5 Interesting Things to do in Las Vegas that are fun!

Updated April 25, 2023

Las Vegas is the starting point for travelers wishing to complete the Grand Circle Tour and the mighty Utah 5 national parks. Most will spend some time in Las Vegas before or after their circle tour. There are lots of things to do in Las Vegas that are fun and that don’t have to include the gambling. Spending a day in Las Vegas, you can see many of the sites on the strip.

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What Interesting Things Can I do in Las Vegas?

We know las Vegas for its lively atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and endless entertainment options. Here are some fun things to do in Las Vegas:

1. Explore the Las Vegas Strip – Take a stroll down the famous Las Vegas Boulevard and check out the iconic landmarks like the Bellagio Fountains, Eiffel Tower, and the High Roller Observation Wheel.
2. Catch a Show – Las Vegas is home to world-renowned shows featuring famous entertainers like Celine Dion, Elton John, and Cirque du Soleil.
3. Visit the Casinos – Try your luck at the many casinos in Las Vegas, including the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and the Venetian.
4. Experience the Thrill Rides – Las Vegas has a variety of thrilling rides and attractions such as the Big Apple Roller Coaster, SkyJump at the Stratosphere, and the VooDoo Zip Line.
5. Take a Day Trip – Explore the beautiful surrounding areas like Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, or the Hoover Dam.
6. Enjoy the Nightlife. Vegas has plenty of lively nightlife activities, with countless bars, nightclubs, and lounges to choose from.
7. Visit the Museums – Las Vegas has some interesting museums such as the Mob Museum, Neon Museum, and the Titanic Artifact Exhibition.
8. Go Shopping – Las Vegas is a shopper’s paradise with luxury malls like the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Grand Canal Shoppes, and the Fashion Show Mall.
9. Relax at the Spa – take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Strip and indulge in a spa treatment at one of the many world-class spas in Las Vegas.
10. Dine at the World-Class Restaurants – Las Vegas is a foodie’s paradise with many Michelin-starred restaurants, celebrity chef eateries, and buffets to satisfy any craving.

1. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

The canyon is 16-miles from Las Vegas, about a 20-minute drive. Take the 13-mile loop to view the red sandstone formations, get out of the car at the overlooks. The area has over 26 hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous, with stunning views of the red rocks, canyons, and desert landscape. he park is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, burros, and coyotes.

Put on your walking or hiking shoes and hike at least some trails. A quality trekking stick would be advisable and bring water as there is no water available beyond the visitor’s center. The visitor center at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area can give you information on the best hikes. The formations are stunning-take lots of pictures!!

Beginning October 1, 2021, the Bureau of Land Management requires Timed Reservations for vehicle entry to the Scenic Drive between 8am and 5pm though May 31, 2022. Timed Reservations are available online, along with entry passes, and visitors with annual passes can enter their pass number at checkout. Make your reservation here: Red Rock Reservations for Timed Entry

2. Exciting Hoover Dam a Day Trip from Vegas

Hoover Dam is a world-famous engineering marvel and only a 30 minute drive. A visit will give you a glimpse into the ingenuity of the engineers and the river’s natural beauty. They built the dam in the 1930s to control flooding on the Colorado River and provide hydroelectric power to the surrounding states. Walk across the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, also known as the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. It is a beautiful bridge that spans the Colorado River and offers breathtaking views of the dam and the surrounding area.

Walk to the top of the dam, straddle the state line between Nevada/Arizona. If time permits, do one tour into the power plant or the interior corridors. Take a tour of the inside of the dam. There are several tour options available at Hoover Dam, including the Power plant Tour, the Dam Tour, and the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Tour. Each tour offers a unique perspective on the dam’s history and engineering. We took the VIP tour. It’s cost is around $30 pp. which includes access to the visitor center observation deck and another exhibition area with information about the areas around the dam.

If you want a spectacular view, take a Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour. This tour gives you a bird’s-eye view. The tour takes you over the dam, river and Lake Mead. It offers remarkable views and a rare perspective on the dam’s size and scope.

