Of course, Las Vegas is known for its strip of extravagant casinos and resorts, enticing travelers from all over the world to try their hand at gambling.
You can stay, dine, shop, and gamble all in one resort if you wish. But what about those more keen on family time, outdoor adventures, and finding new heights? Read below to see some of the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble.
photo credit: The Strat via Facebook
1) Stratosphere
As an iconic symbol of Sin City, the Stratosphere Tower contains an observation platform with a rotating restaurant for quality views. The tower also contains the tallest SkyJump in the world, the SkyPod's thrill rides, and the highest bar in Las Vegas. The Stratosphere hosts three over-the-top thrill rides for adventure seekers: Big Shot, Insanity, and X-Scream.
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The Big Shot catapults riders from the platform up to the tower's mast at 1,1081 feet and down again. Further, Insanity spins riders 64 feet out over the edge of the SkyPod and then propels up to an angle of 70 degrees. Moreover, X-Scream propels riders head first 27 ft over the edge of the tower as you dangle weightlessly above the Strip.
For additional thrills, the SkyJump features an open-air leap from 855 feet above the Strip, holding the Guinness World Record as the highest commercial decelerator descent facility. Experience daytime, nighttime, and sunset jumps!
photo credit: Will Truettner via Unsplash
2) Outdoor Trips
Outside of Las Vegas lies gorgeous canyons and valleys, presenting colorful striations of ancient rock and desert foliage. Because of their majestic views and sights, visiting any of these green spaces is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble. You don't have to travel too far to visit any of one of these significant natural areas:
Springs Preserve
Featuring 180 acres of green space, the Springs Preserve sits in the middle of the city as a respite from the urban landscape. Boasting a botanical garden, hike and bike trails, archeological sites, and wildlife exhibits, the Springs Preserve protects Mojave Desert flora and fauna as well as other desert wildlife.
Eldorado Canyon Mine
Tour the Techatticup Mine based in Eldorado Canyon to see the oldest, richest, and most famous gold mine in Southern Nevada. Only 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, visitors can take a formal tour of the mines and caverns, as well as rent canoes and kayaks to navigate the Colorado River.
The Valley of the Fire
Located about 58 miles from the Strip, The Valley of the Fire sits in the Mojave Desert. As the oldest Nevada State Park, the area covers nearly 35,000 acres and is known for its vibrant red sandstone formations from the Mesozoic Era. Visitors can see prehistoric petroglyphs (rock art) from the Anasazi people, hike its numerous trails, and spot wildlife like kit foxes, desert tortoises, and bobcats.
Other outdoor trips:
3) Peruse the Neon Boneyard
Since 1996, the Neon Museum has collected, preserved, and exhibited iconic Las Vegas signs from the 1930s onward to the public, with its most popular attraction being the Neon Boneyard of signs. You can view the collection within the museum, boneyard, and visitors' center on a self-guided tour or take a hour-long guided tour. Check the calendar for available days and times to tour one of the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble.
photo credit: Golden Nugget Las Vegas via Facebook
4) Golden Nugget Shark Tank
Open Wednesdays and Sundays, the shark tank within Golden Nugget's resort enables guests to take a guided tour of the impressive 200,000 gallon shark tank aquarium. A marine biologist will show you how the tank operates, feed the sharks, and educate guests on the different species. You can even go home with a souvenir shark tooth. Additionally, the resort's pool enables you to swim (separately) next to the shark tank.
5) Fremont Street
Showcasing live entertainment, countless dining and shopping options, zipline tours, and free concerts, visitors can spend hours on this vivacious strip. Further, the Viva Vision light shows offer sensational, free performances to end the evening on a high note. Additionally, the free concert series welcomes guests to listen to big name artists such as Cheap Trick, Puddle of Mudd, and Vanilla Ice. Get lost in the neon chaos as you experience of the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble.
6) View the Bellagio Water Show
Feel dazzled by the complexly choreographed fountain show in front the of the Bellagio resort. This free dynamic show features lights and a music concert that combines classical, opera, Broadway, and pop songs. Performing daily, it's definitely worth it to take in the sights of the show before heading to your next destination. Not to be missed, seeing the water show is one of the top things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble.
7) Shows & Concerts
From comedic performances to magic shows, tribute shows, and circus performances, Las Vegas brings entertainment to the forefront for guests of all ages. Even better, Tripster provides deals on numerous top-rated performances, including:
VEGAS! The Show
Highlighting the best acts in Las Vegas, VEGAS! The Show brings true showmanship and extravagance to the stage. With performances every evening at the Saxe Theater within the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino, guests can view such acts as impersonators, magicians, showgirls, and cool jazz. A VIP option is available to gain access to reserved seating, VIP line entry, and premium treatment.
