From historic mining towns and beachside getaways to beautiful national parks, these are the best places to escape the city this spring.
Las Vegas is more exciting than ever , but outflow is a enceinte fourth dimension tohit the road and go forth the burnished brightness level of Sin City behindfor a weekend . Driving through the desert has its appeal , but if Vegas has taught us anything , it ’s this : widget is everything . So be after ahead and maximise your sentence by visiting the hot and , in a few case , most neglect travel destinations within a five - hour drive of Las Vegas . Between historic mining towns , beachside getaway , and beautiful national parks , you ’ve got dateless opportunities for adventure and relaxation in the Southwest .
Ely, Nevada
Drive:3 hr , 45 minutes
Nevada is one of the commonwealth ’s orotund and least populated states , with miles of wide candid spaces to research . And less than four hours northward of Las Vegas , Ely sits on the easterly edge of Highway 50 , famously nickname the " lonely road in America " byLife Magazine . And while Ely is a welcome stir of civilisation in the middle of nowhere , it ’s built on an Old West identity that contrasts crisply with the bright lights of bigger cities like Vegas and Reno .
Surrounded by mountains , downtown Ely has a timeless collection of shop , saloons , and restaurants , including theCellblock Steakhouse , where you could have dinner party behind bars inside the Jailhouse Casino . Ely also has subtle cultism to the arts , from its collecting of gallery and street murals to effect like June’sSchellraiser Music Festival , featuring a divers alternative and touchwood rock lineup . The Renaissance Village is a compendium of humble menage , formerly used by miners but restored to celebrate artistic creation and story , effectively operating as nearly a 12 miniskirt - museums .
Zion National Park, Utah|Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock
TheNorthern Nevada Railway Museumis one of the best - preserved historical runway sites in the United States , with 60 buildings on more than 50 demesne . Take a vintage train ride , power by a steam locomotive , through good deal , canyons , and tunnels to the Ruth Copper Mining District .
Ely is a short ride fromGreat Basin National Park , home to Wheeler Peak ( the secondly - tallest mountain in Nevada ) , an amphitheater for stargazing , and the Lehman Caves , which host guided tours to wonder at stalactites and other underground rock formations . It ’s one of the least visited and most subdued national parks in the United States . roundabout way toWard Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park , appoint after six tower beehive - form charcoal oven that once processed silver and were sometimes used as den for bandit .
stick around : The near accommodations are at the historicHotel Nevada , the tallest building in the state when it open in 1929 , and theProspector , a quirky , present-day retreat with playful lobby decorations and a pet - well-disposed cassino . La Quinta Innis one of the more New hotels in townsfolk , with complimentary breakfast included .
Great Basin National Park|Arlene Waller/Shutterstock
St. George, Utah
Drive:2 hour , 15 minute
St. George , already the largest city in Southern Utah , just hold back growingits reputation as a worthy holiday goal . The weather is n’t much dissimilar from Vegas – and whether that ’s skilful or bad is up to you – but you are closer to a wider variety of outside dangerous undertaking . St. George is well known as the gateway toZion National Park , a ridiculously photogenic aggregation of sandstone drop , river , and one-armed bandit canyons with some of the most rewarding hikes in the Western United States . The urban center is even close to four clearly dissimilar state of matter parks : ExploreSnow Canyon(hikable rock formations),Sand Hollow(a reservoir surround by red sand),Gunlock(waterfalls and rock formations ) , andQuail Creek(a removed beach with trees creeping out of the water ) . Bring the kids to theSt . George Dinosaur Discovery Site , ramp up on a farm where dino cart track were chance upon .
Downtown St. George is an engaging commixture of artistic production , culture and history . The city ’s Mormon heritage can be explored with visits to the new reanimate St. George Utah Temple , Brigham Young Winter Home , and Ancestor Square , a compendium of historical brick complex body part that now include restaurants likeGeorge ’s Corner , Cafe Feelove , and the stellarPainted Ponywith food organise with local ingredients in a rustic ok dining environment . Utah ’s crapulence jurisprudence are notoriously strict , but have tease apart a bit in late years , so grab a cocktail atSpiritual Parloror a dry pint of beer atStation II , an old firehouse that ’s now a bar .
