places to visit by las vegas

Las Vegas   Travel Guide

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29 Essential Things to Do in Las Vegas (+ Easy Day Trips)

Throughout its 118-year history, Las Vegas has been known as the planet's premier destination for gambling – and for good reason. This desert metropolis has more places to try your hand with Lady Luck than any other city in the world. But Sin

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Walk the Strip Walk the Strip free

Once you pass the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign along Las Vegas Boulevard South, it won't be too long until you're cruising the Strip. Sin City's notorious artery acts as the epicenter of any Vegas getaway. Here, you'll find Las Vegas' most iconic landmarks , including the  Bellagio Fountains , the Eiffel Tower at Paris, Las Vegas , the pyramid and sphinx belonging to The Luxor , and  The Venetian's Grand Canal .

The "Strip" technically runs from Mandalay Bay on the south end (home to an aquarium and a human-made beach) to the STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod casino on the north end, where you'll find the tallest free-standing observation tower in the country (this is where you'll go for the perfect Vegas photo).

Visit the Sphere Visit the Sphere

When construction on the MSG Sphere first began in 2019, the addition of yet another "world's largest" was met with a shrug. Las Vegas' skyline was already crammed with record-breaking, jaw-dropping attractions. Did the city really need one more? But when the Sphere's exterior LED screen switched on for the first time in 2023, suddenly this golf ball-shaped music and entertainment arena was all anyone could talk about. People crowded onto resort parking lot rooftops to watch as the largest spherical building on the planet transformed into a giant blinking eye, a swirling snow globe or a Space Age metallic orb.

At 366 feet tall, the Sphere is massive – taller than the Statue of Liberty. And the entire exterior of the building is cloaked in 1.2 million LED lights, which has the effect of transforming the Sphere into an almost lifelike replica of whatever images the screen projects. Visitors describe the Sphere as futuristic and otherworldly; like a piece of alien tech transported from another galaxy.

Bellagio Casino and Fountains Bellagio Casino and Fountains free

This Strip staple offers plenty of ways to lay your money on the line, from table games and slot machines to a race and sports book. This is also the choice casino among many high rollers due to its high-stakes tables. What's more, this casino hosts the World Poker Tour, among other tournaments. But there's more to the Bellagio than the casino floor.

Even those who don't gamble praise the Bellagio for its upscale atmosphere and variety of amenities and attractions. Anyone who's seen a movie set in Vegas will recognize the Bellagio's massive fountains: Every 15 to 30 minutes, those walking past the exterior of the Bellagio are treated to a complimentary light and water show with the fountain's jets shooting water into the air during intricately choreographed "dances" set to music.

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See a Cirque du Soleil show See a Cirque du Soleil show

Las Vegas knows how to go big – especially when it comes to entertainment . So, it should come as no surprise that a performance company like Cirque du Soleil thrives here. Translating to "Circus of the Sun," Cirque du Soleil is known for its incredible acrobatic feats, which are performed with an unrivaled level of artistry. There are six different Cirque shows in Las Vegas, all of which are performed at different casinos along the Strip .

The "LOVE" show (performed at The Mirage) pays tribute to the legendary rock band with aerial acrobatics, trampoline and roller skate acts.

The Venetian Casino and Grand Canal The Venetian Casino and Grand Canal free

Why spend the money to cross the Atlantic when you can get a taste of Italy right in Vegas? Nestled along the Strip , The Venetian replicates the highlights of Venice , complete with gondola rides along the Grand Canal . Visitors can get a taste of what life is like in the Queen of the Adriatic thanks to The Venetian's Streetmosphere program: singers, stilt walkers and "living statues" recreate the typical scene you'd likely encounter in the real Venice for those who opt to spend the day perusing the wares in the Grand Canal Shoppes.

For $34 per person ($39 Thursday through Monday), you can take a gondola ride along the property's Grand Canal (inside or outside) anytime between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday; on Friday and Saturday, gondola rides are offered until midnight.

Caesars Palace Casino and The Forum Shops Caesars Palace Casino and The Forum Shops free

A staple of the Vegas Strip , Caesars Palace started welcoming visitors to Sin City beginning in the 1960s. Since then, it has made an appearance in such popular films as "Rain Man," "Iron Man" and "The Hangover." Those who choose to gamble at Caesars will find themselves in ancient Rome , with massive columns and frescoes paying tribute to the casino's namesake. Those who prefer to use their money in other ways can make their way to The Forum Shops – home to about 160 specialty stores and restaurants, including Tom Ford and Saint Laurent, as well as more affordable outlets like H&M and Nike.

Caesars Palace is also home to a variety of nightlife venues, including the 75,000-square-foot Omnia Nightclub and the trendy Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, a favorite among fans of the "Vanderpump Rules" reality television series. Meanwhile, the on-site Colosseum venue is home to musical residencies like Rod Stewart, Sting and Adele. Top restaurants include Nobu and Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas free

The Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino, known simply as "The Cosmo" by locals, is the hip, glitzy place to go to see and be seen. Although the 3,000-plus room casino no longer holds the title of the "newest casino on the Strip ," it has remained trendy since it opened in 2010, thanks to its thriving dining and nightlife scene.

Known for both its in-your-face opulence and its hidden, "underground" entertainment, the Cosmo is a modern, high-end alternative to some of the Strip's over-the-top themed resorts. The Cosmo has not one, but three speakeasies (one of which is hidden behind a door marked "Janitor" inside a barbershop), a hidden restaurant disguised as a pawn shop, and the popular

Fremont Street Experience Fremont Street Experience free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For a fun "vintage Vegas" experience, head to the second floor of the D Las Vegas Casino to play the Sigma Derby mechanical horse betting game. It's more than 30 years old and the last of its kind in Las Vegas! – Reannon Muth

Fremont Street used to be dominated by classic, but less-frequented casinos that seemed past their prime, such as the Golden Nugget and the Pioneer Club. Today, this section of downtown Las Vegas is once again ready to compete with the Strip for visitors' attention.

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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Located about 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip , the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers travelers a respite from downtown Las Vegas' unnatural neon landscape. Though you can opt to follow the 13-mile scenic car route through the desert, make the most of your visit by stretching your legs along the numerous hiking and biking trails that dot the one-way route. No matter how you choose to explore the 195,819-acre area, you'll find yourself surrounded by the beautiful Mojave Desert and its signature red hills.

According to previous Red Rock Canyon visitors, a trip here is well worth leaving the casino floor behind. Recent travelers recommended getting out of your car to explore, but suggest you plan hikes or biking excursions during the cooler mornings rather than the sweltering afternoons. Reviewers also say the road is well-maintained and appreciate the abundance of restrooms along the way. Travelers also suggest stopping by the visitor center to peruse the informative exhibits.

New York-New York and the Big Apple Coaster New York-New York and the Big Apple Coaster free

You won't have any trouble finding New York-New York: Its faux-Manhattan skyline – complete with scale models of famous Big Apple attractions like the Statue of Liberty , the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge – occupies almost a full block of the Strip . Sitting across the street from the MGM Grand , New York-New York recreates the Gotham experience in true Vegas fashion, boasting a New York-style pizzeria, several casual pubs and a variety of souvenir and specialty shops.

If you’re visiting Las Vegas with kids , you’ll find a variety of family-friendly attractions here, including Hershey's Chocolate World, which offers more than 800 kinds of Hershey's chocolates and candies, and features a nearly 800-pound Statue of Liberty sculpture composed almost entirely of chocolate. In addition to an arcade, the property is also famous for its Big Apple Coaster. Traveling at speeds up to 67 mph, the roller coaster weaves through the faux Manhattan skyline, offering riders excellent views of the southern Strip – if they can keep their eyes open. Tickets start at $25 per person for one ride. Note: Riders must be at least 54 inches tall to ride. The coaster welcomes riders from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. until midnight Friday through Sunday.

Paris, Las Vegas and the Eiffel Tower Experience Paris, Las Vegas and the Eiffel Tower Experience free

Though it may not be quite as timeless as the actual City of Lights , Sin City's (rather kitschy) take on Paris is one of the Strip's most popular occupants. The property offers a whirlwind tour of the French capital's most iconic sights: You'll find a replica of the Arc de Triomphe, architecture reminiscent of the Paris Opera and the Louvre, and the pièce de résistance – a 46-story, half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower. Tickets to the tower's observation deck cost $25 for adults and $19 for kids ages 4 to 12. Similar to the real tower in Paris, the Las Vegas Eiffel Tower stages a free recurring light show every 30 minutes from sunset to midnight daily. For a unique view of the tower, reserve a lounge chair by the property’s pool, which is located on the rooftop directly under the Eiffel Tower replica.

As far as the casino goes, you'll find slots, table games, horse racing and Keno – with which travelers were more than satisfied. Paris, Las Vegas boasts several French-themed restaurants,  bars and shops, plus a variety of shows, not to mention the swanky Chateau Nightclub and Rooftop.

Hoover Dam Hoover Dam

Sitting about 35 miles southeast of Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam spans the Colorado River and the Black Canyon (which separates Nevada and Arizona). The immense concrete structure – which confines Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by volume – has helped provide power to Nevada, Arizona and California since 1935. These days, in addition to keeping the lights on, the Hoover Dam welcomes more than 7 million visitors each year as one of America's most recognized landmarks. Some of its most noteworthy sights are as follows:

Visitor Center:  You can learn more about the Hoover Dam with a stop at the Visitor Center, which is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $10 to explore. The facility's Exhibit Gallery features various audio, visual and interactive exhibits, such as a generator model you can walk through, while the theater shows a 10-minute film about the dam. Don't forget to head to the top-floor observation area to snap some memorable pictures of the massive structure, Lake Mead and the Colorado River, as most visitors recommend doing.

Area15 Area15

Like many of Sin City's attractions, Area15 is hard to describe. Marketed on its website as an "immersive entertainment district," the 200,000-square-foot warehouse features a psychedelic smorgasbord of unique experiences, including cinematic immersions, interactive art exhibits, virtual reality arcades, zip lines, axe-throwing and several one-of-a-kind bars and restaurants.

Area15 has earned comparisons to Burning Man and "Alice in Wonderland," thanks to the art installations that tower outside and the mind-bending exhibits inside. Two of the most popular attractions are the immersive art experience, Meow Wolf's Omega Mart, and the rum-fueled immersive Cirque show "Lost Spirits Distillery."

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LINQ Promenade LINQ Promenade

Home to the High Roller observation wheel, the LINQ Promenade is an open-air shopping, dining and entertainment district. Located between The LINQ Hotel and Casino and Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, the 1,200-foot-long promenade is anchored by the 550-foot High Roller, the largest observation wheel in North America and one of the top things to do in Las Vegas with kids . Recent travelers found the 360-degrees of the Strip , the city and the desert worth the trip. During the day, tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for kids ages 4 to 12; in the evening (7 p.m. to midnight), tickets cost $35.50 for adults and $19 for kids. For another adrenaline rush, there’s Fly LINQ, the only zip line on the Las Vegas Strip . Riders launch from a 12-story tower and reach speeds up to 35 mph. The zip line is open from 2 to 10 p.m. daily. Tickets start at $35.

The shopping includes national retailers like Harley Davidson and the unusual like I Love Sugar, a 14,000-square-foot, two-story candy shop. Entertainment options abound as well and range from comedy and magic to live music. The minus5, an ice bar created from 100 tons of custom-carved ice, is among the bar and lounge options. Admission to the bar costs $24 for adults; children ages 7 and older are welcome until 9 p.m. for $13. There are more than 20 restaurants at the LINQ, including Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen and Bar. Recent visitors found the open-air promenade to be a refreshing break from the casinos and enjoyed the attractions and shopping.

Wynn Las Vegas Wynn Las Vegas free

If you're looking for a luxurious experience along the Strip , the Wynn (and its sister property, Encore ) delivers. With its stylishly understated accommodations and grand casino, the Wynn draws travelers seeking a sophisticated stay. Visitors who aren’t guests of the hotel often stop by to admire its opulent interiors. The property’s eye-catching lobby is a particular favorite as it features a variety of photo-worthy floral displays.

In addition to the casino, the Wynn is also home to a collection of luxury shops like Celine and Hermès, fine dining, such as the acclaimed Wing Lei, and an 18-hole golf course – the only resort golf course on the Strip. Its nightly entertainment options are just as unique. Along with several posh bars and lounges, the Wynn is also well-known for its nightly Lake of Dreams show. Spread across 3 acres, the multimedia show uses 5,500 LED lights, a 90-foot waterfall and 1,500 pine trees to create its spectacular setting. There are also two luxurious spas on-site.

SkyPod & Observation Deck at the STRAT Hotel SkyPod & Observation Deck at the STRAT Hotel

U.S. News Insider Tip: A lot of people go to dinner at the Top of the World Restaurant at the STRAT, but if you're looking for something more budget friendly, 108 Drinks offers delicious food and two-for-one cocktails during its "Sky High Happy Hour." – Reannon Muth

For a panoramic view of the Strip , head to the STRAT Hotel. The hotel boasts a 1,149-foot tower – the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States.

Take a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel Take a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel

For a unique, bird's-eye view of the Strip , take a ride on the High Roller at The LINQ. Standing 550 feet tall and 520 feet in diameter, the observation wheel is the largest in North America. The massive Ferris wheel features 28 handcrafted pods made out of Italian glass that can hold up to 40 people each. A trip around the observation wheel takes about 30 minutes, and recent travelers say it's a great place to snap photos of the nearby casinos and attractions. This is also one of the top things to do in Las Vegas with kids .

Adults ages 21 and older can opt for a ride within the Happy Half Hour pod, an upgraded experience that includes a complimentary open bar during your trip around the wheel. Recent visitors said the High Roller was worth the trip to see the views, either day or night; others were especially pleased that the pods are air conditioned. However, many also described the experience as overpriced.

The Neon Museum The Neon Museum

Once the sun goes down, Las Vegas shines brightly with hundreds of thousands of colorful bulbs flashing for your attention. Neon is nothing new in America's Playground: Hotels , bars and casinos have been luring customers with bright signs for decades. If you have an interest in learning more about the city’s iconic signs and Las Vegas history in general, consider a visit to The Neon Museum. Located on Las Vegas Boulevard just north of the Mob Museum and about a mile north of Fremont Street , the Neon Museum offers guided tours of what's known as the "Neon Boneyard." The boneyard can be found behind the museum's visitor center, which occupies the lobby of the former La Concha Motel.

The nearly 2.25-acre outdoor exhibit is home to more than 250 pieces of old Vegas signage all laid out for admiration on the desert floor. You can take a self-guided tour during the day, or sign up for a guided tour at night. The 45-minute boneyard walk-throughs are led by museum interpreters, who provide details on signs from such iconic landmarks as Caesars Palace , the Golden Nugget and Stardust.

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The Mob Museum The Mob Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: One of my favorite places to watch live jazz and blues is at the Mob Museum's basement-level speakeasy, The Underground. The cozy lounge has delicious cocktails and free admission if you know the secret password (hint: check Instagram). – Reannon Muth

Back in the day, not even Vegas' neon lights could distract Americans from Sin City's darker side; today, The Mob Museum sheds light on the city's pervasiveness in the 20th-century gangster era. Las Vegas' former federal courthouse – located in the downtown area a few blocks northeast of the Fremont Street Experience  – now houses distinct interactive exhibits devoted to exposing America's mob history.

Circa Resort & Casino Circa Resort & Casino free

When Circa Resort & Casino held its grand opening in 2020, it was the first new casino to open in downtown Las Vegas in more than 40 years. The chic, 35-story-tall addition to this old Las Vegas neighborhood has all the modern features of a 21st-century casino, including a high-tech parking garage named the Garage Mahal and a three-story-tall sportsbook (the world's largest). But the adults-only casino also has a distinctly vintage Vegas vibe, too. Circa's interior features midcentury lighting and accents, globe chandeliers and the iconic "Vegas Vickie," a giant neon cowgirl that hovers over the casino lobby.

The most talked-about attraction among recent visitors at Circa, however, is Stadium Swim, a mashup of a concert stadium and a swimming pool amphitheater. Guests can lounge in one of six pools while they catch a sports game or concert on the 40-foot screen above. The pool is heated and remains open year-round, which makes it a popular lounge spot on desert spring days.

Downtown Container Park Downtown Container Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you like the artsy vibe of Container Park, then you'll love the nearby Arts District – a hip downtown neighborhood filled with quirky bars, eclectic restaurants and funky murals. Eat at Esther's Kitchen and grab a drink at ReBAR. – Reannon Muth

The Downtown Container Park's premise is an interesting one: An open-air dining and shopping plaza made entirely from repurposed shipping containers. The 1.1-acre venue is also home to a sprawling treehouse and interactive play area and a 40-foot-tall praying mantis sculpture that shoots real flames from its antennae.

SlotZilla Zipline SlotZilla Zipline

Part of the Fremont Street Experience , SlotZilla is modeled after a giant slot machine, complete with Las Vegas icons like oversized dice and a martini glass. At 11 stories tall, SlotZilla is billed as the world’s largest slot machine and as a zip line offers riders two options: On the lower line, Zip-Zilla, participants ride in a seated position, zipping along at 77 feet in the air. The line travels about halfway through the Fremont Street Experience. The higher zip line, known as Super-Hero Zoom, rises 114 feet high. Patrons ride “superhero-style” (with their bodies parallel to the ground) to the other end of the street and are dropped off at the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. Guests should allot one hour for the entire experience, even though the rides are 30 seconds and one minute, respectively. In addition to a weight check and harness fitting, you’ll have to go through a brief safety training.

Recent travelers found the higher “Super-Hero Zoom” zip line thrilling and enjoyed the views from up above, especially at night. However, there were mixed reviews about the check-in process, and some warned that you’ll have to climb a lot of steps to get to the top of the launching platform.

SPEEDVEGAS SPEEDVEGAS

Not all thrill-seekers are satisfied with laying their cards out on the table. When Lady Luck can't get your adrenaline pumping, an exotic driving experience sure will. Headquartered about 15 minutes south of the Strip , SPEEDVEGAS puts those feeling the need for speed behind some of the world's fastest, most luxurious cars. From exotic Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins to speedy Corvettes and Camaros, you'll have your pick of horsepower.

This experience isn't for everyone: Drivers must be at least 18 years old. The chance to sit in the driver's seat is anything but affordable, with driving experiences starting at approximately $250 for five laps. However, those who have put the pedal to the metal on a SPEEDVEGAS experience can't stop raving about it, praising the accommodating and safety-conscious staff.

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Springs Preserve Springs Preserve

If you're looking for a kid-friendly activity away from the Strip , or just need a breath of fresh air, consider a visit to the Springs Preserve and Origen Museum. There's something of interest for almost everyone at this 180-acre cultural institution, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The preserve is located at the original water source for the valley, and is commonly known as the "birthplace of Las Vegas." It's a place meant to commemorate Las Vegas' history and boasts museums, galleries, a botanical garden, a butterfly habitat and an interpretive trail system. Meanwhile, the Origen Museum features more than 75 permanent exhibits, an indoor theater and a traveling exhibit space.

Recent visitors raved about the family-friendly atmosphere here, but even those without kids in tow love the history and the botanical garden. Reviewers called the grounds “peaceful” and said Springs Preserve provides a fun day away from the Strip.

Mandalay Bay Casino, Aquarium and Beach Mandalay Bay Casino, Aquarium and Beach free

Sure, this towering gold building at the southern end of the Strip boasts all the slots, poker and game tables you want in a Sin City venue, not to mention a variety of restaurants and nightlife venues. (Plus, it's home to the House of Blues Music Hall and plays host to "Michael Jackson ONE," Cirque du Soleil 's tribute to the 80s pop icon.) But Mandalay Bay doesn't exude the same level of kitsch found at other casinos along Las Vegas Boulevard – a major selling point for more laid-back travelers. In fact, this is the place you go if you're looking for an escape, according to reviewers.

One of the major highlights of Mandalay Bay is its 11-acre “aquatic playground,” which features a human-made beach, a lazy river and a wave pool that creates an oceanside atmosphere in the middle of the Nevada desert. You can kick off your shoes and work on your tan in one of the rentable cabanas or gazebos; those looking to avoid bikini tan lines can ditch the top at the Moorea Beach Club. Note that unless you're a guest at the Mandalay Bay or the Delano Las Vegas, you will have to rent a cabana to access the pool and beach areas – prices vary by day and occupancy levels.

Luxor Casino Luxor Casino free

As you make your way down the Strip , you can't miss the 30-story pyramid that is home to the Luxor Hotel & Casino. You can try your luck at more than 1,100 slot, video poker and multi-game machines, or play one of dozens of table games on the 120,000-square-foot floor. There's also a large sportsbook area, with plasma TVs and individual seats with monitors. If you're a high roller, there's a private section for you, too, with a comfortable lounge and cocktail bar.

In addition to the gaming floor, the casino also offers a variety of nightly entertainment options and attractions like the Blue Man Group, as well as several museum exhibits, such as one devoted to Titanic artifacts. For many travelers, “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” was a highlight of their visit to Luxor. In addition to featuring more than 250 artifacts recovered from the ship, the exhibition displays recreated rooms, including the ornate Grand Staircase. What's more, Luxor touts one of the largest pool decks in Vegas, offering 125,650 square feet of space. As with other hotels on the Strip, Luxor also offers a variety of nightlife venues and restaurants.

MGM Grand Casino MGM Grand Casino free

It only makes sense that a city devoted to entertainment would feature a casino hotel devoted to the entertainment industry. The casino – which sits mid-Strip across from New York-New York at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue – hosts a variety of performances ranging from big-name concerts to sporting events to Cirque du Soleil 's "KÀ." It is also the partner to the nearby T-Mobile Arena, which hosts large-scale events, such as the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

The MGM Grand is also home to several top-notch restaurants and nightlife venues, such as Hakkasan nightclub, where celebrity DJs regularly spin hits into the wee hours. During the day, you can stop by Wet Republic Ultra Pool, where you can dance, swim or relax in party cabanas. Several shops can be found here as well, but you'll likely spend most of your time (and your money) on the casino floor, which houses poker tables, slot machines and a race and sports book. Keep in mind: The property spans more than 6 acres, so you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking during your visit (comfortable shoes are a must). Travelers were impressed by the size of the MGM Grand Casino, but said the nightlife options are the real star of the property.

Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon

If you’re in need of a retreat into nature during your Las Vegas vacation, consider planning a day trip to the Grand Canyon. The national park’s popular South Rim is located about 280 miles (around 4.5 hours) southeast of the Strip. If you don't have your own set of wheels, opt for one of the Best Grand Canyon Bus Tours From Las Vegas . For a shorter time commitment, there’s also the Best Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours , some of which include a landing on the canyon floor. 

If you don’t want to devote a whole day to the national park, you can drive about 130 miles, or around two hours, to visit Grand Canyon West . Owned and operated by the Hualapai Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon West is not part of the national park, but it does offer its own attractions, including the popular Grand Canyon Skywalk. For more information about planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, check out our Grand Canyon National Park travel guide .

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The Adventuredome at Circus Circus The Adventuredome at Circus Circus

In a city that boasts every type of attraction imaginable, it’s no surprise to find an indoor amusement park. Located on the Strip , the 5-acre Adventuredome at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino offers rides and entertainment for all ages. There are 25 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a carousel, a video game arcade and a rock clubbing wall, all housed under a large glass dome. The complex also includes free clown shows, virtual reality rooms and the FX Theater, which screens family-friendly films in 4D.

Recent visitors appreciated the climate-controlled indoor environment, but warn that the Adventuredome is better suited to younger children (ages 12 and younger) than adults due to the nature of its rides and attractions. (It's considered one of the top things to do in Las Vegas with kids .) Reviewers complained about the price of the admission passes: All-day tickets for those 48 inches and taller are $60; for those shorter than 48 inches, all-day tickets cost $30.

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22 Incredible Day Trips from Las Vegas You’ll Absolutely Love

Posted on Published: December 15, 2022  - Last updated: April 4, 2024

Looking to escape the busy city of Las Vegas? Of course you are! There’s so many amazing adventures just minutes away. If you’re looking for the best day trips from Las Vegas, here’s your list!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Las Vegas has a reputation for shopping, dining and casinos – and it lives up to the hype! But if you’re craving adventure – or some nature – taking a day trip from Las Vegas is a great way to do just that.

Leave the crowded strip and hit the road!

Some of the best day trips are just 20 minutes away, while others will take you away the entire day from sunrise to sunset (or beyond). Whether you’re traveling solo , celebrating a birthday in Vegas with friends, as a couple or with your family, there’s something on this epic list of day trips from Las Vegas to fit every travel style .

Let’s dive in!

Map of the best day trips from Las Vegas

If you’re a visual person like I am, this map of the best places to visit near Las Vegas will help you plan your perfect adventure.

By the way, as someone who’s actively checking places off my travel bucket list , I haven’t been everywhere (yet). So I’ve asked some of my fellow travel writers to help with these things to do near Las Vegas. Enjoy!

Day trips from Las Vegas

Located in the Mojave Desert, there’s so much to see and do in the area. Here are some of the best ideas for things to do outside of Vegas!

1. Red Rock Canyon (one of the best things to do near Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 16 miles / 20 minutes

Perhaps one of the shortest day trips from Las Vegas is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s perfect for a full day of adventure away from the busy city, yet close enough for a quick drive.

One of the most popular things to do is the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive . This one-way, 13 mile drive takes you through the entire conservation area. Stop at Calico II to see the vibrant red sandstone rocks.

Bring grippy hiking shoes for the 2.2 mile hike on the Calico Tanks Trail . This fun, interactive hike requires a bit of scrambling to get to the viewpoint of the Las Vegas strip. So cool!

You’ll actually need a timed entry reservation to see the conservation area from October through May, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance! If you can’t grab a spot, consider booking a Red Rock Canyon hiking tour which includes park entry.

Of course, come prepared with enough water and high protein snacks. If you’re hiking be sure to bring the 10 essentials and a satellite communicator in case of emergency.

Recommended by Nikki of Inspired Routes

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2. Valley of Fire State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 56 miles / 48 minutes

Valley of Fire is a famous Nevada State Park, and a nature preserve area known for its breathtaking red sandstone and rock formations. It consists of 40,000 acres of Aztec sandstone.

Prehistoric remnants and unparalleled vistas are intertwined among the valley’s red rocks. There are also ancient petroglyphs that were carved into the Aztec Sandstone rock formations. These spectacular rock formations are best viewed on a sunny day, and every sunset, they illuminate the valley, making it appear they’re on fire.

There are several outdoor activities that you can do in the Valley of Fire. The park offers a short hike for you to survey the area’s scenic views.

As you explore the site, take advantage of these fascinating rock formations like the Valley of Fire Beehives, Atlatl Rock, Elephant Rock and the Fire Wave. They will surely leave you speechless in their beauty.

You can stay overnight in the Valley of Fire; various campgrounds located near this famous spot for camping enthusiasts. And reservations in advance are required, check the  park’s website  for more details.

Valley of Fire is approximately 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas; it would take you about 1 hour to get there by car. Take the I-15 north for about 35 to 40 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Head east toward the Valley of Fire/Lake Mead from Exit 75. The West Entrance Station is located in the Valley of Fire, about 17 miles away.

The best time to visit the park is in October and April. The temperatures are mild and pleasant during this period, while they are extremely hot during the summer. The park is open from sunrise until sunset.

Recommended by Christine of Guide To Daytrips

3. Kanarra Falls

Distance from Las Vegas: 159 miles / 2 hours, 33 minutes

At just 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Kanarra Falls is the perfect day trip for adventure lovers. Grab your hiking boots and trekking poles and head off to this amazing slot canyon.

After arriving at the trailhead you’ll see a small restroom and ticket counter. They only allow 150 hikers a day, so it’s strongly recommended that you reserve your tickets online before arriving as no more tickets are sold on-site once the limit is reached. 

The hike itself is a moderate 3.8-mile hike directly through an epic slot canyon. Be prepared to get wet as the majority of the hike will have you walking through ankle-deep water (sometimes higher).

After about 1.6 miles you’ll see your first waterfall. If you choose to continue up the ladder, you’ll find the second waterfall about 0.3 miles later.

It will surely be a hike you won’t soon forget. Kanarra Falls is one of the best things to do near Las Vegas!

Recommended by Jordan of The Homebody Tourist

4. Lake Mead

Distance from Las Vegas: 31 miles / 36 minutes

Lake Mead is a wonderful afternoon or a day escape from the bustling city of Las Vegas! Located less than an hour outside of Las Vegas in Boulder, Nevada, visitors to Lake Mead are greeted with a surplus of outdoor activities sure to provide an outdoor recharge. 

For Lake Mead day trips Las Vegas, it’s recommended to drive so that visitors have flexibility to explore different parts of this natural preserve throughout the afternoon.  

Enjoy hiking, navigating slot canyons, swimming and boating at Lake Mead.  Keep in mind that there is no lifeguard on duty, and that swimming and boating beaches are separated. 

More of a relaxed afternoon can be spent driving to one of the many pull out parking spots to enjoy some views with a picnic lunch. Most of the pull out parking spots include a bathroom house.  

Visiting outside of summer months is most recommended as the Mojave Desert can heat up to 120 degrees fahrenheit during this time of year.  

A huge plus is that the natural preserve accepts the Annual National Parks Pass . Without the pass, entrance is $30 per vehicle. 

Recommended by Alyssa of An Apple a Plane

5. Zion National Park (a favorite on this list of day trips from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 159 miles / 2 hours, 41 minutes

One of the best day trips from Las Vegas is visiting Zion National Park in Utah. Just over 2.5 hours from Vegas, Zion offers incredible views and adventures you’ll love.

The perfect Zion itinerary for one day is to take the shuttle into the Zion Scenic Drive to see the impressive canyon. If you’re up for adventure, hike The Narrows.

The Narrows is the popular hike where the canyon narrows and you can walk through the Virgin River (up to 10 miles round trip) to see the massive canyon up close as it closes in. Be sure to bring water shoes and hiking sticks for The Narrows.

Alternatively, you could get crazy awesome views on the Canyon Overlook Trail . It’s just one mile round trip, offering wide open views of the canyon with less effort.

Grab lunch or ice cream at the Zion Lodge or in Springdale, just outside the park. Or, pack a picnic and enjoy the views of the canyon! Regardless of if you’re solo, as a couple, with friends or visiting Zion with kids , it’s a fabulous adventure and perfect day trip from Las Vegas.

Just be sure to take the right hiking essentials when visiting in Zion, like good hiking shoes and plenty of water!

Note: if you’re based in or near Vegas and have or rent an RV, check out this RV road trip guide that details the road trip from Vegas to Zion then the Grand Canyon. What a fun adventure!

6. Hoover Dam

Distance from Las Vegas: 37 miles / 39 minutes

Hoover Dam from Las Vegas is a short drive, and one of the best ways to spend a day away from the city. You can rent a car and drive yourself or take a tour from Vegas . See the historic Hoover Dam, which was completed in 1936.

As a visitor to the Hoover Dam, you can park for free and walk to the viewpoint on both the Nevada and Arizona Sides. The Nevada side you can see the front of the dam. On the Arizona side, you’ll see the Colorado River and the back side of the dam.

The visitor center has information on the history and architecture of the dam. If you rent a car and drive yourself, the parking lot closest to the entrance is $10 to park, or you can walk the 0.7 miles from the free parking to get there.

One of the best ways to learn about the dam’s construction is through a Power Plant Tour. You’ll actually get to go down into the dam to see how it works!

At the time of publication, you can purchase a Guided Power Plant Tour online but not a Guided Dam Tour so if you want the most in-depth tour of the dam, you’ll need to get there early to get a tour, because it’s first come, first serve and sells out quickly.

Book it now: Hoover Dam tour from Vegas

Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels

7. Grand Canyon from Las Vegas via helicopter

Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes (flight time)

Enjoy the beauty of the Grand Canyon without all the driving! Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas are a very efficient way to see the 4th most visited national park in the USA !

While driving to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas (see #14 below) allows you to hike and see the South Rim, a helicopter tour allows you to land inside the canyon, thousands of feet below the rim.

After a 45-minute helicopter ride from Las Vegas , feel extra bougie as you toast champagne on a bluff from within the canyon. Soak in the incredible views of the massive canyon you’re standing inside of! What a bucket list experience!

Book it now: helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon from Vegas

More things do do near Las Vegas

Outside of the city but comfortable enough to do in a day, here are more ideas for ya. There’s so much to see in the area!

8. Emerald Cave kayaking (one of the most fun things to do outside of Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 55 miles / 58 minutes

Kayaking in the Emerald Cave is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Vegas strip. The cave is located in the Lake Mead Recreation Area, along a calm section of the Colorado River.

Your journey to the caves will include a relaxing kayak ride along the Colorado River. The surrounding hills and cliff walls are awe-inspiring as they tower above you. 

Along the way, you can also go ashore and take a number of short hikes for a better view of the river and rock walls. These hikes will also give you a chance to see the unique flora and fauna of the area. 

The Emerald Cave itself will often get crowded, and only a few kayaks can enter at a time. The cave is shallow, giving you a chance to enter, take pictures, and then exit again within a few minutes time. 

Within the cave, you’ll see a green glowing light reflecting off of the water and onto the cave walls. This green glow is where the Emerald Cave gets its name. The best time of year to see the full emerald effect is to go in summer on a sunny day. 

To reach the caves, you can drive to Lake Mead Recreation Area and rent a kayak there, or book a half-day tour , which includes hotel pickup and drop-off services from Las Vegas. For your trip, it helps to bring the right gear , including a good backpack and water shoes . 

The tour will provide you with guidance and instruction along the way, so it’s a great option if you’re newer to kayaking or unfamiliar with the area. 

Kayaking the Emerald Cave is one of the best Lake Mead Day Trips from Las Vegas!

Book it now: Emerald Cave kayaking

Recommended by Merry of Virginia Vacation Guide

9. Mojave National Preserve

Distance from Las Vegas: 68 miles / 1 hour, 9 minutes

If you’re looking for a way to get away from Las Vegas but want somewhere with few crowds, then consider making a visit to Mojave National Preserve. In just an hour’s drive on Interstate 15 from the big city, you’ll find hiking trails, caves, and much more to explore.

First, head to Cima Road, which is home to more Joshua Trees than you’ll even be able to find within the namesake national park. These are rare trees, only growing within certain parts of the southwest.

Another one of the best things to do is to visit the Kelso Dunes. These beautiful sand dunes offer viewpoints of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to stand on top of the tallest dune.

The Lava Tubes Trail offers a short hike and a unique experience in a cave. There aren’t many places where you’re able to climb directly into the tube, so this one shouldn’t be missed!

Other fun activities include seeing the cinder cones along Aiken Mine Road, hiking the Teutonia Peak Trail, and visiting the Mojave Desert Mailbox. Because you’ll be in the desert, be sure to dress comfortably to stay cool while you’re out exploring.

It’s also nice to have a high-clearance vehicle for the visit, as some roads can be pretty rough. Also, be sure to check the status of the roads, because wintertime may bring snow and poor weather conditions.

Recommended by Kassidy of The Hiking Helper

10. UTV adventure at the McCullough Mountains

Distance from Las Vegas: 25 miles / 49 minutes

Get ready for an epic adventure in Prime Valley and Hidden Valley at the McCullough Mountain Range, Nevada . This is one of the most fun day trips from Las Vegas if you’e looking for an adrenaline-filled time!

This half day UTV excursion takes you through fun, rugged desert terrain just outside of Las Vegas. You’ll get to see Hidden Valley National Monument during your excursion.

An excursion like this was one of the most fun things to do in Aruba , and I think you’ll agree it’s an awesome day trip from Vegas , too. Drivers must be 16 or older, and each UTV is fit for 2 people. Kids as young as 12 can ride with an adult, so it’s great for families with older kids, too.

Pro tip: wear clothes you can get dirty and closed toes shoes.

Pack anything you don’t want to get dirty in a dry bag with a strap and tie it down. That prevents dirt from penetrating a backpack for other cloth bag. This is the dry bag I used while UTVing and it worked great! Don’t forget to take extra water in reusable water bottles , too.

Book it now: UTV adventure near Vegas

11. Death Valley National Park (one of the best places to visit near Las Vegas for scenery)

Distance from Las Vegas: 110 miles / 1 hour, 55 minutes

Death Valley is one of the best national parks in California and a perfect day trips from Las Vegas if you are looking to escape the crowds and explore the stunning landscapes of the Mojave Desert. 

Although summers bring triple-digit temperatures to Death Valley, winter has a mild sunny weather with no snow, except for high altitudes. 

You can get to Death Valley by taking a guided tour from Las Vegas that includes major highlights of the national park or renting a car in Las Vegas . If you rent a car, you will have more freedom exploring this vast area and also enjoy stargazing at night since Death Valley boasts incredible dark skies free of light pollution.

The park has many hikes like Golden Canyon, overlooks and is also home to the lowest point in North America, Bad Water Basin, that sits at 282 feet below sea level. Since Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states, prepare to drive longer distances, as some points of the interest are as far as 50 minutes away from one another.

Book it now: Death Valley tours from Las Vegas

Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut

12. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 24 miles / 27 minutes

Some of the oldest buildings in Nevada lie right next to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area at the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. This historic ranch is a fun little day trip from Las Vegas , where you can tour old buildings like a blacksmith shop and sandstone cabin.

Nestled in a picturesque setting, it’s a lesser-known attraction in the Las Vegas area , so you’ll really be able to escape the crowds. Pack a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. The best time to visit this state park is October through May.

The Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is a great spot for beginner hikers or families and pets, too. Hike the Spring Mountain Ranch Loop trial, at just 1.5 miles and flat, it’s an easy trail for nearly any skill level.

Hours change seasonally so check before you go at the Spring Mountain Ranch website .

13. Seven Magic Mountains

Distance from Las Vegas: 26 miles / 27 minutes

A fun experience close to Las Vegas is the Seven Magic Mountains . These colorful stacked boulders are an art instillation that took social media by storm in 2016, thousands of visitors come to the Seven Magic Mountains annually.

It’s a free, short day trip from Las Vegas, and one worth visiting if you’re looking for something low-key to do in the area. And bonus – no extra hiking gear or picnic supplies required.😊 It’s perfect for when you’re visiting Las Vegas with kids !

Created by artist Ugo Rondinone and supported by the Nevada Museum of Art  and  Art Production Fund , this is a free attraction although donations are always welcome! Take as many photos as you desire, but please don’t damage the boulders.

Pro tip: If you want great photos with fewer people, come early in the day – just after sunrise – to avoid crowds. Also check out this guide for more free things to do in Las Vegas .

Seven Magic Mountains is one of the best things to do outside of Vegas that doesn’t take a lot of time, either.

Full day trips from Las Vegas

With 3+ hours of driving each way, these are the best day trips from Las Vegas that make a long day, but totally worth the effort! Of course if you have more time, these destinations would make great weekend trips from Las Vegas, too.

14. South Rim of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas

Distance from Las Vegas: 279 miles / 4 hours, 22 minutes

If you’re looking to escape the intenseness of Las Vegas for a day and want to spend some time surrounded by incredible scenery you’ll never forget, head to  the Grand Canyon South Rim .

The Grand Canyon is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders of the world and offers absolutely stunning views. The South Rim in particular is considered to be the best part with its really expansive views and is truly a sight to see.

There are many unique hikes and viewpoints such as Mather Point that you can visit at The South Rim – but note that the weather and temperature can change suddenly here so make sure to bring plenty of layers and be prepared for any weather. Woolx Merino wool layers work perfect for any season and are perfect for the Grand Canyon.

Drive time to Grand Canyon South Rim is just over 4 hours each way from Las Vegas so it’s a long day but it is definitely worth it! You can rent a car and drive yourself, or if you’d prefer someone else to do the driving you can book a Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas on a bus.

The day trips are usually around 15 hours long, starting at around 6 or 7am, and cost under $100 so good value for money! It’s best to book a Grand Canyon tour in advance as it is a popular day trip from Vegas!

Not only is The Grand Canyon one of the best day trips from Las Vegas, but the route to get there is really interesting too as you’ll get to drive along the famous Route 66!

Book it now: Grand Canyon bus tour from Vegas

Recommended by Catrina of 24 Hours Layover

15. Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas

Distance from Las Vegas: 274 miles / 4 hours, 23 minutes

Horseshoe Bend is one of the most photographed sites along the Colorado River and a fantastic excursion for those traveling from Las Vegas.

While on the far end for a day trip, Horseshoe Bend is about 4.5 hours from Las Vegas. Located in Page Arizona, the iconic feature is a must-do for those traveling through the southwest. 

Horseshoe Bend, part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is one  top things to do in Page Arizona .  It can be done as a stop along with other activities in the area.

The trail and parking for Horseshoe Bend is managed by the city of Page, and doesn’t take any National Park or other park passes for entrance to the site. Parking for Horseshoe Bend is $10 and the site is open from sunrise to sunset daily.

For those visiting the site, the hike requires about 1.5 miles (out and back) to reach the viewpoint for the bend. There’s a small platform located at the end of the trail.

However, be sure to continue on past the viewpoint along the slick stones and you’ll be treated to some great other views of the bend without as many tourists around. You can even climb the small hill to get a better overlook of the site. 

Beyond Horseshoe Bend, there’s plenty of other things around Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Visit to the nearby Glen Canyon Bridge and Dam is worth a quick excursion. Visitors can view the amazing engineering feats of creating both the bridge and dam in this part of the river.

There’s also great hiking nearby such as the Hanging Gardens Hike, the Chains, and The “New Wave” which is a lovely banded sandstone area close to the glen canyon dam. 

Recommended by Anwar of Beyond My Door

16. Bryce Canyon National Park (one of the most epic day trips from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 259 miles / 4 hours, 3 minutes

You’ll want to get up early for this one! As a day trip, this is doable but a pretty long day. It would make a great weekend trip from Las Vegas, too.

Anyway, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the famous hoodoos, which are irregularly shaped rock spires. Witness the unique beauty of this landscape from Bryce Point or Inspiration Point.

If you’re up for hiking, try the Queens Garden Trail and Navajo Loop , which is a fun, interactive trail. It’s 3.1 miles and rated as moderate, you’ll weave through hoodoos and witness the bright orange and red rocks up close.

Have a picnic at Sunset Point or enjoy the views at Sunrise Point, too. You can see all the Bryce Canyon National Park highlights in just one day!

17. Joshua Tree National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 186 miles / 3 hours, 8 minutes

One of the best day trips from Las Vegas is a day in Joshua Tree . It takes about 3 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park, but it is worth the drive and a great way to escape the city.

Joshua Tree is best during the spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate. In the summer, the park gets very hot, and in the winter it’s cold. However, if you’re taking a day trip in the winter, you will still experience the warmest part of the day in winter.

While in Joshua Tree, take the quick hike to Arch Rock, drive down Queen Valley Road, visit the Cholla Cactus Garden, and, of course, see all the Joshua Trees. One of the best places to find a high concentration of Joshua Trees is along Queen Valley Road or on Park Boulevard from the West Entrance Station.

Recommended by Christine of Live Love Run Travel

18. Antelope Canyon (a popular tour from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 278 miles / 4 hours, 32 minutes

Las Vegas is such a fun city to explore but many people don’t realize there are amazing places to visit outside of Las Vegas. Antelope Canyon is a popular slot canyon in Page, Arizona.

The canyon is full of beautiful Navajo Sandstone that makes for some of the most stunning views you’ll find. Getting to escape from the concrete jungle of Las Vegas is a great way to refresh and enjoy some time away from the city.

If you’re planning on visiting Antelope Canyon, there are a few things you must know.

The canyon is on Navajo land and is restricted to tours by Navajo tour guides and tours are required to visit. You’ll want to book in advance to ensure you can get a tour. If you find that Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are booked, look into tours of Antelope Canyon X .

May to October get really busy, the earlier you book your tour , the better.

To do Antelope Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas, follow I-15 North through Saint George, Utah. Then take UT-9 to Hwy 59 towards Kanab, UT, where you’ll get on the US-89 East to Lake Powell and Page, Arizona. The drive is a little long, but it makes for a great adventure to one of the most beautiful slot canyons you can find!

Book it now: Antelope Canyon tour from Las Vegas

Recommended by Candice of CS Ginger

19. Palm Springs

Distance from Las Vegas: 231 miles / 4 hours, 9 minutes

If you’re up for a slightly longer drive, taking a day trip from Las Vegas to Palm Springs is an ideal way to add some fun and adventure to your travels. Though it’s situated about 4 hours away, there are so many ways to spend one day in Palm Springs !

