Are you searching for the best things to do in Vegas besides gamble? In this article, we will share a local’s perspective on the best things that don’t require you to spend your life’s savings but still have a fantastic las vegas experience.
Check out our other Las Vegas guides to plan your entire trip from start to finish.
Las Vegas is known as the world’s gambling capital of the world. With its lavish casinos and high-roller lifestyle, it may be the first thing you think of when you hear the word Vegas.
However, there’s much more to this vibrant city than just gambling. From entertainment and shopping to outdoor activities and fine dining, Las Vegas has something for everyone. Here are some top things to do in Las Vegas that don’t involve gambling.
Things to do in Vegas besides Gamble List:
- Views of Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Shows and Entertainment
- Shopping in Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Outdoor Adventures
- Las Vegas Thrill Attractions
- Maverick Helicopter Tours
- Lake Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Dining and Unique Experiences
- Las Vegas Casino Displays
- Lion Ranch Habitat
- Las Vegas Museums
- Las Vegas Pools
Master List of Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble
Views of Las Vegas | Things to do in Vegas besides gamble
The High Roller
Take a ride on the world’s tallest observation wheel. It’s called the High Roller and stands 550 feet tall, offering stunning views of the Las Vegas skyline. Each cabin can hold up to 40 people, and one unique cabin has a bar experience making it perfect for groups or visitors wanting to get a stunning view of the valley and Las Vegas strip.
The Strat Observation Deck
The Strat is the tallest building in Las Vegas and offers 360 views of Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. The Skypod and Observation deck has an indoor and outdoor viewing option at 869 feet. Furthermore, the strat offers the top-of-the-world restaurant and other adrenaline-boosting activities.
Eiffel Tower Las Vegas Viewing Deck
The Las Vegas Strip has a replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. In spite of it not being a full-scale version, it offers a stunning view of the Las Vegas strip and iconic Bellagio Fountains. The viewing deck can be accessed inside the Paris Hotel, making for the perfect end to a date night or a night on the town.
Las Vegas Shows and Attractions | Things to do in Vegas besides gamble
Las Vegas is home to some of the best shows in the world, ranging from Cirque du Soleil productions to stand-up comedy acts and more. This is one of the best ways to avoid gambling and beat the heat in Las Vegas.
Cirque Du Soleil
Las Vegas has several Cirque Du Soleil shows hosted at various Las Vegas hotels and Casinos. Cirque du soleil’s prices range from $69 to $300+ per ticket, so they are pricey. However, each show is unique and thrilling from start to finish. There are six shows offered in Las Vegas. Below, check out the list of shows in Las Vegas and their locations.
- The Beetles Love at Mirage Hotel and Casino
- Mad Apple at New York New York Hotel and Casino
- KA at MGM Grand
- Michael Jackson One at Mandalay Bay
- Mystere at Treasure Island
- O at Bellagio Hotel and Casino
Spiegelworld Shows
Spiegelworld shows mix circus acts and variety shows with a sensual twist. These shows are adult-only experiences whose themes vary based on the show you attend, and we highly recommend them for a date night activity. There are three shows at three different properties on the Las Vegas strip. I highly recommend them with Spiegleworld’s dinner show, Superfrico (more information in the dining section). See below for a list of shows and their locations.
- Absinthe at Ceasars Palace
- Atomic Saloon at the Venetian
- Opium at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
America’s Got Talent
America’s Got Talent Las Vegas is a Luxor Hotel and Casino show. It is a variety show with a combination of past Hollywood show winners. With acts from soulful singers to energetic dancers and death-defying acts, this show will surely keep you on the edge of your seat. This show is a family-friendly las vegas show and can be enjoyed by all ages.
Las Vegas Shopping | Things to do in Vegas besides gamble
Las Vegas is known for having some of the best shopping experiences. There is something for every taste, with several outlet malls, luxury shopping stores, and shopping districts. Here is a list of our favorite shopping experiences and what you can expect from each. Check out this Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau article for a more detailed list of shopping experiences and outlets in Las Vegas.
Our top shopping district recommendations
The District at Green Valley Ranch
The District at Green Valley Ranch is located in Henderson, NV. It is attached to the Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino and features an outdoor district with shops and restaurants. This shopping district is excellent for families and those looking to escape the busy las vegas strip.
