I may not be the best person to write a typical Las Vegas review — one of my favorite things to do there is jog the Strip at sunrise — but that might be why this guide will be helpful. Vegas is often seen as all casinos and bachelor parties, but it’s actually way more than that.
The hotel resorts are surprisingly affordable, packed with food options, wild architecture, and dazzling lights. There are tons of family-friendly shows and attractions — from cirque-style performances to aquarium tunnels and gondola rides.
And if you’re the kind of person who wants to balance the city with a dose of desert air, you’re in luck.
🌵 Outdoor Escapes Near Vegas
These two scenic areas are high on my list — not just because they’re beautiful, but because they’re accessible to everyone:
🔴 Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
West of Vegas — about 30 minutes away.
This is a great option if you’re short on time or traveling with grandparents or kids. You can drive the scenic loop in about two hours, or hop out for a few short hikes. We considered this on a recent trip with two grandmothers — it’s beautiful and totally doable in a half-day.
A timed entry permit is required to enter the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive from
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. November 3rd – May 31st. Purchased on Recreation.org.
🔥 Valley of Fire State Park
About one hour northeast.
This one takes a little more commitment (I’d plan a half-day minimum), but it’s worth it. Jaw-dropping rock formations, red sandstone arches, and scenic roads you can drive or hike. There are also campgrounds in both parks if you want to spend more time outside the city.
🗺️ Tip: Both areas are commonly advertised as part of paid tours, but you can easily drive them yourself — no need for a guide unless you want one.
🧭 Planning Tip: Google Maps as a Visual Tool
If you’re planning your trip and wondering how to fit everything together, I highly recommend opening a Google Maps window. Here’s why:
- Click on any hotel (like MGM or Caesars Palace) — you’ll instantly see the rooms, pool, lobby, and more. It’s faster than clicking through a dozen websites.
- Zoom in/out to explore trailheads and attractions — it’s great for seeing proximity and finding nearby campgrounds, too.
- Quick photo snapshots of attractions let you compare several options in seconds.
I’ve added purple markers near the entrances to both Red Rock and Valley of Fire — zoom out to spot them, then zoom in to explore trailheads, rest stops, or campsites.
Map
Next up, I’ll walk through the things we actually did on our trip — and why we chose them. You might be planning a totally different experience, but maybe something in our trip sparks an idea for yours.
🎲 Vegas + Grand Canyon: A Spring Break Snapshot
Who: Me, my 18-year-old son, and his grandparents
When: Spring Break
How long: 4 nights total — 2 in Vegas, 1 at the Grand Canyon, 1 more in Vegas
🏨 Stay #1: MGM Grand (2 nights)
- Fantastic pool area — lazy river, comfy lounge chairs, and great energy
- Arial tram access makes it easy to explore the Strip
- Nice rooms — our view included Excalibur and New York, New York
- David Copperfield Show — fun and mysterious (how did he conjure up UFOs and dinosaurs?)
- Skybridge access to New York, New York, where my son rode the rollercoaster (a bit jerky for me, but he loved it)
- High Roller Observation Wheel — great view, but tricky to reach via the aerial tram. It looked like a simple walk on the map… it wasn’t. We drove and parked in the lot across the street, which worked great.
- Blue Man Group at Luxor — super fun percussion show that everyone enjoyed
💡 Show planning tip: We used Vegas.com to find showtimes — super helpful
🏞️ Road Trip to the Grand Canyon
This was my fourth April visit to the Canyon — and three times out of four, there’s been snow along the rim.
That said, the weather in the canyon is often warm and pleasant. The 5,000-foot elevation drop and canyon walls make a big difference!
- Camping tip: I’ve done two April trips to Havasupai Campground, and the weather was great down there
- This time, we stayed at the Holiday Squire Inn, which was a hit with the whole crew:
- Indoor/outdoor pool
- Arcade & bowling alley
- Breakfast buffet
🏛️ Back to Vegas: One night at Caesar’s Palace
- A beautiful resort to walk through
- Short walk to Paris, Bellagio Fountain, and Conservatory & Botanical Garden
- Perfect way to end the trip — light, relaxed, and scenic
🍽️ Where We Ate
- Capo’s Speakeasy — mob-themed, fun atmosphere, and great Italian food (Capone family recipes!)
- MGM Buffet — solid breakfast buffet
- New York Pizza (in food court) — nothing fancy, but quick and tasty
- Water Grill (Caesar’s Palace) — fresh seafood, good experience
