The Best Things To Do In Las Vegas

Written By: Kristen Cook

Affectionately known around the world as ‘Sin City’ Las Vegas is an adult playground that features some of the most luxurious hotel brands and restaurants, as well as high class shopping, nightlight and, of course, all those casinos! While Las Vegas is the place to go when you want to let loose and have a blast, it’s also got plenty of other scenic destinations and activities for those who don’t necessarily want to spend their whole stay inside a casino – which also gives you a variety of things to do if you’re travelling with children.

Due to its desert location, Las Vegas is best enjoyed during fall or spring in order to beat the heat. Of course, if you want to enjoy the iconic summer experience – complete with days of lounging at one of the many pool spots, there are plenty of visitors who descend upon Las Vegas even during the height of summer. When you need to get out of the casino and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, you can walk up and down Las Vegas Boulevard, which is the main thoroughfare to the city. Stop for a break at the Bellagio Fountains, which offers a free choreographed water show many times throughout the hour.

For those who really want to have an experience in Las Vegas, there are a few thrill rides that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping on the observation deck of the Stratosphere Tower – these aren’t for the faint of heart! If thrill rides aren’t your thing but you still want some amazing views of the city, check out the High Roller, which is the world’s tallest Ferris wheel and offers breathtaking views of the city in 30 minute rides. Additional things to add to the itinerary include shopping at the Fashion Show Mall, which is a whopping 2 million square feet in size, and pampering yourself at the ultra-luxe CityCenter Las Vegas after a day of exploring.

If you want to leave the city in true Sin City style, pass through the Little Church of the West because nothing says Las Vegas like an impromptu wedding!

HERE ARE OUR PICKS FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS…

Las Vegas Strip

Entertainment, entertainment, and more entertainment fills the Las Vegas Strip that never sleeps. Be amazed at just how “over the top” the architecture is, with each hotel and casino trying to outdo the next! See a show, visit the casinos, have a go at the slot machines, or visit some of the famous landmarks such as Caesar’s Palace and MGM Grand. The Las Vegas Strip is all about fun, so dive in and let your hair down!

 

High Roller

Decorated with thousands of lights, the High Roller Ferris Wheel sparkles day and night. Located on the Las Vegas strip, you won’t miss it – it soars 550 feet! If you’re looking for the best view of Las Vegas and the surrounding country that money can buy, then take a ride! The journey lasts around 30 minutes with music and videos in each cabin!

 

Red Rock Canyon

Just a few miles west of Las Vegas lies the stark and beautiful Red Rock Canyon; a maze of canyons and peaks. For hikers and climbers, make your first stop the visitor centre and work out which route is best for you, there’s lots to choose from! There is also a 13-mile drive (or bike ride) with plenty of places to stop and take in the majesty of the canyon.

 

Hoover Dam

Just 30 miles from Las Vegas, a visit to the Hoover Dam is a fantastic day trip. The construction of this magnificent dam was a “game changer” for the west of the country. Located on the border of Nevada and Arizona and named one of the top ten construction achievements in the 20th century, take in the magnificent dam wall, and explore its history at the visitor centre. This truly is one of man’s great accomplishments!

 

Grand Canyon

See the country and explore the Grand Canyon in a full day trip from Las Vegas! This canyon is amazing – colourful, 277 miles long, typically 10 miles wide, and over one mile deep! This is serious erosion! Most people arrive by car or tour bus, but why not take it up a notch and see it by helicopter? Be brave and do the transparent Skywalk! Or for a more in-depth exploration, go on a hike!

 

Venetian Gondola Rides

It’s obvious, the fun way to relax when you’re in Las Vegas is to visit the Venetian Gondola Rides! In a city known for its unpredictability, at the Venetian Hotel you can be transported to Venice for a romantic ride in an authentic gondola, complete with singers, as you glide along a recreated Venice streetscape. Choose between an indoor or outdoor ride as you give in to the enchantment of this cruise.

