Did you know that over 39 million people visit Las Vegas every year? When you mention the name Vegas, you might immediately think of gambling and casinos. However, Vegas has much more to offer.
Vegas truly is a place that has something for everyone. Why not plan well before you visit to make sure you don’t miss out.
What does Vegas have to offer you? Check out our in-depth guide to the top 9 thrilling things you must do in Vegas.
1. National Parks
Ok, so the first attraction is not technically in Las Vegas city, but it is highly recommended! Just one hour outside of Las Vegas is the Valley of Fire state park.
The 10-mile through road (noted on maps as Nevada Scenic Byway) takes you through the center of the park and allows you to see some amazing landscapes. The unique terrain or red rocks is truly stunning and well worth the drive out of town
You will see all rock formation from elephant formations to what looks like beehives. Take a day trip here before returning to Vegas to check out the lights of the city by night.
2. Drive a Super Car
Vegas offers visitors a chance to live a life of glamour that they could not elsewhere. An essential part of this is a driving experience that only the rich and famous usually enjoy.
Whether it is your dream to drive a Porsche or Lamborghini, to corner perfectly or to drift around a course with smoking tires, it all awaits you here. Take a brief lesson from an expert and then you are free to accelerate the supercar to your heart’s content.
Very little feels as good as driving a luxury car at high speed, this is an unmissable part of your Vegas visitors experience.
3. The World’s Tallest Ferris Wheel
Looking to get a different view of the city? Why not check it out from above by taking a ride in the world’s tallest Ferris wheel?
You will see fantastic views and great photo opportunities, all from the safety of a glass-enclosed cabin.
On the other hand, if you would like a view from above but would like to take your time, why not choose a rooftop restaurant. At the top of the Stratosphere Casino, there is the Top of the World restaurant. Or to go even higher take the trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower experience in the Paris Casino.
Many say that Las Vegas is better seen at night, get the best of the skyline by choosing one of these high viewing points.
4. The Bellagio Fountain show
Are you looking for the typical Las Vegas exhibit, but tight on budget? Do you want to have the full Oceans 11 experience? If this is you, you cannot leave Vegas without visiting the Bellagio fountain show.
The fountain show is itself a fascinating show, however as it is mixed with rich colors and complimenting the music, it becomes pure theatre. It is also free of charge.
Make sure that you are able to view the show at least once during your stay to say that you had the “real” Vegas experience.
5. See the Iconic Las Vegas Sign
How do you know you have been to Las Vegas? You have a picture of yourself with the legendary “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.
The sign itself is located at the south end of the Las Vegas Boulevard, or the strip. Make sure you plan for it on your way into Vegas (it is on the road from the airport) to take home the souvenir you came for.
6. Walk the Strip
The Vegas Strip is the most famous street in Vegas and one of the most famous streets in the world. As you walk along the Vegas Strip you will tick off some items on your bucket list of must-see buildings:
- The giant Sphinx at the Luxor
- The castle turrets of the Excalibur
- The New York City skyline
- The Statue of Liberty at New York New York
- The Eiffel Tower at the Paris
- The fountains of the Bellagio
- The Venetian
This is actually two experiences. Walk by day and see the detail in which these buildings were built. Next, walk back by night to see their stunning light shows.
7. Visit a museum or Art Gallery
While Las Vegas may bring images of casinos to your mind, did you know there are rich cultural experiences to be had? There are a number of unique museums and art galleries that you can visit.
You could start with the Neon Museum which hosts older signage and tells stories about the history of the city. There is the Mob Museum which gives the history of the mafia and other organized crime groups. For car lovers, there is the Nostalgia Street Rods museum.
The main art gallery is the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Don’t worry if you are not an art expert, they have self-guided audio tours that will tell you all you need to know.
8. Do The Grand Canyon by Helicopter
If you have the cash to splash, why not book a helicopter trip that starts in Vegas and takes you into the heart of the Grand Canyon?
You can book a tour that will first take you over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead before heading to the Grand Canyon. Once there, it will land in the Grand Canyon itself and give you time to enjoy lunch and explore a little before it brings you back to Vegas.
The helicopters are safe, comfortable and have large windows to allow you to take photographs. A truly awesome day out.
9. Catch a Famous Show
How could you visit Vegas without seeing at least one show? Vegas has long been famous for its large variety of shows that will cater to every taste.
If you like acrobatics, you may want to visit the Cirque d’ Soleil show at the Bellagio, or if you like more contemporary musical performances, you can get a ticket for the very compelling Blue Man Group.
Whatever you are looking for, whether traditional drama or music and magic you will find a show that you will enjoy.
The Top Things You Must do in Vegas and Much More
There is truly no end to the things you must do in Vegas. Why not make it part of a bigger road trip and see some of North America’s most famous landmarks and cities.
If you are looking for inspiration about places to go and exciting things to see, we are here to help. We research the most interesting places for you to save you time. Simply follow our blog to find out more.