4 Charming Small Towns Near Las Vegas

Las Vegas remains one of the most visited cities in the US and worldwide. It's the entertainment and gambling mecca of the world, with its buzzing nightlife, high-end gambling establishments, and entertaining showgirls and male revues. Surrounding this concrete hub are scenic towns tucked away in the desert.

The charming small towns near Las Vegas are approximately one hour's drive away, making them ideal for a weekend or day trip. Exploring these towns offers a unique vacation and traveling experience that most people visiting Las Vegas miss.

Below are the most exciting small towns close to Las Vegas that should be on your bucket list.

1. Moapa Valley

• Drive from Las Vegas: 1 hour

Tucked away in the desert is an outdoor oasis that has become a popular tranquil weekend gateway from Las Vegas. Moapa Valley features rural communities like Moapa, Overton, and Langole. Apart from being a haven for outdoor adventures, the town is home to the oldest state park in Nevada, the Valley of Fire State Park. The charming small town boasts stunning rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, nature preserves, and historical museums.

Popular Attractions

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

• Address: 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005


• Hours: Open 24 hours


• Phone: (702) 293-8990


• Website: https://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm

Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge

• Address: Moapa, NV 89025


• Hours: Friday to Sunday (6:55 am to 4:30 pm)


• Phone: (775) 725-3417


• Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/moapa-valley

Lost City Museum

• Address: 721 S Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, NV 89040


• Hours: Wednesday to Sunday (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)


• Phone: (702) 397-2193


• Website: https://www.lostcitymuseum.org/

Valley of Fire State Park

• Address: Moapa Valley, NV 89040


• Hours: Open 24 hours


• Phone: (702) 397-2088


• Website: https://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire

Prehistoric Petroglyphs

• Located at the Valley of Fire State Park


• Address: Moapa Valley, NV 89040


• Hours: Open 24 hours


• Phone: (702) 397-2088


• Website: https://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire

2. Mt. Charleston

• Drive from Las Vegas: 42 minutes

The road trip from Las Vegas to Mt. Charleston is short and sweet, taking you to a scenic destination. The small town sits on a 7500-foot elevation in the Spring Mountains, making it one of the best spots for hiking, outdoor picnics, and skiing. It is home to Mt. Charleston, the highest point in Clark County. Once you finish exploring the majestic nature of the town, you can enjoy other popular attractions. The town has an expansive catalog of year-round fun activities for travelers.

Popular Attractions

Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway

• Address: 2525 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124


• Hours: every day (9 am to 4 pm)


• Phone: (702) 872-5486


• Website: https://www.gomtcharleston.com/

Mary Jane Falls Trailhead

• Address: 6-34 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124


• Hours: Open 24 hours


• Phone: (702) 872-5486


• Length: 1.6 mile


• Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/htnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=65574&actid=50

Lee Canyon

• Address: 6725 Lee Canyon Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89124


• Phone: (702) 385-2754


• Website: https://www.leecanyonlv.com/

Robbers Cave State Park

• Address: 2084 NW 146th Rd, Wilburton, OK 74578


• Hours: Sunday to Thursday (8 am to 6 pm), Friday and Saturday (8 am to 8 pm)


• Phone: (918) 465-2562


• Website: https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/robbers-cave-state-park

3. Lake Las Vegas

• Drive from Las Vegas: 30 minutes

Enjoy abundant aquatic activities in the desert at the artificial Lake Las Vegas. The 320-acre artificial lake was constructed in the 1990s and has transformed the town into a major tourist destination. The small community offers abundant activities and amenities you can't find on the Las Vegas Strip. The Mediterranean-style hotel and resort community is surrounded by mountain ranges ideal for year-round outdoor adventures. Additionally, you can indulge in various water sports.

Popular Attractions

Lake Las Vegas Water Sports

• Address: 15 Costa Di Lago Ste, Henderson, NV 89011


• Hours: Monday to Friday (10 am to 5 pm) and weekend (9 am to 5 pm)


• Phone: (702) 600-9860


• Website: https://lakelasvegaswatersports.com/

Reflection Bay Golf Club

• Address: 75 Montelago Blvd, Henderson, NV 89011


• Hours: every day (6 am to 6 pm)


• Phone: (702) 740-4653


• Website: https://www.reflectionbaygolf.com/

Mimi & Coco Bistro

• Address: 40 Costa Di Lago, Henderson, NV 89011


• Hours: Sunday to Thursday (12 pm to 10 pm), Friday and Saturday (12 pm to 10:30 pm)


• Phone: (702) 382-7900


• Website: https://www.mimiandcocollv.com/

The Ponte Vecchio

• Address: Ponte Vecchio, Henderson, NV 89011, USA


• Hours: Open 24 hours

The Village at Lake Las Vegas

• Located in: Viera Private Residence


• Address: 20 Costa Di Lago, Henderson, NV 89011


• Hours: Open 24 hours


• Phone: (702) 330-7925


• Website: https://lakelasvegas.com/lifestyle/the-village/

4. Boulder City

• Drive from Las Vegas:  30 minutes

Boulder City is famously known as the main gateway to the historic Hoover Dam. Away from the limelight of the Hoover Dam, the small town has plenty of activities and attractions for its residents and tourists. Outdoor enthusiasts will be mesmerized by the abundant nature spots, whether you are looking for a relaxing walk, hike, or cycling experience in the wild. The city has about 600 crosswalks, making it easy to navigate the various sections of the town without getting tired. Antique shops in Boulder City offer prime destinations for travelers who love collecting art and antiques.

Popular Attractions

Nevada Southern Railway Museum

• Address: 601 Yucca St, Boulder City, NV 89005


• Hours: Monday to Sunday (9 am to 3:30 pm), but closed on Thursday


• Phone: (702) 486-5952


• Website: https://www.boulderrailroadmuseum.org/

Sherman's House of Antiques

• Address: 1228 Arizona St, Boulder City, NV 89005


• Hours:  every day (10 am to 6 pm)


• Phone: (702) 293-1818


• Website: https://www.shermanshouseofantiques.com/

Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours

• Address: 16880 NV-165, Nelson, NV 89046


• Hours: Monday to Sunday (8 am to 4 pm), but closed on Thursday


• Phone: (702) 291-0026


• Website: https://www.eldoradocanyonminetours.com/index.html

Hoover Dam

• Address: Nevada 89005


• Hours: every day (9 am to 5 pm)


• Phone: (702) 494-2517


• Website: https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

• Address: 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005


• Hours: Open 24 hours


• Phone: (702) 293-8990


• Website: https://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm