There's so much to do and see in Las Vegas; most people plan their trip to the world's entertainment capital without thinking of taking a day trip. While you can certainly have a lot of fun in Vegas without ever leaving the city limits, there's a lot to see and do beyond the glitz and glam the casinos offer. From natural parks to manmade treasures, if you have time, exploring the area outside of the city's main tourist attractions is worth it. 

The strip comes to mind when most people think of Las Vegas, and they wouldn't be wrong; exploring the famous street is one of the best things about visiting the city. However, if you're staying in Las Vegas for more than a couple of days, it's worth considering taking a road trip to a nearby destination. Since costs can add up quickly in Las Vegas, visiting the city on a budget is a great way to minimize expenses. You can use whatever you have leftover to check out some of the beautiful destinations not far from the city. 

Hoover Dam

In just a 40 minute drive from the bright lights and attractions of Las Vegas, you can arrive at one of the most impressive industrial wonders of the world. The Hoover Dam is a huge concrete structure that straddles the Arizona and Nevada border along the Colorado River. Thousands of workers built the dam between 1931 and 1936, and it has become a symbol of the hard work and perseverance of American workers. You can do many things while visiting the site, including taking a tour of the power plant, going on a guided dam tour, Kayaking the dam, and more. 

Grand Canyon National Park

You'll have to drive four hours to get to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, but it's definitely worth the trip. The Grand Canyon is widely considered one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and looking out at it, you'll understand why. The park is located in Northern Arizona and is one of the most popular tourist spots in the world. While you're there, you can walk out to the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk and walk around the park to get spectacular views from about the canyon's rim. You'll need more than a day if you plan to hike or take a mule to the bottom of the canyon. However, it's so close to Las Vegas that it's worth carving out some extra time to visit.

Red Rock Canyon

  

If you don't have time to drive to the Grand Canyon, consider taking a day trip to Red Rock Canyon instead. The park is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Las Vegas and is Nevada's first National Conservation Area. The canyon boasts spectacular views, and while you're there, you can participate in many outdoor activities, including horseback riding, rock climbing, biking, hiking, and more. If you prefer to see the canyon from your car, you can drive the scenic 13-mile road that winds its way through the park, where you'll see desert plants and animals up close. 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Although large bodies of water aren't what come to mind when most people think of Las Vegas, the city is only a 30-minute drive from one of the world's largest manmade lakes. So, if you need an escape from the desert heat, taking a day trip to Lake Mead will give you some much-needed waterfront fun. While you're there, you can explore the surrounding area, home to thousands of species of desert plants and animals. 

Red rock cliffs surround the lake, adding to the area's natural beauty. While you're there, you can go kayaking, canoeing, finishing, boating, or hiking. If you have time, you can camp overnight at the park as well. The park is a popular destination for all types of water sports, with sport fishing being a favorite. Lake Mead is an oasis in the desert, making it a top getaway for visitors to Las Vegas.

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