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Things to do in Las Vegas
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items Welcome! As a 40+ year resident of the valley, I've put together the ultimate local guide to the best things to do in Las Vegas. From iconic Strip restaurants and hidden local favorites to stunning outdoor adventures like Red Rock Canyon and Valley o...
Map
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
Get off the Strip and discover the true beauty of the Mojave Desert! From towering red sandstone cliffs and scenic mountain escapes to historic engineering marvels, this section highlights the incredible natural wonders and scenic outdoor adventures ...
A stunning state park famous for its vibrant, bright red Aztec sandstone formations that look like they are on fire under the sun. Located about an hour and a half from the Strip, it features incredible hiking trails, ancient petroglyphs, and breatht...
Valley of Fire
A spectacular desert escape located just 40 minutes west of the Strip, featuring a beautiful 13-mile one-way scenic drive. It is a premier destination for hiking, rock climbing, and viewing dramatic red sandstone peaks.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
A beautiful mountain getaway located an hour from the city that stays 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the valley floor. Surrounded by lush bristlecone pines and scenic trails, it is the perfect place for visitors to escape the intense summer heat.
Mt Charleston
A massive, historic engineering marvel located on the Nevada-Arizona border just an hour from the Strip. Visitors can take guided structural tours, walk across the bypass bridge, and enjoy incredible panoramic views of Lake Mead.
Hoover Dam
An incredible desert landscape located just south of the valley, renowned for the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site, which features hundreds of ancient rock art pieces. It offers scenic, rugged hiking trails that showcase the stunning volcanic geology of ...
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Skip the Grand Canyon, Go to Zion National Park it is about 3 hour drive and more just as if not more spectacular!!
Zion National Park
Right inside the Paris hotel. It looks fancy because it’s a French bistro with patio seating right on the Strip, but it’s actually mid-range and very relaxed. It's a huge favorite for sitting outside, without paying crazy tourist premium prices.
Mon Ami Gabi Restaurant inside Paris Hotel & Casino
Restaurants
Skip the tourist traps! Here is a curated selection of the best places to eat in Las Vegas, featuring iconic Strip favorites, incredible fine dining, and hidden local neighborhood spots loved by residents and off-duty chefs.
A legendary 24-hour Vegas staple since 1972. Famous for its massive portions, retro neon-purple decor, and cozy fireside cocktail lounge
Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge
Widely considered some of the absolute best Northern Thai food in the country. A James Beard Award-winning local legend that completely lives up to the hype. They have 2 locations close to the strip.
Lotus of Siam
A beloved neighborhood hotspot serving incredible handmade, fresh-to-order pastas and famous house-fermented sourdough bread. Perfect for a dinner away from the Strip crowds.
Esther's Kitchen
A favorite late-night hangout for off-duty Strip chefs. Known for its fantastic steaks, retro speakeasy atmosphere, and an incredible craft cocktail menu grouped by historical eras.
Herbs and Rye
An elegant, contemporary dining spot by Chef Akira Back located right on the Bellagio lake. It features a brilliant menu of innovative Japanese cuisine, a premium sake selection, and spectacular views of the iconic fountain show.
Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge
Other Food & Drinks
The city’s best bars, boutique lounges, and hidden neighborhood spots. Perfect for grabbing a craft cocktail, a rare beer, or enjoying some classic old-school Vegas charm away from the main tourist hubs.
Las Vegas' oldest freestanding bar, holding Tavern License #0001 from 1954. It’s a historic local landmark known for its laid-back dive atmosphere, great craft beer selection, and vibrant outdoor patio.
Atomic Liquors
A staple of the Downtown arts scene, this boutique lounge offers a cozy, eclectic atmosphere and a constantly rotating menu of highly creative seasonal craft cocktails.
Velveteen Rabbit
A beloved neighborhood institution since 1962. It’s legendary among locals for cheap drinks, old-school Vegas charm, and hosting some of the absolute best, most lively karaoke nights in the city.
Dino's Lounge
A beloved off-Strip local favorite famous for its lively, high-energy karaoke lounge and affordable, old-school Vegas pricing. It also features a fantastic 24-hour café and an on-site microbrewery serving excellent craft beers.
Ellis Island Casino & Hotel
Stepping inside feels like walking into a cozy 1970s Midwest basement, complete with wood-paneled walls and vintage neon. It is widely loved by locals for its incredible, curated selection of craft beers from around the world.
The Silver Stamp
An immersive, wildly fun neighborhood escape loosely based on classic adventure rides. Famous for its spooky-meets-tropical decor, fantastic rum cocktails, and boozy Dole Whips.
The Golden Tiki
Arts & Entertainment
A curated collection of popular off-Strip spots and community staples loved by residents. Perfect for visitors looking to experience a more relaxed, authentic side of the Las Vegas area away from the main tourist hubs.
A stunning, world-class cultural hub in downtown's Symphony Park. It features incredible acoustics across three theaters, hosting top Broadway tours, classical music, and local resident companies.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
Located downtown just north of Fremont Street. An iconic outdoor "boneyard" dedicated to preserving and exhibiting classic, retired Las Vegas neon signs, offering a fascinating look at the city's visual history.
The Neon Museum Las Vegas
An immersive, wildly creative interactive art installation disguised as a surreal grocery store. Visitors of all ages can explore secret portals, hidden rooms, and unpredictable landscapes created by local and global artists.
Meow Wolf Las Vegas' Omega Mart
A vibrant 18-block neighborhood just south of Fremont Street. It serves as the heart of the local creative scene, packed with independent galleries, street murals, vintage shops, and the popular monthly First Friday festival.
Arts District
A captivating museum in a historic downtown courthouse. It features immersive exhibits, high-tech theater presentations, and authentic artifacts detailing the real-life battle between the Mob and the law.
The Mob Museum
Located in the heart of historic downtown. A massive, five-block-long overhead LED canopy that comes alive at night with spectacular light and sound shows, zipliners flying overhead, and vibrant street entertainment.
Fremont Street Experience
Local Favorites
A collection of popular off-Strip spots and community staples loved by residents. Perfect for visitors looking to experience a more relaxed, authentic side of the Las Vegas area.
A gorgeous luxury resort located in Henderson that serves as a favorite upscale getaway for locals. It offers fantastic dining, a great movie theater, and a relaxed casino floor without the heavy crowds or resort fees of the main Strip.
Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa and Casino
An open-air shopping center and entertainment venue built entirely out of shipping containers. It features a giant, interactive playground in the center, unique local boutique shops, and a massive fire-breathing praying mantis out front.
Downtown Container Park
An open-air, upscale shopping and dining district just south of the Strip. It features a beautiful, walkable old-world layout that locals prefer over indoor malls for a casual afternoon out.
Town Square Las Vegas
A massive, beautifully maintained community park on the west side of the valley featuring expansive green spaces and excellent walking paths. It is a popular local spot for a morning stroll, a family picnic, or letting dogs play in the designated dog...
Desert Breeze Park
Just a couple minutes west of the Strip on Spring Mountain Road. This is where locals actually go to eat when we want to escape the tourist prices. It’s packed with incredible, authentic Asian food, late-night ramen spots, and hidden dessert bars. De...
Chinatown Vegas
If you want to see a different side of the valley, head north to the speedway. Even if there isn't a massive NASCAR race or a music festival happening, you can still book a spot to drive an actual exotic supercar around the track or catch some local ...
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Infield