A Traveler's Guide to Las Vegas

Living in Las Vegas ruined me- and I say that in the best way possible. Vegas is a city like no other with a constant stream of things to do, no matter what you’re interested in. Want to go on a nice hike? Red Rock National Conservation Area is right around the corner. Want to escape the heat? Mt. Charleston is 45 minutes to an hour drive, depending on where you’re living. Want to get away for the weekend with a change of scenery? There’s a whole host of options all under five hours away. Want to go out for an amazing meal? Not only are there countless incredible restaurants on the strip, but there’s also so many underrated places scattered all throughout the valley. Want to go out for just a casual beer? No problem, there’s multiple breweries on brewery row in the Arts District. There’s no way I could ever list out all of the things that Vegas has to offer, but I did gather a list below are some of my top picks after living there throughout all the seasons. I hope you enjoy!

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Hikes 

• Red Rock National Conservation Area
• Calico Tanks Trail
• Ice Box Canyon
• Turtlehead Peak
• Mt Charleston
• Mary Jane Falls
• Cathedral Rock Trail
• Echo Overlook Trail
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area
•  Railroad Tunnels
• Arizona Hot Springs
• Gold Strike Hot Springs
• Valley of Fire State Park
• Fire Wave, White Domes, & Seven Wonders
• Loop
• Lone Mountain ​ 

Weekend/Day Trips

• Channel Islands National Park, CA - 5 hrs
• San Diego, CA - 5 hrs
• Phoenix, AZ - 4.5 hrs
• Horseshoe Bend, AZ - 4.5 hrs (this trip is perfect for combining
• Zion, Page, AZ, and the Grand Canyon in one loop)
• Sedona, AZ - 4.5 hrs
• Los Angeles, CA - 4 hrs
• Flagstaff, AZ - 4 hrs
• Grand Canyon National Park, AZ - 4 hrs
• Bryce Canyon National Park, UT - 4 hs
• Joshua Tree National Park, CA - 3.5 hrs
• Kanab, UT - 3 hrs
• Zion National Park, UT - 2.5 hrs
• Death Valley National Park, CA - 2.5 hrs

Good Eats & Drinks
​One of the best (and worst) things about Vegas is that there is never a lack of good food ordrinks! I will admit- a good majority of places on the strip are amazing, so most of my recommendations are for off the strip locations that are frequented by more locals than visitors.
ON STRIP

• Hell’s Kitchen
• Giada
• Mizumi
• Water Grill
• Chandelier Bar (because of the verbena drink - a secret cocktail)

OFF STRIP

• Amano
• Fox Smokehouse BBQ
• Tacotarian
• Cereal Killerz
• Cafe Lola
• Bagel Cafe
• Kitchen Table
• La Neta Cocina
• 18bin
• Esther’s Kitchen
• SkinnyFATS
•  Tenaya Creek Brewery
• CraftHaus Brewing
• Nevada Brew Works
• Oak & Ivy Whiskey Bar
• Mothership Coffee
• Caffeine Machine

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Written By: Emily Cormier, Travel PT and MedVenturist