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11-Day Explorer's Guide to Nevada's Hidden Gems

Viewed by 94 travelers

Day 1: Vibrant Las Vegas

Las Vegas, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Egg & I

Start your day with an iconic breakfast at The Egg & I, known for its delightful omelettes and fresh pastries.
Located in East Las Vegas.
USD20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore The Strip

Stroll down the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, admiring the extravagant hotels and attractions.
Walk along Las Vegas Boulevard.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Rio Mexican Grill

Enjoy a fresh and flavorful lunch with delicious Mexican flavors at Cafe Rio.
Located a short drive from The Strip.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Neon Museum

Discover the history of Las Vegas through its historic neon signs at this open-air museum.
Located north of the Strip.
USD20, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Buffet at Bellagio

Indulge in a variety of gourmet dishes at the famous Bellagio Buffet.
Located on The Strip at the Bellagio.
USD50, 2 hours

8:00PM

Fountain Show at Bellagio

End your day watching the mesmerizing fountain show at Bellagio, a true Las Vegas experience.
Outside the Bellagio.
Free, 30 minutes
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Day 2: Red Rock Adventure

Red Rock Canyon, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blueberry Hill

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at Blueberry Hill known for its pancakes.
Located west of The Strip.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike at Red Rock Canyon

Spend the morning hiking through stunning landscapes and red rock formations at Red Rock Canyon.
Take a 30-minute drive west from Las Vegas to the park.
USD15 (Parking Fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Crossroads

Savor an ample selection of sandwiches and salads at The Crossroads Café nearby.
Head back to Las Vegas (30 minutes).
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Enjoy an educational afternoon exploring exhibits featuring dinosaurs and natural history.
Located in downtown Las Vegas.
USD12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Lotus of Siam

Enjoy award-winning Thai cuisine at Lotus of Siam, a local favorite.
Short drive from the museum.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Red Rock Canyon

Day 3: Hoover Dam Discovery

Hoover Dam, USA

7:30AM

Breakfast at Denny's

Kick off your day with a classic American breakfast at Denny's.
Located near your hotel.
USD12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Tour Hoover Dam

Discover the impressive engineering feat of Hoover Dam with a guided tour.
Drive 45 minutes southeast from Las Vegas.
USD30, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Dam Grill

Take a break and enjoy a picturesque lunch at The Dam Grill with stunning views of the dam.
Located at the Hoover Dam.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Lake Mead

Spend the afternoon relaxing or hiking around the beautiful Lake Mead area.
Nearby the Hoover Dam.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Olive Garden

Enjoy comforting Italian dishes at Olive Garden after your day of exploration.
Drive back towards Boulder City.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Charming Boulder City

Boulder City, USA

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Cup

Delight in fresh coffee and a hearty breakfast at The Coffee Cup in Boulder City.
Conveniently located in the center of Boulder City.
USD15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Boulder City Historic District

Stroll through the charming historic district with shops and local art galleries.
Walking distance in Boulder City.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bumblebee's Baja Grill

Treat yourself to fresh seafood and tacos at Bumblebee's, a local hotspot.
A short walk from the historic district.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Hoover Dam Museum

Learn more about the history of the Hoover Dam at this informative museum.
Located nearby in Boulder City.
USD5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Railroad Tunnel Trail

Take a scenic hike along the historic railway tunnels with stunning views of the Colorado River.
Trailhead located near Hoover Dam.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Steakhouse at The Elks Lodge

Savor delicious steaks in a warm, friendly atmosphere at The Steakhouse.
Located in Boulder City.
USD40, 2 hours
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Day 5: Death Valley Exploration

Death Valley, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel to get an early start.
Hotel in Boulder City.
Free, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Drive to Death Valley National Park

Travel to the surreal landscapes of Death Valley, a 2-hour drive from Boulder City.
Take US-95 N.
USD15 (Entrance Fee), 2 hours

10:30AM

Dante's View

Marvel at panoramic views of the park from the overlook at Dante’s View.
Drive up the mountain road.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The 49er Cafe

Enjoy a hearty lunch at this cafe amidst the dramatic landscape.
Located inside Death Valley.
USD25, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Badwater Basin

Walk to the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin salt flats.
Short drive within the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Zabriskie Point

Check out the stunning badlands and colorful hills of Zabriskie Point.
A 30-minute drive from Badwater Basin.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Ranch at Death Valley

Experience the unique dining options available at The Ranch inside the park.
Located within the park.
USD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Death Valley

Day 6: Desert Oasis in Furnace Creek

Furnace Creek, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Ranch

Start your day with a convenient breakfast at The Ranch, full of energy before you hit the trails.
Located within the park.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Furnace Creek Visitor Center

Learn about the desert ecosystem and grab maps for your adventures.
Nearby the Ranch.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Golden Canyon

Embark on a hike through the colorful Golden Canyon trail.
Drive to trailhead (15 minutes).
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Furnace Creek Ranch

Grab a quick lunch back near the Ranch after your hike.
Return to the Ranch.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Borax Museum

