Las Vegas offers numerous attractions and activities for everyone, from exciting nightlife on The Strip to kid-friendly entertainment options. Gambling is but one of the offerings in Las Vegas, as the city features a variety of shows, tours, outdoor recreational opportunities, museums and more.
Las Vegas offers an array of attractions from timeless and classic to modern experiences such as the iconic Las Vegas Strip, Fremont Street Experience, Bellagio Fountains and High Roller Observation Wheel.
Top Attractions In Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers an exciting array of attractions that range from the timeless and classic to thrilling, avant-garde experiences. The Strip is where you’ll find dazzling casinos, amazing shows, and late-night entertainment aplenty.
1. The Strip: Casinos, Shows, And Nightlife
Las Vegas is certainly not short of entertainment, and the Las Vegas Strip has become a world-famous destination for casinos, shows, and nightlife.
I find that the city truly comes alive when taking in some of the must-see performances ranging from light-hearted comedy such as Absinthe or family friendly Tournament of Kings shows all located within a 10 mile radius.
Enjoy acrobatic delights by Cirque du Soleil who have multiple permanent locations on The Strip alongside ventriloquism acts like Terry Fator or widely popular franchises like Blue Man Group – ensuring there are always plenty of reasons why heading over for a show can be both enlightening and enjoyable.
2. Fremont Street Experience
At the Fremont Street Experience, you’ll discover unique experiences at every turn: zip lines soaring overhead, whimsical street performers dressed up like movie monsters, and my favorite, funkily painted murals adorned by local artists – it’s all here!
Walking through this popular attraction allows you to take in historic landmarks from Las Vegas’ colorful past, as well as visit shops, shopping malls, museums and some quirky displays.
As you roam about the five blocks of Fremont Street you will also find various casinos emitting classic neon vibes showing off nostalgic signs honoring iconic musical performers like Elvis Presley or Sammy Davis Jr.
3. Bellagio Fountains
The Bellagio Fountains is a world-famous must-see free show in Las Vegas, dazzling visitors with its spectacular musical fountain display. At night, jets of water rise 460 feet up into the air during this unique performance at the 8 acre lake outside of Bellagio resort.
If there are large crowds gathered in front of the Belagio, some view it from across Las Vegas Boulevard at Beer Park or Mon Ami Gabi patio dining areas.
4. High Roller Observation Wheel
Perched 550 feet above the heart of Las Vegas, The High Roller Observation Wheel is an icon and a must-visit attraction for everyone traveling to Las Vegas. At the time of this article it is the tallest observation wheel in the world.
The 30 minute experience itself is spectacular, as you rise above the hotels you start to see the entire Las Vegas valley on each side. The best time to ride is at dusk when the lights of the strip all start taking over the sky.
To make sure you don’t miss out on all the action, plan accordingly by booking tickets before time as lines tend to stretch quite long during peak hours.
Outdoor Activities
From the stunning natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon to the adventure-filled Valley of Fire, Las Vegas has endless opportunities to spend time outdoors.
5. Red Rock Canyon
Just 15 miles outside Las Vegas is a stunning natural escape from the city. A visit to Red Rock National Conservation Area from Las Vegas offers an array of recreational activities, from hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing and horseback riding.
Nothing compares to feeling the desert air as you take in beautiful scenery on the 13-mile Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive in Nevada or exploring one of many hiking trails into the sandstone Calico Hills or other canyons.
6. Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most visited destinations in the United States, attracting more than 5.9 million visitors annually. The Grand Canyon offers a multitude of activities for visitors from all walks of life.
A visit from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon’s South Rim is filled with stunning views and endless opportunities to explore the some 2 billion years of geological history!
From walking and hiking trails to jeep tours and mule rides into the canyon, there are many outdoor recreational options available which make it an inevitable destination for families who look forward to visiting national parks during their vacation time.
7. Valley of Fire
Valley of Fire is another incredibly scenic place to explore around Vegas. Located just one hour away from the Las Vegas Strip, it offers a unique outdoor experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
The park features 2000 year old petroglyphs carved into massive red sandstone formations in the Mojave Desert – making it the perfect spot for history buffs. And if you’re looking for adventure, there are plenty of activities including scenic hiking trails, arches and slot canyons to explore.
If all that isn’t enough, Valley of Fire State Park also doubles as a movie site and is home to some incredible views of the desert landscape.
