10 Stress-Free Nevada Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Although most trips to Nevada revolve around the vibrant city of Las Vegas and its dazzling strip, numerous exciting destinations await exploration beyond Sin City. Step into the backcountry and you'll encounter a long list of charismatic small towns with a distinct sense of charm. Scattered across the rugged Nevada landscape, these provide a leeway to fantastic adventures against the backdrop of iconic national parks, dramatic red rock formations, and untamed desert landscapes. Their fascinating backstories, enduring cultures, and welcoming communities ensure tourists get a novel experience wherever they go.
From historic mining towns to desert outposts and mountain enclaves, the Silver State delivers a riveting escape from the everyday hustle, offering serenity without sacrificing character. Whether soaking in a natural spring in Boulder City or discovering Wild West heritage in Virginia City, here are the best Nevada towns for a weekend retreat.
Boulder City
Boulder City presents a lovely escape from the pandemonium in Las Vegas, welcoming tourists to experience its fascinating history and beautiful outdoors. The town is home to the Hoover Dam, considered one of the country's most iconic feats of engineering. Curious visitors can learn everything about its groundbreaking story at the Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum, where a collection of photographs, dioramas, documents, and artifacts awaits. The region's railroad heritage comes to life at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Guests can explore static displays of diesel and steam locomotives and a fleet of small train cars, as well as rides aboard a vintage locomotive. You can even pay a little extra to ride in the cab with the engineer or in the caboose with the brakeman.
Outdoor adventure beckons at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, with miles of rugged trails, picnic areas, camping posts, and water access, making it a hub for all activities. Goldstrike Hot Spring closes in the summer when temperatures soar, but is especially popular among visitors in the cooler months, providing naturally occurring hot pools for a therapeutic bath. You can conveniently spend the night at the Sands Motel of Boulder City, which is only minutes away from Lake Mead and Hoover Dam.
Virginia City
This historic mining town boasts a well-preserved Victorian downtown district, awash with rustic structures that remind first-timers of its 19th-century boom. Travelers can anticipate a unique journey through time at the Mackay Mansion Museum with its period furnishings and antiques. The mansion is rumoured to be haunted and hosts paranormal invesigations for the more curious and courageous visitor. The Chollar Mine provides a hands-on underground tour that explores Virginia City's mining and cultural history. It brings into focus the experience of miners as they prospected for silver.
Meanwhile, vacationers can get a glimpse of the community's Wild West heritage by catching a captivating showcase at the Virginia City Outlaw Theatre. The venue stages explosive gunfight shows by costumed performers that add to the authenticity of the town's vibe. When it's time to call it a day, you can find cozy accommodations at Silverland Inn, just 2 blocks from downtown.
Genoa
Genoa is historically known as the first capital of the Nevada Territory and offers guests a vivid perspective of the state's early beginnings. It is chock full of vital historical markers, including at Mormon Station State Historic Park. Here, you will find a replica of Nevada's first permanent settlement, established by Mormon pioneers in 1851. The Genoa Courthouse Museum invites guests for a rich history lesson, displaying a vast collection of memorabilia, archives, and relics highlighting aspects of regional history, including the town's prominence along the Overland Emigrant Trail.
For a change of pace, visitors can head to Genoa Town Park and enjoy a quiet picnic in a delightful urban oasis with grassy grounds and shady trees. Lastly, White House Inn Genoa is an excellent spot to spend the night, set in a well-landscaped natural environment and boasting 19th-century charm.
Pahrump
This vibrant spot in southern Nye County promises a jam-packed weekend itinerary with something for everyone. Pahrump houses an impressive spectrum of attractions and invites history buffs to inspect a library of Native American artifacts for a glimpse of the area's past at the Pahrump Valley Museum. Those with a need for speedhcan brace for an adrenaline-filled spectacle at the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, which hosts exclusive car races in a state-of-the-art facility.
Pahrump also offers exciting wine-tasting opportunities to get you in the weekend mood. Visitors can visit Charleston Peak Winery to enjoy fine wines against a picturesque mountain backdrop. Also, consider staying at the Pahrump Nugget Hotel & Casino to get a taste of Vegas without all the glitz and glare.
Winnemucca
This former railroad town offers a lovely balance between a laid-back feel and a high-spirited downtown district, granting tourists the best of both worlds. The town has a rich Western heritage, and this on full display at the Buckaroo Hall of Fame. A collection of saddles, buckles, belts, and other cowboy-related relics offers a feel for the old days. More interesting historical lessons await at the Humboldt County Courthouse, a Classical Revival building from the early 20th century.
