35 Crazy Cool Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gambling
Searching for things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling? You’re in the right place! You won’t find a better list than this…
Name another place on Earth like Las Vegas — you can’t. Las Vegas is so much more than just gambling, and anyone who’s been there will agree. But the casinos often dominate the scene, overshadowing some of the incredible experiences you can have while visiting, especially on the Strip.
You won’t find any wax museums or Venetian boat rides on this list, and we’re not even mentioning Fremont Street or seeing a show (but let’s be honest, catching a show is a must). Instead, we’re showcasing the best of the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling, tailored for travelers seeking unique and one-of-a-kind experiences.
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Cool Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gambling
There are so many awesome things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling that we broke them down by area: on the Strip, near the Strip (a longer walk or Uber ride away), and a short drive from the Strip (20 – 30 minutes).
Cool Things to Do on the Strip
These activities are all located right on the Strip, but keep in mind, that the Strip is several miles long! We usually walk on foot and occasionally use the Monorail if it aligns with our destination. But if something is further than we’re willing to walk, we just grab an Uber. With such short distances, this is a cheap and convenient way to get around if you need a break from walking.
1. Cruise the Strip in a Talking GoCar
Bet you didn’t know you could cruise down the Strip in a GPS Guided Talking GoCar! This tour is a great way to learn about the history of the Strip and get your bearings, especially if it’s your first time visiting Las Vegas. It’s essentially a sightseeing tour but with the added fun of driving a unique vehicle (and being your own guide).
You’ll be in a compact, three-wheeled GoCar equipped with GPS and built-in audio that guides you along the exact route while providing interesting commentary. You can choose between a 1-hour, 2-hour, or 3-hour tour, where you’ll cruise around town as the car shares the history of everything you pass by. It’s a really cool experience, and we recommend doing it early in your trip, so you’ll have a better idea of what you want to go back and see more of.
To get the most out of it, take the tour in the morning to beat the traffic and the heat. The GoCars are open-air, so there’s no AC, but they do have cool misting fans built right in. Book your tour here.
2. Ride Flyover Vegas
Flyover Vegas is an immersive flight simulation that creates the sensation of flying through breathtaking landscapes. Though you’re only about 10 feet off the ground, the ride uses mist, scents, and wind to make you feel like you’re soaring over waterfalls, mountains, and more. It reminds us of Epcot’s Soarin’ Around the World!
This ride is perfect for those looking for a thrilling yet smooth experience. You’ll be suspended in the air in front of a massive 50-foot curved screen, where the lights dim and the adventure begins. And if you’re scared of roller coasters, don’t worry, this is nothing like a coaster! The thrill comes from the visuals, so if you feel scared at any point, simply close your eyes and you’ll realize you’re barely moving.
Flyover Vegas is suitable for all ages, but there is a height requirement of 40″. It’s conveniently located near the center of the Strip, next to Hard Rock Cafe. Grab your tickets here!
3. Visit the Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions in Las Vegas is no museum at all — it’s a mind-bending attraction that offers a collection of interactive exhibits designed to challenge your perception of reality. As you walk through the museum, you’ll encounter optical illusions, holograms, and cleverly designed rooms that distort space and trick the eye. It’s a puzzling and entertaining experience.
Unsurprisingly, the most popular thing to do here is snap photos! The photos you take will leave your friends wondering how you defied gravity or appeared to shrink in size. It’s great for all ages and perfect for anyone looking to add a little wonder to their day. It’s located between Aria and The Cosmopolitan, right in the heart of the Strip. Grab your tickets here!
4. Ride the High Roller
The High Roller in Las Vegas is not your average Ferris wheel — it’s a towering 550-foot observation wheel that offers unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip. As you slowly ascend in one of the spacious, air-conditioned cabins, you’ll be treated to stunning 360-degree views of the city’s glittering lights and iconic landmarks. This is one of our favorite things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling!
