Las Vegas is an amazing city, known mostly for its neon lights, party atmosphere, and (of course) gambling. However, travelers taking their first trip to Vegas may be wondering: What is there to do in Las Vegas besides gamble? Those on the fence should know that there are plenty of things to do in Sin City besides roll the dice! Having been many times, I know all the best things to do in Vegas besides gambling.
Las Vegas is home to incredible entertainment, five star cuisine, unique experiences, and historically important museums and landmarks. A trip to Las Vegas does not need to revolve around gambling and, frankly, those who do that are seriously missing out on all the best parts of the city. Fun definitely exists in Las Vegas for non gamblers. Here are the top 16 things to do instead!
16 Best Things To Do in Vegas Besides Gambling
1. Take a Picture at the Welcome To Las Vegas Sign
The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign is undoubtably the most Instagrammed spot in Sin City. Located on Las Vegas Boulevard between the airport and the Bali Hai Golf Club, you can take your photo in front of the most famous sign in Vegas since the 1970s!
While you may wait in line to snap your picture, it’s worth it for the ‘gram! To avoid long lines, the best time to go is during the week in the morning.
Since the sign is so close to the airport, it’s a great stop to take your first photo on your vacation. This is one of the best free daytime activities in Las Vegas!
2. See a Show
One of the most popular Las Vegas activities besides gambling is grabbing tickets for one of the many high-caliber shows. From magic shows and acrobatics, to world famous musical artists and spectacles, Vegas has it all!
There are always entertaining shows happening in Vegas on almost every corner of the strip. Many internationally known celebrities will have long running residencies at resorts such as the MGM Grand and Caesar’s Palace. Before you head to Vegas, be sure to check out to who has a residency or concert happening. Your favorite celebrity may be in town!
Popular year-round Vegas shows are Cirque Du Soleil, Blue Man Group, David Copperfield, and Absinthe (along with many others!). You can usually snag tickets to a show just days in advance! Many times theaters run last minute sales where you can snag great seats for a fraction of the price.
Vegas also offers a ton of different types of dinner shows – entertainment that is free with the price of dinner! This is my favorite way to watch live performances in Vegas.
Whether you are looking for an immersive experience at The Sphere or are interested in an intimate dinner with crooning jazz singers at The Mayfair Supper Club, there’s no doubt watching a show is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling at night!
3. Dine at a Celebrity Chef Restaurant
Vegas is known for casinos, live entertainment, and FOOD! The Las Vegas strip is lined with neon lights drawing you in to the next most exciting culinary experience.
Celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsey, Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay and Giada DeLaurentis all have world class dining experiences, each offering incredible cuisine and 5 star service in their own unique style.
There are literally hundreds of celebrity chef restaurants on and off the strip. It’s hard to pick which one to dine at! I’ve outlined all of my favorite celebrity chef restaurants here. If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll definitely want to snag a reservation for at least one celebrity chef experience during your Vegas getaway!
4. Zipline Over Fremont Street
Fremont Street is a lively street in Downtown Vegas that has tons of shops, hotels, and eateries. With live music and even a free LED light show every night, taking a stroll down Fremont Street is anything but ordinary!
If you find yourself on Fremont Street and are looking for something to pump your adrenaline, be sure to purchase tickets for the SlotZilla Zipline! Choose between the regular 7 story high zipline, or opt for the 11 story “Super Hero Zoom” experience. You’ll be able to enjoy the light show from above!
The Fremont Street Zipline is an iconic Las Vegas experience that any thrill-seeker should reserve!
5. Visit the Mob Museum
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in some history, a visit to The Mob Museum is great way to spend an afternoon in Downtown Las Vegas. Located just 7 miles from the Las Vegas strip, the Mob Museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits dedicated to the history of organized crime and prohibition.
What draws me to the Mob Museum is most certainly their underground speakeasy and distillery! What’s more immersive than enjoying a drink surrounded by mobster artifacts? Access to the speakeasy is included with your general admission but make sure you know what the password is before going!
Located conveniently in Downtown Las Vegas, you can also experience Fremont Street in the same afternoon!
6. Ride on the High Roller
Connected to the LINQ Hotel is your ticket to the best view of Vegas! At 550 feet at its peak, the High Roller observation wheel is one of the most iconic Las Vegas strip attractions. This 30 minute ride boasts 360 degree views of the Las Vegas strip that you will talk about all vacation long.
You can purchase tickets for the High Roller in advance or at the door. There are rides during the day and night, as well as a “Happy Half Hour” ride that includes an open bar during the trip! With the ability to hold up to 25 people in each cabin, this is a great activity for large groups.
Adult tickets start at $35 per person and the 21+ “Happy Half Hour” tickets start at $73 per person!
7. Visit the Shark Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Did you know there is a giant aquarium completely dedicated to sharks on the Las Vegas strip? Located inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel is The Shark Reef, a walk-through aquarium holding over 2,000 sea animals. Themed as a shipwreck, this aquarium is a fun and affordable activity for all ages.
