Yes, Las Vegas is extremely dry, and technically in the middle of a desert. But one of the best parts about Las Vegas is its proximity to several amazing geographic features and beautiful national parks.
Lake Mead, thanks to the Hoover Dam, is essentially part of the city and offers every recreational water activity imaginable.
Valley of Fire State Park offers Mars-like landscapes just an hour to the northeast.
Not too far away is the Grand Canyon and national parks such as Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Joshua Tree. All are more-than-doable day trips.
Directly to the west of the Strip, not even 30 minutes away, is the beautiful Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Not far beyond that is Mount Charleston, which often offers a peek at snow each winter.