Desert Dreams and Surreal Landscapes: 5 Nevada Adventures You Haven’t Discovered Yet

Nevada offers so much more than glittering casinos and neon lights—venture beyond the tourist hotspots and you’ll discover a landscape of otherworldly beauty, from ghost towns frozen in time to natural wonders that feel like stepping onto an alien planet.

Most people think of Nevada and they think of its most famous city, Las Vegas. However, Nevada is so much more than Sin City! 

The Silver State is full of quirky hidden gems, weird and wonderful experiences, and stunning landscapes and nature. You just have to ‘Get A Little Out There’ to find the off the beaten path magic that Nevada has waiting for you.

And the best way to discover these hidden corners is by hitting the open road! So here are my top five road trips in Nevada that everyone should add to their list.

Why choose Nevada for a road trip?

North America is made for road trip lovers, with infinite route options all over the US. Most road trippers will follow bucket list routes like Route 66, or one of the many famous California road trips, however there is something to be said for choosing the path less traveled.  

One such path is Nevada, a popular destination thanks to the neon lights of Las Vegas, which attracts over 40 million visitors every year.

While Las Vegas is a city that needs to be experienced at least once in your lifetime, the vast majority of visitors, sadly, don’t venture far from The Strip.

Exploring further afield, Nevada will surprise you at every turn with incredible road trip opportunities.

You will discover scenic byways, with stunning state parks and breathtaking mountain ranges, travel back in time to historic mining and ghost towns, and you will even have the chance to experience an alien encounter or two!

So if you are looking to explore beyond the bright lights of Sin City, this guide of road trips in Nevada is for you.

Top 5 Road Trips in Nevada

Extraterrestrial Highway

Start: Alamo 
Finish: Tonopah
Distance: 161 miles

Yes, you’ve read that right. The Extraterrestrial Highway is probably the most surreal road trip in Nevada and it was certainly my favorite.

The ET Highway officially starts in the small town of Alamo, but you can do it from Las Vegas easily too, which is only 96 miles from the starting point.

This out-of-this-world road trip will take you through eerie landscapes, seemingly endless roads, alien-themed roadside attractions, and you may even have the chance to spot the odd alien and UFO.

Here are the highlights in the Extraterrestrial Highway you should not miss.

ET Highway Road Signs

As you drive through one of the most surreal road trips in Nevada, keep your eyes peeled, for more than unexplainable sightings. Unique road signs will remind you that you are in Nevada’s alien country.

TOP TIP: Don’t forget to take a snap at the Extraterrestrial Highway sign at the intersection of US 93 and US 375!

E-T Fresh Jerky

E-T Fresh Jerky is an alien-themed shop and a popular roadside attraction just outside Crystal Springs. Stop here to stock up on snacks like their intergalactically famous alien jerky, of which they have a huge array of flavors.

While you are here, why not take a selfie with one of the aliens you’ll find in the shop, a photo with their life-size alien murals, or explore their own UFO crash site?

Alien Research Center

The Alien Research Center is hard to miss, with its giant silver alien sticking out on the side of the road luring you in. This is a great place to buy alien-themed souvenirs and even to talk to a local about their own UFO sightings.

If you get there, like I did, and it’s closed, it’s likely because the two owners have been abducted by aliens that day.

Rachel

Rachel is a town that’s famous for being really close to Area 51, the famous US Government site that’s known for stories of UFOs, government cover-ups, and the possible testing of alien technology.

With a year-round population that fluctuates between 40 and 60 people, Rachel attracts plenty of visitors that come here intrigued by the town’s proximity to this secretive site.

FUN FACT: This tiny town was named after the first baby born here in the 1970s, Rachel Jones.

Alien Cowpoke Gas Station

If you need to fill up with gas, make sure you do it back in the town of Alamo, as Alien Cowpoke Gas Station’s prices are skyrocket high. 

Still, it’s worth stopping here to explore all the alien related memorabilia and installations they have around the shop. There’s even an Area 51 School District Bus.

Little A’Le’Inn

Self park your flying saucer here, and enter the world of alien enthusiasts and UFO spotters. The Little A’Le’Inn is in a world of its own when it comes to all things alien. It is the perfect place to stop for lunch, and, of course, you have to order the Alien Burger.

