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
- and more!
1. Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour
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.
Or, see the Strip lit up in all its neon-soaked glory with a Big Bus Night Tour. Given the stifling nature of Vegas' summer days, a night tour may be the perfect way to see the sights without sweating your socks off.
2. TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition
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
3. BODIES: The Exhibition
For another engaging exhibit at the Luxor, head to the lobby. Using state-of-the-art preservation techniques, Real Bodies 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
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 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
5. SkyPod at The STRAT
See the best Las Vegas views from the iconic Tower 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
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.
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.
7. Tour of the Hoover Dam
7. 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 center.
Insider tip: walk the Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for the best views of the Hoover Dam and Colorado River.
8. The Grand Canyon
8. 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.
9. Fremont Street Walking Tour
9. 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.
10. Escape Rooms
10. Escape Rooms
Escape Rooms are all the rage now among traveling friends and families, and Vegas has got more than its fair share of these experiences.
Horror fans can cut their teeth on the likes of IT, Saw, and Blair Witch-themed escape rooms, testing your nerve and your wits in equal measure. Or, for something a little more family-friendly, Number One Escape Room offers multiple scenarios for you to choose from, is suitable for kids, and offers a great way to escape the Vegas bake in peak summer.
11. Springs Preserve
11. 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 botanical 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.
12. Las Vegas Natural History Museum
12. 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 Science & 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.
13. Pool Party Tour
13. 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.
14. The Mob Museum
14. 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!
And those are our picks of some of the best things to do in Vegas while the sun's out! What more vacation inspiration? Check out our guide to perfect Vegas mornings, and what to do outside the Strip.
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