So you're headed to Las Vegas on vacation. You've got your bags packed, you're gambling how-to pamphlets in hand, your show tickets reserved, ready to hit the city famed for its nighttime antics, but you're still wondering...are there actually things to do in Las Vegas during the day?
If you're scratching your head when it comes to exploring Las Vegas aside from gaming, shows, and nightlife, then check out our handy guide. Featuring many of the best things to do in Las Vegas during the day, we'll highlight everything from nature tours to museums and other top cultural attractions. Some of the most popular daytime activities in Las Vegas include:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Las Vegas Tour
- High Roller Observation Wheel & Zip Line at The LINQ
- Stratosphere Observation Deck
- The Hoover Dam
- The Grand Canyon
- Springs Preserve
- Red Rock Canyon
- and many more!
1. Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour
The most convenient way to see the sights and learn about the unique history of Sin City is a Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides take you around the sights of the Las Vegas Strip and downtown, including the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, the Golden Nugget hotel and casino at the Fremont Street entertainment destination, Miracle Mile, the malls, museums, monuments, and more.
Check out our guide for more info on one of the best ways to get around while in Vegas.
2. TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition
An intriguing option at the Luxor is TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition. Fans of history and of the film will love to see the informative and entertaining presentation of dozens of artifacts from the actual Titanic.
See items like luggage, floor tiles, an unopened bottle of wine from 1900, and even a piece of the ship's hull. You'll also see recreations of famous areas of the ship like the Grand Staircase, the outer Promenade Deck, and more.
3. BODIES: The Exhibition
For another engaging exhibit at the Luxor, head to the lobby. Using state-of-the-art preservation techniques, BODIES: The Exhibition showcases real bodies and actual organs with the aim of promoting scientific knowledge. A visit here provides a glimpse of the inner workings of the human body.
You'll walk through nine mind-blowing galleries featuring dozens of anatomical specimens, all carefully and respectfully presented in an educational light. It's the largest permanent anatomical exhibition in the United States which is certainly not for the faint-hearted or squeamish... but it is a must-see for all curious travelers.
4. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
If you're looking to indulge your love of celebrity and all things pop culture, head to Madame Tussauds. It's only one of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas, after all! You'll have a blast posing for photos with your favorite actors, musicians, athletes, politicians, and characters from films and TV.
Join the #superherosquad and check out the Marvel Superheroes 4D theatrical adventure to help save Las Vegas from Dr. Doom's evil plan.
5. SkyPod at The STRAT
See the best Las Vegas views from the iconic SkyPod at The STRAT observation deck, the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. At 1,149 feet above ground, the 360-degree views of the Strip, downtown, and beyond are unbeatable. For an adrenaline rush, go on one of the thrill rides at the top of the tower - fear of heights not allowed.
6. High Roller and The LINQ
Vegas is full of record-breaking structures.
Don't miss the High Roller - the world's tallest observation wheel (taller than the London Eye!) for 30 minutes of Las Vegas views. At 550-feet above ground, you'll be able to see the Strip, downtown, landmarks, and more. Check out our Insider's Guide to visiting the High Roller for tips on how to get the best views and making the most of your visit (like grabbing a drink beforehand to enjoy during the ride!).
Then, you'll want to devote some time to exploring The LINQ, The newest entertainment, shopping, and dining destination on the Strip. Head to the Brooklyn Bowl to play a few frames of bowling or poke around the shops to find the perfect souvenir for your trip. Don't forget to check out the Zip Line at the LINQ--it's one of their most popular attractions.
6. Tour of the Hoover Dam
Check out the number one sightseeing attraction according to people visiting Las Vegas, an engineering marvel, and the "greatest dam ever built" - the Hoover Dam. A Hoover Dam tour is the best way to see this fascinating man-made attraction alongside the lush Lake Mead Recreation Area.
At the dam, you'll have a couple of hours to explore at your own pace and walk across the dam to the Arizona side, explore the works of art, check out the theater, exhibit halls, power plant, observation deck, and visitor's center.
Insider tip: walk the Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for the best views of the Hoover Dam and Colorado River.
7. The Grand Canyon
Take a break from the busy Vegas Strip and hop on a full-day guided bus tour to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. A Grand Canyon tour is on many bucket lists and is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Along the way, your guides will provide entertaining and interesting information about the sights you'll see, including the Hoover Dam as you go over the Bypass Bridge, Lake Mead, the bighorn sheep habitat, Black Canyon, the 900-year-old Joshua Tree Forest, and the Grand Canyon.
After your trek out to the canyon, you'll be able to roam Grand Canyon Village, poke around the shops, check out the viewpoints, and more. You'll also have time to explore the rustic wilderness of the area and walk along the rim to check out the views and take pictures.