Must-See Shows and Performances
From the majestic Cirque du Soleil to vaudeville magic in Absinthe, there are some must-see shows and performances for everyone. Make sure to plan your trip to Las Vegas accordingly as tickets to some shows sell out weeks ahead of the scheduled date.
8. Cirque Du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil’s permanent shows in Las Vegas alone attract over 9000 visitors daily so it’s no surprise that it tops the list of must-see performances for tourists visiting Sin City. The shows meld together acrobatics, theatrics, choreography, visuals effects, aerial stunts and physical feats into one magical performance.
The city houses six different Cirque du Soleil shows which include: O at the Bellagio, Mystere at Treasure Island, Ka at MGM Grand; Love at Mirage Hotel & Casino; Zumanity at New York and Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay Resort.
Each show has its own style thus providing audiences with a different visual and immersive experience every visit.
9. Blue Man Group
If you’re looking for an entertaining way to experience music, art and comedy in Las Vegas, look no further than the Blue Man Group at The Luxor Hotel & Casino. Since 1987, this American performance art company has been captivating audiences with its unique combination of humor and innovative instruments all over the world.
Audiences can expect high energy entertainment consisting of edgy theatrical music genres including rock, funk, hip hop and electronic beats.
10. David Copperfield
Since 1996, Copperfield’s been one of the stars in Sin City, captivating audiences every night at MGM Grand with a combination of storytelling and masterful illusion.
Copperfield combines charisma with skillful misdirection to keep you guessing until the very end. Throughout it all he managed to fill our hearts with unbelievable illusions as well as weave together stories full of compassion throughout his set.
11. Penn And Teller
Penn and Teller are the iconic American duo of magicians and entertainers who have been performing their unique blend of outrageous magic, cutting edge comedy and stunning stunts in Las Vegas for over 30 years.
They have become renowned worldwide for redefining magic with their famous show at The Rio hotel and casino that combines everything from fire-eating to talking turtles.
Their hallmark brand of edgy entertainment is like nothing else you will experience in Las Vegas, making them must-see performers if you’re looking for a truly memorable experience while visiting the city.
12. Absinthe
When it comes to spectacular entertainment, no show quite compares to Absinthe. As the #1 rated performance in Las Vegas, Absinthe is a unique show unlike any other.
Combining elements of acrobatics, cabaret and adult humor – perfect for those looking for something different during their time in Sin City. The production features individual circus acts or singing performances strung together with some comedic filler between each act.
It’s known for its outrageous and jaw-dropping stunts making it one of the most popular shows on the Strip.
Unique Experiences in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a dynamic city that has something to offer for everyone. Activities range from Helicopter Tours and unique museums, to fun thrill rides and visit a “hidden” beache. Explore Las Vegas in a different way with some of the following iconic experiences.
13. Helicopter Tours
If you’re looking for a thrilling experience in Las Vegas, then look into one of the many helicopter tours available from The Strip. Offering stunning views of the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and the lights of Sin City, these aerial adventures can last anywhere from just a few minutes up to several hours.
Many of these tours include complimentary champagne and are perfect for special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays! For an extended thrill ride above the Strip, try Maverick Helicopters’ Strip Nights Tour that takes you 2,500 feet above Las Vegas Boulevard.
14. Mob Museum
If you’re looking for something different to do while Downtown Las Vegas, you will find one of the city’s most unique and interesting attractions, The Mob Museum. Opened in 2012, this immersive museum showcases interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind Mob and law enforcement artifacts for visitors to explore Mob history.
There are 3 floors of exhibits dedicated to exploring organized crime across the country. Audio tours and private docent led tours are available if you’re looking for an even more captivating experience.
15. Neon Museum
While you are downtown be sure to pay a visit to the Neon Museum – an outdoor museum that features vintage neon signs from old casinos and other businesses. This unique cultural destination is located off the Strip so visitors can enjoy its quieter atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
The Neon Museum showcases over 200 awe-inspiring examples of iconic signage from decades past, allowing you to immerse yourself in colorful lights and learn about fascinating stories behind some of these vibrant pieces.
Highlights include classic signs like Caesars Palace, El Cortez Hotel & Casino, Stardust Hotel & Casino, and more! Visitors are welcome to explore during both day and night tours. At night you will really appreciate how beautiful each display is illuminated.
16. SlotZilla Zip Line
SlotZilla Zip Line is a unique and thrilling way to experience Downtown Las Vegas. Located at the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas, this zip line attraction is shaped like a giant slot machine and offers two different take-off levels.
