6 Romantic Small Towns In Nevada For A 3-Day Weekend
If Vegas amid the desert springs to mind at the mention of Nevada, it may not be the most appealing concept for romance in the traditional sense. Whether you're after a classic or nonconformist getaway with a loved one, the state's small towns offer a tapestry of retreats across vast stretches of open country, often along the less-trodden paths.
Nevada's growing wine country is primarily centered around Pahrump, where you can indulge in local varieties made of hardy grapes suitable for its desert climate. Planning an imminent couple's retreat? Head skiing this winter near Genoa or Incline Village. The summer heat calls for a cold one on a patio after unique adventures in and around Ely.
Boulder City
Try to find a better town in the state for romantic adventures to replace the worked-up energy in your system with the rush of endorphins. Adjacent to Vegas, the area's landmarks and trails seem hundreds of miles away from the blaring noise, lights, and nonstop traffic, offering a serene escape through the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, where Native American petroglyphs and wildlife can be found. Couples enjoy the sweat and relaxation after a challenging hike, which includes some rope climbing, followed by a visit to the steamy Goldstrike Hot Springs.
If you need to cool off in a real way, the Colorado River is ideal for a dip from the rocky beach along Lake Mead's vast national recreation area. You can cross the iconic Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, arching over the river with views of the gargantuan dam from its pedestrian walkway. From old-school train rides to art and antique shops, the walkable town matches the excitement of the outdoors, with several top-rated lodgings, including the Lake Mead Inn, or glamping sites to the south.
Elko
Elko enjoys grand views of the craggy Ruby Mountains, which rise from sagebrush terrain in the northeastern highlands of the state. In addition to the nearby California Trail Interpretive Center, couples can experience Basque culture or attend a cowboy-poetry festival at the Western Folklife Center, a center dedicated to the American West with exhibits, events, and performances. Elko's picturesque Peace Park seamlessly blends cultural heritage with serene views, local flora, and dog-friendly trails.
After a stroll through the central city park with statues and courts, you can dive right into local history at the Northeastern Nevada Museum, featuring wildlife dioramas, vintage firearms, art, and a gift shop. From Odeh's Mediterranean Restaurant or Italian in Luciano's warm, relaxed digs, Elko's delicious world cuisine completes every romantic retreat. Many opt for the full-board experience at the Star Hotel Basque Dining, a historic landmark from the early 20th century, located in the heart of town.
Ely
The historic high-desert town paints its rich heritage in scenic surroundings, luring couples with a promise of unique experiences in the warm outdoors. Ely's Renaissance Village has a distinctly European feel, featuring historic houses, a train track, and a small sculpture park located across the street, adjacent to a picnic area. Food trucks are extremely popular for anything you crave. Find lodgings for under $100, such as the characterful Rustic Inn Motel, located around the corner from a natural history museum with a gift shop.
The hilly Garnet Hill is fascinating to explore along the trails in search of garnets that have separated from their matrix rock. It is possible to find porous stones and use a chisel and hammer to break them open in hopes of discovering garnets inside. The Nevada Northern Railway Museum offers old-school railroad tours aboard a classic steam locomotive. When it's time for a cold one, Racks Bar and Grill serves delicious food in a low-key vibe, with old photographs on the walls and an outdoor patio.
Genoa
The state's oldest settlement inspires romance at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains with a European-esque edge in the historic downtown and stunning mountain views in the heart of Carson Valley. From the Genoa Courthouse Museum to the 1853 Genoa Saloon, Genoa offers a time machine experience into Nevada’s past. In addition to Mormon Station State Historic Park, Genoa is just 25 minutes east of Lake Tahoe. The lake was formed primarily by tectonic faulting, with volcanic activity and later glacial carving shaping its dramatic canyons and the surrounding landscape.
Castle Rock Trailhead is a steep ascent towards tremendous lake views and nearby peaks. For a more personal experience with the lake, travelers enjoy access to the Tahoe Rim Trail via the Kingsbury North Trailhead, which is ideal for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding amid ancient fir trees and sweeping lake views. For something upscale, Genoa's Holiday Inn Club offers warm studios, suites, and rustic cottages. The amenities at Heavenly Mountain Resort are 20 minutes away for a winter ski trip.
Incline Village
Poised on Lake Tahoe's northern shore, the upscale census-designated place on the California border is an ideal romantic escape framed in the natural splendor of the surrounding Sierra peaks. Whether you're after lakefront biking, boating, or private boat tours around the lake, this refreshing proximity sets Incline Village apart from Nevada's desert towns. With its exquisite scenery, winter mountain sports, and lakeside tranquility, sunset dining seems an ideal complement at the stylish Big Water Grille.
From hiking in the mountains to skiing at Diamond Peak, couples can experience seasonal dress changes, resort-style amenities, and access to year-round recreation. Monkey Rock Trailhead is a popular 2.6-mile moderate ascent to the Monkey Rock, whereas crowds tend to thin out along the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, weaving lakeside through meadows and woods. Hyatt guests have access to a private beach, whereas the Incline Lodge offers a more curated experience and local charm.
Pahrump
Considered Nevada's wine hub, Pahrump is nothing short of an oasis amid the Mojave Desert on the California border. Some 63 miles from Vegas, you can exchange the smoked-up casinos for refreshing nature, invigorating hikes, and tasteful wineries, like the Artesian Cellars. Discovery Park captivates with its riparian ecosystem at the heart of town, featuring two ponds, a creek, and a diverse array of wildlife. Horses roam freely and graze on the grass at Calvada Eye, another peaceful park for couples to watch wildlife.
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a vibrant, wildlife-rich refuge featuring boardwalk-accessible wetlands and desert landscapes spanning 24,000 acres. Beyond the town's casino and chain hotels downtown, Wine Ridge RV Resort & Cottages boasts a unique location, situated across from Charleston Peak. This destination winery offers tastings in a serene and sophisticated vineyard setting. Across town, Cathedral Canyon is a peaceful spot in the remote ruins of a former religious monument, offering views of Mt. Charleston.
Beyond Vegas' worldwide appeal and futuristic glamour along the Strip, Nevada showcases its unique personality in the rustic wilderness under starry skies and rugged mountains. Both Incline Village and Genoa offer access to Lake Tahoe, each with its unique vibe and attractions.
From Elko's Basque boarding house legacy to Lake Tahoe's shoreline in Incline Village, the desert state has extreme temperature swings, so plan accordingly. The first town's glamping spots sound like a dreamy summertime fling, just 30 minutes from the Strip.