You can explore the iconic downtown area, which features boutique shops, hip galleries, and tasty restaurants. Or, check out the original retro architecture on residential homes and hotels.

Outdoor lovers can venture out for a day hike at one of the many trails, such as Tahquitz Canyon. One can’t-miss activity for any first time visitor is the famous Palm Springs aerial tramway, which takes you up the nearby San Jacinto Mountains for panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

With so much natural beauty to explore, it’s no wonder why Palm Springs has become such a popular getaway spot for travelers from Las Vegas.

Be aware that summer is a tough time for hiking and strenuous activity in the California desert. If visiting in the summer months, I would recommend visiting one of the many pool and mineral springresorts. 

Recommended by Monica of This Rare Earth 

20. Red Rock Canyon State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 240 miles / 3 hours, 41 minutes

Did you know there are actually 2 Red Rock Canyons to escape to as a day trip from Las Vegas?

Not to be confused with the National Conservation Area just a few minutes outside of Vegas,  Red Rock Canyon State Park  is a 3.5 hour drive from Las Vegas. While it’s a long drive for a day trip, it’s doable starting before sunrise and driving back at sunset.

Located in Cantil, California, Red Rock Canyon State Park is part of the Mojave Desert. Once you’re there, you’ll be surrounded by stunning Joshua Trees and get a breathtaking view of sandstone cliffs as far as the eye can see.

Enjoy activities such as rock climbing, picnicking, easy nature walks, as well as beginner canyoneering. Best of all, you won’t find huge crowds here, so enjoy the peaceful escape from the city.

Recommended by Cassie of Cassie’s Compass

21. Grand Staircase Escalante (another favorite on this list of day trips from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 213 miles / 3 hours, 26 minutes

Grand Staircase Escalante is a fun and unique day trip from Las Vegas. If you’re looking to hike some really cool slot canyons, Grand Staircase is the place to do it.

A 3.5 hour drive from Vegas, there are a  few different slot canyons  located within Grand Staircase Escalante to visit. One of the most famous is Zebra Slot Canyon, a canyon that has stripes along the wall making it look like the stripes on a zebra!

Besides hiking the slot canyons in the area, there are plenty of other amazing trails to hike in this area. To get to Grand Staircase Escalante, head northeast on I-15 towards St. George, once in St. George depending on where you want to go in Grand Staircase either head towards Kanab or head towards Bryce Canyon.

The roads inside of Grand Staircase aren’t paved and a lot of the roads require you to have a 4×4 vehicle. Make sure to always check with the visitor centers nearby in Kanab and Escalante before heading out to make sure the weather and roads are safe for exploring.

Recommended by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

22. Alabama Hills (one of the most scenic things to do near Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 246 miles / 4 hours, 13 minutes

Alabama Hills, California is an underrated destination that’s gained in popularity over the last decade or so. A long day trip from Las Vegas, it can be done in a single day with an early morning and late night, or better yet, as a weekend getaway from Las Vegas!

With expansive views of these smooth rocky formations, there’s quite a bit to see and do in Alabama Hills. Movie Road is aptly named based on the volume of films that have been shot here. Drive down it and recognize scenes from Iron Man and Gladiator, just to name a few.

There’s plenty of hiking opportunities in Alabama Hills , too. Grab your hiking shoes and head to the famous Mobius Arch, coming in at less than one mile. Or explore views of the snow-capped mountains on the Upper Alabama Hills Trail to Cyclops Skull Arch .

Best day trips from Las Vegas

Well, that’s a wrap! The area surrounding Las Vegas is full of fun and activities for all ages. Whether you’ve got just one day trip from Vegas or have a few days to explore the area, you’ll find something amazing to do with your time!

Let’s take a look at those adventures again, in a quick list…

Places to visit near Las Vegas

• Red Rock Canyon
• Valley of Fire State Park
• Kanarra Falls
• Zion National Park
• Grand Canyon from Las Vegas via helicopter
• Emerald Cave kayaking
• Mojave National Preserve
• UTV adventure at the McCullough Mountains
• Death Valley National Park
• Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
• Seven Magic Mountains
• South Rim of the Grand Canyon
• Horseshoe Bend
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Antelope Canyon
• Palm Springs
• Red Rock Canyon State Park
• Grand Staircase Escalante
• Alabama Hills

Related content you might like: 20 BIG Adventure Vacations in the US Not to Miss 28 Absolutely Best National Parks to Visit in Summer 100 Most Romantic Vacations in the United States You’ll Love

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wanderwithbelle

Sunday 29th of January 2023

I love Vegas and have been there a numerous of times!! Thanks for sharing these great tips.

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

Welcome Belle. Thanks for your comment and visiting the blog! :)

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Vegas itself isn't really on my list of places to visit, but I'd love to do all of these daytrips!

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Agreed! Every time I go to Vegas, I leave Vegas 🤣

Saturday 17th of December 2022

I am not a big fan of Las Vegas so I love the idea of trying some of these road trips on the next time I attend a conference in Nevada. I love the rugged landscape.

Monday 19th of December 2022

Same, same Terri! Each time I visit Vegas I have to get out 🤣 Have fun on your next non-Vegas adventure!

Interesting read. Emerald cave kayaking looks so relaxing.

Totally agree, Anukrati! I hope you get to try it sometime.

Friday 16th of December 2022

Some great ideas here, and some wonderful photos too!

Glad you found this helpful :)

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This Nevada city offers glitz, glamour, thrills, and more.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Call it cliché, but we believe Las Vegas has something for everyone. With entertainment options ranging from celebrity chef-helmed restaurants and enticing casinos to thrill rides, professional sports, and the great outdoors, we'd bet big money that Las Vegas has what you're looking for. To create a thorough list of things to do in the Nevada city, we enlisted several Las Vegas experts, including the chef concierge for Wynn Las Vegas , Angelica Miozza; comic performer Colin Cahill, who plays Blue Jackson in Spiegelworld’s Atomic Saloon Show at the Venetian; and long-time resident and vice president at Kirvin Doak Communications , Natalie Mounier.

Here are 31 of the best things to do in Las Vegas.

Related : Travel + Leisure 's Guide to Las Vegas

Sway to the music at the Bellagio fountain show.

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This expansive fountain show occurs multiple times a day, every day of the year; check the schedule once you arrive in town to make sure you catch it. The romantic spectacle is free, and onlookers line the sidewalk, mesmerized by the beauty of the dancing fountains and the music that plays along with the show.

Observe the Las Vegas Strip from above.

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To enjoy panoramic views of the city, hop on High Roller , the largest observation wheel in North America. You’ll ride in one of 28 spacious air-conditioned cabins for 30 minutes, at one point reaching 550 feet above the Strip. Cabins hold up to 40 guests, so grab some friends (and a cocktail or two) for the ride. Note that glass and coolers are not permitted.

Take a walk under the sea.

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At Shark Reef Aquarium , you can walk through an underwater glass tunnel as more than 2,000 sea creatures swim around you. The Mandalay Bay attraction includes gracefully floating jellyfish, friendly sea turtles, and sharks gliding through a shipwreck. For an additional fee, you can book an early-entry guided tour if you'd like to feed a stingray.

Go skydiving indoors.

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Travelers can experience skydiving without the airplane on the exhilarating Vegas Indoor Skydiving attraction. You can fly on your own (even kids can try it, so long as they're 40 pounds or more), or get a group of six to 10 friends or family members for a 20-minute party with private training and your own block of time in the wind tunnel. 

Play around at Topgolf.

 Michael Baxter, Baxter Imaging/TopgGolf

Whether or not you're an avid golfer, this is a fun venue to spend a couple of hours, or more. Topgolf Las Vegas offers climate-controlled hitting bays, plus music, HDTVs, and a pool (must be 21 and over) with cabanas. This is a favorite spot for the Wynn’s Angelica Miozza, who comes to test her golf swing. There's also a sports bar, restaurant, and complimentary golf clubs.

Drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or go-cart.

Courtesy of Exotics Racing

At Exotics Racing , driving is extremely exciting, whether you choose a supercar, go-kart, or off-road experience. Steer an exotic car around a racetrack for the thrill of it, or have fun racing a go-kart on an outdoor track. You can even choose a specially built Baja race truck for the ultimate off-road experience.

Stroll through an indoor garden.

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Visitors are dazzled by the intricate designs, colors, and beauty of the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens . Each season, the 14,000-square-foot garden is transformed with floral displays, living plants, and water features. In addition to unique designs for each season, a special Lunar New Year garden is created each year.

Ride a gondola and stroll through St. Mark’s Square.

At the Venetian Resort , a gondola ride takes you through a replica of Venice, complete with the Rialto Bridge, a sparkling Grand Canal, and a serenade by your gondolier. Once off your boat, browse the upscale Grand Canal Shoppes, enjoy the street performers, or grab a gelato while you take in the atmosphere of "Italy."

Catch the light show on downtown's Fremont Street.

The largest video screen in the world is suspended 90 feet above Fremont Street for this dazzling free light show with concert-quality sound. The show begins every hour between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., every day. While you’re in the downtown area, check out the SlotZilla zip line, which has an option to fly over the street like a superhero, landing at the historic Golden Gate Hotel and Casino.

Experience Illuminarium.

Courtesy of Illuminarium

At Illuminarium Las Vegas , 4K laser projection, 3D audio, and special effects create immersive experiences not to be missed. Travel to outer space via images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, or to the African savanna, where incredible animals roam. Check the website for what experiences are available during your Las Vegas visit.

Tee off at the only casino resort golf course on the Las Vegas Strip.

Courtesy of Wynn Las Vegas

Enjoy the gorgeous surroundings of the 18-hole championship course at the Wynn Golf Club . The lush landscape was designed by legendary architect Tom Fazio, who partnered with his son Logan to revisit and enhance his original work. Mature trees, lakes, and streams add both beauty and challenge to the course.

Take a Connoisseur Series class at Wynn Las Vegas.

“For those who love immersive experiences, I recommend attending one of Wynn’s master classes , which provide an intimate experience with the resort’s world-class chefs and industry experts,” Angelica Miozza told T+L. “Some of my favorites include learning how to bake baguettes alongside our master baker, filling dumplings with a master dim sum chef, and creating remarkable floral arrangements with the head of horticulture.”

Take a side trip to Red Rock Canyon.

Pengcheng Zhu/Getty Images

About 17 miles west of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers miles of hiking trails. The preserve is also a great place for rock climbing, mountain biking, picnicking, and horseback riding, all surrounded by gorgeous scenery. A 13-mile scenic drive leads to sandstone hills, canyons, and parking areas, where visitors can explore the area's natural and cultural history.

Watch a professional sports game.

Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Depending on the season, visitors can see the WNBA 2023 champions Las Vegas Aces , the Las Vegas Lights FC soccer team, Las Vegas Raiders football, or the Vegas Golden Knights NHL team. “In recent years, Las Vegas has been building its credibility as a sports destination,” Miozza said.

Get a Las Vegas history lesson at the Mob Museum.

The Mob Museum is located downtown in the city’s former federal courthouse. Its interactive exhibits highlight notorious gangsters like Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel and famous FBI agents, including J. Edgar Hoover and Eliot Ness. After your mob history lesson, visit the onsite Prohibition-era-styled speakeasy for a cocktail.

Experience Vegas deep into the night.

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They say New York is the city that never sleeps, but Vegas doesn't seem to, either. Nightclubs and cocktail lounges abound, and there's always a themed party or DJ set to experience. The city has lots in store for LGBTQ+ travelers, too —  Visit Las Vegas  suggests year-round Pride events and RuPaul's Drag Rice Live as some of the options.

Score tickets to a live show.

Tomasz Rossa

Cahill called his Atomic Saloon show “one of my all-time favorite sexy circus comedy cabarets.” There’s also Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles LOVE show at The Mirage, Mystere at Treasure Island, “O” at the Bellagio, and Awakening at the Wynn. Head to Caesars Palace to see world-class talent like Adele and the newest resident headliner, Garth Brooks. And if you've got kids in tow, they can see a show , too.

Show off your skills at the Pinball Hall of Fame.

Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

This museum houses the world’s largest pinball machine collection, with vintage machines from the 1960s, '70s, and '80s (and beyond). The machines are all restored to like-new condition, and they’re available for visitors to enjoy — it's a pretty inexpensive way to have fun at 25 or 50 cents a play.

Watch the free show at the Lake of Dreams.

“Staged outdoors with open-air patios for viewing, the Wynn Lake of Dreams show is something guests or visitors to Las Vegas may not know about,” Miozza told T + L. “The complimentary multimedia experience blends colorful puppetry, an immersive soundtrack, and state-of-the-art sound and lighting.” The show runs multiple times every night, starting at dusk.

Snap a few photos for the 'gram.

About 10 miles south of the Strip is Seven Magic Mountains , a group of neon-colored totems created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, and a very popular site with shutterbugs. Next, head downtown for a self-guided mural tour , or visit the Museum of Selfies at the LINQ Promenade. And, of course, there’s the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign — a must for every visitor.

Join an immersive show at a rum distillery.

At the Lost Spirits Distillery , guests walk through elaborate Victorian settings and sample rum while cast members perform all around them in an immersive theater experience. To extend your time here, book an elaborate 16-course tasting menu dinner, which is served in a room themed after “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."

Dance to live tunes.

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Cahill says, “If you’re looking to scoot your boots, my favorite bands to dance to are The Bronx Wanderers and The Spazmatics, both at South Point , and Original Chaos, who you can catch at venues all over town." For more live music venue options, Visit Las Vegas has you covered .

Visit the Sphere.

Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

“Vegas is all about revamping the old and building the new,” Cahill says, specifically pointing to the new Sphere , a 17,500-seat structure for concerts and sporting events. With a wraparound LED display and spatial audio system, the venue provides an immersive experience that utilizes visual effects, movement sensations, intense lighting, and even scent and wind simulations.

Visit the Las Vegas Arts District.

When Cahill isn’t playing Blue Jackson in the Atomic Saloon, he enjoys spending time in the Las Vegas Arts District . Located about a mile from downtown and the Fremont Street Experience, this area features shops, restaurants, bars, coffee houses, galleries, theater, live performances, and First Friday events.

Ride FlyOver.

“My family and I love FlyOver ,” Mounier said. “It makes you feel like you’re flying over the most iconic places in the U.S., Canada, and Iceland; you’re sitting inside a spherical screen, surrounded by the most amazing views. As the film dips and turns throughout the locales, the seat moves with you, like you’re flying via helicopter. There are special effects, too — when you fly through a cloud, you feel a light mist on your face.”

Go on another adrenaline-pumping thrill ride.

Head to the Stratosphere for the Big Shot ride and the X-Scream rollercoaster, which dangles you above the Las Vegas Strip. Or, ride the Big Apple Coaster at New York New York — it speeds up to 67 miles per hour.

Shop 'til you drop in a classic Vegas shopping center.

Instead of losing money in the casino, why not exchange money for goods? Great places to do the latter include the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace, the Cosmopolitan Shops , designer shops at the Encore , MGM Grand , and more. At the Downtown Container Park, you can shop , snack , and catch a free concert in one spot.

Take a wellness break.

A spa visit makes for a relaxing and refreshing escape from the hustle of Vegas, and we recommend Caesar’s Palace Qua Baths & Spa . This venue offers three Roman baths, an Arctic Ice Room, and a range of massage and skin care services. Or head to Wynn Las Vegas, where Wynn Living Well offers massages, vitamin IV drip therapies, and other innovative treatments.

Related: 10 Best Spas in Las Vegas

Ride the Las Vegas Monorail.

George Rose/Getty Images

The Strip often surprises first-time Las Vegas visitors — it's not as easy to walk from one end to the other as you'd think. So, if you're trying to get from point A to point B here, consider taking the Las Vegas Monorail . It's a convenient mode of transportation that connects MGM Grand to the Sahara Hotel, with stops at Harrah’s, Caesar’s Palace, and more.

Try your luck in a Vegas casino.

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There are more than 100 casinos in Las Vegas , so no trip here would be complete without wandering through one of these dens of smoke, drinks, and slot machines. Belly up to a blackjack, poker, or craps table and try your luck, or stand back and observe someone else playing — somehow, even just watching casino action is a thrill in Las Vegas.

Plan a trip around Formula 1.

Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

With no fewer than 16 different ticket types, ranging from general admission ($150) through a variety of grandstands, clubs, private suites, and luxury hospitality (from $12,500), the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix (set for the weekend before Thanksgiving) aims to attract a varied crowd. All the events, from the trio of practice sessions through qualifying and the race itself, happen after the sun goes down and the neon turns on. Skip the turns and head straight for the Strip, where you'll find top speeds of 217 miles per hour — and all the action.

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17 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas

By Andrea Bennett

One piece of advice for how best to experience Las Vegas? Simply surrender to its wackiness. As you no doubt know, it's not an ordinary city but a three-mile-long fun zone whose activities are among the wildest in the world. And increasingly, there’s no longer a reason to separate “Strip” from “Off-Strip” activities, as the entire stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard is packed with new things to try: Use a supermarket walk-in cooler as a portal to step into another dimension, drink moonshine in the basement of the city’s first courthouse, and sing along with a giant animatronic tropical bird to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” You’re not, of course, limited to the city’s out-there experiences: Phenomenal collections of public art, some of the best retail in the world, and awe-inspiring views await, too. Read on for our editors’ picks of the best things to do in Las Vegas.

Read our complete Las Vegas travel guide here .

Neon Museum Arrow

The Neon Museum originated as the "neon boneyard," a fenced-in yard where many of the Strip's neon signs were stored after being removed from casinos that were either renovated or imploded. About 120 signs, mostly made by the YESCO corporation from the 1950s-80s, lie in the "boneyard" adjacent to the museum. On a guided tour, visitors can learn about the trends in sign design and technology, which played a huge part in Vegas history. The museum also houses the translocated lobby of La Concha, an old motel, which was saved from demolition and now serves as the visitors' center. If you've had enough of the casinos and bars, make this spot a priority on your itinerary.

Master Classes at Wynn Las Vegas Arrow

You'll want to reserve well in advance for Wynn's popular Master Class series. Each experience is different; for instance, you might meet with Mizumi executive chef Min Kim to learn how to make sushi or executive pastry chef Michael Outlaw to execute some of his incredible desserts. These chefs and sommeliers (for instance, Wynn's executive director of wine, Brian Weitzman, takes guests on an educational romp through champagne, cava, and prosecco) are the top experts in their fields. They already have their own followings around Las Vegas, and repeat guests who come specifically to see them. Mizumi chef Kim spent five years as an apprentice learning how to master sushi rice-making alone, so you're guaranteed that you're dealing directly with a culinary brain trust here. The offerings change quarterly, and each class can only accommodate a limited number of attendees, so it definitely feels special.

Aria Fine Art Collection Arrow

People who tour the 21 public art sites around the CityCenter campus are generally committed art aficionados. While everyone else is gambling, partying, or shopping, visitors to the Aria Fine Art Collection get to take in a fabulous outdoor gallery housing works by top contemporary artists. Best of all, it's a free, self-directed walk, so the tour lasts as long as you want it to. A visit is ideal for those who want to experience the cultural side of Las Vegas that many people don't bother to seek out. That cultural side also comes with a complete tour of CityCenter, which includes Aria , Veer Towers, Crystals at CityCenter, and Vdara .

AREA15 Arrow

Area 15 is a massive entertainment zone just across I-15 from The Strip. When you enter the parking lot, it looks like a warehouse surrounded by large pieces of public art. Inside, it's a wacky alternate universe (containing additional alternate universes), circled overhead by an operating zip-line you can opt to fly around on. Entry is free to Area 15 before 10pm, although it's best to reserve an entry pass online, and after 10pm it turns into a 21+ zone. The main experience here is Omega Mart, the supermarket by Meow Wolf , which creates immersive art installations and produces music festivals. You'll enter what appears to be a supermarket (normal!) which is stocked with items like "emergency clams" and "corn PM" (not normal!). You'll open the door of a walk-in beverage cooler and enter a warped Narnia situation where you have to solve a mystery (you can opt out and wander if you like) to pass through.

Antonia Quirke

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Chadner Navarro

Mob Museum Arrow

This Downtown Las Vegas museum showcases the history of organized crime in the United States. The building is housed in the 1933 U.S. Post Office and Courthouse that held some of the most important and defining trials in the world of organized crime–including the famous Kefauver hearings. Visitors can walk the same halls as federal investigators, informants, and mobsters once did as they wander the collection, which includes weapons, memorabilia from law enforcement and crime bosses, films from court hearings, and even part of a wall from the famous St. Valentine's Day Massacre (complete with bullet holes and blood stains).

Seven Magic Mountains Arrow

This large-scale public work can be seen by anyone arriving (or leaving) Las Vegas via I-15, 10 miles south of the Strip. The massive, 30-foot-high neon-painted limestone totems cut an incredible picture against the desert: the work looks like neon ice cream cones rising from the desert floor, but no, it's not part of the Neon Museum; it's an awe-inspiring installation, for sure, but in an otherworldly way. The most dedicated fans of the landmark these days have been Instagram influencers, but it will appeal to art appreciators of all stripes. If nothing else, it will help reinforce the fact that there's a tremendous amount of barren, beautiful desert beyond the Strip. The work has been so popular that the Nevada Museum of Art, which commissioned the piece along with New York’s Art Production Fund, is planning to restore it and display it for at least another five years (it opened in 2016 and had been scheduled to be dismantled in 2021).

The Shops at Crystals Arrow

It feels wrong to call Crystals a mall, even though that's technically what it is, a short walk from the Waldorf Astoria . It's an art-filled retail district on the Las Vegas Strip with the world's largest luxury brands, from Tom Ford to Bulgari, Gucci to Harry Winston. It's often the first place where limited edition or exclusive release products will drop. Even the stores themselves are extremely special: At Stella McCartney, you'll find a life-sized, 8,000-Swarovski-crystal chandelier replica of her mother's horse, Lucky, which once hung in Belsay Castle. And at Tiffany & Co., you can go shopping and then pop the question on their proposal balcony (how convenient).