Discover fascinating information about the history of mining in Death Valley at the Borax Museum.
Located next to the visitor center.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at the Furnace Creek Pool

Unwind in the relaxing oasis pool at Furnace Creek after an active day.
At Furnace Creek Ranch.
USD10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The 49er Cafe

Enjoy your final dinner at Death Valley’s quaint cafe, surrounded by desert views.
Conveniently located.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Furnace Creek

Day 7: Art of the Ghost Town

Rhyolite Ghost Town, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Ranch

Have a quick breakfast at your accommodation before hitting the road.
Located within Furnace Creek.
USD15, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Drive to Rhyolite Ghost Town

Take a 30-minute drive to the historic ghost town of Rhyolite.
Follow NV-374 E.
Free, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Explore Rhyolite

Walk through the remnants of this fascinating ghost town and its art installations.
Explore on foot.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Drive to Beatty

Proceed to the nearby town of Beatty for a bite to eat.
A short 20-minute drive.
Free, 20 minutes

11:00AM

Lunch at The Happy Burro

Dig into a delicious burger and fries at this casual diner.
Located in Beatty.
USD15, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Goldwell Open Air Museum

Explore this intriguing outdoor art exhibit located next to Rhyolite.
Return to Rhyolite.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Ely

Travel to Ely, the next destination, for an afternoon of exploration.
Drive approximately 2 hours northeast along NV-318 N.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Check into Hotel in Ely

Settle in at your hotel in Ely before heading out for dinner.
Located in downtown Ely.
USD100, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at La Fiesta

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at La Fiesta to end your day.
Close to your hotel.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rhyolite Ghost Town

Day 8: Discover Ely

Ely, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Station

Start your day at The Coffee Station with fresh brews and pastries.
Located near your hotel.
USD12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Nevada Northern Railway Museum

Learn about the history of railroading in Nevada by visiting this informative museum.
A short drive from downtown Ely.
USD10, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Tour Las Vegas Ghosts and Legends

Explore downtown Ely, looking for tales of the old west and learning about local lore.
Walking tour around downtown.
USD15, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Grill

Head to The Grill for homemade comfort food in a cozy atmosphere.
Located nearby.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Great Basin National Park

Spend the afternoon hiking and exploring the stunning landscapes at Great Basin.
Drive approximately 1.5 hours to the park.
USD20 (Entrance Fee), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at McGill's Restaurant

Savor great American cuisine at McGill's to relax after a long day.
Return drive to Ely.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Great Basin Wonders

Great Basin National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before heading out on your adventure.
Hotel in Ely.
Free, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Drive to Great Basin National Park

Travel just a short distance back to Great Basin for the day’s activities.
A 30-minute drive.
Free, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Lehman Caves

Explore the stunning marble caves with guided tours of ancient stalactites and stalagmites.
Located within the park.
USD15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hike to Stella Lake

Take a scenic hike to Stella Lake for breathtaking views of the alpine lake.
Trailhead close to the caves.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Your Picnic

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the beautiful natural scenery.
At a scenic spot in the park.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Drive to Baker

Take a short drive to the town of Baker to explore some local sights.
A 30-minute drive.
Free, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Explore Baker Museum

Visit the charming local museum that gives insight into the history of the area.
Located in Baker.
USD5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Bristlecone Restaurant

End your day with delicious family-style dining at The Bristlecone.
Located in Baker.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Great Basin National Park

Day 10: Journey to Reno

Reno, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before the road trip.
Your hotel in Ely.
Free, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Drive to Reno

Travel approximately 4 hours to Reno, the biggest little city in the world.
Take US-6 W to I-80 W.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Campo

Upon arriving in Reno, enjoy lunch at Campo, known for its farm-to-table approach.
In downtown Reno.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Nevada Museum of Art

Spend the afternoon exploring fantastic art exhibitions in this beautiful museum.
Located near downtown Reno.
USD10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Melting Pot

Enjoy a fun fondue dining experience at The Melting Pot.
Short drive from the museum.
USD40, 2 hours

8:00PM

Casinos in Reno

Try your luck at the renowned casinos or enjoy a show to wrap up your Nevada journey.
Casinos downtown.
Variable, 3 hours
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Day 11: Farewell Nevada

Reno, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Peg's Glorified Ham and Eggs

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this popular spot known for its homestyle dishes.
Located in Reno.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Virginia City

Take a scenic drive to Virginia City, a historic mining town with plenty to discover.
About 30 minutes from Reno.
USD15 (Parking Fee), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Red Dog Saloon

Dine at an old-time restaurant and saloon to immerse yourself in the historic vibe.
Located in Virginia City.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Virginia City's Main Street

Wander down the famous Main Street, filled with shops and historic buildings.
Walking tour around Main Street.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Drive back to Reno

Head back to Reno for your flight or onward journey.
Drive back to Reno (30 minutes).
Free, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Departure from Reno

Bid farewell to Nevada with cherished memories from your adventure.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
Variable, Variable
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