It was here where we met a man who’s spent the last few years traveling in his campervan and regularly coming back to Rachel. He told us that the Back Gate of Area 51 was only 13 miles away, so armed with his directions, we just had to go and check it out!

Area 51

First of all, a word of warning – Area 51 is NOT a tourist attraction.

It is the popular name given to a highly classified and highly secured US Air Force (USAF) facility within the Nevada Test and Training Range, so proceed with caution. Do not get too close and under no circumstances attempt to trespass.

We drove the 13-mile dirt road to the back gate of Area 51, but we kept our distance and observed and enjoyed our excitement from afar. Being big fans of The X-Files, we could not believe we were so close to it!

The Clown Motel

Incredibly colourful from this outside, this has to be one of the weirdest, freakiest and scariest places I’ve ever been to. And it’s definitely a must visit.

The Clown Motel is a clown-themed motel (surprise!) that is home to over 5,000 clowns of all shapes, sizes and levels of spookiness. If you are scared of clowns, this is your worst nightmare. If you are not scared of clowns, you will be after visiting The World Famous Clown Motel.

Dubbed ‘America’s scariest motel’, this is the kind of place that attracts enthusiasts of the paranormal. If you are a big fan of haunted places and unexplained phenomena, stay in one of its haunted rooms and you may just never leave!

Where to stay along the Extraterrestrial Highway

Shady Motel, Caliente

Yes, you’ve read that right. But the Shady Motel is not as shady as it sounds. It doesn’t really stand out for anything in particular, but this small town motel has everything you need to reset and get ready for your adventure the next day.

The Mizpah Hotel, Tonopah

One of the most historic hotels in Nevada, The Mizpah Hotel will transport you to the heyday of Tonopah’s glamorous mining era. Built in 1907, it was said to be ‘the finest stone hotel in the desert’, and at five storeys high, it was the tallest building in the Silver State for 25 years.

All this history comes with a bunch of friendly ghosts, with one of them being particularly famous. The Lady in Red can be spotted on the 5th floor, where she was murdered by a jealous ex-lover.

Where to eat along the Extraterrestrial Highway

Knotty Pine Restaurant and Lounge, Caliente

In the small town of Caliente there is this place called Knotty Pine, that felt like something out of Twin Peaks. In Knotty Pine weird and wonderful things happen too.

We had a delicious dinner here, where we got to meet a really lively, fun-to-chat-with waitress, and the owner Buzz, who was very excited to have us as his guests.

We went back the next morning for breakfast at Buzz’s suggestion, but we found a totally different place. Cold and unwelcoming with pretty rude staff. In line with the Extraterrestrial Highway theme, it was like entering a completely different dimension.

Needless to say, we didn’t stay long that morning. So, in conclusion, I recommend going to Knotty Pine for dinner. Not so much for breakfast.

Free-Range Art Highway

Start: Las Vegas 
Finish: Reno
Distance: 493 miles

This is another quirky road trip in Nevada, where you will find unusual art installations rescued from the Burning Man Playa, open air art galleries, and haunted ghost towns.

I combined the Extraterrestrial Highway with the Free-Range Art Highway, making a loop back to Las Vegas once I got to Tonopah. 

This means that I never made it all the way to Reno. I only covered 213 miles, so I’m going to focus on the highlights of the southern section of this route.

Here are the highlights in the southern section of the Free-Range Art Highway you should not miss, starting in Tonopah.

The Clown Motel

I’ve included The Clown Motel as part of the Extraterrestrial Highway, but if you are doing the Free-Range Highway independently from the alien route, you should include The World Famous Clown Motel in your itinerary. Get ready to get scared witless!

The International Car Forest Of The Last Church

Located in the ‘living Ghost Town’ of Goldfield, a former booming gold mining town, the International Car Forest of The Last Church is the creation of artists Chad Sort and Zak Sargent. 

Part art installation, part junkyard, this unusual open air gallery has over 40 cars and buses, some buried nose into the sand, and some balanced on top of others, forming a ‘Car Forest’.

Bring your camera and tripod, as every corner is incredibly photogenic here.

Goldwell Open Air Museum

A one-of-a-kind outdoor sculpture gallery, Goldwell Open Air Museum was created by a group of well known Belgian artists led by Albert Szuklaski.

A ghostly life-size version of Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper, a 25-foot pink lady built with cinder blocks, and a 24-foot steel prospector and penguin are some of the pieces of art you will find here.

