Las Vegas

10+ Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

Are there actually things to do in Las Vegas during the day? Yes! Check out our guide to Vegas during the day for our faves.
By Lindsay Eagan

There's more to Sin City than the nightlife, trust us...

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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.

2. TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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 the city.

 

16. Richard Petty Driving Experience: Ride-Along

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

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.

17. The Hunger Games: The Exhibition

Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

17. 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 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!

Share your adventure with us

Remember to tag @GoCity in your holiday snaps and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination too! So grab a Las Vegas pass and get exploring!

Lindsay Eagan

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Las Vegas helicopter going past the Eiffel Tower
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Adventurous things to do in Las Vegas

There’s no place quite like Las Vegas for satisfying the senses – the flashing signs, bright costumes, music, traffic and the sound of chips being counted are enough to overwhelm even the hardiest of visitors. It’s not a place for the faint hearted! And of course, a place like Vegas is bound to attract thrill-seekers and risk-takers, looking for a novel and exciting experience. Fortunately, there’s much more to Vegas than gambling your fortunes on the spin of a wheel or the chance to get married on a whim – there’s plenty more for the courageous spirit here! Our picks for the best Vegas adventures include: Vegas Strip helicopter tour SkyJump from the STRAT The Fly LINQ Zipline The Big Apple Roller Coaster The Blair Witch escape room Hiking to hot springs The Vegas Strip helicopter tour Feel your adrenaline pumping as you launch upward in the ‘limousine of the sky’. Hear the roar of the propellers as you soar along the famous strip, and see the Luxor Pyramid, Bellagio Fountains and the streets of Downtown Vegas from a whole new, colorful perspective. This Vegas Strip helicopter tour takes you from Las Vegas Boulevard to Fremont Street and back again, over neon signs, searching spotlights and crowds of people all looking tiny from your high vantage point. The ECO-Star helicopter is spacious and comfortable, and you can take as many photos as you like – but don’t forget to pause and take it all in, because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! SkyJump from the STRAT Head up to the top of the STRAT, where you can enjoy 360-degree views from 108 floors above the Strip. Then hop into a jumpsuit, strap yourself to the descender machine and jump! You’ll feel like superman leaping tall buildings in a single bound as you hurtle down the only Sky Jump in North America at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Feel the wind whipping your face and roaring in your ears – if that doesn’t get the adrenaline pumping, nothing will! As you reach the ground the landing will be carefully controlled, and you’ll have a chance to look at photos of your descent while you get your land legs back again. Then you can head to one of the lip-smackingly good restaurants of the STRAT, since all that jumping is bound to have worked up an appetite. Ride the Fly LINQ Zipline If jumping from a 108-storey building is just a little too much for you, how about a 1,121-foot zipline? When you ride the Fly LINQ, you’re strapped into a harness and ride in a seated position, and while you can still reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, you’re only launching from 122 feet up, so you travel at a slightly less alarming angle. You’ll have plenty of time to take in the views, which include the open-air LINQ shopping center, the Brooklyn Bowl and the broad, twinkling streets and promenades of Vegas. Then you’ll finish at the High Roller Observation Wheel, which is the tallest observation wheel in the Americas and makes a wonderful backdrop for your souvenir photo! Ride the Big Apple Roller Coaster If there’s anything cooler than a roller coaster in the middle of a city, it’s a roller coaster with a New York Subway-inspired platform and cars designed to look like NYC taxi cabs. And sure, the Big Apple Coaster makes a very impressive skyline, but the best way to experience it is to ride it. It’ll take you slowly up to around 80 feet, where you’ll get a brief glimpse over the city before being whisked down again through a series of loops, spirals and inversions at a heart-pumping speed. You’ll believe you’re in New York as replicas of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building whizz by. And if you find it all happened a bit too fast – perhaps you’ll have to go and ride it again! Escape the Blair Witch Project experience Escape rooms come in many shapes, sizes and difficulty levels, and themes to suit all tastes and interests. In the Vegas Number One Escape Room, for example, you can choose to escape from a creepy cabin in the woods, Red Riding Hood’s grandmother’s house, foil a jewelry heist or follow up a bigfoot sighting. But the most daring will want to try the Blair Witch Escape Room, based on the terrifying movie franchise. Begin at the Burkittsville Ranger’s Station in the Black Hills Forest and follow the clues to find out exactly what happened to some missing students. Featuring creaky doors, dark, dank rooms and actual props from the movies, fans and thrill-seekers alike will be drawn into this heart-pounding experience. The question is, will you be able to get out again... Go hiking to hot springs If you’re looking for a little adventure out of the city, just downstream from Hoover Dam in the Black Canyon is the Gold Strike Canyon, where you’ll find the Gold Strike and Nevada Hot Springs. To get there, it’s an hour or so’s hike from the highway over rocks and other obstacles, some of which require hauling yourself up fixed-place ropes. Anyone of reasonable fitness should be able to manage it, but take note that the hike is not recommended in summer because of the potential presence of rattlesnakes. Once you get there you can have a relaxing soak in the hot springs, enjoying the quiet and isolation of the hills and rocks. Note there are risks associated with the springs as well, so be sure to check for any health warnings before you jump in. Have more adventures with Go City With Go City, you can save on dozens of attractions in and around Las Vegas. Whether you’re trying to be a bit braver, or a full adrenaline junkie, bring out your adventurous side with a Las Vegas Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass whenever you find yourself sightseeing in Sin City!
Karleen Stevens
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Best Museums in Las Vegas

