Driving from Las Vegas to Lake Tahoe

Get your adrenaline pumping by experiencing one of the city's best heart-pounding attractions. Set your sights on the High Roller Observation Wheel, a Ferris wheel that takes you 550 feet over the Strip and offers unforgettable views of the city. For an even bigger challenge, head to the Stratosphere's SkyJump, where you can jump from a height of 829 feet. You could also ride the X-Scream, which catapults you 1,149 feet over the Strip.

Next, satisfy your hunger at the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace. This is considered the city's best all-you-can-eat spot. Whether you're in the mood for a healthy acai bowl, global street fare, or an incredible array of desserts, you can satisfy your cravings here.

Get lost (not literally!) in the nearly three million acres of wilderness at Death Valley National Park. Reigning supreme as the largest national park in the contiguous United States, there are almost endless things to do in Death Valley National Park. Nestled between the barren desert and snow-covered mountains, visitors can explore historic sites, traverse rugged terrain and observe the wildlife that calls this region home. Make it an overnight adventure with a Death Valley National Park camping trip of a lifetime. Stark in appearance but abundant in recreation, outdoor enthusiasts can hike epic trails, drive the backcountry roads, explore the valley and gaze at the stars above. Although Death Valley National Park weather creates a land of extremes, the wilderness provides spring-fed oases, twisting canyons, swirling sand dunes and reflective salt flats. For the ultimate Death Valley experience, go on a ranger-guided tour for an in-depth perspective of the driest, hottest and lowest national park.

• Tip: Cell phone and internet service is limited within the park; some major carriers may find (slow) service in Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells
• Cost: $30/vehicle; $25/motorcycle; $15/individual traveling on foot or bicycle; $55/annual pass
• Dog Friendly: Yes, but only in developed areas like the campgrounds and roads

Mammoth Lakes serves as Mother Nature’s amusement park year-round. Surrounded by alpine beauty in every direction, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area provides powdered peaks in the winter and secluded trails, lush golf courses and rushing rivers in the summer. Once the frigid snow and ice melt, the wilderness comes alive with the emergence of Rainbow Falls and the portal to Yosemite National Park. Spend your time admiring the magnificent mountain views, Mammoth Lakes hot springs and adventure around every corner. With every season’s unreal experiences, you’ll quickly discover why Mammoth Lakes is one of California’s most famous hot spots.

• Tip: Since Mammoth Lakes weather is inconsistent, make sure to pack the appropriate items for quickly changing conditions; Spend less time walking around and use the free bus system to get to the lifts
• Cost: Ski lift tickets: $89/adult, $73/ages 13-22 and seniors, $40/ages 5-12
• Dog Friendly: Yes, but they’re only permitted on the Public Access Corridor

Lovers of the great outdoors will enjoy spending time immersed in nature at Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is a popular destination all year round, featuring cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and high mountain peaks. Whatever the season, Yosemite National Park weather creates ideal conditions for endless recreation, like high-elevation hiking in the summer and downhill skiing in the winter. Visitors will experience an epic display of granite cliffs, mighty glaciers and tranquil forests filled with giant sequoias. Surrounded by well-known granite formations like the Half Dome and El Capitan, the grandeur of the park’s indigenous rock backdrop and breathtaking wildlife will have you snapping pictures along every step of your adventure.

• Tip: Plan ahead as many iconic hikes require special permits
• Cost: $35/vehicle, $30/motorcycle, $20/person on foot/bicycle (free ages 15 and under); $70/vehicle Yosemite pass
• Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on fully paved roads, sidewalks, parking areas and bicycle paths

Located about 30 minutes outside Lake Tahoe is Carson City, a historic town filled with mountain air and rough-and-tumble energy. Besides pressing your luck at one of the 13 Carson City casinos, this bustling locale comes alive with fantastic entertainment, top-rated restaurants and modern bars that add extra flair to the Western experience. From museums and art galleries to theaters and golf courses, there’s plenty of things to see and do year-round when visiting Nevada’s capital city.

• Tip: Set some cash aside for tipping various industry workers and casino dealers
• Cost: Varies depending on the activity
• Dog Friendly: No

Ready to feel the breeze on the open road? Reserve your car today!

Once you've driven another 150 miles on U.S. 50 North and 50 West, you'll arrive at gorgeous Lake Tahoe. After experiencing such extensive desert landscapes during this trip, you might be surprised to see the sparkling lake, verdant surroundings, and lively attractions. You can get a glimpse of Lake Tahoe in a few hours, especially if you focus on the Nevada side. 

Head to Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, where you can take your pick from laid-back stretches of sand and beautiful lakefront areas. Swim and sunbathe at Sand Harbor or go boating and fishing around Spooner Lake. You'll also find several trailheads in the area, making Lake Tahoe the perfect place to stretch your legs.