After you've done your research on Nevada, you can begin the decision making process of planning your vacation. Having gathered information about your vacation destination, you'll be well-equipped to make important choices about your upcoming retreat.
One of the most important things that you'll have to decide for your vacation is where you want to stay. Since there are so many cities and different regions of Nevada this may not be an easy decision. Other things you'll need to keep in mind when making decisions about your trip are how you'll get there, what kind of activities you want to enjoy during your stay, and what means of transportation you'll use once you're there.
Where to Go
Nevada is an expansive vacation destination that can be broken down into five different geographical regions: the Reno-Tahoe Territory, Cowboy Country, the Pony Express Territory, Pioneer Territory, and the Las Vegas Territory. Each region, or territory, features its own unique landscaping, attractions, and appeals that may suit the needs of different kinds of vacationers.
The Reno-Tahoe Territory of Nevada is home to the state's historic capital city of Carson City, which is located at the bottom of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Carson City has attractions for everyone. Here, travelers will find museums, gorgeous mansions, glitzy casinos, fine dining and plenty more. Another place in the Reno-Tahoe Territory that vacationers should be sure to visit is Lake Tahoe. Along with gorgeous scenery, Lake Tahoe also has an abundance of attractions and activities to enjoy. In the summertime, the crystal blue waters of the lake have an open-invitation for watersports including boating, water skiing, and fishing. Other activities at Lake Tahoe include horseback riding, golf, tennis, and camping, plus skiing in the wintertime. But Carson City and Lake Tahoe are just two of the great places in the Reno-Tahoe Territory vacationers may want to visit. The region also has a taste of big city life in Reno, mining towns in Virginia City, and a whole lot more.
The Cowboy Territory is a remnant of the Old West, when early settlers traveled across the state in wagon trains. The land in Cowboy Territory is diverse and beautiful. Here travelers will find adult gaming at area casinos, snow and water skiing for the adventurous type, and places rich with Native American culture. As one of the last cattle empires left in the West, vacationers can experience a taste of Old Western life including free-running horses, cattle lassoing and branding, and the whistle of a lonesome train that still clacks along the old iron tracks.
The Pony Express Territory includes the historic trail where postal agents carried U.S. mail over 1,800 miles by horseback. Now Highway 50 runs mostly parallel to the trail, and is a beautifully scenic and interesting road to travel. Some major attractions in the Pony Express Territory include Lake Lahontan State Park in Fallon, Nevada. The state recreation area is perfect for camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, and boating. Another of the Pony Express Territory's great attractions include the Rattlesnake Speedway, where vacationers can check out some high-speed NASCAR action.
Some of the Old West's legendary tales got their start in the Pioneer Territory, which is home to ghost towns and historic mining towns, some of which still function. Located in south-central Nevada, the Pioneer Territory is an adventurer's paradise. Active pursuits here include mountain biking in the Toiyabe and Toquima ranges; nature watching, during which you may glimpse wild horses, burros, antelope, deer, and elk roaming free on the summits and in the valleys; and the latest adventurous trends, which include sandboarding, paragliding, and riding dune buggies and all-terrain vehicles at the Amargosa Dunes.
The final region of Nevada is the Las Vegas Territory, one of the state's most popular tourist destinations. In the Las Vegas Territory is, of course, the glamorous city of Las Vegas, where everything seems to be the biggest, brightest, longest, and tallest. Considered by some to be the "Entertainment Capital of the World," there's no place quite like Vegas, which is home to 18 of the 20 largest hotels in the United States. There's so much to do when it comes to entertainment and attractions in Las Vegas that it'll make your head spin. Vacationers can enjoy sightseeing, shopping, fine dining, and lots, lots more among the city's neon lights, mega resorts, and star-studded entertainment. Other attractions in the Las Vegas Territory include art museums, amusement parks, and the Lake Mead National Recreational Area where travelers can enjoy beaches, camping, boating, and more.
Once you have decided which region of Nevada you want to vacation in, you can then decide on the city or cities you want to visit.
Once You're There
There are plenty of choices when it comes to lodgings and activities in Nevada. When deciding on hotel or resort accommodations, keep in mind what's most important to you on your vacation. If you plan to spend a lot of time boating or fishing, you may want to book your stay at a lake front resort. If you enjoy activities and sightseeing, consider staying in the heart of the city so you can be near its main attractions and happening tourist spots.
When traveling with others, keep their likes and dislikes in mind when deciding where to stay and what to do. Some of your companions may enjoy exciting nightlife, while others may prefer a quiet, relaxing trip. Try to find a happy medium so that everyone can enjoy their stay in Nevada. Also, if you're traveling with the family, you may want to look into kid-friendly accommodations and activities.
Nevada is so diverse in terrain and what it offers vacationers, no matter which region you choose to visit you're sure to find plenty of fun activities on your Silver State vacation.
