From Vegas to Reno: HWY 95

Driving the 440-mile stretch between Vegas and Reno isn’t just a drive—it’s a commitment to #WeirdNevada, so don’t be a basic commuter on US-95. Slow your roll and make the trip actually worth it.

The Views

Pause, you caffeinated adventurer, and actually look at this desolate, gorgeous wasteland! Your trip is basically a scenic upgrade filled with jaw-dropping stunning desert mountains, moody dunes, tumbleweeds trying to get their act together, and adorable, dusty little quaint towns that have definitely seen some things.

Don't let the sand get into your eyes—it’s too pretty to miss this. Seriously, take a moment to stop and soak in the 1.2.1 stunning desert surroundings.

Wild Donkeys

When cruising through Beatty, Nevada, keep your eyes peeled for the real locals: wild donkeys wandering downtown like they own the place—because honestly, they probably do. These adorable, stubborn burros are essentially the chaotic, selfie-loving mayors of the town.

Don’t be surprised if they halt traffic on Main Street just to graze or lounge in the sun. It’s a hilarious, "don't-you-dare-hurry-me" vibe that makes this quirky stop, sometimes called the gateway to Death Valley, absolutely worth the trip.

Unique Vibes

Keep your eyes peeled for Nevada's finest brand of desert weirdness, starting with the steampunk-obsessed Exchange Club Casino in Beatty—it’s a stunningly detailed, metal-worked masterpiece that’s definitely more interesting than just losing

Then, prepare to haunt your own dreams at Tonopah's Clown Inn, where thousands of painted nightmares watch you sleep right next to a historic cemetery.

These aren't your typical roadside stops, darling. They’re basically haunted, artistic shrines to the "what were they thinking?" school of architecture. It’s a "must-see" only if you love the thrill of high-stakes, kitschy fear, but honestly, it makes for better stories than whatever boring hotel you were planning on.

Walker Lake

Driving around Veterans Memorial Highway is a total "get off your phone and look at this" moment. The scenery is honestly disrespectful—like, how dare it be this gorgeous? My photos are absolute garbage compared to real life, so you really just have to experience this flex in person.

It’s so stunning, I nearly caused a traffic jam just trying to process the view. Forget taking a picture; it’s a waste of storage space. Seriously, pull over, stop wasting data, and let your eyes do the work before I tell you to act pretty and stop hogging the best spots!

Coffee Shops

If you pass up the quaint, charming coffee shops like Mr. Bean’s, are you even traveling correctly? Unlikely. While you’re caffeinating, you absolutely must hunt down the Travelers Book and log your hometown, because honestly, reading through the dramatic life stories and travel notes from previous visitors is better than reality TV.

It is honestly, deeply satisfying to creep through the messages of strangers and see exactly which tiny town they were escaping from before you. It’s the ultimate, low-effort trip souvenir, so do it!

Interesting food

Listen, darling, the desert doesn’t just do "normal"—it does iconic, but with a side of heatstroke-induced genius. Stop boring your taste buds and embrace the wild, because these flavors are hotter than the mid-July sun.

I finally tackled this scandalous Pastrami Bagel with a special twist, and frankly, I'm never going back to plain old brunch again. It’s spicy, it’s dramatic, and it’s absolute perfection—don't say I didn't warn you when you're addicted.

Nature

If you’re looking to voluntarily combust in style, start by pretending to hike at Red Rock Canyon before hiding from the sun at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. Then, throw yourself into the unnecessarily extreme Death Valley National Park, where you can scale the forbidden Grapevine Peak, contemplate your life choices in the Ubehebe Crater, and take moody selfies at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Once you’re thoroughly baked, continue the chaotic energy by climbing Mt Grant—because apparently, you hate your calves—before absolutely collapsing at Sportsmans Beach. It’s a "scenic" tour of Nevada/California that promises extreme sunburn, dramatic,, and a high likelihood of finding your inner peace only after your phone dies from the heat.

Trains Galore

Driving down Hwy 95 in Nevada, you’ll inevitably see trains everywhere, and honestly, they're likely going to beat you to your destination. It’s a 19th-century flex that refuses to stop.

Luckily, Nevada has its fair share of railroad museums, like the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City or the historic Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, which are perfect for learning about America's industrialization. Consider it a "hands-on" history lesson,, because at some museums you can actually be the engineer—proving that those trains you saw earlier are just waiting for you to pull the whistle.

Key Spots to Check Out:

• Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City: Tons of restored Virginia & Truckee locomotives.

• Nevada Northern Railway Museum: A National Historic Landmark in Ely that screams "I'm a train nerd" (in a cool way).

• Nevada State Railroad Museum, Boulder City: A great stop to catch some vintage rail action.