Area 51
Area 51
4.5
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Top-secret military base and sight of alleged UFO sightings.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
171 reviews
Excellent
99
Very good
40
Average
22
Poor
5
Terrible
5
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Erica M
4 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
I was a solo traveller , there were 4 of us in the very comfortable SUV. It was a brilliant day, the South Nevada desert area and mountains were stunning. Was so thrilled to visit the Area 51 Research Centre, have a delicious lunch at the Little Ale'inn, be watched by an ominous security vehicle at the gate to Groom Lake....
Kirk was a wonderful tour guide, very knowledgeable and respectful of differing opinions of tour participants. We had some interesting debates along the way regarding UFO's, Roswell, Bob Lazar ... etc!
All in all, the trip was worth every penny and would recommend to anyone interested in Area 51. It was also great to leave the madness of Vegas for a day and experience the magnificence of the desert, surrounding mountains , and the utter isolation of the area.
Kirk was a wonderful tour guide, very knowledgeable and respectful of differing opinions of tour participants. We had some interesting debates along the way regarding UFO's, Roswell, Bob Lazar ... etc!
All in all, the trip was worth every penny and would recommend to anyone interested in Area 51. It was also great to leave the madness of Vegas for a day and experience the magnificence of the desert, surrounding mountains , and the utter isolation of the area.
Written March 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aussie Destinations Unknown
Shailer Park, Australia1,257 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Hands down one of the best things we did in Nevada. We stopped at all the spots on the Extraterrestrial Highway and had brunch at the Little A'Le'Inn which was yum and the guy who worked there was super helpful and gave us a map and told us how to get to the back gate. He also told us how it’s 24/7 security with cameras and they blow the siren at you to scare you:make you jump if you take photos near the ‘photography prohibited’ sign and if women get their gear off they sound a different one! We tried it. They do 😆
Written October 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matteo C
Florence, Italy472 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Obtained map and useful information at Rachel's Little A'Le'Inn, the only refreshment point within a radius of several dozen miles. We decided to approach Area 51 from the so-called "Back Gate" because it was "faster" to reach. From the main road, which is the only asphalted one that comes out of Rachel, you take a dirt road, but not an offroad one: flat, without potholes or large stones, just a little dusty. This road, after about 8 miles, arrives at the back gate of Area 51. If this entrance did not have a monstrous charm (I cannot imagine many things in the world as full of charm and mystery as Area 51) it would also be disappointing: a fence , a barrier and very few small buildings, which undoubtedly indicates that the base is underground. Nothing exciting apart from a few warning signs. So if you're expecting to find a sign that says "Area 51", I think you'll be disappointed. But the beauty and emotion of being there is priceless.
Note: make sure your car is ok, with enough petrol and remember that your cell phone has no connection everywhere
Note: Be careful of desert antelopes on the dirt road
Note: stick to a few but fundamental rules, such as keeping a low profile near the gate, don't draw too much attention with poses or scenes that can be interpreted badly because even if you don't see anyone, you can be sure that they are observing you very carefully. Photography is allowed, but avoid cameras with large zooms. For no reason do you touch the fence or the bar, it can be interpreted as an act of breaking and entering and the guards are authorized to shoot. And they shoot you.
Note: make sure your car is ok, with enough petrol and remember that your cell phone has no connection everywhere
Note: Be careful of desert antelopes on the dirt road
Note: stick to a few but fundamental rules, such as keeping a low profile near the gate, don't draw too much attention with poses or scenes that can be interpreted badly because even if you don't see anyone, you can be sure that they are observing you very carefully. Photography is allowed, but avoid cameras with large zooms. For no reason do you touch the fence or the bar, it can be interpreted as an act of breaking and entering and the guards are authorized to shoot. And they shoot you.
Written November 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret G
Brisbane, Australia2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
I have taken my grandchildren here three times now and each time have come home sick. This time was Friday 19 th of January, when we arrived ( family of three adults and three children for a two hour session which was paid online) we noticed three busses so we knew it would be busy. My youngest grandson who is 3, playing in the ball bit with the slides and the flooring is a safety hazard as it’s unstable/loose tiles/missing tiles. There was areas within the area roped off with ties.. no signs.. no warnings.. There was no staff supervision stopping older children knocking over the younger ones which was disappointing. Where is your duty of care ?