3. Captivating Lake Mead Recreational Area 

Another favorite destination that a must see when you’re in Las Vegas. Beautiful Lake Mead National Recreation Area is just minutes away from the strip by car, but is a completely unique experience. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a beautiful destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers. There is a charge to enter the park area, but the National Parks Pass gets you in for free.

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area includes all of man-made Lake Mead, which is 112 miles long and contains 247 miles of surface area. It is the largest reservoir in the United States by volume. The smaller Lake Mohave, reservoirs on the Colorado River created by Hoover Dam and Davis Dam, and the surrounding desert terrain and wilderness. Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, less than a year before they completed Hoover Dam. It is about 24 miles southeast of Las Vegas.

Stop Into the Visitor Center Lake Mead Recreational Area 

Our first stopped was at the visitor’s center. It is a great starting point for exploring the park. Inside are a variety of exhibits that showcase the history of the area,(watch the 10-minute film) from its early human inhabitants to the construction of Hoover Dam and the formation of Lake Mead. A small gift shop provides a variety of souvenirs, books, and other items. From the overlook, there is a beautiful contrast between the blue water and multi-colored mountains that surround the lake. Unfortunately, the water level isn’t what it supposed to be, which causes some issues at the Hoover Dam, which is relying on Lake Mead for its water supply.

This vast lake behind Hoover Dam has endless recreation opportunities. Lake Mead NRA features boating, swimming, sun-bathing, water-skiing, fishing, hiking trails and views of the surrounding desert landscape. A marina with a restaurant and bar is located down the waterfront from the beach area. The area has over 60 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult, with stunning views of the lake, canyons, and desert landscape. Additionally, the lake is home to a variety of fish species, including striped bass, catfish, and rainbow trout, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.

4. Take in a Spellbinding Show in Las Vegas

Definitely take the time to see one show at a strip hotel. Renown as the entertainment capital of the world. Vegas presents a wide range of world-class shows and performances. The Cirque du Soleil always has magnificent shows for family members of all ages. This Canadian entertainment company has several shows in Las Vegas, including “O” at the Bellagio, “Mystère” at Treasure Island, and “KA” at MGM Grand. These shows combine acrobatics, dance, and music to create a unique and unforgettable experience. in Las Vegas

Maybe see a comedy or magic show. David Copperfield, the world-famous magician, performs nightly at the MGM Grand, wowing audiences with his illusions and magic tricks. Blue Man Group, our favorite, does a unique performance. They are currently at the Luxor Hotel & Casino. The show combines music, comedy, and multimedia for a one-of-a-kind show.

Interested in a night of laughter, food, and mystery. The mystery theater experience “Marriage Can Be Murder” at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino is interactive. Here the actors mingling with the audience and involving them in the murder mystery. It includes a three course meal and has adult beverages (additional cost). There are many options, depending on the time of your visit, from concerts to Broadway shows, Las Vegas has entertainment for everyone. Looking for discounts tickets locally for events is always a great way to save a few dollars.

5. The Riveting Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas

Gorgeous during the day, breathtaking and awe-inspiring at night. Spend an evening viewing the majestic fountain shows. The fountain system features over 1,200 water jets that shoot water up to 460 feet (140 meters) in the air, choreographed to a wide range of music from classical to contemporary.

WET Design, the same company that created the Fountains of Dubai at the Burj Khalifa, designed the Bellagio Fountains. The fountains perform shows every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes in the evening. The shows are free for the public and draw crowds from around the world.

The fountain show is a spectacular display of music, water, and light that features synchronized movements and patterns of water that dance in time to music. E loved listening to the music while watching the water as it swirls in various patterns. The show is a must-see attraction for visitors to Las Vegas, and has been featured in many movies and television shows.

Fascinating Places to Stay in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has a plethora of hotels, some close to the action on the strip, others just off strip can save you a bundle if you will walk or drive a few miles. Using Internet booking websites such as Booking.com or TripAdvisor can get you rooms on the strip at a descent rate.

