9 of the Best Weekend Getaways from Las Vegas

You don’t have to venture far from the Las Vegas Strip to enjoy the great outdoors. One of the best short trips from Las Vegas—Lake Mead National Recreation Area—is only about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of the city.

Popular activities on the lake include waterskiing and boating, and there are plenty of hiking areas for days when the weather is a bit too cool for water sports. And while Lake Mead remains a favorite day trip destination from Las Vegas, we like it for an overnight stay too, given that there are plenty of camping areas and hotels for those who want to linger for a long weekend.

The Grand Canyon National Park is a bucket-list destination for many travelers, and the West Rim is close enough to Sin City to make a jaunt to the geological wonder one of the top weekend trips from Las Vegas. Crunched for time? You can visit on a day trip from Las Vegas, many of which stop at Hoover Dam along the way, or splurge for a helicopter tour that will give you a bird’s-eye view of the famed canyon. However, spending the weekend there will give you more time for all the best activities in the area.

Related: 2 Days in Grand Canyon National Park for First Timers

Utah’s famous Zion National Park makes for a scenic getaway from Las Vegas, and it’s only about a 2-hour drive from Sin City. This gorgeous park is particularly known for its wild rock formations and challenging hiking opportunities.

Daring travelers can hike to the top of Angels Landing or wade through the sandstone-flanked Virgin River in The Narrows. For something a little less adventurous but equally enchanting, take a spin along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive or see the park on a day tour.

Related: 9 of the Top Hiking Trails in Zion National Park

Many visitors to Zion also make a stop at Bryce Canyon National Park, which is among the best Las Vegas weekend destinations for nature lovers. It's a great place for hiking and camping, and photographers flock to the area to get shots of the characteristic sandstone hoodoos—magnificent spires caused by erosion—that dot the park’s arid landscape. While you can visit on a day trip, it’s worth staying the night, particularly if you’re fond of stargazing.

Death Valley National Park is a great nearby getaway from Las Vegas, particularly if you visit during the winter months (summers can be brutal). This massive park is spread out over roughly 3.4 million acres (1.4 million hectares) on the Nevada-California border and is easy to get to from Vegas, whether on a day trip or for an overnight adventure.

Most of the things to do in Death Valley National Park revolve around geological sightseeing, including taking in views of salt flats from Zabriskie Point and descending to Badwater Basin, the lowest place in North America.

Situated on the Utah-Arizona border, Page is an excellent Las Vegas weekend escape destination, especially for lovers of the great outdoors. Its biggest claims to fame include Lake Powell, a massive reservoir featuring azure water flanked by pretty beaches that draw in swimmers looking to cool off, especially during the sweltering summer months. Page is also the jumping-off point for guided tours of Antelope Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon made of beautiful rock formations in hues of pink and orange.

Related: Know Before You Go: Visiting Antelope Canyon

About a 4-hour drive from Vegas, Sedona is equally known for its new-age vibes as it is for its beautiful scenery. Many visitors believe that the lands here are dotted with energy vortexes and visit for wellness retreats, meditation, and peaceful reflection. It’s also a great place for hiking and mountain biking, with trails suited to visitors of differing abilities (beginners should consider a guided Sedona hiking tour). For a particularly invigorating activity, make the short but steep trek up to the top of Cathedral Rock.

Los Angeles is an ideal destination for a weekend vacation from Las Vegas, particularly if you’re more into city lights than the great outdoors ... and are willing to tackle the 4-hour drive. Spend your time checking out the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or take in the ocean breeze at the Santa Monica Beach and Pier. If you’re fond of outdoor recreation, head over to Griffith Park and hike up to the Griffith Observatory or the Hollywood Sign.

Insider tip: The city is sprawling, so in lieu of fighting traffic by car, consider a bus tour to see it all.

If you don't mind spending a bit of time at the wheel, you can make it to San Diego in around 6 hours, depending on traffic. This pretty SoCal city is a bit less hectic than Los Angeles but still offers easy access to the beach and plenty of great attractions. Families won't want to miss the gargantuan San Diego Zoo, while fans of history and architecture are sure to enjoy the lush scenery and Spanish-style structures at Balboa Park.

Related: Visiting San Diego for the First Time? Here's What To See and Do