The Chandelier Arrow

You know you've landed in Las Vegas when you step into a three-floor lounge housed in a two-million crystal chandelier. Each floor has its own vibe, but our favorite might be the second, inside the chandelier, where the bartenders (who might be more accurately called artists) concoct magic from a long list of foams, tinctures, purees, garnishes, and hard-to-find spirits. Join the crowd of enthusiastic partygoers here who are either on their way to or from one of the restaurants in The Cosmopolitan , or heading to Marquee Nightclub , and be ready to throw down some cash.

Boulevard Pool, Cosmopolitan Arrow

The Cosmopolitan has three pool areas that are among Vegas' best, and Boulevard Pool, exclusively for hotel guests, is the largest. The multi-level pool has unobstructed fourth-story views of The Strip, along with cabanas, daybeds, bars, and poolside noshes. The public space is, in normal times, programmed to the hilt, offering fun brunches, evening film screenings, and even concerts that transform the pool deck into a raucous venue.

Allegiant Stadium Arrow

The city’s Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, was completed in 2020, and its hulking presence (locals call it the Death Star) is still something of a novelty on the Strip. This $2 billion stadium is as high-tech as they come, and looms over the Strip in an impressive, if somewhat ominous way. This stadium has a seating capacity of 65,000, with 127 private suites, 8,000 club seats, and all sorts of high-tech features like cashless concession stands, a 95-foot-high torch with sliding lanai doors behind it that open to the Las Vegas Strip, and even sensory pods for people who need to get away from the excitement. The stadium now hosts awards shows (the American Country Music Awards), massive concerts, boxing, and even college basketball in addition to its starring football lineup. Its biggest recent news: Allegiant Stadium has been chosen to host Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.

Wynn Golf Club Arrow

The gorgeous golf course at Wynn Las Vegas is one of the industry's landmarks. Although it almost made the chopping block at the hand of Steve Wynn, before he left the resort, it was revived by current leadership and has been redesigned by Tom Fazio and his son, Logan, who reinvented all 18 holes. The course has also been reconfigured to take even better advantage of the showpiece: the 35-foot-high, 100-foot-wide waterfall. A number of rooms and suites—plus the resort's Fairway Villas—have spectacular views over the lush, green space.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Arrow

The airy central conservatory, which opens up right as you enter Bellagio , was inspired by the verdigris framework of Art Nouveau conservatories of Paris . Despite the fact that Las Vegas sits smack in the middle of the Mojave Desert, you can see the changing seasons in all their glory here as the garden transforms five times per year with fresh flowers; towering animatronic butterflies and birds; burbling fountains and bobbing lanterns. Each of its seasonal “theatrical presentations” of the elements is totally new. You'll never see the same things twice. And each is more transporting than the last. It's free, requires no effort to navigate (unless you're trying to elbow your way through all the smartphone-wielding selfie-takers). Locals love it as much as tourists, and it's one of the top free attractions in the city. 

High Roller Arrow

The High Roller is the highest observation wheel in the world—higher than the London Eye or the Singapore Flyer . You’ll simply board your glass-domed pod and rise on a slow revolution some 550 feet above The Strip. This being Vegas, there’s a bar before you get on and another one inside, if you book an open-bar experience. If you need to allay your guilt for taking the kids out of school to go to Vegas, you can book the S.T.E.M. family field trip guide, which teaches you—and the kids—about its architectural design and technology. No matter what kind of ride you book, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

The Fountains of Bellagio Arrow

Standing on the sidewalk of congested Las Vegas Boulevard in 115-degree heat may seem like a bad idea, but once the music begins and the Bellagio Hotel and Casino fountains start shooting into the air, all that noise and commotion fade away. More than 1,000 water fountains are positioned within Lake Bellagio, and each of them “dances” in step with the song (be it a pop, Broadway, classical, or rock music hit). The famous fountains come from the same designers that created the Dubai Fountain , the largest performing fountain in the world.

Topgolf Arrow

Only in Vegas does a massive, sprawling entertainment complex with multiple bars, a high-tech driving range, and a lounge with games count as parkland. But that's TopGolf. It even has a pool on the third floor of its flagship location, complete with a 28-food HD video wall, bars, cabanas, and access to the hitting bays. The good news is that it's as interactive (or not) as you make it. Golf, hang out, come here for dinner, or just lounge around with your friends.

Lake of Dreams, Wynn Las Vegas Arrow

When Steve Wynn bought the old Desert Inn to turn it into Wynn, he built a 130-foot mountain that he covered with pine trees (salvaged from the Desert Inn's golf course). Why? He didn't want his guests to look out the window and see the spaceship-shaped Fashion Show Mall across Las Vegas Boulevard. Since its opening in 2005, the waterfall at the Lake of Dreams has functioned as a daytime oasis, and a screen at night, on which you can see surreal performance videos, an animatronic frog with the voice of Garth Brooks (popularly known as "Wynnie"), and a number of other mini-shows that rotate from sundown every half hour until 11:30 pm. But the show was ripe for a reno, so in September 2020, master puppeteer Michael Curry reenvisioned the show. Now, a trio of fabulous animatronic “Lady Birds,” who borrow their features from the wildest and most colorful of tropical birds Curry could dream up, perform atop the 45-foot-high waterfall. If you have kids, you MUST bring them.

Downtown Arts District Arrow

For years, this area of Downtown Las Vegas was a motley collection of antiques stores, galleries, and work spaces. Originally named "18b" after the number of blocks that first comprised the district, the Downtown Arts District has now spread far beyond its original parameters. It has now coalesced into a real district around West Charleston—sandwiched between the excesses of The Strip and Fremont Street to the north. The businesses of the Arts District have pulled together to form cooperative events that are truly incredible. Some have Vegas Strip-level production values, and some are still homespun and crazy, and that's the charm of this area. First Friday (the evening art, craft, and music event around Charleston and Main Streets on the first Friday of each month) has long been a local institution; but now there's a Preview Thursday (which attracts serious art buyers), Ninja Karaoke (in the Sumo Room, Kabuki Room, and Little Tokyo), and even theater at the Vegas Theatre Company.

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The best things to do in Vegas right now

Whether you’re here for a wild weekend or to catch a game or a concert, we’ve got you covered with the best things to do in Vegas

Las Vegas is like no other place on earth, full of wild spectacles, world-famous sporting events, 24/7 casinos and unparalleled nightlife, immersive experiences, and even natural wonders. With so much activity packed into a considerably small area, finding the best things to do in Las Vegas can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. What follows is a nifty guide to The Strip and beyond, including the must-see restaurants and can't-miss shows to check out, plus some off-the-beaten-path favorites to get you outdoors. Below are our picks of the best things to do in Vegas.

This guide was updated by Vegas-based writer Ryan Slattery . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

RECOMMENDED: 🍴 The best restaurants in Las Vegas right now 🏞️ Hidden gems in Las Vegas you need to know about 🍷 The best bars in Las Vegas 🏩 The best hotels in Las Vegas 🏰 The best Airbnb mansions in Las Vegas ⛲  The best attractions in Las Vegas

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Best things to do in Vegas

1.  Sphere

Upon opening, Sphere became one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. The exoskeleton of the massive orb (366 feet tall and 516 feet wide) lights up with LED displays ranging from yellow face emojis and a giant eyeball to a Halloween jack-o-lantern and even a snow globe. It's equally impressive inside as a concert venue, immersing concertgoers into the show. U2 opened Sphere with Phish and Dead and Company scheduled as its subsequent residencies. A 50-minute show called Postcard from Earth is also worth a visit.

2.  AREA15

Not to be confused with our classified alien-holding military base up the road, AREA15 is an all-ages immersive entertainment district with mind-altering spaces, art installations, bars (be sure to find Lost Spirits Distillery for a cocktail), and other fantasy worlds. Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart and Illuminarium are two of the bigger attractions.

3.  Bacchanal Buffet

While just about every casino has a dedicated buffet on-site, Caesars Palace Bacchanal Buffet is hands-down the most amazing all-you-can-eat experience you’ll have in Sin City. The food is brag-worthy, and the atmosphere is refined, perfect for date night or family reunions alike. Pack your plate with everything from gorgeous dim sum to lump crab avocado toast to oysters on the half shell. Pick up a clean plate and pace yourself. There’s a bounty to enjoy. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

4.  Madame Tussauds

• Attractions

The first US incarnation of London's all-conquering attraction contains more than 100 wax celebs in various settings, all lots of fun.  Here it  tones down the British history in favor of celebrity and pop culture “encounters”: an opportunity to join the “wolf pack” from  The Hangover , for example, or a chance to pose with Miley Cyrus and her wrecking ball.  There’s now lots of impressive supplementary fun too, including a superb Marvel 4D film experience, and the Carnival Carnage 7D experience... quite what the seven dimensions are, we're not sure. Recommended, though.

5.  Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn and its sister property, Encore, define luxury in Las Vegas. The property has 4,748 spacious, well-appointed rooms, suites and villas, plus 20 signature dining experiences, 14 bars, two award-winning spas, nightclubs, and so much more. There is even an 18-hole championship golf course that often hosts celebrity tournaments.

6.  Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil was an unconventional, risk-taking circus troupe of acrobats, contortionists and gymnasts when it arrived in Las Vegas three decades ago. Today, it’s a staple of Las Vegas entertainment and one could say you haven’t experienced Vegas if you haven’t witnessed one of their shows. Mystere opened in 1993 and is one of six Cirque shows running on The Strip. The others are  KÀ, Mad Apple, The Beatles LOVE, Michael Jackson ONE , and the water spectacular O .

7.  Caesars Palace

Its center Strip location is ideal and the property has everything you want out of a resort. Caesars Palace has 3,980 guest rooms, a luxury shopping center, a 4,300-seat entertainment venue, a five-acre pool complex, a spa, and one of the city’s top nightclubs. Its restaurant collection includes Bacchanal Buffet and is very celebrity chef heavy with the likes Guy Savoy, Gordon Ramsay, Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis, Guy Fieri and Dominique Ansel all operating there.

8.  The Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena

• Things to do

T-Mobile was built to be the home arena for the city’s first professional sports team and it turned Las Vegas into a rabid hockey town. The Vegas Golden Knights first took the ice in 2017 and the team won the Stanley Cup in their sixth season. If you time your trip with the NHL season, be sure to catch a game. It’s quite the spectacle. T-Mobile Arena also doubles as a concert venue.

9.  Hoover Dam

• Walks and tours
• price 1 of 4

The Great Depression-era landmark that dammed the Colorado River and created Lake Mead, Hoover Dam looms large in Las Vegas history. The 726-foot-high curving cement facade makes for a striking view, whether you take a guided tour, walk along the bridge, or view it from a boat on Lake Mead. It took five years and 21,000 men to build the dam, which straddles the Nevada-Arizona border.

10.  The Fountains of Bellagio

Bellagio’s signature dancing fountains are arguably the most popular attraction on The Strip. The geysers—more than 1,200 in all—are nestled in the eight-and-a-half-acre lake in front of the resort. Set to music, the fountain erupts every half-hour in the afternoon and every 15 minutes throughout the evening until midnight. The aquatic spectacle immortalized in Ocean’s Eleven is not just free; it is truly priceless.

11.  The Venetian Las Vegas

The Venetian is an ever-expanding resort and entertainment complex with indoor and outdoor gondolas and larger-than-life décor. Inside, St. Mark’s Square is replicated, with costumed characters and gelato stands under a perpetually sunny sky. Bask in lavish comfort here, as The Venetian boasts some of the roomiest suites on The Strip and has multiple pools in Italian-inspired gardens.

12.  The National Atomic Testing Museum

Can you believe that during the '50s, people would saunter into the streets along The Strip, still clutching their Cuban Sunsets, and watch as enormous atomic mushroom clouds appeared on the horizon and arced skyward? The history and development of America's nuclear weapons program are both hypnotic and horrifying. And strangely enough, Las Vegas was close to the heart of it. A visit to this museum should absolutely, unequivocally be on your Sin City Must Do List. 

13.  Las Vegas Springs Preserve

The whole reason Vegas is even where it is is right here. The Las Vegas Springs Preserve  is built around the original water source for the city, the Las Vegas Springs. Known as the Birthplace of Las Vegas, the springs offer enough fun things to do to fill a whole day, with activities for children, bike rentals to further explore the area, the Nevada State Museum, Origen Museum, and a variety of other exhibits.

14.  Neon Museum

Las Vegas has a habit of blowing things up when they get old, musty, or simply unprofitable. While the city’s vintage architecture has often been reduced to rubble, many of its iconic neon signs have been saved from that fate and set aside at the acclaimed Neon Museum. Book a tour to wander among the relics, hearing tales of eccentric billionaires, long-gone landmarks, and the characters that helped make Vegas, Vegas.

15.  Lake Las Vegas

Just 16 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Las Vegas is an expansive complex with hotels, golf courses, and waterfront restaurants. The lake is calm and inviting, perfect for standup paddleboard sessions and kayaking, flyboarding, and rowing. Catch a dragon boat race or take a yacht cruise, then cozy up on the lawn for musical performances from spring through fall.

16.  Pinball Hall of Fame

• Special interest
• East Las Vegas

Aficionados of old-school arcade games should make a beeline for the peculiarly beautiful Pinball Hall of Fame (which recently moved to a new location), a wonderland where you can admire—and play—more than 150 operational pinball machines, from throwback games to modern wonders. Bring your quarters.

17.  Dolby Live

Thanks to changing entertainment trends, The Strip is littered with stars as production shows have made way for resident headliners—A-list musicians and bands that set up shop in casino showrooms for extended runs. Dolby Live (previously named Park Theater) regulars have included Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Aerosmith, and Cher. The venue seats 5,200, and VIP seating includes a dedicated cocktail service. 

18.  The Mob Museum

Set in a former courthouse that hosted part of the Kefauver Hearings, this brilliant museum chronicles organized crime around the globe and in Las Vegas—where the Mob used to run the joint—as well as law enforcement’s efforts to combat it. Permanent exhibitions include a vintage electric chair, a piece of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre wall, and a speakeasy display complete with a full cocktail bar. For an extra fee, you can venture into special experiences like the Crime Lab, Firearm Training Simulator, or a tour of the museum’s in-house distillery with tasting included.

19.  Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Vegas visitors are often shocked to find that The Strip isn’t four miles of glitz plopped down amid open desert. Rather, the city is ringed by mountains and canyons, which offer wonderful hiking. Visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area , where rock walls are dotted with climbers on world-class routes, and trails lead into lovely gullies. Not into hiking? Drive a 13-mile loop through the park for a taste of the scenery sans the sweat.

20.  Fremont Street Experience

Still one of the best things to do in town, the old Fremont Street casino district continually rebuilds itself into a thrilling entertainment zone thanks to new attractions, constant live entertainment, and budget-friendly eats. The overhead canopy light and sound show pumps out favorite songs paired with digital light accompaniment that nearly everyone stops to take in. Some folks pass through quickly, thanks to the SlotZilla zipline course. Take a stroll through old-school Vegas and pick up a beer to go in this pedestrian-friendly entertainment hub.

21.  Mandalay Bay Beach

Las Vegas pool parties are the place to beat the heat, and Mandalay Bay Beach is perfect for all ages—and even open to non-hotel guests with paid admission. Play along the 11-acre sandy shoreline, cool down in the rolling wave pool and lazy river or chill out in luxury bungalows. Three bars and a grill line the beach playground so you can soak in the desert sun all day long.

22.  High Roller Observation Wheel

• price 2 of 4

This is the world’s largest observation wheel, and it sits in the very heart of the city. Take a slow-motion spin 550ft above the Las Vegas Strip for unbeatable views of the skyline and desert beyond. A single loop takes 30 minutes. If you really want to take it to the next level, book the Happy Half Hour and enjoy an open bar on your ride.

23.  Fremont East

Fremont East , north of the casino corridor, is Vegas’s urbane, work-in-progress neighborhood. What was once a blighted stretch of road has become home to gobs of trendy bars, restaurants, shops, and family attractions as Downtown is reinvigorated. Swill cocktails at the  Downtown Cocktail Room  or hit the  Writer’s Block  bookstore for something to read on the plane ride home. Pop into  Container Park , a petite shopping and dining center made of shipping containers complete with a kids' play area and live entertainment throughout the day.

24.  The Bellagio Conservatory

The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is one of the city’s great free attractions, with a not-so-secret garden that gets a top-to-bottom seasonal makeover a handful of times per year. Step inside the 24-hour gardens, and you’ll be greeted by a themed horticultural exhibit that uses thousands of flowers to form gorgeous sculptures and landscapes. It’s like a miniature Disneyland for plant fans.

25.  Omnia

Las Vegas does nightlife the way it does everything else: big, bold, and positively over-the-top. For the all-out experience, enter the 75,000-square-foot OMNIA at Caesars Palace, where you can join the masses popping bottles and dancing to DJs like Steve Aoki and Zedd under a huge revolving chandelier.

More great things to do in Las Vegas

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24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas, NV

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

This city in the desert is known around the world for fun and excitement. The Strip, Las Vegas' famous resort-lined street, sparkles with lights and recreated glamorous sites from cities around the world.

Many of the hotels are attractions in and of themselves and feature free streetside shows, from dancing fountains to erupting volcanoes. You'll also find interesting museums, an always impressive list of shows, and countless other things to do.

The Grand Canyon is just a short helicopter ride away, and the hills and mountains surrounding Las Vegas are home to all kinds of recreational opportunities, from hiking and camping to boating and skiing.

Las Vegas is a great place to visit year-round. The cooler winter temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing, and in summer, when the temperature can rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the hotel pools become an important part of the daytime activities.

Plan your visit and make the most of your time with our list of the top attractions in Las Vegas.

1. The Strip

2. fremont street experience, 3. helicopter rides over las vegas and the grand canyon, 4. venetian hotel and gondola rides, 5. paris hotel and the eiffel tower, 6. bellagio resort and fountain show, 7. mirage hotel: erupting volcano and siegfried & roy's secret garden, 8. high roller las vegas strip observation wheel, 9. new york-new york hotel, 10. caesar's palace and the colosseum, 11. the mob museum, 12. mandalay bay and the shark reef aquarium, 13. neon museum, 14. luxor hotel, 15. the strat tower, 16. mgm grand hotel, 17. vegas indoor skydiving, 18. madame tussaud's, 19. las vegas motor speedway, 20. excalibur hotel, 21. welcome to fabulous las vegas sign, 22. pinball hall of fame, 23. carol shelby heritage center, 24. downtown container park, where to stay in las vegas for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in las vegas, nv, las vegas, nv - climate chart, day trips and tours from las vegas.

The 2.5-mile-long central section of Las Vegas Boulevard, which runs through the city from northeast to southwest, known as the Strip, is where the action is. Lined with huge entertainment palaces, many built with a defining theme, and home to performance venues, luxury hotel rooms, and fine dining , this is what most people think of when they picture Las Vegas.

One of the must-do's in Las Vegas is walking along the Strip and soaking up the sights. It's particularly impressive at night, when the city is illuminated by an endless succession of glittering neon signs. This area is a never-ending feast for the senses.

Generally speaking, the Las Vegas Strip runs from the Mandalay Bay Hotel to Treasure Island Hotel. To truly experience Las Vegas, stay on The Strip, preferably at one of the major resorts. For a look at some of the best accommodation options in a variety of price ranges, see our recommended hotels .

In old downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is a pedestrian-only area with all kinds of unique sites. A five-block section of Fremont Street is covered over with a canopy of LED lights that illuminate the sky in a spectacle of different colors and designs as you walk below.

Known as the Fremont Street Experience, each night a fantastic music and visual show takes place overhead. Street performers and special entertainment acts often perform outdoors in this area. Fremont Street is in downtown Las Vegas, a few kilometers from the Strip.

It is best to take a taxi to reach this area. Or, if you want to truly experience the city at night, take a Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Night Flight ride above the city. Note that hotel pickup is optional on this tour.

Official site: www.vegasexperience.com

For a great aerial view over Las Vegas, or even the Grand Canyon , visitors may want to take a helicopter ride. Las Vegas has a number of companies providing helicopter tours that take visitors over Las Vegas and the Strip, or as far away as the Grand Canyon.

This is a great opportunity for anyone with limited time to see not only Vegas, but the surrounding landscape and one of America's most impressive and famous natural attractions.

If you have a full day for exploring, try a Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour . The tour takes approximately three hours, and you'll see the Strip, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the West Rim area of the Grand Canyon.

The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas is located on the Strip, across from Treasure Island. It is one of the city's finest resorts and has many interesting tourist attractions. Inside is a themed shopping arcade built to resemble the city of Venice, complete with blue skies, canals, and gondoliers. The hotel also features recreations of the main attractions found in Venice, such as the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, along with many others.

The Venetian Gondola Rides are a fun way to see the complex. Situated out in front of the Venetian Hotel, near the sidewalk, boats await passengers who are then taken on a ride by their personable gondolier who sings as they take you through the shopping arcade inside the hotel.

Address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.venetian.com/

Located on the Strip, Paris Las Vegas is one of the most easily recognized resorts in the city. Out front is a scale model of the Eiffel Tower, and down the way is a recreation of the Paris Opera House. Forty-six stories above the city streets, the Eiffel Tower Experience is an observation deck with incredible 360-degree views.

One story below this is posh and romantic Eiffel Tower Restaurant, with fine views out over the Strip and across to the dancing fountains of Bellagio. Also on the property is a mock hot air balloon festooned with neon and flashing lights.

Official site: https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas

The Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas is a massive, high-end hotel complex, with a wide variety of attractions, including the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, a spa and salon, and some of the finest restaurants in Las Vegas.

Beyond the lobby is a showroom area with changing themes that range from spring botanical displays to fascinating shows of art. The most impressive and famous feature is the fountain show.

In front of the Bellagio, along the Strip, the dancing fountains perform a beautiful display of water set to music. From the sidewalk, visitors have a ringside view. This is often described as the best free attraction in Las Vegas.

Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.bellagio.com/en.html

The Mirage Hotel is easy to identify while walking along the Strip. In front of the resort is a volcano, which erupts at regular intervals. At night, the glowing red fire and explosions shooting out of the volcano are some of the most unique sites visible from the sidewalk.

Inside the Mirage is Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Although Siegfried & Roy have both died and no longer perform, you can still see a wide variety of exotic animals, including white lions and tigers. The Dolphin Habitat contains a large number of trained dolphins in its 2.5-million-gallon pools.

