When most people think of Las Vegas, they think of gambling. No surprise, really. The Las Vegas Strip is packed to the brim with the world's largest casinos, and every time you walk through their doors, you'll be greeted by the pinging of the slot machines, the cheers when people win on the blackjack table, and the sounds of sorrow when somebody doesn't quite hit the number they want on the roulette table. However, there are things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling. Lots of things.
Las Vegas is a tourist city. It’s got plenty going on. Sure, gambling is a massive part of it, but you have natural beauty around the city and plenty of non-gambling tourist activities to dabble in. If you’re wondering what to do in Vegas besides gamble, you're on the right page. We've got 14 activities for you to dive into.
| Table of Contents [Show] |
|---|
Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link.
Chances are that if you're in Las Vegas, you'll wander down the Las Vegas Strip anyway. How could you possibly take a trip to the neon city without spending some time here? It is one of the most fun things to do in Vegas besides gambling. The Las Vegas Strip is primarily hotels and casinos. But you'll also get to gaze at those beautiful neon lights and see restaurants, shows, and even the odd museum. Trust us, spend some time wandering up and down the Las Vegas Strip, and you'll probably have enough to do for weeks without even stepping foot in a casino.
Downtown Las Vegas is a bit off The Strip. While it does have a few casinos there (i.e., the smaller ones that couldn't afford to be on The Strip), it also boasts one of the most fun things to do in Vegas besides gambling – Freemont Street. It is a vast road that boasts games, amusements, music, shopping, and more. It is the most-visited place in the city after The Strip. Elsewhere in Downtown Las Vegas, you'll find cool museums. One of our favorites is The Mob Museum since we all know that Las Vegas was built on mob money.
Also Read: Amazing Things To Do On Fremont Street
Neon lights are everywhere in Vegas, but where do they go when they are no longer needed? Well, we assume that some of them end up getting recycled, but the important ones – the culturally significant ones, end up in the Neon Museum. The Neon Museum has spent decades restoring some of the more important old neon lights, ready for display. Wander through this museum and walk through a significant part of Vegas history.
Address: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Also Read: Best Museums in Las Vegas
When it comes to shows, Las Vegas is the best place in the world to be. Many top musicians have residencies here, so you'll be able to catch some fantastic musicians every single day of the week. Not a fan of music? Well, you have loads of magicians, dinner shows, drag shows, and more. You've got small venues, large venues, and everything in between. If you want things to do in Las Vegas without gambling, then a trip to one of many, many shows in the area is a must.
Standing 550 feet tall, the High Roller Observation Wheel is the largest Ferris wheel in the world. Located right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, this is where you need to be if you want the most unique aerial views over the beautiful city. It is best to head up at night if you want to experience the neon glare, but any time of the day should offer you some fantastic city views.
Address: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Also Read: Best Things To Do in Las Vegas With Kids
You'll be heading outside of Vegas for this one, into the heart of the Mojave Desert. A hike at Red Rock Canyon will have you walking through meandering red sandstone peaks, and you'll even see some Native American petroglyphs. This is a 13-mile drive, but there are plenty of places to stop along the way to start your hike. Don't forget to bring water; it gets pretty cold out here!
Lake Mead is the lake formed by the Hoover Dam. It can be found in both Arizona and Nevada (it is a massive lake). Why not relax near it? It is a small, watery paradise in an otherwise empty desert area. You can even take a boat trip on it if you wish.
How could you possibly visit Las Vegas without taking a trip to the Grand Canyon? This is a place that probably needs no introduction, but if you want things to do in Vegas besides gamble, then why not take a detour to experience one of the most beautiful natural sights in the US, if not the world?
Container Park is one of the most unique shopping malls in the world. Every single outlet in this shopping mall is built into a converted shipping container. The place especially caters to newer businesses, so you won't find your big brands here. Instead, you'll wander around a whole host of smaller, niche businesses.
Address: 707 Fremont Street, Las Vegas
Covering 46,000 acres of space, the Valley of Fire State Park is dominated by red sandstone formations known as Aztec Sandstones. It gets its name from the fact that they look like they're on fire when the sun is beating down really hard (which happens a lot in Nevada). It is a real spectacle! There are plenty of gambling, hiking, and picnic opportunities throughout.
Address: Moapa Valley, NV 89040
Want one of the most romantic things to do in Vegas besides gambling? Well, why not take a trip to Venice? Well, OK. A mini-Venice. The Venetian hotel looks like it has been whipped right out of Italy, with the highlight being a Gondola ride through the stunning canals. Sure, it's not quite the 'same thing,' but it is close enough to save you a plane ride.
Address: 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Remember Fremont Street from earlier? Well, it boasts one of the most fun things to do in Vegas besides gambling, but you best make sure you like heights first! Head to Fremont Steet, and you can zipline over the whole place. You'll see hordes of people below as you sail through the air without a care in the world (unless you're scared of heights, we suppose). It is a real adventure. Come here at night, it offers the best experience. You may need to queue for a while, though.
Address: 425 Fremont Street, Las Vegas
Also Read: Cheap Things To Do in Las Vegas
If you want something truly awe-inspiring, you must take one of the many night flights over the Las Vegas Strip. It is a bit more expensive than the large Ferris wheel from earlier, but the views are amazing. Oh, and if it is romance you are after, we hear a lot of people propose to their partners on this epic trip!
You would think that this is a hike, but it isn't. You won't be traversing any mountains. Instead, you'll be looking at one of the most famous art installations in the US from the last few decades. Seven Magic Mountains can be found at the far end of Las Vegas and offer 7 different mountains made from painted rocks. It is surprisingly beautiful, especially with the scenery that sits behind it (vast expanses of open desert).
Address: S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054
Regardless of the activities in Las Vegas, you're interested in; you should make sure that your Las Vegas adventure is not only unforgettable but also budget-friendly. In doing so, Cozycozy is your biggest help. It helps you find the most affordable accommodation that suits your preferences to make the most of your Vegas trip. So enjoy the Las Vegas experience beyond the casinos, and let Cozycozy be your companion in crafting a memorable, budget-friendly experience in this wonderful city.
As you can see – when it comes to things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling, you'll be spoiled for choice. We've barely scratched the surface, too. There are countless museums, pawn shops (including the famous one from Pawn Stars), nightclubs, bars, walking tours, and more. Even if you never sit at a table in the City of Sin (or get randomly married on a drunken night), you'll never run out of things to do. For us, Las Vegas will always be a 'must visit'.