Area 51
4.5
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Top-secret military base and sight of alleged UFO sightings.
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4.5
169 reviews
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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 26 January 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.
kznate 123
Asheville, NC12 contributions
Jul 2021
We saw less on this trip then on anything else on our cross-country trip, but it was still one of the highlights of our cross-country trip. Las Vegas was boring, so we left it and heading up the road to Area 51. It was hours to get there, and the Cafe Alie'Inn was waiting for us, with a great little lunch. Then we set off down the dirt road for the gate.
It was just a hoot, driving to this place which has captured the imagination of so many of us over the years. It was a hoot because the road was unpaved, and then it was paved with potholes. Then, when we got there, it was a gate. There were warnings. We felt like we were doing something wrong by being there. It was just a hoot.
Who knows? Maybe the actual secret stuff is going on hundreds of miles to the west. It doesn't matter. We got to the gate, took some photos, and then drove all the way back loving that we'd been there.
I'm not sure if there's a more worthy place to visit that has so little to offer when you get there.
It was just a hoot, driving to this place which has captured the imagination of so many of us over the years. It was a hoot because the road was unpaved, and then it was paved with potholes. Then, when we got there, it was a gate. There were warnings. We felt like we were doing something wrong by being there. It was just a hoot.
Who knows? Maybe the actual secret stuff is going on hundreds of miles to the west. It doesn't matter. We got to the gate, took some photos, and then drove all the way back loving that we'd been there.
I'm not sure if there's a more worthy place to visit that has so little to offer when you get there.
Written 11 July 2021
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 9 January 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.
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 3 June 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.
Marissa Q
Corona, CA95 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 22 December 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.
Ben R
Moneymore, UK91 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 25 March 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.
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 7 November 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.
Lisa
Minneapolis, MN8 contributions
Oct 2020
You can get maps to the entrances at the Little Ale-E-Inn in Rachel. We stopped at the warning sign before the main gate, you can't see the gate if you don't pass the sign, but it was close enough for us. It's a scenic drive.
Written 9 October 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.
Falcone Family
San Diego, CA222 contributions
Jul 2021
This is a trip that I've been wanting to do for years and finally got there! It was worth the wait even though there's no passing the gate, it was just the presence that made it all.
It's really in Rachel Nevada and if you blink you'll miss the whole town. If you're coming from Las Vegas on Extra Terrestrial Highway 375, the only stop sign in the town is on the left at 'Back gate road', turn left and drive about 10 miles down the dirt road until you reach Area 51's back gate. And, of course the opposite side of the road if you're coming from the other direction. :) There's lots of deer in particular on Back Gate Road so please drive slow for your safety. You won't be bothered unless of course you go on any of the property passed the gate which I wouldn't recommend.
Stop by the Cowpoke if you need gas and have lunch at the Ale INN, you won't regret it.
It's really in Rachel Nevada and if you blink you'll miss the whole town. If you're coming from Las Vegas on Extra Terrestrial Highway 375, the only stop sign in the town is on the left at 'Back gate road', turn left and drive about 10 miles down the dirt road until you reach Area 51's back gate. And, of course the opposite side of the road if you're coming from the other direction. :) There's lots of deer in particular on Back Gate Road so please drive slow for your safety. You won't be bothered unless of course you go on any of the property passed the gate which I wouldn't recommend.
Stop by the Cowpoke if you need gas and have lunch at the Ale INN, you won't regret it.
Written 8 July 2021
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.
TheSandyNub
Browntown, WI1 contribution
May 2011
Did not appreciate the consistent probing and testing done on me. They then took me to their home planet and made me live with their people. Don't waste your time. You'll regret it.
Written 21 May 2011
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 15 December 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 26 August 2019
THETRIPOFTHECENTRY
Portland, Australia
don't worry all your questions will be answered september 20th
Written 26 August 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 21 January 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 22 January 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 5 September 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 5 September 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 11 May 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 17 January 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 19 January 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 26 September 2017
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