Things to Do in Las Vegas in August 2018

Published: July 18, 2024

There’s fun for everyone in Las Vegas! Whether you’re traveling with kids in tow, planning a romantic getaway, celebrating with friends, or going solo, there is a huge variety of different things to do in Vegas. If you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas in August 2018, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

  • High Roller Observation Wheel at the LINQ
  • Hoover Dam Tour
  • Stratosphere Observation Deck Plus VIP Access
  • Rockstar Pool Party Tour
  • and more...

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these popular Las Vegas attractions are available on the Go Las Vegas Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 60% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, the seasonal events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Las Vegas Card. If you want a bigger list of seasonal events, then check out our suggested things to do in Las Vegas in the summer.

High Roller Observation Wheel at the LINQ: Daytime Pass

Image of Amusement Park, Ferris Wheel, Fun, Person, Theme Park, Take a spin on the world's largest observation wheel! The ride is 30 minutes long and will provide you with 360 degree views of Las Vegas. There is also an outdoor dining, shopping, and entertainment outside at the LINQ, which is a great destination for all visitors. Getting In: Las Vegas High Roller Daytime tickets are available on the Go Las Vegas Card.

Hoover Dam Tour

Image of Outdoors, Water, Dam, Hoover Dam, Landmark, The Hoover Dam is one of the most famous American landmarks. It's also a testament to those who came to a harsh, barren land and built the structure to sustain themselves. At the Dam, visitors will have two hours to explore at their leisure. Upgrade to enjoy time in the Visitor's Center and/or a range-guided tour of the Dam. This is for sure one of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas in August (or really anytime of year). Getting In: Hoover Dam Tour tickets are available on the Go Las Vegas Card.

Stratosphere Observation Deck Plus VIP Access

Image of Photography, City, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Urban, Male, Man, Cityscape, This iconic fixture in the Las Vegas skyline offers both indoor and outdoor observation decks for stunning 360-degree views of the city and beyond. The Stratosphere Observation Deck is the tallest freestanding tower in the United States. Getting In: Stratosphere Tower Las Vegas tickets are available on the Go Las Vegas Card.

Rockstar Pool Party Tour

Image of Celebrating, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Hat, Flag, Party like a rock star at some of the best pool clubs in Las Vegas. Plus, you'll enjoy premium transportation on luxury party buses. On this tour, you will get to go from a pool party, to a limo party bus, then end at another pool party. Pool clubs are a distinctively Las Vegas thing, and are a great way to enjoy Vegas culture as you cool off! Getting In: Rockstar Pool Party Tour tickets are available on the Go Las Vegas Card.

Big Bus Las Vegas Tour

Image of Shoe, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Male, Man, High Heel, Bus, Vehicle, People, Hat, Handbag, Explore the sights of the Las Vegas strip on this double decker hop-on hop-off bus tour, narrated by knowledgeable and entertaining guides. It's a great way to get around, especially since you definitely do not want to be dealing with their notorious traffic! Getting In: Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Las Vegas tickets are available on the Go Las Vegas Card.

Downtown Las Vegas / Fremont Street Walking Tour

Image of Shop, Shopping Mall, Lighting, Urban, City, Person, By Antoine Taveneaux (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Take a tour of downtown Las Vegas and the famed Fremont Street area to fully appreciate the cultural side of this eclectic city. It's a two-hour walking tour that escorts you past some of the most famous casinos, hotels, restaurants, and much more. You'll get to see the newly revitalized area of Fremont East, too, as well as the delightful Downtown Container Park (a good place to come back to later to visit on your own time). If you do decide to enjoy this tour, keep in mind that in the summer you'll for sure need a hat, sunblock, and sunglasses to protect you from the heat and sun! Getting In: Downtown Las Vegas / Fremont Street Walking Tour tickets are available on the Go Las Vegas Card.

Local Sporting Events

If you're a sports fan, you're in luck! Las Vegas has slowly but sure amassed a bunch of professional sports teams for you to cheer on during your visit. For starters, there's the USL team, Las Vegas Lights FC, who play in America's second tier of professional soccer. Their season includes matches in August. There's also the WNBA team, the Las Vegas Aces, who play at the Mandalay Bay Events Center through August. And while their season won't have started in August, the instantly-famous Las Vegas Golden Knights NHL team is one to watch out for if you're visiting in the fall or winter! Getting In: All local sporting events are separately ticketed and are not included with the Go Las Vegas Card.

M&Ms World Las Vegas

Image of Food, Sweets, Candy, "My Color" Wall inside M&M'S WORLD® Las Vegas (Photo credit: M&M's WORLD® Las Vegas)
Come to this monument of of colorful fun, the four-level M&Ms World Las Vegas is one of the sweetest retail-entertainment attractions around. You can get different things printed on M&Ms, pick up some cool merchandise and check out some cool exhibits. Getting In: Admission to the M&Ms World Las Vegas is free.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Las Vegas in August. Remember, many of these great attraction options are included on the Las Vegas Explorer Pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the seasonal events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Las Vegas Explorer Pass. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your August vacation itinerary.