Downtown Summerlin
Downtown Summerlin is located in the Summerlin master plan of Las Vegas. It is attached to the Red Rock Resort and Casino and features an open-air shopping district with shops, restaurants, the Las Vegas Ballpark, and living spaces. This upscale shopping district is perfect for families and adults looking for nightlife.
Las Vegas South Premium Outlets
The Las Vegas South Premium Outlets is an indoor outlet mall with over 140 outlet stores. This outlet is perfect for shopping for discounts and beating the heat in the summertime. It is located on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip and can be relatively easily accessed by car or public transportation.
Our top shopping district recommendations continued…
The Forum Shops at Ceasars
The Forum Shops at Ceasars is a luxury shopping mall inside Ceasars Palace. It has over 160 retail shops, restaurants, and experiences. There are plenty of luxury retailers if you’re looking for luxury goods, and it serves as a great mall to explore while walking between the hotels on the strip.
Las Vegas North Premium Outlets
The Las Vegas North Premium Outlets are located on the North end of the Las Vegas strip. It is an outdoor shopping complex with over 175 stores, stands, and restaurants. Because it is outdoors, I highly recommend avoiding the north outlets during summer.
Town Square Shopping District
The Town Square Shopping is an upscale shopping district perfect for enjoying the day with shopping and entertainment. It is located near the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. It is, again, perfect for anyone, regardless of age. There’s a park for kids, many restaurants and cuisines, a movie theatre, activities from painting to gamers’ lounges, and more. This is an outdoor shopping center, so beware of the season.
Fashion Show Mall
Fashion Show Mall is located just off the Las Vegas strip. This lively shopping mall has over 250 retail stores, restaurants, art installations, and more. This mall is known for being one of the biggest and best malls to experience in the Las Vegas area. It is an indoor mall and can be a great place to break from the Las Vegas heat.
Las Vegas Outdoor Adventures | Things to do in Vegas besides gamble
Many people need to realize that Las Vegas is a premier outdoor destination. Take advantage of our local state parks and other outdoor recreation areas in town. There is something for everyone, from hiking to scenic drives near Las Vegas and other outdoor enthusiast adventures.
Our top outdoor adventure experiences in Las Vegas
Visit the Hoover Dam
Just a short drive from Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is a marvel of engineering and a must-see attraction. Take a guided tour to learn about the dam’s history and significance and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Just 16 miles west of Las Vegas, you will find the Red Rock Canyon National Conservational Area and Scenic Loop Drive. After entering the park, stop at the visitor’s center. There is a gift shop and indoor/outdoor interactive exhibits to learn more about the national park and conservatory.
You’ll start your 13-mile scenic road tour from the visitor’s center. The Red Rock Canyon is the perfect place for hiking near Las Vegas, so if hiking is your hobby, plan to spend the day here and hike at different points. The Red Rock Canyon site and visitor’s center contain information about the property’s hiking trails, rock climbing tours, and horseback riding tours.
Our top outdoor adventure experiences in Las Vegas continued…
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
If you’re visiting the Hoover Dam, there is a scenic drive from the Lake Las Vegas area to Hoover Dam called Lake Mead National Recreation Area. There are tons of picturesque views to take in on your short drive, or you can plan a day enjoying the scenery. You will find many pullover spots for fishing and picnics along your drive. As far as outdoor activities, there are many things to do, such as biking, boating, hiking, scuba diving, and more.
Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is 50 minutes to one hour from the Las Vegas Strip in Overton, Nevada. It is a nature preserve and recreational park with stunning views of red rocks, unique Nevada wildlife, and 2000-year-old petroglyphs in the Mohave desert. This park’s most iconic drive is the scenic byway that stretches over eight miles.
Emerald Cave Kayak Tours
The Emerald Cave Kayak Tour is one of the most scenic tours in Las Vegas. It is located on the Colorado River near the Hoover Dam, where kayakers can explore stunning caves and hues of emerald green water on a guided tour experience. This half-day experience included a guide, snacks, and equipment.
Las Vegas Thrill Attractions | Things to do in Vegas Besides Gamble
Are you a traveler seeking thrills and adventures? Luckily, Las Vegas has some of the most iconic thrill rides to enjoy while you’re here, regardless of budget.