What makes the High Roller experience truly unique is the option to enjoy an open bar right inside your cabin. Sip on cocktails as you take in the breathtaking sights, making this not just a ride, but a full-fledged Las Vegas experience. Rides are available day or night, but the views of the Strip lit up at night are hard to beat, so we suggest waiting until dark! The wheel is located in The Linq Hotel’s promenade area. Grab your tickets here!
5. Try Indoor Skydiving
The Indoor Skydiving Experience in Las Vegas offers the thrill of freefall without ever having to jump out of a plane. You’ll basically float on a cushion of air inside a vertical wind tunnel, which gives you the sensation of skydiving while staying safely indoors. It’s an exciting and accessible way to feel the rush of skydiving, for those who have a fear of the real thing!
You’ll start by suiting up and then you’ll have a safety briefing with a professional instructor. Once inside the tube, when the air kicks on, you’ll instantly be in zero gravity. All ages and skill levels can participate, but there are some pretty strict weight restrictions, so be sure to read the fine print. You can book your experience here!
6. Shoot a Machine Gun in the Desert
Shooting a machine gun is pretty niche, but if this sounds interesting to you, Vegas is the best place to do it! This particular experience offers the chance to fire a variety of high-powered firearms, including machine guns, all under the guidance of professional instructors. And if you need a ride, they’ll even pick you up in a Military Humvee.
Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced shooter, this activity provides a safe way to experience the power and precision of weapons that you couldn’t get your hands on otherwise. Book your experience here!
💣Antisocial Tourist Tip: If you want to shoot outdoors, try this desert shooting experience. If you’re more interested in shooting a sniper rifle, check out this sniper experience. And if you’re feeling really wild, you can splurge on this Apocalypse Shooting Experience.
7. Watch the Fountain Show from Lago
Dining at Lago by Julian Serrano offers a front-row seat to the Bellagio Fountain show! And they take reservations — so you can guarantee your view. Located at the Bellagio Hotel, this upscale Italian restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio, with breathtaking views of the fountain show.
For the best experience, Lago is all about timing. Aim to dine around sunset or later in the evening when the fountain shows are more frequent and beautifully lit. The prime dining times between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm are usually reserved over a month in advance, so make your reservation as soon as you can. And if you’re feeling romantic, book the Lover’s Experience for a guaranteed front-row patio seat, a dozen roses, and a professional photo!
8. Take a Helicopter Ride Over the Strip
Taking a helicopter ride over the Strip at night is an incredibly cool experience! As you soar above the city, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the Strip. This is perfect for special occasions or just adding a touch of luxury to your trip.
The flight itself only lasts about 10 minutes, but this is a bucket list experience that is actually quite affordable compared to helicopter tours in other parts of the world. This tour also includes optional transportation from your hotel, or you can meet them at a small airport about 10 minutes from the Strip. If you’ve been to Vegas numerous times and you’re looking to mix it up, this is a great way to do it. Book your flight here!
9. See the Sphere Experience
The Las Vegas Sphere is a groundbreaking entertainment venue with a 580,000-square-foot LED display on its exterior and a 160,000-square-foot wraparound LED display inside. With over 18,000 seats that offer an immersive viewing experience, the Sphere hosts a variety of events, including concerts and marquee sporting events.
But if you don’t plan on attending a residency concert or a special event at the Sphere, you can still stop by for one of the best immersive experiences in Vegas, called Postcard from Earth. Postcard from Earth is a full sensory experience that immerses you in breathtaking landscapes displayed on the wraparound screen. It’s comparable to Epcot’s Soarin’ the World or Flyover Vegas, but with stationary seats. It’s also similar to Illuminarium (more on that later).
10. Sneak Into a Speakeasy
Vegas has several worthwhile speakeasies, but our favorite (so far) is The Lock! The Lock is an immersive speakeasy experience that reminds us of a mini escape room game that ends with an amazing cocktail. Be warned — there is a two-drink minimum and the drinks are pricey! But what isn’t in Vegas?
