Many attractions are available for Las Vegas vacationers who want to take a break from the action of the Strip and are just a short drive away. The surrounding region offers sightseeing ranging from national parks and landmarks to alien-themed attractions in the towns surrounding Area 51. These attractions are family-friendly and ideal for vacationers who want to see more of what southern Nevada has to offer.
Adventure Photo Tours' Area 51 Tour will take you along the perimeter of the U.S. Air Force's Nevada Test and Testing Range, reputed home of Area 51, where alien autopsies and reverse engineering of alien technology supposedly took place. You'll visit Rachel, Nevada's Ale' Le' Inn for lunch, where you can enjoy an ABC (Alien Burger with Cheese) and treat yourself to extra-terrestrial themed souveniers at the Inn's gift shop. The tour begins at 7:00 a.m. and lasts approximately eight hours. The fare is $195.00 per person.
Bonnie Springs Ranch lies approximately 24 miles west of Las Vegas and is home to Old Nevada, a re-creation of a 19th century western mining town. Old Nevada offers live entertainment that includes mock gunfights held in the streets. Bonnie Springs' equestrian offerings include guided trail rides, pony rides and even weddings on horseback. Bonnie Springs also features a hotel that offers themed rooms with jacuzzis and kitchenettes.
A designated National Historic Landmark, Hoover Dam is located 35 south of Las Vegas and offers two different dam tours. Power plant tours cost $11 and begin with a brief video presentation before tourists take an elevator 500 feet down to the Dam's generators. The power plant tour also includes a stop at the observation deck where you can view Lake Mead and the Colorado River. The $30 dam tour offer a more extensive version of the power plant tour, taking visitors down into the original inspection tunnels and seepage gallery.
Located about 41 miles outside Las Vegas, the Lost City Museum presents a regularly changing series of exhibits and special events spotlighting the native Anasazi culture. The museum was built by the National Park Service to house artifacts that were in danger of being lost to Lake Mead's rising waters following the Hoover Dam's construction. The Lost City Museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission is $5.00 for adults and free for children under 18.
The Red Rock Canyon national park is located 20 miles west of Las Vegas and offers a 13-mile scenic drive through the sandstone cliffs. The camp also offers several hiking trails through the canyon and will reopen its campground in October 2010 after completion of facility improvements. Admission is $5 per carload and $2 for motorcyclists and visitors arriving on tour buses.
