Best Things to do in Las Vegas
Besides Gamble
This blog post is about the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble.
Many people think of Las Vegas as the “city of gambling”. And let’s be honest, it is.
But with that being said, there is so much to do in Las Vegas and around Las Vegas besides gambling!
In today’s blog post I am going to share with you the TOP 15 best things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble!
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Walk The Las Vegas Strip
My favorite thing to do in Las Vegas is to walk down the Las Vegas strip and check out the crazy hotels and the insane activities each hotel has to offer!
The Las Vegas strip is very long, and it does take a few hours to walk the interesting part of it.
Because of this, I recommend splitting your adventure into two nights. For the first night, for example, you can visit the northern part of the Las Vegas Strip, and on the second night visit the southern part of the Las Vegas Strip.
Also, in my opinion, you should only visit the Las Vegas Strip and the crazy hotels during the night. When it gets dark, all the hotels go crazy with the lights and everything becomes alive and colorful.
That’s the prettiest time to visit the Las Vegas Strip. It’s much prettier than seeing the Las Vegas Strip during the day.
Watch The Bellagio Fountain Water Show
Walking down the Las Vegas Strip is a “must-do” activity for every visitor to Las Vegas.
The people watching are incredible and seeing in person, famous hotels and other iconic landmarks, will make you truly appreciate the grandeur and size of many attractions.
It is a fantastic Las Vegas activity to do both day and night, each offering different experiences.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Las Vegas is the Fountains at the Bellagio Hotel.
Located in the center of the Las Vegas Strip, the Fountains are found in front of the hotel in plain view of the sidewalk and the street.
They are massive and easily capture the attention of anyone walking or driving past.
In the evening, at 15 or 30 minutes intervals, a thousand different fountains sway to music and light.
The display spans over 1,000 feet with water reaching as high as 460 feet into the air.
Each show lasts a few minutes. Best of all, it is free to watch. In addition, each show is unique, distinct in expression and interpretation, so you can catch multiple shows during your trip and never be bored.
Make sure you check online for the exact schedule as it changes by the month, day of the week, or time of the day.
Recommended by Nicole, gofargrowclose.com
Go Zip Lining Over Fremont Street
One of the most exciting things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble, is zip lining over Fremont Street.
Walking the main drag in Vegas’ downtown is an attraction on its own, but flying above the action is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
With a light show canopy twinkling above (it’s actually the biggest video screen on the planet), a walk down Fremont Street’s five-block promenade always guarantees an interesting time.
But for the ultimate downtown experience, book your spot to zip line eleven stories above it all.
Known as SlotZilla, the Fremont Street zip line will let you soar just below the light show, but high enough to see all the excitement on the street below.
Buy your tickets early—you can purchase online or walk into the ticket office adjacent to the entrance.
Spots are limited, so walk-in availability is rare. Check out the weight restrictions before you book as well.
The main attraction is limited to those weighing 80-300 pounds, and you’ll need to step on a scale before buying tickets and before boarding.
Compared to other exciting zip lines at popular tourist attractions, this ride is slower and much more relaxing.
Just prepare yourself for the end of the line when the attendants slam on the brakes to knock you out of your reverie. It can be jarring!
If you’re staying on the Las Vegas strip, you can get to SlotZilla on Fremont Street via The Deuce bus service, any one of the seven city bus routes serving the area, or with Uber, Lyft, or a taxi.
Or stay downtown! Most hotels in this area are older, but the nightly rates are usually super-affordable.
Recommended by Carry Ann, shouldbecruising.com
Visit The Neon Museum
Ever wonder what happens to all of Vegas’ iconic signs once they’re retired?
At the Neon Museum, located near Fremont Street, over 200 signs that festooned the facades of casinos, hotels and restaurants of decades gone by lay about on the desert floor in an enormous “graveyard” for visitors to walk around and admire.
During the day, you can mosey around the grounds by yourself and take in the artistry of the enormous signs or take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the signs, its artists, and the Vegas history they each represent.
At night, you can purchase tickets to see Brilliant, where you can marvel at 40 of the vintage signs that have been restored and illuminated to their previous glory, while the rest of the signs are brought to life from the ground lighting.
The museum is a fun spot for travelers of any kind- photographers, for the interesting textures and layers; history buffs, for the storied histories of the signs and their connections to Sin City’s scandalous past; and even Vegas bachelorette parties and Tik Tokers (the museum makes quite the epic backdrop for photos!).
Admission for adults starts at $20 per person and can range up to $28 (with discounts for children, students, and other groups).
Recommended by Jessica, uprootedtraveler.com
See The Mirage Volcano
The Mirage Hotel and Casino is well-known for its Volcano Show that is held nightly every night of the week.
The volcano show erupts to Ooo’s and Aahhh’s every hour from the lagoon in front of the main entrance of the resort on Las Vegas Boulevard.