Address: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: https://www.mirage.com/en.html

The High Roller Las Vegas Strip Observation Wheel is the largest observation wheel in North America, topping out at an impressive 550 feet high. A single rotation takes 30 minutes. This will give you plenty of time to soak up the outstanding views over the Strip and surrounding area, especially at night.

Each cabin holds up to 40 people and is climate controlled. The High Roller is located at the bottom end of the Linq Lane - if you aren't sure where that is, just look up!

Official site: https://www.caesars.com/linq/high-roller

The New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas is across the street from both the MGM Grand Hotel and the Excalibur Resort Hotel . Visually stunning, the hotel is designed to appear like New York's skyline, complete with the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. A huge roller coaster, called the Big Apple Coaster, circles in and around the hotel.

Should you work up an appetite while staying at the hotel, seven different restaurants offer up everything from sushi through to steaks.

Address: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.newyorknewyork.com/en.html

Perhaps one of the best known of all the Las Vegas hotel resorts, Caesar's Palace continues to evolve. Currently Caesar's Palace is a massive complex in the middle of the Strip, complete with every imaginable entertainment option.

The hotel is closely associated with shows held in its huge concert venue known as "The Colosseum." Top performers (which have included Celine Dion and Elton John) perform here for extended periods, and shows are often booked out well in advance. Visitors planning a trip and hoping to see a performance here will want to check out dates and ticket availability as early as possible.

Address: 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.caesars.com/caesars-palace

The Mob Museum, or the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement as it is officially named, is a truly unique and standout museum in Nevada.

The museum is housed in a 1933 Neoclassical building, formerly the US Post Office and Courthouse, that has its own history. It was one of the locations for the famous Kefauver Committee hearings in 1950, which revealed some ugly truths about organized crime in Las Vegas and across the US.

The museum tells the unvarnished history of the Mob in America through engaging, interactive displays and video clips. Exhibits deal with everything from the individual characters and events to the culture and fashion associated with the times.

Address: 300 Stewart Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: https://themobmuseum.org/

Mandalay Bay Resort is at the southwest end of the Strip, near the Luxor hotel. One of the key highlights at this complex is the Shark Reef Aquarium. The massive 1,300,000-gallon tank holds a wide variety of sharks, fish, rays, reptiles, marine invertebrates, green sea turtles, and even a Komodo dragon.

Just over 100 sharks from 15 different species and more than 2,000 animals in all are on display. The Shark Tunnel is the most impressive feature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Shark Reef works with wildlife biologists to preserve endangered lake and marine populations as well as rehabilitate injured animals.

Address: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: http://www.sharkreef.com/

The bright and colorful neon signs of Las Vegas have been one of the city's most memorable sights for countless visitors throughout the years. These multi-story advertising beacons became one of the city's claims to fame.

Today, the Neon Museum is working hard to preserve some of the city's history by purchasing, storing, and in some cases, refurbishing the historic neon signs that have gone by the wayside as businesses have faded or new signs have taken the place of older icons.

You can see many of these signs by taking a guided tour at the Neon Museum, where old neon signs are stored outside in a large compound. Guides provide the history of the signs and designs, which have evolved over the years.

Efforts at the museum are ongoing, and signs stand in varying conditions. In some cases, only a portion was saved or found, while others have been restored to their former glory. This contrast makes the museum that much more interesting and gives visitors insight into how much work and upkeep is required with these giant signs.

Address: 770 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: http://www.neonmuseum.org/

Another distinctive theme hotel, at the far southwest end of the Strip, is the Luxor Hotel. Designed in an ancient Egyptian theme, the hotel is shaped like a pyramid, with a sphinx proudly gazing out over the street. The Luxor, like all the major resorts, offers a wide variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

One of the more unique Las Vegas attractions is the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Over 250 items recovered from one of the most famous maritime disasters are on display.

One of the standout features of this hotel is the beam of light that projects from the highest point of the pyramid and shoots up into the night sky. It can be seen from almost anywhere in Las Vegas.

Address: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.luxor.com/en.html

The STRAT Tower is an unmistakable sight on the Las Vegas skyline. The tower rises up 1,149 feet, and at the very top is the Skypod, the real attraction for visitors.

From the various levels of the Skypod, you'll find a whole host of things to do. These include a variety of heart-pounding thrill rides, including the SkyJump, Big Shot, X Scream, and Insanity.

For those looking for a little less drama, check out the indoor and outdoor observation decks with great views over the city. The Top of the World Restaurant is a great place to grab an excellent meal while soaking up the views of the Las Vegas Strip off in the distance.

Considering getting married? A fully outfitted chapel is available for you to tie the knot in the sky.

The STRAT Tower claims the "tallest freestanding observation tower in the USA."

Address: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: http://www.stratospherehotel.com/

The MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas is across the street from the New York-New York Hotel and kitty corner to the Excalibur Resort Hotel. The MGM Grand Hotel has all the amenities visitors would expect to find at a luxury hotel including above average accommodations, a multitude of restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options.

One of the highlights of a stay at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas is a visit to the pool area. Spread out over 6.5 acres, the water fun includes four pools, a waterfall, a Lazy River, and three whirlpools.

Address: 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.mgmgrand.com/en.html

Vegas Indoor Skydiving offers a truly unique experience. Here, visitors will get to experience what actual skydiving is like, without an airplane or parachute. Qualified instructors escort participants to a vertical wind tunnel where they are suited up in special gear. Once the fan is turned on, anyone can float effortlessly in the air. No experience is necessary.

It's a perfect thing to do as a group or family; no matter your age or fitness, you'll be flying high in no time.

Address: 200 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: http://www.vegasindoorskydiving.com/

Madame Tussaud's in Las Vegas is near the escalators leading up to the Venetian Hotel on the Strip. Here, visitors can see their favorite stars preserved forever in wax. In many cases, the figures are so lifelike it is almost eerie.

Figures range from Elvis to Bradley Cooper and Sofia Vergara right though to musical acts like Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus. The overall focus or theme of Madame Tussaud's is on people who are associated with Las Vegas or in show business.

Address: 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada

Official site: https://www.madametussauds.com/las-vegas/en/

Fans of fast cars will want to head over to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Located in Clark County 15 miles northeast of the Strip, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a 1,200-acre complex of multiple automobile racing tracks just right for the speed-freak in you.

Ever imagined what it would be like to drive a Lamborghini or Ferrari? Dream no longer. These cars are available to be driven at high speeds around the race track if you've got the cash to spare.

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is home to NASCAR races, as well as a number of other racing events. Several speed records have been set at the track. The Speedway features multiple restaurants, and for those wishing to stay overnight, RV camping is available. Check the website for the latest upcoming events and pricing.

Address: 700 North Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: http://www.lvms.com/

The Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas is another theme hotel on the Strip. Decked out in medieval character, the hotel features some wild architecture, complete with turrets. The hotel has all the amenities a visitor could possibly imagine, with varied entertainment, a huge pool area, and a good assortment of restaurants serving a variety of food from around the world.

Generally considered one of the cheapest places to stay on the Strip, the Excalibur frequently offers incredible deals on their website.

Address: 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

Official site: https://www.excalibur.com/en.html

If you are searching for that iconic photo of you and your friends in front of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, just head south down the strip about a block past West Russell Road. A large parking lot is located just to the south of the sign, and a winding walkway with trees and greenery takes you to the sign itself.

The sign is actually quite a bit smaller than you would expect. The best photos are taken from the south, with the palm trees framing the sign with the Mandalay Bay Hotel glittering in the background.

Las Vegas is a place where your wallet can certainly take a beating. One place that's easy on the pocket book and still a ton of fun is the Pinball Hall of Fame. An unbelievable number of pinball machines are spread out across 25,000 square feet of space. This brand-new facility recently opened in April 2021 and has become one of the top things to do in town for pinball aficionados.

Wander through the Hall of Fame, and find a machine you like. Just pop in a quarter, and away you go. Vintage machines right through to modern and technologically advanced ones are all available. The Pinball Hall of Fame is easy to locate, just look for the enormous sign just north of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

Official site: http://www.pinballmuseum.org/

Gearheads from around the world will want to make a beeline to the Shelby America Heritage Center. On display are over 30 classic cars designed and built by Carol Shelby over the years, along with assorted memorabilia. It's also one of the best free attractions in Las Vegas.

However, the more in-depth behind-the-scenes tour is well worth the modest investment. This guided tour takes you beyond the showroom onto the factory floor to see these muscle cars being hand made by skilled technicians.

Official site: https://www.shelby.com/en-us/Shelby-Las-Vegas/Shelby-Heritage-Center-Home

For something off the Strip that combines food, fun, and entertainment at a low cost, head to the Downtown Container Park. Here, you'll find nearly 40 shipping containers repurposed into restaurants, shops, and other venues. No matter what you crave, whether it's food, a new outfit, or the latest thing you never knew you needed, there's a good chance you'll find it here.

The Downtown Container Park frequently hosts evening entertainment featuring an ever-changing cast of performers. One of the most exciting things that happens each evening is the awakening of the giant Praying Mantis. Frequently accompanied by a drum circle, this metal insect shoots flames from its antennae as it comes to life.

The Downtown Container Park is located a short distance east of the Fremont Street Experience.

Official site: https://downtowncontainerpark.com/

Since most of the action in Las Vegas is focused around a portion of South Las Vegas Boulevard knowns as The Strip, staying on or close to this area is the best option. This is also where most of the huge, themed resort hotels are found. The price of hotels can vary greatly from one week to the next, with rates skyrocketing around big conventions and great discounts available at slower times. Below is a selection of highly rated hotels in good locations .

Luxury Hotels:

• The Italian-themed Bellagio , easily recognizable by the lake and dancing fountain show in front of the resort, and the Venetian , a recreated Venice-themed complex complete with a canal and gondolas, are both luxury resort hotels in prime locations along the Strip.
• Caesars Palace , also with a great location along the Strip, is a long time classic in Vegas, and home to the famous Colosseum entertainment venue. All of these resorts have wonderful pools, shopping, and entertainment on site.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• At the north end of the Strip is Treasure Island , with a nice pool area and a good location within walking distance of the major sites. This is an upper mid-range option that often has reasonable prices.
• Also in this category is the Park MGM Las Vegas , a quality hotel in a great location that also frequently offers reasonable rates.
• The Hilton Grand Vacations Suites on the Las Vegas Strip is another quality hotel but it lies a little too far north to walk to the main section of The Strip.

Budget Hotels:

• The Excalibur is a formerly grand but now somewhat dated resort hotel that often offers good deals. It has a nice pool area and a great location at the south end of the Strip, near the New York, New York.
• Across the street from the Excalibur, but just off the Strip on Tropicana Avenue, is the Motel 6 Tropicana . This is a basic motel with a pool and an excellent location.
• The Travelodge by Wyndam Las Vegas Center Strip is another decent budget option, with a good central location slightly off The Strip.

Just beyond the lights and electric vibe of Las Vegas is a spectacular landscape of gorges, red rocks, mountains, and desert scenery. If you have time, be sure to get out and see the sites beyond the city limits.

• Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam : The two biggest attractions in the Las Vegas surrounding area are these two fantastic sites: one natural, and the other, man-made. The Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas takes visitors, by coach, to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon for three hours of free time. This allows plenty of time to walk along the rim and gaze out from the viewing areas. A short stop at Hoover Dam along the way is also included. Add on a helicopter and boat ride or a stroll on the Grand Canyon Skywalk as optional extras.
• Red Rock Canyon : Take a four- or six-hour guided Red Rock Canyon Tour to see some of the spectacular red rock scenery and views out over the desert and mountains. This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, a tour of the canyon along the 13-mile scenic loop road with stops at the lookout points for the best views, and a boxed lunch.
• Hiking and Camping: You can find some great hiking trails in the surrounding desert and mountains. For some unique experiences see our articles on the best hiking trails in Valley of Fire State Park and best hikes near Las Vegas . If you are interested in spending a night or two under the stars, and you haven't brought your own camping equipment, you might want to consider a fabulous 3-Day 2-Night Camping Tour from Las Vegas to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon . This fully escorted camping trip takes you to the major highlights of the Southwest and includes Jeep tours, and the option for a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. If you have your own camping equipment and are trying to figure out the best places to set up camp, see our list of the best campgrounds near Las Vegas .
• Self Drive Excursions: Explore nearby towns and incredible natural areas with our Top-Rated Day Trips from Las Vegas article.

More on Nevada

A first-timer's guide to Las Vegas

Feb 8, 2024 • 9 min read

First time going to Vegas? Don't miss these helpful tips © Johnny Greig / Getty Images

If there is any destination where its reputation precedes itself, it is probably the raucous one of fabulous Las Vegas , Nevada.

You likely already have an image in your head shaped by years of pop culture: flashing neon lights, dice rolling across a craps table, singing slot machines and the “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” ad campaign from the early 2000s. 

But what I love about Las Vegas is that it constantly reinvents itself, meaning your experience will be unique to that moment in time, your interests and the people you’re traveling with. Yes, it is Sin City, boasting gambling and strip clubs, but it is also more than that, catering to a ton of different sins too. 

Is yours gluttony? Because there are plenty of high-end restaurants and epic buffets serving up memorable meals. Is it greed? Beyond gambling, there is tons of great shopping. Is it sloth? There is no shortage of amazing spas and pools to visit once you have grown tired of the clattering noise of the casino. 

You can still find poker high rollers, Elvis impersonators and drive-thru wedding chapels, but the Vegas of today also hosts megastar residencies like Adele and U2 in spectacular, intimate theaters. It also stays at the edge of technology with novelties like robot room service, champagne vending machines and robo puppies. 

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your first visit.

When to go to Las Vegas

In most destinations you’re probably trying to avoid the crowds, but you just may want to schedule your Vegas trip to coincide with popular days when the city is buzzing with excitement. Any sporting event (Super Bowl weekend, NCAA college basketball tournament, NBA finals) will see droves of visitors, and federal holidays (Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day) will attract travelers from across the country looking for a fun four-day weekend.  You’ll see soaring prices for accommodations, but that may be worth it if you want to be in Vegas when the city is electric.

Another busy time to flag: the Consumer Electronics Show brings people from around the world, with the airport often adding international flights to accommodate the passenger traffic. 

Still, there’s no bad time to visit this dynamic city, and if you want to shoot for a period with fewer crowds, you will be rewarded. There's still a party nearly every day of the week, all times of the day. If you head to Vegas mid-week in the summer months, the excruciating summer desert sun (upwards of 104 ° F/40 ° C) will drive down resort prices, but you’ll still be able to keep cool with air conditioning everywhere (you’ll likely need a sweater inside) and enjoy the day club/pool party season.

How long do I need in Vegas?

I have visited Vegas too many times to count over the last two decades, and as much as I adore this saucy city, I cannot remember a single time when I was not really ready to go home on day four. There is no quieter flight than the return flight home from Vegas. Build in a day for rest after – trust me. 

Getting around Las Vegas

The main thing to remember about getting around is that objects are farther away than they appear. The casino resorts are huge, and that makes distance really hard to judge visually. A resort that may look just three doors down may actually be more than a mile (1.6 km) away, so keep that in mind when you decide to walk between destinations. 

Still, there are a variety of options for travel between resorts other than on foot. Some resorts offer trams and shuttle services to get you between their properties. Uber and Lyft are common – but beware most resorts have designated pick-up and drop-off points. Read more about transportation around Vegas.  

Where to stay

Keeping in mind what I said about distances, you may want to stay close to where most of your plans are taking you, especially if you’re attending a big event and don’t want to fight for an Uber after. Vegas caters to a lot of conventions and large events, so there is a variety of hotels and amenities available. 

You'll always find a new resort in Vegas and this year the newest on the block is Fontainebleau , which recently opened its doors with a concert featuring Justin Timberlake. 

I personally love a location in the middle of the Strip near the Cosmopolitan and Aria as well as the iconic Caesars Palace . For those seeking an Oceans Eleven-themed trip, the Bellagio recently refreshed its fountain view rooms. (Pro tip: Turn on your room TV to the dedicated fountain channel so you hear the music while you watch the show from your window.) 

On the other end of the Strip, Resorts World has several hotels (Hilton, Conrad and Crockfords) in one. This is a new, sleek resort but you can often find great deals to stay here. At some there is a “boutique hotel” within the larger property that provides a more elevated experience. 

For a quieter visit, look for what’s called a “non-gaming” hotel. These hotels don’t have a casino on the property and tend to be a bit more tranquil – by Vegas standards. The Waldorf Astoria , Four Seasons and Vdara all fall in this category, and Marriott and Hilton both have some non-gaming properties just off the strip. 

When booking your stay, heads up: the price you see is not the price you pay. Nearly every resort charges what they call a “resort fee'' which ranges from USD$35–50 a night plus tax. So it's not uncommon for that $30/night bargain to be more like $100/night when the bill is settled. Make sure to check the resort fee on the hotel website and do the math before you book.

Top things to do in Vegas

It’s worth walking through different resorts to see all their unique personalities, from replicating Paris and Venice, to wowing audiences with fountains and conservatories of fresh blooms. Part of the Vegas experience is to appreciate the eclectic decor and themes, often a reflection of Vegas’ personality in the year they were built. Get your 10K steps while walking the Strip the Lonely Planet way. 

At night, grab a ticket to a show. The ticket price may seem expensive, but you’re usually seeing the artist in a more intimate venue than you would elsewhere, and since the production doesn't move daily like on a tour, you'll experience a pretty spectacular performance. Having a hard time deciding which show is right for you? Let us help you choose. 

If you need a break from the buzz of the Strip, don’t forget Vegas has a lot of great outdoor activities too. Red Rock Canyon Recreation Area and the newly opened Ice Age Fossils State Park are great places to get outside.

Don’t forget to check out Fremont Street as well. Along with giving you the feel of classic Rat Pack Vegas, this part of the city is in the middle of a renaissance with hot restaurants with less expensive prices than the Strip and new hotels like the Circa , which boasts Stadium Swim, a huge rooftop pool with a 40ft HD-screen TV. 

If the Vegas Golden Knights are playing, snag a ticket to experience hockey as only Vegas can do it. It’s almost like attending a show where a hockey game breaks out. The successful franchise is beloved by locals, so go early for a drink in the nearby Park MGM complex and enjoy the city’s spirited support of its team. 

My favorite thing to do in Las Vegas

I rarely gamble when I’m in Vegas these days. When I go, I’m there for the chance to experience its spectacular entertainment options and its ever-changing culinary scene, which draws chefs from around the world. 

Some restaurants, like supper clubs The Mayfair and Delilah , offer those two experiences together. 

There’s always a new restaurant to try here, so by all means, look up what the hot new thing is. But the one restaurant I cannot resist coming back to over and over is Roy Choi’s Best Friend . Based on the chef’s beloved LA food truck, you’ll walk through a faux bodega to get to the dining room where a DJ is spinning while you share Korean BBQ with your friends. Make a reservation in advance – this place books up. (A side note: Roy Choi and actor/director Jon Favreau just teamed up to bring a real-life version of the food truck from the 2014 movie Chef into the Park MGM!)

I’m also a big fan of checking out restaurants off the strip, like Esther’s Kitchen and Carson's Kitchen in Downtown Las Vegas . The Neon Museum , a bit north of there, is also a great off-the-beaten-path thing to do that allows you to experience Vegas’ sparkle of previous decades. 

Finally, for a splash of nostalgia, I love to take friends for a cocktail at the Peppermill ; with its sunken living room-esque booths and moody neon lighting, this place feels like a time warp into 1970s Las Vegas. It’s a vibe. 

Average costs in Las Vegas

Let me set some expectations: long gone are the days of the dollar buffet and the cheap Vegas stay. You’ll still find some bargains here and there – but expect a mid-range (to expensive) weekend depending on the sins you choose to indulge in.

Tipping in the US is the norm, and in Las Vegas you may see a service charge already included in a bill. Still, there are some instances, like for large parties, where the service charge may not be included so always double check. 

Even with service fees, there are still some instances where tipping is expected: when the door attendant brings your bags to the room, when a staff member has gone above and beyond (like snagging you a last-minute reservation), or when servers provide bottle service at the club. Also, when you’re gambling, drinks are often free but you’re expected to tip the waiting staff at some point. (Expect your drink to take some time to be delivered, as they hope you spend a little more money gambling.) 

• Mid-range hotel off-peak, midweek summer: $60–100
• Mid-range hotel on peak weekend: $200+ 
• Daily resort fees: $30–50
• Service fee: 20%  
• Bottle service at a club: $1000–1200 (plus tax and tip)
• Monorail day pass: $13.45 online
• Sandwich: $12–20
• Dinner for two: $100–200 (or more)
• Beer/pint at the bar: $6–10
• Cocktail: $15–20

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15 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas, NV + MAP

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Nevada | Vegas | 15 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas, NV + MAP

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There are so many things to do in Las Vegas that you could spend weeks here and still not get to see everything. After visiting Sin City several times, we recently moved here, so now we’re closer than ever to some of our favorite places in Nevada , and in the entire U.S.

I can assure you that even if you aren’t into gambling, there are plenty of activities in Las Vegas . The city is an adult playground of casinos, bars, restaurants, and just about any show you can imagine. Of course, there are lots of things for families to do in Las Vegas , too, from magic shows and thrill rides to playing at the arcade or hitting the pool.

Also, keep in mind that some of the top attractions in Las Vegas are in the surrounding areas, so I recommend renting a car in Las Vegas and getting off the beaten path.

In this guide, I’ll help you decide what to do, where to stay, and how to spend your Las Vegas trip so you have the time of your life. As they say, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!”

1. Bellagio Fountains, the most popular attraction in Las Vegas, NV

A walk along the Strip isn’t complete without seeing the famous Bellagio Fountains show. It takes place in front of the Bellagio resort, which is inspired by Italian elegance and luxury.

This attraction was the largest fountain show in the world when it opened, and its jet sprays can shoot water as high as 460 feet. Each part of the fountain is choreographed and set to music and a variety of lighting effects, and different shows take place throughout the night, so it’s something you can watch again and again.

It’s one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas , and you can catch the nightly show every 30 minutes (every 15 minutes after 8 p.m.) Also, while you’re here, it’s worth visiting the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens . It’s open year-round and has themed horticultural displays that change with the seasons.

If you’re interested in other free things to do in Las Vegas , and you like light shows, head to The Mirage resort. This hotel has a Polynesian-inspired volcano that erupts every night in a show of colorful lights, sounds, and a special “smoke” that smells like piña coladas.