St. George, Utah|Cindy Larson/Shutterstock
The local art scene is substantial , whether exploring the sculptures throughout business district or watching a move Broadway show atTuacahn Amphitheaterwith an outside stage surrounded by desert scenery . Take the time to drive out toKayenta , an nontextual matter community with galleries , food , and bouncy medicine in a outback area .
bide : TheAdvenire , a 60 - elbow room boutique hotel , is easy the best situation to spend the night in St. George . It has a great location across from Ancestor Square , an excellent hall cocktail streak and restaurant , and big soaking tub on rooftop decks . Red Mountain Resortthrives on the energy of the big open with a focus on health and wellness near Sand Hollow State Park , whileInn on the Clifflives up to its name with a perch overlooking the St. George valley .
Laughlin, Nevada
Drive:1 minute , 30 minutes
If Las Vegas feels too crowded and corporate these days , Laughlin makes for a nice alternative . The cassino town is about 100 stat mi south of Sin City , sitting comfortably along the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona . Like Vegas , Laughlin has appearance , slot machines , and buffet – all at a fraction of the price . TheLaughlin Event Centeris an well-fixed walk from the hotels along the river , boast a spring batting order heavy on body politic ( Dierks Bentley , Brooks & Dunn ) and classic rock ( Journey , Lynyrd Skynyrd ) .
Take advantage of the river . locomotion between the casinos on water taxis , speed around on a Jet Ski , and unwind on a sunset dinner sail while the cassino lighting reflect off the piss . drop more time alfresco exploring petroglyphs at Grapevine Canyon or on the beach atBig Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area . ATVs are popular too . Take a ride on one through the desert to Oatman , an old excavation town . give ear around the saloons or provender lucerne grass to the burro that magnificently roam Main Street .
Laughlin, Nevada|Felipe Sanchez/Shutterstock
stick around : Don Laughlin ’s Riverside Resortis the one that start at all , evolve from a motel in 1966 to a holding with more than 1,400 rooms today . The on - site car museum is a nice fillip . Other top refuge along the river include theGolden Nugget , which has a boutique Old West sense with just 60 rooms , andHarrah ’s , farther down the river with a secret beach .
Flagstaff, Arizona
Drive:4 hours
Unlike Vegas , Flagstaff has four real time of year . Between the ski slopes at theSnowbowlresort and the desert John Rock ofWalnut Canyon National Monument , you’re able to sometimes experience all of them in one day . The city is also home to Northern Arizona University and the college town palpate is reinforced with a batch of brewery , self-governing eatery , and prowess gallery . Just cheat on the walkable downtown district and see what catches your attention .
TheLowell Observatoryis famous for discovering Pluto ( and yes , Flagstaff jointly agrees it ’s still a satellite ) and mapped the surface of the moon for the Apollo 11 cosmonaut . Flagstaff takes pridefulness in its lunar legacy and has light restriction in place to maximize stargazing .
Flagstaff, Arizona|canadastock/Shutterstock
The scenic south lip ofGrand Canyon National Parkis just a 45 - instant drive north . you’re able to also exploreSunset Crater , a vent that erupted about a thousand twelvemonth ago , leaving behind liquefied lava that ’s now preserved as hikeable indurate black rock .
outride : The historicHotel Monte Vistahas a typical neon marquee and is said to be the most haunted hotel in Flagstaff . The Residence Inn by Marriottis more modern and deluxe with a interchangeable , commodious downtown fix . drop the nighttime surrounded by nature at theLittle America Hotelinside the private 500 - acre Ponderosa Pine Forest .
Laguna Beach, California
drive from Vegas to Los Angeles isan experience all by itself . However , if you ’re unforced to navigate SoCal ’s complicated highway system of rules , you may bypass the metropolis right and lead directly to Laguna Beach . The Orange County community has more hotels per square inch than anywhere else in the State Department , balancing a hang for oceanfront hospitality with a taste for prowess and the eclectic
The rocky shoreline is gorgeous , spanning seven mile with the shiny downcast water of the Pacific Ocean feast into lunar time period pool and sea cave while rebound off cliffs and other tough rock formation . Skip Main Beach in favor of smaller , more secluded selection like Thousand Steps Beach ( accessible by a long stairway ) , Crescent Bay Beach , and Victoria Beach , where an abandoned pirate tower is a popular backcloth for photos . purist may complain about the undue presence of hotels , but record book an oceanview rooms and give up yourself the hassle of competing for parking on the Pacific Coast Highway .
The community is sluttish to pilot in the beachside tourer domain . Check out theSandpiper Lounge , a dive bar with resilient medicine that ’s been a regular in the Laguna Beach nightlife scene since 1942 , orThe Deck , a restaurant with a spacious patio overlooking the Pacific .
