Top Las Vegas Day Trips

There are so many fantastic places you can visit on day trips from Las Vegas, it can be hard to choose which direction to go. Some of the day trips with the highest ratings from previous customers are:

• Grand Canyon West Tour with Hoover Dam Stop and Optional Skywalk
• Half-Day Mojave Desert ATV Tour from Las Vegas
• Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas with Lunch
• Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam Stop and Skywalk Upgrade with Lunch
• 3-Hour Hoover Dam Small Group Mini Tour from Las Vegas

Yes, day trips from Vegas to the Grand Canyon are totally worth it. If you’ve never been to the country’s most famous national park, a guided tour from Sin City is a great way to do it. Many day trips are by coach—so even though it’s a long drive you’ll be able to relax on the way there and back—and there are also helicopter tours of the canyon for a truly spectacular experience.

Las Vegas can seem like a world unto itself, but it’s actually within day-trip range of several cities and towns. The most popular metropolis to visit on a Vegas day trip is Los Angeles, with many tours including places like Santa Monica and Hollywood. With your own wheels, you can also take day trips to Arizona cities like Flagstaff or Sedona.

Vegas is surrounded by national parks and monuments. The Grand Canyon is an extremely popular day trip from Las Vegas, but don’t overlook some of the other gorgeous parks nearby—some of which are even closer than the Grand Canyon: Zion (about two hours away), Bryce Canyon (about four hours), Death Valley (about 2.5 hours), and Joshua Tree (about 3.5 hours).

No, it’s too far away to be a day trip. The drive from Vegas to Lake Tahoe takes more than seven hours one way. Tahoe is a reasonable day trip from the San Francisco Bay area—but if you’re looking for scenic day trips from a home base in Las Vegas, you should consider places like Lake Mead, the Valley of Fire, or even the Grand Canyon.

There is so much going on in Las Vegas that it can be hard to decide on the length of your stay. Spending 3–4 days in the city gives you a chance to see a few shows, do some shopping, take in the main sights along The Strip, and possibly even take a day trip to a nearby park or recreation area. With five or more days, you can think about multiple day trips.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Las Vegas aside from day trips. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Adults-Only Shows
• Wedding Packages
• Helicopter Tours
• Comedy Shows
• Bus Tours

Las Vegas day trip prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Self-Guided Audio Tour
• Boulder City Historic District Self-guided Tour from Las Vegas
• Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas with Lunch
• Award Winning 3-Hour Hoover Dam Small Group Mini Tour from Vegas

Las Vegas day trips visit various destinations, ranging from natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon to unique areas, including Area 51 and Antelope Canyon. Read descriptions carefully as inclusions vary—some trips include meals, entrance fees, or hotel pickup. If you’re traveling with kids or have accessibility needs, double-check age restrictions and physical activity requirements. And it’s best to book in advance as many tours sell out, especially in peak season.

Las Vegas day trips can involve long drives and outdoor sightseeing, so dress comfortably and bring layers—desert temperatures can change quickly. Stay hydrated, pack snacks, and wear sun protection, especially if visiting places such as Death Valley or the Grand Canyon. Choose tours with knowledgeable guides and ask questions along the way. Many tours can be up to 10-15 hours long and run on tight schedules, so be punctual with pickup times.

The best time to book Las Vegas day trips is spring from March to May or fall from September to November, when temperatures are mild and ideal for outdoor sightseeing. Summer can be extremely hot, especially in desert destinations such as the Grand Canyon or Death Valley.