Choose from 88 Fun Things to Do in Nevada
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 88 listings.
High Roller
The 550-foot rotating observation tower known as the High Roller is far from your normal carnival Ferris wheel. This Las Vegas attraction is so big that it takes a full 30 minutes to complete a 360-degree rotation and is known as the world’s largest observation wheel. Each 44,000-pound, glass-enclosed pod can hold up to 40 people, includes music and video displays, and has been decked out with thousands of LED lights. This big-time wheel serves as a sparkling focal point at the LINQ, one of Vegas’ top shopping districts.
The Basics
A ride on the High Roller affords some of the absolute best views of Las Vegas and the colorful lights of the Strip. Many visitors opt for a standard ticket, which includes one day or night revolution. Another option, particularly for visitors celebrating a special occasion in Sin City, is a happy hour ride in a cabin outfitted with a full bar. Drinks purchased from the wheelhouse can also be brought onboard.
- A nighttime ride is a must on a romantic Vegas date.
- Choose between a standard admission ticket and a multi-attraction pass that includes admission to two other sites, such as the Hoover Dam, Madame Tussauds, Zombie Burlesque, or the Mob Museum.
- Remember to use the restroom before getting onboard; restrooms are not available during the ride.
- This attraction is completely wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to the High Roller
High Roller is located at the LINQ between the Flamingo and Quad hotels. Centrally located on the Strip, it’s easy to get there on foot, but it’s also accessible via the Las Vegas Monorail at the Harrah’s/Linq Station. Valet parking is available at the LINQ’s back entrance.
When to Get There
The High Roller spins daily from late morning to quite late at night. The views are best after dark when the Strip lights up with neon and LED light shows, making the 360-degree views that much more spectacular, but ticket prices also increase starting at 7pm. Since each cabin fits 40 people, it’s rare to have to wait in line. Cabins are also air-conditioned, making them comfortable even in summer.
Getting Hitched on the High Roller
Las Vegas has long been a popular destination for couples looking to tie the knot, and the High Roller offers a new option for doing so. Private cabins can be booked for weddings and other such events, with packages that include everything from professional photography and flowers to a hosted bar.
Address: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, USA
Hours: Noon–2pm daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Fremont Street Experience
Spanning four city blocks, the Fremont Street Experience is a massive outdoor mall and the site of Las Vegas’ very first freestanding casino building. Today, it hosts 10 different casinos with games and tables, plenty of restaurants, and free concerts and other live entertainment, with multiple performances staged each day. It’s also notable for its famous Viva Vision canopy, which projects thousands of different color combinations and images overhead.
The Basics
Featuring concerts, lights shows, and multiple casinos, the Fremont Street Experience is one of Downtown Vegas’ biggest attractions. Visitors can experience this slice of Sin City history in a number of ways, including walking tours, Trikke and Segway tours, or even a private tour with an Elvis impersonator in a pink Cadillac convertible.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fremont Street is a must-see for first-time visitors to Las Vegas.
- Guided tours of Fremont Street last anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours.
- Visit during the day and at night to see all sides of the Fremont Street Experience.
How to Get There
The Fremont Street Experience is located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas between Las Vegas Boulevard and Eighth Street. The double-decker Deuce bus ferries passengers between the Strip and Fremont Street, but if you’re in a hurry, a taxi or car is the best way to get there. Parking at the Fremont Street Experience garage is free with validation from any of several participating casinos.
When to Get There
While there’s always something entertaining going on at the Fremont Street Experience, the best time to visit is at night when the neon is illuminated and Vivo Vision shows light up the video screen ceiling on the hour.
Non-Gambling Attractions on Fremont Street
Whether you’ve blown your budget or simply need a break from the slots and tables at the historic Las Vegas casinos, the Fremont Street Experience offers plenty more in the way of entertainment. Soar above the crowds on the SlotZilla zipline, snap a selfie with $1 million in cash at the iconic Binion’s casino, stroll past historic neon signs at the Neon Museum, brush up on your mob history at the Mob Museum, do some shopping in Downtown Container Park, or watch the fish swim by at the Golden Nugget Shark Tank.