Wander around and you will keep discovering new art spread around this small portion of the Mojave Desert.

Rhyolite Ghost Town

Rhyolite is the most photographed ghost town in the West. Once a successful mining town, Rhyolite was abandoned as quickly as it sprung up in 1906. By 1920, only 14 people lived in this once prosperous community.

Located on the edge of Death Valley, Rhyolite has been used as a filming set for numerous Hollywood films. You can still find the ruins of the Rhyolite Train Depot, the Cook Bank Building, Rhyolite School House, and Rhyolite Jail, among others.

And don’t miss Tom Kelly’s Bottle House, which was restored by Paramount Pictures when it was used as a setting for the 1926 film ‘The Air Mail’. This unique building is built with 50,000 bottles of beer, whiskey and medicine.

Amargosa Big Dune Recreation Area

Of all the hidden gems that you will find on the Free-Range Art Highway, this is probably the best kept secret. Amargosa Dunes are rare singing dunes (there are only 30 singing dunes in the whole world) that’s worth a stop.

Amargosa Dunes stretches 1.5 miles into the surrounding Mojave Desert, with the biggest dune about 150 meter tall.

Warning: This is off-roaders and rattlesnake territory, so watch your step and be aware of your surroundings as you walk around.

Area 51 Alien Center And Alien Cathouse Brothel

Located on the side of the road in Amargosa Valley, this truck stop and alien-themed souvenir shop is another of those bizarre attractions that make Nevada a pretty special place.

And yes, you read that right. There’s an alien brothel here called the Alien Cathouse. Apparently aliens have needs too!

FUN FACT: Nevada is the only state in the US where prostitution is legalized.

Seven Magic Mountains

When you get to Las Vegas, assuming you are starting this road trip from Tonopah, don’t stop there. Keep driving for an extra half hour to the multicolored Seven Magic Mountains art installation. Or head here first if you are starting in Las Vegas.

Seven Magic Mountains is an installation by renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Seven towers of brightly colorful, stacked boulders standing more than 25 ft against the desert landscape. They offer the perfect photo opportunity!

Where to stay along the Free-Range Art Highway

Belvada Hotel, Tonopah

Another historic hotel located in Tonopah, the Belvada Hotel has recently been renovated to bring this classic beauty up to modern standards.

Originally built as The Nevada State Bank & Trust Building, this piece of Classic Revival style architecture became a posh clubroom that earned a reputation as one of the best bars in America by 1910. 

Closing due to The Great Depression, it remained empty until 2017, when it was completely renovated over a period of three years, reopening to the public as the Belvada Hotel in 2020. 

Motel 6, Beatty

You never know what you are going to get with a Motel 6, but in Beatty, this budget friendly hotel is super comfortable, clean and it doesn’t feel too budget.

Where to eat along the Free-Range Art Highway

Pittman Cafe, Tonopah

Set within the Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah, the Pittman Cafe serves award-winning classic American cuisine. The cafe is very inviting and intimate, but if you’d like a bit more of a lively atmosphere, you can order food at the hotel bar from the same menu.

I had the grilled salmon topped with garlic butter with rice pilaf, and some mac and cheese as a side – because I just can’t resist American mac and cheese. And it was a good one!

Smokin’ J’s Barbecue

This smokehouse in the heart of Beatty serves some of the best Texas-style BBQ I’ve eaten outside of Texas.

The ribs were truly stunning! They were a recommendation from a number of locals so I had to go with that. And they were right.

Happy Burro Chili & Beer, Beatty

This is one of Nevada’s iconic sagebrush saloons, characterized for being less polished than a bar but cozier than a ‘dive’. 

Happy Burro Chili & Beer is a great place to get a drink or two and they make a fantastic margarita. And if you are a bit peckish, you’ve got to try some of their award-winning chili.

Stopping here is a great opportunity to get to know the locals. You will find out about things that are not in the guidebooks, like the hot springs that are a bit of a local secret. 

Neon to Nature

The Neon to Nature road trip is actually made up of three mini road-trips using Las Vegas as a hub. 

Each mini road trip loop will transport you from Sin City to the most breathtaking and sometimes surreal landscapes, as well as engineering marvels that will make your jaw drop.

I only covered two of the loops, so these are the ones I’ve highlighted here.

Loop 1 – Red Rockin’ Loop

Start: Las Vegas
Finish: Las Vegas 
Distance: 118 miles

This section of the Neon to Nature road trip can easily be done in one day.

