Las Vegas is not near a coast nor near mountain large mountain regions. Las Vegas is surrounded by desert. From California to Las Vegas, one must drive through the Mojave Desert. Many people from California drive 4-5 hours to visit Las Vegas. Some even fly to Las Vegas since LAX has multiple departures a day to the Las Vegas airport.
In this video is a summary what you can do in Las Vegas and a few tips of tourism told by a Californian traveler.
Sources:
http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-las-vegas-road-sign-image2762377
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44ZRZDVVjuw