It is a fiery show lasts almost 5 minutes with lava bursts and fire shooting into the air up to almost 120 feet high.
To make it even more of a spectacle, it is set to moody music composed by the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and Indian composer Zakir Hussain and choreographed perfectly to fit that powerful tribal composition.
The Mirage Volcano Eruption is one of the best things to see in Las Vegas and is often included to start a party off with a bang on special itineraries like a 50th birthday celebration in Las Vegas.
It is a free show for everyone and all you need to do is find an open spot. To get the perfect view, be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the eruption in order to get a spot at the railing in front of the volcano lagoon.
Showtimes are on the hour beginning at 7pm until the last show at 11pm. However, they are weather dependent and often canceled when the winds are high for everyone’s safety.
Recommended by Michelle, moyermemoirs.com
Visit The Flamingo Habitat
The Flamingo Wildlife habitat is one of the best non-gambling things to do in Las Vegas.
It is a place where people come to relax and enjoy themselves. Visitors can take a break from the hustle of the Las Vegas strip here.
The Flamingo Hotel & Casino is home to the habitat and it’s conveniently located on the Las Vegas Strip.
A hidden manmade oasis in the city, it’s home to a flock of nine Chilean flamingos!
The birds are incredibly friendly and walk around the habitat freely. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is home to a variety of birds, not just flamingos.
The gardens span over four acres and include streams, waterfalls, fish, turtles, and other exotic birds. You could easily spend a few hours exploring the area.
There are Keeper Talks at 8:30 am and 2:00 pm to learn about the animals and their caretaking needs.
There is no cost to enter, making this one of the few free things to do in Las Vegas.
While the rest of the city is moving at a super-fast pace, you get to escape to an air-conditioned menagerie.
You’ll be surprised at how many people don’t know about the Flamingo Habitat and be envious of your experience. You might not have won big at the casinos, but Las Vegas is more than just gambling!
Recommended by Pamela, directionallychallengedtraveler.com
Go on a Zion National Park Day Trip
Looking for fun things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble? If so then go on a 3-hour drive to Zion National Park in Utah.
Not only is it one of the most stunning national parks in the entire USA, but it’s an easy drive from Las Vegas.
Just get on I-15 hand head north out of Vegas. Once at St. George, Utah take exit 16 to UT-9, which is a 30-mile road that will take you to Zion National Park.
Once there, you’ll need to pay $35 per vehicle for a 7 day pass. And while the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, try to get there early since this park is popular and parking lots fill up fast – especially at Zion National Park in July.
If you can, make use of the impressive shuttle system and be sure to get some maps and park info from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
There’s even a cute little museum near the south entrance where you can learn more about the park and its natural history.
Next, marvel at the steep red cliffs that southwestern Utah is famous for as you hike to Angel’s Landing or and ride along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
From here, you’ll be able to see the Virgin River, the Emerald Pools, and even a hanging garden.
If you have the time for it, try to wade your way through the Zion Narrows hike before catching the Milky Way in all its glory as you do a bit of stargazing.
Recommended by Jamie & Dave, photojeepers.com
Eat Brunch At Sadelle’s
Brunch is a must while in Las Vegas – especially if you are on a girls’ trip to Vegas! And there’s no better place to have it than Sadelle’s.
This luxurious cafe is located inside the Bellagio Hotel and offers a stunning view of the Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
It is frequently known as the best brunch spot in Vegas, which says a lot! The food is just as good as the view, with delicious brunch staples like eggs Benedict and pancakes on offer – make sure to try the Strawberry Tall Cake!
They also have some great mimosas if a boozy brunch is what you are looking for (you are in Vegas after all!).
The cafe serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, but it is definitely more popular for brunch.
Pricing is moderate, you may expect to spend about $50 dollars per person without alcoholic beverages.
Reservations are recommended but it is also possible to just walk in and ask if there are any tables available.
This brunch will definitely be one of the most delicious and memorable you will ever have 🙂
Recommended by Camilla, travelcami.com
Go on a Valley of Fire Day Trip
Taking a road trip is one of the best things in Las Vegas, if you are looking to get away from the party scene.
Las Vegas is located near dozens of state and national parks as well as scenic recreation areas that offers spectacular landscapes and opportunities for hiking and camping.
One of the these places is Valley of Fire, the oldest state park in the state of Nevada that boasts over 40,000 acres of bright sandstone outcrops that resemble fire on a bright sunny day.
Valley of Fire makes for a perfect escape from Las Vegas, if you want to spend time outdoors and get some exercise.
Most hiking trails within Valley of Fire are easy to moderate and are suitable for the majority of hikers.
If you have never visited Valley of Fire before, plan at least half a day for your road trip, as you will need time to enjoy the scenery, take at least a couple of hikes and have a picnic.
And don’t forget your camera, because the scenery at this national park is truly gorgeous! Keep in mind that unlike other popular outdoor areas near Las Vegas, Valley of Fire has very limited amenities.
There are no stores or restaurants throughout the state park and cell phone is very scarce in parts of this state park.
Bring at least gallon of water with you as well as some snacks so could spend your day enjoying this place.
Recommended by Daria, thediscoverynut.com
Visit Area 15
Area 15 is hard to describe until you see it for yourself. Imagine a mashup between futuristic tech mall meets art festival, and the resulting playground would be Area 15.
Just off the north end of the strip, Area 15 is one of Las Vegas’s newer attractions, having just opened up in September 2020.
Play in the Burning Man-esque art installations on your way in before you are transported into a neon paradise filled with art exhibits, vendors, and 16 experiences.
Beat your friends in the arcades or on the zipline.
Try all the latest tech: AI, VR, AR, and other mesmerizing entertainment before settling in at any of Area 15’s five dining experiences.
Check any special events that may be coinciding with your visit as well.
Tip: Make sure you don’t leave without going to Meow Wolf’s installation, Omega Mart.
It’s just your average joe supermarket…or is it? At Omega Mart, follow a storyline where opening a freezer door or picking up a cereal box can lead you to an immersive world.
It’s hard to explain; you just have to see what’s “in store for you”.
Entrance Fee: Area 15 is free to enter but currently requires reserving a ticket. Experience Fee: Each activity ranges in price separately from 5$ (Brainstorm) – $45 (Omega Mart)
Recommended by Catherine Xu, nomadicated.com
Go on a Antelope Canyon Day Trip
Las Vegas has enough entertainment to keep you plenty busy, even if you’re not interested in gambling.
If you’re willing to take a drive, there are even more adventures that can be done in a day trip.
Antelope Canyon is the most famous of the 1000+ slot canyons in America. Even so, many people have never heard of it, much less visited it.
If you get the chance to take a day trip from Las Vegas, you’ll want to consider visiting Antelope Canyon.
The red sandstone canyon has two parts: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.
You’ll want to research the difference between each to decide which one is best for you.
For instance, the lower canyon requires taking several sets of steep stairs to get down to where the tour begins.
The upper canyon requires taking a ride in the back of a truck to get to the entrance of the tour.
It’s also important to know that since Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo Nation territory, you can only access the canyons by booking with one of their approved tour companies.
They are very knowledgeable about the canyon and some guides will even give tips on how to take better pictures while you’re there.
Tickets start at $50 for adults. The Canyons are located in Page, Arizona, about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Las Vegas.
You’ll want to get an early start to make sure you are there while there is still good lighting.
Even if you don’t rent a car, there are tour companies available to book for the day trip.
Recommended by Karee, Our Woven Journey
Go on a Gondola Ride in The Venetian Hotel
Visit The Haus of Gaga
If you are a Lady Gaga fan, or a fashion lover fan, I highly recommend visiting the Haus of Gaga!
The Haus of Gaga is a museum located at the Park MGM Resort & Casino. In the museum, you will find costume pieces, wigs, shoes, and props from over 70 of Lady Gaga’s most iconic looks (yes, including the meat outfit!)
Entry is completely free, and it’s such a fun experience for Lady Gaga fans and fashion lovers as well since her outfits are honestly insane and are perfect for fashion lovers!
Go on a Race Car Ride Along
Get your adrenaline pumping off the Vegas strip by learning to drive a NASCAR race car, or have the heart-racing experience of a NASCAR ride along in Vegas at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The home of two annual NASCAR cup race weekends, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway also offers adrenaline-filled experiences such as the NASCAR Racing Experience, Richard Petty Driving Experience, and the Mario Andretti Racing Experience.
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located 7 miles outside of the Las Vegas Strip.
You will feel the thrill as you fly around the 1.5-mile tri-oval track at 160mph, with 12-to-20-degree banking in the turns.
The fun starts with learning how to maneuver in and out of the car. Since there are no doors, you just hop in through a “window”, with the roll cage and giant helmet making it more awkward.
Once inside the car, you are secured with a five-point harness and a foam collar for your neck.
Cost depends on how much time on the track you would like to have; there are several options.
Expect a basic ride along to cost $130 USD, with a video recording of your ride along offered as an add-on.
Riding in a race car is a thrill you will talk about for years to come. It takes incredible skill to drive a car like that.
You are sure to leave in awe of their driving ability.
Recommended by Debbie, worldadventurists.com
Visit The Grand Canyon
Another one of the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble, is to go on a Grand Canyon day trip!
You can either do a night in the area, or just go on a day trip. We took a day trip to the Grand Canyon. It’s a long drive, around 4.5 hours, but definitely worth it.
The Grand Canyon entry fee is either $30 for seven days per vehicle, or $15 for seven days per person.
And that’s it! This blog post was about the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble!
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