Lindsay Eagan
Go City Travel Expert

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vegas eiffel tower from the ground
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Vegas High Roller or Eiffel Tower: Which Experience Shines?

Welcome to the View-Off: High Roller Wheel vs. Eiffel Tower Experience!  So you’re making tracks to Las Vegas, and the city’s views are calling your name. Now you face the real challenge—should you hop aboard the High Roller Observation Wheel, or will the Eiffel Tower Experience win your heart? We’re breaking down both iconic attractions so you’ll know exactly which sky-high adventure matches your Vegas mood. From dizzying heights and Insta-worthy photo ops to which family member is likely to have the most fun, we’re dishing up the details as only Vegas can.  The lowdown  High Roller Observation Wheel:  Stands 550 feet tall on the LINQ Promenade, dazzling the Strip with its colorful lights.  30-minute rides with 360-degree enclosed cabins (perfect for all weather).  Views of the entire Strip, distant desert skyline and mountains.  “Happy Half Hour” cabins with open bar.  Family-friendly in the daytime, party energy at night.  Eiffel Tower Experience:  Half-scale replica at Paris Las Vegas, 46 stories above the Strip (about 460 feet tall).  Glass elevator and open-air viewing deck for panoramic photos.  Romantic nighttime ambiance with twinkling lights and Bellagio Fountain views.  Parisian feel with French-themed décor throughout.  Sounds good, tell me more...  Okay, so which one is most impressive?  It all comes down to what “impressive” means to you. The High Roller pulls out all the stops with its towering height and futuristic pods, dominating the skyline and lighting up the night like a Ferris wheel from the future. Its sheer size blows minds and makes heads turn, especially when the full-color light show kicks into gear at sunset.  The Eiffel Tower Experience wins points for history, detail, and ambiance. The latticework is true to Parisian engineering and the ambiance delivers Paris-in-the-desert vibes; nothing in Vegas comes close for pure old-world charm. Watching the Strip from above through crisscrossed steel, with the Bellagio Fountains bursting below, is like stepping into a movie scene.  Vegas loves drama, and both attractions deliver, but in different flavors: the High Roller impresses with scale and spectacle; the Eiffel Tower charms with ambiance, romance, and that unbeatable Parisian twist.  Which one is more fun?  Fun in Vegas comes in many forms. The High Roller is built for a good time, especially with those “Happy Half Hour” cabins. Imagine riding above the strip, drink in hand, surrounded by a group of new friends—or your own crew—sharing jokes while gazing at the endless parade of neon lights. Families and friends can sprawl out in climate-controlled cabins, with everyone glued to the glass walls, spotting landmarks from all angles.  Eiffel Tower Experience leans into a different kind of fun. Here, it’s about the shared “wow” moment as you step onto the open-air deck. With fewer crowds than the High Roller, it’s perfect for those loving a slower pace. Grabbing a selfie with the Strip or the Bellagio Fountains in the background is a memory in itself. For couples, it’s pure romance; for solo travelers, the sense of adventure is just as real.  If your idea of fun leans towards lively crowds, cocktails, and a party vibe, the High Roller is your spot. If you’re after European romance and a dash of classic elegance, Eiffel Tower Experience takes the prize.  Which is more beautiful?  Beauty is subjective, but let’s dish out the facts. The High Roller Observation Wheel delivers city-wide views from a cozy, glass-walled pod, while the ever-changing LED lights outside turn the wheel itself into a feast for the eyes. The sight of the Strip’s lights sprawling in every direction—plus distant mountain silhouettes—makes every spin a visual treat.  Meanwhile, the Eiffel Tower’s open-air deck gives you more than views, it frames your photos with unmistakable steelwork and Parisian details. The sense of height is a bit more real here, thanks to the wind on your face and the city sounds far below. The best part? Looking westward for front-row seats to the Bellagio’s water show, fountains firing under the desert sky.  Both attractions know how to show off, but if you love polished, high-tech beauty, High Roller shines. For moody, romantic, and delightfully atmospheric, Eiffel Tower wins.  Which has the better view?  Choosing the “best” view depends on what you want to see.  High Roller: Here, you’re fully surrounded by Vegas. Each pod moves with a slow, steady grace, never rushed. You see up and down the Strip, the mountains, the nearby airport with its glimmering runways, and a cross-section of hotels and people below. Come at dusk for golden hour magic, or later for endless city lights.  Eiffel Tower: You get a slightly lower perch but a unique angle. The west-facing deck means the Bellagio Fountains are the view’s main event, especially at night when the show pairs with music and lights. You’ll see the Strip in all directions, framed by a classic Paris tower, with a lighter breeze and a bit more open air.  If you want to see all of Vegas, go High Roller. If your dream shot is the Bellagio Fountains from above, Eiffel Tower it is.  How do I get there?  High Roller:  Located at The LINQ Promenade, center Strip.  By monorail: Disembark at the Harrah’s/The LINQ station.  By bus: Strip & Spring Mountain bus stop, then a quick walk.  By car: Paid parking available at The LINQ.  On foot: It’s an easy walk from the Flamingo, Harrah’s, or Caesars Palace.  Eiffel Tower Experience:  Situated within Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, mid-Strip.  