Las Vegas has long been a popular tourist destination. Back in the 1950s, people started visiting the city in droves to enjoy its growing number of high-end resorts. Of course, performances by highly sought-after entertainers drew plenty of visitors as well. Then, the city’s many casinos came into play as well, further driving tourism in the area. More than 40 million people came to Las Vegas during the last year for which information is available, and the number has been steadily growing for quite some time. No doubt it’ll continue to be a favored tourist destination long into the future.
Venturing Off the Strip
It’s no secret that millions of people come to Las Vegas for exciting gambling opportunities and dazzling shows. Still, those certainly aren’t the only options in Vegas and the surrounding areas. You’ll find there are plenty of fun things to do off the strip. Nevada offers something for everyone no matter what their interests may be. Take a look at some of the alternative destinations to visit while you’re in Nevada.
National Parks
Numerous national parks dot the landscape in and around Nevada, all of which give visitors a unique glimpse of natural beauty. Across the Nevada border in Southern California is Joshua Tree National Park. This locale offers a wide range of sights to see, including desert landscapes and massive rock formations. It’s also home to the beautiful but somewhat menacing Joshua tree that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Zion National Park, Red Rock National Conservation Area, and Valley of Fire State Park are a few more possibilities, but those barely scratch the surface.
Paranormal Phenomena
If you’re fascinated with ghosts and other paranormal phenomena, Nevada offers quite a few of those as well. Several of Vegas’s famous resorts are reported to be haunted particularly those with mob-related histories. Ghost stories abound at Fox Ridge Park, Hotel Apache, and the Hoover Dam as well. Those who enjoy creepy experiences may also want to visit the Clown Motel and its nearby graveyard. At the same time, you won’t want to miss Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum with its plethora of scary and even downright disturbing exhibits.
Area 51
Few people in America haven’t at least heard of Area 51. It’s extraterrestrial central and a dream destination for alien enthusiasts, conspiracy theorists, and other people throughout the nation. Keep in mind that you can’t exactly tour the grounds and facilities at Area 51. In fact, many visitors report feeling utterly unwelcome there even standing at the gate and gazing inside. Still, many people would welcome the experience just to be able to say they’ve been right there at the brink of all the unusual activity surrounding this infamous locale.