Overview
Henderson is the second largest city in Nevada. The border between Henderson and Las Vegas has become virtually nonexistent: one city butts up against the other. This article covers Henderson, and Las Vegas east of the Strip and south of the airport.
10 sights · 14 things to do · 6 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 26 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Henderson and East
Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Offers a free tour and has a large cactus garden.
Clark County Museum
Historical exhibits include restored houses from various decades of Henderson's history.
National Atomic Testing Museum
Artifacts, pictures, maps and video footage presenting nuclear weapons testing and development in the southwestern US. If you're interested in science and history it's definitely worth visiting, and it's also a great bre…
Clark County Wetlands Park
Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art
The Simpsons House
Full-size replica created to closely mimic the design of the cartoon house from The Simpsons. Given way in a 1997 contest by Fox and Pepsi, it's now a private residence.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Feb–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 104°F; winter lows dip to about 40°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Feb and Jan. (climate data from nearby Las Vegas)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BLD Boulder City Municipal Airport, Boulder City — 9 mi away. Directions
- LAS Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas — 10 mi away (major hub). Directions
If you are coming from Boulder City or Arizona, you can either take I-11/US 93 or Route 166. Route 166 is Lakeshore Drive and is going to change into State Route 564 once you are not overlapping with Route 147 anymore. US 93 goes through Boulder City as Boulder City Pkwy, it will merge into the freeway (I-11) west of Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino. If you came from Lake Mead or Lake Las Vegas, get on SR 564 and continue until you enter Henderson. I-11 will bypass around Boulder City and continue towards Las Vegas which becomes I-515 in Henderson, concurrent with US 93 and US 95. Henderson is accessed between Boulder Hwy (Nevada State Dr & Wagonwheel Dr at Exit 17A/56A) through Russell Rd (Exit 23/65) from I-11/515. There are (5) exits into Henderson from I-11/515.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $51–$51 a night (typical $80), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$90, mid-range ~$160, comfortable ~$220.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Clark County Museum, Jokers Wild Casino, Klondike Sunset Casino
- Lunch Hofbräuhaus
- Afternoon The Simpsons House, Cowabunga Bay Water Park
- Dinner Nobu
- Evening Lovelady Brewing
Day 2
- Morning Ethel M Chocolate Factory, The Gun Store, Number One Escape Room Las Vegas
- Lunch Bahama Breeze
- Afternoon Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, National Finals Rodeo
- Dinner Lawry's The Prime Rib
- Evening Double Down Saloon
Day 3
- Morning Lion Habitat Ranch, Green Valley Ranch
- Lunch Ellis Island Casino Restaurant
- Afternoon Mountain West Conference basketball tournaments
- Dinner Envy Steakhouse
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
One area of Henderson, Green Valley, was the first master planned community in the state.
Tourist information
Get in
By car
From Arizona, Boulder City, Lake Mead or Lake Las Vegas
If you are coming from Boulder City or Arizona, you can either take I-11/US 93 or Route 166. Route 166 is Lakeshore Drive and is going to change into State Route 564 once you are not overlapping with Route 147 anymore. US 93 goes through Boulder City as Boulder City Pkwy, it will merge into the freeway (I-11) west of Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino. If you came from Lake Mead or Lake Las Vegas, get on SR 564 and continue until you enter Henderson. I-11 will bypass around Boulder City and continue towards Las Vegas which becomes I-515 in Henderson, concurrent with US 93 and US 95. Henderson is accessed between Boulder Hwy (Nevada State Dr & Wagonwheel Dr at Exit 17A/56A) through Russell Rd (Exit 23/65) from I-11/515. There are (5) exits into Henderson from I-11/515.
From Central Las Vegas
Get on I-515/I-11, or I-215, or whatever east-west road to get to Henderson Drive. To enter Central Henderson via I-515, take exit 61 to Lake Mead Pkwy (NV-564). On I-215, none, just continue till the end of freeway. I-215 becomes Lake Meade Pkwy (NV-564) east of its interchange with I-11/515. I-11 runs concurrently on I-515 / US 93 / US 95 through much of the Las Vegas area.
From N. Las Vegas
Get on I-15, and then get on I-515 or I-215, do the same as Central Las Vegas.
By plane
Henderson Executive Airport (HSH) is the town's main airport, acting primarily as a reliever airport for the much busier Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Otherwise the Henderson Executive Airport is only available for general aviation and VIP flights but can be used as a reliever airport for the busier Harry Reid Airport if needed. Most travelers will arrive into the area via Harry Reid Airport on commercial flights.
Get around
By bus
If you must get around by bus, it's not totally horrific in the Las Vegas area as it could be in many western U.S. cities. Bus service in East Las Vegas and Henderson, as well as in other parts of Las Vegas, is provided by the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC). Fares are $2 per bus ride. However, it may be more useful to purchase a 24-hour pass for $5 when boarding the bus. If you plan to be in the area for a while, RTC also sells a 5-day pass for $20 at many supermarkets and check cashing institutions, but this pass is not available on the bus itself.
By taxi
Taxi service in North Las Vegas is handled by calling for a taxi and then waiting for it to come and pick you up. Do not expect to hail a cab off the street as though you were in New York City or Chicago. Taxis are only plentiful and easily accessible at McCarran Airport, hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, or Downtown Las Vegas where they are queued up waiting for passengers. Outside of these areas, expect to call a cab and generally wait 20-40 minutes for it to come to you.
See
There are several sites to see in the Henderson area. They include:
See National Atomic Testing Museum
Artifacts, pictures, maps and video footage presenting nuclear weapons testing and development in the southwestern US. If you're interested in science and history it's definitely worth visiting, and it's also a great break if you've become tired of the Strip. Videography requires special permission.