The lower level gives riders the chance to fly seated from 77 feet in the air, while the upper Zoomline allows visitors to soar face down Superman-style over Fremont Street from 114 feet high! What makes SlotZilla even more special is that it’s wheelchair accessible so everyone can enjoy zipping around discovering all of Las Vegas’ attractions.
17. Indoor Skydiving
For an exciting and unique experience in Las Vegas, look no further than indoor skydiving at Vegas Indoor Skydiving. From the safe flight environment to state-of-the-art technology that mimics the sensation of traditional skydiving without a parachute or airplane, this is an adrenaline rush like no other.
At 22 feet high and 12 feet across, Vegas Indoor Skydiving’s wind tunnel provides all of the thrills associated with skydiving – pushing up against 1,000 horsepower streams of air while soaring through rings positioned throughout for guests.
It’s perfect for adventurers young and old since there are no age or weight restrictions – meaning everyone can enjoy the fun and experience freefalling from 13,000 ft!
Family-Friendly Activities in Las Vegas
From educational museums to thrilling theme parks, Las Vegas has plenty of activities for the whole family.
18. Discovery Children’s Museum
As one of Southern Nevada’s hidden gems, the Discovery Children’s Museum is located in Las Vegas’ Symphony Park and offers a wonderful blend of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and creative activities to keep families entertained.
Along with 26,000 square feet of space featuring nine themed exhibition halls ranging from dragon playhouses to science labs galleries, visitors can expect to be engaged through hands-on learning experiences on various topics like arts and culture.
The museum includes inspiring programs that focus on science exploration for students of all ages as well as engaging displays that bring out the best in children’s imaginative powers.
Among some favorite attractions are interactive experiments with lights or sound waves in the Science Lab Gallery while others will enjoy going on an adventure trip in their own backyard at Exploration Garden.
19. Shark Reef Aquarium
Located at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Shark Reef Aquarium is a must-see family-friendly attraction. It’s the only accredited zoo and aquarium in Nevada and features over 2,000 animals such as sharks, exotic fish, sea turtles, Komodo dragons, stingrays, jellyfish and more.
This multi-sensory experience takes visitors on an educational journey through a jungle full of deadly predators and hidden mysteries beneath the sea’s surface where they can get up close to marine life in several habitats while learning about different aquatic species.
20. Adventuredome Theme Park
Situated in the middle of the strip, Adventuredome Theme Park is an indoor 5-acre amusement park located at Circus Circus. Boasting more than 25 rides and attractions for all ages, it’s the largest indoor theme park in the United States.
Visitors can try their hand at rock climbing or bungee jumping or test their mini golf skills on Adventuredome’s 18-hole mini golf course. It also offers carnival style games, an arcade and other family friendly activities that will keep you entertained for hours!
21. Tournament of Kings at Excalibur
Tournament of Kings at Excalibur is a fun, family-friendly experience in Las Vegas that transports all visitors back to Medieval times. The show includes an exciting mix of jousting, sword fights as well as action packed performances from kings and knights who interact with the audience.
It tells the story of King Arthur in a 900 seat arena filled with pageantry and drama featuring Merlin the Wizard who guides us through this unforgettable journey.
At Tournament of Kings you can witness singing, toasting, audience interaction as well as incredible fighting and dancing sequences.
To make it even better there’s a delicious dinner before or after the show depending on your ticket option which makes it more than worth it for those traveling with kids or looking for something different during their stay in Las Vegas.
22. Topgolf
Las Vegas is home to another unique family entertainment destination, called Topgolf. This location offers smaller golf clubs for children and features five bars, VIP cabanas, two pools and a restaurant making it an all-day experience for everyone.
For those who need more than just hitting balls around there are various themed lounges offering sports games and game tables that provide hours of fun and excitement.
Conclusion
Las Vegas is a destination like no other, offering an array of activities to suit every interest. Whether you want to take in incredible views on top of the High Roller Observation Wheel, watch mesmerizing shows such as Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group, or experience adrenaline-pumping thrills like indoor skydiving – Las Vegas has something for everyone.
When planning your trip to Las Vegas, consider choosing the best time to visit based on weather conditions. Research accommodation choices ahead of time ranging from renowned luxury hotels & resorts to more affordable mid-range hotel chain establishments.
So make your itinerary around Las Vegas and have fun!
Author Bio: Shannon is an adventure enthusiast, nature lover, and art dabbler who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. She’s a huge fan of discovering new places to visit and the outdoor lifestyle and is a regular contributor at https://threedaysinvegas.com.