Our top favorite thrill attractions for the daredevils
Las Vegas Exotic Car Racing
This is your ultimate chance to make your dream of driving luxury vehicles come true. Exotic car racing allows you to join a professional driver, pick the car of your dreams and experience the thrill of drifting or simply going along for the ride.
Fly Linq Zipline
The Flylinq Zipline is located on the Linq promenade. Here, you can zipline 12 stories above the las vegas strip in the sitting position going 35 miles per hour. The view for this one is fantastic at night and is best in conjunction with a ride on the Linq Highroller.
Slotzilla Zipline at Fremont Street Experience
The Iconic Slotzilla at Fremont Street Experience is the most thrilling ride in Las Vegas. This ride is 77 feet into the air and zooms guests across the Fremont Street Experience. What makes this one unique is the Superhero zoom line experience, where the brave can fly Superman-style 11 stories in the air.
Our top favorite thrill attractions for the daredevils continued…
SkyJump Las Vegas
We know that The Strat is the tallest structure in Las Vegas. So, what if your thrill of the night was jumping off the top floor of the building? SkyJump Las Vegas allows thrill seekers to jump off the 108th floor. If you’re not quite ready to jump but still looking for a thrill, they also offer the X scream, a thrill ride that hangs off the side of the building at 160 feet in the air at 45 mph.
Maverick Helicopter Tours
Maverick Helicopter Tours is among the best and most exciting ways to explore the Las Vegas Valley, Red Rock, and The Grand Canyon.
Tours on Maverick range from $135 to upward of $500, and tour lengths range from 15 minutes to a half-day experience. The opportunities are endless.
Consider taking the Vegas Views night tour for stunning views of the Las Vegas strip illuminated at night or for more of an advantage; the Grand Canyon Tour options offer multiple ways to explore and experience one of the world’s natural wonders.
Lake Las Vegas | Things to do in Vegas besides gamble
Lake Las Vegas is one of the Las Vegas Valley’s best-hidden gems. This community is in Henderson, Nevada, and borders the Lake Mead National Recreation area between Las Vegas and Boulder City.
It offers an Italian-inspired oasis with hotels, dining options, outdoor water recreational sports, golf courses, and more. This is the perfect place to get away from the hustle of the Las Vegas Strip. I always recommend that travelers returning to Las Vegas split their trip between time on the strip and exploring off-strip activities and hotels, including Las Lake Vegas and the rest of Henderson.
Las Vegas Dining Experiences | Things to do in Vegas besides gamble
Las Vegas is a food lover’s paradise, with many world-class restaurants, celebrity chefs, and unique dining experiences. Regardless of the cuisine you’re in the mood for, there is a restaurant and dinner experience to satisfy your palate.
Our “Only in Las Vegas” dinner experience recommendations
Superfrico Dinner Experience
Superfrico is the ultimate dinner show by Spiegle World, and it’s the most epic and trippy dinner in Las Vegas. This highly stimulating restaurant is located inside the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and features Italian cuisine with a twist.
Lipsmacking Foodie Tours
Lipsmacking foodie tours are your go-to experience for all things delicious in Las Vegas. Tour packages allow you to explore the Las Vegas strip and downtown with a group of foodies. Tours vary from boozy brunches to steakhouses and private chef-tasting menus.
The Underground at the Mob Museum
Step back into the 1920s prohibition era in The Underground Speakeasy at the Mob Museum. After visiting the museum, head down for light bites, desserts, or a drink. While this is not the most extensive menu in Las Vegas, it offers a unique experience to enjoy dinner as the old-school mob bosses of Las Vegas would have.
Black Out Dining in the Dark
This is your chance to experience a heightened sensory experience at dinner. Black-out dining in the dark is an immersive experience where guests experience a multi-course meal without lighting.
Wynn Lakeside Restaurant
The Wynn’s Lake of Dreams dinner experience can be from the Lakeside patio or SW Steakhouse. This multimedia show combines a water show with lasers, lights, and music to present an awe-inspiring lakeside show projected on a water screen.
