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9 Best Towns Near Las Vegas (By a Local)
I’m a Las Vegas local and in this guide, I’ll help you uncover some of the best towns near Las Vegas.
This post features peaceful getaways, waterfront communities, small towns with great nightlife, and more travel-worthy destinations. Several are perfectly located close to the city but away from the hustle.
Want to jump around?
9 Best Towns Near Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas
Experience the charm of a small town on the water.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Lake Las Vegas is a small community just around 45 minutes away from the Las Vegas Valley. It’s one of the top day trips from Las Vegas, but makes for an even better weekend getaway. It’s also one of the best places to live in Nevada, close but far enough away from the busy city.
There are things to do for people of all ages, from the inflatable water park to a gorgeous golf course overlooking the lake. There are also plenty of water rentals available, like boats, jet skis, and kayaks. Catch some rays out by the lake or spend the day exploring the town’s cute shops and restaurants.
Boulder City
Home to the famous Hoover Dam and a lovely downtown area.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Boulder City is only a 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. It’s a historic desert town that has been around since the early 1900s.
The Hoover Dam is one of the main attractions of Boulder City, but the area has plenty more to offer. Picnic with the bighorn sheep at Hemenway Park, or take some time to explore the art galleries in the downtown Historic District.
Lake Mead is another excellent feature of Boulder City where you can spend your day out on the water. The attraction is home to some of the best camping near Las Vegas, as well as many scenic hiking trails. Some even lead to natural hot springs!
Boulder City is not just one of the best Vegas-area towns, it’s also on my list of the best small towns in Nevada.
Laughlin
Experience the allure of the Las Vegas Strip without all the crowds.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Laughlin is a town that sits on the Colorado River, just an hour away from downtown Las Vegas. It has its own set of schools and neighborhoods, which make it a great place to live near the water.
A popular tourist activity is taking a jet boat tour to see the famous London Bridge in Arizona. There are also multiple casinos and hotels where you can gamble, swim, and enjoy a nice meal.
👉 Pro Tip: Fly into McCarran International Airport so you can sightsee in Las Vegas before driving to Laughlin.
Mesquite
Take a short drive from North Las Vegas to this small, hidden oasis.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Mesquite is a great place to live, and many Las Vegas locals vacation here. There are multiple resort-style hotels where you can swim, eat, and enjoy a getaway.
There are also several golf clubs in this area, as well as skydiving opportunities if you’re feeling bold. The Camel Safari is a great attraction for animal lovers and families. It’s educational and intriguing, and even allows guests to ride camels!
📚 Related Reading: 27 Fun Activities to Do in Las Vegas With Kids
Mt. Charleston
Get incredible views of the Las Vegas Valley while cozying up in the mountains.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Although only an hour’s drive from North Las Vegas, Mt. Charleston is home to under 400 people. This quiet area is a great place for a day trip or even a little getaway. If you want to stay for a day or two, it has cute cabins that are perfect for a weekend trip from Las Vegas.
You can go sledding and skiing in the Spring Mountains during the winter. There are stunning hiking trails accessible year-round. You might even see some wild horses and elk along the way!
Pahrump
Take a hot air balloon ride, go off-roading, and sip on some fine wine.
📍 Google Maps | Website
With around 45,000 residents, Pahrump is a low-key place to live with reasonable access to the Las Vegas region. It’s just an hour away from the Las Vegas Strip.
Southern Nevada may not be known for its wineries, but Sanders Family Winery in Pahrump offers delicious wine tastings. There are also places to go horse riding, off-roading, and even casinos to go gambling in this small town.
Goodsprings
Have a drink at the oldest bar in Southern Nevada.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Goodsprings is a ghost town from the mining days, so not too many people live in this town. However, it is certainly a fun place to explore and learn about this historic community.
The Pioneer Saloon has been open since 1913 and has a spooky, yet fascinating history. After stopping at the bar, take a walking tour of the historic town, or even embark on a thrilling off-road tour.
Moapa Valley
Trek through the Valley of Fire and check out the unique surrounding communities.
Moapa Valley is a small town that lies one hour northeast of North Las Vegas. Overton is a part of Moapa Valley, where you will find the Valley of Fire State Park. Check out the Lost City Museum which holds many cool artifacts from prehistoric towns.
Logandale is another part of Moapa Valley and is home to the annual Clark County Fair and Rodeo. It attracts people from all over the Las Vegas area. When visiting, check out the Warm Springs Natural Area to take a relaxing soak and see the incredible wildlife.
👉 Don’t Miss: The Las Vegas Motor Speedway in North Las Vegas is on the way to Moapa Valley. Consider catching an event here if traveling on the weekend!
Searchlight
Wander through the Southern Nevada wilderness or try your luck at the gambling tables.
Searchlight, Nevada has a population of under 500 people, but it’s full of activities. Take a day trip from Las Vegas to experience Nelson’s Landing. It’s a popular place to go cliff jumping and lounge near the sparkling blue water. You can also stop by Nelson Ghost Town to explore the old gold mines and historic houses.
If you are feeling lucky, hit the gambling tables at Searchlight Nugget Casino. It also has a museum which is free of charge and teaches you all about the mining history of the town.
When visiting, drive through the Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness to see the incredible scenery and take some cool photos.
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Thank you for reading! I hope I was able to help you discover some of the best towns near Las Vegas.
(Featured Image Credit: Gregory E. Clifford / Shutterstock)
Our favorite restaurant is The Golden Steer. You won’t be disappointed, it’s where the stars used to hang out after their shows. Not inexpensive but worth it!
Isabelle,
Have you ever been to Meadview, Arizona? I’ve been going there since 2006, and I absolutely love it. Meadview, Arizona, is located exactly 2 hours from downtown Las Vegas, and is near Lake Mead (on the Arizona side). It is quite a community that has a nice motel, eateries, bars, a Family Dollar, and a convenience store with gas.
I suggest visiting
I can’t believe they forgot Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge.
Lake Las Vegas and Mt. Charleston are not cities. Lake Las Vegas is a subdivision of houses. Mt. Charleston is part of the National Forest system.
Gee spoiler alert
Thanks for sharing all this great info. We live in Las Vegas, and it’s easy to forget that there are quick getaway trips to nearby areas.