Luxury Outdoor Experience Itinerary
Veni, vidi, vici–you came, you saw, and you’ve probably conquered all the most popular things to do in Las Vegas, whether it’s cruising the Strip, gambling, partying, or eating at buffets. But what if you could enjoy all that and also explore the off-road, unseen thrills of Las Vegas? This 3-day around Las Vegas itinerary dives into just that, keeping the luxury, comfort and glamor of the Strip while also showing off the unique side of Vegas you might not have seen in the movies.
Best times to visit Las Vegas
Las Vegas is located in the Nevada desert, making it one of the hottest places to be, especially in the summer. It’s best to plan ahead for June to August trips if heat is an issue.
The best times to visit Las Vegas are around Spring (March to May) and Fall to early Winter (September to November). September to November is considered some of the busiest times to visit, so you can consider visiting in spring to keep things slow and steady
A quick 3-days around Las Vegas, here’s the itinerary ...
When starting your trip to Las Vegas, it’s worth considering booking a private photo tour if you want to find some of the best shots in the city.
Circa Las Vegas is also a great spot to check in for part of this journey–it’s located right on downtown Fremont Street and is a short drive to most of the city and surrounding hot spots.
Day 1: The Outskirts of Las Vegas
Morning to Noon
The Pink Electric Boat, Lake Las Vegas
Enjoy a Barbie Dreamboat experience to kick off your Las Vegas thrills! This bright flamingo-colored boat is as chic as it is cheery, making it a perfect way to celebrate special occasions with friends or party fellows.
There are 3 to 4-hour rental options for booking online, which you can find here. It can also hold up to 9 people, which is just the right number for bachelorette parties or other celebrations.
Afternoon
Lunch at Pioneer Saloon
While you’re heading out of Lake Las Vegas, drive down to Goodsprings and stop by Pioneer Saloon for lunch! You’ll get all the joys of good beer and mouthwatering BBQ in a historic landmark: Southern Nevada’s oldest bar.
The Pioneer Saloon is iconic in both history and pop culture for all sorts of myths, happenings, and shootings (both filming and literal gun-happy incidents). You’ll probably recognize the place as the Fallout series’ primary location, along with other productions like ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’.
The Saloon also has its own share of mysterious and tragic incidents in the past. For example, you can still find the gunshots on the tin wall where an old miner was shot down over a deadly card game, and sit in the same seats where famous actor Clark Gable waited for search parties to discover the remains of his wife after a deadly plane crash on nearby Mt. Potosi.
Seven Magic Mountains
Before continuing on, take a quick stop at Seven Magic Mountains near the Jean, Nevada exit off of I-15. You’ll have probably seen them from a distance, seeing how vibrant they are, but they’re especially impressive up close. This art piece showcases seven ‘magic mountains’ made of vibrantly colored boulders, painted with a day-glo coat that keeps them shimmering even in the evening. Definitely a must-see stop.
Sunset Views: Valley of Fire
Just before evening, start heading to the Valley of Fire State Park for some of the most stunning views of the sunset this side of Nevada.
If you’re open to a moderately challenging hike, you can check out Duck Rock Viewpoint or the Fire Wave to find some of the most stunning views of the Valley during sunset. However, just taking the Scenic Byway and admiring the view from Mouse’s Tank is enough for an unforgettable 3 days in Las Vegas itinerary. Check for seasonal trail closures.
Evening
Dinner at Barry’s
If you’re staying at or near Circa Las Vegas, check out Barry’s Downtown Prime Steakhouse for dinner plans this evening. The restaurant prides itself on bringing an old-fashioned Vegas steakhouse charm to the modern city scene.
Legacy Club at Circa
To cap off your night, check out the Legacy Club rooftop cocktail experience at Circa for some real celebration! It has absolutely breathtaking views of the Las Vegas skyline and amazing decor, along with delicious drinks that’ll last you well into midnight.
Day 2: Boulder City Adventures
Just a short drive from Las Vegas, Boulder City is one of the most majestic and underrated detours near Las Vegas. Get up earlier and take a road trip to some of the wildest scenery this side of the West.
