21 Best Things To Do in Las Vegas

The Vegas Sign

TripSavvy / Stephanie De Melo

There's more to do in Las Vegas than just gambling, but with so many different activities to choose from, it can be challenging to narrow down what's worth your time and what you should skip. Whether you like the great outdoors, thrill rides, great meals, or just cozying up in a quiet bar with a great cocktail, we've rounded up 21 of our favorite things to do in Sin City.

01 of 21

Satisfy Your Need for Speed

Speed Vegas track with luxury car
Ethan Miller / Getty Images
Address
14200 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054-9540, USA
Phone +1 702-789-0568

If you've ever dreamed of driving a racing car like a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Corvette on a real race track, it shouldn't come as a surprise that there's a place for that in Las Vegas. SpeedVegas offers the chance to get behind the wheel of an authentic race car and take it for a spin without any special experience (you just need a valid driver's license and to be at least 18 years old). The price depends on the car you choose and the number of laps you want to drive, but for automobile fans, the chance to drive at over 200 mph is well worth the cost.

02 of 21

Step Back in Time at the Neon Museum

Neon sign in front of Neon Museum in Vegas
WireImage / Getty Images
Address
770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
Phone +1 702-387-6366

The Neon Museum downtown is a tribute to one of Las Vegas's most iconic artifacts: the neon sign. The museum contains a vintage collection of neon lights from throughout the decades, but this museum is more than just a collection of old light bulbs. The signs from yesteryear offer a glimpse into Las Vegas' past and how the city has grown, and tour guides are on-hand to fill in your visit with historical context, so it's like visiting a history museum with a fun twist. Not only that, but the lights are very Instagrammable, especially during twilight when they're turned on. Be sure to have your phone or camera ready for some otherworldly photos.

03 of 21

Attend a Cirque du Soleil Show

2017 Miss USA Competition
Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Cirque du Soleil is the largest circus producer in the world, although this circus has little to do with the Ringling Bros. version you may be thinking of. Dancers, acrobats, divers, flyers, and other incredibly talented performers put on a show that at times seems like magic, and it's sure to be an unforgettable experience. The original Vegas show is Mystère, which has been at Treasure Island since 1993. At the Bellagio, you can see O, a performance that primarily takes part underwater. Other shows in the city include a tribute to The Beatles, a must-see attraction for fans of their music.

04 of 21

Take an Excursion to Lake Las Vegas

Lake Las Vegas

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Address
15 Costa Di Lago Ste, Henderson, NV 89011, USA
Phone +1 702-600-9860

If you're traveling with kids or have already lost too much money at the slot machines, a break from the casinos can be a welcome respite. Just 30 minutes outside of the Strip is Lake Las Vegas. This artificial reservoir is sometimes referred to as the "Lake Las Vegas Resort" because the amount of activities in the area is comparable to the resorts in the city center. There's an entire aqua park on the lake, which is a giant inflatable obstacle course and fun for all ages. If you've ever dreamed of trying a jetpack, you can ride on a water-propelled version around the lake. There are also plenty of conventional lake activities, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and water tubing.

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05 of 21

Push Your Body at Sweat 60 At Cosmopolitan Las Vegas

Sweat 60 at Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
Zeke Quezada
Address
3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
Phone +1 702-698-7000

After all the great dining and delicious drinks you've enjoyed, you might feel the need to burn a few calories. Luckily, Sweat 60 at Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas can help. This 60-minute upbeat circuit training class will kick-start your new workout routine and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on Vegas. It may not be the typical vacation activity, but this dynamic exercise class is popular enough that even non-hotel guests sign up to take it.

06 of 21

Lounge at the Mandalay Bay Pools

Delano Beach Club Las Vegas
Zeke Quezada
Address
3940 S Las Vegas Blvd Delano, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
Phone +1 702-632-6106

There are pools galore in Las Vegas, as every hotel tries to one-up its neighbors. But the pools—plural—that are a part of the Mandalay Bay resorts are some of the most talked about. The Delano Beach Club is perfect for renting a cabana and enjoying a cocktail, maybe even a poolside massage, for ultimate relaxation. Nearby, the Moorea Beach Club is even more exclusive and has entire bungalows you can rent. However, Mandalay Bay Beach is perhaps the most well-known, with 11 acres of play on a recreated beach scene in the middle of the desert.

07 of 21

Spend a Night at the Club

Scott Disick Hosts At 1 OAK Las Vegas Inside The Mirage Hotel & Casino
WireImage / Getty Images
Address
Located inside The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
Phone +1 702-333-9000

Clubbing is one of Vegas's most popular rituals, and it's no surprise since it's home to some of the biggest clubs in the country. One all-time favorite: Marquee at the Cosmopolitan. With more than 60,000 square feet (including a rooftop patio overlooking the lights of the Strip), Marquee brings in some of the best DJ and electronic dance talents from around the world. Beware that bottle service at Vegas nightclubs can be pricey—it's easy to spend $1,000 or more on a night out at the city's clubs!

08 of 21

Have Happy Hour on the High Roller

The Cocktail Cart On The High Roller Happy Hour Las Vegas

Zeke Quezada

Address
3535 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
Phone +1 855-234-7469

For a truly "only in Vegas" experience, enjoy happy hour from 550 feet in the air at the LINQ High Roller. It's the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, and with a bar inside—it's Vegas after all!—you can enjoy a cocktail and watch the glittering lights of the Strip below. Unlimited drinks on the observation wheel mean you can drink a lot in 30 minutes, so if heights make you feel woozy already, be careful with how much you indulge.

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09 of 21

Jump Off the Stratosphere Tower

Insanity at Stratopshere Tower Las Vegas
Luke Quezada
Address
2000 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89104, USA
Phone +1 800-998-6937

If you want to get your heart racing, sign up for SkyJump at The STRAT, an 829-foot bungee jump. If you're still looking for a thrill but don't want that much thrill, opt for the ride "Insanity." A massive mechanical arm hovers 900 feet above the ground, spinning you and other passengers as part of an experience you'll never forget. The tower is also home to the X-Scream, a rollercoaster that propels you 27 feet over the tower's edge! 

10 of 21

Swing Away at Topgolf Las Vegas

Top Golf Las Vegas
Michael Baxter, Baxter Imaging LLC / Courtesy of Top Golf
Address
4627 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
Phone +1 702-933-8458

Everyone has fun at Topgolf Las Vegas. If you are there to swing a club, the facilities are actually what you would expect for a top-notch practice facility. If you love a good cocktail, they have enough bars and crafty bartenders to fulfill your every request. The menu is not just about bar food but about a real culinary experience. The atmosphere is all Las Vegas, with lounge areas, pools, and plenty of action for more than just a golf date. 

11 of 21

Buy a Souvenir at the Bonanza Gift Shop

Neon sign for the Bonanza Gift Shop

TripSavvy / Elliot Jonch Garcia

Address
2400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104, USA
Phone +1 702-385-7359

Why would you be looking for a gift shop in Las Vegas when every hotel has one that is far more convenient? First, everything at the Bonanza Gift Shop on the Las Vegas strip is significantly cheaper than what you'll find in the hotel store. The world's largest gift shop (seriously—it spans more than 45,000 square feet) has plenty of Vegas kitsch, souvenirs, gag gifts, T-shirts, and more. 

12 of 21

Fly a Plane at Sky Combat Ace

Sky Combat Ace
Wikimedia Commons 
Address
2705 Airport Dr, North Las Vegas, NV 89032, USA
Phone +1 888-494-5850

Sky Combat Ace is among Vegas' best thrill rides, allowing visitors to pilot their own stunt plane over the city. Yes, really. With no experience necessary, you can send your aircraft into complicated maneuvers alongside one of the Sky Combat Ace's experienced pilots, who is in the plane with you. It's among the favorite activities in Vegas, and for a good reason: There's just nothing else like it. 

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13 of 21

Have a Drink at the Bar at Delmonico

Alcohol
krisanapong detraphiphat / Getty Images
Address
3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
Phone +1 702-414-3737

You'll find whiskey, whiskey, and more at the Delmonico Steakhouse bar. With more than 700 options spanning a 40-page menu and a knowledgeable staff to guide you, be prepared to receive a mini-education in brown spirits. The list includes whiskeys from around the world and not just the usual suspects like Kentucky and Scotland, but you can try whiskey from places like India and Taiwan.

14 of 21

Explore Las Vegas's CityCenter

The Crystals shopping mall at CityCenter complex.
Richard Cummins / Getty Images
Address
S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89518, USA

This sprawling complex is home to some of Vegas's most famous hotels and other attractions, but just walking around the property is a must-do. It's home to nearly 20 pieces of incredible contemporary art by artists such as Maya Lin, Julian Schnabel, and Frank Stella. Additionally, the complex is home to the Shops at Crystals, a mall featuring more than 50 upscale flagships, ranging from Tom Ford to Louis Vuitton and Prada. 

