33 Best Things To Do In Las Vegas Besides Gambling
I have been to Las Vegas more than ten times by now, with the most recent trip in January 2024, and I always find new things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling.
I would rather spend my hard-earned money on experiences than lose it in the Casinos. Las Vegas is worth visiting without having to spend any money gambling.
Let’s dive into the top things to do in Las Vegas other than gambling, both on and off the Strip!
➡ Popular things to do in Vegas:
- Las Vegas Strip helicopter night flight – Best helicopter tour to see Vegas neon lights from the sky.
- Ride the High Roller at the LINQ observatory wheel for epic views!
- Grand Canyon West with Lunch, Hoover Dam Stop & Optional Skywalk
1. Check out the themed resorts on the Strip
The top thing that I recommend first-timers should do in Vegas besides gamble is to check out the various iconic resorts on the Strip.
Walking the Las Vegas Strip is like touring the world, with each resort having its own theme. My Favorites are –
- The Venetian Resort for its Grand Canal Shoppes area and gondola rides.
- Caesar’s Palace for The Forum Shops and Roman theme, complete with statues and classical architecture.
- Bellagio for its Italian theme and fountain show
- Paris Las Vegas for its French theme, including a half-scale Eiffel Tower and Parisian streetscape. The Eiffel Tower looks amazing in the night, all lit!
- New York-New York for its New York City theme, with replicas of the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. The New York skyline is really impressive when looked at from across the street!
You can also go all the way to the Southern end of the Strip and take a picture at the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign. A famous photo op in Vegas!
2. Take a Gondola Ride and pretend you are in Venice!
Take a gondola ride at The Venetian Resort for a taste of Venice in Las Vegas. Glide along the canals inside or outside the resort to experience Italian romance right in Vegas.
I recommend the inside canals as it has better scenery around you.
I took a gondola ride with my husband the first time I visited Las Vegas, and it was just amazing. Our gondolier was singing, and it was so cool! I have not been to Venice yet, so it was a novelty for me!
While here, I love to stroll along the Grand Canal Shoppes and enjoy the lively street atmosphere and occasional free performances.
The Venetian Resort is one of the best hotels to stay in Vegas on the Strip.
➡ Check rates and availability for combo ticket of
Gondola Ride plus Madame Tussads Wax Museum at Venetian
3. Watch the Bellagio Fountain Show
We never miss the Bellagio Fountain Show when we are in Vegas. It’s where water, music, and lights play together and provide an amazing performance.
Best part? It’s totally free, making it a perfect stop for anyone strolling the Strip.
I recommend watching it at night to be able to see the lighting effects. Come a little early to get a spot near the railing for the best views and to be able to listen to the music.
The fountain show runs every 30 minutes till 8 PM, and after that, it’s every 15 minutes; the show lasts about 5 minutes.
The Bellagio Fountain show is one of the best free things to do in Vegas.
4. Ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel
Jump on the High Roller at The LINQ for the best views in town. Standing tall at 550 feet, it’s the world’s tallest observation wheel, offering a bird’s-eye view of the entire Strip and the desert landscape beyond.
I recommend going at sunset to enjoy the Strip’s neon glow come to life. It’s a 30-minute ride that goes super slow but totally worth it.
Plus, you can opt for a happy hour cabin with drinks (more expensive than the regular cabin), making it a cool spot to chill above Vegas.
After the ride, walk around the LINQ Promenade for some shopping and dining.
The I Love Sugar store was cool, with an amazing variety of candy and some novelty displays. There is a Candy Martini Bar on the second floor where you can try some interesting drinks.
➡ Check rates and availability for High Roller at the LINQ ticket
5. See a Cirque du Soleil Show
Las Vegas has some of the best Cirque du Soleil shows on the planet! Catch a Cirque du Soleil show and dive into a world where the circus meets theater in the most breathtaking way. It is one of the top Vegas attractions!
Each show is a unique blend of acrobatics, music, and stunning visuals that’ll leave you speechless.
So far, I have seen the aquatic spectacle of O at Bellagio and the martial arts-inspired epic KÀ at MGM Grand.
My favorite so far is KA at MGM. I was blown away by the gravity-defying stunts and the ever-changing dynamic stage.
6. See a Magic Show
Las Vegas magic shows are a must-see, where illusions and tricks bring the impossible to life. David Copperfield’s show at MGM is very popular.
