Drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas

The heart of the Southwest, Phoenix is a major metropolitan area that appeals to all ages. From professional and collegiate sports to outdoors activities, amusement and water parks, excellent shopping, and more.

Golf fans rejoice, the Phoenix and Scottsdale area offer some of the best courses in the country. The desert backdrop provides a unique scenic background that you won’t find in other areas. If you're an avid or even casual golf fan, play a round at Troon North Golf Club or TPC Scottsdale for an unforgettable experience. If the sport isn’t your thing, consider a day at one of the city’s premier spas and an afternoon out shopping – two very different, but equally as important, kinds of therapy.

Before you head out on your trip, make a plan to fill up with a hearty breakfast in Phoenix. Stop by Original Breakfast House, and you'll find a menu filled with breakfast staples that have a modern twist. Delicious standouts include a chicken tinga omelet, brioche cinnamon rolls, and the machaca scramble. Down a few cups of coffee and you'll be ready for the open road.

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Hop on highway 60 to highway 93 toward Kingman. Side note: highway 93 will turn into I-40 for a few miles near Kingman. This stretch of the trip is the longest, running for almost 200 miles and taking around three hours. It might be good to stretch your legs for a bit so, consider stopping halfway in Nothing. That’s right, Nothing. This Arizona…town? No. That implies there’s something. Well, however you decided to label it, the place has nothing there, it’s a novelty that allows you to get out of the car and take a few pictures of the signs that declare you’re in Nothing.

Kingman, on the other hand, is a town that sits along the historic Route 66, so it's the perfect place to stop and learn more about this famous road.

One of the best places to explore is the Arizona Route 66 Museum in the Powerhouse Visitor Center. Here you can view photos, murals, and life-size dioramas that depict the history of Route 66. You'll learn about the road's early history as a Native American trading route and watch it transform to a wagon route as European settlers moved west. Finally, you'll see the road in its heyday during the 1950s. The museum also has a unique electric vehicle exhibit, with electric vehicles from the 19th to the 21st century.

Another spot to discover is the Mohave Museum of History and Arts. As the name implies, you'll learn about the history, art, and heritage of Northwestern Arizona.

Depending on how long you've stayed in town and how fast you want to venture toward the next spot, it might be an ideal chance to grab a quick lunch. Floyd and Company Real Pit BBQ is the perfect spot to grab a bite before heading out.

Finished learning about Route 66? Then it’s time to leave Kingman and continue heading north on Route 93. This road will take you directly to the Hoover Dam, which is about 75 miles and an hour and 15 minutes from Kingman. No road trip to Las Vegas is complete without learning about this engineering marvel, so plan to spend some time here.

The Hoover Dam is on the Colorado River, which is the border between Arizona and Nevada. For less than $30, you can choose between two tours to take when you're visiting the dam. The Power Plant Tour lasts for 30 minutes and takes guests through the visitor's center and power plant to learn more about the dam and its operations. The other option is to take the hour-long Hoover Dam Tour. This tour takes guests through the visitor's center, to the observation deck, the intake towers, along the top of the dam, and more.

From the Hoover Dam, it's just 17 miles and about a half-hour west to Henderson, Nevada. If you have a sweet tooth that needs some attention, check out the tours at the Ethel M Chocolates Factory. The self-guided viewing aisle is free and open to the public. Here you can watch chocolatiers making pecan brittle, caramels, and delicious pieces of chocolate.

If that's not enough, you can also sign up for the chocolate tasting experience. Each class lasts between 30 and 45 minutes and includes education on how chocolate is made, as well as lessons on how to identify the different flavors of chocolate. Tasting menus include all milk chocolate, all dark chocolate, chocolate covered nuts, liqueur-filled chocolates, and an assortment of white, milk, and dark chocolates.

After satisfying your sweet tooth, it's time to finish your road trip to Las Vegas. Simply take Interstate 515 north for 15 miles and 20 minutes to reach the heart of the city. Once you're there, you'll have your pick of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities. You can watch a dolphin show at Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage, enjoy an incredible dinner with an even better view at Top of the World at the Stratosphere or check out the 24-hour mall at the Fremont Street Experience.

Vegas is the Live Entertainment Capital of the World. It's nearly impossible not to find something to do in this city. Similarly, it's almost impossible not to find a fantastic meal. Explore each resort or ask some locals for their favorite off-the-beaten-path hot spots and you’ll find plenty that is up your alley.

Are you ready to explore the unique attractions between Phoenix and Las Vegas? Make sure you have your road trip essentials ready, hop in your car, and follow this plan for an unforgettable experience.

 

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Drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas FAQs

What is the hottest month in Phoenix?

July is the warmest month in Phoenix, with average temperatures reaching up to 106 degrees. If you are going to be in Phoenix during summer months, it is especially important to stay hydrated and to wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

Can you walk across the Hoover Dam?

Yes, you can safely walk across the Hoover Dam via the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for free. At 900 feet, this is the second tallest bridge in the United States. Bring your camera to capture the stunning panoramic view of the Hoover Dam.

What can you do in Vegas for free?

There is so much more to do in Vegas than gamble, and some of it won’t cost you a dime. Below are just a few of the many free activities available in Las Vegas.

• - Visit the Silverton Casino Aquarium to see thousands of tropical fish, stingrays, sharks, and jellyfish. 
• - Head over to The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace to see the Fall of Atlantis show, which occurs every hour on the hour. 
• - Stop by Treasure Island Hotel on Mondays at 4:00 pm to see a rehearsal of Mystere by Cirque du Soleil for free.