With the summer travel season upon us, National Wanna Get Away Day celebrates our freedom to get away on June 18th. Use today to plan a great get away – like Las Vegas?
#WannaGetAwayDay

Planning memorable trips and get-aways brings out the adventurer in all of us! These get-aways take us to the family we long to see and historic places. We seek the sun, sand, big cities like Las Vegas and the natural wonders, too. It is a national pastime with deep roots – one that connects all of us to the people and places most important in our lives. This is the perfect National Day for celebrating, dreaming, and planning all the adventures you will take this year and every year after!
NATIONAL WANNA GET AWAY DAY HISTORY
In 2021, Southwest Airlines® founded National Wanna Get Away to commemorate the airline’s 50th Anniversary. At Southwest, they have spent half a century making everything seem a little bit closer and giving people the freedom to get away, wherever and whenever. In 1996, Southwest coined the phrase “Wanna Get Away®” to highlight the Company’s expansion. The phrase also creates humorous moments relevant to its Customers within its marketing. As “Wanna Get Away” has become an iconic and recognized expression for the brand, Southwest took it a step further to celebrate its 50th Anniversary by announcing this new annual day.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Wanna Get Away Day to be observed on June 18, 2021, and every year after.
Some Suggestions to Get You Started:
Here’s a list of 18 great day trips in and around the Las Vegas area to celebrate National Wanna Get Away Day:
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Explore the stunning desert landscapes, hike the trails, and enjoy the scenic beauty.
- Hoover Dam: Visit this iconic engineering marvel and take a tour to learn about its history and significance.
- Valley of Fire State Park: Discover the vibrant red rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and unique hiking trails.
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Enjoy water activities like boating, swimming, and fishing in the largest reservoir in the United States.
- Mount Charleston: Escape the desert heat and go hiking, camping, or picnicking in the cool mountain surroundings.
- Grand Canyon National Park: Take a day trip to one of the world’s most famous natural wonders and enjoy breathtaking views.
- Death Valley National Park: Experience the extreme beauty of the desert, visit unique geological formations, and witness the lowest point in North America.
- Zion National Park: Embark on a scenic drive and explore the incredible canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails of this picturesque national park.
- Bryce Canyon National Park: Witness the otherworldly landscape of hoodoos and participate in activities like hiking, horseback riding, or stargazing.
- Mojave National Preserve: Go off the beaten path and discover the vast desert wilderness, Joshua trees, and volcanic formations.
- Ghost Towns: Visit nearby ghost towns like Rhyolite, Goldfield, or Nelson to experience the remnants of Nevada’s mining history.
- Springs Preserve: Learn about the region’s natural and cultural history through interactive exhibits, botanical gardens, and walking trails.
- Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden: Indulge in delicious chocolates and explore the beautiful cactus garden.
- Neon Museum: Take a trip through Las Vegas’ past and see the collection of iconic vintage signs that once lit up the city.
- Lake Havasu City: Drive to the Arizona border and enjoy a day of boating, water sports, and relaxing on the shores of Lake Havasu.
- Valley of the Moon: Visit this unique lunar-like landscape in the nearby Mojave Desert, which was used as a filming location for many movies.
- Bonnie Springs Ranch: Experience the Old West with horseback riding, a petting zoo, and live cowboy shows at this Western-themed attraction.
- Mount Potosi: Go on an adventure and try rock climbing or zip-lining in the scenic Mount Potosi area.
