In January 2026, Nevada will once again become the gathering place for ticketing and live event professionals from around the world. More than 1,500 colleagues will converge at the Paris Las Vegas hotel for the 47th Annual INTIX Conference & Exhibition, and the excitement is already building.
Vegas hardly needs an introduction, with dazzling entertainment, iconic casinos and nightlife that never quits. Yet the city also offers experiences that surprise first-time visitors and delight returning ones. Indeed, it is a place of contrasts, for a short drive from the Strip are red rock canyons, serene desert trails and wide-open skies that offer a different kind of inspiration.
INTIX attendees can have the best of both worlds — the buzz of our community together again and the chance to discover experiences far beyond the conference floor. Now is the perfect time to register and start shaping your Las Vegas adventure. Whether you come a little early to ease into the week or stay a little longer to relax (or both!), these 15 ideas will help you turn your conference trip into an even more unforgettable getaway.
Nature’s Playground
Beyond the city limits, a wealth of outdoor adventures beckon. Towering cliffs, colorful canyons, and scenic hikes are ideal for a quick half-day outing or a full-day excursion. Be sure to check current operating hours before you go.
Cathedral Gorge — About a three-hour drive from the Strip, Cathedral Gorge rewards the journey with one of Nevada’s most striking landscapes. Erosion of soft clay and ancient volcanic ash has created cathedral-like spires, narrow slot canyons and dramatically carved cliffs. It is a paradise for hikers, photographers and nature lovers alike. As one of Nevada’s original state parks, it offers trails, picnic areas and camping for those who want to linger and soak in its incredible beauty.
Cathedral Gorge State Park video.
Goodsprings Ghost Town — About 45 minutes from the Strip, this once-thriving mining town gives you a peek into the Old West. At its heart is the Pioneer Saloon, which has over a century of history. Pull up a stool, order the Ghost Burger (famously featured on the Food Network), and inspect bullet holes said to date from a 1915 poker game. A self-guided walking tour leads you past the old schoolhouse, miner cabins and cemetery. Off-road adventures also depart from the vicinity of the saloon. And yes — for believers or curious souls — there are ghost tours here, too.
Nelson Ghost Town — Also roughly 45 minutes from Las Vegas, Nelson grew around the Techatticup Mine, which opened in 1861 after prospectors discovered gold in the 1850s. The boom made it southern Nevada’s most productive mining area (until the 1940s) — and one of its most notorious. Violence and lawlessness were so common that even sheriffs were said to steer clear.
Nelson was largely abandoned until 1994, when new owners restored many of its buildings and reopened the mine for public tours. Today, visitors can wander through weathered structures, explore mining relics, and hear stories of the town’s wild past. Adding to the intrigue are two wrecked airplanes — not crash sites, but Hollywood props destroyed for the movie “3,000 Miles to Graceland”. Stop by the general store and you can watch one of the explosions on a loop behind the counter. You can also watch it here.
Lake Mead — Lake Mead holds the distinction of being America’s first and largest national recreation area, where the Mojave, Great Basin and Sonoran deserts meet. Its scenery is as diverse as its ecosystems, with teal-blue waters framed by black lava rock, canyons to explore and Joshua trees scattered across the landscape. Visitors can enjoy a full calendar of outdoor experiences here, no matter the season.
Lake Mead video.
Red Rock Canyon — Just half an hour from the Strip, Red Rock Canyon delivers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Nevada. Towering sandstone cliffs, scenic trails, and ancient trees make it a must-see for nature lovers and photographers alike. A one-way, 13-mile scenic loop winds through the park, with plenty of pullouts where you can pause for photos or set off on hikes ranging from leisurely strolls to longer, more challenging treks.
Seven Magic Mountains — Rising from the desert floor just 30 minutes from the Strip, Seven Magic Mountains is a large-scale art installation that has become one of Las Vegas’s most photographed landmarks. The piece features seven towers of neon-painted boulders, each soaring over 30 feet high against the muted desert backdrop. Originally planned as a short-term display, its popularity with visitors from around the globe has led to multiple extensions.
Spring Mountain Ranch — Bordering Red Rock Canyon, this historic ranch offers a fascinating glimpse into Nevada’s past. Its storied owners once included actress Vera Krupp and reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes. Visitors can tour some of the state’s oldest surviving buildings, step inside an 1860s blacksmith shop, and walk through the home of the ranch’s founding family. The site is also tied to an infamous 1959 diamond heist. Hiking trails wind through the property, and it is not unusual to spot wild burros grazing nearby.
