Steakhouses, Slot Machines & Stunning Scenery: How We Turned a Vegas Vacation into a Zion Adventure

Las Vegas might be best known for its flashing lights, slot machines, and late-night shows, but it is also one of the most convenient gateways to some of the country’s most beautiful national parks. When Josh and I planned a spring break getaway last year, we wanted a mix of indulgence and inspiration - a trip that included both fine dining and fresh air.

We started with a few nights in Las Vegas, eating at some of the best restaurants in town, exploring the city’s history and attractions, and staying at two very different hotels. Then, we rented a car for a quick overnight road trip to Zion National Park and Valley of Fire State Park, which turned out to be the perfect balance of nightlife and nature.

If you have ever wondered how to add a national park side trip to your Las Vegas vacation, this post will show you exactly how easy it can be - even if you aren’t a hiker.

Staying at Circa and Paris Las Vegas

We split our time between two Vegas hotels that could not be more different: Circa Resort & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas on The Strip.

Circa, located on Fremont Street, is one of the newest resorts in downtown Vegas and has a distinctly modern, adults-only atmosphere. The rooftop pool complex, Stadium Swim, has giant screens for watching sports while floating in a heated pool, and the casino feels fresh and vibrant without being overwhelming. Our room was sleek and spacious (if you want quiet, don’t get a room overlooking Stadium Swim).

After a few nights downtown, we moved to Paris Las Vegas. The transition from Circa’s ultramodern style to the romantic, Parisian-inspired theme of Paris was a fun contrast. Our room overlooked the Eiffel Tower replica, and we loved the central location right on The Strip, which made it easy to get to restaurants and shows.

Downtown Steakhouse Crawl: Oscar’s, Barry’s, and Andiamo

We decided to turn one night downtown into a steakhouse crawl, and it was easily one of the highlights of our trip.

We started at Oscar’s Steakhouse, located inside the historic Plaza Hotel. Named after former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, it feels like stepping back into old-school Vegas glamour. The martinis are strong, the service is classic, and the steaks are so, so good.

The next night we visited Barry’s Downtown Prime, inside Circa. The restaurant is stunning, with mid-century style and impeccable food. We ordered the signature Barry’s Steak and a side of mac and cheese, which might be one of the best side dishes in town.

Our final night Downtown, we went to Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Steakhouse at The D. It is a Detroit institution that made its way to Las Vegas, known for its generous portions and rich sauces. We ordered a fantastic ribeye, shared a few appetizers, and lingered over dessert.

Dinner at The Bedford by Martha Stewart

Another standout meal was at The Bedford by Martha Stewart at Paris Las Vegas. The restaurant is modeled after Martha’s own home in Bedford, New York, and everything about it feels intentional - from the menu to the table settings.

We ordered Martha’s Pierogies to start, followed by the Short Rib Ragu with homemade pappardelle. The flavors were rich and comforting, and the presentation was as beautiful as you would expect from Martha. It was one of the best meals we had on this trip.

Lotus of Siam: A Local Favorite Worth the Hype

No Vegas food trip would be complete without a visit to Lotus of Siam. This local Thai institution has earned countless awards and a cult following for good reason. We ordered their famous pad thai, which was bursting with bold flavors.

The atmosphere is unpretentious, and it is the kind of place that locals and chefs both rave about. Reservations are highly recommended.

A Visit to the National Atomic Testing Museum

We always like to add something unexpected to our Vegas trips, and the National Atomic Testing Museum was a fascinating stop. Located just east of The Strip, the museum explores Nevada’s unique history as a nuclear testing site during the Cold War.

Exhibits include artifacts from test sites, pop culture memorabilia, and immersive displays that show how the atomic age shaped both science and society. It is educational and surprisingly fun.

If you are traveling with a group or need a break from the casino scene, this museum is an easy and interesting outing.

Taking a Break from the Neon: A Side Trip to Zion and Valley of Fire

After several days of city life, we were ready for a change of pace. The best part about Las Vegas is that it sits within driving distance of some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the Southwest.