Here are some of the top places to stay in Las Vegas:

1. The Bellagio – This iconic hotel and casino is on the Las Vegas Strip and features luxurious rooms, a world-renowned fountain show, and high-end dining options.
2. The Venetian – This Italian-themed resort features spacious suites, a replica of Venice’s canals and gondolas, and a range of dining and entertainment options.
3. The Wynn – This upscale resort features modern rooms, multiple pools, a golf course, and a range of high-end dining options.
4. The MGM Grand – This massive hotel and casino features spacious rooms, a variety of dining and entertainment options, and several pools.
5. Caesars Palace – This iconic hotel and casino features luxurious rooms, a massive casino floor, and a range of high-end dining options.
6. Paris, Las Vegas-features a half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower, which includes an observation deck offering impressive views of the Strip. It has a range of rooms and suites, including the newly renovated Burgundy rooms, which offer modern amenities.

In Vegas, we had overnight accommodation at Best Western McCarran Inn less than 5 minutes to the airport. The room was clean, spacious and comfortable. The front desk staff was professional. They include breakfast in the room rate. They do have a free shuttle to the Strip and also an airport drop-off.

Intriguing Places to Dine in Las Vegas

Vegas has a world-class dining scene, featuring celebrity chefs, innovative menus, and a range of cuisines from around the world. When choosing a restaurant, consider your budget, desired cuisine, and location, as well as the restaurant’s reputation and reviews. These are just a few of the many excellent dining options available in Las Vegas.

1. Joel Robuchon – This three-Michelin-starred restaurant at the MGM Grand offers a multi-course tasting menu of French haute cuisine.
2. é by José Andrés – This exclusive restaurant at The Cosmopolitan offers a 20-course tasting menu of avant-garde Spanish cuisine.
3. Guy Savoy – This Michelin-starred French restaurant at Caesars Palace offers a prix-fixe menu featuring classic French dishes and modern twists.
4. Sage – This contemporary American restaurant at ARIA offers a menu of farm-to-table dishes and an extensive wine list.
5. Jaleo by José Andrés – This Spanish restaurant at The Cosmopolitan offers a range of tapas and paellas, as well as a signature gin and tonic bar.
6. Raku – This off-the-Strip Japanese restaurant offers a range of traditional and modern dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and grilled skewers.

On a Budget: Enjoy a Lavish Buffet in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is famous for its lavish buffets, featuring a wide variety of cuisines and options for every palate. When visiting off-Strip buffets, it’s always a good idea to check for any promotions or discounts that may be available, such as those offered to members of the hotel’s loyalty program or locals. These are the best value for those that want a variety of different foods to choose from.

Have you ever been tired of the overindulgence force feed on the Vegas Strip buffets? If you want the most delicious breakfast, try The Egg and I. It’s worth the drive even though it’s off the strip. Several of the menu items have a Mexican flair, making them wonderful choices. I appreciated the quick and efficient service, as well as the generous portions.

Our last exciting night in Las Vegas ended with a delicious dinner at Capri Italian Ristorante, an Italian Deli. We were just looking for a quick bite, and this place met our needs. This nostalgic, family-owned deli was simply amazing. Freshly cooked food at an affordable price. We were saddened to hear that the restaurant has since closed.

Final Thoughts on Interesting Things to do in Las Vegas that are fun!

Las Vegas is a city that offers endless opportunities for fun and adventure. From exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding areas to indulging in the city’s world-renowned nightlife, there’s something for everyone. Some of the must-see attractions in Las Vegas include the Bellagio Fountains, the Hoover Dam, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and the Lake Mead Recreational Area.

For those who enjoy entertainment, Las Vegas offers a range of shows, including the Cirque du Soleil, magic shows, and musical performances. And, of course, there’s no shortage of world-class dining options, from casual eateries to gourmet restaurants.

If you are not interested in gambling your money away, why not try some of these fun activities instead? Whether you’re visiting Las Vegas for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, be sure to plan and make the most of your time in this vibrant city. With so much to see and do, it will be a fun and unforgettable adventure.

What activities besides gambling have you done in Las Vegas? Let us know in the comments below. We are always looking for suggestions!