Morning
Drive to Boulder City
From downtown, you can drive to Boulder City in roughly 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions at the time.
Grab breakfast at Restaurant 1933 in Boulder City
Getting ready for the day’s adventures? Pick up some coffee and eggs in Restaurant 1933, a fine establishment in the historic Boulder Dam Hotel. It has a great retro menu, and it’s open from Monday through Thursday at 8 AM-2 PM and Friday through Saturday at 8 AM-3 PM.
Noon to Afternoon
Take a kayak tour through Willow Beach and Emerald Cave
Kayaking near and around Las Vegas is one of the most thrilling and under-explored parts of the territory, and definitely something you won’t find in an usual Las Vegas itinerary.
Luckily, the Evolution Expeditions makes kayaking around the region convenient and an unforgettable weekend experience. They also offer a pick up if you don’t have a car with you. Though, we highly recommend renting one and making it a day trip to this area.
This kayaking expedition goes through the breathtaking Emerald Cave, launching from the Willow Beach Marina and meandering through the Colorado River’s glittering green waters. Paddle under gorgeous volcanic alcoves, hike through historic landscapes off the water, and have a lovely lunch by the beach–all in just four hours!
Check out the Bighorn Sheep at Hemenway Park
Hopping off the waters, stroll back through Boulder to visit the soothing Hemenway Park. The majestic Bighorn Sheep frequently come down and graze along the park’s gazebos and softball pits, making it a real curiosity for visitors.
Evening
Dinner at Bar Boheme, Las Vegas
After taking the drive back to Las Vegas, settle back into the city scenery with one of the most eccentric restaurants in town. Bar Boheme is named after the Bohemian culture that drove 19th-century European artistry, and you’ll find that same culture lounging in the decor and sprinkled in every authentic French cuisine at this establishment.
Day 3: Glamping Extravaganza
Finishing off our 3 days in Las Vegas itinerary, the most surprising but fitting way to end a trip in the Entertainment Capital of the World is with a good look at its starry night. And you don’t need to rough it in the desert to enjoy the Nevada night–the glamping experiences near the Strip are a perfect way to enjoy the luxuries and comforts of Las Vegas while admiring its unseen outdoor wonders.
Morning to Noon
Breakfast at Saginaw’s Delicatessen Sandwich
While checking out of Circa on your last day, take a quick stop by Saginaw’s for breakfast. They’ve got the biggest sandwiches you’ll see in Vegas for great deals and with delicious toppings. They’re also open 24/7 daily!
Drive out to Nelson, Nevada
The southern regions of Las Vegas have some of the best outdoor recreational spots for stargazing, located well off the beaten track. Consider looking for 4×4 vehicles before heading out, as the roads can be rough on regular vehicles.
Vegas Jeep Tours offers some of the toughest and most convenient 4×4 Jeep rentals built for the great unknown outside of the Strip. Definitely consider picking up a Jeep there if you’re looking for one!
Noon to Afternoon
Stop at Nelson Ghost Town
Carve out a few edges in your 3 days in Las Vegas itinerary with the gritty remains of Nelson’s Ghost Town. This old Wild West settlement has tours through the rocky Eldorado Canyon, Techatticup Mines, and the eerie ghost town itself, making for a once-in-a-lifetime touring experience.
Evening
Stay overnight at Vegas Glamping, Nelson, Nevada
Bonfires, roasted s’mores, a desert picnic under the stars, and a luxurious bed to sleep in–that’s everything and more that you’ll get with Vegas Glamping.
This glamping experience also offers a wide array of activities from sunset to evening, like off-road tours and photography journeys, making it perfect for any type of visitor on any occasion.
Note that you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to reach the main glamping site, but there’s also a shuttle to take you to the main point if you don’t have one.
Las Vegas Territory provides so much variety to visitors, whether you’re searching for its famous nightlife or great daylight adventures. Let this 3 days in Las Vegas itinerary guide you through all the unique and hidden gems Vegas has to offer.
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