Address: 425 Fremont Street, Las Vegas 89101, USA
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
From $ 18
Fortification Hill
When it comes to Las Vegas, City of Sin, and a cluster of neon lights, hiking isn’t the very first thing that comes to most people’s minds. The reality, however, is that Vegas is surrounded by dozens of great hiking trails and rung by mystical mountains, with the trail to the top of Fortification Hill offering one of the area’s best views. From the top of this rocky pinnacle inside of Lake Mead National Recreation area, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. This six-mile trail is for serious hikers who are comfortable with a little bit of bouldering, as sections in the middle can require scrambling for about 10 vertical feet. Most of the trail is straightforward, however, albeit a little steep, as the trail gains approximately 1,400 feet in a little under three miles. While you’re sure to work up a sweat when climbing—especially since there isn’t any shade—the view from the top makes every step completely worth the effort.
Practical Info
The trailhead to Fortification Hill is about an hour outside of Las Vegas, in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the Arizona side of Hoover Dam. Access to the trailhead is over rough road, and a map of the area and 4-wheel drive are handy for easy access. Hiking is possible from fall through spring, since extreme temperatures in the summer months can lead to dangerous conditions.
Address: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, USA
From $ 300
Ethel M Chocolates Factory
Part gourmet chocolate factory and part desert cactus garden, the home of Ethel M Chocolates offers a glimpse into the chocolate making process. From the larger scale production machines to the pecan brittle made by hand, it’s a chance to see how one of the world’s favorite sweet treats comes to be.
The Ethel M chocolates are special to the Mars family, inspired by their mother’s fresh and small-batch premium chocolates. There’s also a Tasting Room Experience with a bit of history about the chocolate company and a variety of their different chocolates to sample.
After you’ve had your fill of chocolate, you can opt to take a stroll in the four acre cactus garden. It’s one of the largest desert gardens in the world, grounded in naturalistic design. The variety of cacti and succulents comes from all over the world, including plants native to the Southwestern United States. They’re particularly beautiful when in bloom.
Practical Info
Located in Henderson, Nevada, the Ethel M Chocolates Factory is easily accessed from the Las Vegas Strip (about a 20 minute drive.) It’s located near Mountain Vista and Sunset Road. The self-guided viewing aisles are open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Due to the privacy of some practices, chocolatier sightings are not guaranteed. The cactus garden is free and open to the public.
Address: 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV, Henderson, Nevada 89014, USA
Hours: Mon-Thurs from 10 am - 4:30 pm (store open all week from 8:30 am - 6 pm)
From $ 57
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
In the middle of the Las Vegas desert, you can find this collection of artifacts comprising the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. Everything from a whale jaw bone to a wooly mammoth tooth is on display, with the chance to learn about animals from both the past and present. There are exhibits of dinosaurs and replicas of ancient Egyptian artifacts, as well as sections dedicated to marine and African safari life. The Egyptian historical exhibit is particularly interesting, as it is focused on the life of Tutankhamun (it was formerly part of the Luxor Resort.)
Don’t miss the international wildlife gallery nor the sections focused on local Nevada plants and animals. There is also a geology gallery, a young scientist center, and an ocean discovery aquarium with sharks and rays, as well as exotic fish from around the world. Each collection has thorough descriptions and engaging, informative displays.
Practical Info
The museum is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. It’s located less than five mile from the Vegas strip, next to the Cashman Center at the corner of Las Vegas and Washington Boulevards. The admission cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Address: 900 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 89101, USA
Admission: Adults: $10; Children: $5
From $ 12
Luxor Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Modeled after the pyramids of ancient Egypt, the Luxor Hotel and Casino is pointed in the right direction - hey, it's got a Sphinx at its front! The inside of the Luxor Hotel features more than 4,000 hotel rooms, upscale entertainment, modern lounges, and an Egyptian flair for style.
Luxor has made a name for itself thanks to its nightlife and entertainment options: IMAX theatres, posh night clubs, and popular performance spaces. Exclusive nightclubs include LAX, Noir bar, and Flight, all of which are home to constant celebrity sightings. And then there’s the Atrium floor, where performers like Britney Spears have performed.
The Luxor Hotel is also a great place to kick back and relax. There are the elegant pools and spas, and of course luxury suites. With the impressive views and beautiful architecture that surround, it’s no wonder that the Luxur is considered one of the beter hotels in Vegas.