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas hotel is another must-see in Vegas with a free light show, but I’ll talk more about this attraction later.

2. Check out the Fremont Street Experience, a fun thing to do in Las Vegas

The Fremont Street Experience is one of the most interesting places to visit in Las Vegas , and it’s great for all ages. This downtown district is a hotspot for casinos as well as other fun attractions and restaurants.

The area is open all day and night, making it one of the best places in downtown Las Vegas . I recommend going at night so you can see Viva Vision , a free light show with over 12 million LED lights.

If you’re visiting with kids, you must check out Downtown Container Park , an outdoor shopping mall and entertainment complex made of dozens of shipping containers. There is a treehouse playground, a giant, fire-breathing praying mantis sculpture, and a variety of free concerts and shows. The park is kid-friendly until 9 p.m., so it’s a nice thing to do in Vegas during the day .

The Fremont Street Experience is also known for its Slotzilla zipline, which extends for five blocks. You can fly seated or Superman-style from 11 stories up!

As you can see, there are all kinds of things to do in this area, but if you’re short on time, check out this walking tour , which is also included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass .

3. Take a helicopter tour, an unforgettable thing to do in Las Vegas, Nevada

A helicopter tour is one of the most unique things you can do in Las Vegas , and it’s sure to make your visit unforgettable. This is such an incredible activity that we have a complete guide on the best helicopter tours from Las Vegas .

Soaring above the Strip and seeing the glitz and glamor from a birds-eye perspective is the best way to get a fresh look at the city. While there are daytime tours, I suggest taking a helicopter ride at sunset, just when the nightlife starts to rev up. This highlights flying tour over the Strip is one of the best options, and perfect if you’re planning a special date night.

While a scenic flight is a great couples activity, it’s also a fun thing to do in Las Vegas as a family . You can even book a helicopter from Vegas to the Grand Canyon . We’ve written about different tour options to the Grand Canyon, but this one is the most popular. If you have the time and the budget for it, I highly recommend it!

4. Ride the High Roller, one of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids

The High Roller at the LINQ is the highest observation wheel in the world, making it one of the coolest attractions in Las Vegas . It’s open day and night, so it’s another great thing to do in Las Vegas with kids or as a couple.

The Ferris wheel is 550 feet tall, so you’ll be able to get panoramic views of the Strip, greater Las Vegas, and the valley in the distance. Each of its 28 cabins can hold up to 40 people, so it’s perfect for a group activity. Plus, it takes about 30 minutes to do a complete revolution, so you can take your time sightseeing.

Another nice thing about the High Roller is that it’s right on the LINQ Promenade , so after your ride, you can check out all the shops and restaurants. This area is full of Las Vegas entertainment and activities, so there is something for everyone.

Of course, if you plan on riding the High Roller, I recommend buying your ticket in advance or using the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass to avoid long lines.

5. Tour the Mob Museum, a cool thing to do in Las Vegas, NV

A museum day might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sin City, but there are actually amazing institutions here where you can learn more about the city and its history. The Mob Museum is one of the best museums in Vegas , full of artifacts and exhibits that explain the history of organized crime in the U.S.

If you’re into crime shows or movies like The Godfather , you can’t miss this place. During your museum tour, you’ll learn about some of the most infamous mobsters in history, as well as the top agents who fought against the mafia.

In addition, the museum’s basement has a distillery where you can hang out and grab a drink. So, if you’re looking for something to do in Vegas besides gambling , I suggest spending a couple of hours here. The Mob Museum is included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass , or you can get a ticket here .

6. Ride a gondola at The Venetian, the best thing to do in Las Vegas as a couple

The Venetian resort is an incredible place to stay, but even if you aren’t a guest here, you can still explore its most popular attraction. Taking a gondola ride at this hotel is a fun thing to do in Las Vegas as a couple , or just with a group of friends.

The resort’s interior is beautifully designed and decorated to look like Venice, Italy, so as you float along the “canal,” you’ll see replicas of Italian landmarks like the Rialto Bridge, San Marcos Square, and St. Mark’s Campanile. It’s a bit of a splurge, but the price is worth it, especially if you want to treat yourself or your partner to something nice.

Moreover, the gondolas travel through the Grand Canal Shoppes , an indoor shopping mall with over 200 stores. Free live performances occur here daily, so you can watch some interesting acts while shopping for souvenirs.

7. Madame Tussauds, something to do in Las Vegas as a family

If the weather doesn’t cooperate or you’re just looking for an indoor activity in Las Vegas , head to Madame Tussauds . This wax museum is one of the most famous in the world, with the largest collection of wax figures.

You’d be surprised how convincing some of these figures look, as the wax artists put all their effort into capturing the essence of these stars, right down to the smallest detail. Plus, the museum has interactive exhibits and galleries related to specific celebrities, athletes, and fictional characters. Bring the kids along and snap a photo with Taylor Swift or Brad Pitt and pose next to Captain America or The Hulk.

This is a Las Vegas attraction that you can enjoy with teens, too, so it’s a great option for a family trip. The museum even has a virtual reality room and a bar, so it’s a fun place for adults, too. Madame Tussauds is super popular, so you should get your ticket in advance . It’s included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass , or you can get this combo ticket that includes Madame Tussauds and a Venetian gondola ride.

8. Visit a casino, another one of the best things to do in Las Vegas, Nevada

Visiting a casino is a must-do in Vegas , even if you’re not a gambler. Just seeing the different poker rooms and gaming areas is an experience, as each casino has a unique atmosphere. Many hotels on and off the Strip have casino floors, but there are a few that stand out.

First, Caesars Palace is a haven for those who love table games. Along with classics like blackjack and craps, you’ll also find Spanish 21, roulette, and baccarat. There are also some 1,300 slots, video poker, and keno.

If you’re a poker aficionado, head to The Venetian and press your luck. There are actually two casinos here, The Venetian and The Palazzo, so you’ll have your pick of any game you want. In addition to its wide array of slots and video poker machines, there are live tournaments as well as race and sports betting.

The Golden Nugget is one of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas , and it’s worth visiting even if you don’t want to gamble. The historic resort has a famous shark tank waterslide and the world’s largest golden nugget, plus it’s not far from some of the best things to do in downtown Las Vegas .

The STRAT has a laid-back atmosphere where you can play progressive slots, a variety of table games, or wager a sports bet. I also suggest checking out The Wynn , which has a 111,000ft² casino with high-limit lounges. The hotel’s other facilities are just as impressive, including poolside gaming, a beach club/nightclub, and the kid-friendly Lake of Dreams show.

9. See a show, another thing you must do in Las Vegas

Another thing you must do in Las Vegas is to see a show . Sin City hosts world-class performances, from musicians and theater troupes to comedians and magicians. The roster includes something for everyone, so whether you’re looking for an adults-only show or something to see with the kids, you’ll find it here.

One of the most popular shows in Las Vegas is Cirque du Soleil, and there are different performances at several hotels. Each colorful spectacle is an incredible display of acrobatics, theater, circus acts, and storytelling, and I’m always amazed at the incredible feats.

Kà at MGM Grand is a beautiful coming-of-age story, while Mystère at Treasure Island is one of the most whimsical Cirque shows. The Bellagio hosts O , an impressive water show with aquatic acrobatics. There are even celebrity-themed shows like Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay and The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage .

There are also concerts and residency shows throughout the year. All genres and music styles are represented, with big names like Usher, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, and Keith Urban. You can check the schedule and buy tickets online here .

Finally, there are classic entertainment acts in Vegas like burlesque, variety shows, circus acts, and adult shows like The Chippendales and Thunder From Down Under . So, whether you’re visiting with family, for a bachelorette party, or something else, there is a show for you.

10. Photograph the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, a popular thing to do in Las Vegas

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign is one of the places you must visit in Las Vegas . This iconic sign has been greeting visitors since 1959, and it’s one of the best photo spots on the Strip.

The sign is located at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South, next to the Bali Hai Golf Club and not far from Mandalay Bay Resort. Stopping here is the perfect way to start your trip in Sin City, and it’s free to visit day and night.

We couldn’t resist getting a photo taken here during our trip; after all, it’s one of the most famous attractions on the Vegas Strip . It’s also a cheap thing to do in Vegas , although keep in mind that you may have to wait in line. For us, it was worth it to get a romantic photo and commemorate our visit.

11. Visit The STRAT for the most thrilling attractions in Las Vegas and the best views

The STRAT hotel and casino is one of the most entertaining places to visit in Las Vegas . While the resort has a showroom and indoor shopping mall, it’s most famous for its SkyPod observation deck , where you can get some of the best views in Las Vegas .

At 1,149 feet tall, the SkyPod is the 2nd-highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. Near the top, you’ll find a revolving restaurant, cocktail lounges, and even a wedding chapel. The outdoor viewing deck on the 109th floor is among the most popular tourist attractions in Las Vegas .

If you’re seeking a thrill, it doesn’t get much better than the STRAT, especially if you go to the very top. This is where you’ll find a few extreme thrill rides, including a free-fall, bungee jumping, and an attraction that hangs over the edge of the deck. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re daring enough to try, you can use the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass , which also includes access to the SkyPod.

12. Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, a romantic thing to do in Las Vegas

Earlier I mentioned the Eiffel Tower viewing deck at Paris Las Vegas , which has a nightly light show. This free show occurs every 30 minutes and bathes the structure in the colors of the French flag. While it’s a fun thing to do in Las Vegas with kids, it’s even better with your partner.

This resort brings the romance of Paris, France to Sin City, so it’s one of the best places to go as a couple. Even if you don’t stay at the hotel, you can go to the top of the viewing deck and gaze at the dazzling Strip below. It’s the perfect nighttime attraction in Vegas , so book your ticket in advance or use the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass .

The Las Vegas Eiffel Tower is 540 feet tall, which is only half the size of the original structure. However, it provides a wonderful vantage point, and there is even a French restaurant on the 11 th floor where you can dine on elegant dishes like Beef Wellington, potato gratin, and crème brulée.

13. Visit the Neon Museum, one of the best things to do in Las Vegas at night

The Neon Museum is another one of the best places to visit in Las Vegas , especially if you’re looking to get a break from the Strip. This curious attraction has all kinds of casino and business signs from years gone by, and it’s considered one of the best museums in Las Vegas.

The Visitor Center is actually the old La Concha Motel, and inside, you can learn about the museum’s origins as a simple neon sign collection. By 1996, the collection expanded into a museum where visitors can explore vintage electric and neon signage from decades past.

The museum is kid-friendly and interesting for all ages, although you should be careful that the little ones don’t scratch themselves on anything. While it’s open during the day, I think this is a cool thing to do in Las Vegas at night , when you can see the glowing colors of the signs.

14. Go to a nightclub, one of the most exciting things to do in Las Vegas, NV

Without a doubt, one of the coolest things to do in Las Vegas is to party at a nightclub . All along the Strip and in downtown Vegas, you’ll find some of the top clubs in the country.

One of the best Las Vegas nightclubs is Omnia at Caesars Palace , which has a massive stage and an incredible outdoor terrace. It’s the perfect spot to dance the night away with friends. Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand is another premier destination, with five floors and a pavilion with an outdoor garden, DJ booth, and bar. It’s open until 4 a.m., so it attracts all the night owls and serious party-goers.

For a girls’ night out or bachelor party in Las Vegas , check out Drai’s Nightclub at The Cromwell . It has some of the best live music in Vegas and has hosted performers like Keyshia Cole, French Montana, and Gucci Mane.

If you can’t decide where to go, this VIP nightclub tour will take you to several hotspots in Las Vegas and let you skip the line.

15. Get married and have Elvis walk you down the aisle in a Las Vegas wedding

Sin City is a fascinating place to visit with friends, as a group, or with your sweetheart, and one of the most unique things to do in Vegas is to tie the knot. Thousands of couples, some of them celebrities, get married in Sin City every year. Be it a pretend wedding or real nuptials, it’s a couples’ activity you won’t find anywhere else.

There are several famous Las Vegas wedding chapels , but one of the best is Graceland , where Elvis walks the bride down the aisle and sings his greatest hits. Attending or participating in an Elvis wedding is an unforgettable thing to do in Las Vegas , and it’s quite popular, so be sure to book in advance .

Other nice wedding venues on the Strip include the Chapel of the Flowers and the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel . So, whether it’s a legitimate wedding or simply a figurative ceremony to express your love, it’s something that can only happen in Vegas.

Best day trips from Las Vegas

While there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas , if you’re staying in this city for a few days, be sure to check out the surrounding areas. There are so many awesome day trips from Las Vegas , so I highly recommend visiting one or two of the sites below.

Also, in our experience, renting a car in Las Vegas is the easiest way to travel in Las Vegas and beyond. However, if you don’t want to drive, there are many great tours available, so you can still enjoy the best things to do around Vegas .

Hoover Dam & Lake Mead

Less than an hour from the Strip, you’ll find the Hoover Dam , an amazing feat of human engineering. Here, you can take a self-guided tour through the Visitors Center, learn about the dam’s history and legacy, and look at models of its power systems and infrastructure. There are also a few scenic trails and overlooks.

While it’s easy to get to, there are several great Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas . This 3-hour tour takes you to the dam and stops at Boulder City and Lake Mead along the way. You’ll walk across the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge and enjoy sweeping views of the dam, the Colorado River, and Lake Mead.

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area covers nearly 1.5 million acres of shorelines, piers, wilderness areas, and the country’s largest reservoir, which was created by the Hoover Dam. If you’re looking to do some outdoor activities near Las Vegas , this place is perfect, especially for watersports and kayaking.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is only a couple of hours from the city, so it’s no wonder why it is one of the most popular attractions near Las Vegas . There are all kinds of Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas , so you can find the one that fits your interests and budget.

I recommend taking a Grand Canyon helicopter tour so you can see the full magnitude of this natural wonder. The Grand Canyon Voyager is one of my favorites since it includes an airplane ride over the West Rim, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River, plus a below-the-rim landing by helicopter.

This tour also gives you time to explore the most popular lookouts on the West Rim, like Guano Point and Eagle Point. We loved this one and would do it again in a heartbeat. You can even upgrade the tour to include access to the famous Skywalk.

For something cheaper, this South Rim tour is an excellent choice. A bus will pick you up from your Vegas hotel, then drive along historic Route 66 to the Grand Canyon. There, you’ll visit the lookouts at Mather Point and Bright Angel and take a vista hike to see the sprawling South Rim. It’s an incredible thing to do near Las Vegas if you have time.

Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is less than 30 minutes from Sin City, so you can’t pass it up. Here, you can enjoy hiking trails for all fitness levels, so it’s a great place to visit near Las Vegas with kids. The Lost Creek – Children’s Discovery Trail is an awesome route with a waterfall, although it’s also worth exploring the Calico Tanks and Calico Hills trails.

Some other highlights include Ice Box Canyon and the Petroglyph Wall, so be sure to dedicate a few hours to exploring this place. It’s an excellent thing to do in Vegas during the day , and there is even a Scenic Drive that you can take if you get tired. Of course, if you aren’t renting a car, you can take a tour from Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon , like this one .

Valley of Fire

Just 45 minutes from Las Vegas, you can discover the Valley of Fire , an impressive state park full of sandstone formations and ancient rock art. This is one of the most interesting places to visit in Las Vegas , so be sure to bring your camera.

Make your way along the scenic drive past rocky formations and some of the park’s top sights. It’s also worth hiking the trails to see stunning landscapes and natural structures like the aptly-named Pink Canyon, Arch Rock, and Elephant Rock.

You also can’t miss the Fire Wave, a striated slickrock; or the Rainbow Vista, which boasts a landscape of reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, and grays. There are different Valley of Fire tours from Vegas , although I like this guided hike , and consider it to be one of the best outdoor things to do near Las Vegas .

Area 51 is a wonderland for anyone interested in aliens and the paranormal, and it’s just a few hours from Vegas. This full-day trip is a good Area 51 tour from Las Vegas and includes a visit to the so-called “Janet Airlines” at McCarran airport and the mysterious Black Mailbox for UFO enthusiasts seeking alien contact. This bus tour also travels along the Extraterrestrial Highway and right up to the perimeter of Area 51, the world’s most top-secret military facility.

The National Atomic Testing Museum is nearby and has an Area 51 exhibit as well as all kinds of propaganda and artifacts from the Nevada Test Site. Visiting these attractions is an unusual thing to do in Las Vegas , but highly entertaining, especially if you’re fascinated by the concept of aliens.

Death Valley

Death Valley is my favorite place to visit in the Southwestern United States, and it’s one of the most interesting places to visit near Las Vegas . Located two hours away in the Mojave Desert, it’s the second-largest national park in the country and has the most breathtaking landscapes I’ve ever seen.

Moreover, there are several Death Valley tours from Las Vegas , although I prefer this full-day tour . You’ll see popular sites like the Mesquite Flat sand dunes and the salt flat at Badwater Basin, as well as stunning viewpoints like Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View.

You’ll also visit the Artist’s Palette, a colorful landscape caused by oxidized minerals, and the Devil’s Golf Course, an intriguing area with fabulous formations.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is full of majestic views and invigorating hikes, so if you’re outdoorsy, this is a must-see during your visit to Las Vegas . There are too many things to list here, but you should know some of the highlights of this impressive national park.

First, The Narrows is a magnificent water-carved gorge that you can trek through and a great alternative if you can’t get a permit to see The Subway (another area of the park in which visitors are chosen by lottery).

The hike to Angels Landing is tricky, but worth it for the 360° views. However, if you’re traveling with kids, the Emerald Pools trail is also very nice. You also can’t miss the imposing formations here, like the three peaks of the Court of the Patriarchs.

Ideally, visiting Zion is something to do during a weekend in Las Vegas , but if you don’t have that time and still want to go, you can take this excursion . It’s one of the best Zion tours from Las Vegas and includes a stop at nearby Bryce Canyon , which is known for its hoodoos, which are intriguing geological formations that look otherworldly.

Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend

Hands down, Antelope Canyon is one of the best places to visit near Las Vegas and a photographer’s dream. This slot canyon is made of water-carved sandstone and is known for its unique formations. Walking through this place is a magical experience, especially when the beams of sunlight poke through the walls and illuminate the canyon floor.

You’ll get the best photos at Upper Antelope Canyon, but Lower Antelope Canyon is just as gorgeous. Plus, it tends to be less crowded, so you’ll enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. We have a guide to the best Antelope Canyon tours from Vegas , but I’ll tell you now that this small-group tour is an excellent option, and it includes nearby Horseshoe Bend .

Horseshoe Bend is just 15 minutes from Antelope Canyon and a must-see for its dramatic viewpoint. Located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this incised meander along the Colorado River creates a unique horseshoe shape, which you can see from the 1,000-foot-tall cliff next to it.

Where to stay in Las Vegas

On the Strip, off the Strip, in downtown Las Vegas…there are lots of options if you want to spend the night. You can find hotels for all budgets, as well as kid-friendly resorts and luxury accommodations for a romantic getaway.

We have a full list of the best places to stay in Vegas , but these are a few of my top recommendations:

• Luxury : The Bellagio is one of the best hotels in Las Vegas , not only for the Bellagio Fountains show but for its glamorous suites and facilities.
• Mid-price : Mandalay Bay is an affordable place to stay with family, and along with having one of the best pools in Las Vegas , it has premier performance venues, a casino, a nightclub, and a spa.
• Budget : Excalibur is proof that you can stay in a beautiful resort without breaking the bank. This cheap hotel in Las Vegas has an arcade, a pool complex, and several residency shows.

Best restaurants in Las Vegas

Eating at some of the best restaurants in Las Vegas will ensure that you stay satisfied and energized throughout your trip. There are several awesome places to eat here with all kinds of cuisines and at varying price points.

First, Sin City has some amazing fine restaurants to enjoy a gourmet meal. The meats at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Bazaar Meat by José Andrés are divine, and both restaurants are ideal for a special date night.

If you prefer hearty Italian food, check out La Strega for traditional pastas and delicious seafood paired with wine. For something more casual, I recommend Soulbelly BBQ , which serves mouth-watering brisket, ribs, and wings, as well as soul food favorites like mac n cheese.

Of course, going out for drinks is part of the Las Vegas experience , so be sure to visit one of the best rooftop bars in Sin City . We loved the Foundation Room , a sophisticated lounge at Mandalay Bay with expert mixologists and dancing.

The VooDoo Lounge at the Rio Hotel is also very fun, and it’s on the 51 st floor, so the views are great. The patio has a dance floor where you can listen to live DJs and mingle. If you’re on the northern end of the Strip, check out the 108 Drinks Lounge at The STRAT  for happy hour and panoramic views.

Map of Las Vegas

I hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Las Vegas ! Don’t forget to download this map with all the Las Vegas attractions , hotels, and restaurants I mentioned. We also have other Las Vegas tourist maps if you’d like to see specific parts of the city.

If you have any questions, or you’d like to share your favorite things to do in Las Vegas , leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear from you! Have an incredible trip to Sin City!

Don't miss a 5% discount on your HeyMondo travel insurance  

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Ascen Aynat

2 replies on “ 15 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas, NV + MAP ”

My parents are planning to go to Las Vegas, where they’ll spend their vacation, which is why they’re currently looking for restaurants and other places to visit. We’ll keep in mind to visit the Golden Nugget Las Vegas since it’s the largest and oldest casino. It’s also a good thing that you shared here the advantage of visiting the Belaggio water show.

There are many things to do in Las Vegas, so I’m sure they are going to enjoy it!

Let me know if you need anything else 🙂

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19 Secret Las Vegas Tips for First Timers (How to Visit Vegas Like A Pro)

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: February 23, 2020  - Last updated: December 1, 2022

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If you’re planning your first trip to Las Vegas, you should know that it definitely won’t be your last. The energetic atmosphere and the freedom to let loose becomes an addiction.

But if you’re visiting Las Vegas for the first time, know that it will be stimulation overload!

There is so much to see, do, taste, try, drink and play that it can quickly become overwhelming.

But don’t waste your time on the most overrated places in Vegas (trust me).

There are certain things to know before going to Vegas that will help you make the most of your trip.

It can be as wild or as low key as you want it to be. 

If you’ve never been to Las Vegas, for some people it’s hard to understand the appeal.

While drinkin’ and gamblin’ are favorite activities for many, there’s so much more to experience about this energetically wild city.

