The Silver State never fails to thrill visitors, both in the glitzy casinos and on outdoor playgrounds. Although it’s hard to fight the allure of one-arm bandits and bustling blackjack tables, the call of Nevada tracks, trails and waterways can’t be denied. Ride the Colorado River by kayak, water taxi or jet ski to find that perfect canyon or beach. Test your racing skills on a banked track, or fulfill those train engineer fantasies with rides on the rails.

1) Las Vegas

Starting Point

Get a taste of life in the fast lane at Speed Vegas. Choose from Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches and several other high-performance race cars to zoom around a 1.5-mile high-speed track. Classroom instruction and racetrack coaches prepare drivers to take on curves and straightaways. Truck enthusiasts can opt for the 1.4-mile trophy truck racetrack. After putting your car in park, get a taste of the neon lights, dancing fountains and sky-high roller coasters in town.

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2) Boulder City

Drive 26 miles • 32 minutes

Kayak on the Colorado River through Black Canyon from the base of Hoover Dam to Willow Beach, taking in several side canyons and soaking in natural hot springs along the way. Glide into Emerald Cave for some respite from the desert sun, and enjoy lunch on a Colorado River beach before returning to this charming town. Many tours offer portage back to town. Prefer dry land? From Boulder City, catch a ride on the air-conditioned cars of the Nevada Southern Railroad for a jaunt through the countryside from Boulder City to Railroad Pass. Travelers will learn how the train was an integral part of the construction of Hoover Dam in this 40-minute excursion.

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3) Laughlin

Drive 79 miles • 1 hour, 19 minutes

Bask in the Mohave Desert sun while soaking in cool river waters at Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area. Clean beaches line the shore of this majestic river, and anglers will take delight in the selection of fish they can catch here. In the evening, take an unofficial walking tour of Laughlin by following the Riverwalk, passing seven casino properties on the Strip, while enjoying a stroll along the Colorado River. The mile-long path also offers access to water taxis and river boat tours. You can rent personal watercraft here as well.