An energetic entertainment hub, Las Vegas is a vacation destination quite unlike any other. And whilst the city is known for its booze-fueled nightclubs and dazzling casino floors, there’s a lot more to Sin City than perhaps first meets the eye. Peek beyond the bright neon lights, and you’ll find one-of-a-kind museums and award-winning collections dotted all across the city. At the Pinball Hall of Fame, visitors can wander through a unique collection stretching right back to the game’s inception. Or, if museums dealing with unusual subjects intrigue you, Vegas hardly falls short, with outstanding exhibits at the National Atomic Testing Museum. And for those looking for the ultimate family-friendly educational experience, we suggest checking out the Neon Museum. With so much to see and do here, it’s always a good idea to conduct a little bit of research before travelling. So, without further ado, here are some of the best itinerary tips to help you get the best out of your Las Vegas trip! Learn About the City Designed to be equal parts unsettling and illuminating, The Mob Museum offers a comprehensive look into the history of organized crime in America. The institute’s exhibitions are displayed across two floors: the ground floor features displays covering use of force and organized crime today while the upper floor is home to a provocative look into the culture of brutality and the Kefauver Hearings. The museum’s permanent collection is engrossing and varied - visitors can expect to see everything from elaborately-embellished flapper dresses and timeworn leather briefcases to historic rifles and wiretap recordings. The remarkable preservation of these relics provide an inside look into this fascinating period of American history. After exploring the institute, we suggest checking out its fully operational speakeasy and distillery in the basement - The Underground. Highly informative and undoubtedly unique, this spot is perfect for anybody who wants to learn a little bit more about organized crime in the U.S. and also the law enforcement personnel who fought it. Another one of our favorite stops in Sin City has got to be the Neon Museum. For first-time visitors to Vegas, this is a great place to start learning about the distinctive background of the city and have fun at the same time! Living up to the unique culture and reputation of Las Vegas, this place features a fantastic and unique repository of neon signs from old casinos and other businesses. Wandering through the institute, you’ll notice that each of the restored signs has a story of who created it and why it is important. With over 800 historic signs spread across 2.25 acres, there’s most certainly a lot to see here. There are three main sections: Restored and Installed Neon signs, the North Gallery, and a fan favorite, the Neon Boneyard, featuring additional rescued signs. Captivating, quirky and educational all at once, this only-in-Las-Vegas attraction is a total must-see. Get Cultured Located along the famous Las Vegas Strip, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is one of the most popular visitor attractions of its kind in the region. It’s only been open since the year 1998, but it has already acquired quite the reputation for its remarkable holdings. Though the institute’s collection is small, it features some of the world’s most compelling and prolific artists. From impressionism and surrealism to pop art and minimalism, this space has it all. Previous shows have featured works by Picasso, Fabergé, Warhol and more. These exhibits are carefully curated and switched up throughout the year to provide something new with each and every visit. You don’t have to be an art aficionado to enjoy the wonderful seminal works displayed in this space. Try Something Different For those visitors of a curious mind, the next item on our list should definitely spark some intrigue. With a concentration on the intersection between science and history, The National Atomic Testing Museum works to inspire excitement for STEM learning. The museum operates as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, providing fun and engaging exhibits for those of all ages. The institute is home to over 12,000 artefacts covering the history of atomic testing from the first check at the Nevada Test Site in 1951 right through to the present day. Its unique and extraordinary collection includes rare artefacts, photographs, videos, scientific and nuclear reports and more. Breaking away from all of the bright lights and casinos, this unusual little gem is a great way to spend a couple of hours in Vegas. For those who are looking to try something a little different, we recommend checking out the Pinball Hall of Fame. Reflecting the playful nature of the city, this living museum houses the impressive and expansive collection of Tim Arnold. Inside, visitors can enjoy nearly 700 different types of pinball games from past to present. In addition, the museum is home to other classic video arcade games and novelty machines like Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong and Ms Pac-Man. These machines aren’t just there for show, though - show up with your game face on and a whole lot of change to play for a couple of hours! Offbeat, kitschy and fun, this spot is the perfect place to spend a bit of quality time with the family. Las Vegas is often overlooked when it comes to its museums - though it shouldn’t be! From world-class art and fascinating history and quirky little gems, there’s no shortage of spaces to explore. Maximize your travel experience with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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