The Silver State earns gold as a top destination for Snowbirds, thanks to its diverse landscapes, mild weather, and welcoming communities. Snowbirds will find dozens of golf courses, hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails, and no less than 27 state parks to explore. But beyond its stunning, wide-open landscapes, Nevada has enough cultural and historical attractions to hold its own against any Western U.S. destination. 

Whether you’re looking to enjoy warmer climes in a charming rural town or live in luxury at a world-class casino-resort, you’ll find your perfect wintering grounds in Nevada. 

For more travel ideas visit www.travelnevada.com

Getting Here

Flying

Nevada’s two major cities—Las Vegas and Reno—are home to international airports with service from all major Canadian airports.  WestJet, Porter and Air Canada all have direct flights to Las Vegas and WestJet and Air Canada and Alaska Air also have one stop flights to Reno.      

Driving

Nevada is the Road Trip Capital of the U.S.A., and no matter which part of the state you arrive in first, its interstates, highways, byways, and state routes are ready to take you to practically anywhere on the map.  There are multiple interstate routes that lead to Nevada from various parts of Canada. 

Weather – October to April

Temperatures vary across the state: 

In southern Nevada, October to April average temperatures range from 28 C to the low 10s. 

Northern Nevada temperatures are much cooler, with highs averaging around 15 C and lows around freezing.

Nevada Road Trips

Exploring Nevada by car is the best way to get a sense of the state’s diversity and scale—it’s the seventh largest U.S. state, after all. In fact, the 10 curated road trips don’t just lead you to adventure: They are the adventure. Note that each trip is completely accessible by passenger vehicle or RV.

Loneliest Road in America

• In July of 1986, ”Life” magazine dubbed Nevada’s Highway 50 as the Loneliest Road in America. Today, this moniker is a point of pride. Yes, it’s remote, but this epic road trip is your gateway to ghost towns, historic mining communities, stunning state parks, unsurpassed recreational opportunities, and a few Sagebrush Saloons, to boot. We suggest 2 to 4 days for this trip. 

Extraterrestrial Highway

• Welcome to Alien Country. We can neither confirm nor deny the rumors of alien spacecraft, top secret technology, or little green dudes on the payroll. But you will find wide-open roads through an otherworldly wilderness. Heading out from the Las Vegas area, explore Extraterrestrial Highway landmarks like the Black Mailbox, skirt as close as legally possible to Area 51, and get ready to meet some friendly humans along the way. Best to do this trip in 2 days as a loop from Las Vegas.

Neon To Nature

• This three-pronged package of mini road trips from Las Vegas will have you exploring world-famous Hoover Dam or outdoor playgrounds like Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park—and still get you back in time for your dinner reservation. Whether you’re looking for easy day trips in southern Nevada or want to investigate simple overnight adventures, the three spokes of this road trip have got you covered. 

Great Basin Highway 

• Starting from Las Vegas, you’ll start this trip in sandstone canyons and end at ancient bristlecone pines beneath some of the nation’s darkest skies. Before reaching Nevada’s very own national park, you’ll explore the surreal landscapes at a variety of state parks including Kershaw-Ryan and Cathedral Gorge and stop in a variety of charming, full-service communities and historic ghost towns. This adventure will take you around 3 days. 

Boulder City

Overview

Founded in 1931 to house the builders of Hoover Dam, Boulder City now brims with cute shops, killer cafés, and an Art Deco aura. Fewer than 30 miles southeast (but an entire world away) from Las Vegas, this charming southern Nevada burg is a hub for history and adventure at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Colorado River, and beyond. 

One of only two towns in Nevada that eschews gaming, Boulder City offers a small-town vibe. The town leans heavily into its historic beginnings and is proud to showcase its cultural heritage. Decades after construction, more than 400 vintage structures still stand in painstakingly preserved glory—even the 1940s-built bowling alley feels like a time capsule. For a town primer, take a self-guided tour in Historic Downtown that highlights the community’s colorful history through 67 murals and sculptures.

Winter temps can dip to 5 C at night, but plenty of sunny days that hover around 15 C make this a perfect winter respite. 

