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Things to Do in Las Vegas
Nevada, USA
Photo by Northern Latitudes
Somewhere in the Nevada desert lies one of America's most famous cities; Las Vegas. The city is often known for its huge resorts and casinos, but there is more than just that. Let us show you some of the best things to do in Las Vegas, with activities for everyone, young and old.
Ps: When saying “Las Vegas” this article designates the valley of Las Vegas which includes other cities such as Henderson, Boulder city, etc...
Updated on 11/10/2025
1. The Strip
Photo of the Las Vegas Strip Taken from the Strat Hotel
“The Strip” is the nickname given to the city’s most popular street, Las Vegas Boulevard. That part of Las Vegas is generally what people think about when they hear Las Vegas. There are casinos, resorts and all sorts of things. It is the economic lung of Las Vegas.
Walking down (or up depending on you) the strip is an attraction itself. All the way along the Strip you will find resorts, restaurants, casinos or even malls that you may enjoy exploring. Many people enjoy walking in the different themed hotels including the Venetian focusing on Italy and the city of Venetia, or the Paris themed on Paris (slightly obvious yes) and many more. Simply going around those will take you hours.
Popular Attractions on the Strip
Additionally, many of the resorts or malls mentioned above have attractions. Those includes:
The Fountains of Bellagio
These huge fountains opened in 1998 and played what was for a couple of years the biggest fountain show in the world (until 2009). But although this title does not belong to the Fountains of Bellagio anymore, the show offered every night is still beautiful. It plays everyday, every 30min from 3 to 8pm.
The Big Apple Coaster
This roller coaster located at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino is one of Vegas’ lone roller coasters. It features a 144ft (44m) drop and lasts a bit less than 3minutes. The experience is even more thrilling at night.
Fly LINQ Zipline
Another thrilling experience, the Fly Linq Zipline is a 12 stories high zipline that will take you through the LINQ Promenade from the top.
2. Art District
Opposingly to what is generally believed, Vegas is not only casinos and resorts. The area north of the strip is a good example of this statement. Between Fremont Street and the Strip, you can visit the Art District. This part of Downtown Las Vegas contains plenty of street art and small shops that you may enjoy to see.
3. The Museums
Vegas contains a surprising number of museums on different subjects. The include but are not limited to:
Mob Museum – A museum relating the history of the mob in Vegas and the United States. The prices goes from $34.95 to $56.95, and NV residents may benefit from discounts.
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For more information, we encourage you to visit the official website (click here) of the Mob Museum. You can also get tickets here.
Photo by Kenny Eliason | Unsplash
​National Atomic Testing Museum – Documents the history of nuclear testing in Nevada. The price ranges from $15 to $29 and is free for children under 6.
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​Neon Museum – Features old signs from casinos and business. The museum is very popular at night when the different signs are turned on with their bright colors. However, evening is also when the tickets are the most expensive. Prices range $20 to $35.
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You can visit the website (click here) of the Neon museum for detailed information.
Origen Museum – A museum with different exhibits on various topics, and permanent exhibits about life in the desert.
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Nevada State Museum – Relate the history of the state of Nevada as well as the natural history of the area.
Both of these museums are located within Spring Preserve. The admission cost ranges from $10.95 to $18.95 for non-resident and $4.95 to $9.95 for residents. Senior and military discounts may also be available. Free for children ages 2 and under.
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4. Red Rock Canyon
If you drive a bit on the west side of Las Vegas, you may notice some eye-catching mountains in the background. This is probably Red Rock Canyon. This National Conservation Area is known for its unique geological features, hiking trails, and climbing routes. But what makes it even more popular is its closeness with Las Vegas. Red Rock Canyon is right next to Las Vegas, but yet, you don’t feel like you are in the city.
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5. Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire is named after the effect of sunset on the red Aztec sandstone found within the park. These unique geological formations offer visitors a unique landscape that may feel irreal. But beyond just these beautiful landscapes, Valley of Fire is also a nice spot to see Nevada's wildlife, and discover some part of the human history in the area. You will be able to do so by using the scenic loop, hiking or camping. We believe that it is a must for those visiting Las Vegas for the first time.
Photo by Northern Latitudes
7. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
​Spring Mountains is a mountain range right next to Las Vegas. The most popular spot in the area is Mt. Charleston, the highest peak in the county. It features several trails, campgrounds, but is also home to a ski resort (yes, it can snow up there). Being higher in altitude than Las Vegas and thus cooler, it is a popular spot for Las Vegas locals during both the summer and the winter. And the cherry on the top of the cake: It is about an hour from Las Vegas.
8. Hoover Dam
If Las Vegas is what it is today, it is surely because the Hoover Dam exists. It was built between 1931 and 1936 using innovative techniques at the time, and many of the thousands of workers on the project (and their family) lived in Las Vegas or Boulder City, resulting in significant growth. Today the dam is one of Las Vegas major tourist attractions, and it is possible to visit its inside. If you are willing to hike, some hiking trails like the Historic Railroad Trail allow you to see the dam for free (from a distance).
Photo by Nathan Roser | Unsplash
9. Visit a Ghost Town
​Because of Nevada’s past, many ghost towns can be found around Las Vegas – generally boom towns later abandoned. If you want to visit one of these towns from another time, here are some located close to Las Vegas.
Nelson Ghost Town/ Eldorado Canyon
The Eldorado Canyon characterizes well the spirit of the old Wild West. The area once inhabited by native tribes progressively became an area of lawlessness and mining where gunfight and murder were not uncommon. Nowadays, the area is the witness of a bygone era. Nelson Ghost Town located in the Eldorado Canyon is mainly a tourist attraction where you can both see the old buildings of the Techatticup mine site and the wreck of old planes.
A fee usually has to be paid inside the main building.
Photo by Las Vegas Nevaders
Pioneer Saloon
This one is not really a ghost town, but it somewhat gives the same feeling. This bar located at a 1H drive from Vegas has over a century of business of operation. It offers food, drinks and music, so if you pass by and like the mood of the old saloon, it may be worth it.
Rhyolite Ghost Town
Rhyolite is probably the best example of the Wild West “boomtown”. It came to life as a result of ore prospecting in the area and disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared. Today, this ghost located near Death Valley National Park is only remnants of its former glory. If you pass by Death Valley, why not give it a look?
Photo by Las Vegas Nevaders
10. Lake Las Vegas
Far from the noise and lights of the Strip, Lake Las Vegas is a nice option for those looking for some silence. This reservoir located right next to Lake Mead is known for its resorts, restaurants and homes. It is mostly a wealthy neighborhood where many people like to take a break from the more dynamic center of Las Vegas. During some times of the year, activities and concerts are also offered. Give it a look.
11. Pin Ball Hall of Fame
Playing the games from the arcade era is something special. This is the kind of experience available at the Pin Ball Hall of Fame. Don’t get fooled by its name, the building is a huge arcade with pinball, arcade games (Pacman, Donkey Kong, etc…) and other kinds of games. Playing is not complicated, come in and insert your quarter in the machine. This is a nice experience for the whole family, and it is right down Las Vegas Boulevard.
Want to know more about Vegas?
There is so much to say about Las Vegas, but this article tried to remain as concise as possible. Nonetheless, if you would like more information and details about Las Vegas, we encourage you to visit our partner’s website: The Nevaders. They try to provide people with detailed information about Las Vegas, its surrounding and more.
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