Weekend Trips From Las Vegas
To call the Las Vegas Strip popular is an understatement, as over 40 million people visited the desert destination in 20241. Sin City has it all — including crowds. Do you want to take a weekend trip from Las Vegas to escape the bustling casinos, packed concert venues, and long lines at various attractions? If so, keep reading.
There are numerous places, a stone's throw away from the world-famous Strip, and in neighboring Utah, that are worth exploring for a weekend getaway. If you're unsure of where to start, buckle up for a road trip starting in Las Vegas and ending at Zion Canyon Hot Springs, a newly opened wellness destination in La Verkin, Utah (near Zion National Park).
How to Get from Las Vegas to Zion Canyon Hot Springs
Pack a few snacks and bottles of water for the journey, which takes roughly two hours (139 miles) via I-15 N.
3 Road Trips from Las Vegas
1. Valley of Fire State Park
Approximately 45 minutes into the trek, stop near Overton, Nevada, to explore Valley of Fire State Park. This 40,000-acre2 park in the Mojave Desert is the perfect spot to fill your Instagram story with pictures of the Aztec sandstone formations and ancient, petrified trees. Work on your hamstrings, calves, and glutes on a hike. There are trails for various experience levels and abilities.
The Park doesn't have dining options; however, there are picnic areas at Atlatl Rock, Seven Sisters, the Cabins, and other sites. We recommend buying an inexpensive cooler before leaving Las Vegas (yes, we know what we did there) and filling it with sandwiches and bottles of water on ice. Bringing along lunch is a convenient way to refuel while traveling.
There are restrooms near the picnic areas. To stay connected to the modern world, Wi-Fi is available at the Park for a fee.
2. Mesquite Casinos, Pools, and Dining
Maybe you want to enjoy resort amenities but a little farther away from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas strip. You're in luck, as you'll reach Mesquite, Nevada, just over an hour into the drive from Las Vegas.
The small city in northeast Nevada bordering Arizona is home to Virgin River Hotel & Casino and CasaBlanca Resort, both owned by Mesquite Entertainment.
CasaBlanca features various amenities available to non-hotel guests, including daily pool passes to cool off in the dry heat. Whether you want to bet it all on black or get a winning combo at the slots, CasaBlanca's casino features 12 table games and 800 slot machines, including popular games like MegaBucks and Wheel of Fortune.
Treat yourself to fine dining at Katherine's Steakhouse, sate your cravings for East Coast diner fare at Jersey Joe's Diner, or try guacamole made tableside and other Mexican cuisine at Ritas and Fajitas. Make sure to get ice cream for dessert at Scoops.
Virgin River Hotel & Casino also boasts plenty for out-of-town visitors to do on day trips. The casino, for instance, has 14 table games and 1,000 slot machines. There's also a bowling center, where you can attempt a strike under neon lights. Conjure memories of childhood nostalgia (and make new memories with your family) at the arcade.
Stop for a bite to eat at the family-friendly Virgin River Café. From rise-and-shine breakfast staples to Chinese comfort food, the menu offers something for everyone. For even more variety, fill your plate at Sierra's Buffet. It's open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
3. Zion National Park
Check a trip to Las Vegas and Zion National Park off your bucket list. The Park's south entrance is the most direct entrance from La Verkin, home to Zion Canyon Hot Springs.
The Park has numerous points of interest throughout its nearly 147,000 acres3. If you're ready for a strenuous hike, Angels Landing is definitely worth exploring for its spectacular views. Note: You must enter a lottery for a chance to win a permit to visit Angels Landing.
There are additional places to explore, like Emerald Pools and Riverside Walk (two trails, both approximately two miles long) that don't require permits — or that much exertion.
Located inside the Park, Zion National Park Lodge offers dining options, including the Red Rock Grill, which serves American and Mexican cuisine, as well as picturesque views of Zion Canyon. Castle Dome Café is the place to go for packaged snacks and fresh meals. The 21+ crowd can grab a brew at the Beer Garden.
The Final Destination: Zion Canyon Hot Springs
Your weekend getaway from Las Vegas to Zion Canyon Hot Springs could include detours along the way, from taking a hike to a seat at a craps table. The wellness destination boasts over 50 mineral hot springs pools to help you recharge after a short day trip. Each pool has specific mineral compositions that promote different therapeutic benefits, from muscle recovery to joint support and stress reduction.
The tranquil oasis includes two sections. The family-friendly region has 14 mineral hot springs pools as well as a large freshwater pool, a cold plunge, a barrel sauna, and a snack bar. The 21+ exclusive region features 18 mineral hot springs pools, two barrel saunas, two cold plunges, The Springs Café, and a full bar with poolside drink service.
You'll also discover 16 world-inspired pools in the 21+ region. The mineral composition in each pool is inspired by the mineral-rich waters found in different parts of Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.
Ready to Unwind Away from The Strip?
A visit to Zion Canyon Hot Springs is a unique way to unwind during your time away from the Las Vegas Strip. To experience all that the brand new wellness destination has to offer, book your visit today.
Sources:
1. Velotta, R. N. (7 April 2025). How many people visit Las Vegas each year? Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved September 10, 2025, from https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/how-many-people-visit-las-vegas-each-year-3347903
2. Valley of Fire State Park. Nevada State Parks. Retrieved September 10, 2025, from https://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire
3. Yogerst, J. (24 June 2024). Everything to know about Zion National Park. National Geographic. Retrieved September 10, 2025, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/article/zion-national-park