Accommodations & Where to Stay

Boulder City has plenty of rental options for couples, singles, or entire families. Snowbirds can park their rigs at Lake Mead RV Village for magnificent views—and easy access to Lake Mead National Recreation Area—or winter at Canyon Trail RV Park —located just 7 miles from Hoover Dam. For something a little more laid back, Boulder Oaks RV Resort prides itself on a clean and quiet environment. If you’re looking for a campout, nearby Lake Mead offers more than 900 camping and RV sites at 15 different locations. 

Things To Do

Spending the winter in Boulder City means you’ll never  be bored. The beautiful weather affords plenty of time for activities, such as the ones listed below.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take an easy hikealong the Historic Railroad Trail or get extreme at Gold Strike Canyon—which offers a serious hike down to a beautiful hot spring—or head to Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Park and its more-than 24 trails. Watersports lovers can paddle or kayak Black Canyon Water Trail, and for the granddaddy of all outdoor adventures, take a helicopter ride above all these areas, or the Grand Canyon. 

For history and culture lovers, look no further than the Boulder City Historic District, Nevada’s largest listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Murals, sculptures, museums and more await along with more than 400 buildings of significance.

You can’t really go wrong with most Boulder City restaurants. For breakfast, slip into the Southwest Diner for spiced-up specialties. If you’re craving a “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives”-certified flavor, the Coffee Cup Café has got you covered. 

Later in the day, dine on beautiful brisket at FOX Smokehouse BBQ  or gorge on classic American fare at Chilly Jilly’z—also famous for its Dole Whip floats. Inside The Dillinger, housed in the old Bank of Nevada building, gourmet burgers and hearty steak and chicken sandwiches will sate any appetite.

Experiences & Events 

• February — The four-day Dam Short Film Festival presents nearly 150 short films of all genres at the stunning, 1933-built Boulder Theater—an Art Deco jewel.
• October — More than 100,000 art-inclined visitors pack this town (of 16,000 residents) for the annual Art in the Park.
• March — The Boulder City Beerfest draws thousands of thirsty hop-heads to sample from 30 brewery tents, a dozen or so food trucks, and sud-centric specialty vendors. 
• May —The Best Dam Barbecue Challenge pits dozens of recipes against each other for smoked and grilled goodness galore.

Carson City

Overview

Culture, cuisine, and all kinds of ways to enjoy the great outdoors: The state capital of Nevada has it all (and then some). Located in northern Nevada, Carson City seamlessly blends Silver State history and old-fashioned charm with wow-worthy sights and attractions. Small-town charm (pop. 58,000) and friendly locals are just two more reasons to make Carson City your basecamp.

While the weather is not quite as balmy as southern Nevada, Carson City’s charm makes it a worthy winter destination, especially for Snowbirds looking for myriad outdoor and cultural experiences. It doesn’t hurt that it’s just a stone’s throw from Reno or Lake Tahoe. 

Accommodations & Where to Stay

Three RV parks await Snowbirds traveling with their own rigs: Camp-N-Town, Gold Dust West Casino RV Park, and Comstock Country RV Resort. 

Mid-to-long term rentals are also plentiful for Snowbirds seeking a live-like-a-local stay. 

Things To Do

In the capital of Nevada, Snowbirds can follow in the footsteps of those who made state-shaping history. Sightsee Silver State origin stories at the Nevada State Capitol and along the Kit Carson Trail in the West Side Historic District, or seek a cultural connection at Brewery Arts Center and two Nevada State Museums. Hikers, bikers, golfers, anglers, and winter sports enthusiasts flock here, too, and the Carson City Triathlon – consisting of an eclectic food joint, a laid-back brewery, and a historic hot springs site – is arguably the most fun you’ll ever have finishing this kind of “race.” 

Experiences & Events

Carson City has something for Snowbirds of every stripe, from ongoing cultural activities to annual must-see events. A few to get you started:

The Brewery Arts Center hosts more than 100 events a year, ranging from theater and live music to art classes and children’s programs. 

