From Neon Museums to Desert Drives, These Activities Will Have You Winning Big on Fun and Memories in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, also known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” is a city that is often associated with gambling and nightlife. However, there is much more to this vibrant and diverse city than just casinos and clubs.
From world-class shows to natural wonders, Las Vegas has something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or a history buff, there are countless things to do and see in Las Vegas that don’t involve gambling.
In this list, we’ve compiled 19 of the best non-gambling activities and attractions in Las Vegas that will make your trip to this exciting city unforgettable.
- Visit the Bellagio Fountains: The Bellagio Fountains are a spectacular display of water, music, and lights. The fountains are in front of the Bellagio hotel and casino and are free to watch. The show runs every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night. It’s a mesmerizing sight and a great way to relax and unwind.
- Explore the Neon Museum: The Neon Museum is a unique museum that displays old neon signs from the casinos and businesses. The museum offers guided tours that take you through the history of Las Vegas through its iconic signs. It’s a great way to learn about the city’s past and see some fantastic artwork.
- Take a scenic drive: Surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, rrive to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, or Valley of Fire State Park to see stunning views and rock formations.
- Visit the Mob Museum: The Mob Museum is dedicated to the history of organized crime in America. It’s a fascinating look into the world of the mob and the law enforcement agencies that fought against them.
- See a show: Las Vegas is famous for its shows, from Cirque du Soleil to magic acts to concerts by world-famous performers. There’s something for everyone, and the quality of the performances is top-notch.
- Go on a food tour: Las Vegas has some of the best restaurants in the world. Take a food tour to sample the city’s best cuisine, from traditional American fare to international dishes.
- Visit the Hoover Dam: The Hoover Dam is one of the world’s engineering marvels. Take a tour of the dam to learn about its history and see how it generates electricity for the city.
- Take a helicopter tour: See Las Vegas from the air with a helicopter tour. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the city and the surrounding landscape, including the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.
- Visit the Grand Canyon: The Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. Take a day trip from Las Vegas to see the canyon’s stunning beauty.
- Relax at a spa: Las Vegas is known for its luxurious spas. Book a day at a spa to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the city.
- Shop at the Forum Shops: The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is a high-end shopping mall with over 160 stores and restaurants. The mall is designed to look like ancient Rome, complete with fountains, statues, and cobblestone walkways.
- Visit the Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel is a half-size replica of the original tower in Paris. You can take an elevator to the top for a panoramic city view.
- Go on a hot air balloon ride: Take a hot air balloon ride over the Las Vegas desert for a unique and memorable experience. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape, including the Red Rock Canyon and the Las Vegas Strip.
- Visit the Shark Reef Aquarium: The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is home to over 2,000 animals, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. You can even swim with the sharks if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Take a gondola ride: The Venetian Hotel has a replica of the canals of Venice, complete with gondolas and singing gondoliers. Take a relaxing ride through the canals and under the bridges of “Venice.”
- Visit the High Roller: The High Roller at the LINQ is the world’s tallest observation wheel. Take a ride on the 550-foot-tall wheel to get a bird’s eye view of the city.
- Attend a sports event: Las Vegas is home to several professional sports teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Las Vegas Aces. Catch a game or match for a fun night out.
- Visit the Springs Preserve: The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre nature reserve that showcases the natural and cultural history of Las Vegas. The preserve has hiking trails, gardens, and exhibits highlighting the region’s unique desert ecosystem.
- Take a ghost tour: Las Vegas has a rich and colorful history, including stories of ghosts and haunted places. Take a ghost tour to learn about the city’s paranormal past.
Did you know?
The iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign that greets visitors as they enter the city is really located in Paradise, just south of the Las Vegas city limits. The sign was designed by Betty Willis in 1959 and has since become a city symbol.
Despite not technically being located within Vegas itself, the sign has become a must-see attraction for visitors to the city. It is often included in tours of the area.
A little history:
Las Vegas was originally a small desert town in Nevada, founded in 1905. The name “Las Vegas” means “the meadows” in Spanish and was given to the area by early explorers because of the abundant wild grasses and water sources that could be found there. In the early days, it was primarily a stopover for travelers to California.
It wasn’t until the legalization of gambling in the state in 1931 that the city began to experience significant growth. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, it became increasingly popular as a tourist destination, with the construction of several large hotels and casinos on the famous Las Vegas Strip.Â
Today, it is a thriving city with a population of over 2 million people and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.
