Day Trip Vegas: Henderson, Boulder City and Hoover Dam

Beef connoisseurs swear that the steaks at Hank’s are the best in town—including every famous steakhouse on the Strip. But it’s the gorgeous front bar with an excellent pianist singing covers that draws the most animated crowd. There’s a reason this venue used to be called “Hank’s Fine Steaks and Martinis,” and at happy hour, those famous “shaken, not stirred” elixirs are half-off. (Although these guys stir, not shake.) Go for a smooth gin or vodka classic, or choose from their sweeter concoctions that play with ingredients like Godiva and banana liquors.

Green Valley Ranch has a stunning oasis of a spa with its own parking lot so drop-ins can skip the casino. Its cozy fitness studio features enormous windows to allow in loads of natural light—the perfect setting for yoga and Pilates classes, and even cardio dance.

Green Valley’s choice for fresh food in an elegant, warm setting, Todd’s Unique Dining offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Chef Todd changes his menu daily, but highlights from his “greens and things” menu include beet salad with fennel and edamame, and arugula in a blueberry vinaigrette. “Main Attraction” hits range from seared scallops to mahi mahi with bok choy.

Settebello is where all east side locals head for killer salads and delicious pizza, thanks to their thin-crust pies made with flour straight from Napoli. But there’s also a lively little bar in the back with a TV, Italian beers and wines, limoncello, and prosecco. Hit it up for a fun happy hour scene—or on a lazy Sunday when pizza, wine, and a game are calling.

No swimming in this wash—it’s the treated urban waste on its way to Lake Mead. But a brand-new $15 million visitor center offers an interesting education on how the system has greatly improved in recent years in order to allow the Wetlands and its vegetation and wildlife to thrive. The volunteers there can also help interested guests navigate the miles of concrete and gravel walking trails.

A casual sushi mainstay, I Love Sushi has been a date go-to for as long as anyone can remember. Great for business lunches, too, thanks to long private booths that can hold a group or allow plenty of space to lay out paperwork, I Love Sushi can certainly win any award for “fun for everyone.” Then there are the inventive rolls, a list of more than 100. There are too many to remember what’s in what, but that’s ok—with names like Rock ‘n’ Roll, Kiss of Fire, and Bam Bam, reading the menu is half the fun.

Fun for all ages: Flightlinez takes children over 75 lbs and thrill-seeking adults on an aerial tour over the famous desert on the way to the Hoover Dam. Depending on the wind, guests of the Boulder City facility can reach up to 60 miles per hour, and get to zip over a mile and a half. There’s a small hike up to the first run, and then it’s nothing but high speeds and checking out the mountain scenery.