With craggy landscapes, lush greenery and a ghost town with an operating sagebrush saloon, you will get a bit of outdoor action as well as a taste of traditional Nevada life.

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

With six bubble natural cold springs, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is a little oasis in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Going for a hike here is the best way to discover this underrated state park.

As it’s often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighboring park, Red Rock Canyons, you will be able to enjoy the gorgeous scenery, its colorful cliffs, and some of the oldest buildings in Nevada, without the crowds.

Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive

This 13-mile scenic drive takes you through desert landscapes, red rock formations and spectacular sandstone and limestone cliffs.

As you drive along the route, don’t miss out on some of the best spots and viewpoints.

Calico I is the perfect stop to get up close and personal with the vivid red Calico Rocks. Sandstone Quarry is the spot where the sandstone was mined for building projects in Los Angeles and San Francisco at the beginning of the 20th century.

Another must stop is the High Point Overlook, which is located halfway through the drive and gives you an overall view of the whole canyon area. 

BOOK AHEAD: Make sure you book your timed entry pass to the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive in advance here. Entry fee is $20 per vehicle.

This arid Mojave Desert landscape is home to the desert tortoise, which is on the endangered species list due to loss of habitat. It’s rare to see them in the wild, but keep your eyes peeled as it’s been known to happen. 

If you do see a desert tortoise, please do not touch, harass, feed or move it unless it’s in imminent danger.

The Pioneer Saloon, Goodsprings

Located in Goodsprings, a 120-year-old ghost town, The Pioneer Saloon is an iconic Nevada sagebrush saloon that has been around since 1913.

This historic watering hole has features that you will not find anywhere else in the West or even in the whole of the US, like its Brunswick bar counter, which was salvaged from Rhyolite ghost town after it was abandoned.

A saloon this old hides a lot of tales. Make sure you ask the bartender about the bullet holes in the wall, and check out Clark Gable’s cigar burns in the solid wood bar top.

If you stop here for lunch, don’t miss out on the Ghost Burger, featured on the Food Network.

Loop 2 – Fire & Water Loop

Start: Las Vegas
Finish: Las Vegas 
Distance: 216 miles

The minimum recommended time in this section of the Neon to Nature road trip would be 2 days.

This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the scenic route along Lake Mead, get active in the water, and explore the trails amidst the orange and red rocks of the Valley of Fire and Gold Butte National Monument. 

Lake Mead National Recreation Center

Lake Mead is the largest manmade reservoir in the United States. It is fed by the Colorado River and it spans over 110 miles over Nevada and Arizona.

There are lots of activities to do here at Lake Mead National Recreation Center.

The Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail from Lake Mead to Hoover Dam takes you through a number of tunnels that were carved out of the mountain for the railway that was built for the construction of the Hoover Dam.

TOP TIP: Make sure you arrange a taxi to pick you up at the other end in advance.

Valley of Fire State Park

The Valley of Fire State Park is, in my opinion, the star attraction within a short drive from Las Vegas. 

Formed when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, this is Nevada’s largest and oldest state park. The bright orange and red of the stones, as well as the unusual rock formations, give you stunning landscapes with an otherworldly feel.

Highlights include Elephant Rock, which, no surprise there, resembles an elephant. You can find it next to the east entrance of the park.

Coming in from the west entrance, you will find the Beehives, unique sandstone formations shaped by wind and water.

Drive up Mouse’s Tank Road and stop along the way to enjoy the scenic views at Rainbow Vistas and Fire Canyon.

The biggest highlights for me were the short hiking trails to the White Domes (1.25 miles), and The Fire Wave (1.5 miles), the most photogenic spot in the whole park at the end. 

Lost City Museum

The Lost City Museum was built on the actual site of prehistoric Ancestral Puebloans, who were the first permanent residents of Nevada between 200 AD and 1200 AD.

Tools, pottery and artifacts found here are displayed in this informative museum, giving you an insight into the life of Puebloans of the time.

Gold Butte National Monument

Gold Butte is one of the United States’ newest national monuments, and it’s truly off the beaten path. You will likely find no one else here when you visit.

Well known locally for its vibrant desert landscapes, this underrated site is also famous for being the home of some impressive, for both their size and their beauty, petroglyph panels.