At the Shark Reef you’ll get to walk through the iconic shark tunnel and see giant sea animals 180 degrees around! Tickets start at just $30 per person and can be upgraded to more intimate experiences including a stingray feeding. This is one of the best affordable and family friendly things to do in Las Vegas during the daytime!
8. Walk Through All the Resorts on the Las Vegas Strip
Some of the most impressive aspects of Las Vegas are the incredible resorts on the strip. While you may be floored by the architecture on the outside of each hotel, you’ll want to walk through each one to marvel at the true beauty inside!
The best part about the hotels on the strip, is that most of them are connected! That means you won’t have to step outside in the heat (if you’re visiting in the summer) and can wander from hotel to hotel all day long.
I’d highly recommend perusing the amazing gardens and topiaries inside the Bellagio, the giant crystal chandelier at my favorite hotel The Cosmopolitan, and the full river with running gondolas in the Venetian! Also don’t forget to check out the amazing New York New York Hotel – it has a giant rollercoaster connected to it!
Walking through all the hotels on the strip is one of the best free things to do in Vegas during the day!
9. Take a Helicopter Flight
One of the most amazing ways to see Las Vegas at night is by taking a helicopter flight over the strip. It was one of the most incredible things we ever did in Vegas and, although it’s a pricey activity, I thought it was totally worth the splurge.
On our last trip to Vegas, we booked a helicopter night flight and Eiffel Tower restaurant meal package. That night, we felt like movie stars. It was one of the best meals we ever ate and the helicopter ride was absolutely thrilling! Watching the Bellagio fountain show from the sky was a bucket list moment for sure!
There are lots of options when it comes to helicopter flights in Vegas – so many I dedicated a whole post to all the different Las Vegas helicopter experiences. If you are looking for a luxury experience (and aren’t too afraid of heights!) I’d highly recommend splurging on a helicopter flight over Vegas. It’s definitely one of the more crazy things to do in Las Vegas for couples!
10. Go to the Comedy Cellar
While I could include this under the umbrella “see a show in Vegas”, I had to make a separate point because we had the best time at The Comedy Cellar on our last Vegas trip.
Located inside the Rio Hotel (a more dated hotel on the strip compared to others), is The Comedy Cellar, a franchised comedy club found at many big cities in the country. I booked a random weeknight show at The Comedy Cellar and OMG we laughed our pants off!! It was so much fun.
There were 4 comedians that played that night and each one was funnier than the last. Each performer got the audience involved and made relevant and hilarious jokes. The tickets were only $22 per person and we had the option to order drinks at the show. If you’re on a budget and wondering what to do in Vegas at night besides gamble, I say Comedy Cellar all the way!
11. Hike at Red Rock Canyon
Located only 13 miles from the Las Vegas Strip is the Red Rock Conservation Area. It is a stunning national park within the Mojave Desert with gorgeous red sandstone and limestone rock that hikers, campers, and climbers explore year round.
Red Rock Canyon is home to over 30 marked trails for hikers of all experience levels. If you love hiking (or even if you are just interested in giving it a try!), Red Rock Canyon is an awesome place to explore just outside the city.
While you can pay a small fee to enter the park on your own and follow the trail signs, we opted to purchase this guided Red Rock Canyon tour through Viator. It was absolutely incredible!
We were picked up directly from the strip, enjoyed a short scenic bus ride to the park, and were guided by a Red Rock Canyon expert through one of the easier hikes, Calico Hills. We visited in January and it was absolutely perfect weather. The views were astounding and our guide was so knowledgable during the hike!
If you decide to travel to Red Rock Canyon without a guide, the park is an easy drive from the city and has ample parking. They even have a 13 mile driving loop for incredible views of the park without leaving your car. If you didn’t rent a car during your trip, booking an Uber is a great way to get there.
Feeling really adventurous? Book a camp site and stay the night at Red Rock!
Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner looking for someone to guide you through, this is an amazing activity to do in Las Vegas year round to escape the hustle and bustle. I HIGHLY recommend. It’s one of the more non touristy things to do in Vegas!
12. Take a Day Trip to the Grand Canyon
View this post on Instagram
It’s no secret that one of the most famous national parks near Vegas is the Grand Canyon National Park. Located about 275 miles east of the strip, it is one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas.
The Grand Canyon is one of the country’s most magnificent geological wonders, showing off thousands of years of history within its red and orange rock layers. Almost five million visitors make the trip to see the Canyon each year! If you are in Vegas and have a day to spare, I’d highly recommend taking the trip.
There are many ways to get to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. If you’re interested in making your own schedule, you can rent a car and access the park at one of the more popular entry points, the South Rim parking area. This spot is the closest entry point from Vegas and will give you easy access to Mather Point, a popular view of the park.
If you are looking for a more relaxing day (with someone else at the steering wheel!) there are plenty of guided bus tours. I’d highly recommend this full day bus tour from Vegas to the Grand Canyon. This is a 12+ hour experience with lots of bus time, but a great way to see the Grand Canyon with less stress!
If you’re looking to splurge, you can take a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon! This is truly a once in a life time experience. In this deluxe helicopter canyon tour, you’ll fly over Lake Mead and land right in the middle of the Canyon, with a champagne toast waiting for you at the bottom! This is also the quickest way to get to the Grand Canyon from the Las Vegas Strip.