Valley of Fire State Park — A little more than an hour from the Strip lies Nevada’s oldest state park, the Valley of Fire. Its name comes from the brilliant red sandstone formations that glow in the desert sun, creating one of the region’s most dramatic landscapes. The park also preserves intricate petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years. Adding to its fame, scenes from Elvis Presley’s 1963 film “Viva Las Vegas” were shot here.
Nearby Off-Strip Attractions
Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Want to get your adrenaline pumping? At Las Vegas Motor Speedway, you can get behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car at the venue that will host two NASCAR Cup Series events in 2026, among many other exciting experiences. There is a ride-along option for those who prefer to leave the driving to someone else. There are also track tours if you prefer a more relaxed visit. Those who want to enhance their experience can check out round-trip helicopter transfers for a quick 15-minute flight from the Strip.
Mob Museum — It is no secret that organized crime played a significant role in shaping Las Vegas. And it is easy to spend hours here learning about the history that textbooks don’t dare to teach. With displays and interactive exhibits across four floors, you can listen to actual wiretaps, explore the work of crime scene investigators, fingerprint analysts, DNA profilers, ballistics experts and medical examiners, and discover stories of famous gangsters like Al Capone. One of the museum’s standout pieces is the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Wall, rebuilt using real bricks from the Chicago garage where victims were lined up and shot in 1929.
National Atomic Testing Museum — If you are curious about the atomic age and Cold War history, the National Atomic Testing Museum (Atomic Museum) in Las Vegas delivers. It chronicles the U.S. nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site, which witnessed over 1,000 atomic tests and is still used for experiments today. Among the museum’s remarkable artifacts are a large nuclear reactor that was used in developing the nuclear rocket and early “backpack” nuclear devices. It displays a section of the Berlin Wall, complete with celebratory graffiti, and two beams from the World Trade Center, which serve as a somber reminder of the new era of global conflict. It also hosts the Ground Zero Theater, where you can experience simulated above-ground tests.
Neon Museum — If vintage Vegas neon calls to you, this museum is a must-see. The Neon Boneyard houses over 250 rescued signs from casinos, motels and businesses across Las Vegas, many restored and re-lit, others awaiting revival. By day, dusk or night, the glow is unforgettable. Evening admission is more atmospheric and often sells out, so purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended.
Day Trips
Grand Canyon — The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. If you are making the trip by car, you will want a full day. Alternatively, helicopter or airplane tours depart from Las Vegas for a quicker, breathtaking overview. The South Rim of the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Along Desert View Drive, you will find dramatic overlooks, historic buildings and sweeping canyon views. The Trail of Time lets you stroll at your own pace, and for those with more time, guided learning adventures by foot, bike, bus or even mule rides are possible, though some facilities and tours may be seasonal, so it’s wise to check ahead.
Hoover Dam — This engineering marvel on the Colorado River is another must-see, and being there in person adds a whole new dimension to its scale and purpose, supplying water and electricity to a significant portion of the American Southwest. Tickets for the guided dam tour are only available on-site, and they routinely sell out, so arriving early is recommended. Tickets for the guided power plant and self-guided visitor center tours are available online.
Zion National Park — About a three-hour drive from Las Vegas in southern Utah, Zion National Park is a nature preserve with 229 square miles of red rock landscape, 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs, a 1.1-mile-long tunnel with views of the Zion Canyon and one of the largest freestanding arches in the world. There are many ways to experience the park, including by foot, bike and through ranger-guided programs. Park information guides are helpful if you are planning a trip.
Zion National Park video.
On the drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, the scenery is part of the adventure. The route takes you through the dramatic Virgin River Gorge, where sheer canyon walls rise high above the highway. Not long after, you’ll arrive in St. George, Utah, a welcoming city with a vibrant arts community that makes it worth a stop before continuing to the park.
Arrive a little early or linger after the conference to enjoy everything Las Vegas has to offer. And if you haven’t registered yet — now is the time! Visit INTIX.org to register today.
Stay tuned for upcoming Access stories on Las Vegas — from insider tips and hidden gems shared by the Las Vegas Regional Ticketing Association, news about our 2026 venue tours, previews of conference sessions, and much more.