Things To Do In Nevada
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.
NEVADA COUNTY HIKING
Bear River Bridge
Bear River, Nevada County
The Bear River forms the southern most border of Nevada County.
At the crossing of Bear River and Hwy 174 is a historic bridge, and there is also a great trail
for hiking there. It is a relatively easy, approximately two mile hike downstream.
There are several smaller trails branching off to the river for swimming, fishing,
or just relaxing. There is plenty of free parking.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport, Nevada County
To Start
Take Hwy. 20 west from Grass Valley towards Marysville.
Turn Right on Pleasant Valley Road and go about 8 miles until you reach the covered bridge.
Parking
Several parking lots are located where Pleasant Valley Road crosses the Yuba River.
Roadside parking is also available.
Hiking Distance
You can hike approximately 1.5 miles downstream (west) or upstream (east).
Downstream meanders along the Yuba River as it flows into the Englebright Reservoir.
Upstream goes along the river, and has some great swimming holes.
Features
Bridgeport is located on the far west side of Nevada County.
The beautiful Yuba River is perfect for winter rafting,
and in the summer there are several great places to swim.
Hiking is great all year long.
The historic covered bridge has been around since 1862,
and the old toll station road can still be seen today.
A lot of items have been preserved, and the entire place is rich with history.
Edward Crossing
Go north on Hwy 20, passed Nevada City. Turn left at Hwy 49.
Not too far up, take a left on North Bloomfield Rd and go about 8 miles
until you reach the river crossing. You can take a tail on either side of the river.
This hike is Easy to Moderate difficulty. Very scenic!
EMPIRE MINE HIKING TRAILS
This 784 acre State Park is close to downtown Grass Valley. The trails are relatively level
and wind through the pine-forested land that was once one of the largest working hardrock mines
in Nevada County. To get there, exit on Hwy 49 at Empire Street. Travel east for about one
mile, and you will arrive at the mine. Park in the main parking lot. There are 3 major trails to hike:
HARDROCK TRAIL - This 2 mile loop passes through the historic mining site.
Mountain bikes and horse back riding are are not permitted on this trail.
OSBORNE HILL TRAIL - This 5 mile loop winds through old mine sites with foundations.
The hike takes you through tall pines and along a year-round creek.
Horseback riding and mountain bikes are permitted on this trail.
UNION HILL TRAIL - This 5 mile loop lets you see old mine sites and the historic pipeline
that brought water to the mines. The whole hike is in a thick pine forest.
Horseback riding and mountain bikes are permitted on this trail.
INDEPENDENCE TRAIL
To Start
Take Hwy. 49 and go 5.5 miles north of Nevada City.
Parking
You can park in turnouts near the trailhead which is located about a half a mile south
of the Yuba River. Warning – Be careful with the traffic on Hwy 49.
Hiking Distance
You can go 2.5 miles downstream (west) or upstream (east).
The west trail offers a 4.3 mile loop along a swimming trail to Jones Bar Road
and then goes back up to Excelsior Canal and back to the start.
Features
There is Wheelchair Accessibility for 1.5 miles in each direction of the trailhead.
This trail follows the path of the Excelsior Canal which was built during the Gold Rush.
You’ll enjoy lots of wildflowers in the Spring.
NEVADA CITY TRAILS
DETAILED MAPS FOR THESE TRAILS CAN BE OBTAINED
FROM THE FOREST SERVICE HEADQUARTERS
AT 631 COYOTE ST, NEVADA CITY, CA, 95959
Augustine Agony Trail
START – Cement Hill Rd to Augustine Rd
Banner Mountain Bike Trail
START – Sacramento St & Freeway
Buckeye Loop Bike Trail
START – Cascade Shores General Store
Champion Mine Trail
START - Miner’s Foundry & Factory St
Deer Creek Trail
START – Nevada City Hwy & Providence Mine Rd
Round Mountain Trail
START – North Bloomfield Road & Rock Creek Road
Travel SHOP
Best links
