A few miles from Las Vegas, but a world apart
Nestled just beyond the bright lights of Las Vegas, the city of Henderson, Nevada, offers something visitors rarely find in its glitzy neighbor to the north: room to breathe.
The city’s strategic location just a short drive southeast offers a more relaxed and spacious alternative to the Strip, with easy access to expansive desert beauty, local flavor and the kind of everyday comforts that cater to a more laid-back approach to travel.
Soak up the small-town charm of Henderson’s Water Street District, wander through the cactus-lined paths of the Ethel M Chocolates Factory, or hit the links at one of 10 world-class golf courses in the area.
And if you’re looking for the high-rolling thrills of Las Vegas, well, that’s just over the horizon—easy to reach when the mood strikes, but far enough to feel worlds away.
In Henderson, you don’t have to choose between escape and excitement. Whether you're hiking desert trails at sunrise, exploring a local craft brewery in the afternoon, or catching an evening show on the Strip, Henderson delivers a fresh, unhurried take on Southern Nevada: inviting, unexpected and entirely its own.
Here’s how to make the most of this dynamic desert getaway.
Adventure in every direction
In Henderson, the desert is more than something to be admired from a distance. The 180 miles of hiking and biking trails that surround the city invite exploration at every turn, from quick morning walks to challenging mountain ascents.
The River Mountains Loop Trail, a scenic 34-mile paved route that circles the River Mountains, is a favorite among cyclists and pedestrians seeking panoramic views of Lake Mead—the largest manmade reservoir in the United States—and the surrounding Mojave Desert.
Renowned for its ancient petroglyphs, the nearby Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area offers a glimpse into the region's Native American history, while luxurious Lake Las Vegas invites visitors to rent electric boats and paddleboards while gliding along its shimmering waters.
Visits to Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon are easily manageable from Henderson, as are day trips to Valley of Fire State Park, whose otherworldly red rock formations become especially enchanting as the sun dips below the horizon.
After a day of exploration—or a round of golf at Rio Secco, Reflection Bay, or Chimera Golf Club—unwind at a resort-style pool at Green Valley Ranch or M Resort Spa & Casino.
One bonus of a pool day at these resorts—they are considerably less expensive (and less chaotic) than visiting a resort pool on the Strip. Cowabunga Bay Water Park offers another refreshing counterpoint to the desert landscape, featuring towering slides, lazy rivers and interactive splash zones for visitors of all ages.
A City with Heart (and Flavor)
Henderson may be Nevada’s second-largest city, but it hasn’t lost its small-town spirit. Once an area dedicated to magnesium production that was essential to aircraft manufacturing during World War II, the Historic Water Street District today is a vibrant example of urban renewal, characterized by an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants that reflect the city’s heritage.
Start your day with a morning pick-me-up at Public Works Coffee Bar (which doubles as Azzurra Wine Bar in the evenings), then browse surrounding galleries like City Lights Art Gallery.
The Henderson Artisan Booze District makes for an easy DIY tasting crawl, featuring local standouts like CraftHaus Brewery, Bad Beat Brewing and Las Vegas Distillery.
The district comes alive at Water Street Plaza, a central gathering place that hosts farmers markets, concerts and festivals. Henderson Hot Rod Days, held each fall, draws vintage car enthusiasts from around the region, while a vibrant weekend music scene soundtracks evenings throughout the year.
At the Lion Habitat Ranch, visitors can get an up-close look at the big cats that once roamed the stages of the Strip. The wildlife sanctuary provides a safe haven for the retired animals, along with special events like Yoga with the Lions, Feast with the Beasts and Roar and Restore sound healing classes.
On the other side of town, the Ethel M Chocolates Factory invites sweet tooths to take a self-guided factory tour before exploring a 3-acre botanical cactus garden that features more than 300 species of desert flora.
For a quieter escape, the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve offers a surprising stretch of wetlands, where migratory birds find a home in the middle of the desert.
And if you’re after a livelier scene, Chicken n' Pickle brings together food, drinks, lawn games and, of course, pickleball courts—an easygoing place to spend the afternoon, whether you're playing or just watching the action over smoked wings and local beer.
Big-time entertainment, laid-back vibe
In Henderson, you don’t have to go far to find a crowd. But you’ll rarely feel like you're in one.
Local sports fans rally behind the hometown Henderson Silver Knights (the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights), whose games at the 6,000-seat Lee's Family Forum provide an affordable alternative to Strip entertainment.
The same venue hosts the Vegas Knight Hawks (indoor football) and the Desert Dogs (professional lacrosse), turning game day into a casual, crowd-friendly affair. Sports fans will also want to check out the newly updated sportsbook at Sunset Station Hotel & Casino.
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On the music front, the M Resort brings in touring acts like Ludacris and Train, while Heritage Park celebrates the Fourth of July with a lineup of country music acts and a fireworks display that can be seen throughout the city.
The Lake Las Vegas Classic (Sept. 26–27), a golf tournament and culinary festival, combines two of Henderson’s great appeals into a weekend of sport and spectacle. Thousands of local art enthusiasts come to town for the Art Festival of Henderson (May 10–11), a Mother’s Day tradition.
Gaming remains a major draw in Henderson. The official headquarters of the Las Vegas Raiders, the M Resort Spa & Casino boasts 390 resort rooms, two expansive pools and over 90,000 square feet of casino space with a new tower opening later this year.
Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa and Casino, a luxury resort with a European-inspired design, caters to a mix of vacationers and staycationers, complete with a full-service spa, award-winning restaurants and an upscale movie theater. For families, Sunset Station is a standout, with a movie theater, bowling center and Kids Quest play zone all on site.
Non-gaming resorts are also a hit among travelers looking for a more discreet getaway. The Westin and Hilton at Lake Las Vegas come with all of the amenities of the Strip, but with fewer distractions and more space to unwind.
Low resort fees and free parking at most hotels, including 18 family-friendly select service options, make it easy to explore the city without worrying about hidden costs. Save that money for a memorable meal or play an extra hand at the casino. Either way, you win.