This time around, we watched “America’s Got Talent” winner Mat Franco’s Magic Reinvented, and my whole family, including my teen kids, loved it! I think this is a must in any Las Vegas itinerary for family.
It’s a perfect night out for those who love a bit of mystery with their entertainment.
7. Take a Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Night Flight
I highly recommend splurging on this activity if you are celebrating a special occasion in Vegas.
Soar above Las Vegas on a helicopter flight at night and see the Strip like never before. The city lights and landmarks sparkle below, offering a breathtaking perspective.
We did this, and it was a memorable experience to see the Strip from the air at night. The actual flight is only around 15 minutes, so it’s quick and fun.
➡ Check rates and availability for
Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight with Optional VIP Transportation
8. Indulge in a Vegas-style grand buffet
Dive into the ultimate Vegas experience with a grand buffet at spots like The Buffet at Wynn, The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, or The Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan.
Each offers a lavish spread of international cuisines, from seafood to endless desserts. It’s more than a meal—it’s an all-you-can-eat adventure that’s a must in Vegas.
My favorite, hands down, is the Wynn buffet. It has a wide variety of cuisine to choose from, and it has a good range of vegetarian options as well. The dessert room here blows my mind away with the plethora of options!
The wait can be long, so I recommend making reservations ahead of time.
9. Visit some nightclubs
Hit up some of Vegas’s iconic nightclubs to dance the night away under dazzling lights and world-class DJs.
Clubs like Hakkasan at MGM Grand, Omnia at Caesars Palace, and XS at Encore offer unforgettable nights with their electric atmosphere and cutting-edge sound systems.
On a Las Vegas girls trip with friends, we visited the TAO nightclub at Venetian. It was a lot of fun dancing and hanging out with my friends. I recommend finding a promoter online and getting on the guest list for free entry.
10. Visit the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Step into Madame Tussauds Wax Museum at The Venetian to get up close with life-like wax figures of your favorite celebrities and historical figures.
From Hollywood stars to sports heroes to fictional superheroes, it’s a fun and interactive way to snap selfies with famous faces.
If you are planning to ride the Venetian gondola as well, you can get a combo ticket for both the Wax Museum and the gondola ride.
➡ Check rates and availability for combo ticket of
Gondola Ride plus Madame Tussauds Wax Museum at Venetian
11. Check out the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Experience the underwater world at the Shark Reef Aquarium in Mandalay Bay, where you can see over 2,000 animals, including sharks, giant rays, and exotic fish. This is an engaging adventure for all ages.
Walk through the glass tunnel-like canopy for a 360-degree view of marine life swimming around you. You can get hands-on at the touch pools, where you can feel the texture of friendly rays and smaller sea creatures.
If you are fascinated by sharks, I recommend getting the add-on shark feeding session package to learn more about the feeding behaviors of these predators.
➡ Check rates and availability for
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino
12. Dare to ride the thrill rides at the STRAT
Dare to experience the thrill rides atop the STRAT, standing as a towering beacon at 1,149 feet over the Las Vegas skyline.
Feel the rush and the the gut-dropping sensation on the Big Shot, leap into the void with SkyJump, and scream on the edge with X-Scream. X-Scream looked the most intense to me, and personally, I wouldn’t ride it even if someone paid me to do it!
You can also just hang out at the STRAT Tower’s Observation Deck and admire the panoramic views of the Vegas Strip from above. I recommend going around sunset to see the Strip get all lit up.
Check rates and availability for
➡ The STRAT Tower Observation Deck Ticket
➡ The STRAT Tower Unlimited Ride Pass Ticket
13. Check out Area 15 and Omega Mart
Step into Area 15, an immersive playground, and get ready for a wild ride through art, tech, and all things cool and quirky.
Make sure to hit Omega Mart by Meow Wolf; it’s not your average grocery store, with hidden rooms and trippy art installations. This is the most popular thing to do here.
Area 15 is packed with VR adventures and funky bars, too, making it a top spot if you are looking to explore the unconventional side of Vegas. Entry is free to Area 15, but individual attractions are ticketed with different level passes.
14. Look at the changing displays of The Sphere
The Sphere is the hottest attraction in Las Vegas! Keep an eye on The Sphere for its ever-changing displays that light up the Vegas skyline with something new and dazzling.