At the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum, you can walk a 110-acre campus and learn stories of a difficult past that changed the course for generations of American Indian children. The Stewart Indian School’s Museum serves as Carson City’s epicenter for cultural heritage as well, showcasing art, handicrafts, and special events.

Throughout October, join in a Carson City Ghost Walk and get bewitched by the supernatural lore surrounding Victorian-era homes and buildings in the West Side Historic District.

And no other state celebrates their statehood like the Silver State. The Nevada Day Parade takes over Carson City at the end of every October, including hundreds of floats, Burning Man art cars, and marching bands. A hot air balloon launch and pancake breakfast precede the parade, with beard, rock drilling, and chalk art contests keeping the fun going.

Laughlin

Overview

Fun in the sun is all but guaranteed in Laughlin, a bustling waterfront city nestled in the southernmost tip of the Silver State. Just 90 miles south of Las Vegas, this riverside town beckons for days spent boating, fishing, and tour cruising. An equally enchanting riverwalk scene, home to nine amenity-packed resorts, complements the perfect desert getaway for Snowbirds. 

Accommodations & Where to Stay

Two RV parks are ready to bid you welcome in Laughlin. Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort RV Park is a multi-level 740 full hook-up space RV park with clean showers and laundry facilities. At Laughlin Avi KOA, guests are entitled to all of the Avi Resort and Casino's amenities, including the giant Vegas-style casino, private white sand beach, 9,000-square-foot lagoon pool, boat launch, and fitness center.

If you’re not lugging our own residence around, the aforementioned resorts are a great option for shorter visits. 

Things To Do

In Laughlin, you’ll enjoy beach days at Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area, where you can swim, jet ski, kayak, and fish right in the mighty Colorado River. For scenic hiking, captivating rock formations, and historic American Indian petroglyphs, look no further than Grapevine Canyon and Spirit Mountain (also known as Avi Kwa Ame).

Golf aficionados have five championship courses to tee off from, and those seeking a sense of tranquility won’t want to skip the Laughlin Labyrinths.

If you prefer R&R to recreating, stunning waterfront views can be soaked up via a variety of boat tours (like dinner cruises and jet boat jaunts). And those riverside resorts are jam-packed with fine dining, spa specials, and gaming. 

Experiences & Events

The Laughlin Riverwalk is another excellent starting point for adventure, and it’s one you can enjoy day after day and never be bored. About a mile long, this charming walk meanders through most of the city’s resorts and alongside boutique shopping, water taxis, and access to dinner and riverboat cruises. 

From the Riverwalk, stroll the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park & Trails for unbelievable Davis Dam views. Make a mental note to check out Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Collection, too; it features a rotating display of more than 80 of the world’s most distinctive and rare automobiles.

On your way to or from Laughlin, make a pit stop at the ghost town of Nelson. Tour the oldest, richest, and most famous gold mine in southern Nevada—you’ve probably seen it in the movies.

• October — Whether you’re a racing competitor or a die-hard fan, the need for desert-ripping speed is real at the Laughlin Desert Classic. With appearances by legendary musicians and comedians to tribute shows and citywide events, there’s always something to keep the party going.

Mesquite

Overview

Mesquite offers Snowbirds a place to blend small-town charm with big-city attractions. Simply put, few Nevada towns offer such a diversity of entertainment options including master-designed golf courses and full-service casino-resorts, spas, and hotels. The wonderful desert climate and picturesque Virgin River Valley don’t hurt, either. 

Accommodations & Where to Stay

Plenty of rental accommodations can be found in Mesquite, along with three RV parks that cater to different Snowbird requirements (larger RVS, tennis courts, and pet parks, for instance) are all within the city limits. 

Resorts and non-gaming properties can round out your stay or make for mini-vacations within your winter away.     

Things To Do

Among Mesquite’s top attractions are its championship golf courses, which wind among picturesque washes and the stunning Virgin Mountain foothills. However, non-golfers have plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure, too. 

The winter temps are perfect for seeking out petroglyphs and otherworldly rock formations at rugged and remote Gold Butte National Monument, and for more in-town culture, visit the exquisite Mesquite Fine Arts Center & Gallery. 

