Area 51, theories about it real or unreal, exists in the deserts of Nevada more than an hour's drive from Las Vegas. The site of extraterrestrial theories and the premise of many movies, it has been a common cultural icon for years. Though it is possible to visit the surrounding area, you won't find much to look at. Even airplanes couldn't go overhead until recently, and people are not allowed to drive too near the site.
Coming from Las Vegas, take Interstate 95 going north until you hit Indian Springs, Nevada. This is the closest point to Area 51's border and could be the end of your trip.
However, the adventure of finding Area 51 is more than half the fun. Extraterrestrial Highway, a two-hour drive from Las Vegas, is a tourist destination of its own. To get there, take I-93 north,and take a left at NV-375 N and continue on.
Rachel, Nevada, is essentially a ghost town these days, but it used to be a popular destination for seekers of Area 51. Along the Extraterrestrial Highway, The Area 51 Research Center, an alien-themed gift shop, closed in 2001. Little A'Le'Inn restaurant is still in full swing. In addition to an Alien Burger, there is a wall of UFO photos and a gift shop that can spark your curiosity and perhaps entice you to spend the night. As a town along the Extraterrestrial Highway and close to Area 51, Rachel is a good spot to stay the night and see if you can catch your own UFO sighting.
