Henderson

Nevada's second-largest city — quieter than Vegas, closer to Lake Mead, home to Green Valley Ranch and the M Resort. Henderson is southeast of the Strip on the way to Boulder City and Lake Mead. It has 320,000 residents, the state's best-rated schools, and three locals casinos that most tourists never see: Green Valley Ranch, M Resort, and Sunset Station. Rooms are $110-$200, casino minimums $10-$15, buffet lines short. At 9pm the District at Green Valley Ranch — an outdoor plaza with restaurants and a movie theater — is where the neighborhood eats dinner. It is calmer, cleaner and 15-20 minutes from the Strip.This is a solid base for weddings at a resort that isn’t chaotic, business travel to the McCarran Business Park, and anyone doing Lake Mead or Hoover Dam. It is a bad base for anyone who wants to be walking distance to Strip nightlife. Rideshare to the Bellagio is $25-$40, 20-30 min. Water Street in old-town Henderson has a small revival with breweries — Lovelady, Bad Beat — but the actual downtown is compact and closes by 10pm.

Towns & villages

Where to base yourself

Las Vegas Strip Boulder City Summerlin

Good to know

Questions, answered

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Is Henderson a good base for a Vegas wedding?

Yes — Green Valley Ranch, Westin Lake Las Vegas and Reflection Bay all do full wedding packages ($3,000-$15,000) with photo backdrops that don’t look like a casino. Guests stay in the same resort, no shuttles to the Strip needed.

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How far is Henderson from the Strip?

10-12 miles depending on which end. From Green Valley Ranch to the Bellagio is 15-25 minutes by car; from M Resort it is 10-15 minutes. Rideshare $22-$40.

Where to stay