Las Vegas Casino Displays | Things to do in Vegas besides gamble
Las Vegas is known for having some of the most grand displays to enjoy and explore for free. Many of these displays change seasonally and make for an attraction worth visiting. So, if you do not want to gamble, there will still be plenty to do in your hotel or resort. Some of the best casino displays in Las Vegas are:
- Bellagio Conservatory
- Wynn Atrium Display
- Freemont Street Experience
- The Grand Canal
- Bellagio Fountain Show
Lion Habitat Ranch | Things to do in Vegas besides gamble
Only in Las Vegas can you get close to the real MGM lions and a giraffe that can paint. The Lion Habitat Ranch is in Henderson, just outside the M Resort and the Las Vegas Raider’s practice facility. While we don’t have an actual Zoo in Las Vegas, this is an excellent alternative for families or those looking for an outdoor unique experience and animal lovers.
The ranch has occasional shows and exhibits feeding the animals or watching the giraffe paint. If you are particularly bold, you can go on a behind-the-scenes tour with a trainer to assist them.
Las Vegas Museums | Things to do in Vegas besides gamble
Looking for the best Museums in Las Vegas? Luckily, not only does the city have a ton of unique museums specific to Las Vegas, but they are also generally inexpensive or can be combined at one cost by purchasing a city pass. Whether you’re here with kids or want to explore a little bit of Las Vegas history during your trip, there is something for every interest.
Our top 3 favorite must-see museums
The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is iconic Las Vegas history rolled into an immersive experience and exhibits. This museum takes you down the timeline from Las Vegas’s founding to past and present organized crime. Here, you can learn how mobs came to be and their effect on Las Vegas’s beginnings, from the city to its shimmering casinos. This museum is located in Downtown Las Vegas and is easily one of the best museums.
The Neon Museum
Did you know that one of Las Vegas’s many nicknames is Neon City? Daily, many neon lights shine bright on the Las Vegas strip and throughout the Las Vegas Valley. It has indeed become a part of our history and identity. The Neon Museum takes you back in time, allows guests to explore over 200 retired, and restores iconic Las Vegas Neon signs. This museum is also in downtown Las Vegas.
Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre park with exhibits, trails, historical museums, and more. The park has two museums on the property, including the Origen Museum and Nevada State Museum. In addition, every season, you can find specialized cultural and sustainability-focused events and classes. Plan to spend a half day on the property and even check out their on-site restaurant offering stunning views of the park and strip skyline. Springs Preserve is perfect for any age!
Las Vegas Pools | Things to do in Vegas besides gamble
It’s no secret that it can get hot in Las Vegas. With summer temperatures soaring to nearly 120 degrees, a pool is one of the first things you’ll likely look for on your Las Vegas vacation. Luckily, Las Vegas has some of the country’s best pools and resort amenities. Below, we are sharing our top 3 pools. However, entry will be subject to price and availability if you are a hotel guest or choose to rent a cabana for access.
Also, remember that Las Vegas has unlimited beach and day clubs. There are so many options for access to those as well. Our pool recommendations are chosen by how unique of an experience they are for Las Vegas.
Best Las Vegas Pool Recommendations
Circa Stadium Swim
Stadium Swim is located at Circa Resort and Casino in downtown Las Vegas. This is a first-of-its-kind massive 6-pool area that spans three levels of the hotel. The best part is the view of the 40-foot jumbo screen that allows you to watch multiple sporting events simultaneously. This pool, as is the hotel, is adult-only and can be used year-round.
Resorts World Las Vegas Complex
Resorts World Las Vegas is a massive south-strip hotel and resort. They recently opened in 2021 and boasted the most extensive Las Vegas strip swimming complex with over five pools designed with their theming. From a family pool to an infinity pool with a view, the options are endless here for families, couples, and more. Resorts World also has some fantastic restaurants and dining options to enjoy while on the property, so consider ordering at one of the restaurants and enjoying your cabana for the day.
The Boulevard Pool, Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Boulevard Pool at Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has stunning views of the central Las Vegas strip. In addition, guests can enjoy a multi-level pool deck with pristine waters, cabanas, and sitting areas. This pool can be enjoyed in multiple ways throughout the year.
Guests can enjoy movie nights in the pool from the giant Cosmopolitan marquee screen during the summer series. The pool deck converts to an ice skating rink in the winter, and igloo holiday movie nights commence.
Local’s Guide to Things to Do in Vegas Besides Gamble Conclusion
In conclusion, Las Vegas has much more to offer than just gambling. Whether looking for adventure, relaxation, or entertainment, this vibrant city has something for everyone. So, next time you visit Las Vegas, try some non-gambling activities for an unforgettable experience.
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