Don’t miss Whitney Pocket and Little Finland, with its surreal goblin-shaped sandstone formations.

Please visit Gold Butte National Monument responsibly and enjoy the petroglyph panels without touching them to ensure their preservation.

Where to Stay on the Neon to Nature route

New York-New York, Las Vegas

We all know that Las Vegas is a bit over the top, and New York-New York is no exception.

Built to replicate Manhattan buildings, it has its own Statue of Liberty, Little Italy mall, and even a roller coaster that goes around the hotel.

Great Basin Highway

Start: Las Vegas
Finish: Great Basin National Park
Distance: 355 miles

This 3 to 5 day road trip takes you through several Nevada state and national parks, including Valley of Fire State Park and ending in Great Basin National Park.

I only covered 232 miles of this road trip, mostly as part of the Neon to Nature route, so I’m going to focus mainly on the highlights of the southern section of the Great Basin Highway.

Here are the highlights in the southern section of the Great Basin Highway you should not miss, starting in Las Vegas.

Valley of Fire State Park

As I mentioned above, in my view, the Valley of Fire State Park is the standout attraction within easy driving distance of Las Vegas.

Nevada’s oldest and largest state park has breathtaking landscapes with its vibrant orange and red stones and surreal rock formations.

Spots worth a mention include Elephant Rock, aptly named for its resemblance to an elephant, located near the park’s east entrance.

Approaching from the west entrance, you’ll encounter the Beehives, distinctive sandstone formations sculpted by wind and water.

Travel along Mouse’s Tank Road and pause to take in the incredible views at Rainbow Vistas and Fire Canyon.

For me, the real highlights were the short hikes to White Domes (1.25 miles) and The Fire Wave (1.5 miles). The latter offers the most spectacular photo opportunity in the entire park.

Gold Butte National Monument

A truly off the beaten path park, Gold Butte is among the newest national monuments in the United States. Chances are, you might have this place all to yourself when you visit.

Locally celebrated for its vivid desert vistas, this underappreciated gem is also renowned for being the location of some spectacular petroglyph panels, notable both for their size and beauty.

Be sure not to overlook Whitney Pocket and Little Finland, where you’ll find surreal, goblin-shaped sandstone formations.

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

You wouldn’t think the Mojave Desert would have marshes, would you?

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is home to thousands of species of birds and migratory waterfowl and it’s one of more than 550 refuges in the National Refuge system across the country.

It’s a great spot for wildlife and birdwatching.

Kershaw-Ryan State Park

Located in the outskirts of the small town of Caliente, Kershaw-Ryan State Park is home to lush gardens, a soaking pool, and great picnic and recreation areas.

This little oasis in the middle of the desert is fed by natural cold springs that trickle through the grounds.

It really is quite surprising to see such lush vegetation in the middle of the desert.

Cathedral Gorge State Park

One of Nevada’s first state parks to be established, Cathedral Gorge State Park has a truly spectacular landscape of eroding fins and spires, which resulted from an ancient lake drying up.

What you see today may look different on a second visit if there’s been a weather event like a rainstorm. The Bentonite Clay is very soft so it will change shape when wet.

The best way to explore this Mars-like landscape is by getting lost in the narrow slot canyons and among the surreal hoodoos and spires.

Where to stay along the Great Basin Highway

Shady Motel, Caliente

The Shady Motel is not as shady as it sounds. It doesn’t really stand out for anything in particular, but this small town motel has everything you need to reset and get ready for your adventure the next day.

Cowboy Corridor

Start: Reno
Finish: West Wendover 
Distance: 400 miles

For this Nevada road trip we’re moving from Southern to Northern Nevada.

The Cowboy Corridor follows the I-80 from Reno to West Wendover, going through communities full of history where you can find buckaroo culture, Basque heritage and Native American traditions.

Here are the highlights in the Cowboy Corridor route you should not miss, starting in Reno, ‘The Biggest Little City in the World’.

Pyramid Lake

Take a little detour at Wadsworth to visit one of North America’s most picturesque desert lakes. The road following the lake was one of the first designated National Scenic Byways in the United States within an Indian Reservation.

Pyramid Lake is owned and managed by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, whose members are descendants from the Northern Paiute people, who have lived in the Great Basin for thousands of years.

Don’t miss a visit to the Paiute Tribe Museum & Cultural Center, which describes the tribe’s history and culture, and offers insight into why the Paiute people hold the lake and its surrounding landscape so sacred.