Laguna Beach, California|lucasinacio.com/Shutterstock
Laguna Beach also boasts more than 100 fine art galleries and studios . A few ( likeRichard MacDonaldandVladimir Kush ) also have a presence in Vegas . TheLaguna Art Museum , however , is the only museum dedicated exclusively to California artists with a lasting showing representing Laguna Beach . The waterfront position is close to the out-of-door pathways in Heisler Park .
stick : crowing spenders bonk the upscaleSurf and Sand Resort , family to Splashes Restaurants , where Guest can dine alongside window that open wide-eyed to the Pacific Ocean . Capri Lagunaisn’t extremist - voluptuary , but has a fantastic fix on the beach with fairish prices for the area . The Inn at Laguna Beachhas a beach bungalow vibration and balcony command the master beach .
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Drive:2 hours , 30 minutes
Lake Havasu City is often called the Jet Ski Capital of the World , so it ’s no surprisethis engage Arizona communityis a top spring break destination . Most of the top hotels are near the Bridgewater Channel , which flows underneath the London Bridge , which formerly spanned the River Thames and was brought over to the States and rebuilt brick by brick . The channel feed out to Lake Havasu , which interrupt the Colorado River while offering endless opportunities for boating and water sports . The coastline is full of secluded beach and cove , butLake Havasu State Parkoffers the most immediate accession and easy parking for fun in the Sunday .
The nightlife aspect is n’t as indulgent or over - the - top as thenightclubs in Vegas , but you ’ll still have fun dance atKokomoor billet - dancing to country medicine at theFlying X Saloon . However , the better company are often on the water in Copper Canyon , when boats crowd together and swimmers go rock candy jumping . Overall , Lake Havasu prosper with an gentle , windy outlook with low-cost bar , restaurant , and hotel . Expect line of work to pick up in late April with theDesert Storm Poker Run , the largest boat run and parade in the Western United States .
Lake Havasu, Arizona|Pamela Au/Shutterstock
Stay : The Nauticalhas a timeless art deco design with suite that open up to a lawn and beach on Thompson Bay . Heathas a more contemporary vibration and rooftop bar . TheLondon Bridge Resorthas expectant suites with full kitchens .
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is more than golf courses and retreat homes . It represents a more carefree , inland edition of the SoCal life style that ’s rich in culture , art , and desert scenery . Spring is one of thebest times of year to visit , not just for the mild weather , but law of proximity to big upshot like theCoachella Valley Music & Arts Festival(back with anothereclectic lineupthis year ) andDesert X , a collection of outdoor art installation that deliver every two age . You ’re in fate . It ’s back right now and currently running through May 7 .
Get familiar with business district with the hebdomadary Thursday nightPalm Springs VillageFestand make certain to check out the boutiques and art galleries in the Uptown Design District and Movie Colony , a historical neighborhood that was once a favorite of celebrities during Hollywood ’s Golden Age . Palm Springs has one of the most prominent LGBTQ community in the cosmos with numerous gay - well-disposed bars and drag show throughout the city with an peculiarly strong presence along Arenas Road .
ThePalm Springs Aerial Tramwayelevates passengers 2.5 Roman mile on the world ’s large rotate tram car , from the Sonoran Desert to the alpine wild of Mount San Jacinto State Park . Feast on dry - cured steaks while soaking in the sight atPeaks Restaurant . TheLiving Desert Zoo and Gardensin nearby Palm Desert is home plate to more than 500 brute in comfortable environments with a mission of conservation . There are three hiking trails throughout the nature preserve .
Palm Springs, California|gg-foto/Shutterstock
Stay : In late calendar month , Palm Springs welcome the initiative ofSensei Porcupine Creek(a individual ranch transform into a wellness hideaway in the Santa Rosa Mountains),Blackhaus(16 poolside bungalows that operate on like a loanblend between a traditional hotel and an Airbnb - dash rental ) , and a new renovatedAzure Sky(originally built in the 1950s , but now a stylish adult - only escape cock ) . hotel in neighbor Desert Hot Springs likeTwo Bunch Palmsand the minimalistHope Springsmotel have pool filled with mineral - fat spring water . A few resorts are clothing optional . set out withTuscany Manorand continue your Google hunt from there .
Death Valley, California
Drive:2 hours
Do n’t rent the name fool you . Death Valley is in reality quite beautiful , especially when natter during the relatively mild leaping time of year before the scorching summer heat homecoming . Explore thenational parkand you ’ll come across otherworldly rock’n’roll formations , vast desert landscape , and Badwater Basin , a salt flat that marks the lowly point in North America . You ’ll also want to check out the Artists Drive Scenic Loop ( named after the pastel - like colour radiation pattern in the rock ) , the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes , and the sweeping lookout point at Dante ’s View or Zabriskie Point .
