When most people think of Nevada, they picture the dazzling lights of Las Vegas — glittering casinos, pool parties, and endless entertainment. But beyond the Strip lies a totally different side to the Silver State: one filled with UFOs, ghost towns, wild art, haunted hotels, and offbeat attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re looking for quirky things to do in Nevada or want to discover unusual places to visit in the USA, this is your playground. Nevada’s wide-open roads lead to alien encounters, historic mining towns, and stunning desert landscapes — all with a delightfully eccentric twist.
Here are some of the best quirky Nevada experiences every curious traveller should experience.
Go Alien Hunting on the Extraterrestrial Highway
If you love a good mystery, buckle up for one of the most iconic routes in America — the Extraterrestrial Highway (State Route 375). This legendary drive through the Nevada desert runs alongside the top-secret Area 51, making it the heart of UFO tourism in Nevada.
Stop at Rachel, a tiny town with a big personality, where the famous Little A’Le’Inn serves up alien burgers, out-of-this-world souvenirs, and plenty of stories from those who claim to have seen strange lights in the sky.
Whether or not you believe in UFOs, the night skies here are some of the darkest in North America — perfect for stargazing in Nevada. You might not spot aliens, but you’ll definitely see more stars than you’ve ever imagined.
Explore Spooky Nevada Ghost Towns
If you prefer your adventures with a hint of the supernatural, you’ll love Nevada’s eerie, abandoned mining settlements. The state is home to more than 600 ghost towns, each with its own story.
One of the most photogenic is Rhyolite, near Death Valley — a crumbling relic of the Gold Rush era. Wander among the ruins, then visit the neighbouring Goldwell Open Air Museum, where surreal sculptures like the ghostly Last Supper rise from the sand.
Further north, the historic towns of Goldfield and Tonopah are filled with tales of hauntings and Wild West history. Spend the night at the Mizpah Hotel, often called America’s most haunted hotel. The beautifully restored property still plays host to its resident ghost, the Lady in Red, who’s said to roam the fifth floor.
Nevada’s haunted hotels and ghost towns make it the perfect destination for travellers who love a good ghost story — and a glimpse into the state’s gritty, golden past.
Ride the Rails and Relive the Wild West
For a dose of living history, head to Ely and climb aboard the century-old Nevada Northern Railway. This vintage steam train offers scenic rides through mountain passes and desert landscapes — and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even drive the train yourself in their “Be the Engineer” experience.
In autumn, the Haunted Ghost Train takes passengers on a spooky after-dark ride complete with eerie surprises. Ely is also home to an amazing collection of murals, turning the whole town into a colourful open-air museum.
Meanwhile, in Virginia City, time seems to have stopped in the 1800s. This perfectly preserved Wild West town is full of saloons, museums, and ghost tours. Pull up a stool at the Bucket of Blood Saloon, sip a whiskey, and listen to live country tunes — it doesn’t get more authentic than that.
See Nevada’s Wild Side of Art
Think Nevada is just desert and casinos? Think again. The state’s vast landscapes have inspired some of America’s most unique outdoor art.
Start with the International Car Forest of the Last Church near Goldfield, where more than 40 cars and buses are buried nose-first in the sand and covered in vivid street art. It’s bizarre, brilliant, and completely Instagram-worthy.
Closer to Las Vegas, the Seven Magic Mountains art installation is a modern masterpiece. Seven towering stacks of neon-painted boulders rise from the desert floor, adding a pop of colour to the Mojave landscape.
And back in Vegas, the Neon Museum brings the city’s vintage signs back to life. Wandering through this glowing “boneyard” feels like stepping into a retro dream — the perfect mix of nostalgia and Nevada cool.
Discover Nevada’s Natural Wonders (With a Twist)
Nevada’s wilderness is as spectacular as it is unexpected. You can kayak along the Colorado River, hike through fiery red canyons at Valley of Fire State Park, or ski in Lake Tahoe — all in one state.
But if you’re after something truly unique, make a beeline for Fly Geyser near Gerlach. Accidentally created by a geothermal drilling project in the 1960s, this otherworldly geyser shoots hot water into the air from a mound of rainbow-coloured minerals. It’s a surreal sight that looks more like a sci-fi movie set than a natural wonder.
And if you visit in late summer, the nearby Black Rock Desert hosts Burning Man, the world-famous art and music festival that turns the desert into a living city of creativity and self-expression.
Whether you’re into nature, art, or just plain weirdness, Nevada’s great outdoors promises endless adventure.
Travel the Loneliest Road in America
For those who crave wide-open spaces, few drives are more iconic than U.S. Route 50, also known as The Loneliest Road in America. Winding through the heart of Nevada, it’s a journey through mountain passes, desert valleys, and quiet little towns that feel like time forgot them.
Pick up a Loneliest Road Survival Guide and collect stamps from local businesses along the way — complete the route and you’ll earn a certificate (and bragging rights). Stop in Austin and Eureka, two charming historic mining towns that offer friendly locals, great food, and stunning views.
It’s road-tripping at its purest — just you, the desert, and the open sky.
Why Nevada Belongs on Your Travel Wish List
For travellers looking for unusual holiday ideas in the USA, Nevada ticks all the boxes. It’s wild, wacky, and endlessly fascinating — the kind of place where you can chase UFOs in the desert one day, stay in a haunted hotel the next, and wrap it all up with world-class food and entertainment in Las Vegas.
From ghost towns and UFO trails to art in the desert and haunted railways, Nevada celebrates the strange and the spectacular in equal measure. It’s not just a destination — it’s an adventure into the unexpected.
So next time you plan your American getaway, don’t just stick to the well-known sights. Embrace the uncommon, the wonderful, and the wildly beautiful — because in Nevada, every corner tells a story, and every story is worth the trip.
Get in touch with our travel specialists today to start planning your unforgettable adventure in Nevada! Alternatively, check out our Nevada destination pages here for more inspiration and insight into the Silver State.