No matter what mode of transportation you choose to get to the Grand Canyon, it is a fabulous day trip idea from Las Vegas for those looking for adventure outside the city.
13. Go to the Hoover Dam
View this post on Instagram
The Hoover Dam is another great choice for visitors looking for a trip outside of Sin City. Located only 37 miles from the strip, it’s the perfect half day excursion for tourists!
The Hoover Dam is an incredible irrigation structure located in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Since its construction in the 1930s, the Hoover Dam has been not only a practical irrigation tool but a national landmark that millions of tourists visit every year. Known as one of the seven engineering wonders of the world, this excursion from Las Vegas is perfect for visitors of all ages.
The short 30 minute drive from Downtown Las Vegas makes this an easy trip if you are renting a car on your Vegas vacation. All you have to do is put “Hoover Dam” in your maps and that will take you right to the visitor center!
If you are interested in booking a tour for a stress-free trip from the city, I’d recommend this Ultimate Hoover Dam bus tour from Las Vegas. It includes lunch and is very affordable at just $59 per person!
You’ll also want to be sure to get a look at (or take a drive over!) the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge – aka the Hoover Dam Bypass. This incredible structure connects Nevada to Arizona and is just 1500 feet from the Hoover Dam!
A half-day getaway to the Hoover Dam is the perfect idea for Vegas visitors interested in historical sights and amazing desert views. It is absolutely one of the more unique things to do near Las Vegas during the daytime!
14. Watch the Bellagio Fountain Show (and other free shows!)
If you’re sticking to a tighter budget while in Sin City, there are plenty of free shows in Las Vegas. The number one free entertainment experience is the Bellagio Fountain show. With water soaring up 460 feet in the air, the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel is one of the most ambitious and spectacular water features ever built.
With the amazing show appearing every half hour (or less) each day and night, you’ll be mesmerized by not only the water feature but the music, lights, and backdrop. It’s spectacular and romantic and so very “Vegas”! It’s worth stopping a few times as you walk the strip – the show is never the same twice.
Bellagio Fountain Schedule
Monday through Thursday: every 30 minutes from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM and then every 15 minutes from 7:00 PM to midnight
Friday through Sunday: every 30 minutes from noon to 6:30 PM and then every 15 minutes from 7:00 PM to midnight
Other Free Shows in Las Vegas
Fall of Atlantis inside Ceasar’s Forum Shops
Lake of Dreams at the Wynn
Volcano at the Mirage
Circus Circus Shows
Fremont Street Live Music and Light Show
Streetmosphere at the Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes
15. Visit the Neon Museum
View this post on Instagram
The Neon Museum is one of the best instagram spots in all of Las Vegas! Dedicated to preserving and showcasing the iconic neon signs that have adorned the streets of Vegas over the years, the Neon Museum is busting at the seams with larger-than-life artifacts.
Venture through their “Neon Boneyard” to view over 250 signs. Some have even been restored and light up when the sun sets! You’ll also want to check out their North Gallery, an area of unrestored neon signs that become a part of their light show “Brilliant!”. Using the technology of projections, these neon signs are revived, glittering and glowing in an amazing nighttime spectacle!
It is encouraged to purchase Neon Museum tickets ahead of time for the museum and light show as tickets can sell out. The Neon Museum is one of the best attractions in Downtown Vegas!
16. Walk Through Downtown Container Park
Container Park located in Downtown Las Vegas is a shopping, dining and entertainment complex that is fun for the whole family! There are plenty of places to find unique Las Vegas souvenirs, indulge in a delicious meal, and enjoy live entertainment within the industrial metal boxes of Container Park.
One of the main attractions at Container Park is the giant metal praying mantis that shoots out fire throughout the day! There’s also always live music and other seasonal events on their entertainment calendar. The best part about the park is that it’s free! Taking some time to walk through Downtown Container Park is one of the most unique things to do in Vegas during the day.
As you can see, there are so many fun things to do in Vegas besides gamble and party. I hope you check out these amazing activities for your next vacation to Sin City!
FAQs About Having a Gambling-Free Vegas Vacation
Is Las Vegas fun if you don’t gamble?
Heck ya it is! There are so many amazing things to do in Vegas besides gambling. My favorite Vegas activities are enjoying celebrity chef restaurant experiences, taking a hike in Red Rock Canyon, and walking through all the hotels on the strip. You’ll often catch a free show inside at least one resort!
How many days should you stay in Vegas?
I’d say 4 to 5 days is a great amount of time to enjoy everything Vegas has to offer. Between visiting all the resorts, seeing a few shows, and taking a day to see the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam, you’ll still have time to relax and enjoy your hotel spa!
What can you do in Las Vegas for free?
There are lots of free things to do in Vegas. Some of the best free attractions are visiting the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, watching the Bellagio Fountain Show, enjoying the Fremont Street live music and light show, and walking through all the hotels on the strip!
Taking a Trip to Las Vegas Soon?
Check out these posts before you go!