You do need to make a reservation online, but figuring out how to get in is up to you. You’ll start by going to the Cabinet of Curiosities which is a cocktail bar inside of Horseshoe Las Vegas (formerly Bally’s). Inside this bar, you’ll see a phone on the wall next to a door with a lock over it. Pick up the phone and tell the person on the other end the name you put on your reservation (this is your password).
The door will open and you’ll be led into a room where a narrative is revealed, setting the stage for the puzzle you need to solve. As you work through the clues, you’ll find parts of the code hidden within various locks. Once you work out the code, you enter it into one of the doors, which then opens to reveal a passageway. You’ll crawl through and find a 1920s-themed speakeasy on the other side (if you don’t want to crawl, they will let you through a different secret door).
Once you’re inside, you can order from the cocktail menu, or fill out a personality card to have the bartender craft a custom drink for you based on your answers! And the best part? There’s a second speakeasy inside the speakeasy! Look for the photo on the wall to the right of the bar and pull on it to reveal another hidden room!
11. Join an ATV Desert Tour
An ATV desert tour is a thrilling way to experience the beauty of the Mojave Desert just outside of Las Vegas. This adventure lets you hop on an all-terrain vehicle and ride through the stunning desert landscape, navigating rocky trails, sandy dunes, and wide-open spaces. It’s a high-energy experience that differs greatly from the glitz and glam of the Strip.
This particular tour takes you deep into the Mojave Desert, where you can feel the wind in your hair as you speed through the expansive terrain. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or just want to see the desert up close, an ATV tour offers a memorable and exciting way to experience the lesser known side of Las Vegas. Book your tour here!
12. Take a Pole Dancing Class
Stripper 101 is a fun and empowering pole dancing class that invites you to let loose and learn some new moves! Designed for all skill levels, and all body types, this class teaches you the basics of pole dancing and lap dancing in a supportive, judgment-free environment. This is the perfect activity for a girl’s trip to Vegas!
The class is about an hour long and it’s led by experienced instructors who make sure everyone feels comfortable and has a good time. You’ll even leave with a certificate of completion — because who wouldn’t want to remember their pole dancing debut? The class is located at the V Theater, which is inside the Planet Hollywood Resort’s Miracle Mile Shops. Book your class here!
13. Play America’s Best Escape Game
Escape rooms are pretty much everywhere now, but Escape Game Las Vegas has been named the best in the country! If you love escape games or if you’ve never tried one before, Vegas is the place to do it. And just in case you’ve never heard of them — an escape game is an experience where you’re locked in a room and given a limited time to solve puzzles and find clues to escape.
The Escape Game Las Vegas is located in The Forum Shops, at Caesar’s Palace, which is one of the most iconic places to stay on the Strip. You can choose from six different games, ranging from special ops missions to museum heists. Guests of all ages are welcome, but be sure to book in advance. Some games are shared with other players unless you reserve a private room for larger groups. Reserve your game here!
14. Ride the Big Apple Coaster
The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York Hotel is a classic Las Vegas experience that’s both touristy and totally worth it. This high-speed roller coaster zips through the iconic New York skyline replica, complete with sharp turns, drops, and even a loop. And although it is touristy, it’s exactly what we love about the Vegas Strip… it’s like being in an amusement park (with way fewer kids).
The Big Apple Coaster is also a great way to take a break from the Vegas heat because the line for the ride is indoors. And the coaster is located near the center of the Strip, so you’ll likely pass it at some point anyway. It’s easy to buy tickets on the spot too, so you can decide on this one in the moment if you’re unsure! But if you do want to pre-book your tickets, grab them here.
15. Have a Professional Photoshoot on the Strip
For some reason, no one ever thinks of doing a photoshoot while visiting Las Vegas, which is crazy! Vegas is the perfect place for a destination photoshoot! Stop worrying about squeezing the Strip’s iconic sights into a selfie and hire a professional photographer instead!