Practical Info
The Luxor Hotel and Casino is located at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, and is one of the closest hotels to the McCarran Las Vegas airport.
Address: 3900 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas 89119, USA
From $ 35
Historic Route 66
Spanning eight states and 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers), Route 66 has become a cultural icon, immortalized in song and on the silver screen. This romanticized road trip from Chicago to Santa Monica offers drivers an inside look at classic America—kitschy roadside attractions, diners, historic motels, and plenty of 1950s nostalgia.
The Basics
One of America’s first highways, Route 66 is rife with culture, views, and history. With such a long length, there are numerous ways to experience a slice of Route 66 from any number of the states it passes through—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Drive along Route 66 to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and catch the views on guided day trip, or step into the Wild West at some of Arizona’s ghost towns. Pass through the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, tour the Cahokia Mounds of Collinsville, explore Downtown Albuquerque, and play on the pier in Los Angeles; the options are endless.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Some modern maps don’t show Route 66, but detailed directions are available online.
- Route 66 begins in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica, California, but only segments of the original road remain.
- Fuel up often along the road, especially in western states like Arizona where gas stations can be scarce.
- Don’t forget sunglasses; the east-west orientation of Route 66 means you’ll likely be driving into the rising or setting sun at some point.
How to Get There
Old Route 66 passes through eight different states; the segments that remain in each state are often well marked with Historic Route 66 signage. Road tripping is by far the most popular way to experience the route.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Route 66 depends largely on which section you’ll be visiting. Spring and autumn are both good times to experience the entirety of the road. Expect high summer temperatures in the West and icy winter conditions along the road’s eastern expanse.
Time Allowance on America’s Mother Road
With so much to see and do along Route 66, trip length can vary greatly. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least seven days one-way, and add extra days in destinations you might want to explore in-depth on side trips from the road.
Address: USA
From $ 55
Gold and Silver Pawn Shop (Home of Pawn Stars)
The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas is the star of one of the History Channel’s most popular shows, Pawn Stars. The cast members, and real life owners and operators of the shop, are Rick, the Old Man, Big Hoss and Chumlee, who are known for buying and appraising collectors items, including historic firearms, antique toys, classic cars and much more. A Pawn Stars Tour of Las Vegas is the best way to see the shop and other filming locations from the show. Tour groups can skip the line, get VIP access to the stars, and even see the show getting filmed.
Practical Info
The Pawn Stars tour is a half-day experience that includes a behind-the-scenes visit to the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, along with other filming locations like the Toy Shack and the Carroll Shelby Museum. Hotel pickup and transportation is provided.
Address: 713 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89101, USA
Hours: Every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Tours start at $79.99 per person.
From $ 44
Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Nothing says laid back quite like Flamingo Las Vegas’ 15,000-square-foot Margaritaville Casino. Located within the resort at Flamingo, this marriage between a Las Vegas casino and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brand creates a uniquely fun energy. The casino includes 22 gaming tables, 220 slot machines and the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar.
Elsewhere in the resort are more than 1,600 other slot machines, including a multi-line two-cent progressive game that is a favorite with guests. The first craps roll on the Las Vegas Strip happened in the Flamingo casino, and tossing a pair of hot dice is a popular pastime here. Blackjack, mini baccarat, Caribbean stud, roulette, Pai Gow poker and other table games are also found on the casino floor. A comfortable poker room lures gamblers as well.
When the casino becomes a bit too much to handle, step out into Flamingo’s wildlife habitat. This open-air courtyard is a relaxing, popular and free attraction that many visitors overlook. In the wildlife habitat, guests wander among a flock of Chilean flamingos, swans and ducks. Several turtles and koi splash around the water fixtures. All of the critters are well cared for by a team of experts that are employed by the resort.
Elsewhere in the resort are more than 1,600 other slot machines, including a multi-line two-cent progressive game that is a favorite with guests. The first craps roll on the Las Vegas Strip happened in the Flamingo casino, and tossing a pair of hot dice is a popular pastime here. Blackjack, mini baccarat, Caribbean stud, roulette, Pai Gow poker and other table games are also found on the casino floor. A comfortable poker room lures gamblers as well.
