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City Cast Las Vegas

Rob Kachelriess

Have you seen those airline flights lately? Gas isn’t cheap, but a road trip could be a great excuse to get away from Las Vegas over summer. So fill up the tank, check those tires, and hit the highway for a few not-so-obvious vacation destinations in the Southwest.

Don’t let the size of Arizona intimidate you. After passing through Phoenix and Tucson (which has one of the most underrated dining scenes in the country), you’ll hit 

 right before the Mexico border. The town was founded as a Spanish military site in 1752 and evolved into a walkable art community with more than a hundred galleries. Restaurants like 

 offer a mix of Sonoran and Mexican cuisine, while the 

 showcases the history of Spanish colonial life and Native American culture. Yes, summers are hot, but generally cooler than Phoenix and other parts of the state.

Las Vegans love a good road trip to the California coast (hello Santa Monica 👋), but head a few extra miles south to 

, an oceanside community between L.A. and San Diego that hasn’t been completely overrun by tourism. Parking is generally free and there’s only one hotel on the beach (

, renovated from an apartment complex). The village has its share of historic Victorian architecture and art murals with barely a chain in sight. Two restaurants, 

Beyond Zion and Bryce Canyon is Escalante, a quiet community that values the great outdoors along Utah Scenic Byway 12. Spend the night at 

 that has its own outdoor movie theater) and explore the rugged terrain of the 

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

. A drive on Hell’s Backbone is a tense, white-knuckle route that towers above winding canyons, but your reward is a meal in Boulder at 

, an arts-centric restaurant with menus based on local meats and produce.

There’s a lot to love about Williams, Arizona — even beyond the free 

museum dedicated to fossilized dinosaur poop

. One of the last active routes on Route 66, the small town celebrates the Old West and mid-century road trip culture in equal doses with small businesses, bars, and dining spots in locations where saloons and brothels used to operate. It’s also home to the 

, a train that takes a direct route to the gates of the 

Fill up the tank, check those tires, and hit the highway for a few not-so-obvious vacation destinations in the Southwest.

Summer Road Trips From Las Vegas 2026

Off-Beat Summer Road Trips From Las Vegas

Find the best of everything that Las Vegas has to offer.

Las Vegas’s Best

Las Vegas' Best

Nevada is full of ghost towns. We actually have 

. You can thank a boom-and-bust mining legacy, which left behind a few spooky but historic sites to visit within driving distance of Las Vegas.

Located between Beatty and Death Valley, 

 began as a small camp in 1904, then exploded in size when gold was discovered. It quickly became a full-blown town with street lights, hotels, an opera house, stock exchange, schoolhouse, and dozens of saloons. At its peak, there were 10,000 residents. It all went belly-up by 1920 and the town cleared out. Today, Rhyolite is a fascinating place to see the crumbling remains of a bank, jail, and railroad depot while taking some impressive photos.

 isn’t nearly as well known as Rhyolite, but just an hour or so northwest, making it a relatively easy stop on a ghost town road trip — or 

 🎰 The town was known as Lime Point and Hornsilver before Gold Point stuck. It grew from a cozy mining camp to a town with more than 200 tin and wood structures before fizzling out around World War II. Investor Walt Kremin 

 in the 1980s with a partner who contributed winnings from a Vegas slot machine to the effort and now you can book a night in an old mining cabin, order whiskey from a saloon, and send mail from the original post office.

The place known as “Nelson Ghost Town” southeast of Vegas is actually 51 acres of private property outside Nelson’s official boundaries. Nestled within Eldorado Canyon, it includes the historic 

, which was once the richest place to dig for gold in Nevada — and attracted all sorts of criminals and riff raff hoping to get rich. Today, you can 

 and walk among historic structures. A lot of the “ghost town” elements — like vintage vehicles and gas station pumps — were added over the years. You’ll also spot old planes, including one filmed in a crash scene for the movie “3,000 Miles to Graceland.”

 has the unique distinction of becoming a ghost town twice. Once when left behind by native tribes and another when Mormon settlers were forced to clear out — or risk being flooded by the rising waters created by the construction of the Hoover Dam. Now that Lake Mead is receding, St. Thomas has become visible again, revealing what’s left of old buildings and foundations. Getting there is a little tough, due to a rocky, unpaved access road in Moapa Valley.

Nevada's boom-and-bust mining legacy produced hundreds of ghost towns. A few of them are within driving distance from Las Vegas. 

Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas

The Coolest, Creepiest Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas

People, places, and scenes from Las Vegas's past.

Las Vegas History

You’ve probably noticed those new, rectangular, driverless robotaxis on Las Vegas roads. But making the decision to actually step inside one is another matter. The vehicles (funded by the same company that brings toothpaste and protein bars to your doorstep — Amazon), are now active on and around the Strip. And they’re ✨free ✨… at least for a little while.

I decided to test the system out. It’s called 

. And much like Uber, the name seems destined to be used as both a noun and a verb. So, if you want to 

 pickup and dropoff locations are currently available at New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur, Topgolf, Resorts World, Wynn, Fashion Show mall, and AREA15.

I found ordering a Zoox wasn’t any more or less difficult than ordering a rideshare, but it did arrive noticeably faster. (That could change once business expands.) From there, identify your ride by license plate, press a button on the app to open the doors, and step inside.

The Zoox won’t depart until all passengers plug in their seatbelts. You also have to press a digital button for the ride to begin. In both trips I took, 

 by Radiohead was playing as I entered. (I hope they’re getting royalties for this.)

There are two seats facing forward and two facing backwards. I’d rank the comfort level above a McDonald’s fiberglass booth and below the softness of an average car seat. Each passenger has their own digital tablet to adjust the temperature and view the minutes remaining to the destination. Control the music by skipping ahead on four channels: ZooxFM (moody stuff), Greatest Hits, 80s Hits, and Top Charts. Your digital driver doesn’t care about how loud you play Sabrina Carpenter. I checked.

Zoox noticeably avoids Las Vegas Boulevard in favor of side streets, which may be for efficiency as well as added safety. It took me 12 minutes to get from New York-New York to the Luxor, while cutting through the Excalibur valet. For the most part, the driving felt normal. There was only one abrupt stop — possibly to avoid a lingering pedestrian who threatened to jaywalk.

Things not allowed in a Zoox: Alcohol, children under 8, and emotional support pets. (Trained service animals are welcome to sit on the floor.)

Upon arrival, a swipe on the tablet opens the doors and the ride officially ends. Afterwards, the app requests a star rating and review. (If a Zoox ever asks me for a tip, I’m burning Las Vegas to the ground.)

I could see myself getting used to this. Zoox provides uniform consistency and reliability, plus you don’t have to chat with any annoying human drivers. But is that 

 what I want? People pick up rideshare shifts after losing jobs to automation. Will the artificially intelligent chopping block come for the gig economy too? Cities that have experimented with driverless shuttles are now coping with a 

Safety remains a concern too. Then again, I trust Zoox more than the Vegas Loop, 

. Highway travel could be a different story, but I’ll worry about that later — if it happens at all.

Zoox is expanding service to the T-Mobile Arena and Sphere soon. Even during the free rollout, you’re required to enter credit card information to book. The people behind this are counting on getting you hooked, then cashing in later. We’ll wait and see if that strategy pays off.

 from an "interview" with a Zoox robotaxi. [Desert Companion]

How to get a free ride on the Strip. (No driver included.)

What It’s Like to Ride a Zoox Robotaxi in Las Vegas

Tips and tricks for living your best Las Vegas life, by locals, for locals.

Las Vegas Life Hacks

 where to find wildflowers by listening to 

 of City Cast Las Vegas 👍 The superbloom will be around for another week or two, so retrace my route for an efficient and effective day trip.

Set your GPS for the “Ashford Mill Ruins” — a two-hour route from Vegas that bypasses the park’s main entrance for the “back way.” You’ll cut through a corner of Pahrump and drive through Shoshone, a former mining town with a semi-historic saloon and diner (

 👀) was super cool, supplying a free map, advice, and time expectations. Check out the exhibits, including mammoth and mastodon bones, and leave some moolah in the donation box.

The bloom becomes more apparent between Jubilee Pass and Ashford Junction on CA-178. Here’s my advice: If it looks cool, pull over. Snap photos and enjoy the scenery. If you move on and keep driving, don’t panic. You’ll see more flowers in due time as the vast, mountainous landscape opens up. The crumbling remains of 

 and its office building date back to 1910. It’s a popular spot to see wildflowers and rare evidence of civilization in the park.

, the lowest point in North America. (During my visit, quite a bit of real water was on the flats — somewhat rare without rainy weather.) The official parking lot fills up quickly during wildflower season. Save time by parking safely on the side of the road and explore at your own pace. From there, detour to the jagged salt formations of 

, (easy to view without leaving the car) and 

, a nine-mile scenic route where the terrain takes on pastel color tones. You’ll see more purple wildflowers here, contrasting nicely with the more common yellow ones.

 is a historic property that’s been around almost 100 years. The 

 takes a break between lunch and dinner, but you can order food and drinks in the lounge, beginning at 3 p.m. Just a mile away, the 

 sells surprisingly good burgers as of 3 p.m. and the 

 has a full menu ready by 5 p.m. The ranch is near the 

, which has a free museum and the famous digital thermometer out front.

👀 If You’re Down for One More View …

, a short but steep roadside hill before exiting the park via CA-190. You’ll pass by Death Valley Junction (and the 

) before driving through Pahrump, where you can always stop for dinner — maybe at the new 

Cell phone service is spotty in Death Valley and the park’s 

 operates on a trust system — paid at the visitor center or at kiosks near Badwater Basin or the main entrance. Enforcement seems rare, but you could be fined if visiting the park without paying. I was warned about large crowds slowing down traffic during wildflower season, especially on weekends, but didn’t have too much trouble getting stuck behind other cars.

See the wildflower bloom, visit some of Death Valley's most popular destinations, and be back in Vegas by dinner. 

How to See Death Valley Wildflowers: Your Day Trip Itinerary

Get to know the natural side of Las Vegas: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Las Vegas Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

I have a soft spot for what I call the “airport Old Fashioned” — made with regular ice, maraschino cherries, an orange slice, and a squirt of soda water. If I’m lucky, I can upgrade the whiskey to something that wasn’t pulled off the bottom shelf of a grocery store. I consider it a bonus if the bartender pours in a touch of artificially colored “juice” from the plastic cherry container.

It does the job between flights — but I’d rather reserve low expectations for the pace of TSA security checks.

So with an eye for something better, I checked out 

, a first-of-its-kind passenger lounge by American Express, modeled after a vintage speakeasy at Harry Reid International Airport 🍸

From the green tile and bright marble to heavy drapes and brass accents, Sidecar has the aesthetics down. In the true spirit of a speakeasy, it’s exclusive — and you need the "password" of an American Express card (platinum or above) to enter. The food and drinks are free, so if you’re a frequent traveler, the annual fee could be worth it. (I might make up the cost in cocktails alone over a few business trips.)

The Continental (rye and cognac with cinnamon bitters) easily trumps my “airport Old Fashioned” — stirred in an old-school mixing glass and garnished with a fresh-sliced orange peel. The wines, curated by sommelier Helen Johannesen, favor small-production vineyards and Old World regions. How often do you find a bordeaux blanc or chilled lambrusco at the airport?

The food is the biggest surprise, featuring global flavors and recipes designed by a quartet of James Beard award-winning chefs.

 opens at the Sahara later this year, but you can get a taste of his Afro-Caribbean cuisine with a crushed cucumber salad, topped with rice pearls and chili honey infused with sumac and fermented scotch bonnet chilies.

Sarah Grueneberg of Chicago’s Monteverde put together a chicken parm “slider,” wonderfully overstuffed with a full breast, crispy pepperoni, and a housemade sauce of oven-roasted tomatoes, basil, and fennel seeds.

The French background and Southern heritage of Mashama Bailey (whose Savannah restaurant, The Grey, is expanding to Paris soon) is on display with an egg combo of mushrooms and mustard greens with black garlic aioli.

Mike Solomonov of Philadelphia's Zahav puts an Arabic spin on avocado toast with harissa and labneh (yogurt with a cheese-like texture) on brioche bread.

 these days, Sidecar is secluded, but not impossible to find. Look for it on the upper level of Terminal 3 near the D gates — perfectly positioned to thumb its nose at the Capitol One Lounge on the opposite side of the foyer.

secrets to share at the Las Vegas airport

A new speakeasy at the Las Vegas airport offers ample amounts of ambiance and exclusivity.

A Speakeasy Opens at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas

The Vegas Airport Has a Speakeasy Now

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Las Vegas. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Las Vegas Food & Drink

Food & Drink

 returns next week, breathing temporary life into the dusty lungs of Primm, a place valued more for gas stations and restrooms than casinos these days. So get ready to take a short road trip to the state line. The race is a unique piece of Vegas lore that dates back decades.

The Mint 400 is one of the most prestigious and legendary off-road races in the world. Competitors hit a 100-mile dirt track in the desert for a total of four laps, adding up to 400 miles total — hence the name. There are different races in various vehicles and skill levels on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7.

The race began in 1968, taking place in the desert outside Downtown. Sponsored by The Mint hotel and casino on Fremont Street, the event was originally an idea to promote the resort’s annual deer hunt, but developed into the largest off-road race in the world.

, including Indianapolis 500 winners, but also celebrity entrants like actors Steve McQueen and James Garner. Festivities connected to the race were hosted by the “Girls of the Mint 400,” selected from hundreds of entries each year. Lynda Carter and Vanna White were among the finalists early in their careers. The race was a focal point of Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” which elevated its status as an iconic event.

 and became part of the property now known as Binions, putting an end to the race. In 2008, new owners revived the Mint 400, which is now marketed more directly to racing enthusiasts.

 in Primm outside Buffalo Bill’s. Four additional 

 run along the track in Jean. Tickets begin at $37.36. Then again, you can always 

The Mint 400 has a festival atmosphere with food trucks, bars, exhibitors, entertainment, and a series of 

, including a vehicle parade down the Strip Wednesday, March 4 at 3 p.m. and a free festival in the Fremont East district Thursday, March 5, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Buffalo Bill’s hosts post-race celebrations, featuring ‘90s and beyond cover band 

The most notorious and grueling off-road race in the world has a long history in Las Vegas. 

Mint 400 Las Vegas Dates and Schedule

The Mint 400 and Its Wild Las Vegas History

A quick flight from Las Vegas to Reno is only 90 minutes — but what’s the fun in that? Driving between the two Nevada cities is a road trip full of history, natural beauty, and quirky destinations. Most of the journey takes place on U.S. 95 (at least until 

 becomes a thing) with about seven hours of drive time over 450 miles.

After leaving Vegas, you’ll drive through Indian Springs and alongside the runway of Creech Air Force Base. It’s pretty quiet, but it’s not unusual to see a heavy-duty military drone on a test flight. Pull over for lunch at Nevada’s only 

 (an offshoot of the Bob’s Big Boy chain).

Things pick up around Beatty. The old mining town has charm and burros who roam the streets. (Please note: the animals have the right of way — always.) They inspired the name of the 

, a saloon famous for its chili and a great spot to hang on the patio with a cold beer. Detour off the beaten path to 

, a ghost town outside Death Valley with post-apocalyptic vibes for dramatic photos, and the 

 that crashed in the parking lot of an old brothel decades ago.

The speed limit slows down while passing through Goldfield, often described as a “living ghost town” — old and quiet, but still functioning. You’ll drive past the old courthouse, school, fire station, and other historic buildings. It’s hard to believe Goldfield was the largest city in Nevada before Vegas blossomed. Stop for a drink at the 

, which dates back to 1905 and still welcomes customers. The 

 is an off-highway art installation in the desert with a colorful collection of cars, some of which are standing on their ends and in other odd positions.

Tonopah balances a similar level of history and weirdness. Tour the 

, which dates back to 1907 and is the town’s most famous landmark, or the creepy 

, next door to an Old West cemetery to drive the point home.

From there, you’ll pass through almost-too-quiet Hawthorne, home to an army depot (on standby in case something big happens) where 

. Just north, Walker Beach is an oasis in the desert that’s nice to drive by, but offers little activity on its dusty shoreline.

As you inch closer to Reno, pull over at the 

 for the ruins of army facilities dating back to 1860 — a time when Nevada was primed to become a state and usher in a new era of development. It’s a perfect place to reflect on the history and scope connected to your Wild West road trip.

 also passes through the Amargosa Valley, an underrated corner of Southern Nevada with 

Driving between Las Vegas and Reno is an engaging road trip that’s full of history, natural beauty, and quirky destinations.

How Far is Reno From Las Vegas?

