Staying outside the big city yet close enough to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Strip or downtown Vegas can make your trip more restful than you’d expect. Nearby towns offer you Las Vegas vacation rentals and the luxury of in-town lodgings without the hustle and bustle of Sin City. Below, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the other great towns around Sin City that you should consider staying in.
Where to Stay off the Strip
Near the Vegas Airport
Purely for convenience, Las Vegas has plenty of vacation rental accommodations right near and at its McCarran International Airport. These airport accommodations are not like any other generic airport rentals. Lodgings, such as hotel rooms and condos in towering hotels near McCarran, are what you’d expect in Las Vegas, offering 100 percent luxury. Private single-family houses, many with pools, are available for vacation rentals near the airport, which makes for family-friendly convenience.
Favorite local spots: For coffee near the airport, head to TIABI Coffee & Waffle. The breakfast menu is great, too. For some wholesome food at anytime time of day, check out Blueberry Hill. And for cocktails around the airport, The Island Bar & Lounge is a great choice. This is a down to Earth spot frequented by the locals.
Pro traveler tip: Staying close to the airport means being around a bit of additional noise from the planes. If traveling with little ones, this might not be the best choice.
Drivetime from the Las Vegas Strip: 19 minutes
Near Las Vegas Golf Courses
Vegas is America’s entertainment capital, so, of course, there are premier golf courses both in and near the city. Have the best of both worlds, casino nightlife and golfing during the day, by staying at a vacation rental near both, but far enough away from the Strip. Consider rentals in east Las Vegas, a handful of minutes from downtown. Look for something in Summerlin for a ton of nearby golf options. If you’d prefer even farther away, the small town of Primm, Nevada, is just over half an hour south of Las Vegas, and it’s chock full of resorts, casinos, a factory outlet mall, and two golf courses.
Favorite local spots: Coffee in Summerlin is best served at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Check out Vintner Grill for some incredible steaks and seafood. And finally, your nightcap can be found at The Martini. This joint also offers a wide arrange of bar games for your enjoyment.
Pro traveler tip: To save big on tee times, book your trip in the summer. The weather is a little warmer, but you’ll pay bottom-barrel prices for your golfing.
Drivetime from Summerlin to Las Vegas: 15 minutes
Drivetime from Primm to Las Vegas: 34 minutes
Henderson, Nevada
Henderson, part of what’s called Las Vegas Valley, is a town about 10 to 20 minutes away from the city, and it’s popular among vacationers who prefer to stay away from the flamboyance and traffic of the Strip and downtown. Though it’s mostly residential, there’s a mix of luxury hotels and resorts, also with condos to rent. If you prefer to rent a whole house, they’re available in Henderson, as well. The town even has a convention center since it’s minutes from McCarran International Airport, as well.
Favorite local spots: Skimos pours up a mean cup of coffee. You’ll find your breakfast and lunch needs there, too. For some of the best steaks you’ve ever eaten, check out Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis. And for some great small plates, an excellent wine selection, and unbelievable cocktails head over to The Local. This spot has a fantastic happy hour daily from open to 6 pm. Monday through Wednesday you can get an additional 25% off all bottles of wine!
Pro traveler tip: The temperature in the desert tends to be extremely hot. Check the temperatures prior to your trip to get a better idea of what and how to pack. Also, the wind can be intense, so plan on bringing a light jacket for the evenings as they tend to cool off substantially.
Drivetime from Las Vegas: 22 minutes
Boulder City, Nevada
A bit farther from Henderson is historic Boulder City. It’s the only non-gaming town in Nevada, but just outside the town’s boundaries, there is a gaming property to enjoy. You’ll be able to find a number of houses and condos for a vacation rental near or on the Boulder City Golf Course and Cascata Golf Course.
Favorite local spots: Grab your morning coffee at Coffee Cup Cafe. the pastries here are to die for and the rest of the breakfast menu is top-notch. For some amazing Chinese, check out the China Bistro-Asian Fusion. And nightcaps are best had at Cleaveland’s, the original Boulder City speakeasy. This place is a ton of fun and is serving up some sensational housemade creations.
Pro traveler tip: Summer is scorching, to the tune of 100°+. Consider booking your trip in one of the other three seasons to beat the heat.
