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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Go City Travel Expert

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Fireworks exploding behind the neon-lit 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' road sign
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Las Vegas in December

The days grow shorter and the nights grow colder (oh so much colder) as winter arrives in the desert, but there’s still plenty to keep you warm here in this city that truly never sleeps. So charge your mug with mulled wine, grab a gingerbread cookie, draw closer to the fire and read on for our guide to December vacations in Las Vegas. Visiting Las Vegas in December Average Temperature: 46°F • Average Rainfall: 4 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day Twinkling lights, a holiday feel and maybe, just maybe, a light dusting of snow. That’s Las Vegas in December, when temperatures plummet to near-freezing and locals drag duffle coats, scarves and thick woolen mittens out of storage. This is when you’ll find hotels decked out in all their festive glory: think grand lobbies festooned with thousands of fairy lights and cacti dressed in tinsel and other shiny holiday baubles. The December cold will keep you indoors most of the time, though hardy souls can still brave hikes around the Grand Canyon’s South Rim as well as its diminutive sibling, the Red Rock Canyon. It’s worth wrapping up to head out and see the Strip’s Christmas lights in all their glory. And the chilly weather is equally unlikely to dissuade you from going to see the Bellagio’s dancing fountains in action, still one of the best free things to do in Vegas in December, as in any month. December’s hotel prices are reasonable, with a hike if you’re staying for Christmas, and some fairly astronomical pricing on the 31st, when half a million revelers descend on Sin City to see in the New Year. Things to do in December It should go without saying that Las Vegas has some of the best indoor entertainment on the planet but, if you want to get (sort of) out and about during the day, we recommend a spin on the hop-on hop-off bus tour. It’s a great way to see a bit of the city with minimal effort, and visits iconic landmarks including the famous ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign, the Mob Museum, the Strat hotel and, of course, those unmissable Bellagio fountains. You can hop off anywhere you like to start filling your Instagram feed with wintry Vegas selfies, or stay on for the full two-hour loop to get a proper introduction to Sin City. A nighttime bus tour also operates to allow you to experience the Strip at its illuminated best, with a bonus stop and walking tour at the Fremont Street Experience. Come in from the cold and check out some of Vegas’s best museums. The Mob Museum takes a look at the history of organized crime in the US, with a permanent collection that includes old rifles, wiretap recordings and flapper dresses – there’s even an underground speakeasy serving Prohibition-inspired cocktails. Head to the Neon Museum to be dazzled by hundreds of historic neon signs (where else but Vegas?) and get your culture fix at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. There’s also a beautiful pinball museum (with playable machines, so bring some quarters) and a museum that charts the utterly mesmerizing and quite terrifying history of atomic testing in the Nevada desert. Fancy trying your luck in the casinos? Catch some old-school Vegas vibes on the slot machines at the iconic Caesars Palace, go for glory at The Golden Nugget or plan a (legal) heist on the blackjack and roulette tables at the Mirage and the MGM Grand, both of which featured in the movie Ocean’s Eleven. Concerts in Las Vegas in December often take on a holiday theme, and you’ll be able to catch Sin City stalwarts Cirque du Soleil and the Blue Man Group in a number of different venues. Check listings for the likes of the Colosseum at Caesars Palace and the T-Mobile Arena for big-name rock, pop and comedy legends. December is also a great time to do your Christmas shopping in Las Vegas, with Black Friday sales ongoing at the major malls – Las Vegas Premium Outlets, The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, the Fashion Show Mall – especially in the early part of the month. What’s on in December? What’s on in December? It might be quicker to list what’s not on in December, but here goes anyway. It’s holiday season so hotels and attractions go all out in their efforts to out-Christmas each other. And that means just one thing: a Santa’s sackful of sensational seasonal must-sees. And, as free things to do in Las Vegas in December go, the first of these may just edge out the Bellagio fountain illuminations.... Ethel M Cactus Garden While pine trees may be de rigueur elsewhere in the States at this time of year, here in Vegas it’s all about the cactus. And nowhere does holiday decorating better than the folks here in the grounds of the famed Ethel M Chocolate Factory, where the three-acre cactus garden gets an annual December makeover that includes more than half a million twinkling lights and a family of animated reindeer. It’s open until around 10PM throughout December and quite the most magically festive experience in town. Ice Skating at the Cosmopolitan For sheer Christmassy vibes, The Cosmopolitan’s rooftop runs the bejeweled cacti a very close second. High above the Strip, this winter wonderland boasts firepits, cocktails, s’mores, holiday movies and stellar views of the neon skyline. Oh, and did we mention the 4,200 square foot ice-skating rink? There are even guaranteed snow showers throughout the evening, thanks to the resort’s very own snow machines! Great Santa Run Not just bags of fun but also raising sacks of cash for great causes is the Great Santa Run, which takes place every December in downtown Las Vegas. Join thousands of fellow Santa Clauses on this fun run. Your entrance fee gets you a five-piece Santa suit, finisher’s medal and swag bag and you can choose to run 5k or just one mile. Kids aged three and under go free. New Year Celebrations If you can swallow the eye-watering hotel prices in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve, then you’re in for one helluva fun time, as revelers take to the Strip in their hundreds of thousands to brave the winter chill and ring in the New Year with wild boozy abandon. The whole of the Strip – from Mandalay Bay at the southern end to the Strat’s cloudbusting SkyPod four miles north – closes to traffic at dusk, allowing the party to kick off in earnest. By mid-evening, the streets are seething with merry-makers, all ready to have a good time and enjoy an epic fireworks show, the likes of which only a city as flamboyant and hedonistic as Las Vegas can pull off with such unparalleled bombast. Save on attractions in Las Vegas Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
solo tourist at the Bellagion fountains in Las Vegas
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Things to do alone in Las Vegas