I would not recommend this facility for children as they are not looked after.
These facilities are aimed for children so why aren’t you looking after them.
It is disappointing as this type of facility is good but and I mean but should be maintained and safety should be high priority.
Very disappointed visit yet again.
I would not recommend this facility for children as they are not looked after.
These facilities are aimed for children so why aren’t you looking after them.
It is disappointing as this type of facility is good but and I mean but should be maintained and safety should be high priority.
Very disappointed visit yet again.
Written January 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi✈🥂
Blue Mountains, Australia108 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
I was sooooo looking forward to this day trip from Las Vegas. I can’t say I’m a big alien nerd but I’ve certainly had some interest in fact versus fiction.
I can’t say any of my questions have been answered via this visit 😂
After a beer and some lunch at the little cafe in Rachel followed by a few missed turns we finally reached the ‘back gate’ (sounds ominous…). The only place that you can sort of drive up to in relation to Area 51. We were told to follow the signs and not step foot on the property. We were told that the property is monitored by a 24/7 security company that has the rights to “shoot on sight” any trespassers.
So we drove up and didn’t see anyone. Not a soul. I was thinking “these guys must be camouflaged ninjas” because if they were there then we didn’t notice them.
We also couldn’t find the black box which was annoying but we’ve heard that it’s also no longer there 🤷🏻♀️
It was worth a ticket off my bucket list but no sightings of… anything at all.
I can’t say any of my questions have been answered via this visit 😂
After a beer and some lunch at the little cafe in Rachel followed by a few missed turns we finally reached the ‘back gate’ (sounds ominous…). The only place that you can sort of drive up to in relation to Area 51. We were told to follow the signs and not step foot on the property. We were told that the property is monitored by a 24/7 security company that has the rights to “shoot on sight” any trespassers.
So we drove up and didn’t see anyone. Not a soul. I was thinking “these guys must be camouflaged ninjas” because if they were there then we didn’t notice them.
We also couldn’t find the black box which was annoying but we’ve heard that it’s also no longer there 🤷🏻♀️
It was worth a ticket off my bucket list but no sightings of… anything at all.
Written January 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marissa Q
Corona, CA97 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We had a great time driving out to the diner in Rachel, NV as soon as we finished our breakfast we walked out to a show of 3 jets flying around having some fun. Then we took the 11 mile sand road, ran into some cows crossing the road, waved to the pick up on the hill and finally made it to the gate. It was a fun adventure! Would recommend if you had a few hours to spare. Took us 3 1/2 hours from Alamo complete with all the stops on the way.
Written December 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl Gaspard
Lafayette, LA32 contributions
May 2023
My husband and I ( both 70+ ) went to Vegas for a week but only to do the parks around it as neither of us care for gambling or shows. One of the trips we made while there, was to Area 51. We went because ever since we can remember, it's always been a source of intrigue and non of our friends or family have ever been. Of course we had our aluminum tinfoil hats on for photos and we had a good time during the whole trip there. You have to know that as soon as you turn on the road to the gate, that you're being monitored and the Camo Dudes, can probably hear every word you say in your vehicle while driving the road. You can see the vehicles with blacked out windows at a distance so you know they are watching but allow you the pleasure of being silly even if only for the 10-15 minutes you're there. We enjoyed it and can now check it off our " Bucket List "
Written June 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Torlus
Port Talbot, UK601 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We went on an excellent tour from Las Vegas in a 4x4 and got to ride comfortably on the long dirt track to the gates.
You can take photos at the gates but can't cross and there isn't really anything to see.
It is an almost 2 hour drive from Vegas. Some would say its not worth the drive, the time and money but if you have time and you are interested, this is an interesting place to stop for 20 minutes or so.
You can take photos at the gates but can't cross and there isn't really anything to see.