It’s even the p erfect place to spend a honeymoon or a romantic getaway (read more ideas for couples here ).

The lights, the grandiose casinos, the fountain shows, the people watching, rooftop views…like where I’m going with this? Vegas is a city like no other.

It’s loud, exuberant and knows how to host a party.

But before you hit the ground running, there are some Las Vegas tips for first timers that will be helpful to keep you going for your inaugural trip.

Here’s how to make your first time to Vegas the best trip ever.

This post contains some affiliate links, i meaning I may make a small commission if you make a purchase, at absolutely no extra cost to you.

General Las Vegas Tips for First Timers

Before we get to my recommendations about where to stay in Vegas for your first time and the must-do activities, there are a few things to know before you navigate Sin City. 

Everything is Bigger and Further Away than it Seems

The scale of the strip is so deceiving. Because the hotels and casinos are ultra large, it makes everything appear closer than it actually is.

Honestly, I’ve been to Vegas about half a dozen times, and it still gets me.

This is important to know for planning purposes, especially if you’re travelling with a group and want to coordinate where to meet up.

You might think, “Oh we’re at New York New York and we’ll meet you at the Paris in a few minutes.”

Even though it’s pretty much across the street, it’s probably going to take you a minimum of 20 minutes to get over there. 

For your very first visit to Vegas, I recommend booking a 3 hour tour to show you around the must-see places along the Strip.

With this tour , you can choose whichever time of day you prefer and your guide will bring you to the iconic places, but also hidden gems and secret spots (like the secret pizza shop and happy hour beer for 50 cents)!

Read Next: 5 Day Las Vegas Itinerary: A Mix of Top Attractions and Hidden Gems

Be Prepared to Walk A Lot

This also means you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Again, no matter how many times I visit, I never get used to the amount of walking I do.

However, this does wonders for my competitive spirit when I want to track how many steps I can get on my fitness tracker (I use the Garmin Venu) in a day! Hint – it was over 30,000 one time.

The Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard) is over 3 miles long, in addition to the vast spaces within the hotels and casinos. 

Consequently, you should bring your comfiest shoes that can handle this amount of walking. But don’t just bring one pair.

Bring a few different pairs (different styles) that you can rotate through to give your feet a break as well. Doing this is a huge life saver.

For me, I always bring a trusty pair of daytime sneakers , a pair of cushy birkenstock-style sandals and a nice pair of comfy wedges to wear at dinner. 

Use Public Transit

The good news is that there are buses, trams and monorails that you can use as a low cost to cut down your walking time.

I recommended purchasing a three-day pass for the Deuce bus which is a double-decker city bus that cruises from the south end of the Strip up to Fremont.

This way you can hop on and hop off when you need to. 

Another new option for transportation is to purchase bus fares through the Uber app! Just open the app and you can compare fares from the different buses and purchase your tickets through the app. 

You could also try the monorail to go north to south on the east side of the Strip. If you’re staying at the Linq, Flamingo, Paris or the MGM Grand, the monorail runs right behind these hotels.

You can purchase one day or multi-day passes here . 

There are also a few free trams to use on the other side of the strip that go in between the hotels owned under the same brand.

Should You Rent a Car in Vegas? 

This depends on what you’re planning to do. In my opinion, I would avoid renting a car for your first trip to Vegas.

If you’re only in town for the weekend or a few days, there will be plenty of things on the Strip and Fremont street that will keep you busy.

And if you’re just sticking to this part of town, you really don’t need the hassle of renting a car. Most hotels charge for parking now and traffic is always busy. 

Read Next: 32 Essential Things to Do In Vegas Besides Gambling

General Tips for Walking the Strip

I will never forget my very first trip to Vegas when I remember asking a staff person at the hotel if I could bring my can of beer outside the casino.

She smiled and replied “this is Vegas, honey, you can bring your drink anywhere.” 

I mean, I knew you could drink anywhere, but as a first timer in Vegas, it was so cool to be able to walk around and bring your open drink anywhere!

Shopping with a glass of wine? Highly recommend!

Now, all that being said, if you want to save a little money on Vegas Vacation, purchase drinks at the CVS or corner stores instead of grabbing one at the casino bar. 

Also, avoid anyone who approaches you on the Strip wanting to offer you free shows or discounts.

This is usually a timeshare presentation that will take an entire afternoon.

The same goes for people in the casinos. They usually approach couples and ask if it’s your first time in Vegas, how long you’re staying, etc.

It’s best to just avoid these people!

And there will be all kinds of characters and interesting people on the Strip.

Anything from impersonators, people dressed up in costumes to buskers and everything in between.

Definitely enjoy and have some fun, but know that if you take a photo with them you will be expected to tip them.

And if you’re planning to visit the famous Las Vegas sign (which is a must do as a first timer), there will usually be someone there who offers to take the photo for you so that you don’t need to take a selfie.

Again, if you let them do this you will be expected to tip.

>> Read more in my full guide to scams and tourist traps to avoid in Les Vegas (and how to not get ripped off).

Tips for First Time Gamblers in Vegas

If it’s your first time in Las Vegas, walking into a casino and choosing where to gamble might be a little intimidating. The hotel casinos are massive.

They’re full of people, lights and sounds and there are no windows so it’s easy to lose your bearings. 

That being said, you don’t need to consider yourself much of a gambler to enjoy some games and have a little casino fun while you’re in Vegas.

Vegas Pro Tip: Order yourself a copy of the American Casino Guide which is the most extensive and trusted resource about all things gambling in Vegas. PLUS, there’s over 150 coupons and basically pays for itself after you use one or two (buffets, shows and match play coupons, meaning you’re paid out 2-1 on your bet).

How to Choose What to Play

I think the most important tip when it comes to gambling on your first trip to Vegas is that the house always has the advantage and therefore you should only gamble what you are comfortable losing. 

I’m no expert, but generally speaking, table games provide you with a higher chance of winning.

Especially games like Blackjack, where you can incorporate a slight amount of strategy that you control.

CASINO TIP: You can book a gaming lesson with a local guide! On this 2.5 hour your, your guide will teach you how to play the most popular table games – roulette, craps and blackjack and share tips on how to get freebies.

For example, if you want to learn how to play blackjack, the dealer can let you know the suggested move based on basic strategy.

Just don’t ask them how much you should bet! 

Slot machines typically have terrible odds, but that doesn’t stop people from playing them, myself included!

They’re entertaining and there are a variety of games to choose from. You can still find penny slots in most of the casinos, you just have to look for them. 

Penny slots can be deceiving though, so be careful. Depending on how many lines you bet, each ‘bet’ can be a few dollars.

So if you’re new to gambling in Vegas and just want to try it out for your first time, scan the machines and look for the ones with a max bet of $0.50 or lower.

This will make your money stretch a little longer! Also, usually when you bet the maximum you have a higher chance of winning.

At the very least, you will never win the max payout if you’re not max betting.

Slot machines at budget friendly casino hotels, Fremont Street and off-strip casinos are known to have “looser” slots. They need to work hard to earn your business.

By contrast, higher end hotel and luxury casinos will have a much lower payout on slot machines, since most people are aleready drawn in to visit.

Branded slot machines usually have the lowest payout and worst return to play.

They’re used to draw people in because they’re flashy and entertaining.

Take Advantage of Free Drinks!

And yes, drinks are still free when you gamble in Vegas ! Whether you’re sitting at a slot machine or table, servers will come around and offer you a drink.

This includes beer, cocktails, water, etc. Just make sure you tip your server a minimum of one or 2 dollars per drink so that they keep coming around!

You can also tip more than this to ensure they come back several more times.

Always Cash Out Before Leaving the Casino

All slot machines in Las Vegas use the ‘ticket in, ticket out’ system now. When you find a machine, insert your bill and when you decide to ‘cash out’ you will get a slip of paper with a bar code and how much it’s valid for.

If it’s your first time in Vegas, I highly recommend going to find a cashier and cashing out your vouchers before you leave every casino.

You’ll be jumping from casino to casino and you might not a chance to go back to the one that you have a voucher for.

Make sure you don’t leave any unclaimed money behind!

Bring Your ID

And it’s a good idea to always have your ID on you. If you look a day under 30, most security guards at the casinos will ask for your ID and you might not be able to enter if you don’t have it on you.

Best Casinos in Vegas for First Timers 

First, I recommend visiting as many casinos as you’d like. It’s fun to visit the different themed casinos and see how they vary.

Enjoy roaming around even if you don’t plan on gambling. Caesar’s Palace and the Bellagio are showy and grandiose.

I like the inside of the Paris hotel, and the New York New York has a fun urban vibe to it. 

I like the Cromwell casino as it’s a little smaller than most and has cheap drinks if you’re not gambling and just want to watch a group hollering around a hot Craps table. 

Any of the casinos on Fremont Street (old Las Vegas) are also good, and most people think they pay out a little more often.

And if it’s your first time in Vegas you have to stop at Binion’s (on Fremont) and take a photo with a stack of a million dollars.

You get a free 5×7 print out of your photo too!

And as a Las Vegas first timer, even if you’re not a gambler, it’s still fun to pull the old school handles on the slots!

Most of them are all digital nowadays (where you push the button to bet), but you can still find a few rows of the analogue machines where you pull the handle. 

Even more, there are still a few casinos left that have machines that payout in coins!

You can find a few of these kicking around at the D on Fremont, El Cortez and Slots A Fun next to Circus Circus.

Where to Stay in Vegas for Your First Time

There are SO many hotels to choose from.

Since you will likely be visiting as many places as you can on the Strip, I recommend choosing a hotel based on location.

If it’s your first time in Vegas, as soon as you arrive on the strip you’ll want to start exploring immediately!

I recommend staying in the middle of the strip for easiest access to check out as many hotels and casinos as possible.

I find it’s so much more convenient to stay somewhere in the middle of the strip instead of one end or the other.

My two favorite hotels I recommend staying in if it’s your first time is either the Flamingo Hotel or Planet Hollywood .

They’re centrally located in the middle of the strip, are moderately priced and are close to a variety of dining options.

You can read my full comparison between the two hotels here .

You can use the map below to compare hotel prices at the same time.

Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Vegas on a Budget: Where to Eat, Stay and Play and Spend Less

Lower Cost Hotels in the Middle of the Strip

I like staying at the Flamingo because it’s central and a little less expensive than other hotels in the middle of the Strip.

It’s close to the Linq, Paris and across from Caesars which all have great dining options.

And if you’re visiting in the summer, the Flamingo has the best pool in Las Vegas.

In my opinion, this hotel is one of the best places to stay in Las Vegas for first timers. 

Read my full review (+tips) for staying at the Flamingo.

Almost right next door is the LINQ , which is a great value option, since it’s very centrally located. The Linq shopping area is lots of fun, and this is where the High Roller observation wheel is located too. 

If you’re visiting Vegas on a romantic getaway or maybe your honeymoon, the Paris Hotel is an excellent choice.

The romantic French theme is perfect for couples. You can also request a room with a view of the Bellagio fountains!

I would stay away from the cheapest Strip hotels like Circus Circus or the Tropicana. They’re each located at extreme ends of the Strip.

If you’re a Vegas first timer, staying at these hotels would be more of a pain than what it’s worth to save a few bucks.

That being said, if you just want the cheapest room possible and don’t mind making use of the bus to go up and down the Strip, you can definitely find deals at these places. 

Hotel Choices if You Want to Spend a Little More

Caesar’s Palace is a classic choice. It’s famous, there’s lots of action here and it’s smack dab in the middle of the Strip. 

The Bellagio is also a classic and timeless choice if you want something more luxurious. This is the hotel that plays the famous water fountain show synonymous with images of Vegas.

• Read next: These are the 8 Best Vegas Hotels for First Timers

Las Vegas Hotel Tips for First Timers

To score cheaper rooms in Vegas, visit mid-week if you can. I like to book trips from Sunday to Wednesday to avoid paying weekend premiums.

Room costs in Vegas are also mostly driven by events.

There are hundreds of conventions held here every year. This is why I highly recommend you monitor hotel calendars and pricing for random sales or price spikes. 

Hotels in Las Vegas charge ‘resort fees.’ I think this is just a polite way of getting away with Vegas tax.

You will have to factor in a daily resort fee when you book your accommodations.

This will always be a separate fee that you pay the hotel and not when you book online.

It seems that the fees go up every year, and now they range anywhere from $20-50 per night. The resort fees cover things like WiFi and access to hotel amenities like the pool and fitness center.

HOTEL TIP: If you want to avoid resort fees, stay at a hotel on Fremont Street. The Four Queens does not charge a resort fee.

You Can Ask for an Upgrade

You can always ask for an upgrade when you check into your hotel.

This is usually based on availability and whether the hotel is full or not. Politely ask if there are any room upgrades available.

Let them know you’re celebrating something special (birthday, anniversary, getting married, etc). Or especially since it’s your first time in Vegas, that’s also an occasion to celebrate. 

Some people combine this with the $20 trick. Where you wedge a 20 dollar bill (or more) in between your credit card and ID when you hand it to the person checking you in. 

Good to know – you don’t actually need to hide the cash you’re trying to get an upgrade with. Just place it on the counter and ask nicely.

All tips in Vegas must be disclosed, so there’s no need to hide your bribe.

TRAVEL TIP – Peak check-in time at hotels in Las Vegas is usually between 3-7pm. The lineups can be extremely long. Try to arrive a bit early and get checked in.

Your room likely won’t be ready, but you can leave your bags secured with the hotel and ask them to text you when your room is ready.

Then you can hit the casino, go sightseeing, anything you want.

You don’t want to waste any time waiting around on your first trip to Vegas!

How to Get Comps and Fees Waived

No matter what hotel you stay at, sign up for the free loyalty club or player’s card.

Use this card every time you gamble and when you eat the the restaurants owned by the hotels or the same brand of hotels.

MGM properties are generally the easiest to build up rewards with as there are many hotels and status tiers – The Mirage and New York New York are my favorite.

Once you pick a brand, start building loyalty by gambling, dining and shopping at these properties.

Building up status will help you get comps for future trips, but you can also score bonuses on your current stay.

The night before you checkout, stop in at your hotel’s host office and mention that you’ve had a great stay and wanted to know if you have wagered enough to get some of the resort fees or parking fees waived.

Usually the hosts have the ability to check and determined how much you’ve spent on the property to see if you qualify for discounts.

Don’t be afraid to mention it’s your first time visiting Las Vegas and that you’re excited to return.

Attractions That Are Must Do in Vegas for First Timers

As far as Sin City activities go, there’s definitely a lot more to do than just drink and gamble.

Here are some free and paid attractions that you shouldn’t miss on your first Vegas trip. 

Free Las Vegas Activities

Watch the bellagio fountains .

Watching the fountains dance along to the music never gets old no matter how many times you see it.

They are absolutely mesmerizing and should not be missed! They run every 15 minutes at night. Find a nice spot to watch and enjoy for free!

Visit the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign

Snapping a pic at the most famous sign in America is a must! It’s located at the very south end of the Strip and there’s a small parking lot to pull into, or you can take the bus there.

There’s usually a lineup of people waiting their turn, but it goes decently fast.

And there will usually be someone offering to take your photo, so make sure you tip them afterwards. 

Head to Fremont Street

A lot of Vegas first timers ask if Fremont Street is worth it and I say absolutely yes! This is the ‘original’ Vegas Strip and was the place to be in the 1950s and 60s.

They’ve done a great job of reviving it but still keeping with the old school, vintage theme.

It’s a pedestrian only street, and not very big, so it’s fun to walk around, check out the old casinos, people watch (there are some crazies here) and listen to free concerts at the outdoor stage. 

Unwind in the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Inside the Bellagio hotel is an incredible themed garden display which changes four times a year with the seasons.

The stunning exhibit comes to life under a 50-foot glass ceiling, so if you’re craving a little sunlight after being in a dark casino, this is the place to be.

If you’re after some nice photo spots in Las Vegas, the Bellagio gardens would be perfect. 

Walk the Strip at Night

Ok, this seems obvious, but the Strip comes to life at night, and you should do this every night on your trip.

The lights and colors are wild and crazy and you really don’t know the vast scale of it all until you’re there in the middle of it.

And while you’re at it, be sure to wander into as many hotel casinos and lobbies as you can. They’re all so different and fun to explore.

Paid Las Vegas Activities that Are a Must Do  

Vegas isn’t the cheapest destination to visit, but if you add some of the above free things to do to your Las Vegas itinerary, paying for a few must-do attractions won’t seem that bad. 

Find Some Bird’s Eye Views of the Strip at Night

You must experience views of the Las Vegas Strip from above at night! You can head to the Stratosphere Observation Deck on either the 108 or 109th floors!

To give you an idea about how high this place is, it’s also the tallest freestanding observation tower in the USA!

It will cost you $24 per adult to head up there, but you can save $4 per ticket by purchasing your tickets in advance here . 

The High Roller is the huge observation wheel located in the Linq Promenade and is an awesome way to take in the sights of the Strip. You can go anytime of day, but I recommend visiting at night or sunset.

One full trip around the wheel is about 30 minutes. And even if you’re afraid of heights you don’t really notice it! 

TRAVEL TIP: Book the happy hour experience where your pod includes an open bar. We did this and loved it. The bartenders are extremely fast and efficient, ensuring you get your money’s worth! Buy your tickets here , especially if you’re travelling with a group. 

Or for the ultimate way to view the Strip from above, book a helicopter city lights tour !

It’s not as expensive as you might think, and you get to see all the glitz and glamour from above, including the Bellagio fountains!

Take in a Show

There are so many shows to choose from here, you can’t come to Vegas for your first time and not see a show!

Absinthe is my all-time favorite show in Las Vegas. I would see it 100 times in a row. It’s a raunchy, burlesque circus-style show at Caesars Palace.

Any of the Cirque du Soleil shows are incredible. KA and O are some of the best acrobatics, or if you prefer something musical, try the Beatles or the Michael Jackson Cirque shows.

Choose your Cirque du Soleil show here . 

Or choose a mind-blowing magic show like the famous Penn & Teller or David Copperfield. 

And if you’re visiting for a stag or bachelorette party, some of the more risque shows are super fun. Drag Brunch, Zombie Burlesque, Chippendale’s…anything you want! See some of the best ones here .

You Might Also Like: Legendary Ideas to Help You Plan the Ultimate Las Vegas Bachelorette Party

Enjoy a Romantic Ride on a Gondola in Mini-Venice

Yes, you can pretend you’re in love in Italy with a gondola ride on the canals at the Venetian hotel. They go from outside to inside and go under a couple bridges (if you kiss underneath them it’s good luck)!

Have a Drink Somewhere Fun!

There are so many places to have a drink and people watch! I love sitting outside at Cabo Wabo at Plant Hollywood.

Or put on something fancy and head to the Fountain Room at Mandalay Bay.

Or sit inside a massive chandelier at the Cosmopolitan hotel and order the secret flower drink. 

Book a Tour

One of the best ways to get the most out of your trip to Vegas is to make use of a tour.

After a full day or two of the busy city, you might want to get out of town for a few hours. And you should! There are some incredible places to see surrounding Las Vegas.

Visit Hoover Dam , go hiking in the Valley of Fire or take a boat ride on Lake Mead . 

Visit a Hidden Gem

Some final things to remember before going to vegas.

Visit Vegas with an open mind. If there are a few things you don’t want to miss, make sure you plan for them but then keep your schedule open the rest of the time.

There are so many things going on that will grab your attention, so you may not stick to the schedule you had planned. And that’s OK.

You may not get to see and do everything you wanted on your first trip to Vegas, but I promise you will be back!  

More Las Vegas Posts:

• 32 Little-Known Money Saving Tips for Vegas (so simple)
• 29 Unique Things to Do Off the Strip in Vegas (non-touristy hidden gems)
• 7 Las Vegas Scams to Avoid – How to Not Get Ripped Off in Vegas
• Free Drinks in Vegas: How to Get Them & What to Order (& best places to go in 2022)
• Dreamy Things to Do in Vegas for Couples: Romantic Getaway Guide
• 10 Overrated Things in Las Vegas You Shouldn’t Waste Your Time On (+ better alternatives)
• Best Places to Drink on the Las Vegas Strip: Views, Fancy Drinks & Deals
• Insider’s Guide to Staying at the Flamingo Las Vegas: Tips and Tricks

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Help with a 3 day itinerary - Las Vegas Forum

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My dates were initially 27th-31st May, but not sure how I’ll cope in the stifling heat which is common for that time of year. Therefore, I might have to reschedule for another time when the temperature is more comfortable.

Although I will not be staying on the strip, my hotel will be relatively close. So far, I’m considering the OYO Hotel on East Tropicana Avenue or Hyatt Place on Paradise road.

I would really appreciate feedback on the logistic for the following 3 day Vegas itinerary:

Day 1: Downtown Vegas

-Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Park

- Mob Museum

- Fremont Street Experience

- Neon Museum

I was planning to do the Mormon Fort, Mob Museum and Fremont Street before heading back to the hotel for a nap and then visiting the Neon Museum in the evening. Is that too much for one day? If so, what changes would you recommend to my itinerary?

Also, what would you suggest are my best options for transport for this day? If I stay at any of the hotels mentioned above, do you recommend ubers, buses or combination of both? How much do you think I should budget for travel on this day? It’s not something I’ve looked into so any advice is welcome.

Day 2: The Strip

I will mainly be taking photos of the main attractions and haven't really decided which venues I will be going inside. Just to let you know, I do not gamble but want to see most of the key points of interest and landmarks.

Do you think spending the whole day and night at the strip is the best way of experiencing it for a first time visitor like myself? Again, in terms of transport for that day, I was thinking of walking for the most part as I like walking. But depending on the heat, I may have to consider alternative options. Do you have any recommendations?

Day 3: Full day Grand Canyon Tour, with pickup and drop off.

16 replies to this topic

As far as your itinerary, it looks good to me, except the Grand Canyon day. That should really be something you commit a couple of days to rather than trying to fit it into 1 day. I'm going to guess it will be a 10 hour commute, adding to that all the sightseeing that will be done will be super exhausting. Hopefully some other folks on here will weigh in as well.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

That said it doesn't look like you've planned too much so that's good. You can do Freemont and Neon Museum in the same day. And you definitely want to experience Freemont at night. Uber downtown, enjoy the Freemont light show, then uber or walk to the museum. But I wouldn't plan anything else that day, just see where the day takes you.