This photoshoot pairs you with a professional photographer who knows all the best spots on the Strip, ensuring you get amazing photos that truly capture the essence of Las Vegas. Plus, it’s a great way to explore the area, as your photographer will guide you to some of the most photogenic locations. Whether it’s your first time in Vegas or you’re a frequent visitor, a personalized photoshoot is a unique way to elevate your trip. Book your photoshoot here!
16. Rent a Slingshot
Looking to cruise around Las Vegas in style? Rent a slingshot! A slingshot is a three-wheeled, open-air roadster that provides an exhilarating driving experience, combining the fun of a motorcycle with the stability of a car. With the wind in your hair and the Strip’s neon lights all around you, cruising in a Slingshot is an awesome way to see Las Vegas from a whole new perspective.
You can rent this slingshot for one hour, three hours, or a full day — and the pick-up location is conveniently located on the Strip. This rental experience allows you to explore at your own pace, whether you want to drive down the iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, head out to Red Rock Canyon, or just enjoy the freedom of the open road. This is different than the GoCar experience we recommended earlier because slingshots are much faster and they don’t come with a built-in tour guide. Book your slingshot here!
17. Rock a Fur Coat at the Ice Bar
Minus 5 Ice Bar is one of the “coolest” (pun intended) things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling! As the name suggests, everything inside the bar — from the walls to the furniture to the glasses — is made entirely of ice and kept at a brisk -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit). There are three locations to choose from on the Strip: The Linq, Mandalay Bay, and The Venetian.
Once you arrive, you’ll be sized for a parka and gloves. You can also upgrade to wear one of their luxury fur coats, which is what we recommend! And if you’re wearing open-toed shoes, don’t worry, you’ll be given booties to keep your toes warm. After a quick briefing, you’ll enter the small bar where everything is made of ice. You can admire the sculptures or take a seat on the fur-lined ice benches and order a drink. Pay the entry fee on the spot or pre-book here.
💣Antisocial Tourist Tip: Even though it’s a bar, Minus 5 allows children inside. Before 9:00 pm, kids aged 7 – 12 are allowed inside with a parent. We presume this means children over 13 are allowed inside at any time.
18. Have a Drink Inside the World’s Largest Chandelier
The Chandelier Lounge at The Cosmopolitan Hotel is more than just a bar! This place has become iconic to Las Vegas. It’s a multi-level lounge that’s encased in a glittering curtain of crystals, creating the illusion that you’re sipping your cocktail inside a giant, shimmering chandelier. And it is technically a chandelier — one of the largest in the world, actually.
The lounge spans three levels, each offering a unique atmosphere and drink menu, making it the perfect spot to unwind or start your night out in style. And even if you only stop by for a quick drink, it’s worth a visit! It’s conveniently located right in the center of the Strip, near the Bellagio Fountains. It’s also a great place for people-watching, as much of The Cosmopolitan’s casino surrounds the lounge.
19. Eat at a Celebrity Chef Restaurant
Eating at a celebrity chef restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip is a must-do for any food lover or cooking show fan! The Strip has an impressive lineup of world-renowned restaurants led by celebrity chefs, and trying some of your favorite chefs’ restaurants is a fun way to experience the food of the people you watch and admire on TV!
There are too many to name here, but some of our favorites include Gordan Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, Gordan Ramsay Burger, and Gordan Ramsay Fish & Chips (we’re big Ramsay fans)! We also love Giada by Giada De Laurentiis and Morimoto by Masaharu Morimoto. Bobby Flay also has a restaurant called Amalfi.
20. Level Up Your Golf Game
Championship-level golf, Topgolf, Virtual golf — choose your style! Playing golf on the Strip is a popular thing to do in Las Vegas. If you’re looking for a classic game, you can play 9 holes at the Bali Hai Golf Club, which is the only championship golf course that remains on the Las Vegas Strip today. This course isn’t part of a hotel, it’s a standalone course located just south of Mandalay Bay.
