Things To Do
in Henderson
Henderson, Nevada is a fast-growing suburban city southeast of Las Vegas known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, parks, and resort-style amenities. Once a small company town, it has become Nevada's second-largest city with a mix of residential communities, commercial centers, and outdoor attractions. The city sits in the Mojave Desert, offering easy access to Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Sloan Canyon and extensive hiking and biking trails.
Henderson balances quiet suburban life with close proximity to the entertainment, dining, and nightlife of the Las Vegas Valley.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, where you can savor freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. After breakfast, embark on a walking tour of the Henderson Historic District, soaking in the charming architecture and rich history of the area. Don't forget to visit the local art galleries that showcase the talents of Henderson's vibrant artistic community.
In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many bistros, where you can try regional specialties. Afterward, take a stroll through the nearby parks, where you can relax by the water features and enjoy the lush landscape. Explore the boutique shops that line the streets, perfect for finding unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
As the sun begins to set, head to a local restaurant that offers outdoor seating for a scenic dining experience. Enjoy a delicious meal while watching the vibrant colors of the sunset over the city skyline. To cap off the evening, catch a live performance at one of the local theaters, immersing yourself in the cultural scene of Henderson.
Kick off your morning with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out to the nearby Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. Spend the morning hiking the scenic trails, marveling at the stunning rock formations and ancient petroglyphs that tell the story of the area's indigenous peoples. Breathe in the fresh air and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated spots within the conservation area. Spend the afternoon birdwatching or taking photographs of the unique flora and fauna that inhabit the area. If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying your hand at rock climbing with a guided tour.
Return to Henderson in the evening and unwind with a casual dinner at a local tavern, where you can mingle with locals and enjoy hearty comfort food. Consider visiting a nearby park for a sunset stroll, providing a peaceful end to your adventure-filled day. If you're up for it, check out a local pub or lounge for some live music or entertainment.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-share | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-200 |
| 🚌Local bus day pass | $6-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Las Vegas entertainment and amenities
- Good access to outdoor recreation (hiking, lakes, trails)
- Family-friendly neighborhoods and parks
- Fewer crowds and a calmer pace than the Strip
- Extreme summer heat limits outdoor activities
- Car-dependent layout with limited late-night public transit
- Fewer big-name attractions directly inside the city compared to Las Vegas
- Desert environment with limited greenery outside irrigated areas
Places to Visit in Henderson
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic desert landscapes and ancient petroglyph panels make this a top spot for sunrise/sunset shots and close-up cultural photography (respect protection rules).
A man-made lake with Mediterranean-style hotels and calm water—good for reflections, sunsets and watersports photos.
Long stretches of scenic trail offering panoramic views of Henderson, Las Vegas and surrounding ranges—great for wide-angle landscape shots.
Wetland habitats and migratory birds provide wildlife photography opportunities within city limits, especially in early morning light.
Elevated viewpoints offer sweeping desert vistas, especially dramatic at golden hour or after rare desert storms.
Food in Henderson
Henderson Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Nevada is known for big, well-prepared steaks—visit resort steakhouses at Green Valley Ranch or M Resort for prime cuts and classic sides.
Must-Try!
Fresh, Sonoran-style and carne asada tacos from local taquerias and food trucks are popular for casual lunches; Boulder Highway and neighborhood plazas host many good options.
While buffets are more a Las Vegas staple, many Henderson resorts and restaurants offer seafood towers and buffet-style brunches that showcase regional and international dishes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers market (check schedule) with fresh produce, baked goods, and rotating food vendors—great for snacks, local honey and prepared foods.
Water Street District hosts events and popup food trucks featuring tacos, BBQ, and fusion street-food options on weekends and during festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People in Henderson are generally friendly and casual. Simple courtesies—please/thank you, holding doors, and light conversation—are appreciated.
Americans in this region value personal space; maintain a comfortable distance in conversation and avoid intrusive questions about income or personal matters.
Follow crosswalk signals—jaywalking is common in some places but can be dangerous and occasionally leads to fines. Use pedestrian crossings when available.
On public lands like Sloan Canyon, do not touch or disturb petroglyphs, leave no trace, and obey posted rules and closures.
Safety
Tipping in Henderson
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., tipping is expected: typically 15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for hotel housekeeping per night, $1–2 for valet or bell services, and 10–20% for taxi/ride-share depending on service. If service is poor, tip less but consider discussing issues with management.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and contactless/mobile payments are common; carry some cash for small vendors or tips. ATMs are plentiful, but watch fees; notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Extremely hot and dry—daytime highs commonly exceed 100°F (38°C). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening, stay hydrated, use sun protection, and avoid strenuous hikes midday.
Warm days and cooler evenings make fall ideal for outdoor recreation; monsoon season ends and conditions are generally stable for hiking and lake activities.
Mild days and chilly nights—daytime temperatures often range from the 50s–60s°F (10–20°C). Snow is rare in Henderson but nearby higher elevations (Mount Charleston) can see snow; bring layers for evening.
Pleasant temperatures and wildflower displays in good years; excellent time for trails and outdoor sightseeing before the summer heat sets in.
Henderson at Night
Hiking in Henderson
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Features trails through desert terrain with petroglyphs and rugged volcanic rock formations; best in cooler months and part of protected public lands.
A long multi-use paved trail that loops around the River Mountains, providing scenic views and options for long bike rides or runs.
A steeper hike offering panoramic views of Henderson and the Las Vegas Valley—rewarding at sunrise or sunset.
About a 40–60 minute drive northwest, Mount Charleston provides alpine hiking, cooler temperatures, and seasonal snow hikes—excellent contrast to the desert below.
Airports
How to reach Henderson by plane.
The main commercial airport serving the Las Vegas Valley, about 10–20 minutes from much of Henderson by car depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights, car rentals, shuttles and ride-share access.
A smaller general aviation airport in Henderson serving private and business aircraft; convenient for charter flights and business travel.
Regional general aviation airport north of Las Vegas, used for private, training and charter flights; roughly 20–30 minutes from Henderson depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large portion of the population consists of young families and professionals attracted by housing, schools and parks.
Henderson is popular with retirees seeking a warmer climate, quieter neighborhoods and access to medical facilities.
The city includes significant Hispanic/Latino, Asian and African American communities, creating a mix of cultural influences in dining and events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is hugely popular in the region; fans often travel from Henderson to support the NHL team based in Las Vegas.
The NFL Raiders draw regional support, with many Henderson residents following games and attending events in Las Vegas.
Golf is widely played locally with multiple public and private courses catering to residents and visitors.
Youth soccer, softball, basketball and running are common community activities with well-developed parks and leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Henderson.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafes, many Mexican restaurants (bean/veg tacos, grilled vegetable plates), and mainstream restaurants that offer salads, pasta and vegetable-forward mains.
Vegan choices are growing—look for plant-based burgers, salads, and customizable bowls at cafes and some casual restaurants; call ahead for cross-contamination concerns in kitchens that handle meat.
Gluten-free menus and options are common in larger restaurants; smaller spots can usually accommodate requests but always mention allergies explicitly.