As a Nevada local, I always tell people to skip Las Vegas - these 3 destinations are so much better

"Tens of millions of tourists visit Las Vegas each year, spending billions of dollars in the city's casinos, entertainment venues, and attractions. Yet my move brought me to Reno, a seven-hour drive from the desert of Las Vegas. Although Reno still has its fair share of casinos, the city feels like a world apart."

"In Reno, Vegas' palm trees are traded for pine trees, and the Sierra Nevada mountains are unlike anything found within a reasonable distance from the Sphere. After moving to Reno, I was intrigued by the diversity of the state. I set a goal to travel around Nevada. Since then, I've visited otherworldly deserts, stunning mountain lakes, and historic mining towns."

"Nevada has so much more to offer than just casinos, but most tourists flee to the slot machines without considering other options. Las Vegas has its appeal, but if you're feeling adventurous, consider visiting these destinations instead."

Nevada extends far beyond Las Vegas, with numerous destinations offering unique experiences. While tens of millions of tourists visit Las Vegas annually, the state contains diverse landscapes and attractions. Reno, located seven hours from Las Vegas, features pine forests and Sierra Nevada mountains instead of desert casinos. Lake Tahoe and the Ruby Mountains provide stunning natural scenery, while Virginia City appeals to history enthusiasts. Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam offer alternatives to The Strip. The state contains otherworldly deserts, mountain lakes, and historic mining towns that most tourists overlook while focusing on Las Vegas casinos.

Read at Business Insider