Next, there’s Topgolf, which is great for a more relaxing and social experience. Topgolf is a multi-level entertainment venue where players hit microchipped golf balls at giant, dartboard-like targets on an outfield. The closer you get your ball to the center of the target, and the farther the distance, the more points you score. The Topgolf venue is located behind The Signature at MGM Grand.
And finally, if simulated or virtual golf is more your style, Five Iron Golf is the place to go. Play a full 18 holes without ever stepping outside. You can even take a lesson with a PGA professional! This is located at AREA15, which is super close to the Strip, but not directly on it.
21. Get Touristy at the Theme Hotels
Yes, this is super touristy, but the theme hotels on the Strip are awesome and shouldn’t be overlooked. Strolling through the theme hotels is a quintessential Vegas experience, and everyone should do it at least once! At Flamingo Las Vegas, you can explore the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat. Over at Mandalay Bay, you can visit the most incredible aquarium we’ve ever seen — Shark Reef Aquarium.
For a taste of Venice, take a Gondola Ride at The Venetian, complete with singing gondoliers. Or you can Climb the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. And even the theme hotels without attractions are worth visiting! Caesars Palace is like walking into a different world. The Luxor has an Egyptian theme and cool decor. In our opinion, each theme hotel is worth exploring! Well, except for Circus Circus, you can skip that place.
22. Grab a Slice at Secret Pizza (If You Can Find It)
If you love speakeasies, you’ll love this one — a secret pizza place. This pizza place started with no name, no address, and no directions. You simply had to stumble upon it. But today, it’s so popular, that it’s earned the official name of Secret Pizza and the secret is out about it’s location, although it is still difficult to find (but that’s part of the fun).
Secret Pizza is tucked away at the end of an unmarked, record-lined corridor on the third floor of The Cosmopolitan Hotel. There is absolutely no signage and no way of knowing if you’re in the right place, other than the likely long line of people waiting to grab a slice. And after trying it ourselves (and repeatedly standing in line longer than we care to admit), we see why this place couldn’t stay a secret. The New York-style pizza here is incredible!
💣Antisocial Tourist Tip: Secret Pizza is a grab-and-go style restaurant with only a small bar along the wall to eat. Once you get your order, take it down to the second floor of the hotel and you’ll find a large, open seating area to your left!
23. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at the STRAT Tower
Normally we don’t bother venturing as far north as The STRAT Hotel (formerly the Stratosphere), but if you’re searching for an adrenaline rush, this is the place to go! Standing at 1,149 feet above the Strip, this towering landmark offers some of the most thrilling rides you’ll find anywhere. The highlight is SkyJump, where you can leap off the tower in a controlled free-fall, plummeting 829 feet at speeds up to 40 mph. It’s an experience that simulates skydiving, offering both thrills and incredible views of the city.
If you’re looking for more heart-pounding action, try Big Shot, which launches you 160 feet in the air from the top of the tower, or Insanity, a ride that spins you out over the edge of the tower, 900 feet above the ground. Finally, X-Scream is a massive teeter-totter that dangles you over the side of the building before pulling you back for another plunge. You can grab an unlimited ride pass here!
Cool Things to Do Near the Strip
These activities are all super close to the Strip, but not technically on it. We’re talking less than 2 miles away, but without a good pedestrian path to get there. AREA15 in particular is within walking distance from some of the hotels on the Strip, but it’s a complicated walk on several main roads, so we recommend driving or grabbing an Uber instead.
24. Explore AREA15
AREA15 is a cutting-edge entertainment complex that offers immersive and otherworldly experiences in Las Vegas. It’s often referred to as the Immersive District because of its high concentration of epic immersive experiences. A couple of AREA15’s attractions, like Meow Wolf and Illuminarium, are on this list as separate activities. But AREA15 is worth visiting even if you don’t plan on buying tickets to one of their popular attractions.