We rented a car through Expedia and planned a quick overnight trip to Zion National Park, with a stop at Valley of Fire State Park along the way.

Valley of Fire State Park: A Colorful Detour

Located just an hour from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is famous for its vibrant red sandstone formations that seem to glow in the sunlight. Even if you are not a hiker, you can experience the park’s beauty from the comfort of your car.

The scenic drive winds through dramatic landscapes, with plenty of pullouts for photo stops. We visited the Beehives formations and the Elephant Rock viewpoint before continuing toward Zion.

If you only have a few hours to spare, Valley of Fire is a perfect day trip.

Zion National Park for Non-Hikers

When people think of Zion National Park, they often picture steep canyon hikes like Angels Landing or The Narrows. But you do not have to be a hiker to enjoy Zion.

The park’s shuttle system makes it incredibly accessible. During peak season, private vehicles are not allowed inside Zion Canyon, but the free shuttles stop at all the major viewpoints and trailheads.

We started at the visitor center, hopped on the shuttle, and rode to the final stop at the Temple of Sinawava. Along the way, we got off at Big Bend and Court of the Patriarchs to take photos and soak in the scenery. Even without hiking, Zion feels immersive. The canyon walls rise thousands of feet above you, and the Virgin River winds gracefully through the valley.

We stayed overnight at Cable Mountain Lodge, which sits right next to the park entrance. The location could not have been more convenient. Our room had a view of the cliffs, and the on-site restaurant made it easy to grab breakfast before catching the morning shuttle.

For anyone looking to pair nature with a Vegas trip, Zion is ideal. It is close enough for a one or two-night detour, and the scenery is unforgettable.

Returning to Vegas: CartZilla and a Little More Fun

After our night in Zion, we drove back to Las Vegas, stopping for photos at a few roadside viewpoints. Once back in the city, we decided to cap off the trip with something lighthearted.

Enter CartZilla.

CartZilla is a multi-seat electric cart ride through Downtown Las Vegas that combines sightseeing, music, and a little bit of chaos. It is impossible not to laugh as you zip past neon signs and street performers with a soundtrack of party anthems. And the looks you’re going to get from everyone along the Strip will bring you so much joy. It was the perfect ending to a trip that balanced both adventure and indulgence.

How to Add a National Park Side Trip to Your Las Vegas Vacation

One of the best parts of this trip was realizing how easy it is to combine Las Vegas and the national parks. Here are a few logistics and tips to help you plan your own getaway.

Timing: We left Las Vegas early on a Tuesday morning, spent the morning at Valley of Fire, and arrived in Zion by early afternoon. We took the shuttle into the park and explored into the early evening. After staying overnight, we spent the next morning exploring the drivable part of the park before returning to Vegas that afternoon. Two days felt perfect.

Driving Distance:

• Las Vegas to Valley of Fire: 1 hour

• Valley of Fire to Zion National Park: 2.5 hours

• Zion back to Las Vegas: 2.5 hours

Lodging: If you plan to stay overnight, book early. Cable Mountain Lodge is ideal for its proximity to the park entrance. For more options, check VRBO vacation rentals if you want a private cabin or suite near Springdale.

Park Passes: You can purchase your America the Beautiful Pass online or at the Zion entrance. If you plan to visit more national parks in a year, it is worth it.

Connectivity: Cell service in the parks can be spotty. I use Airalo eSIMs to stay connected and NordVPN for secure browsing when using public Wi-Fi in hotels.

Final Thoughts

This trip was the perfect reminder that Las Vegas can be anything you want it to be. It can be high-energy and luxurious, filled with great food and entertainment. But it can also be the starting point for incredible natural experiences.

Our few days of steakhouses, slot machines, and sightseeing were perfectly balanced by the peaceful beauty of Zion and Valley of Fire. The best part is that you do not have to hike miles or camp overnight to enjoy it. You can take in the beauty, eat amazing food, and still make it back to The Strip in time for a nightcap.

If you have a Vegas vacation on your calendar, consider adding a Las Vegas and National Parks side trip to your plans. You will be surprised by how easy it is to experience both sides of Nevada and Utah in just a couple of days.