10 Things to do in Vegas…Besides Gamble
- Mike Mueller, Senior Editor
Since the Golden Gate Casino first opened in 1905, the city of Las Vegas has become synonymous with gambling. For over a century, risk-takers have come to Sin City to see if Lady Luck will smile fortuitously down upon them. For that reason, many people assume the only thing to do in Las Vegas is gamble, when nothing could be further from the truth.
If you’re headed to Vegas for work, a convention, a bachelor/bachelorette party, or simply a weekend with friends, but gambling isn’t your thing, fear not! There are plenty of other ways to enjoy your time in the desert oasis without putting a single dollar into a slot machine. Here, in no particular order, are 10 things to do in and around Las Vegas…besides gamble.
1. SEE A SHOW
Ever since the Rat Pack and Elvis put it on the map, Las Vegas has become America’s undisputed champion of entertainment. With hundreds (yes, hundreds) of different shows happening every single day, it’s impossible not to find something that will put a smile on your face. Magic, comedy, music, dancing, drag, acrobatics, and a slew of other forms of entertainment are happening in Vegas practically 24/7.
Classic Vegas acts such as Penn & Teller, Blue Man Group, and Cirque du Soleil have been entertaining audiences for decades, but new residencies and “one-night only” shows are constantly keeping things fresh. World renowned magician Shin Lim will leave you in awe and wonder, and if you’re looking for something a little more “adult”, it’s impossible to beat the very funny and risqué Absinthe. As long as you’re not easily offended and have a bit of a dirty mind, Absinthe is truly “can’t miss.”
2. EAT AMAZING FOOD
Everybody’s gotta eat, right? Well there’s no finer place in the world for first class dining than Las Vegas. Gone are the days of 99 cent shrimp cocktails and $25 buffets, and while that may be sad news for our wallets, it’s wonderful for our taste buds. Ever since Wolfgang Puck opened Spago in 1992, the Las Vegas culinary scene has exploded. Gordon Ramsay, Martha Stewart, Joel Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Tom Colicchio, and Bobby Flay are just a few of the celebrity chefs who have left their mark on Sin City.
If fine dining isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty of affordable options on the strip, but to truly get the most out of Las Vegas, you must find a way to budget at least one incredibly decadent meal. Some recent favorites of mine include Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steakhouse (The Mirage), Yellowtail by Akira Back (Bellagio), and L’Atelier by Joel Robuchon (MGM Grand) .
3. VISIT THE HOOVER DAM
Lake Mead is drying up at an alarming rate, so who knows how much longer the Hoover Dam will be worth visiting. If you’re looking for a quick day trip outside of the strip, a 45 minute drive (or Uber ride if you don’t rent a car) to see one of the great feats of American ingenuity is well worth it.
Las Vegas is always offering great deals to tour the amazing landmark, including helicopter tours, raft tours, or for about $100 you can simply walk across the top of the 1,200+ ft structure while gazing down 726 feet at one of nature’s wonders. Plus, if you’re a fan of the desert landscape, the drive (or helicopter ride) there and back is beautiful. Speaking of driving…
4. TEAR ASS THROUGH THE DESERT
Slingshots, ATV’s, and dune buggies can all be rented in Las Vegas. Few experiences can compare to just fully letting your inner child out to play in the world’s biggest sandbox. If you’re not afraid of getting dirty, ATV’s and dune buggies are the way to go, but if you prefer to stay on asphalt, Slingshots are a great way to whip around the canyons and put the pedal to the metal on the long, straight strips of road…all while obeying traffic laws, of course ;).
5. HIKE RED ROCK CANYON
We will be concluding the outdoor adventure portion of this list with a hike through Red Rock Canyon. With more than 25 hikes and trails of varying lengths and difficulty, there is truly something for everybody.
Do you want an easy jaunt while looking at pleasant scenery? Check out the two mile Moenkopi Loop with its panoramic views of Wilson Cliffs. Seeking more of a challenge? Hike the strenuous Ice Box Canyon and see some spectacular seasonal waterfalls from December-April. The aptly named Ice Box Canyon, while being in the middle of the desert, can get quite cold. However, if you have a jacket and don’t mind some climbing, it is a truly rewarding experience. Take it from someone who is a novice hiker, it’s worth it.
6. TOUR ALLEGIANT STADIUM
If the idea of touring an amazing landmark appeals to you, but you’d prefer something climate controlled and with plenty of snacks nearby, take a tour of Allegiant Stadium. Home to the Las Vegas Raiders and Super Bowl 58, the $2 billion dollar stadium is truly a state of the art facility in every definition of the word.
Let an expert host take you on an immersive, behind the scenes tour as you check out private suites and clubs, the broadcast booth, press conference rooms, and the locker room. More than that, get an up close and personal view of the Al Davis Memorial Torch, and step out on to the actual field!
7. VISIT COOL MUSEUMS
These are not the boring museums you went to on your 8th grade field trip, not by a long shot. For a city as lively as Las Vegas, it’s only fitting that their museums are equally as exciting. Downtown Las Vegas is home to three of the most unique museum experiences one can imagine.