When the casino becomes a bit too much to handle, step out into Flamingo’s wildlife habitat. This open-air courtyard is a relaxing, popular and free attraction that many visitors overlook. In the wildlife habitat, guests wander among a flock of Chilean flamingos, swans and ducks. Several turtles and koi splash around the water fixtures. All of the critters are well cared for by a team of experts that are employed by the resort.
Address: 3555 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
From $ 13
Grand Canyon Skywalk
There’s no doubt that 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) is a long way down, especially when standing on a bridge made of glass—and you’re looking down toward the Grand Canyon floor. That’s the experience visitors find at the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped, glass-bottomed bridge that juts out 70 feet (20 meters) above one of America’s most scenic sites. Travelers who step out onto the bridge are rewarded with panoramic West Rim and Colorado River views that extend 720 degrees, wrapping around, below, and behind.
The Basics
Most tours to the Grand Canyon Skywalk begin in Las Vegas, where travelers head east to the Arizona desert by road, plane, or helicopter. A Skywalk ticket can be combined with a Hoover Dam trip or a scenic helicopter tour over the canyon, while other options include visits with Hualapai tribe members or a boat ride up the Colorado River. Those short on time can opt for a skip-the-line experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Skywalk is a must-visit for thrill-seekers.
- Cameras aren’t permitted on the Skywalk, but it is possible to purchase photos from Grand Canyon West’s professional photographers.
- Outside food and drink are not permitted within Grand Canyon West or on the Skywalk.
- Tours to the Skywalk can last upwards of nine hours depending on the option chosen.
How to Get There
McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is the nearest commercial airport to the Skywalk bridge, about two hours away by road. Because the Grand Canyon Skywalk is a part of Grand Canyon West—a remote and rugged section of canyon managed by the Hualapai—entry to the bridge can only be purchased as part of a package excursion. While many visitors come on a guided tour, it’s also possible to drive yourself to Grand Canyon West, then take the hop-on, hop-off shuttle to the Skywalk and other attractions.
When to Get There
Daytime temperatures at the Grand Canyon hover at or above 85°F (30°C) in summer, making fall and spring much more appealing times to visit. The glass bridge tends to be busiest around midday, so plan to arrive in the morning or later in the afternoon to ensure you have more elbow room.
Other Activities at Grand Canyon West
The Grand Canyon West complex lies outside the national park and is operated by the Hualapai tribe. In addition to the Skywalk, visitors can explore an American Indian village at Eagle Point, cruise along the Colorado River, hike to the ruins of an old guano mine, or even rent a rustic cabin at Hualapai Ranch.
Address: Eagle Point Road, Peach Springs, Arizona 86434, USA
Hours: Daily 7am - 6pm
From $ 119
Lion Habitat Ranch
You don’t have to travel to Africa to get up close and personal with the King of the Jungle. Lion Habitat Ranch, located just outside Sin City, offers up the unique opportunity for travelers to experience the wonder of one of the world’s biggest cats.
Take a behind the scenes tour of this family-oriented, outdoor destination to learn more about conservation efforts to protect these and other wild animals. For an additional fee, hand-feed giraffes or lions a pound of their favorite foods, or enjoy a picnic lunch in a protected enclosure while these giant cats wander around you. While lions are the big draw of this popular attraction, travelers will also find emus, ostriches, parrots, giraffes and other animals in this protected habitat.
Practical Info
The ranch is located at 382 Burner Avenue in Henderson, Nevada, about 16 miles southeast of Las Vegas. It is open Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and closed Tuesday through Thursday. Because the space is outdoors, Lion Habitat Ranch closes during inclement weather. Call after heavy rains to insure the park is open. Entrance is $25 for adults, which also includes entry of one child.
Address: 382 Burner Avenue, Henderson, Nevada, USA
Hours: Open Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Admission: Adults: $25
From $ 25
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
Opened in 1990, this re-creation of a medieval castle with its matching interior was a popular draw in its heyday, especially for families. As bigger, brighter and fancier resorts have opened up and down Las Vegas Boulevard, Excalibur has lost a bit of its luster, but it has managed to stand the test of time for those who are time-honored fans or traveling with kids.