We’re all familiar with Las Vegas’ reputation as a party town – groups of friends drinking together, showgirls performing to large, cheering audiences and rich and famous celebrities gambling obscenely large quantities of money while sipping cocktails are images we’re all familiar with. But these are stereotypes, and only represent one side of this city. For those traveling here alone there’s plenty to do and see if we’re willing to look beyond the obvious, and not just during the day. Some of the best Vegas solo activities include: Hop-on Hop-off bus tour Day trips Rockstar Club or Pool Party Tour An immersive evening show Downtown walking tour Museum visits Taking a class Take the Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour You don’t have to be alone to do a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, but it doesn’t matter if you are, because someone else does all the talking. The Vegas Big Bus Tour covers all the important stops, including the Bellagio Fountains, Treasure Island, Excalibur and the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, so you can use it as a handy transport option between attractions, but if you’re on your own why not sit back and enjoy the whole tour, learning about the Vegas Strip, Downton and how the town got the nickname ‘Sin City’. The whole trip takes about 2.5 hours and is a great way to get your bearings in a place that can be overwhelming on the first visit. There’s also a Big Bus Night Tour, so you can enjoy all the same sights again, only this time it’ll be painted neon. Escape on a day trip It may be in the middle of the desert, but that doesn’t mean the area around Vegas is deserted. In fact, it’s surrounded by breath-taking natural wonders of surprising variety with opportunities for hiking, canoeing and outdoor yoga, to name a few. Most of them can only be reached by road, so why not on a coach tour, when you get the double benefit of not having to worry about logistics and the chance to meet a bus load of awesome people. If you have a Go City attraction pass, you can take a full-day trip to the Grand Canyon which includes park entry and takes you past Lake Mead, the picture-perfect reservoir formed by nearby Hoover Dam, El Tovar, Hopi House, Kolb Photo Studio and the Bright Angel Trail. And of course there’s a walk to the canyon’s South Rim, the deepest, widest and most photographed part of the landscape. If you’ve already done the Grand Canyon, there’s also Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks and Hoover Dam and the Black Canyon tours you can try. Party like a Rockstar There’s no reason to hide away in Vegas if you’re on your own when the sun goes down – instead, get your dancing shoes on and make some cool new friends on a Vegas Rockstar Nightclub Tour. Meet your host at a premier Ultra Lounge on the famous Las Vegas strip, and then spend the next five hours feeling like a VIP as you get to skip the line at three of Vegas’ most famous clubs. You’ll travel between clubs in the luxurious Limo Party Bus, which has a complimentary bar on board, so the conversation should be flowing! Or if you prefer to party in the daylight hours, how about a Rockstar Pool Party? You’ll get the same VIP treatment, and the same luxury limo with open bar, but this time you’ll meet at a day pool club, tour the Vegas Strip and be dropped off at one of Vegas’ hottest pool parties – and by the time you get there, you’ll have a limo full of new friends to party with! Be immersed in a show Just because you’re on your own doesn’t mean you should miss all the fun in Vegas, and an essential part of that is going to see a show. Plus, Vegas shows are so immersive that you’ll forget you’re by yourself anyway! With Go City, you can choose to spend the evening laughing the night away at L.A. Comedy Club at the STRAT, dancing and singing along to the Legends in Concert tribute acts, or reminiscing over The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil, which is a multi-sensory spectacle telling the story of the Beatles through their own songs with choreography, visuals and aerial acrobatics. Or you could experience the surprising combination of painting and percussion of the Blue Man Group, possibly getting a colorful splash in the process! Uncover the past on a Las Vegas walking tour Spend a couple of hours in the afternoon peering underneath the surface of the glitz and glamor of Vegas on a guided walking tour. Start at the corner of Fremont Street and Main Street, where Vegas was founded in 1905, and journey towards Downtown Vegas, learning about things like where the Rat Pack preferred to hang out and why the city is so full of wedding chapels. You’ll also discover where to spot things like the famous Golden Nugget, a piece of the Berlin Wall and 1870’s street lamps from Brussels. Plus with a walking tour it doesn’t matter if you’re on your own, because someone else is doing all the talking – though there’s nothing stopping you from making new friends at the food stops along the way! Get cultured Museums are a great place to visit solo because you don’t have to worry about keeping up with anyone – you just go at your own pace. You can concentrate on your audio guide as you go round ignoring everyone else, or pop in your headphones and block out the world with your favorite chill playlist. In Vegas, the museums are many and varied, so there’s bound to be something to pique your interest – choose from the Mob Museum, Natural History Museum, Hollywood Cars Museum and Liberace Garage, the Erotic History Museum, the Neon Museum or the National Atomic Testing Museum. Take a class Taking a class is a great way to meet other people, partly because there are usually plenty of opportunities for chatting, but also because you already have a shared interest in whatever the class is about. Plus there’s a good chance of meeting other solo travelers. As you’d expect, there are yoga, cooking and pottery classes, but in Vegas you can also learn a skill or two that might come in handy. For example, you could get some poker lessons before you hit the casinos, learn a few magic tricks, or even take a glass blowing class, where you can make your own souvenir to take home. Go solo with Go City Vegas has so many opportunities for the solo traveler, so there’s no need to feel lonely. And you can get even more out of your visit with a Go City All-Inclusive Pass, which lets you join in as many fun activities as you like!
Karleen Stevens

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