Winnemucca

Named after Chief Winnemucca of the local Northern Paiute people, Winnemmucca is the halfway point between San Francisco and Salt Lake City.

In the 1860s Winnemucca brought a large community of Chinese workers and Basque shepherds to the area thanks to the construction of the Intercontinental Railroad. They brought with them their culture, which can still be appreciated in the town. 

Winnemucca’s has been dubbed ‘The Friendliest Town’ in Nevada, where Basque traditions and hearty cuisine are a big part of its identity.

Make sure you visit the Buckaroo Hall of Fame for an insight on the town’s Wild West history.

California Trail Interpretive Center

Located 10 miles outside of the town of Elko, the California Trail Interpretive Center tells the story of more than 250,000 brave pioneers that made their way west along the arduous California Trail between 1841 and 1869.

The Center also has exhibits that give you an insight into American Indian heritage from the region and the California Gold Rush.

Elko

Elko is the largest town in Northern Nevada, and it’s a must stop along the Cowboy Corridor. 

Recognised as one of the best “True Western Towns” in America, in Elko you can learn and experience Western Culture, Native American traditions and fill your stomach with hearty Basque cuisine.

If cowboy culture is what you’re interested in, make sure you visit the Western Folklife Center, home to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, six days of “poetry, music, dancing, workshops, exhibits, conversations, food, and fellowship”.

Another must stop is the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum, which is devoted to the Great Basin Buckaroo and American West.

This little museum displays a collection of Elko-area Western artifacts, including antique saddles, bridles, harnesses, and world-famous bit and spurs made by Legendary Nevadan G.S. Garcia.

Don’t miss popping into one of the most famous saddle and leatherwork shops in the West, J. M. Capriola, and admire the fine handcrafted leatherwork. 

The Northeastern Nevada Museum has been preserving the diverse cultural heritage of the region for over 50 years. Displays include regional art collections, including works of cowboy artist Will E. James, and exhibits about the history and traditions of northeastern Nevada.

West Wendover

The final stop of the Cowboy Corridor road trip, West Wendover sits on the border with Utah. With its casino-resorts, buffets and steakhouses, West Wendover is a popular overnight stop on the road from Reno to Salt Lake City.

If you get here early, cross the border into Utah and explore the otherworldly landscape of the Bonneville Salt Flats, where motorists have set land speed records.

And don’t forget to snap up a photo with the legendary Wendover Will to mark the end of this epic road trip.

Wendover Will is a 63-foot-tall neon cowboy, recorded as the World’s Tallest Mechanical Cowboy in the Guinness Book of Records. It’s been greeting visitors to the Silver State since 1952 and at night it’s illuminated by 361 meters of neon tube.

Where to stay along the Cowboy Corridor

Hampton Inn by Hilton, Elko

Rainbow Hotel Casino, West Wendover

Chihuahua’s Grill & Cantina, Winnemucca

A Mexican restaurant that serves dishes with a unique blend of vibrant, spicy and traditional Mexican flavors.

It’s reasonably priced, and its good food, friendly and fast service, and comfortable surroundings, make it a must as a road trip stop.

The Star Hotel Basque Dining, Elko

Not a hotel, but a family style dining room with stunning comfort food. Basque food and culture are big in Nevada, and The Star Hotel is the perfect place to experience some of the hearty cuisine from this region in Northern Spain.

All orders come with a delicious soup that feels like a warm hug, and the family style dining is a great and social way of sharing food. Just like they do in the Basque Country. 

Oh! And don’t miss trying out picon punch, the famous Basque American cocktail. 

If you ever find yourself in Bilbao, San Sebastian, or anywhere else in the region, you will get first hand experience of the roots of Basque dining.

The Rainbow Steakhouse, West Wendover

If you are staying at the Rainbow Hotel Casino, you won’t even need to leave the resort to enjoy a quality dinner. In fact, I would go as far as recommending not to miss The Rainbow Steakhouse. 

Styled with old world opulence, the meat here is cooked to perfection and the portions are very generous. I ordered the pork osso bucco and it was so tender it just fell off the bone. 

Have you done any of these road trips in Nevada?
Share the highlights of your journey in the comments below

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Disclosure: This trip was taken in partnership with Travel Nevada, who hosted me on this trip. As always, all views are my own.