The AREA15 complex has tons to see, including several bars, eateries, a retail space, interactive art and exhibits, a VR experience, and a few small rides. It’s a whole vibe though, like nothing you’ve seen before. AREA15 is located less than 2 miles from the Strip.
25. Get Lost at Illuminarium
Illuminarium is a 360-degree immersive experience that lets you step directly into a movie-like environment with realistic sensations, sounds, and scents. Choose between a journey across the galaxy in SPACE, a safari adventure in WILD, or a magical world in LITE BRITE, where the walls, floors, and ceilings transform to surround you with stunning projections. At night, it becomes an adults-only experience with signature cocktails.
Guests of all ages are welcome during the day, but after dark it becomes a 21 and up bar scene. Tickets are sold for specific showtimes, rather than a timed entry window, so be sure to arrive on time. This is one of the best immersive experiences in Las Vegas, and it’s found in the Immersive District known as AREA15.
26. Trip Out at Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf is an immersive art experience filled with optical illusions, secret passages, and mind-bending art. Visitors can explore dozens of trippy rooms connected by hidden passageways that reveal portals to other worlds, with each Meow Wolf location (there are several) offering a completely unique experience.
Meow Wolf is located inside AREA15, just a couple of miles from the Strip. The Las Vegas Meow Wolf theme is Omega Mart – a grocery store filled with surreal and whimsical products, where visitors are encouraged to interact with the exhibits and uncover the mysteries hidden within. Tickets are sold on a timed system, so be sure to buy tickets in advance!
27. Get High at the Dazed Lounge
Move over Amsterdam, Vegas is coming for you! Smoking weed has become widely accepted in many places around the world in recent years, but if it’s something you haven’t tried yet, Vegas is a great place to give it a go! One of the best spots to do this is at the Dazed Lounge at Planet 13, the world’s largest cannabis dispensary and entertainment complex. Located just off the Strip, Planet 13 offers a luxurious and safe environment to try cannabis, and the Dazed Lounge is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy your experience.
The Dazed Lounge allows you to smoke, vape, or consume edibles purchased from the dispensary, all while enjoying the lounge’s chill atmosphere. With knowledgeable staff on hand to help guide your choices, even first-timers can feel at ease. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a day of exploring Vegas or simply curious to try something new, the Dazed Lounge is worth checking out. Table reservations are encouraged! Book your table here.
28. Dine in the Dark at BLACKOUT
Dining in the dark is a sensory experience where you enjoy a meal in complete darkness, allowing your other senses to take center stage. With no description of what you’re eating, you’ll rely on taste, smell, touch, and sound to fully experience the meal.
Dining in the dark experiences have popped up in a few other states, but many locations blindfold their guests to create darkness. BLACKOUT Dining in the Dark Las Vegas is the only true blackout dining experience that we’ve found, because they create a pitch-black space and the servers use night vision goggles to navigate the room. Guests must be 13 years or older, and reservations are highly recommended. Book your table here!
29. Feel the Vibe at the Golden Tiki
A couple miles from the Strip, in an unassuming strip mall in the heart of Chinatown, is a bar called The Golden Tiki. This hidden gem is an immersive, tiki-themed, tropical escape. The bar is known for its elaborate decor, featuring everything from tiki idols and shrunken heads to a glowing, starry sky. The atmosphere is a mix of kitsch and mystique, the menu is extensive, and the drinks are exotic (and often involve fire).
Besides being a feast for your eyes, The Golden Tiki is a hotspot for entertainment. With live music, burlesque shows, and even a photo booth for capturing your tropical adventure, there’s always something exciting happening. This bar really shouldn’t be missed! Reservations are recommended.
Cool Things to Do a Short Drive from the Strip
These activities are all a short drive from the Strip — between 20 and 30 minutes away. You can still get to these spots by Uber, although the trip may be a bit pricey. Some of these activities do offer hotel pick-up.