Though it’s a bit rough around the edges, the 100,000-square-foot casino offers several table games and more than 1,700 slot, video poker and video keno machines. Excalibur’s casino truly excels in catering to the new gambler by offering several lessons each day (excluding holidays): poker at 11:00 a.m., roulette at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., blackjack at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and craps at noon and 8:00 p.m.
The resort’s race and sports book offers wagering on every major collegiate and professional sport including football, hockey, basketball, baseball, mixed martial arts, auto racing, golf and tennis.
If traveling with small children, no visit to Excalibur is complete without a stop in the Fun Dungeon, which has a large variety of carnival midways, prize redemption games, sports games and arcade games. The Tournament of Kings is an interactive dinner show that includes lots of medieval action such as jousting and fireworks.
Though it’s a bit rough around the edges, the 100,000-square-foot casino offers several table games and more than 1,700 slot, video poker and video keno machines. Excalibur’s casino truly excels in catering to the new gambler by offering several lessons each day (excluding holidays): poker at 11:00 a.m., roulette at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., blackjack at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and craps at noon and 8:00 p.m.
The resort’s race and sports book offers wagering on every major collegiate and professional sport including football, hockey, basketball, baseball, mixed martial arts, auto racing, golf and tennis.
If traveling with small children, no visit to Excalibur is complete without a stop in the Fun Dungeon, which has a large variety of carnival midways, prize redemption games, sports games and arcade games. The Tournament of Kings is an interactive dinner show that includes lots of medieval action such as jousting and fireworks.
Address: 3850 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
From $ 54
Extraterrestrial Highway
State Route 375 is an actual state highway in Nevada, but because of its proximity to Area 51, it's been officially designated by Nevada as the Extraterrestrial Highway. The strip is 98 miles long, connecting State Route 318 to U.S. Route 6, and running through what is basically empty desert. The area became a tourist destination because it's close to Area 51, the highly secret military base about which there are innumerable stories about aliens and UFOs, so in 1996 the state renamed the highway.
To learn more about the area's history, head for the tiny town of Rachel, roughly in the middle of the 98-mile stretch of highway, where everything is about aliens. There are Area 51 tours that include the Extraterrestrial Highway and Rachel.
Practical Info
At one end of the Extraterrestrial Highway is the ghost town of Crystal Springs, which is a minor tourist attraction, and even if you don't see a UFO you're likely to hear the sonic boom of an F18 on a test.
Address: Extraterrestrial Highway, Tonopah, Nevada 89049, USA
Hours: Daily
From $ 200
Las Vegas Springs Preserve
Las Vegas may be home to the famous Strip, glittering lights and plenty of world-class casinos, but the Las Vegas Springs Preserve showcases 180 acres of stunning natural landscapes and is the perfect place for travelers and families who want to escape the urban landscapes and spend a day in the rugged outdoors.
Visitors can explore winding nature trails, check out a stunning desert botanical garden, and venture into a natural wetland habitat. An informative museum and historic photo gallery also offer plenty of context for the dynamic plants and unique ecosystems that are a part of this prime family destination.
Practical Info
Las Vegas Springs Preserve is located about three miles west of Downtown Las Vegas at 333 South Valley View Boulevard. It is open daily from 10 am until 6 pm. General admission tickets cost $18.95 for adults and $10.95 for children. Senior and military discounts are available.
Address: 333 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89107, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10 am until 6 pm.
Admission: $18.95 for adults and $10.95 for children
From $ 15
Las Vegas Strip
The glittering Las Vegas Strip is the city’s heart and soul. Lined with Sin City’s top hotels and largest casinos, this 4.2-mile (6.8-kilometer) thoroughfare is the United States’ biggest adult playground. A number of its iconic complexes—Treasure Island, the Venetian, the Mirage, MGM Grand, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, the Flamingo—are recognized around the world. All along the Vegas Strip, travelers can spot over-the-top architecture, revel in trendy nightclubs, take in dazzling shows and avant-garde performances, and sink forks into five-star dinners.
The Basics
Stroll the Strip on a walking tour for an up-close sensory overload, zip through on a Segway, or catch a ride with an Elvis impersonator to see the action from a Pink Cadillac. For a day away, take to the skies for aerial views of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, Lake Mead, and the Hoover Dam. Come nightfall, explore the Vegas Strip via nightclub and food tours or bar crawls. But what happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay in Vegas: Some private hop-on hop-off limo tours come with personal photographers to document your big night out. Scenic nighttime helicopter rides are also extremely popular, allowing travelers to view the Strip in all its colorful, illuminated glory from above.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most official Las Vegas nightclubs do not allow baggy jeans, sports hats, tennis shoes, or shorts.