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
Featured on programs like The Tonight Show, David Letterman as well as publications such as USA Today, the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is a must-see for the whole family. Animal lovers can revel in Gregory Popovich’s cast of 30 adopted, trained animals performing unbelievable acts. This old-school performance dazzles audiences at the V Theater on the Strip.
The Mentalist
Gerry McCambridge brings The Mentalist to Vegas, stunning audiences with magic, mindreading, and comedy at The Mentalist show at the V Theater in the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. McCambridge taps into audience members’ personal history by revealing intimate details and performs impossible illusionist tricks on stage. If you are a fan of The Mentalist, this is a must-see performance.
photo credit: The Mob Museum via Facebook
8) Museum Hopping
The Mob Museum offers a detailed glimpse into the life of organized crime and its history with law enforcement in Vegas' restored former courthouse from 1933. Experience how various mobs and gangs have been portrayed in the media as well as their roles during Prohibition and beyond. The Mob Museum gives an authentic view of organized crime in the local areas in addition to other prominent cities in the United States and around the world.
Pinball Hall of Fame
The Pinball Hall of Fame contains 10,000 square feet of classic pinball machine games. These restored pinball machines cost 25 to 50 cents to play and allow adults and kids alike to experience competitive fun. On the other hand, if you're interested in playing at the hall as well as a combined cannabis and barbecue tour, check out the Pinball Hall of Fame Crawl Las Vegas (21+).
Other noteworthy museums:
9) Helicopter Flights
Soar above beautiful natural areas such as the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, the Colorado River, and the Hoover Dam to gain a magnificent bird's eye view. However, if you care for stunning one-of-a-kind views of Las Vegas, you can take a helicopter tour of the city as well. Make sure to bring your cameras and get ready to experience the ride of a lifetime. Receive fantastic deals on helicopters tours such as:
photo credit: FOX5 Las Vegas via Facebook
10) High Roller Observation Wheel
The High Roller Observation Wheel enables visitors to obtain 360-degree views of the city on the world's largest observation wheel. Reaching up to 550 feet with 28 spacious cabins available, guests can spend 30 minutes admiring the sights o the city Make sure to bring your camera, although the Total Snapshot kiosk provides photos of your ride available for purchase. Tickets are available from 11:30 am to 2 am every day.
11) Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Vegas Balloon Rides offers unique views and lasting memories. See Las Vegas, the Red Rock Mountains, and the Southwest Valley from soaring heights at sunrise. Each flight takes nearly an hour long and includes a champagne toast as you gently float into the sky. Feel at peace above the landscape as you relax and drift.
12) Skydiving
Whether you prefer to jump out of an airplane or drift dramatically inside a chamber, Las Vegas has you covered. Skydiving Las Vegas takes guests on the thrill ride of a lifetime as you soar in tandem with National Champion skydivers. Note that participants must be at least 18 years of age, and professional photos and videos are available afterward. On the flip side, adrenaline junkies can feel safer by defying gravity indoors at Vegas Indoor Skydiving. Float, fly, and free fall with winds up to 120 mph generated by a 1,000 horsepower motor.
photo credit: Seven Magic Mountains via Facebook
13) Adventuredome Theme Park
Fun for both kids and kids-at-heart, the Adventuredome Theme Park in Circus Circus Hotel & Resort presents a wonderland of thrill rides, laser tag, rock climbing, mini golf, and more. Try your hand at the various midway games to win fantastic prizes or compete with one another in the arcade areas. Moreover, guests can enjoy the ice skating rink, challenge each other in a game of mini-bowling, and watch free clown shows.
14) Race Cars
Thrill enthusiasts can experience the pleasure of driving high-powered exotic cars and off-road vehicles on the longest and fastest racetracks in Las Vegas. SpeedVegas in particular offers customers award-winning racetracks to test out high-powered exotic vehicles like a Ferrari to bring their sportswear fantasies to life. Featuring 60' of elevation change, 12 challenging turns, and a half-mile straightaway, this is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble.
Also, SpeedVegas showcases off-road truck experiences on a desert track so you can feel like you're racing in sand dunes. Experience a 50-foot jump, elevation changes, 13 steep turns, and 8 high jumps. Note that drivers must have a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years old to participate.
Other racing attractions include:
15) Seven Magic Mountains Tour
Do not miss out on the newly renovated Seven Magic Mountains public art installation south of Las Vegas in the Ivanpah Valley. Designed by respected Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, this massive work of wonder is constructed by seven towers of vibrantly colored, stacked boulders that reach more than thirty feet high. The tour offers guests comfortable transportation, water, and snacks.
How Will You Spend Your Vacation in Las Vegas?
With so many things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble, everyone in the family can experience the fun this prime entertainment city offers. For more ideas and deals, visit Tripster Las Vegas.
