When you live in a densely urbanized area like Reno or Las Vegas, finding a spot to get away from it all and surround yourself in nature can be a challenge. The good news is there are plenty of natural spots located close to our cities that are worth exploring. Located south of Reno, Galena Creek Regional Park is a great example of the beautiful landscapes that are just a short drive away. The next time you feel like you need a break from civilization, be sure to seek out this idyllic, little-known park.
The next time you're craving some quality time with Mother Nature, check out Galena Creek Regional Park near Reno. This tranquil year-round park is perfect for escaping society for a few hours and taking in the gorgeous sights.
Tucked away in a forested area on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, Galena Creek Regional Park is perfect for nature lovers. It boasts hiking and biking trails for spring and summer, and skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding opportunities in winter.
At the heart of this beautiful destination is the Galena Creek Visitor Center. The center is a great place to start your adventure as it contains an abundance of educational information. It also offers regular programs for children, teens, and adults.
Additionally, the park boasts several different hiking trails that make it easy to see the area's most stunning scenery. These trails vary in difficulty and length, so there's bound to be one that suits your needs. From the short and sweet Bitterbrush Trail to the Jones-Whites Creek Loop Trail, an exciting adventure awaits!
Alternatively, you can take up the park on one of their guided hikes. Offered on the first and third Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., these guided hikes always begin at the Visitor Center and everybody is welcome to take part. Just be sure to call ahead to confirm that the hike is still on.
While exploring the park, you'll witness some of Northern Nevada's most breathtaking scenes. From the panoramic views of the valleys below to the forest and hills surrounding you, you'll be totally immersed in the park's pristine landscape.
It may just be a short drive away from Reno, but Galena Creek Regional Park offers up sweet solitude on Mt. Rose. When you feel like getting away from the chaos, look no further than this idyllic destination.
I Fell in Love With This Completely Free Botanical Gardens Hiding in a Nevada Hotel
Vegas is more than just glitz and glam. I fell in love with the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, a free attraction in Las Vegas, and it's a must visit.
Do you agree that what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas? I've always found that slogan peculiar. I mean, besides all the lights and gambling, what could possibly unfold in Sin City that I need to keep a secret? Call me boring, but on my trip to Vegas, one of the most memorable parts for me was when I visited the Bellagio Hotel. Unexpectedly, I discovered the botanical gardens hiding inside the hotel, and I fell in love with it. This completely free attraction in Las Vegas Nevada was the favorite part of my trip.
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My Introduction to Las Vegas - the Infamous City of Sin
For someone who doesn't enjoy gambling, Vegas might not be the obvious choice for a vacation. However, my cousins and I planned the girls’ trip for my mom’s 60th birthday because we wanted her to have an unforgettable milestone celebration. And gladly, she was super excited because it was her first trip to the world-famous Sin City, and mine too.
Vegas is exactly what you see on the internet and in the movies. The fast-paced life, the neon lights on the infamous Strip, the gambling, the prostitution, the parties, the shows, the street performers, the fancy, upscale restaurants, the traffic, and the crowds - the energy felt as hectic as New York City.
Don't get me wrong, Vegas is a lot of fun, especially if you're a big gambler and don't mind partying around the clock. Be prepared for that! There were many late nights and lots of adult cocktails, too. Unfortunately, I regretted some of those fun-filled nights the next day, but that’s part of the fun!
The Strip can be overwhelming if you're not used to all the glitz and glam. I enjoyed walking the Strip because it led to the favorite part of my trip - the stunning Bellagio Hotel and Casino. The Bellagio is one of the most iconic hotels in Las Vegas. Its positioning at the center of the Strip shows you just how iconic it is.
Opened in 1998, the hotel is mostly known for its opulence as well as its extravagant choreographed fountains. If you're in Vegas this is something you must experience for yourself. The fountains are absolutely breathtaking! The Bellagio has another gem hidden inside that I fell in love with. That little treasure is the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
I must admit that walking inside the hotel was incredibly surreal. Seeing the lobby with the stunning glass art installation left me speechless. The lobby is unlike any hotel lobby that I've been in. To be honest, it made me feel like I was an intruder. I didn't believe I was important enough to be in such an extravagant space.
Between the high-end designer stores, the high roller gambling tables, and the incredibly beautiful people, I literally felt out of place - like a fish out of water. In my head, I was in the wrong tax bracket to be here, and at any moment, someone would approach me and ask me to leave. Fortunately, that feeling soon changed when I first laid eyes on the botanical gardens. It was one of the only places inside the hotel that made me feel at ease. And the fact that it's free, made it that more appealing. After all, the best things in life are truly free.
The stunning conservatory, though tiny compared to the nearby botanical gardens in Nevada, is certainly mighty. So mighty that I'd recommend it for anyone visiting Sin City. For me, it overshadowed partying at the top of the Strat Hotel. It was more memorable than the Vegas shows, Fremont Street, all the sightseeing tours, the Strip, etc...you get my drift.
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Walking through this haven was a welcoming break from the Vegas hoopla. It was a sweet little oasis that made my heart happy. Outside of the themed displays, one of the most striking things inside the garden are the lovely blooms, especially the hydrangeas. I believe it was my first time seeing these beautiful flowers in such vibrant colors.
This little conservatory has both live and artificial displays. There are water fountains and ponds surrounded with gorgeous colorful flowers. Moreover, the mystical creatures and the animated features make the garden come to life.
One of the most interesting things about the botanical garden is that the space showcases different themes throughout the year. Depending on when you visit, you can see various displays. During the summer and spring months, the theme focuses on celebrating the serenity of Mother Nature. With the use of relaxing sounds, various animals, along with colorful fragrant flowers, you will be awe-struck by this one-of-a-kind immersive experience.
Currently, the conservatory is showcasing the Garden of Time display, which will take you on a fairytale journey through time featuring an enchanted forest with mystical woodland creatures. If you visit around the holidays, you can find the most extravagant holiday decorations. There are also special themed displays including one for the Lunar New Year.
If you ask me, that makes this dreamy garden even more attractive because this stunning immersive space is always transforming. You can visit multiple times during the year and not see the same exhibits. This is such a wonderful experience that will trigger all your senses, and it truly sets the Bellagio apart from the other hotels in Vegas.
The conservatory is open 24 hours, and you'll only need a short time to see everything and take pictures. But my mom and I stayed here for a while and fully enjoyed the fairytale experience. We visited at the tail end of our trip and after days of partying and gambling and everything in between, visiting the botanical gardens was a welcoming change from the fast-paced life of Vegas. And that's the reason why I absolutely fell in love with it.
You can totally spend a lot of money partying in Sin City, but it’s the hidden gems that will leave lasting impressions. There are so many more free attractions in Las Vegas that you can enjoy. But if you’d rather skip the Vegas crowds to explore more of the state, keep reading for some incredible free things to do in Nevada.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