15 of 21

Drive a Rock Crawler Through the Desert

Jeep exploring Trail within Bristol Mountains, Mojave Desert, California, USA
Joe Dovala / Getty Images
Address
3575 W Naples Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89103, USA
Phone +1 720-466-7609

Take an adrenaline-filled Jeep trip with Las Vegas Rock Crawlers. You'll drive along slowly while climbing up red-rock faces and down sandy dunes in your own Jeep. The best part is that you are driving your own vehicle without anyone else inside it. A guide will lead the group in their Jeep, taking guests over all types of crazy terrain. If you're looking to briefly escape from the clamor of the Strip, this is one of the best ways to do so.

16 of 21

Go Bowling at the LINQ

Sign for Brooklyn Bowl

TripSavvy / Elliot Jonch Garcia

Address
3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
Phone +1 702-862-2695

Spend an afternoon at Brooklyn Bowl at the LINQ to enjoy bowling, food, drinks, live music, and even more fun. Bowling may not be one of the first activities to come to mind for Vegas, but this mega-bowling alley is much more. It has more than 30 lanes and a restaurant owned by New York City's popular Blue Ribbon group, famous for their heavenly fried chicken. It's also a venue for concerts and shows of major headliners, so don't overlook this attraction.

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17 of 21

Visit the Downtown Container Park

Shops at the downtown Container Park

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Address
707 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
Phone +1 702-359-9982

For something out of the ordinary, visit the Downtown Container Park, an open-air shopping complex built from recycled shipping containers. There are plenty of shopping and dining options here to satisfy adults, but it's also a destination for kids—they'll love the interactive playground known as the Tree House. There are countless shopping options around Las Vegas, but Downtown Container Park is hands down the most unique.

18 of 21

Ride a Zipline over Fremont Street

A ferris wheel in Las Vegas

TripSavvy / Stephanie De Melo 

Address
425 E Fremont St #160, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
Phone +1 702-678-5780

Get an adrenaline rush and a bird's eye view of one of Vegas's most bustling scenes all at once! Try the SlotZilla zip line, which will carry you two blocks down Fremont Street, all while you hover seven stories in the air. Or try the "Zoomline," which lets you fly even further, but on your stomach, like a superhero. 

19 of 21

Dive with the Sharks at Mandalay Bay

Sharks in the aquarium

TripSavvy / Stephanie De Melo 

Address
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
Phone +1 702-632-4555

Come face-to-face with one of nature's most notorious predators in the shark tank at the Mandalay Bay Aquarium. The aquarium houses more than 30 sharks, and certified divers have the opportunity to submerge themselves 20 feet to get up-close and personal with these incredible creatures. All necessary equipment is provided, from scuba gear to a shark cage. Even if you don't want to get in the water with these fascinating animals, this aquarium is still worth a visit for all travelers.

20 of 21

Eat Off-Strip

Sparrow and Wolf Bone Marrow Dumpling
Courtesy of Sparrow and Wolf
Address
4480 Spring Mountain Rd #100, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA
Phone +1 702-790-2147

While the Strip is filled with luxury and well-known places to eat, some of Vegas’s best restaurants aren’t along the main drag. For some unbelievable dining experiences, you have to get away from the Strip. Sparrow and Wolf is one example, opened by Chef Brian Howard, who is creating magic in the kitchen while the bar is crafting serious drinks. A little farther outside the Strip is Honey Salt, specializing in farm-to-table cuisine with the freshest in-season ingredients.

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21 of 21

See the Fountains at Bellagio

The fountains at the Bellagio

TripSavvy / Elliot Jonch Garcia

Address
3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
Phone +1 702-693-7111

Vegas has no shortage of world-renowned attractions, and the fountains at Bellagio Hotel and Casino are easily among the best. At this daily and free show, more than a thousand fountains "dance," choreographed to music and light. This mesmerizing show takes place seven days a week throughout the afternoon and until midnight, every 15–30 minutes, depending on the time of day. If you have to see one attraction in Las Vegas—although you'll surely see several—this is one of them that you cannot miss.

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21 Best Things To Do in Las Vegas