- Be aware that costumed characters on the strips expect payment if you’d like to snap a photo with them.
How to Get There
The Las Vegas Strip runs along Las Vegas Boulevard South, bounded by McCarran Airport to the south and downtown and Fremont Street to the north. Taxis are abundant, but you can also walk to and from many of the Strip’s destinations along the roadway—there are pedestrian walking bridges over the busiest intersections.
When to Get There
If you’re flexible, head to the Strip between Sunday and Thursday when big conventions aren’t in town; you’ll have better room selection and rates are often lower. The weather is scorching in Las Vegas in summer and chiller than you’d expect in winter; July, August, and mid-December are considered off-season. Expect long wait times for taxis and dinner tables between 6 and 8pm each night. Vehicle traffic on the Strip is almost always busy, but especially so on weekends and holidays.
The Vegas Strip for First-Timers
There are two types of experiences when in Vegas: those brought about by spontaneity and chance, and those that must be had. For the latter, be sure to see the Mirage volcano explosion, lounge poolside with a tropical beverage, and try your hand at slots or table games. If you’ve never gambled, lessons offering insights on popular games’ rules, strategy, jargon, and etiquette are available in most of the casinos, and are a good starting point for first-timers. Ask for a schedule at your favorite casino’s customer service desk.
Address: Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, USA
From $ 35
Harrah's Las Vegas
Since the early 1980s Harrah’s has operated as a budget-friendly staple of the Las Vegas strip. It’s the perfect place for those who want a taste of Sin City but don’t want to break the bank doing it. This carnival-themed destination has three massive towers which house seven restaurants, plenty of entertainment options, shopping, a full-service spa and even a couple of performance spaces.
With more than 2,500 rooms and close to 90,000 square feet of casino space, guests of this Mardi Gras-themed hotel won’t ever have to leave. The open-air Carnaval Court and indoor piano bar offer travelers two great in-house options for entertainment that’s as inexpensive as it is fun, and while visitors agree the basic rooms are nothing to write home about, they say both the accommodations and the accessibility are tough to beat for the price.
Practical Info
Harrah’s is home to more than 1,200 slot machines. Travelers can easily access the hotel using the Las Vegas Monorail. The Harrah’s/The Linq station is located at the back of the grounds. Caesars Entertainment also provides a free shuttle between Harrah’s, Bally’s and Rio—it’s two other properties.
Address: 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
From $ 13
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
It’s hard to believe that Sin City is only a few hours away from Lake Mead National Recreation Area, with dramatic and often surreal scenery of sharp craggy mountains, deep canyons, and desert basins. Coboldmprising the areas around Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, this recreation area attracts water sports enthusiasts, boaters, and nonboaters alike.
The Basics
Lake Mead National Recreation Area comprises the basin where the Colorado River flows into the Hoover Dam. Thrill seekers can take an ATV tour or explore Lake Mead by Jet Ski, while those looking to break a sweat can opt for a cycling tour or guided trail run along the lake shores. Mississippi-style paddle wheelers offer romantic dinner cruises, while some tours combine a visit to Hoover Dam with an afternoon boat ride on Lake Mead.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lake Mead is a must-visit for adventure travelers and those looking for an escape from Las Vegas.
- Always wear a life jacket when out on the lakes as conditions can change quickly.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection and plenty of water.
- Wi-Fi is available at several locations throughout the park.
- Several areas of the park, including Boulder Beach, Willow Beach, and Callville Bay, are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Lake Mead borders Arizona and Nevada and is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of Las Vegas. The national recreation area has nine entrances, and the visitor center sits off U.S. 93 just southeast of Boulder City.
When to Get There
The recreation area is open daily throughout the year, though some beaches and other natural areas are day-use only. Spring and autumn offer the best daytime temperatures for outdoor adventure, while summer sees highs in the triple digits.
