According to TravelNevada, nearly 53 million tourists visit Nevada every year, bringing with them tons of revenue (and a fair amount of people-watching entertainment). So, our state has a lot of touristy things to do. But Nevada also has tons of amazing places to visit that aren’t full of out-of-state visitors. Instead of hanging out in the tourist traps, visit these 10 places instead.

1. Don’t hang out on the Strip watching for stars.
Nan Palermo/flickr
Instead, see some real stars in Tonopah.
Nurse Nerdy/flickr
It’s the #1 place for stargazing in the entire country, according to USA Today.
2. Skip LONGBAR at the D Las Vegas.
The D Las Vegas/Facebook
Instead, visit the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings.
Pioneer Saloon/Facebook
LONGBAR boasts the longest bar in Nevada, but it’s also full of tourists. Pioneer Saloon is a Nevada icon and has been featured in many television shows and movies.
3. Don’t take a gondola ride at the Venetian.
Martijn Nijenhuis/flickr
Instead, take a cruise on the Bleu Wave on Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe Bleu Wave/Facebook
Admire the azure blue Emerald Bay with a lunch cruise on the Bleu Wave, a 70-foot-long yacht. Why float down a fake river inside a hotel when you can enjoy a gorgeous lake surrounded by pine trees?
4. Don’t watch the fountains at the Bellagio.
Melfoody/flickr
Instead, wonder at the natural beauty of Big Falls, at Mt. Charleston.
Chris Ainsworth/flickr
It’s a strenuous 1.4-mile hike, but well worth it.
5. Don’t ride the Big Apple Coaster.
Simon Q./flickr
Instead, ride the Desperado Roller Coaster in Primm.
Al Pavangkanan/flickr
Its 209-foot height and 90 mph speed make it one of the tallest, fastest coasters in the country.

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6. Don’t take a helicopter tour of Vegas.
Mike Myers/flickr
Instead, hike to the top of Wheeler Peak (or drive up the scenic byway).
Bill Herndon/flickr
The view is stunning, and you’ll get some fresh air, too. You’ve already seen a thousand aerial photos of Vegas, anyway.
7. Don’t marvel at the wax figures of famous people at Madame Tussaud’s.
Trisha Fawver/flickr
Instead, people-watch on the strip.
Teresa Boardman/flickr
The craziness of the tourists is a million times more entertaining than wax renditions of movie stars.
8. Don’t dine at an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Ray Yu/flickr
Instead, patronize your favorite local restaurant.
Little City Grille/Facebook
Bland, boring buffet offerings? Yuck. Visit a little hometown spot for delicious local food. This is Little City Grille, in Boulder City, which consistently wins awards with local residents.
9. Don’t waste your entire paycheck in the casino.
Thomas Hawk/flickr
Instead, take spend the entire day at The Valley of Fire State Park.
James Marvin Phelps/flickr
It’s Nevada’s largest, oldest state park. You can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air for just a $10 entry fee.
10. Don’t get married in a drive-through chapel.
bourgeoisbee/flickr
Instead, get married in a beautiful, historic place.
Piper’s Opera House/Facebook
Your poor mother will die of disappointment if you elope to Vegas. Find a local place with some real history, like Piper’s Opera House in Virginia City, and include your friends and family.

What’s your favorite non-touristy thing to do in Nevada?

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