Heading to Nevada to golf? Whether by air or road, getting there is a snap

Like its neighbor California, Nevada is a big state that features desperate landscapes and weather. And while not nearly as heavily populated as the state on its Western border, Nevada still supplies golf in large quantities, and with world-class quality.

From Reno and Lake Tahoe in the northern part of the state, to Las Vegas and Mesquite further south, Nevada is a diverse state that promises to give golfers options they could never imagine finding anywhere else in the world.

And getting to and around Nevada couldn't be easier. Here's a look at how you can get yourself to the Nevada golf destination of your choosing, whether via air or land.

Getting to Nevada by car

Those on the West Coast have long made the trek to Nevada to enjoy the great golf, as well as the explosive gambling action. And if you're in one of Nevada's surrounding states, the drive couldn't be easier, as Nevada's well-maintained roads make the drive a quick and easy trip.

For those in Southern California, the trip to Las Vegas is truly legendary. Made famous in films like "Swingers" and others, the trip down Interstate-15 is a straight shot through the desert, with the lights of Sin City beckoning you. From Los Angeles, the trip is normally five hours or less in a car, as drivers work their way east on the I-10, I-60 or I-210 freeways, then head north on the I-15, which takes you right to the Las Vegas Strip.

Take the I-15 about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas and you'll find yourself in Mesquite, Nevada, a town that has grown both as a golf destination and gaming town.

If it's Reno or Lake Tahoe you're heading to, the road is just as easy, but much more scenic than the desert-heavy drive the I-15 offers. From the south, US 395 will take you directly to both Reno and Lake Tahoe, while the destinations can be reached via other areas on the I-80 and I-50. Driving to Reno and Lake Tahoe does have one drawback - in the winter months, snow and ice can make for a more treacherous drive, so be sure to check the driving conditions before buckling up.

Getting to Nevada by air

While Las Vegas gets an unbelievable amount of drive-in visitors, there are likely even more who take the air route to their favorite Nevada destination. Even in Southern California, a five-hour drive to Las Vegas can be shortened to less than an hour from Ontario International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, or any of the other airports in Southern California. And carriers consistently offer great deals to fly visitors to Sin City, where you'll land at the ultra-modern McCarran International Airport.

In fact, as far as Las Vegas goes, no matter where you are in the U.S. or the world, top airlines consistently offer great deals to Las Vegas, which is exceedingly popular in the winter months, as golfers from cold-weather states look to enjoy their favorite game (and gambling) in the warm climes of Las Vegas.

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is there to accept travelers looking to take advantage of the areas great golf offerings, as well as spectacular skiing in the winter months. If Lake Tahoe is your final destination, it's just 45-minutes from Reno, and an easy, and incredibly scenic drive.

The Verdict

All told, getting to Nevada is one of the easiest trips for a traveler to put together. The state's incredible combination of golf, gambling, skiing and more means that every major airline has flights to both Las Vegas and Reno/Tahoe. And for those who like to drive, a trip by car to anywhere in Nevada, including other golf-laden cities like Laughlin (I-40, which runs across the I-15 is one way to get there) and Mesquite, the drive can be a scenic, calming trip that will leave you ready to enjoy the best golf and entertainment Nevada has to offer.