It is an almost 2 hour drive from Vegas. Some would say its not worth the drive, the time and money but if you have time and you are interested, this is an interesting place to stop for 20 minutes or so.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jasiek_c137
Salt Lake City, UT16 contributions
Jun 2020
Worth the drive and experience. While some things are better left to the imagination in terms of the grandeur of Area 51, I knew going into the trip I was not going to get to see an Independence Day view of the base. It was still cool to go drive out and get near a super-secret military installation that everyone knows is there. There was a neat sense of accomplishment walking up to the back gate and Groom Lake Road gate. Also neat to see was the white truck up on the hill to the right just before the gate and the road dips down and curves to the gate. You know you are being watched, and the white truck is the stuff they want you to see. No doubt, once we entered the Extraterrestrial Highway we were being surveilled. At the Groom Lake Road entrance, you can definitely hear a faint hum ... strong enough to be heard through he wind. Made for an added allure of mystery ... whatever the source of the hum, it was significant.
The Alien Research Center is definitely worth the stop as is the Little A'Le'Inn.
Still a neat trip and my son (and I) would come back again if in the area.
Really cool day trip and worth it!
The Alien Research Center is definitely worth the stop as is the Little A'Le'Inn.
Still a neat trip and my son (and I) would come back again if in the area.
Really cool day trip and worth it!
Written June 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben R
Moneymore, UK89 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
I cannot believe I actually was at Area 51. As a huge X files fan it was so exciting to see. We were indeed followed by the mysterious white vans and we managed to see and hear a strange craft of some sort. I doubt it was extraterrestrial, but whatever it was, it was cool to see. The drive out there and all is worth it regardless of your stance on whether or not there is extra terrestrial life. To go from the bright lights and fast pace of the Las Vegas Strip to being in such lonely, secluded desert is fantastic. The Joshua trees are a highlight.
There is definitely something wierd going up there because when you see the actually entrance (which is still miles away from the actual base) along with the security measures taken at it, it's safe to say there is something going on up there they don't want us knowing about. The truth is out there somewhere in that desert!
There is definitely something wierd going up there because when you see the actually entrance (which is still miles away from the actual base) along with the security measures taken at it, it's safe to say there is something going on up there they don't want us knowing about. The truth is out there somewhere in that desert!
Written March 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you know the coordinates of the route from Rachel to Area 51?
I will appreciate your information!
Written December 15, 2023
Soap mouth
Antarctic Peninsula
HI so were would the naruto runners run at area 51 and were would the rock throwers throw there rocks.
Written August 26, 2019
THETRIPOFTHECENTRY
Portland, Australia
don't worry all your questions will be answered september 20th
Written August 26, 2019
As i dont drive and would love to visit area 51 are there places in the area where you can stay a couple of nights ard is there any sort of transport to bring u there from vegas airport or a vegas hotel
Written January 21, 2019
There is a day trip service like a tour, but not overnight. There is a motel connected to the café Lil Alien, but you would have to get there yourself.
Written January 22, 2019
Is this suitable for young kids? I want to bring my 16, 9 and 2 and what is the nearest hotel to this area?
Written September 5, 2018
this is a remote desert area Not suitable for young kids this is restricted military area a very wide perimeter is set up you are constantly being watched Buy cameras and personnel hey Will approach you very fast from a distance if you violate Fair restricted Zone they bring their workers in on a special Road in a white bus if you want to be adventurous and are good with a dirt bike you can give him a run on chasing you they bring their workers in on a special road in a white bus if you want to be adventurous and are good with a dirt bike you can give him a run on chasing you and having some fun just don't get caught now the town itself outside the base haslots of souvenirs and different attractions review
Written September 5, 2018
Is er in de zomer in Romandië hotel animasie voor volwasen en is er veel savons te doen en is het. Daar rustig of is dat kort bij oorloglanden en is het daar duir in de winkels en restorantjes en heb je tv op de kamer en vidios en laaste zijn de mensen daar vriendelijk
Written May 11, 2018
I've heard there's 2 spots for area 51. one in Rachel and another somewhere else. does Rachel have the big " military base no photography" sign as seen in other pics? as that's what i want a pic of
Written January 17, 2018
The one you want is before Rachel. After the alien research souvenier shop head west on the 375 and when you see a hugeeeeeee dirt road leading out to the hills take it, it will take you to the gate. On google maps it says RD 51, and the start is just off a big corner , 14 miles from the research souvenier shop. Cheers!
Written January 19, 2018
laovenius
Minsk, Belarus
Если кто собирается ехать в Rachel или Area 51, свяжитесь со мной, пожалуйста! Это очень важно! laovenius@yandex(точка)ru
Written September 26, 2017
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