See U.S. Route 95 at night
This route climbs gradually northwest of Las Vegas so that the Strip's neon lights remain visible for a remarkably long distance, appearing as a luminous cloud from the furthest point.
See
A number of streets in northeast Henderson residential neighborhood are named after Pokémons. You will find street signs called "Charmander Lane", "Jigglypuff Place" and others.
See The Simpsons House
Full-size replica created to closely mimic the design of the cartoon house from The Simpsons. Given way in a 1997 contest by Fox and Pepsi, it's now a private residence.
Do
Do UNLV Rebels
The athletic teams of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, better known as UNLV, are popular in the area. The Rebels are members of the Mountain West Conference, which has been expanding and now has 12 members for football and 11 members for other sports. The most famous UNLV team is the men's basketball team, known as the "Runnin' Rebels"; though not as strong as in their heyday from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, they remain solidly competitive and very popular. Most of the school's sports venues are on campus, but since 2020 the football team has shared the Las Vegas Raiders' home of Allegiant Stadium just west of I-15. The central ticket office for all UNLV sports is at the Thomas & Mack Center, home to men's basketball.
Do Mountain West Conference basketball tournaments
Out of the four NCAA Division I conferences that hold their men's and women's basketball tournaments in the Las Vegas area, the MW is one of two that holds events in this part of town. The MW's men's and women's teams converge on the Thomas & Mack Center every March to determine the teams that will receive the league's automatic berths in the NCAA men's and women's tournaments.
Do City of Henderson Recreation Centers (Rec. Centers)
City of Henderson is home to a multitude of recreation centers with many amenities and activities ranging from indoor pools to archery classes. Prices Vary for passes and programs but if you're looking for a cheap way to have a lot of fun check out their website they have practically everything.
Gambling
There are many casinos of varying sizes throughout the Henderson Area and gambling is a popular pastime. The casinos range from the upscale Green Valley Ranch to smaller, more intimate "locals" establishments.
Buy
Two weekly farmers markets are held in Henderson, weather and wind permitting. They are at 240 Water St. in front of City Hall (Thursdays from 9AM to 4PM), and 200 S. Green Valley Pkwy (Fridays from 10AM to 4PM).
Shop Town Square
About half a mile south of Mandalay is an outdoor mall in the style of a small Mediterranean town that stands out amidst all the air-conditioned, indoor malls. The idea of open-air shopping in the summer in the desert might seem crazy at first, but an extensive network of trees, shadow alleys and water sprayers let you actually enjoy sunny afternoons outside. All shops and restaurants here have their own, distinguished one- or two-story houses. The mall centers around a square featuring trees, ice-cream and coffee stands and benches to rest.
Eat
Eat Hofbräuhaus
The Hofbräuhaus replicates the world famous Bavarian Hofbräuhaus beer hall with festive German food and nightly entertainment. Patrons have an option of dining in the beer hall with live music in the evening or the quieter beer garden. Reservations recommended for quicker seating.
Eat Envy Steakhouse
Inspired by Chef Richard Chamberlain, the menu includes premium quality, fresh ingredients from select purveyors around the country, featured in innovative dishes. Kobe filet, prime rib roast, black angus filet and prime bone-in rib eye. The walk-in wine cellar features 1,500 bottles of wine.
Eat Bahama Breeze
Serves great tropical food. Large portions with a great atmosphere. Famous for their jerk chicken pasta, cinnamon mashed sweet potatoes, and wide variety of hand-crafted tropical drinks such as the Bahamarita. This is a great place to get away and relax from the crowds of people on the Strip.
Eat Ellis Island Casino Restaurant
The $6.95 steak special is consistently voted one of the best deals in Las Vegas. It's not on the menu, so ask for it specifically. If steak is not your thing the restaurant has plenty of other selections at cheap prices. In addition, Ellis Island has barbecue every night from 4-10PM. Ellis Island also brews its own beer, and serves them in the casino bar in 20-oz glasses for $1.50.
Eat Lawry's The Prime Rib
Juicy, succulent portions of the company namesake, Prime Rib. All prime rib dinners include original spinning bowl salad, Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes and whipped creamed horseradish. If you don't want prime rib (but why eat at a place called the Prime Rib if you don't want it?) there's always a ribeye steak available and a couple fish dishes.
Eat Nobu
A staple for Las Vegas sushi lovers, newcomers will discover a fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine with Latin spices and flavors.
Drink
Drink Double Down Saloon
Perhaps the finest dive bar in Vegas. A bit out of the way, but plenty of atmosphere.
Drink Lovelady Brewing
16 taps with weekly flavors. They have shuffleboard and cornhole, but no gambling. Non-smoking. Dogs allowed on outside patio. They sell snacks but you can bring in food.
Sleep
Stay Arizona Charlie's Boulder
Casino hotel and RV park. Easy access from interstate and reasonable prices; great for overnight stays passing through Vegas. The lower floors of their sister property on the western side of Las Vegas, Arizona Charlie's Dacatur, may be one of the better options in the region for observant Jews who need a place to stay on the Sabbath.
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Nearby
Boulder City
City / town · 24 listings · 9 mi away
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Park · 3 listings · 11 mi away
Blue Diamond
City / town · 3 listings · 24 mi away
Primm
City / town · 26 listings · 37 mi away
Searchlight
City / town · 23 listings · 40 mi away
Moapa Valley
City / town · 9 listings · 47 mi away
Pahrump
City / town · 17 listings · 59 mi away
Chloride
City / town · 3 listings · 62 mi away
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