The Strip is spectacular, but it is also loud, crowded and air-conditioned from end to end. A day away from it is a good reset, especially between late nights at shows. You do not have to go far: some of the best escapes are within half an hour.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lies about 15 miles west of Las Vegas and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Its 13-mile one-way scenic drive loops past colorful sandstone cliffs, with pullouts for photos and trailheads for short and longer walks. It is the easiest way to see real desert landscape in a single morning.
- Go early, when the light is soft and the temperatures are lower.
- Check the conservation area's official website for current access arrangements and hours before you set out.
- Carry more water than you think you need, and do not rely on phone signal on trails.
Downtown Las Vegas
The older heart of the city has a different feel from the resort corridor. The Fremont Street Experience canopy, about 1,375 feet long, has run its light show since December 1995. Nearby, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Symphony Park stages Broadway tours, ballet and the Las Vegas Philharmonic. Our guide to Downtown and Fremont Street has more.
Summerlin and a ball game
West of the city, Downtown Summerlin is home to Las Vegas Ballpark, where the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators play. An evening game there is a relaxed, family-friendly outing, and it pairs well with an earlier trip to Red Rock Canyon, which lies in the same direction.
Planning around the desert
Las Vegas gets only about 4.2 inches of rain a year, and summer heat is the main thing to plan for. Average July highs are around 104.5 °F. Schedule outdoor activities for the morning, keep the middle of the day for indoor rest, and read Beating the Desert Heat before any summer outing.
Getting there
Red Rock Canyon and Summerlin are easiest by car or rideshare; downtown is a short ride from the Strip. Our transport guide covers the options. If you want to combine a day out with a show, the Shows section can help you pick something for the evening, and the rest of our Guides cover the practical side.