Islands - Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

America's Largest National Forest In The Lower 48 Is A Giant Alpine Gem Between Lake Tahoe And Las Vegas

staff@islands.com (Hillary Louise Johnson) — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 23:45:00 +0000

This sprawling national forest encompasses 6.3 million acres and is home to several mountain ranges, stunning alpine lakes, canyons, and fields of wildflowers.

The 'Best Haunted Destination' In The US Isn't The Queen Mary Or Stanley Hotel

staff@islands.com (Leslie Veliz) — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:45:00 +0000

This Las Vegas attraction is one of the most haunted destinations in the U.S. and is home to cursed dolls, the Dybbuk Box, and other spooky trinkets.

Between Lake Tahoe And Reno Is A Hidden Gem Mountain Trail With Breathtaking Panoramic Views

staff@islands.com (Melanie Johnson) — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 01:00:00 +0000

Dust off your hiking boots and head out into the wilderness on this gorgeous mountain trail in Nevada, with some stunning views on the way.

The 5 Cleanest Lakes In Nevada (That Aren't Tahoe)

staff@islands.com (Reannon Muth) — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 01:25:00 +0000

Looking for Lake Tahoe alternatives? Explore these five Nevada lakes known for clear water, remote scenery, fishing, camping, and crowd-free outdoor escapes.

The Nevada 'Star Train' Near Great Basin National Park Is A Unique Way To See The Lower 48's Darkest Night Skies

staff@islands.com (Reannon Muth) — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:00:00 +0000

For stargazing in one of the darkest spots in the country, hop aboard this 2.5-hour train ride across Nevada, accompanied by expert "Dark Rangers."

Forget Lake Tahoe, This Nearby Serene Reservoir Is A Northern Sierra Gem For Fishing And Hiking

staff@islands.com (Sara Tewksbury) — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:45:00 +0000

Just 10 miles from Lake Tahoe is a quieter lake escape offering fishing and camping, but there's a catch: You have to hike 5 miles to find it.

5 Hotels In Las Vegas You May Want To Avoid

staff@islands.com (Reannon Muth) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:45:00 +0000

Planning a trip to Las Vegas? With a choice of over 200 hotels, we did the deep dive research for you, and came up with five properties you may want to avoid.

Nevada's Wildlife Refuge 90 Minutes From Las Vegas Has Hiking, Camping, And Acres Of Lakes And Lush Wetlands

staff@islands.com (Reannon Muth) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:45:00 +0000

This easy trip from Las Vegas leads to a quieter side of Nevada, with lakeside campsites, hiking trails, lush wetlands, wildlife, and scenic desert views.

Nevada's Remote Ghost Town Once Known As 'The Widowmaker' Has Historic Cemeteries, An Abandoned Mine, And Trails

staff@islands.com (Reannon Muth) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Hidden out in the unforgiving Nevada desert is a remote ghost town that was once a thriving gold mine, offering visitors a chance to step back in time.

The Best Burger Spots Worth Visiting In Every State

staff@islands.com (Tess Kazenoff) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Nothing feels as American than grabbing a delicious, juicy burger and fries. But what makes the best burger? We've pinpointed top contenders in every state.

9 Common Tourist Complaints About Visiting Lake Tahoe

staff@islands.com (Rebekah Winters Barton) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Lake Tahoe has become a major tourist destination in the United States over the last few decades, but overtourism means many visitors have a few complaints.

This Nevada Gem Next To An Artificial Lake Is A Scenic Outdoor Escape With Mountain Views, Camping, And Wildlife

staff@islands.com (Melanie Johnson) — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 03:45:00 +0000

If all you think of when you hear "Nevada" is a slot machine or the neon lights of the Vegas Strip, you're missing out on a gem in the state's northeast corner.

This Artificial Lake In The Mountains Is A Secluded Nevada Gem For Fishing And Camping

staff@islands.com (Judith Barnes) — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:45:00 +0000

Get away from it all at this Nevada lake, where you can fish during the day and camp under the stars at night, while being surrounded by trees and mountains.

Not NYC, Not Disney — This Iconic City Was Named The Happiest Travel Destination In The US For 2026

staff@islands.com (Hillary Louise Johnson) — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 23:45:00 +0000

The U.S. is full of places that'll bring smiles to travelers' faces, but this giddiness-inducing, popular spot has been named the happiest destination in 2026.

Just North Of The Vegas Strip Is A Family-Friendly City With Affordable Fun And Endless Outdoor Adventure

staff@islands.com (Reannon Muth) — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:45:00 +0000

Beyond the Strip is quieter side of Las Vegas where families can discover leafy parks, prehistoric surprises, affordable attractions, and outdoor adventures.

Nevada's New State Park Is Half An Hour From The Strip With Family-Friendly Trails And Prehistoric Fossils

staff@islands.com (Reannon Muth) — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 14:45:00 +0000

This surprising desert state park in Nevada reveals traces of prehistoric giants, easy trails for young explorers, and informative displays and events.

America's 8 Caves And Caverns That Are Best-Kept-Secrets From Tourists

staff@islands.com (Rosheda Stephenson) — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:30:00 +0000

While avid hikers and spelunkers may be familiar with some of these caves and caverns, the average tourist probably hasn't heard of these well-kept secrets.

Hidden Outside Valley Of Fire State Park Is A Secluded Nevada Gem With One-Of-A-Kind Rock Formations

staff@islands.com (Heather Cole) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The Nevada desert is hardly a hidden tourist gem, but one remote, less-visited area offers adventurers stunning rock formations rarely found anywhere else.

Las Vegas' Viral Immersive Art Museum Is Still A Unique Gem Worth Visiting

staff@islands.com (Jenna Kelley) — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 02:45:00 +0000

Looking for unique things to do in Sin City? This interactive attraction offers immersive rooms, optical illusions, and photo opportunities off the Strip.

Unwritten Rules You Should Know Before Visiting Lake Tahoe

staff@islands.com (Rosheda Stephenson) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:30:00 +0000

Plan a safer, smarter Lake Tahoe trip with key things to know about cold water, boating rules, altitude, crowds, water taxis, and where to stay.