And if you can, grab tickets to a show inside—rumor has it, the performances are out of this world with state-of-the-art sound and visuals. It’s the newest must-see in town, promising an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
We could see the Sphere from miles away on the freeway when approaching Vegas after our outdoor excursions! It’s huge! It was also right across the Street from our Holiday Inn Club Vacations resort, so we got to enjoy a lot of changing patterns!
15. Do some shopping at Caesars Palace Forum Shops
Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is my favorite place for some top-notch Vegas shopping with a twist.
This place isn’t just about the stores; it’s decked out like ancient Rome, making your shopping spree feel like a mini trip to Europe. The entire vibe here is cool with the fake twilight sky and the statues and
Don’t miss the free Fall of Atlantis show, complete with animatronic figures and special effects, or the giant aquarium full of marine life in the same hall. The show is only 5 minutes long, and worth it only if you are already here. I wouldn’t make a special trip just for the show.
Overall, Forum Shops is a fun place to stroll in the afternoon to beat the desert heat outside.
16. Shop at M&M’S World
Swing by M&M’s World next to MGM Grand Casino for a sweet adventure that’s all about everyone’s favorite candy-coated chocolates. M&M’S World is one of the top Las Vegas attractions for kids and families.
This four-story paradise is packed with colorful fun, from personalized M&M’s to a wall filled with every color of M&Ms you can imagine. There are some unique flavors, too, not found elsewhere. I loved the jumbo brownie-flavored ones and got a bag full!
There is a lot of M&M-themed merchandise and gifts that you can browse or buy here. It’s not just shopping; it’s an experience that’ll make you feel like a kid in a candy store, literally.
There is a similar store called Hershey’s World in New York, New York Casino, across the street, where you can get unique flavors of Hershey’s brand candy and merchandise.
17. Taste Cola flavors at Coca-Cola World
Next to M&M’s World is Coca-Cola World, which is a must-visit for soda fans. From unique merchandise and photo ops to a chance to taste Coke flavors from around the globe, it’s a refreshing pit stop on the Strip.
I visited this store with my family, and we enjoyed tasting the 16 flavors of Coca-Cola from around the world and selecting our favorites. You can also order soda floats here.
18. Ride the Big Apple Coaster at New York New York
If you are a roller-coaster fan, buckle up for the roller coaster at New York-New York, where you’ll zoom around the Statue of Liberty and through the skyscrapers, getting your adrenaline fix with loops and drops.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! There is also a Big Apple Arcade here with fun and games for all ages.
Inside New York New York, you’ll find streets filled with bars and restaurants, complete with a fake sky designed to mimic the streets of New York City.
Don’t forget to snap a pic with the replica Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge! I find the best view of the entire New York casino skyline is from across the street outside of MGM Grand.
➡ Check rates and availability for
Big Apple Coaster at New York New York
19. Visit Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Apart from the free Bellagio Fountain show, Bellagio is also popular for the Bellagio Conservatory. Every time I visit the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, it’s just “wow.”
The decor here changes its look with the seasons—imagine stepping into a spring wonderland, then coming back for a fall festival all decked out in pumpkins and autumn colors.
It’s like walking through a live art show with flowers, plants, colors, water features, and light displays everywhere you look.
Perfect for a chill moment away from the casino buzz or just to grab some cool pics for your Instagram. Trust me, it’s a breath of fresh air right in the middle of Vegas.
20. See the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Swing by the Flamingo Hotel to check out their Flamingo Wildlife Habitat exhibit. It’s like a mini tropical getaway where you can hang out with real, live flamingos!
This place is a lush, hidden gem with waterfalls and streams, tropical fish, and turtles, making you forget you’re in the middle of the desert.
It’s free, totally Instagram-worthy, and a cool spot to chill for a bit. Plus, who doesn’t love flamingos, right?
21. Play at Adventuredome Circus Circus
Head over to Adventuredome at Circus Circus for an indoor amusement park adventure that’s off the charts.
From roller coasters that twist and turn to family-friendly rides and arcade games, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t miss out on the Canyon Blaster or the El Loco roller coaster for some heart-pumping fun.
While here, make sure to catch the free circus acts that’ll have you oohing and aahing with acrobats and jugglers doing their thing.
And don’t forget to hit up the Midway for some classic carnival games and the arcade for video games, complete with a laser challenge and VR room.
It’s a fun overload, all under one big pink dome. Perfect for a day out, no matter what the weather’s doing outside!