First, take an in-depth look at the history of organized crime and law enforcement with the Mob Museum. Explore three levels (and a basement speakeasy) of deeply immersive mafia history and one of the best gift shops in the city. As an add-on, you can partake in three interactive experiences: The Crime Lab (minimum age 11), Firearm Training Simulator (minimum age 13 w/ parental accompaniment), and Distillery Tour & Tasting (minimum age 21 with valid ID). This is not a museum you want to rush through, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to see it all. We have spent several days at this museum and still haven’t seen everything.
Next, get in touch with your inner rebel at the Punk Rock Museum. Opened in 2023, this is the newest addition to the fantastic Las Vegas museum scene. While general admittance is an option, we recommend you spend the extra money for a guided tour. These tours are not guided by some college intern, but instead given by some of punk rock’s greatest legends and historians. Members of the Buzzcocks, Flogging Molly, Goldfinger, the Stray Cats, and the Offspring(sold out) are all giving guided tours in the upcoming weeks and months.
And if that’s not “punk rock” enough for you, end your trip to the museum in the most punk rock way possible, with a tattoo! The Shop, a tattoo parlor inside of the museum, will guarantee you leave with a truly unique souvenir that all of your friends will be jealous of. It sure beats a keychain or refrigerator magnet, huh?
Finally, as the sun sets over Las Vegas, there’s no better way to spend an evening than at the Neon Museum. An homage to Vegas’s colorful past, the Neon Museum has over 800 sign pieces from around 200 Las Vegas properties. While some of them are no longer working, it is still fantastic to see the history of Vegas, with the oldest piece going back to 1933. While it is open during the day (with some unique daytime tours), it is definitely best to go at night, when the museum really comes to life. Complemented with guided tours and another fantastic gift shop, the Neon Museum is the perfect way to end your evening.
8. EAT LOCAL
After a long day of hiking and touring museums, it’s time to eat again! While the celebrity chefs and 5 star restaurants are always great experiences, it’s also wise to listen to the locals and check out their favorite spots.
Great food is not just for the tourists on the strip, as amazing restaurants are popping up all over the city. Carson Kitchen is located just blocks off of the Fremont Street Experience and offers some of the best food around. Craft cocktails set the stage, and unique eats like Duck Tacos, Chicken Thighs, and Oxtail Risotto will leave you full and satisfied.
If you don’t mind a short drive, Esther’s Kitchen in Las Vegas’s Art District is rapidly gaining popularity, and for good reason. This seasonal, modern Italian restaurant offers some of the finest eats in the city, including an amazing Sourdough bread with all kinds of fun things to dip it in, classic pasta dishes with a twist, and perhaps the best pork chop you’ve ever had in your life.
9. FIND THE HIDDEN GEMS IN THE CITY
Want a little scavenger hunt to go with your night of eating and drinking? Scour (or google search) the strip and downtown areas for hidden bars and eateries that have become all the rage. The most famous of these is Secret Pizza. Located in The Cosmopolitan, this is the perfect late-night snack if you can find it. Look for a long dark hallway adorned with vintage album covers and you’re on your way to the best slice of pizza in the city (sorry, Pin-Up Pizza).
After that, keep hunting around the Cosmo for Ghost Donkey, the tequila speakeasy nestled in the back of an unassuming food court. Look for the white donkey on the “exit” door, and enter into a world of deliciousness. When it comes time to order a drink, there’s a wide variety of specialty cocktails to choose from, but stick to one that’s tequila based, that’s what they’re known for!
If you like more of a traditional speakeasy vibe, your best choice is the Laundry Room. Located downtown, at the back of Commonwealth bar, this speakeasy is our personal favorite spot to grab a drink in all of Las Vegas. Keep your phone turned off and put on your sharpest outfit, for this place is all class. There’s a very extensive list of craft cocktails, but if you want our opinion, don’t even look at it. Simply have the bartender make you a unique drink based on your palate preferences. Give them a list of some of your favorite flavors and aromas and watch them craft a one-of-a-kind drink that’s sure to have you coming back every time you visit Sin City. Be warned: reservations are required, and accepted up to two weeks in advance.
10. GET MARRIED
You may not feel like gambling with your money, but you might end up wanting to gamble with your heart, and what is more “Vegas” than getting hitched? Whether it’s a well thought out decision with your long time partner, or a spur of the moment decision with the love of your life that you met at the bar an hour ago, nobody does a wedding quite like Las Vegas. In 2023 alone, there were 72,291 marriage ceremonies performed in the city. That averages out to almost 200 weddings per day! It’s not just drunken strangers making hasty decisions with their hearts, either. Many famous people have tied the knot in Sin City, including Usher, Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck, Nicholas Cage, Kelly Ripa, Kourtney Kardashian, and even Michael Jordan! If it’s good enough for Hollywood’s A-List, it’s good enough for us!
And don't worry, they have great divorce lawyers, too. Just in case.