What's Hot in Nevada - February 2026 10 "Only-in-Nevada" resolutions to make in 2026

3 February 2026: Nevada offers something for every kind of traveller, from dramatic desert landscapes and hidden lakes, to quirky roadside stops and cultural treasures that are unique to the Silver State. Travel Nevada invites Aussie and Kiwi travellers to kick off the year with 10 “Only-in-Nevada” experiences, each offering a fresh way to get a little out there and do something that is truly unique.

1. Kayak in the desert - Although one of the driest states in the U.S., there’s a surprising mix of waterways in Nevada all offering a visual contrast, from desert rivers to alpine-blue lakes. Paddle through emerald stretches of the Colorado River that flow into Lake Mead by towering canyon walls, or skim the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, nestled by granite peaks. For guided tours, Desert Adventures serves as a one-stop shop for kayaking day trips and overnight tours along the Neon to Nature road-trip. Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures offer family-friendly experiences, taking guests of all ages down the Colorado River on scenic three-hour or 90-minute rafting tours. Whilst in Tahoe, take the scenic Lake Tahoe Loop and stop off for an iconic Clearly Tahoe Kayak Tour where visitors can glide across the crystal waters in a transparent vessel guided by sun or moon light.

Black Canyon Kayaking | Photo Credit - Travel Nevada

2. Tour a museum found only in Nevada - The state’s museums provide a rich tapestry of the past, from Nevada’s pioneering silver and gold rush days, the early mob movement of Las Vegas and everything in between. Visitors can explore neon-lit history at The Neon Museum, delve into organised crime history at The Mob Museum, learn about nuclear testing at the National Atomic Testing Museum which details Nevada’s front-and-center role in nuclear history, or play vintage machines at the Pinball Hall of Fame. Historic museums outside major cities, such as the preserved McGill Drugstore Museum and the Eureka Sentinel Museum bring Nevada’s cultural narrative and diversity to life.

rush Saloons scattered throughout the state preserve Nevada’s frontier heritage. These establishments, some dating back to the 1800s, offer visitors the chance to enjoy local spirits while soaking in the ambiance of the Old West.

The Neon Museum | Photo Credit - Travel Nevada

3. Stargaze in the Black Rock Desert - Along the Burner Byway, Nevada’s vast open spaces and minimal light pollution offers prime dark-sky viewing. The Black Rock Desert — known for the Burning Man Festival — and Massacre Rim International Dark Sky Sanctuary attracts stargazers seeking spectacular celestial views, especially under rural night skies.

Black Rock Desert Star Gazing | Photo Credit - Travel Nevada

4. Tackle the Monster Burger Challenge - At Middlegate Station on the Loneliest Road in America roadtrip, food adventurers can attempt the famed nearly four-pound Middlegate Monster burger. This classic highway stop combines local history with a hearty eating challenge that rewards successful finishers with a commemorative T-shirt but more importantly boasting rights.

Monster Burger - Middlegate Station | Photo Credit - Travel Nevada

5. Explore Lunar Crater - Nevada’s Lunar Crater, a natural volcanic maar resembling lunar terrain, offers an otherworldly geological experience. Situated along the Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway near Tonopah (just off the Extraterrestrial Highway), the crater and surrounding lava fields provide a dramatic landscape once used by NASA for astronaut training.

Lunar Crater Backcountry Byway | Photo Credit - Travel Nevada

6. Toast the Wild West at Sagebrush Saloons - Historic Sagebrush Saloons scattered throughout the state preserve Nevada’s frontier heritage. These establishments, some dating back to the 1800s, offer visitors the chance to enjoy local spirits while soaking in the ambiance of the Old West.

7. Wander out-there art installations - Nevada’s landscape also serves as a backdrop for large-scale art. From oversized sculptures at the Goldwell Open Air Museum near Beatty, to the car-lourful International Car Forest of the Last Church, to the vibrant, stacked boulder towers of Seven Magic Mountains all along the Free-Range Art Highway. In Reno, there is an array of incredible art made by world-renowned artists who have contributed their work to the nearby Burning Man Festival over the years. The work is displayed across both pop-up and permanent installations in and around Midtown and Downtown Reno and can be viewed along the Reno Playa Art Trail.

Goldwell Open Air Museum | Photo Credit - Travel Nevada

8. Visit Nevada’s lesser known National Park - Nevada’s best kept secret would have to be the Great Basin National Park along the Great Basin Highway, with its mountainous wilderness, ancient bristlecone pines, and the spectacular Lehman Caves. The park’s remote location means light pollution doesn’t reach it, which is why DarkSky certified it as a Dark Sky Park in 2016. Stargazing here is enchanting any time of year but the annual Great Basin Astronomy Festival is a major celebration of these natural wonders.

Great Basin National Park - Teresa Lake | Photo Credit - Travel Nevada

9. Complete a “triathlon” in Nevada style - In Carson City, a local “triathlon” offers a playful way to experience the area’s hospitality and leisure. Visitors can sample craft beer at Shoe Tree Brewing, enjoy diverse cuisine at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, and relax at the historic Carson Hot Springs, all within walking distance of one another.

Shoe Tree Brewing | Photo Credit - Travel Nevada

10. Sleep in an uncommon overnighter - Nevada’s lodging options vary but also include quite a few uniquely memorable stays. Travellers can experience a haunted offering in Virginia City at either the Gold Hill Hotel (one of Nevada’s oldest hotels), or the Silver Queen Hotel and Saloon which doubles as a vintage wedding chapel. With a brightly coloured exterior that can’t be missed, The Clown Motel in Tonopah boasts a collection of more than 2,000 clown figurines from all corners of the globe. Or relax in a backcountry yurt at Ruby 360 Lodge, each providing a distinct way to experience the Silver State’s character and create a bespoke holiday experience.

Clown Motel - Tonopah | Photo Credit - Travel Nevada

So come on, get a little out there in 2026, start planning a Nevada adventure now at travelnevada.com and follow Travel Nevada on Instagram via the handle @travelnevada.au.nz.