22. Visit Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street Experience in downtown Vegas is where the party’s at, with a giant LED canopy lighting up the night and street performers that bring the wow factor.
Stay for the Viva Vision light show – it’s like the biggest screen you’ve ever seen, blasting cool visuals synced to music. I think it was really cool, a screen that covers the entire length of Fremont Street.
There is a Slotzilla zipline here if you want to zipline under the LED screen and above the street in a sitting or Superman-style pose!
Or you can just soak up the live music, lights, and vibes on the ground. It’s old-school Vegas with a modern twist and totally free to wander. I would be careful of my belongings here, though, as it is very crowded.
23. Explore Downtown Container Park
Downtown Container Park is a cool spot made from shipping containers right in the heart of downtown Vegas. It’s not just shops and eateries; there’s a giant playground for kids and live music for everyone.
The huge praying mantis out front? You can’t miss it with its fire-shooting antenna!
Overall, I find it’s a chill place to hang out, grab a bite, or just enjoy the vibes, especially when the sun goes down and the place lights up.
Perfect for families during the day and adults at night. Plus, it’s a great way to support local businesses and artists.
24. Visit the Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve is like a green oasis in Vegas, offering a break from the neon lights of the Strip with nature trails, botanical gardens, and animal and insect exhibits like the Butterfly habitat. There are some educational exhibits also, like Waterworks.
Dive into Nevada’s history at the Origen Museum and Nevada State Museum. Don’t miss the train ride to Boomtown 1905, a journey that transports you back in time to early Las Vegas.
This place is a hit for all ages, combining education with fun. Whether you’re exploring exhibits, enjoying the outdoors, or learning something new, the Springs Preserve offers a refreshing change of pace from the bustling Strip.
25. The Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is where Vegas’s bright past comes to life, showcasing iconic neon signs from the city’s colorful history. Take a guided tour to hear the stories behind the signs, from old casinos to classic businesses.
I recommend taking a night-time tour as you can see some of these signs lit up, offering a glimpse into the glowing glory days of Vegas.
➡ You can take this combo tour of Las Vegas Night Flight by Helicopter with Neon Museum Admission, which includes a 15-minute Helicopter Night Flight over the Vegas Strip and Neon Museum admission with a guided tour and the light show.
26. The Mob Museum
Head over to the Mob Museum downtown if you’re into all those gangster stories and want to see how Vegas was back in the day.
They’ve got everything from real mobster tales to cool interactive stuff, like trying your hand at being a crime scene investigator.
And don’t miss the Speakeasy downstairs—it’s like time-traveling to the 1920s with awesome old-school drinks served interestingly.
27. Visit Red Rock Canyon
Half-day trip to Red Rock Canyon is the perfect escape from Vegas’s buzz. Just a short 20-minute drive away, this place has some stunning red rock formations and clear blue skies.
We visited the Red Rock Canyon on our recent visit and loved the scenic drive and exploring the various vista points.
For hikers, the Calico Tanks Trail is a must-do, offering a mix of easy walks and some scrambling, all leading to amazing views of the valley.
My favorite part was the 13-mile one-way scenic drive with stops and lookouts to marvel at the Red Rocks. Although, to be honest, I visited this after the Valley of Fire and so felt it a bit dull in comparison.
Red Rock Canyon is near the Summerlin neighborhood, which has some of the best Las Vegas family resorts off the Strip, like the Red Rock Resort.
➡ If looking for a tour, I recommend this Red Rock Canyon Hiking Tour
28. Visit Valley of Fire State Park
If you read the Red Rock Canyon (#27) section above, you already know that I loved Valley of Fire as compared to Red Rock Canyon!
Visiting Valley of Fire State Park is like stepping onto another planet, with red sandstone formations that light up like fire under the sun. It was a bit of a drive from Vegas, around 45 minutes, but totally worth it.
The best part is driving on the Mouse’s Tank Rd, which takes you on a scenic drive past some incredible rock shapes and ancient petroglyphs. The drive is incredibly scenic, and you have to see it to believe it!
We hiked The Fire Wave Trail, which is the most popular hike here, and it took us to stunning striped rock formations.
You will need at least 2 to 3 hours to drive the full loop of the park and another 2 hours for the round trip from Vegas.
Between Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire, if you have half a day to spare, I would suggest you visit Valley of Fire.
