Vegas baby! For many, a trip to Sin City is simply slot machines, video poker, and getting stuffed at all you can eat buffets. But if Lady Luck isn’t on your side, or you’re just looking for an adventure away from the strip, Las Vegas is a great starting point for a road trip. Whether it’s a quick day trip or a longer outing to San Diego or Arizona, Las Vegas is perfectly positioned to give you some amazing experiences. Ready to plan your route? Here are the 10 best Las Vegas road trips you can take.
- The Hoover Dam
- Lake Mead
- Death Valley
- Grand Canyon
- Los Angeles
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Phoenix
- Palm Springs
- Zion National Park
- Lake Havasu
- Other long road trips from Las Vegas
1. The Hoover Dam, NV
Considered one of the greatest engineering achievements in human history, the Hoover Dam still draws in thousands of tourists a day. Built in the 1930s, the dam towers of the Colorado River, offering spectacular views from a dizzying 900 feet.
Sixt Pro Tip:
It’s also worth checking out the nearby town of Boulder City, which caters to visitors with zip lining, four wheeling and brewery tours at Boulder Dam Brewing Co. Enjoy the ride even more in a Ford Mustang convertible.
Sixt Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SIXT LAS VEGAS: 35 miles; a 45-minute drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
2. Lake Mead
Take a short drive east of Las Vegas to a “lake” that is actually a reservoir that was formed when the Hoover Dam was built. Lake Mead is the closest body of water to Vegas and a great place to go swimming, boating and jet skiing.
Sixt Pro Tip:
Entrance fees are $25 per vehicle and are valid for a week. But if you think you’ll be back again, it might make sense to get the annual pass for $40. If you need a rental, an SUV can carry all your outdoor gear.
Sixt Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SIXT LAS VEGAS: 31 miles; a 51-minute drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls on the route.
3. Death Valley, CA
With the highest recorded temperature in history at 134 degrees, Death Valley deserves its ominous name. But if you can stand the heat, Death Valley offers some of the most spectacular and dramatic scenery in the southwest. Dunes, salt flats, mountains, ancient trails, prehistoric rock formations and the lowest-elevation lake in North America.
Sixt Pro Tip:
Surviving the heat doesn’t always look stylish. Wear a dorky expedition hat, and slather on the sunblock; you’ll thank us later. You may also want to consider a premium car with ice-cold air conditioning, like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Sixt Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SIXT LAS VEGAS: 123 miles; a 2.5-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
4. Grand Canyon, AZ
You’ll go through a few playlists getting to the Grand Canyon, but we promise it lives up to the hype. Grand Canyon National Park is a hugely popular destination for hiking, donkey rides and whitewater rafting and other outdoor activities, and is well worth the tank of gas to get there and back.
Sixt Pro Tip:
The most epic views are found at the South Rim of the canyon, but if you’re feeling adventurous, drive to the west rim where the Hualapai Tribe operates the famous skywalk. And why not rent a Ford Mustang convertible to enjoy 360-degree views?
Sixt Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SIXT LAS VEGAS: 271 miles; a 4-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
5. Los Angeles, CA
If you’re looking for a road trip with a variety of scenery, start driving southwest on Interstate 15 and don’t stop until you hit Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. There’s something for everyone in LA, including too many amazing food trucks to try in just a day, so make a weekend of it.
Sixt Pro Tip:
Looking to heat things up? Make a pitstop in Baker and check out the world’s largest thermometer. And since you’re heading the stars’ way, you’ll need an all-star to blend in. Treat yourself to a Jaguar F-Type Convertible. You can also choose a one-way rental car from Vegas to LA from SIXT.
Sixt Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SIXT LAS VEGAS: 262 miles; a 4-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
6. Joshua Tree National Park, CA
See a different kind of desert landscape with a road trip to Joshua Tree on I-15 from Las Vegas. Many people head to the park for hiking through the rugged rock formations and distinctive Joshua trees. It’s also an excellent spot for stargazing, rock climbing and camping. Just be sure to be prepared for the weather, which can be very hot or cold depending on the time of year and day.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Make sure to come prepared for your visit to Joshua Tree. There is no drinkable water available in the park, so bring plenty with you. This is the desert after all! Also plan to come early to avoid crowds and snag a parking spot, especially if you are visiting in spring, fall or winter.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM LAS VEGAS: 187 miles; a 3 hr 15 min drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
7. Phoenix, AZ
Go for a longer drive and spend some time in Phoenix. You can take US Highway 93 S all the way from Las Vegas to Phoenix, and pass through some interesting towns and desert landscape along the way.
SIXT Pro Tip:
You can drive on a stretch of the famous Route 66 as you pass through Kingman, Arizona. You can even visit the Route 66 Museum here. If you or your kids are into trains, there is the Kingman Railroad Museum and Locomotive Park, which are a nod to the city’s past as a railway hub.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM LAS VEGAS: 300 miles; a 5-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
8. Palm Springs, CA
Make the 4-hour drive to the desert oasis of Palm Springs. The city is popular for its golf courses, spas and setting at the foot of rugged mountains. While you can fill your time with outdoor activities like hiking in the neighboring Coachella Valley, you can also just relax and shop in the many boutiques.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Architecture fans will delight in driving around the city and seeing all of the midcentury-modern houses and buildings. You can stay in a midcentury-modern hotel or resort, or just drive around the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood where more than 300 homes were built in this architectural style in the 1950s.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM LAS VEGAS: 233 miles; a 4-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
9. Zion National Park, UT
In less than 3 hours you can be in one of the most popular national parks in the US. Take I-15 to the northeast and either do a straight drive or stop in other popular spots like the Grand Canyon along the way. Just be sure to fill up on gas before leaving Las Vegas because you won’t hit many towns until crossing into Utah.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Take a little side trip south on Highway 167 to Valley of Fire State Park. You can see the amazing rock formations that contribute to the park’s name, and just enjoy the scenery before continuing to Zion.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM LAS VEGAS: 158 miles; a 2 hr 45 min drive
TOLLS: When you get to Utah State Route 9, called the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, you will have to pay an entrance fee to Zion National Park. It costs $25.00 for a 7-day pass.
10. Lake Havasu, AZ
Drive south on Highway 95 to the California/Arizona border to relax at Lake Havasu. Like Lake Mead, Lake Havasu is also a reservoir formed by a dam on the Colorado River. It has beaches to relax on while you enjoy the mountain view.
SIXT Pro Tip:
You don’t need to go across the pond to see a landmark of England. The exterior part of London Bridge was relocated to Lake Havasu in the late 1960s and now spans the Colorado River rather than the River Thames, linking the mainland of Lake Havasu City to an island.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM LAS VEGAS: 153 miles; a 2 hr 30 min drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
11. Other long road trips from Las Vegas
