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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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