More Leisure Activities
Still looking for more to do? Here are even more resources to help you find something to do, no matter what your interests are.
Bowling
If you enjoy bowling, Southern Nevada has more than 15 Southern Nevada USBC Association member bowling centers. Check out www.sonvbowl.com to find out more and to learn about tournaments throughout the year.
Camping
A popular camping spot is Mount Charleston in Toiyabe National Forest, which is open May through September. Located 35 miles north of Las Vegas on route 95, you’ll find it’s a great getaway from the heat of the city and a nice break from city life. Learn more at www.stateparks.com/toiyabe.html.
Horse Stables
Las Vegas offers skilled and novice riders numerous places to horseback ride, including Cowboy Trail Rides, Vegas Horseback Tours, Red Rock Ranch and Riding Stables and the Brass Tacks Equestrian Center. Go online and search for private tour operators that offer horseback riding packages.
Motorcycle Riding
Heading out on the highway on a motorcycle is an experience you should have... considering the region is known as a biker’s paradise. The great weather, fantastic scenery and superb driving conditions make it a super weekend getaway. Check the biking scene by attending the annual Las Vegas BikeFest™, a heavily attended weekend event.
You’ll be glad to know there are a number of Harley-Davidson motorcycle stores that can equip you for the open road. Las Vegas Harley-Davidson (lasvegasharleydavidson.com) and Red Rock Harley-Davidson (redrockharley.com) are full service and pride themselves on providing exceptional customer service.
Tennis
If you’re interested in learning more about tennis, contact the Nevada Tennis Association which promotes the sport of tennis and provides classes, programs and events for players of all ages and skill levels. Learn more at www.ustanevada.com. Another resource in the community, the Tennis Welcome Centers, offer programs that will get you playing in no time. Courts, instruction, people to play with, drill tips can be found at 15 different centers in Las Vegas. Learn more at www.tenniswelcomecenter.com.
Water Sports
Lake Mead The waters of Lake Mead are clear, and provide ideal conditions for water sports like water skiing, tubing and touring via personal watercraft, boating and fishing. You can also enjoy cruises that provide dining and entertainment.
Las Vegas Boat Harbor
As the largest privately owned marina in the world, it boasts approximately 1,500 slips in the Hemenway Harbor of Lake Mead. Facilities include runabout rental boats, pontoon rental boats, waverunner rentals and a marina store with all boating essentials. lasvegasboatharbor.com
Rafting
The favorite place for river rafting in the area is Black Canyon, just below Hoover Dam. Enjoy floating down the calm waters of the Colorado River through Black Canyon for what’s typically a 3.5 hour ride. One great sight along the ride is spotting a grotto-like cavity in the canyon wall that spouts 120-degree hot water. Rafters will also see bighorn sheep and a variety of birds along the way.
For those preferring to go it alone, you must make arrangements and reservations with one of the authorized delivery services to transport your craft to the launch site. Most delivery services can also provide rental craft if desired. Launch fees are $10 per person plus a $3 National Park Service entrance fee for adults age 16 and older. Shuttle service fees are determined by the individual outfitters. Questions about launch permits can be directed to Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures, a National Park Service concessioner. This firm maintains an office in the Hacienda Hotel on Highway 93 near the dam, and can be contacted by phone at (702) 494-2204. For more information, visit www.usbr.gov.
Gardening and Landscaping
As new residents settle in to the desert lifestyle and are ready to try their hands at landscaping and planting, they wonder, what plants will grow here? One suggestion is to visit the Springs Preserve, a 180-acre national historic site and eco-island along Valley View Blvd., south of U.S. 95 and west of downtown. In addition to the colorful desert botanical gardens, museum galleries and walking trails, there are educational programs which provide active learning opportunities for children, adults and teachers through lectures, tours and hands-on workshops.
Visit the website at www.springspreserve.org, where you’ll find additional resources, such as the Experts Directory where expert desert gardeners can answer questions about local gardens and garden clubs, including how to dispose of hazardous materials, caring for your garden, lawn and flowers and handling various pests.