Attractions in the Lake Mead Area
Boulder City and Lake Mead NRA are located within a two-hour drive of several other attractions that can be visited in a day. The most popular is Hoover Dam, the engineering marvel responsible for forming Lake Mead. Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park and Spring Mountain Ranch State Park are both nearby, as is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, popular among hikers.
Address: USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 57
Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas
Las Vegas has more than just a Hard Rock Cafe – there's also the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, the first one to bore the Hard Rock name, which has its own cafe. The hotel's cafe opened in 1990, and the entire property features a huge casino, a sandy beach and swimming pool, a nightclub, a spa, a few bars, several restaurants, and a music venue. The memorabilia on display includes some items from Las Vegas legends The Rat Pack and Elvis.
A second Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas opened in 2009 right on The Strip. This one is significantly larger – 42,000 square feet – and spans three floors of restaurant seating. It's also home to the biggest Rock Shop in the Hard Rock Cafe universe.
Practical Info
The cafe at the hotel is open Sunday-Thursday from 8:30am-11pm, Friday-Saturday from 8:30am-12am (the bar stays open one hour later). The cafe on The Strip is open 8:30am-11am for breakfast, and 11am-1am for lunch and dinner. The bar and Rock Shop are open from 8:30am-2am.
Address: 3771 S Las Vegas Blvd Suite 120, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, USA
Hours: Sunday-Thursday from 8:30am-11pm, Friday-Saturday from 8:30am-12am (the bar stays open one hour later).
From $ 32
Grand Canyon West Rim
The Grand Canyon’s West Rim, located just outside Grand Canyon National Park, is home to the vast Hualapai Indian Reservation and includes 108 miles (173 kilometers) of picturesque canyon views. The closest section of the canyon to Las Vegas, the West Rim is famous for the lofty Grand Canyon Skywalk, Guano Point, and Eagle Point.
The Basics
The West Rim is an ideal day trip destination from Las Vegas, Nevada. Hike through Havasu Canyon, brave the 8-mile (12-kilometer) trek to Supai Village (permits required), or step onto the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk—a glass bridge that allows visitors to see the Colorado River flowing 4,000 feet (1219 meters) beneath their feet. The West Rim is a popular destination for helicopter tours from Las Vegas, which give travelers a bird’s-eye view of the canyon and nearby attractions such as the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. For a special treat, opt for a sunset helicopter tour that includes a gourmet picnic dinner with Champagne, fine china, and flower arrangements. Bus tours from Vegas offer a different perspective and sometimes also include a visit to Joshua Tree National Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan to spend at least four hours exploring the West Rim.
- Transportation by private vehicle is not permitted within Grand Canyon West. Parking is available, and a hop-on, hop-off shuttle service transports visitors between viewpoints.
- Bring sun protection, plenty of water, and comfortable shoes.
- Wheelchair users may need assistance on the area’s rough terrain.
How to Get There
Grand Canyon West is two hours by road from Las Vegas and 90 minutes from Kingman, Arizona. The nearest airport is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.
When to Get There
The Grand Canyon is a scenic place to visit year-round, with its colors ranging from blazing summer reds to snowy winter hues. Summer is the busiest season, when it’s best to arrive early and book tours in advance.
History of the West Rim
Although the Hualapai Indian Reservation was created in 1883, the Grand Canyon West Rim area wasn’t developed until 1988, when 2,100 members of the Native American tribe decided to open their ancestral lands to visitors. In addition to its stunning viewpoints, the area now offers white water rafting, scenic hiking trails, and rustic lodging to travelers.
Address: USA
Hours: Daily, 7am - 7pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 119
Hidden Valley
There's more to do in Las Vegas than hit the slots. Take a short trip to Jean, Nevada, and escape the bright lights and take a ride through the desert in an ATV!
Once you're in Jean, you can cruise through the surrealist scape of the sand dunes of Jean Dry Lake. Set out on an adventure through rugged desert and mountain terrain. Travel through historic Hidden Valley, extinct lava beds, Roach dry lake and then enter the rugged McCullough Mountain Range.
With the astonishing views of mountains and canyons around you, you'll feel like you're one with the desert on your ATV exploration. Then, make your way to the Hidden Valley National Monument Overlook for unprecedented vistas of the surrounding desert.
Practical Info
Jean is located just 30 minutes from of the Las Vegas Strip in southern Nevada.
Address: USA
From $ 163