 

Fremont Street Experience

Let yourself go at The Fremont Street Experience! An area of four city blocks, the Fremont Street Experience has everything you need to entertain you for hours, no matter what your budget! Take in the free live music, the free light shows, or get adventurous and ride the Slotzilla Las Vegas Zip Line, where you can fly under the dazzling neon canopy. There are lots of casinos (Surprise!), but if you look hard enough, you might also find a magic slot machine that may just give you a free spin!

 

Hidden Valley

Just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip lies another world; the magnificent Hidden Valley, where you can explore the desert by ATV! You don’t need experience, just a sense of adventure and fun! After a short safety briefing you will take off to explore the desert and mountain terrain. Rev your way through Hidden Valley and past the lava beds, and take in the magnificent views of this vast landscape – this really is a fantastic way to combine fun and adventure with a picturesque nature tour!

 

Colorado River

Take a break from the glitz of Las Vegas and take a tour to the Colorado River. Head to Black Canyon and hike, bike or raft along this stunning waterfront, framed by sheer canyons of red rock. The river is great to visit at any time, but rafting is usually between April and October. For an extra special day, why not see it with a helicopter ride!

 

Neon Museum

Explore the history and cultural evolution of Las Vegas through a guided tour of the Neon Museum. This quirky museum puts over 150 neon signs on display, and your guide will take you through the history and importance of the buildings and businesses that they represent. This museum is fascinatingly different, but strangely, it is the perfect microscope through which to understand this city!

 

Bellagio Fountains

Stop at the Bellagio Fountains for a stunning display of water, lights, and music in harmony. Totally free; find the perfect spot to enjoy the many shows that change every 30 minutes. Located at the front of the Bellagio Hotel in the centre of Las Vegas, you can’t miss it. For the best experience, be mesmerised by the twilight performance, when the show is backdropped by the picturesque lavender sky of the surrounding desert.

 

Zion National Park

Take a trip to Zion National Park, a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas. As you hike along trails, the views are incredible, with the world’s tallest sheer sandstone cliffs, carved by the Virgin River over the millennia. The Visitor centre is your first stop to plan your day, and then hop onto the free shuttle bus which loops around nine stops and the Pedestrian Entrance. Don’t forget to take your camera this national park is amazing!

 

Shark Reef

In Las Vegas, every now and then you might just come across a human shark, but at Shark Reef, you can get up close and personal with the real thing! Located in the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, take time to watch over 2000 marine animals and 18 exhibits; allow yourself to be introduced to a wide variety of amazing creatures – not only sharks and turtles – and if you want to get even closer, why not visit the touching pools too!

 

Valley of Fire

Escape from Las Vegas for a while and visit the magnificent Valley of Fire; just 60 miles from the Strip, located in the Mojave Desert. The Valley of Fire is a fantastic place to hike; a favourite trail among its visitors is the three-mile hike through Fir Canyon. Here you will see the contrasting red sandstone that gives the park its name. Walk at your own pace, have a picnic, and take time out to absorb the beauty of the terrain!

 

The LINQ

At the LINQ, it’s all about having fun; a stylish outdoor mall linked to the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. As you meander around, have a drink and choose one of the many restaurants to dine in. Take in the free live music, then head over to the High Roller. Try your luck at the casino or just soak up the excitement of the city, the options are plentiful and the choices are yours!

 

V Theater

Roll up to one of the greatest shows in Las Vegas at the magnificent V Theatre! Musicals, magic shows and big stage productions, it’s all on at the V. The V theatre has long been a favourite with visitors to Las Vegas, so take the trip, book a show, and have a great time – you won’t regret it!

 

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Madame Tussauds can be found in many locations throughout the world, and Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is a great example, being the first venue to be opened in America. This is the place to see wax models of many of the famous people you have come to know and love, and be introduced to Marvel super heroes like Captain America and Spider-Man, as well as sports stars and TV personalities!

 

Bryce Canyon National Park

Four hours from Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its natural beauty, magnificent cliff formations, and geological creations called “Hoodoos”. Its remote location is quite hard to get to, but those who dare to make the journey will be well-rewarded for their efforts!

 

Death Valley National Park

Just two hours from Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park is an amazing location for both camping and hiking. The landscape is almost surreal, with vast desert, towering canyons, mountain sized dunes, and stark statuesque formations, and did we mention the views? Come, spend a night under the stars today!

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