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Things to Do in Las Vegas
Updated on 8/14/2025
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...
In The City
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.
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.
Fremont Street
A very rough way of describing Fremont street would be to say that it is like the Strip but smaller. That is true and false. Fremont street is the historic street of Las Vegas with the oldest casinos and hotels in the city. However, in the past decades the new attraction has been the giant screen on the ceiling of the street. Throughout the day, music is played, and in the evening, shows are played using the giant screen.
Accessing the area is free. Since the area is often crowded — especially at night— tourists should pay attention to their surroundings. Moreover, some casinos do not allow children in.
Parking can easily be found in the area. Most are charged.
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.
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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.
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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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National Atomic Museum Official Website
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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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Outside the City
The Parks
Las Vegas offers plenty of options when it comes to outdoor activities, thanks to its location. Indeed, Vegas is close to a bunch of beautiful and varied parks. These include:
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
A beautiful park known for its geological features like red sandstone peaks. The area offers gorgeous landscapes as well as plenty of hikes of all levels. The area is also very popular among climbers.
Valley of Fire State Park
Renowned for its bright red Aztec sandstone that makes it look like fire during sunsets. If you look for unique landscapes, Valley of Fire might interest you.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
A huge lake in the desert, what a curious idea? Lake Mead is an artificial reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam. The area around the lake offers plenty of hikes and water activities.
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
Spring Mountains is a mountain range right next to Las Vegas. The mountainous area is full of trail, campgrounds, but is also home to a ski resort (yes, it can snow up there). All under a 1H drive of Vegas.
Only a few hours drive from the city, you can also find the Death Valley and Zion National Parks.
The Ghost Towns
​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.
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?
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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