Five Great Local Nevada Hotspots: No Need To Fight

I'm a native Nevadan - born in Reno, lived in Las Vegas for the last 30 years.

Living in Las Vegas, people always want to visit, and they always want to know where to go, and what to do. Not just in Las Vegas, but in the entire state of Nevada.

I don't know that I would call myself an expert, but I definitely know my state well. And on the north, south, east and west ends, there is so much to see and do. And of course, there is a lot of history to the 36th state.

All my life people have said there are two Nevadas: Las Vegas, and Reno. And just a big bunch of empty in between.

It is true that, besides Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and little Winnemucca, not much of the state is really developed.

Nevada is the seventh largest state when it comes to land area. Population wise, an estimated 3.1 million people live here, as of the last census in 2022.

It's barren traveling between the north and south, because it is desert - high and low desert - but there is a lot of beauty in the Silver State.

I've traveled throughout the state over the years, hiking, boating, scootering, and just plain visiting various areas in Nevada, and trust me - there is a lot to see. And it's a beautiful state.

Living in both ends of Nevada as long as I did, and have, I've found Northerners are more likely to visit Southern Nevada, than the other way around. But those in Southern Nevada sure seem to enjoy Northern Nevada, and are very surprised, when they do go.

I want to share some of my favorite places, landmarks, etc, in my home state. I'm sure you know of many of them, and may have even visited, and bought the t-shirt (Reno eNVy - look it up).

A half hour to 45 minutes from Reno is - to me - the most beautiful place on earth! Since I was a child I have loved this lake. It sits in Nevada and California, but the Nevada side is the most beautiful. Amazing skiing, boating, hiking - and relaxing. You will lose yourself in the beauty of this place. If you've never been - GO! A warning: the water is cold, as it is filled with snowfall.

One of my favorite trail hikes in Nevada. You can do it as swiftly, or leisurely as you want. The trail overlooks Lake Mead. I've done it a dozen times, and I see something new each time I do it. It gets hot in Southern Nevada, so it's not a summer hike. There are even warnings posted to avoid June, July and August. but it's a great hike, so give it a go!

Reno is "The biggest little city in the world," and the Reno arch boasts that. This is the current arch in Reno. There have been a few versions over the past hundred years or so, and it's a welcoming sign when I go back home. It's a fun selfie for visitors, and it's a beautiful sign. I think it's actually a better sign than that other sign in Nevada...

Not much to say about this beautiful hiking spot just outside of Las Vegas, except it is beautiful! Locals love the mountain, and so do visitors. There is a hike for everyone - from very easy, to very challenging. Then you can get food - and a beer - at the hotel!

There is so much history in this neon sign "cemetery" - but it's amazing! Old Las Vegas neon signs that will make you very nostalgic. the Riviera, The Hard Rock Cafe Guitar, The La Concha sign, The Treasure Island skeleton - just to name very few. It truly, TRULY is a must visit when in Las Vegas. Make a reservation, as the tours can get busy.