➡ If looking for a tour, I recommend this Valley of Fire Hiking Tour from Las Vegas
29. Marvel at Hoover Dam
The most popular outdoor attraction is Hoover Dam from Las Vegas, so naturally, I visited it! It is a 45-minute drive from Vegas to reach Hoover Dam.
The Hoover Dam isn’t just an engineering marvel; it’s a piece of history sitting right between Nevada and Arizona. I recommend taking a tour to see how this massive dam keeps the lights on and the water flowing.
We walked on the top of the dam, and it was cool to cross from Nevada to Arizona on foot! We also walked a bit on the Memorial Bridge for a bird’s-eye view of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River below.
The entire structure is impressive and educational and offers some killer views. Whether you’re into engineering, history, or just cool sights like me, the Hoover Dam is a must-visit on your trip to Vegas.
Visiting Hoover Dam is one of the best outdoor things to do in Las Vegas.
➡ If looking for a tour, I recommend this Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas With Lunch
30. Visit Grand Canyon West
Grand Canyon West is your chance to see one of the world’s wonders up close, and it’s a 2.4-hour drive from Vegas, as opposed to the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, which is a 4-hour drive.
Grand Canyon West is where the famous Skywalk is, a glass bridge that lets you stand right over the canyon. Then, head to Guano Point for panoramic views that are seriously Instagram-worthy.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the helicopter tours or the zip line to see the canyon from different angles. It’s a bit more laid-back than the National Park, with no long hikes required to get to the good spots.
Many tour operators do both Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West as a single-day trip. This is one of the best day tours from Las Vegas.
➡ If looking for a tour, I recommend this Grand Canyon West with Lunch, Hoover Dam Stop & Optional Skywalk
31. Take a Helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon
Taking a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable way to experience this natural wonder. My husband and I took this tour on one of our visits as we were celebrating our anniversary and wanted to do something special.
We chose an evening tour that included a landing in the Grand Canyon for a champagne picnic. We flew over the Vegas Strip and the vast Nevada landscape. We also saw aerial views of Hoover Dam.
Finally, we landed in the canyon next to a river, and it was just amazing! On the way back, we enjoyed sunset views over the canyon and the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip.
It’s a splurge, but the views and the thrill are unmatched! A memorable way to experience the Grand Canyon!
➡ We took this helicopter tour, and I highly recommend this –
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Champagne Toast
32. Visit Death Valley National Park
Another popular day trip from Las Vegas is to visit Death Valley National Park.
Even though Death Valley is in California, it is a 7-hour drive from San Francisco but only a 2-hour drive from Vegas. So when we visited Las Vegas, we made a day trip to Death Valley.
Death Valley National Park is an adventure into one of the hottest, driest, and lowest places on earth, but don’t let that scare you.
I thought it was stunningly beautiful, from the salt flats at Badwater Basin to the colorful badlands at Zabriskie Point and Artist’s Drive. It felt like a whole other planet with miles of raw desert landscape and and some really cool vista points.
I was pleasantly surprised to see some nice restaurants at the Ranch at Death Valley, like The Last Kind Words Saloon and even an old-fashioned Ice Cream Parlor!
➡ If looking for a tour, I recommend this
Death Valley Small Group Day Adventure From Las Vegas
33. Visit Zion National Park
Zion tops the list for a Las Vegas to National Parks road trip. We did an overnight trip from Las Vegas to Zion.
I really fell in love with Zion National Park! The red cliffs and the lush green canyons were just mind-blowing.
For a chill drive with killer scenery, cruise the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive or wind your way through the park on the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway.
We did the Emerald Pools hike and the Canyon Overlook trail, both unique in their terrain and views at the end!
When we visited in January, we were able to explore the popular Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in our own car. During the Spring and Summer busy seasons, you have to use the park shuttle to get to trailheads and other attractions.
I am definitely going back to Zion in the future to explore more!
➡ If looking for a tour, I recommend this Small Group Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park Tour from Las Vegas
Final Thoughts: Things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling
Wrapping up, I hope I have convinced you that there are so many amazing things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling and casinos.
From breathtaking natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park to thrilling adventures atop the STRAT and under the neon glow of Fremont Street, there’s a whole world to explore.
Whether you’re here for the outdoor escapades, the mouthwatering buffets, or the one-of-a-kind shows, Vegas always delivers big on memories!
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