The Strange and Beautiful Drive Between Las Vegas and Reno

What Las Vegans have been wondering. We break down why things in Las Vegas are the way they are and how they work.

Las Vegas, Explained

 has come and gone, giving Las Vegas its first big event of 2026 and handing all of us some things to mull over — and possibly worry about. Instead of gadgets I could really use — a leash to walk two dogs at the same time or an electronic mop that actually works — we’re getting even more of 

🫵 Artificial intelligence Is Here to Replace Everything … Including You

The most eye-opening moment of CES was an event called 

, which rented out the Sphere for CEOs of industry giants like Lenovo, AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm to rave about their AI, which will “think like you” and “act like you” (“with your permission of course,” which was said several times). Long story short: You’ll give a digital “super agent” access to everything (work files, social media, etc.) while synergizing all devices, from phones to wearables.

A pendant that hangs around your neck, for example, might listen in (but not record) a conversation you had with a co-worker, then confer with you about it later. (#creepy)

Even for CES, there were way more robots than usual, threatening to take over any and all jobs in Las Vegas. We already know about 

🤔 Will Any of This Tech Actually Help Las Vegas?

I’ve seen the future — and it’s a 95% unemployment rate. But some tech could actually help us out. 

 is a wearable device that allows people to locate and communicate with each other without cell service or WiFi — useful at festivals like the Electric Daisy Carnival, which has notoriously spotty phone service. A robot can even be used to maximize space and quickly park cars nice and tight, side by side (kinda like machines do with packages in Amazon warehouses). Sounds handy, but I’m just worried it will encourage more 

Maybe Vegas can fend off the tourism slump with 

 (a close to real-time translation device that clones your voice), or wearable tech by 

 that produces alternating vibrations to cancel out stress after a long travel day.

 invited tech expert and AI skeptic Ed Zitron to share some thoughts on 

. If you listen carefully, you can actually hear him roll his eyes when I bring up some of the products and technology showcased at CES. It’s a lively conversation, so check it out 👍 [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

The Future or "Fraud" at CES?

My report card on what I learned at CES last week. 

Can Artificial Intelligence Actually Help Las Vegas?

. But there’s even more seasonal fun if you’re down for a short road trip.

Dress your worst and do some buzzed holiday shopping with the 

 between Downtown Boulder City’s boutiques and restaurants (Dec. 13). Meanwhile, the 

 is offering festive Santa Trains (through Jan. 4) and 40-minute North Pole Express rides (through Dec. 21). Travel the Colorado River on a 

, courtesy of Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures.

Arizona’s Lake Havasu City is famous for record-setting heat in the summer, but draws visitors for its annual 

 as decorated boats pass under the London Bridge on the Bridgewater Channel (Dec. 13). More fun arrives late in the season for 

. Things pick up during the holiday season with a silent 

 at the Aquarius and Edgewater (through Dec. 14), the Anaheim Ballet’s performance of 

 at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort (Dec. 11-14), and an illuminated 

Mesquite is a popular golfing destination north of Vegas, so it’s no surprise the Palms Golf Club is hosting a holiday-themed 

 tournament for all skill levels (Dec. 21). Stop by the Casablanca’s poolside Splash Bar, which has been transformed into 

 with jolly cocktails and decor (Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 26). Browse items by local artists at the annual 

 inside the Mesquite Fine Arts Center (through Jan. 2).

Get an instant snow fix by sledding, skiing, and snowboarding on the slopes of Mt. Charleston. 

 is expecting a powder-filled season with great rates on Dec. 24-25.

This cozy Arizona town (worth a visit alone for the 

) has a timeless spirit that celebrates the Old West, Route 66, and road trip culture. Hop on board the 

When you want to get away from Las Vegas … but not too far.

travel

Off-Beat Summer Road Trips From Las Vegas

The Coolest, Creepiest Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas

What It’s Like to Ride a Zoox Robotaxi in Las Vegas

Latest articles

Off-Beat Summer Road Trips From Las Vegas

The Coolest, Creepiest Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas

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How to See Death Valley Wildflowers: Your Day Trip Itinerary

The Vegas Airport Has a Speakeasy Now

The Mint 400 and Its Wild Las Vegas History

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How to See Death Valley Wildflowers: Your Day Trip Itinerary

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The Mint 400 and Its Wild Las Vegas History

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