Drivetime from Las Vegas: 29 minutes
Hoover Dam Area
A trip to Las Vegas isn’t complete if you don’t visit the Hoover Dam and the surrounding area, where there are plenty of luxury accommodations and only a short half-hour drive to the Strip. The Hoover Dam, one of the world’s architectural and engineering marvels built between 1931 and 1936, is also near Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the United States. The popular area can be crowded during the summer when tourists take advantage of Lake Mead’s recreational water activities. But there are plenty of house, condo, resort, and hotel rentals to go around. If you’re adventurous.
Favorite local spots: There are limited options in this part of the state. We’d suggest planning to hit the Harbor House Cafe for any meal. This floating restaurant is serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also make a mean milkshake!
Pro traveler tip: There are a ton of options for rentals in this area. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, consider renting a houseboat on Lake Mead. Use it for sightseeing and dock on the shore for a good night’s rest.
Drivetime from Las Vegas: 40 minutes
Mesquite, Nevada
An hour outside of Las Vegas is rustic Mesquite and Mount Charleston. The area is not always warm and toasty like Vegas, but instead experiences snowy winter days. Here you’ll find plenty of casinos, as well as private family homes and upscale condos to rent for vacation. If you’re looking for tranquility, a roomy and luxurious home to accommodate a large family, Mesquite may be the right place for a vacation rental outside of the city.
Favorite local spots: The Virgin River Cafe, located inside the Virgin River Hotel, has got some of the best eggs benedict you’ve ever tried. The coffee is pretty good, too. Grab some sushi at Samurai 21. This joint doubles as one of the best steakhouses in the area, but does their cuts up Japanese-style. Looking for some simple Americana? Check out Scotty’s Bar & Grill for a great selection of wraps and sandwiches.
Pro traveler tip: If you’re looking for a spot to shack up for the trip that gives you tons of access to nature, you’ve found the place. With 9 national parks and twelve national monuments, you’re sure to have a blast in Mesquite.
Drivetime from Las Vegas: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Things to Do off the Strip
When you visit Las Vegas, you may spend a lot of your time on the Strip. Although this area is a great attraction with lots of things worth seeing and doing, the city has so much more to offer. If you want to explore beyond the beaten path, be sure to book your vacation home near these five hidden gems scattered around the city.
Hand of Faith
Technically, this is a nugget and not a gem, but you should still check it out. The Hand of Faith is a giant gold nugget on display at The Gold Nugget hotel and casino on Fremont Street, which is one of the oldest casinos in Vegas. This nugget is the second-largest ever discovered and the largest you can see on display.
Urban Art
Many people falsely think that Las Vegas is all glitz and no substance; however, the city is actually home to a thriving arts scene. Head over to the 18B Arts District and see the creative side of the city for yourself. This downtown area is home to a variety of galleries and independent stores. As you walk around the city, be sure to keep your eyes peeled on buildings and walls. Las Vegas is also a great place to check out street art and murals.
Chinatown
Vegas’ Chinatown may not be as big or as famous as San Francisco’s, but its food is just as good. If you want to eat Chinese food in the city, this is the place to go. Chinatown also has amazing Japanese restaurants, fusion establishments, and cocktail bars, which are well worth checking out.
Pioneer Saloon
If you’re willing to drive a few miles south to Goodsprings, you’ll be rewarded with a real gem of a bar. The Pioneer Saloon lives up to its name; it has an authentic Old West feel, right down to the rugged brick walls and wood accents. This bar is the oldest operating bar in the area, so its history matches its atmosphere. Sit down and enjoy a drink, order a great steak platter and check out the Good Springs General Store next door.
El Cortez
If you want to get a feel for the Las Vegas of Frank Sinatra and Elvis, you can’t go wrong with a visit to El Cortez. Unlike some of the other older casinos in the city, this establishment still maintains an aura of the 1940s, complete with neon signs and a marquee board. The casino itself also has a flair for the old-fashioned. Some games have small minimum bets, and many of its slot machines take actual coins instead of cards or tickets.
Your Vegas Getaway Awaits!
You don’t have to stay in all the chaos and craziness that is Las Vegas to enjoy all there is to see and do in Sin City. Whether you’re looking for incredible golf, a quiet oasis, or somewhere rustic and homey to take the kids, staying off the strip is a great choice for Vegas travelers. Ready to start planning your getaway today? Head over to VacationRenter and start looking for your perfect vacation rental today!