Venturing outdoors rewards with opportunities at Winnemucca Sand Dunes. Nevada's largest sand dunes have cozy picnic areas with sweeping views of its barren wilderness. An overnight stay at the Winnemucca Inn ensures you are well-rested after a day of exploring all the quirky charms of this unique town.
Elko
Elko is a mining town in the Ruby Valley region with plenty to offer visitors and locals alike. The Northeastern Nevada Museum is an excellent stop for families and boasts interactive displays of fossils, specimens, and animal habitats chronicling the area's wildlife history. Elko's Art Walk is another fantastic way to get to know this vibrant community, with more than 100 murals painted across town. Take a self-guided tour or simply wander the streets and let the pieces reveal themselves one colorful wall at a time.
Meanwhile, outdoorsy guests will enjoy a round of golf with friends at Ruby View Golf Course. This presents 18 challenging holes, surrounded by the verdant landscapes of the Ruby Valley. Lastly, a stay at the Best Western Elko Inn places you in a central downtown position, within walking distance of major local attractions.
Mesquite
Mesquite is a laid-back getaway near the Arizona stateline, known for its casinos and world-class golf courses. Conestoga Golf Club. This 18-hole championship course boasts pristine greens and fairways set against a rugged landscape with dramatic mountain views. Elsewhere, the Mesquite Fine Arts Center connects visitors and the arts with an intimate gallery, pottery studio, and gift shop exhibiting creations by artists from the Virgin Valley.
A vaulable lesson at the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum exposes you to the region's colorful history, with diverse artifacts highlighting pioneering life. Lastly, you can try your hand at gambling before calling it a night at Virgin River Casino and Lodge.
Beatty
This desert town in Nye County favors those seeking a low-key weekend destination and with a side of fun and games. Beatty has an interesting backstory, preserved and interpreted by the Beatty Museum & Historical Society. A museum tour reveals manuscripts and archives depicting life in the Bullfrog Mining District. The surrounding landscape provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, and camping enthusiasts can make the most of Beatty RV Park to bask in the vast open spaces.
While outside, remember to stop at the Goldwell Open Air Museum and admire the quirky sculptures set against the barren desert wilderness. Besides being a gambling hub, StageCoach Hotel & Casino provides a comfortable accommodation option with modern amenities like a jacuzzi, pool, and air conditioning, while Death Valley RV Park offers plenty of amenities in a casual atmosphere within walking distance of downtown.
Ely
Ely is one of the most relaxed Nevada towns for a weekend retreat, promising travelers a mix of fascinating historical heritage and, of course, a bit of gambling. This former mining-boom town shares pieces of its past at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. Covering about 56 acres, the site displays a collection of vintage steam engines and locomotives used at the peak of the mining days and, like Boulder City, offers a wide range of rides aboard classic railcars. The Ely Renaissance Village depicts life in 19th-century Ely, providing guests with a true picture of the period through lovingly-restored buildings and decor.
Outdoor lovers can escape to the 700-acre Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park for quiet hikes as they inspect the large, 19th-century beehive structures used to process silver ore. Finally, Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall welcomes guests to spend a lucky night with the opportunity to win easy money thanks to its selection of gaming machines.
Incline Village
Incline Village enchants visitors with its natural beauty, punctuated by the sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe and jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada. It is an outdoor adventurer's paradise, inviting all who wander to discover its magical scenery while hiking along the Tahoe East Shore Trail. Alternatively, you can head to Sand Harbor State Park to access crystal-clear lake waters for swimming, kayaking, and even scuba diving. The reserve is also popular among rock climbers and campers.
For family-friendly fun indoors, Bowl Incline offers bowling and at least 20 arcade games. And, when it's time for a rest, those who wish to sleep like a king can get the ultimate luxury lodging experience at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa, and Casino.
Final Thought
The Silver State offers much to see and do beyond the crowded scene along the Las Vegas strip. Whenever you need a more peaceful and slower-paced escape in the United States, you can opt for any of these Nevada towns for an easy-going weekend retreat. These quieter places offer a taste of the state's underexplored side, accompanied by authentic experiences for historians, adventurers, and culture buffs, from the magical landscapes of Incline Village to the rich history of Genoa.