The season is prime time for wildflower , which should be more noticeable this year after an outstandingly wet winter . A Death Valley superbloom is n’t in the forecast for 2023 , but the commando at theFurnace Creek Visitor Centerwill lief manoeuvre you in the right direction to see the most colorful flowers .
Death Valley, California|Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock
The outskirts of Death Valley National Park provide their own unique attractive feature , from thehot springs and craft beer of Tecopato the spooky remnants ofRhyolite , a creepyNevada ghost townnear the old mining hub of Beatty .
Stay : TheInn at Death Valleyprovides the most luxurious resort accommodations in the town . The property dates back to 1927 , but has seen all-encompassing renovations over the years with the addition of 80 casitas ( each with its own golf game cart for getting around).The Ranch at Death Valley , about a knot away near the visitor ’s center , is a more daily babe property with the world ’s lowest - elevation golf course of instruction and a charmingLast Kind Words Saloon . Book a room at one of the new cottages . Both options have spring - run swimming pools .
Lake Powell, Arizona
Drive:4 hour , 30 minutes
Drought care aside , the artificial lake and its surrounding community continue to be a popular holiday terminus . Spring is when the area starts to do alive with kayaking , paddleboarding , and boat tours , admit a nicesunset dinner party cruisedown - lake at the Wahweap Marina . you could also tourGlen Canyon Dam , the towering concrete construction creditworthy for creating the lake or snap some motion-picture show of the turning point from a scenic overlook .
Most of the action , though , is in Page , where the dining option are old-time , but oppose the casual spirit of the remote vacation townspeople . seek the fried volaille atBirdHouseor sit down and enjoy the scenery atRimview Terrace , the nigh thing in the area to a fine dining restaurant .
Lake Powell, Arizona|Christopher Pfeifer/Shutterstock
Dixie of the lake , Horseshoe Bendis named after the manner in which the Colorado River spin and turns around a sandstone cliff . You ’ll pay off to park , then take a curt paved rise to the fenced - in overlook to soak in the beauty of the landmark . The pic are especially impressive at sunrise . Antelope Canyon is another must - see out-of-door attraction , but is on tribal land and only approachable via an prescribed Navajo Nation tour ( likethis one ) . The lower canon is a more ambitious hike , while the upper canyon is a photographer ’s aspiration with beam of light that sink in through the crack of the red , orange , and brown slot canon .
Stay : Lake Powell Resortis on the Wahweap Marina and the only hotel within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area . The on - site eatery has swell views ; Just remember to request a space face the H2O . Page has plenty of conversant hotel and motel chains . Go withHome2Suites by Hilton , which is modern in design , a short manner of walking from the Glen Canyon Dam overlook , and a tight drive to the Horseshoe Bend overlook .
Sedona, Arizona
If you may handle an overabundance of store selling crystals , you ’ll lie with the easy , but eccentric quality of Sedona , where art and adventure come together within gorgeous desert landscapes . Just drive around town is a spectacle , smother by undimmed pinkish and red sandstone Butte and cliffs . Signs are ready to distinguish where to pull over for trailheads and overlook , including Bell Rock , believed to be one of four convolution in the area with specially substantial vim . TheChapel of the Holy Cross , a striking mess make into the rocky terrain , is another popular stop .
Travel south of Sedona on the Red Rock Scenic Byway and head toMontezuma Castle National Monument , hulk cliffside home carve into limestone that were home to indigenous tribes more than 700 years ago . The federally protected land carry over toMontezuma Well , a surprisingly large sinkhole filled by a natural spring with additional domicile near the rim .
You ’re also just east ofArizona ’s wine - rich Verde Valley , a convenient detour when driving back home to Vegas . Stop atJerome(an Old West minelaying township that has n’t changed much over the years),Cottonwood(a timeless collection of line of work and tasting rooms ) , andTuzigoot National Monument , a hilltop of Pueblo ruins and spectacular vale views .
Sedona, Arizona|Edwin Verin/Shutterstock
detain : Sedona is acknowledge for its miscellany of bottom - and - breakfast accommodation . However , it ’s hard to beatL’Auberge de Sedona , a luxurious retreat on Oak Creek with a fantastical restaurant and someone always ready to hand you a glass of wine-coloured . The Wildeis a more stylish , contemporary selection in the heart of the metropolis , while theAmarais a dress shop hotel with a layout that embraces the outside environment .
