LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Summer is here. Unfortunately, the pandemic put a stop to vacation plans for a lot of locals. But that doesn't mean you can't make some memories with family and friends. 13 Action News looks at some of the great getaways close to home for anyone on a budget.
LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
"Every outdoor recreation activity that you can think of, you can pretty much do here at Lake Mead. We're talking about camping, boating, swimming, water skiing, hiking. All sorts of things you can do here. Fishing, even hunting is allowed," said Christie Vanover with the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
It's only about an hour outside Las Vegas. Entry is $25 per vehicle. There's extra fees for camping, just remember spots are available first-come-first-serve. You also have to pay extra to haul in a boat. But you don't have to own a boat to get out on the water.
"We offer rental boats for all different types. Our pontoon boat is probably our most popular," said Bruce Nelson with Boating Lake Mead.
The National Recreation Area is asking guests to keep group sizes to ten or less. Plus, they're asking everyone to keep a ten-by-ten foot rule between parties. But with more than 450 miles of beach line, there's plenty of space for everyone.
BOULDER CITY
Want to get out of town, but the great outdoors aren't your thing? Try Boulder City. They have antique shops and fun dining like the gangster-themed pub The Dillinger and Boulder Dam Brewing. Just remember Boulder City is one of the few places in Nevada where gambling is illegal. The biggest attraction of course is Hoover Dam, but tours there are still closed due to the pandemic.
VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK
If you're looking for a photo op with mother nature, try the Valley of Fire State Park, about an hour northeast of Las Vegas. For just $10 per vehicle, you can gain access to sandstone formations dating back to the dinosaurs. There's also petrified trees and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years. For an extra $10, camping is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Another great option for seeing all mother nature has to offer is Death Valley National Park, two hours away and just across the California state line. The park is only partially open due to COVID-19, with some trailheads and overlooks open along California Highway 190. There's also camping and motel rooms available at Panamint Springs. But remember Death Valley is home to the highest recorded temperatures in world history. Temperatures right now are averaging about 110 degrees.