All doable but an awful lot to cram into your first ever 3/4 day visit.

We drove to the GC in one afternoon, stayed overnight @ Thunderbird Lodge then got up super early for the sunrise tour around 5/5.30am (which was spectacular) then ate breakfast and drove straight back, it can be done but is tiring and not for everyone.

As has been asked, clarify your travel dates. May 27-31 is 5 days/4 nights.

You're already getting some good feedback. My two cents.

2) As others have stated, I'd reconsider Oyo . #8 gave some good options. You could also try staying downtown at somewhere like Downtown Grand

3) Grand Canyon - hotels are generally expensive there due to supply/demand. I'd spend a night there and check out all the hotels in Tusayan or Grand Canyon Junction. You could go as far as Williams if the prices make more sense there. When I did the Grand Canyon, I stayed the night before, got up early, and saw everything I wanted to that next day. Driving out there from Vegas , you may feel rushed/tired already from all the driving. And it truly is a sight to behold - you want to be in the right headspace.

Lol, #3 gave the some good options before #8 did. Hahahaha.

Even though I'm now a DE, I continue to feel like Rodney Dangerfield. :-)

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More From Forbes

The best new restaurants in las vegas.

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Resorts World’s Carversteak.

While some might argue that the best way to get to know a place as sensory saturated as Las Vegas is to get out and explore, to truly experience this city, from the Strip to downtown and from the westside to Boulder City, is to taste it.

When Wolfgang Puck’s Spago — imported from Los Angeles — opened its doors in 1992, it ushered in a celebrity-chef-driven restaurant migration to the Strip. From that moment, Las Vegas’ luxury dining scene has been a continually evolving world that’s only expanding into a wider playing field.

Beyond offering delicious dupes of renowned restaurants from coast to coast, all within a four-mile stretch around the Las Vegas Valley, the area brightly shines with an up-and-coming local dining scene, innovative takes on culinary trends and exceptional places to try different types of cuisines in varying styles.

These are the best new restaurants in Las Vegas.

Mother Wolf.

Top New Fine Dining Experiences

Fontainebleau

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The recently opened Fontainebleau features top restaurants from coast to coast, and the pinnacle comes from Hollywood with chef Evan Funke’s Mother Wolf . Martin Brudnizki designed the opulent Roman temple dedicated to the dishes of the Italian capital.

When you dine here, start with polpette di coda (oxtail meatballs). Their dense, rich, crisp texture is a surprising departure from the traditional. Move on to the Roman-style, wafer-thin woodfired pizzas, which come in eight different styles such as diavola (spicy salami), quattro formaggi (four cheese), Calabrese and funghi (mushroom). Next is the dedicated pasta Romana course, with carbonara, all’amatriciana, alla gricia (cheese and the guanciale), al burro (butter and Parmesan) and arrabbiata filing out of the open kitchen, rapid fire.

Funke aims to tell authentic stories with his food and provide a sense of place and meaning to the people who dine in his restaurant. “It’s not just about the food, a great wine list or ambiance,” Funke said. “It’s the entire experience. I want to sweep people off their feet and put them into a different mindset and a different place.”

Durango Resort

After debuting in December 2023, southwest Las Vegas’ Durango Resort has quickly become adored by locals and visitors alike as the place to dine off the Strip.

The new resort’s parent company, Station Casinos , is known for its popular steakhouses around town. The new jewel is Nicco’s Prime Cuts & Fresh Meats from chefs and Nobu alumni Frankie Gorriceta and Daniel Ye. Nicco’s prides itself on high-quality beef and presents a tableside grilled wagyu flight with Hokkaido snow wagyu, true Kobe and the rare A5 olive wagyu. Additional bragging rights go to the open kitchen, luminous selenite bar and 4,000-bottle wine cellar.

Peter Luger Steak House at Caesars Palace

New York City dining institution Peter Luger makes its way to Las Vegas at Caesars Palace. Revel in Luger’s legendary dry-aged porterhouse steak for one, two, three or four. If you are lucky enough, you might be given a tour of the impressive dry-aging room deep in the resort’s basement.

Only available midday, the burger and the steak sandwich might have enough pull to make the three-martini lunch a thing again.

Safta 1964’s delightful dips.

Exploring International Cuisines

Mother Wolf’s close neighbor at Fontainebleau, Chyna Club, from Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hakkasan Las Vegas creator Alan Yau, serves Cantonese cuisine and dim sum in a setting with the allure of a private residence in Hong Kong .

In a city that does Peking duck well, this restaurant serves one of the best, carved tableside and presented the traditional way with featherlight pancakes, steamed buns and sweet bean sauce with thinly sliced cucumbers and scallions. Fresh lobster Cantonese and drunken king crab are the yang to the yin of delicately folded Sichuan dumplings. Yau’s classics, such as jasmine tea short ribs, scallop shumai, crispy duck salad and club carbonara, are also found on the menu.

Safta 1964 by Alon Shaya

Innovating on the pop-up restaurant trend and playing off the city’s popular music residencies, New Orleans -based chef Alon Shaya (whose eateries include Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans ’ Miss River) kicks off a culinary residency with Safta 1964. Taking over Four-Star Wynn Las Vegas ’ Jardin restaurant by night to create a playful prequel to his Denver-based Mediterranean restaurant, Safta (“grandmother” in Hebrew) is inspired by the chef’s matriarchal figure riding around town in her ’64 Thunderbird and throwing elaborate dinner parties.

What kinds of things served at those social gatherings can you expect at Safta 1964? Salatim (dips, spreads and vegetables) and freshly milled wheat pita start the evening. Shaya makes hummus six different ways, from classic tahini and lamb ragu to warmed buttered black summer truffles and blue crab with Ossetra caviar. The duck matzo ball soup and harissa-roasted chicken steal the show. And in the ultimate throwback, there’s a tableside Jell-O service.

French dining sensation LPM has made its way to Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with Côte d’Azur charm and a spectacular look onto the Strip. This eatery’s French Riviera-inspired food is unique compared to other Las Vegas bistros. Warm prawns with olive oil and lemon juice are simple and perfect. On the more decadent side, the roasted chicken comes with foie gras, rigatoni and truffles. The cocktail menu is inspired by the French artist Jean Cocteau and is even accompanied by drawings and poems. The piquant Tomatini (tomatoes, vodka, white balsamic, simple syrup, salt and pepper) is LPM’s don’t-miss cocktail. You’ve never tasted savory goodness like it before.

With locations in New York City, Miami and Tel Aviv, celebrated Israeli chef Eyal Shani and Shahar Segal’s HaSalon found a natural fit in Las Vegas. The part nightclub/part restaurant at the Four-Star Palazzo at the Venetian Resort is culinary theater at its finest. Expect a celebration of the Mediterranean’s fresh ingredients in creative iterations and dishes that have velocity, literally. The Terrifying Hammer, for example, features herbs and flowers smashed atop thin slices of beef carpaccio.

There are two nightly seatings. The first makes the food the star of the show in a more tranquil environment. The second transitions from calm to wild with thumping music and napkin waving as the wine flows. The evening menu features a disclaimer about standing on the serving counters, tables or bar stools. But if you dance, sing and drink in a reasonable manner, you’ll have a safe, satiated time.

Eat Your Heart Out Hall of Foods’ Fiorella.

Unique Settings

Eat Your Heart Out Hall of Foods

Also at Durango, Eat Your Heart Out Hall of Foods eschews the typical fast-food-style counters found at most trendy food halls, for bar and table seatings in intimate boutique restaurant spaces and fast-casual settings. One of these unique enclaves belongs to Fiorella from celebrated Philadelphia chef Marc Vetri, whose Vetri at Palms and Osteria Fiorella at Red Rock consistently rank among the top high-end restaurants in Vegas.

Fiorella is almost a replica of his Philly pasta bar with 40 seats, a brick facade, a red-painted front door, copper ceilings, wood paneling and Murano chandeliers. The menu’s nine different pastas share signature touches like brown-butter ricotta gnocchi, basil-almond pesto garganelli and lemon-poppy seed tagliolini. Everything is made in the open kitchen and best enjoyed at the chef’s counter.

Carversteak

Carversteak at Resorts World opened in 2021, but new for this season is a climate-controlled, 3,500-square-foot enclosed patio garden and bar. Dine alfresco year-round on executive chef Daniel Ontiveros’ Japanese, Australian and domestic wagyu steaks.

As one of the largest steakhouses in the city, it boasts one of the most diverse meat programs in the highly competitive field. The indoor-outdoor addition makes for a tremendous dining ambiance at one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in town. Check your social feed for pictures of the famed dining room portrait of Cookie Monster or the beloved Cookie Monster dessert trio if you have any doubts about the place’s popularity.

Off-Strip Deliciousness

Esther’s Kitchen

Esther’s Kitchen, a breakout star in the Arts District and a hero of the local Las Vegas dining scene since its 2018 debut, recently relocated to a next-door space (a 1940s-vintage corrugated steel and concrete building that previously housed the Retro Vegas vintage store) that’s three times the size. As a result, chef James Trees expanded the menu and hours to meet the demand for reservations. Now, there are pasta-making setups, wood-fired pizza stations, a private dining room and a wraparound bar.

Casa de Raku

The Spring Mountain corridor welcomes Casa de Raku, a traditional Spanish-European tapas and wine bar created by restaurateur Mitsuo Endo, of Raku fame. Open for dinner and late-night, the tapas bar is as authentic as you will find stateside, with products discovered on culinary expeditions to Madrid , San Sebastián, León and Segovia.

The Iberico katsu represents the best of both Japan and Spain as premium Spanish Iberico ham is prepared in a classically Asian style. These sophisticated snacks are best paired with a sample of Spanish wines.

Casa Don Quixote

For a real break from the Strip, head out about 30 minutes to the quaint enclave of Boulder City, where Eligio Gomez Morais has opened Casa Don Quixote. The restaurant courts the authentic flavors of Galicia, Spain, Morais’ home province, as well as Italy, France and Portugal. Dinner here feels like a warm hug disguised as a home-cooked meal of classics such as gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus) and lomo de vaca a la plancha (grilled beef loin).

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Teacher Appreciation Week 2024: Freebies, deals, discounts for educators, plus gift ideas

Restaurants and other retailers have deals for teachers and educators for national teacher day, tuesday, may 7, and national teacher appreciation week, which runs monday, may 6, to friday, may 10..

All of us have one or more teachers who assisted, inspired or coached us along on our learning path. Need an excuse to show your gratitude? There are opportunities in the days ahead.

National Teacher Day is May 7, 2024, and Teacher Appreciation Week runs Monday, May 6, to Friday, May 10. The idea for a week to honor teachers began more than 70 years ago with first lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

The National National Parent Teacher Association has deemed this year's theme "Teachers are Shining Stars," and has an online toolkit with ideas on how to thank teachers. The National Education Association website has suggestions on how to celebrate teachers, too.

"Teachers are the heart and soul of our Nation," President Biden said in a proclamation on Friday, May 3. "They care for our Nation’s students, pass on knowledge to rising generations, and inspire our children to dream up new possibilities for their futures."

National Nurses Week 2024: Chipotle's free burrito giveaway, more deals and discounts

More ways to save: Visit USA TODAY's coupons page for deals from thousands of vendor s

Many restaurants and retailers are showing their appreciation with deals, discounts, specials and freebies . Here's some, but you may want to check social media for local deals, too – try searching for #NationalTeacherAppreciationWeek or #TeacherAppreciationWeek .

National Teacher Appreciation Week deals

• Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza: Teachers get a 20% discount on all orders with a valid ID from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12.
• BIC: The pen maker has deals on its BIC 4 Color Ballpoint Pen, with packs of three starting at $6.09 (available on Amazon , Walmart , Target ); BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Gel Pens, 12-pack starting at $12.99 ( Amazon , Walmart , Target ), and Break Resistant Mechanical Pencil, pack of two starting at $4.98 ( Walmart and Staples (2-Count); Amazon (4-Count), and BIC.com (12-Count).
• Buffalo Wild Wings: From Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12, teachers and school staff get 20% off their orders with valid IDs on dine-in, call-in, and walk-in orders.
• BurgerFi: Teachers get a 20% discount on all orders with a valid ID from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12.
• edible: The fruit gift arrangement company is giving teachers, school staff and graduates of all ages a buy-one-get-one dipped fruit cone Monday through Friday until June 7, at local Edible stores.
• Firehouse Subs: The sandwich chain has a week of specials available starting Monday through its Firehouse Rewards loyalty program and app including (on Wednesday) BOGO Hook & Ladder Subs and (on Friday) two medium sandwiches for $12 or two large sandwiches for $18.
• Free Rein Coffee Company: Teachers and educators get 20% off all year long from "Yellowstone" star Cole Hauser's brew brand by verifying with ID.me. Also eligible for the 20% discount: military members.
• The Good Feet Store : The retail chain, which has more than 250 locations, wants you to nominate education professionals – teachers, educators and other personnel including crossing guards – to win a personalized arch support system from The Good Feet Store. Submit applications online starting May 6 and through May 31. There may be one winner for each participating market (there's more than 75), and once selected, each winner will receive their own personalized arch support system.
• The Greene Turtle : All faculty and staff with a valid ID get a free meal (value of up to $15) on Tuesday, May 7, for Teachers Appreciation Day.
• Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream : Teachers get a 10% discount at participating locations from Monday to Friday, May 6-10.
• Hat Creek Burger Company : All teachers and school staff get a free 6-piece order of nuggets on Tuesday, May 7 (just show a valid ID).
• HTeaO: The iced tea chain will give teachers 50% off cups of tea from Monday, May 13, to Sunday, May 26, with a valid professional school ID.
• Huddle House: Teachers get a free meal from Monday to Friday, May 6-10. Students can also nominate a teacher to win free meals for a year (award given at each participating location). Also, get a free kids meal with any purchase of $6 or more.
• Insomnia Cookies: The Philadelphia-based late-night bakery chain with more than 240 locations is giving all teachers and school staff who show a valid ID a free Classic cookie in-store, no purchase necessary, all week beginning Monday, May 6. (Availability varies by location.)
• Jeremiah's Italian Ice: Teachers get a free small treat of their choosing on Tuesday, May 7, for Teacher's Appreciation Day with a valid educational ID at purchase.
• KIND Snacks: Teachers get 15% off their purchases on the website all year long. Customers just verify with ID.me at checkout.
• Learning Resources: The educational toy maker has several classroom products at discounted prices for teachers including a Rainbow Sorting Set Classroom Edition ($42.63; 39% off), Letter Construction Set ($35.45; 11% off) and Weather Tracker Pocket Chart ($26.49; 5% off), all on Amazon.com.
• L ogan' s Roadhouse: Teachers get 20% off their entrée this week. Just show your badge.
• McAlis ter’ s Deli: Teachers and educators can get free tea – either one big Sweet Tea, Unsweet Tea, ½ Sweet & ½ Unsweet Tea, or ½ Lemonade & ½ Sweet/Unsweet Tea (flavor shots excluded) – at McAlister's Deli from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12, with your badge or ID. Offer valid in-store only; no purchase necessary.
• Moe’s Southwest Grill: Cater a Moe's Southwest Grill meal for teachers from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12, and when you spend $300 or more, get a $50 E-gift card (use code THANKYOU24). Good at participating locations; not valid with other offers or third-party delivery. Doesn't include tax, tip and fees.
• Noodles & Company: Parents, school administrators, and educators alike can get $15 off catering orders of $100 or more through May 17. Log into your Noodles Rewards account and use the code THANKSTEACHERS at checkout.
• The Parking Spot: The parking company is giving teachers 25% off parking during their trips; just signup with an associated education email account .
• Peter Piper Pizza : Teachers can get a free personal pizza every day Monday through Friday (May 6-10). Redemption is limited to once per day; valid teacher or nurse ID/credentials must be shown.
• Postino: The restaurant chain, with more than 25 locations in five states , will give teachers its $25 Board and Bottle (bruschetta board, plus a bottle of wine) all day every day during the month of May with badge/ID. (The special is usually only available Monday and Tuesday 8 p.m. to closing.)
• Potbelly Sandwich Works: Teachers get a free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of an entrée by showing their ID Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12. Also, all customers can get free delivery on a catering order over $150.
• Raising Cane's: The fast casual chain is giving 10 teachers an all-expenses-paid summer vacation. Teachers can enter the contest on RaisingCanesTASweepstakes.com Monday, May 6, to Friday, May 10. Winners get two round-trip tickets to any U.S. destination, two-night hotel stay and a $200 gift card.
• Rock & Brews: Teachers get a free entrée with valid ID through Friday, May 10 (maximum value of $26.99) at the chain's Southern California locations (Corona, Buena Park, Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Tustin).
• Salad and Go: Teachers get free hot or cold coffee Wednesday, May 8, to Friday, May 10, with purchase during breakfast hours (6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.)
• Salata Salad Kitchen: On Tuesday, May 7, educators get 20% off their order when they present their badge at checkout. Also from Monday to Friday (May 6-10) get 20% off catering orders of $200 or more, and get free delivery on orders through DoorDash.
• Scholastic: The publisher has special deals and giveaways in its Scholastic Teacher Store and Book Clubs beginning Monday, May 6. And when you send a Scholastic eGift card through May 10, you'll be entered for a chance to win $550 of new books and resources for an educator of your choice.
• Shipley Do-Nuts: Teachers who belong to the chain's Do-Happy loyalty program can get a free half-dozen box of glazed Do-nuts with any purchase on Monday, May 6.
• Sonic Drive -In : Educators enrolled in the Sonic Teachers’ Circle Rewards program can take advantage of several deals starting Monday, May 6, to May 20; they include BOGO free Sonic Blast, BOGO free entrée, free Sonic cheeseburger with any purchase, free Large Drink or Slush with any purchase, or free small side with any entrée. (To join the rewards program create an account in the Sonic app and select "I'm a teacher" in settings.) Also, from May 6-20, Sonic is donating a portion of every drink, slush, and shake sold to its Limeades for Learning program, which supports local public schools.
• Staples: From Sunday, May 5, to Saturday, May 11, teachers can get free supply kits at Staples stores; kits include markers, pens, pencils, and glue. (20 kits per store while supplies last; limit 1 per teacher with teacher ID.) Teachers also get 20% off in-store purchases with their teacher ID at checkout.
• Stitch Fix: The online personal styling service is giving educators $50 credit to refresh their wardrobe. Between now and May 12, go to the Stitch Fix web site to verify credentials and get a promo code to use before June 30.
• tarte cosmetics: The beauty brand gives teachers and educators 40% off sitewide all year long.
• TGI Fridays: Teachers get a free entrée on Tuesday, May 7, at participating locations; choices include a cheeseburger with fries, half rack of ribs with choice of side, and Caesar salad with grilled chicken.
• The Halal Guys: Teachers get 10% off their meal from Wednesday, May 8, to Friday, May 10, on in-store orders, with proof of a valid teacher ID.
• Twinkl: Teacher subscription service Twinkl has ideas on how to show appreciation for your favorite teachers and is giving teachers a free month trial of its education materials.
• Whataburger: School employees can get a free Taquito, Breakfast on a Bun, or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. local time Monday, May 6, to Friday, May 10 with ID.
• Yogurtland: Through May 14, the frozen yogurt chain is offering free delivery on orders of more than $15 made through the website or mobile app (use code FREEDELIVERY).
• Zaxby's : Teachers can buy one Boneless Wings Meal and get a second one free on May 7 at participating locations (redeemable through the Zaxby's app or website for Zax Rewardz members, while supplies last).
• Zips Car Wash:  Teachers can get a $5 "Pro" Wash at any Zips Car Wash or Rocket Express location across the country through May 19 with wash code 7652.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads:  @mikesnider  & mikegsnider .

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The unofficial May 5 holiday signals party time for many Mexican Americans, and others who love Mexican and Latino cuisine, music and culture. The commemoration of Mexico’s victory over the French in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla, little more than a regional festivity within the nation of Mexico, has evolved into the largest celebration of Mexican culture in the United States. And since no city on Earth parties harder than Las Vegas, it’s no surprise we have plenty of delicious places to mark the occasion.

Here are a few great options for honoring Mexican culture and cuisine this year, with something for just about everyone.

Start The Party Early

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Letty’s On Main (@lettysonmain)

Letty's De Leticia's Cocina

Located in a building that once housed Las Vegas’ oldest Mexican restaurant (El Sombrero), Letty’s is now home to Chef Leticia Mitchell, who has been wowing locals with her Mexican cuisine since 2009 at Leticia’s Cocina & Cantina. She and partner Sue Kiple have used it to bring her signature tacos, award-winning “quesataco” (seared cheese, chipotle crema and choice of protein), and tortas to the Downtown Las Vegas scene. And while most local restaurants will celebrate Cinco De Mayo on Sunday the 5 th , Letty’s is celebrating a day early, with a party on Saturday the 4 th .

Cinco de Mayo Special:   Live bands and other music, with street tacos, tequila, margaritas and cervezas on Saturday, May 4, from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Location: 807 S. Main St. (Arts District)  

Get Your Goat

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Birria El Compa 

While birria has become a staple dish in many Mexican restaurants over the past few years, many opt to use beef, lamb, or other meats instead of the traditional goat. At Birria El Compa, located on East Charleston Boulevard in the shadow of the beltway, the goat version is the star, available in several dishes. They also offer a beef variety for the less adventurous.

Location:  3700 E. Charleson Blvd.

Plant-Based

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by TACOTARIAN #1 VEGAN TACOS (@eattacotarian)

With four locations in Las Vegas, including their Arts District flagship, Tacotarian is Las Vegas’ only 100% plant-based Mexican restaurant. And their 15 varieties of vegan-friendly tacos have proven so popular, they’ve expanded the brand into Southern California.

Cinco de Mayo Special:  $5 margaritas all day Sunday, at all locations.

Location:  1 130 S. Casino Center Blvd. #170 (Arts District)

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Chef Susan Feniger (@susanfeniger)

BBQ Mexicana Drive-Thru

After years serving local sports fans at T-Mobile, Allegiant and the Las Vegas Ballpark, Border Grill’s casual Mexican barbecue concept BBQ Mexicana recently expanded to the ‘burbs, with a Sunset Road location near the Durango Drive Ikea. And their drive-through window allows you to stock up on tacos or their beloved brisket burritos without getting out of your car.

Location: 8480 W. Sunset Road