For some seriously educational fun, check out the Donkey History Museum. It features multiple galleries, including collections dedicated to pop culture, military service, and international memorabilia. From toys and figurines to artwork, vintage photographs, and life-size displays, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for these four-legged friends.

Experiences & Events

Mesquite offers a packed lineup of fun special events and ways to mingle with the locals. 

• November — The 54-hole Nevada Open Golf Championship attracts competitors with its prize purse of $150,000. 
• January — Thousands of classic car enthusiasts gather for Mesquite Motor Mania, and  the  stunning Virgin River Valley makes a dramatic backdrop to the Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival. 
• March — Animal lovers should head for Donkey Jamboree, a celebration (and adoption extravaganza) of Nevada’s beloved burros.

Beatty

Overview

For Snowbirds looking for a quiet and simple winter, look no further than Beatty. This small town on the edge of Death Valley National Park is the perfect place to relax and restock in between sojourns into this otherworldly park. Just outside town, you’ll find pristine Nevada deserts, impressive ghost towns, and—of course—the area’s famous burro bands. And while just 600 or so people call Beatty home, this town is a perfect winter-over location thanks to its proximity to the Las Vegas area. 

Accommodations & Where to Stay

Beatty lodging options include a handful of small motels, a hotel-casino, and three RV parks. The Death Valley Inn & RV Park offers 39 pull-through RV spaces, Space Station RV Park and Market offers reliable internet and a small store, and the Beatty RV Park. 

Things To Do

From Death Valley National Park to Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge to the ghost town of Rhyolite and the Goldwell Open Air Museum, Beatty is the perfect hub for exploring the area. 

Back in town, spend some days diving deeper into Beatty’s past at the Beatty Museum & Historical Society, which retains an amazing collection of historical photos, books, and documents that immerse visitors in the region’s rich mining and Wild West history.

Experiences & Events
 

• October— The most eagerly anticipated annual event in Beatty is the Beatty Days Festival. For three days, the entire town gets down on great chili, live music, bike and car shows, historical reenactments and gunfights by the Beatty Cowboys, and some of Nevada’s more interesting competitions, including Root Beer Belching, Chicken “Drop” Bingo, the Pickle Liquor Hoot-N-Holler (drink pickle juice and hot sauce… then yell), and Beatty’s famous Bed Races.

Henderson

Overview

Welcome to picturesque Henderson—a thriving city just south of the Las Vegas Strip, where an entirely different pace awaits. Henderson is a perfect basecamp for touring Hoover Dam or enjoying watersports on Lake Mead and the Colorado River, and is also a destination unto itself, with plentiful options for trying something new.

 Henderson offers chilled-out options for snowbirds including entertainment, culinary experiences, cultural activities, and beyond. Whether it’s golfing at one of Henderson’s eight championship golf courses before celebrating in the Artisan Booze District or attending one of the many annual art and music events, the city invites snowbirds to kick back 

Accommodations & Where to Stay

As one of Nevada’s largest cities, Henderson offers hundreds of medium and long-term rental condos and homes-- along with the Desert Sands RV Park. 

Things To Do

Henderson offers something for every type of snowbird. Relaxers can lounge poolside after luxury spa treatments, golfers can choose from 10 beautiful courses, and thrill-seekers can hit up 180 miles of hiking and biking trails or get on the water at Lake Mead or Lake Las Vegas. Did we mention excursions to animal preserves, a gallery-studded art district, or a tasty trip to a chocolate factory? And Henderson’s dining scene can hold its own next to Las Vegas, with much easier access. 

Experiences & Events

Thanks to an abundance of warm weather, snowbirds can get out and enjoy the town just about any day of the year. From outdoor concerts at bird preserves to citywide cultural festivals, Henderson’s calendar is brimming with things to see and do. 

Some highlights:

• October —The Aki Matsuri Japanese Festival, which is in its 15^th year.
• December — Winterfest, a community-hosted annual holiday tradition.
• March — The 57th Annual Southern NV Sons and Daughter of Erin St. Patrick's Day Festival & Parade

See why Canadian snowbirds love Nevada: