15 Best Things to do in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, also known as Vegas, is a city of glitz and glamour. People visit Las Vegas to let loose and indulge in themselves and that’s why it is also called the Sin City. While most visitors spend their time in Vegas rolling the dice and gambling around the clock, it is not the only way to enjoy the town. From big-budget shows, raucous nightlife, and Michelin-starred restaurants to themed hotels, world-class retail, and breathtaking canyons, Las Vegas provides an experience unlike any other. It attracts millions of tourists each year and is a place where everyone can have a good time, regardless of their interests or budget. I’ve compiled a detailed list of the best things to do in Las Vegas that will help you in planning your ultimate trip to the thriving desert epicenter. Let’s take a look at what Vegas has in store for you.
1). Try Your Luck at Casino
A trip to Vegas cannot be complete without trying your luck at the Casino. Even if you’re not into gambling, you should go to a Vegas casino at least once. There are more than 135 casinos in this gambling paradise. Almost every major hotel on the Strip has a casino and each casino has its own theme and vibe. You can try your hand at one of the tables or enjoy the slot machines. Casinos like Caesar’s Palace, Venetian, and Bellagio provide a very extravagant experience due to high-stake tables and opulent setups. If you don’t want to take huge risks, visit casinos that allow you to gamble for less. Planet Hollywood, Flamingo, and Golden Nugget are best for thrifty betters. If you have never gambled before, you can take free lessons in poker, roulette, blackjack, and more and practice your game before hitting the tables.
2). Explore the Las Vegas Strip
Cruise the 4.2-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard between Russell Road and Sahara Avenue, also known as the “Las Vegas Strip.” The Strip is lined with unique hotels and casinos that are themed after different locales and cities from around the globe. Walking around the Strip while soaking in the sights, neon lights, and infectious energy is a great way to spend an evening on a Las Vegas trip. Enjoy the dancing fountains at Bellagio, the erupting volcano at Mirage, the Eiffel Tower in Paris Hotel, and the shining beacon at The Strat Tower. Get a glimpse of ancient Rome at Caesar’s Palace, New York’s skyline at the New York New York Hotel, the Giant Sphinx at Luxor, and enchanting Venice at The Venetian. Stroll down the LINQ promenade, which has a quirky mix of pubs, eateries, and boutiques. The Strip can be a fun place to spend time during the day, but it comes alive once the sun goes down.
3). Catch a Show in Las Vegas
Vegas is famous for its top-notch shows, which feature some of the world’s most incredible comedy, musical, magic, and acrobatic performances. The renowned Cirque Du Soleil presents a few of the longest-running shows in Vegas. Their “O” is a phenomenal spectacle that should not be missed. Dynamic sets, aerial acrobatics, whimsical costumes, innovative engineering, and synchronized swimming create an electrifying atmosphere. Other famous Cirque Du Soleil shows include Mystère (high-energy acrobatics), LOVE (a musical tribute to the Beatles), ONE (for Michael Jackson fans), and KÀ (a Chinese martial arts-inspired show).
MINDFREAK (magic), Carrot Top (comedy), Absinthe (fun circus and vaudeville act), David Copperfield (live music), and Penn & Teller (magic) are a handful of additional shows to consider. The resident shows of artists such as Celine Dion, Elton John, and the Blue Man Group are also enthralling. If your budget and schedule allow it, seeing one of these fantastic shows should definitely be on your Las Vegas itinerary.
4). Enjoy the Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street is about a 15-minute drive from the Strip, but it is well worth the trip if you want to have a true Vegas experience. The old downtown, also known as Glitter Gulch, is home to historic buildings, neon signs, and retro facades. The five-block pedestrian mall is lined with old-school casinos, shops, bars, and restaurants and is topped with an arched steel LED canopy. The 1400-foot-long canopy displays a bizarre but spectacular six-minute light and sound show every hour from dusk to midnight. This Viva Vision Light Show is accompanied by some excellent music. In the evenings, the all-night fun-fest offers concerts, live shows, and street performers – all for free. Zip-lining is also available at the 12-story SlotZilla, which is located at the mall’s eastern end. The super touristy area gets packed on weekend nights, so try to visit during the week if possible.
5). Dine at a Celebrity Chef’s Restaurant
In Las Vegas, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to fine dining. The city is a culinary destination with a vast selection of world-class restaurants. From celebrity chef-owned establishments to international cuisine, there’s a dining experience for every palate. You should eat at one of the celebrity chef restaurants if you have the means. Nobu, Pronto by Giada, Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, and Amalfi by Bobby Flay are some of the best chef restaurants in Caesar’s Palace. The Venetian also houses multiple celebrity chef restaurants, such as Bouchon by Thomas Keller, Delmonico Steakhouse by Emeril Lagasse, and CUT by Wolfgang Puck. Other options include Giada at the Cromwell and Morimoto by Masaharu Morimoto at the MGM Grand.
6). Ride the High Roller Observation Wheel
The High Roller Observation Wheel is hard to miss and can be seen from almost anywhere on the Strip. The world’s tallest observation wheel is located on the LINQ promenade in the heart of Las Vegas. The state-of-the-art Ferris Wheel reaches a height of 167 meters and offers a stunning 360-degree view of the Vegas Strip, the Downtown, other popular landmarks, and the nearby valley. As the city lights up, the view from this wheel becomes even more spectacular as you can see the dazzling lights of the Las Vegas Strip. However, during the day, you will have shorter wait times and a better overall experience. The seats on the gigantic wheel are luxurious, climate-controlled pods that can accommodate up to 40 passengers on a 30-minute revolution. On the High Roller pods, you can bring your own drinks or enjoy the open bar located inside the cabin.
7). Have fun at the Adventure Dome Indoor Theme Park
Adventure Dome Indoor Theme Park, located in the Circus Circus Hotel, is the largest indoor theme park in the United States. The sprawling park is open 365 days a year, so it is always an option for you and your family. It includes roller coasters, a 4D theatre, arcade games, thrill rides, bumper cars, rock climbing, a miniature golf course, laser adventures, and much more, all housed under a large glass dome. The five-acre adventure park caters to people of all ages, though the nature of the rides and attractions make it more appealing to children. It can keep you entertained for hours, no matter what the weather is like.
8). Visit the Mob Museum in Vegas
This is your chance to learn more about the place beyond the glitter. The history of Las Vegas is intertwined with organized crime and notorious mobsters such as Whitey Bulgur, John Gotti, Frank Costello, Meyer Lansky, Al Capone, and Bugsy Siegel. The Mob Museum chronicles the story of organized crime in Las Vegas and around the globe. It is located downtown in a historic federal courthouse where mobsters sat for federal hearings in 1950-51. Spread across four floors, the fascinating museum depicts the conflict between planned crime and law enforcement agencies through interactive displays, video clips, mob-related artifacts, hands-on FBI equipment, and memorabilia from both sides of the feud. The thoughtfully curated exhibits cover everything, from individuals and occurrences to the culture and trends associated with the times.
9). Test Your Skills at Dig This
Dig This is a crazy, one-of-a-kind recreational site where you can rent heavy machinery for recreational purposes. The “construction site” has modern caterpillar equipment such as excavators, skid steers, bulldozers, and wheel loaders. Only in Vegas can you select from any of these powerful machines and put your skills to the test by stacking enormous tires, digging trenches, crushing cars, building mounds, and playing bucket basketball. Don’t be concerned if you’ve never driven a large vehicle before. Instructors will teach and guide you until you have mastered all of the controls, and you will be given a radio headset in case you require additional assistance. Participate in a group activity or venture out on your own. It even has miniature versions so that children can join in.
10). Check out the Mandala Aquarium and Beach
Mandala Bay’s main attraction is its 11-acre aquarium, which includes a man-made beach, a lazy river, and a rolling wave pool, creating an oceanside atmosphere in the middle of the Nevada desert. The beach playground is lined with three bars and a grill, and you can sunbathe all day. The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandala Bay is home to over 2000 aquatic animals, including turtles, piranha, giant rays, fish, reptiles, and, of course, sharks. You can walk through the underwater tunnel as sharks swim above you. Alternatively, book a diving experience for a guided tour of the aquarium. If you don’t want to dive, the touch pool or shark feed are good options. Visit the Shipwreck Exhibit for incredible close-up views of exotic marine life.
11). Drive a Superfast Car at SPEEDVEGAS
Headquartered 10 minutes south of the Strip, SPEEDVEGAS It’s a racetrack where participants can choose a vehicle and tear up the road like the pros. You can get your adrenaline pumping with an exotic driving experience behind some of the world’s fastest, most luxurious cars like Ferraris, Aston Martins, Corvettes, Porsche, and Lamborghinis. Everyone from amateur to professional drivers comes to take turns around the track. Drivers must be at least 18 years old to drive expensive vehicles. If you are afraid of driving on your own, you can take a ride-along with a professional driver. The chance to sit in such high-end cars can never be cheap, but a SPEEDVEGAS experience is something you will remember and treasure for years to come.
12). Go Shopping in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a haven for shopaholics. All the top brand names for apparel, handbags, jewelry, footwear, and other items can be found here. Think of a brand, and you’ll find a store here. If you like designer brands, go to the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian or the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, where the stores are set in stunning Italian-inspired settings. The LINQ Promenade & the Fashion Show Mall opposite Wynn is a good place to shop for mid-range and high-street brands. If you’re looking for outlet shopping, check out Las Vegas North Premium Outlets and Las Vegas South Premium Outlets. Visit the Downtown Container Park in Downtown for an unusual shopping experience. The shops and restaurants are housed in recycled shipping containers.
13). Explore the Red Rock Canyon
If you want a break away from the bright lights, jackpot bells, and loud music for a while and enjoy nature’s wild, rugged beauty, this is the place to go. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located just outside of town and is ideal for a half-day trip. The canyon, which was formed by extreme tectonic forces around 65 million years ago, is mostly made up of Red Rock formations, hence the name. It is popular for outdoor activities such as rock climbing, bicycle trails, hiking, and camping. If you are reluctant to venture into the wilderness, you can take in the dramatic landscapes of the beautiful Mojave Desert and its signature red hills on a 13-mile one-way scenic loop drive.
14). Plan a Day Trip to The Grand Canyon
There is no better base camp than Vegas for a trip to the Grand Canyon, one of the most visited National Parks in the United States. The vast canyon spans more than 1.2 million acres and runs alongside the Colorado River. Depending on how much time you want to spend on the road, you can visit either the West Rim (2.5 hours) or the South Rim (4.5 hours). Although the South Rim is more spectacular, the West Rim has the popular Sky Walk.
Along the way, you can make quick stops at Joshua Tree National Park and Hoover Dam. The canyon offers a diverse range of trail and adventure sports. It takes at least a full day to appreciate and experience the grandeur and scale of the Grand Canyon. A helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon provides magnificent aerial views of the geological wonder. The tours are half-day or full-day and can include a landing inside the Grand Canyon. If you have the means, don’t pass up the opportunity because it will create memories for a lifetime.
15). Other Day Trips to Consider
If you are staying in Las Vegas for more than 3-4 days, you can plan other day trips besides the Grand Canyon. Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel that dammed the Colorado River in the 1930s and contributed greatly to the development of the United States. It is only 45 minutes from Las Vegas and is ideal for a half-day trip. Lake Mead is the reservoir created by the dam, and it is a popular destination for kayaking, water skiing, waterboarding, swimming, and tons of other activities.
You can also take a day trip to Death Valley National Park, which is about a 2-hour drive from Vegas. Massive sand dunes, painted mountain ranges, Badwater Basin, and vast panoramas may serve as sufficient persuasion to endure Death Valley’s harsh weather conditions. Valley of Fire State Park is another fantastic day trip option near Las Vegas. It’s 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. Over 40,000 acres of red rock formations, petrified trees, and prehistoric petroglyphs can be hiked and explored. While you’re there, check out the Beehives, Elephant Rock, Mouse’s Tank Road, Pastel Canyon, and Fire Wave.
You don’t have to be a gambling junkie to enjoy Vegas. There are numerous other recreational opportunities in the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,’ as the saying goes. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun in Las Vegas.