From Downtown to Death Valley

Rise and shine! Time to head downstairs to Saginaw's Delicatessen. The restaurant specialises in classic American deli favourites done right, from bagel and salmon platters to matzo ball soup, with the best lineup of breakfast dishes on Fremont Street. Try the corned beef hash to fill up on calories and energise your day.
The restaurant is open 24 hours. Call +17027265506 to check on wait times. Food can also be ordered at a walk-up counter to go.

After checking out of Circa, take the Summerlin Parkway to the west end of the Las Vegas Valley. It's time to visit Red Rock Canyon with a drive through the park's scenic loop. The one-way route is just 13 miles, but give yourself an hour to pull over at scenic overlooks and venture out onto a few hiking trails while the mild morning temperatures are still in effect.
Red Rock Canyon is known for its bright red rock cliffs and has an excellent visitor centre near the entrance. Expect to pay a fee upon entry.
The Scenic Drive is open every day of the year; its operating hours change slightly according to the season:
November – February: 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. March: 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. April – September: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. October: 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

After taking the scenic loop through Red Rock Canyon, you'll head northwest on US Route 95 towards Beatty. The highway passes through the small town of Indian Springs, best known as the home of Creech Air Force Base, with runways to the north side of the road.
Pull over at Terrible's Casino (open 24 hours) to stretch your legs, take a bathroom break, fill up on fuel and, if you're feeling lucky, take a quick turn at a slot machine.

Pull over at the Area 51 Alien Center. The glorified rest stop takes advantage of its relative proximity to the mysterious Area 51 government test site, selling t-shirts, dolls, magnets, and other alien-themed souvenirs. Have fun with a few photo stations and don't forget to take home a bottle of locally produced Alien Tequila.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

US Route 95 slows to a crawl when passing through Beatty, an old mining town that now advertises itself as the gateway to Death Valley. Drive carefully. Burros famously wander the streets and occasionally block traffic. If that's the case, be patient and let them pass on their own time. It's considered bad form to honk.
Those animals inspired the name of the Happy Burro, an old saloon famous for its ice-cold beer and house-made chili. Stop by for lunch and request an order of chili, topped with cheese and onions or slathered on top of a hot dog. The casual restaurant has a timeless quality, with vintage wood decor and a boardwalk-style patio.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Nevada has more ghost towns than any other state, and the most fascinating one is just west of Beatty. Rhyolite went through a mining boom in 1904 and grew rapidly, with hotels, saloons, and other businesses on streets lined with electric traffic lights. However, the town went bust less than 10 years later and has been rapidly deteriorating ever since.
Today, you can roam the main street and see what's left, including a schoolhouse, general store, bank, and train depot. The ruins have a dramatic, post-apocalyptic feel, which makes for great photos. Most of the buildings are fenced off, preventing curious visitors from stepping inside.

Are you feeling adventurous? Time to drive into the depths of Death Valley, a national park known for its record-high temperatures and low elevation. Proceed with caution during hot or rainy days but, if you plan carefully, it's easy to enjoy this unique environment.
The biggest surprise is the Inn at Death Valley, a luxurious hotel with Spanish colonial architecture that dates back to 1927. The property has gone through extensive renovations over the years, with guests now able to choose between sleek, modern suites or full casitas, which are almost like renting out a small home for the night, complete with a porch, front yard, and private driveway.
Whatever your choice, check in, get settled, and take a dip in the swimming pool, which comes with sweeping Death Valley views.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions in this link.

Enjoy dinner at the Last Kind Words Saloon & Steakhouse, located at the Ranch at Death Valley, a sister property to the Inn at Death Valley. The restaurant is modeled after an Old West saloon with a tin ceiling, vintage chandeliers, and a long bar top. The vintage ""wanted"" posters, mounted firearms, and touches of taxidermy add some extra cowboy swagger to the space. Visit during cooler months and request an outdoor table in the courtyard.
The Last Kind Words Saloon is the best place in Death Valley for steaks, seafood, and barbecue, with stiff cocktails available. Call +17607862345 to inquire about wait times.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Head back to the Inn at Death Valley and enjoy some stargazing before turning in for the night. The lack of light pollution in Death Valley offers a rare opportunity to observe the beauty of the cosmos.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions in this link.