30. Bulldoze Your Feelings at Dig This
Distance from Strip: Roughly 30 minutes
Dig This is a construction-themed playground where you can operate bulldozers, excavators, and other massive equipment to dig, push, and play in the dirt. Yes, seriously — you can drive heavy machinery on your own, even with no experience. Dig trenches, stack tires, play excavator basketball… the options are endless.
Dig This is perfect for those looking for something out of the ordinary, and it’s a great way to blow off some steam. They offer tons of different packages, and they even have a mini excavator experience for kids! Book your dig here!
31. Drive a Supercar at the Speed Vegas Track
Distance from Strip: Roughly 30 minutes
Driving a supercar in Las Vegas is the ultimate thrill for both car enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies! At Exotic Racing, you can get behind the wheel of your dream car and tear up the Speed Vegas track at incredible speeds. Whether it’s a Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Porsche, these experiences let you feel the power and precision of some of the world’s most luxurious supercars on a professionally designed racecourse.
This Two-Hour Exotic Car Driving Experience will get you up to speeds of 130 mph as you race around the track for at least five laps. All equipment is provided and you’ll have a race coach in the car with you to provide guidance and support. Book your luxury car experience here!
32. Visit the Lion Habitat Ranch
Distance from Strip: Roughly 30 minutes
The Lion Habitat Ranch is a rescue center that provides a safe and caring home for lions that were formerly mistreated by being put on display at MGM hotels from 1997 to 2012. Today they care for over 30 lions, as well as other animals like ostriches and emus. Visitors can walk through the facility and observe the animals up close while learning about the ranch’s conservation efforts.
Instead of being sad about how these animals were treated in the past, the ranch shows you that the animals have been given a second chance. Despite the past and the circumstances, they are now living their best lives, while being cared for by humans who truly have a passion for their wellbeing.
The ranch offers interactive experiences too, such as feeding the lions or taking a behind-the-scenes tour, allowing visitors to connect with the animals in a meaningful way. It’s a perfect outing for families, animal lovers, or anyone looking to support a worthy cause while doing something a little different in Las Vegas. Book your tickets here!
33. Drive to the Seven Magic Mountains
Distance from Strip: Roughly 35 minutes
Visiting the Seven Magic Mountains in Las Vegas is a must! This place is awesome and well worth the drive. The Seven Magic Mountains is a large-scale public art installation that features seven towering stacks of brightly colored boulders set against the backdrop of the Mojave Desert. This is a great spot for photos, a peaceful walk, or a simple escape from the busy city.
Seven Magic Mountains is a bit too far in our opinion to take an Uber, because once there, you may have a hard time getting an Uber back to the city. It’s best to have your own car if you visit here. If you don’t have your own car, there are several sightseeing tours worth exploring that include a stop here. We recommend this California Desert, Seven Magic Mountains and Las Vegas Sign Tour or this Hoover Dam and Seven Magic Mountains Small Group Tour.
34. Tour the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden
Distance from Strip: Roughly 20 minutes
The Ethel M Chocolate Factory is a place where you can explore the art of chocolate-making and enjoy chocolate tastings. Visitors can take a free self-guided tour of the factory and watch the chocolatiers craft the chocolates while learning about the candy-making process. Even if you skip the tour, it’s still worth stopping by for some chocolates!
Ethel M’s also features a 3-acre Botanical Cactus Garden, which is one of the largest collections of its kind in the Southwest. It’s free to visit and offers a serene setting to stroll among more than 300 species of cacti and other desert plants. Stopping by Ethel M’s is a great way to escape the busy Strip for a sweet treat and some natural beauty.
💣Antisocial Tourist Tip: Try the Bananas Foster Truffles!
35. Explore the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary
Distance from Strip: Roughly 30 minutes
Las Vegas is known for its wild atmosphere, and sometimes that extends to the residents who live there because many locals take on the challenge of owning exotic pets. And when the reality of caring for an exotic pet sinks in, these pet owners abandon their exotic friends without a second thought. It’s really sad but true! That’s where the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary steps in.
