of UFO conspiracy theories. As a result, the highway that runs near Area 51 is known as The Extraterrestrial Highway. Apparently, it is one of the most “visited” roads in the United States. If you and your significant other are into the Sculley and Mulder thing, a trip down the Extraterrestrial Road might be a fun way to travel Nevada. Stop in at the A-L-Inn Bar, where you can enjoy specialty drinks such as the “Beam Me Up Scotty,” consisting of Jim Beam and 7UP and Scotch.

While the sites that instigated conspiracy theories are fun to visit, keep in mind that some of the State of Nevada’s attractions have an eeriness that stems from natural causes. If you plan to travel Nevada along the Valley of Fire State Park Roadway, you will see purple, white and deep red rock formations. The rocks are particularly luminous during sunrise and sunset, when the light of the sun gives them a fiery red glow. Colored rock formations and petroglyphs are common throughout Nevada. They represent just one of the exciting State of Nevada attractions.

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.