There is so much to see, eat, and do in Las Vegas! This is Part 1 - 5 Exciting Things to Do in Las Vegas…besides gambling! Stay tuned for Part 2 - Where to eat and drink gluten free in Las Vegas.
1. Neon Museum
This is a fun place to tour at night! Get a history of Las Vegas through the neon lights that have graced the city. I took the guided tour outside in the boneyard ($28) and learned a lot of fun and interesting facts about Las Vegas and its celebrities and artists. The guide gives you opportunities to take photos. The gift shop is great. One fun item you can purchase is an old light bulb from one of the neon signs that comes with a certificate of authenticity. Parking is free. Backpacks and large bags are not allowed.
Area 15 is vibrant interactive playground for all ages and a lot of fun! Entry is free but must reserve online. After 10pm, only 21 and up may enter and $15 entry after 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Area 15 consists of many areas to play and explore. Each experience requires its own paid ticket. Check out Wink World, created by one of the founders of the Blue Man group. You’ll experience a fun play on sounds and visuals that make you feel like you’re on another planet. Sip and take a break at Oddwood, while you stare at the beautiful hard to miss 25-foot digital maple tree with LED leaves. There’s axe throwing, golf, an arcade, an immersive Van Gogh exhibit, mind-reading by a giant brain, and sooo much more at Area 15. My favorite was Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart! I spent 2 hours exploring in here as there’s so much to see and do! Walk into a grocery store and end up in another world. Find secret doors, tunnels, and slides. Each room is different and lots to interact with. You’re in for lots of fun here! Tickets are $49 and well worth it as it’s truly an experience like no other!
I’ve been told this is where the locals go. Freemont Street is a 5-block pedestrian mall that’s covered by a steel canopy displaying lights and sounds. There’s a nightly music show that starts every hour from 6pm-2am. As you’re looking up at the canopy don’t be surprised if you see people ziplining by. The zipline starts above Slotzilla, an 11-story slot machine themed platform and it’s definitely a unique way to view Freemont Street. I was able to find parking in one of its garages for only $3! There’s plenty of restaurants and places to gamble. I was recommended by a family member not to stay at the hotels here if you are wanting to go to bed before 2am. That’s when the music and crowd noise die down. But they are a great place to gamble and explore.
4. Top of the Strat – Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck
End your trip with a 360-degree view of Las Vegas! I went in the morning and had the deck all to myself. There’s an inside and outside deck with beautiful views! Tickets are $30 but if you’re a guest at the Strat it’s only $5 plus fees/taxes making the total about $9. Once you go up the escalator, you’ll wait at the elevator. It’s controlled by an operator and they’ll take you up to the floor you need. Observation decks are on levels 108 & 109. Also located on the deck is 108 Eats, 108 Drinks, and Sky Jump for the daredevil in you. The Sky Jump allows you to jump 855 above the Las Vegas Strip. Need even more excitement? Ride the Big Shot. It shoots you 160 feet into the air or dangle over 900 feet high over the edge of the Skypod on the Insanity ride. Attractions are an additional cost. You can also take a date night on top of the Strat. Make reservations and get dressed up for a romantic dinner and enjoy the view while the dining room rotates 360 degrees every 80 minutes. Definitely lots to do and see on top of the Strat!
7 Magic Mountain is a large-scale art installation of 7 colorfully colored towers of boulders. It’s free and open to the public, located 10 miles south of Las Vegas. If you’re staying on the strip its not too far away! The installation was originally supposed to end after 2 years (opened in May 2016) but due to its success, is still available for viewing. Check out this beautiful art site before it’s gone!
*Bonus: If you’ve rented a car with a day to spare, make the 2.5-hour drive to see The Grand Canyon West Rim. If you’ve never seen desert mountains like me, your jaw will drop in amazement just from the drive alone to the Grand Canyon. The West Rim is located on the Hualapai Reservation and famous for its Sky Walk. You’ll drive up to the parking lot and can purchase your tickets inside. From that main building the shuttle bus will come by every 10-20 minutes to whisk you away to 2 more locations. The first location is Eagle Point. It’s a self-guided tour that allows you to explore a Native American village which is truly amazing. The next stop is Guano Point where you can enjoy more stunning sites of the Grand Canyon. I was able to cover these 2 areas in an hour. They offer zip lining, water rafting, and helicopter rides. They have a restaurant and gift shops. Parking is free. The Sky Walk ticket is an extra fee separate from the main admissions ticket.