8. Fremont Street Walking Tour
Learn about the history of Las Vegas on a professionally guided walking tour of Fremont Street and Downtown. You'll get to walk under the world's largest video screen that covers Fremont Street and see all the historic casinos and hotels in the area. In addition to seeing all of the historic sites, you'll also get to see hotels, restaurants, and shops that are all some of the results of the big urban revival project taking place on Fremont East.
9. Number One Escape Room
Escape Rooms are all the rage now among traveling friends and families, and this one is, well, number one! Check out one of our different scenarios for this hour-long escape room challenge. It's suitable for kids or adults and is a surefire way to make the most of a hot afternoon in Las Vegas.
10. Springs Preserve
One of the top natural attractions in the entire region is actually within city limits! Springs Preserve is Las Vegas' hidden gem, featuring acres of botanic gardens, trails, and attractions. It's also one of the most significant cultural sites in the area.
Home to the source of water that supported an entire region of indigenous peoples thousands of years ago, this natural landmark is the reason Las Vegas first became settled by human populations. Springs Preserve also hosts a number of museums, including the Nevada State Museum and the Origen Museum, which focuses on the history of modern Las Vegas.
11. Las Vegas Natural History Museum
This enchanting museum is a must-visit for curious travelers of all ages. Explore the natural world and cultural history from Ancient Egypt and gemstones to real live marine animals and plants.
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is home to a number of fascinating permanent exhibits, including a gallery of prehistoric fossils (including dinosaurs!), the Wild Nevada Gallery (which focuses on local flora and fauna), as well as the ever-popular Geology Gallery. One of our favorite local museums, it's a great place to bring kids and spend some time cooling off from the hot Vegas weather.
12. Pool Party Tour
Speaking of staying cool...no one goes to Las Vegas without packing a bathing suit. It's also true that the city has some of the best pools in the entire world, but did you know that it's also home to some of the best daytime pool parties you could ever hope to experience? Join up with the Rockstar Pool Party Tour to party like you're a college kid again.
Revel in being escorted by a party limo between a few of the city's hottest pool clubs and enjoy drink specials galore. You can even skip the line at select clubs, making this your most VIP experience in Vegas for sure.
13. The Mob Museum
Did you know that Las Vegas was basically built by notorious mobsters like Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano, Frank Costello, and Meyer Lansky? We could tell you more, but no one weaves this city's jaw-dropping origin story better than The Mob Museum.
Located in downtown Vegas, this spot is full of exhibits and displays that spill secrets you can only begin to imagine. Why not augment your experience by dining at one of downtown's legendary old-school eateries like Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse or Hugo's Cellar ? At these classic venues, every lady gets a rose to accompany her mouthwatering meal - a good reason to check them out in my book!
14. CSI: The Experience
So you want to be a forensic detective for the morning? You're in luck! Get out of the sun, head to the MGM Grand, and immerse yourself in CSI: The Experience. You'll work your way through three simulated crime scenes, evaluating evidence and doing your best David Caruso squint (sunglasses not included).
There's more than 12,000-square-feet of forensic fun, including props, recreations, and even crime labs – seriously, you won't believe the detail.
15. Red Rock Canyon
Did you know that Las Vegas is less than an hour away from some of the best natural scenery in the world? The Grand Canyon is a full day commitment, but the views and photos you'll get are worth the trip. Guided tours make planning easy as they offer hotel pick up and drop off. Tour guides narrate along the way with in-depth knowledge about the Grand Canyon's history.
Grab an afternoon snack or even an overnight stay at the nearby Red Rock Hotel & Casino – their spa is amazing and they're now home to some of the best BBQ in town (hello, Lucille's!). Red Rock Canyon is only a 45 minute drive from the Strip. Once there you can drive a 13-mile loop that features numerous stopping-off points from which you can hike a variety of trails – some with breathtaking views of city.
16. Richard Petty Driving Experience: Ride-Along
Call shotgun and buckle up for the fastest ride of your life with the Richard Petty Driving Experience. You'll get a feel for what it's like to race cars and compete in NASCAR as your expert professional driver speeds you around the tracks for three laps. Reach speeds up to 165 miles per hour in your 600 horsepower, 2-seat NASCAR race car.
The Hunger Games: The Exhibition
How better to seek shade than with a striking indoor exhibit? Inside The Hunger Games: The Exhibition, you'll experience the dystopian world of Panem for yourself at the magnificent MGM Grand Las Vegas.
Fans of the book and movie franchise will delight in the displays of props and costumes such as the Mockingjay pin and dresses made by desingers such a Alexander McQueen. You can even see that fantastic stuntman exhibit and even create your own rebellion propaganda commercial with your party.
Tips for Saving in Las Vegas
So whether you want to do the museum circuit or enjoy a few rides at the major casinos, there's plenty of daytime fun to be had in Las Vegas. Now, the important part! Save dough on your daytime activities with a Go Las Vegas pass. Save up to 65% on your choice of over 35 top regional attractions, including many listed in this article. Enjoy your time in sunny Las Vegas!
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