This sanctuary provides a safe haven for abandoned or seized exotic pets and is dedicated to educating the public about the challenges and lifelong commitment required to care for these unique creatures. They have over 500 rescued pets, including goats, parrots, macaws, pigs, emus, donkeys, llamas, and reptiles. The sanctuary is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, with admission fees of $10 per adult and $5 for minors. All proceeds directly support the animals and the sanctuary’s mission.
Best Time to Visit Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a year-round destination! But the best time to visit largely depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and events. If you want to avoid the extreme heat, avoid summer altogether. On the contrary, if you’re assuming it’s hot year-round, think again — the winter months are surprisingly cool.
December through March are the coolest months, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the low 70s. The weather starts warming up into the 80s and 90s in April and May, and June through September bring the highest temps, often reaching into triple digits. October and November stay between the mid-70s to mid-80s.
It’s not just about the weather though… Las Vegas hosts numerous conventions, festivals, and events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking the event calendar when planning your trip. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and find better deals on accommodations, aim for weekdays rather than weekends, and steer clear of major holidays.
How to Get Around Las Vegas
Getting around Las Vegas is pretty easy, and there are plenty of transportation options to choose from. Whether you prefer the convenience of rideshares, the excitement of the monorail, or simply walking along the Strip, getting around the city can be as entertaining as the attractions themselves.
Walking. If you’re mostly hanging out on the Strip, the best way to get around is to walk. The Strip is several miles long through, and while it might seem manageable in theory, the distances between hotels and attractions are deceiving. Comfortable shoes are a must and remember to stay hydrated, especially in the hotter months. Many of the major resorts are connected by pedestrian bridges, making it easier to navigate the busy streets.
Monorail. The Las Vegas Monorail is a quick and efficient way to travel along the east side of the Strip. The Monorail has stations at MGM, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah’s/The Linq, and the Las Vegas Convention Center. There is a fee to ride though, so don’t confuse this with the free hotel trams that connect select hotels on the Strip.
Rideshares. We love Uber, and fortunately, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Las Vegas. We often grab an Uber to get from one hotel to another if we’re tired of walking. Just be aware that most hotels and attractions have designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off points. Your driver will not just pull up on the curb where you’re standing, so pay attention to the instructions on the app.
Deuce Bus. The Deuce is a double-decker bus that runs 24/7 along the Strip and into Downtown Las Vegas. It’s a cost-effective way to get around, with stops at almost every major hotel and attraction. The bus is air-conditioned and offers great views of the Strip from the upper deck. You can purchase tickets on board, or at various ticket machines around town.
Rent a Car. Las Vegas is a very drivable city, even the Strip. As long as you can find parking, don’t think twice about driving in Las Vegas — it’s easy! We always rent a car in Las Vegas so we can venture away from the Strip on our own, but that’s just our style. If you don’t plan on going far from the Strip, you shouldn’t need a car at all to get around.
Trams and Shuttles. Several hotels on the Strip offer free trams and shuttles that connect to nearby properties. For example, there’s a tram that runs between the Bellagio, Aria, and Park MGM, and another that connects Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur. These trams are convenient for hopping between hotels without having to walk long distances.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
Our favorite place to stay in Las Vegas is right in the center of the Strip! The whole point of Vegas is to be over the top, so we like to stay right in the heart of it. Luckily, there are plenty of awesome hotels on the Strip to choose from! Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Bellagio
- The Cosmopolitan
- Jockey Club
- The Venetian
- Marriott’s Grand Chateau
- Hilton Grand Vacations Club Elara
- The Signature at MGM Grand
Las Vegas Resources
- Need to book a place to stay? Head here!
- Interested in a Go City Pass? Click Here!
- Looking for unique things to do? Look Here!
- Considering a car rental? Go Here!
- Visiting from another country? Stay Connected!
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