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Follow Hwy 159 (Charleston Boulevard) west for about 25 minutes to find yourself in another world. A scenic drive loops through Red Rock Canyon: venture off this to feel truly miles away from civilization.

Cycling in Las Vegas can be pleasant – especially in the quieter, smarter residential areas of Green Valley and off Charleston Boulevard. Even better, though, are the paths at Desert Shores, in northwest Las Vegas, where you’ll enjoy abundant shade and water views.

Water babies should head for Calville Bay Marina or the Lake Mead Marina to rent jet skis, water skis, and other water craft. Note that the wearing of life jackets is obligatory out on the water. (see Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and Laughlin)

Summerlin is a planned community northwest of downtown, and its new, smooth sidewalks are perfect for roller-blading. The surroundings are among the most pleasant in the city, generally smog-free with attractive houses and condominiums; there isn’t a lot of traffic either. In-line hockey fans should head for the rink at the Sports Park.

The eight floodlit courts at Sunset Park are easy to get to (they are only about a mile from the southern end of the Strip), and they also cost far less than the courts at sports clubs and hotels. While you wait for a court enjoy the ringside view of planes coming in to land at McCarran International Airport.

Although the snow can’t compare with that at famous resorts such as Aspen, Colorado, the skiing at Mt. Charleston can be surprisingly good and makes a fantastic contrast with the golf and swimming options in the valley below. Ski lessons and equipment rentals are available in the Lee Canyon Ski Area, which is off Hwy 156.

Although almost every hotel and motel in Las Vegas has a swimming pool, people who want to swim laps may find that there are too many other swimmers in the way. For a good pool workout, locals head for the eight-lane Northwest Pool. When you’re bored with doing laps (or your children are bored with you doing laps), there is a 178-ft (54-m) spiral slide and an aquatic play gym.

There always seem to be pick-up basketball games in progress at either Desert Breeze Park or Sunset Park. The former has only two courts, but they are very new and of good quality.

Although there are dozens of paths off the beaten track, such as those at Arroyo Grande Park in Green Valley, most Las Vegas visitors do their strolling along the world-famous Strip. And why not? This road, actually a 3.5-mile (6-km) section of Las Vegas Boulevard South (or Hwy 604) is one of the most fascinating highways in the world.

If you’re up to more than just a casual stroll down the Strip, one of the most popular joggers’ venues is Sunset Park. Paths are well maintained and the circuit includes a fitness course. And there’s plenty to look at to keep your mind off your feet: disc-golf courts, horseshoe pits, volleyball, and radio-controlled boating on the park’s lake.