Nevada’s Las Vegas Territory: Where Neon Glamour Meets Desert Serenity

It’s completely normal to be star struck by the immensity and spectacle of the Las Vegas Strip. One of the first things to catch your eyes and ears will be The Fountains of Bellagio, a magical show comprised of dancing fountains, music and light. It’s a different kind of light and sound in front of The Mirage, where you’ll encounter The Volcano featuring a display explosions and fireballs. Don’t forget to snap a pic with the iconic Las Vegas welcome sign before you leave.

Once you’ve sufficiently wandered The Strip, explore downtown’s Fremont Street Experience, a pedestrian mall with major wow factor. Count on thrilling fun at the AMC Fear the Walking Dead attraction, the fantastical Viva Vision Light Show, Slotzilla zip line and other extraordinary attractions.

Music and arts lovers visiting Las Vegas have plenty to look forward to as well. See top touring musical acts at the T. Mobile Arena and the Park Theater at Park MGM. Or, time your visit with well-known music festivals, including Electric Daisy Carnival, an art and electronic music extravaganza, and the iHeart Radio Music Festival featuring big-name headliners. Be sure to make time to catch an enchanting Cirque du Soleil show such as Michael Jackson ONE or The Beatles LOVE.

Not surprisingly, there’s even neon color in the desert. The radiant colors of the nine-meter-tall Seven Magic Mountains, an art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, command your attention amid the quiet desert terrain. Encounter natural hues of the desert at Valley of Fire State Park, where variegated shades of pink, orange, tans and grays emerge from the sandstone and limestone landscape featuring slot canyons and petrified trees. Hit the hiking trails at Red Rock National Conservation Area known for its stretch of sandstone cliffs and striking colors.

Don’t miss the Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel right in the Black Canyon along the Colorado River, or the Lost City Museum. Located an actual prehistoric Pueblo Indian site, the museum pays tribute to Nevada’s cultural heritage and natural wonders.

Whisk away to Lake Las Vegas for a luxury getaway in the desert or take a sightseeing cruise on serene Lake Mead (even better if you can make the champagne brunch on Sundays). Travel down the Colorado River to Topock Gorge on the way to the famous London Bridge in Lake Havasu – it’s all a part of the popular London Bridge Jet Boat Tours. If you prefer more adrenaline-fueled adventure, sign up with Black Canyon River Adventures, Desert Adventures Kayaking or Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours to kayak, canoe or raft down the Colorado River.

It’s not just nature and history outside Las Vegas. Find brand-name shops at big-time discounts at Prizm Outlets located in Primm. In Laughlin, explore noteworthy resorts with Las Vegas-style entertainment such as Harrahs, Riverside Resort and Aquarius Casino Resort. In Mesquite, golfers and gamers can take advantage of resort amenities as well as premium golf courses at the Eureka and Virgin River Casinos. If you’re up for a bit of mystery and Old West intrigue, plan a visit to the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, where you can sidle up to the bar, hear ghost stories and toast to your day in the Old West.

Fly into McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, then rent a car to explore the city and beyond.