By monorail: Paris/Bally’s station is the closest—exit and follow signs through the casino.  By bus: Belt out at the Paris stop; the Eiffel Tower is impossible to miss.  On foot: Beautiful stroll from Bellagio, Planet Hollywood, or Bally’s, with plenty of sidewalk excitement.  Best choice for families, couples or friends  Traveling with kids in tow, on a romantic getaway, or celebrating with your best friends? Both High Roller and the Eiffel Tower Experience shine, but deliver different flavors for each group.  Families:  We find the High Roller fits families perfectly. The roomy pods invite everyone to spread out, move around, and spot their favorite landmarks. It’s stroller-friendly and offers a smooth ride without sudden scares or vertigo—ideal for the younger crew or grandparents. Bonus: kids get wide-eyed seeing their hotel below, and everyone gets a new perspective of the city.  Couples:  Date night alert! The Eiffel Tower positively oozes romance. Couples love the twinkling Parisian lights, the gentle breeze on the open-air deck, and the opportunity to watch the Bellagio Fountains put on a show just below. Take in a dreamy sunset here, especially if you’ve got something special to celebrate.  Friends:  For groups, the High Roller easily wins for social energy. Book an entire cabin for your mates or join a Happy Half Hour to make new pals. There’s music, laughter, and plenty of room to roam—from selfies at every angle to impromptu dance parties as the Strip glows below. The Eiffel Tower is more suited to friends who want memorable views without the party vibe.  I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which has more ‘hands on’ activities?  While neither attraction is a traditional hands-on activity center, there are still ways for curious kids (and grown-ups) to keep busy.  High Roller: The journey is interactive by nature—watch little ones scurry from one window to the next, spotting roller coasters, hotels, and even planes taking off at McCarran Airport. In-cabin screens offer fun facts for trivia-minded youngsters, and the ride length keeps the experience engaging without being tiresome.  Eiffel Tower Experience: There’s genuine excitement climbing up the glass elevator and walking beneath the intricate steel design. The open deck lets adventurous types peer through the mesh for bird’s-eye people-watching and fountain spotting. However, interactivity is more about the scenery, so especially energetic kids might spend less time here than on the wheel.  For busy hands, the High Roller just edges it, especially with the space and interesting camera angles for budding photographers.  What’s the accessibility like?  Both attractions work hard to ensure everyone can enjoy the view.  High Roller: Fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and staff assistance as needed. Pods have space for wheelchairs and strollers, so no one misses out on the experience.  Eiffel Tower Experience: Wheelchair-accessible elevators take you straight up. The deck is level and navigable, though some areas can get busy when crowds gather for the fountains. Team members are always nearby to offer a helping hand.  You can feel at ease with both options—just let a staff member know your needs when you arrive, and relaxation awaits above the Strip.  Best lunch spots nearby?  High Roller / The LINQ Promenade:  Yard House: Famous for an impressive list of draft beers—over 100 on tap—alongside street tacos, burgers, and their signature poke nachos. The lively patio seating sets the scene for casual people-watching and pre-wheel snacks.  in-N-Out Burger: For the West Coast classic—order your burger “Animal Style” for extra sauce and grilled onions. This is Vegas’ most wallet-friendly, filling meal, just steps from the High Roller’s entrance.  Virgil’s Real Barbecue: Southern hospitality, big helpings of smoked brisket, and sweet tea. Try the mac-and-cheese or their award-winning Banana Pudding, all served in comfortable, rustic surrounds.  Eiffel Tower / Paris Las Vegas:  Eiffel Tower Restaurant: For a splurge, book a table at this fine dining spot perched halfway up the tower. Signature dishes include the delicate lobster bisque and their Grand Marnier soufflé. Floor-to-ceiling windows mean the Strip is always in view.  Mon Ami Gabi: Parisian bistro vibes with striped awnings and prime patio seating facing the Bellagio Fountains. The steak frites and French onion soup are the stuff of legend here.  La Creperie: Need something quick and sweet? Hit this counter-service gem for fresh Nutella-banana crepes, or keep it savory with a classic ham and cheese.  Nearby Food Markets:  Block 16 Urban Food Hall (just across at The Cosmopolitan): Sample everything from gourmet doughnuts to Nashville hot chicken at this buzzing food market, all moments from the Eiffel Tower.  Where are the best photo opportunities?  High Roller:  Inside the pod, the glass panels ensure photo ops from every angle—point east at sunrise or west for sunset shots. At night, the glow of the wheel and city below makes for unforgettable group selfies.  Ground-level shots are magic too—snap the wheel fully lit up against the night sky. Stand underneath for a dramatic shot of its structural design.  Eiffel Tower Experience:  Snap down at the Bellagio Fountains mid-show; the jets look like glimmering lace from above.  Sunset is perfect here, with the Strip in golden tones—plus, the tower itself looks brilliant as dusk falls and its lights switch on.  Don’t leave without a classic upward-looking shot from the base, framing the intricate latticework skywards.  Photo Tips:  Sunset ("golden hour") is perfect for both attractions—think fewer shadows, softer light, and the start of Vegas’s evening buzz.  For night owls, late evening delivers the Strip’s crackling neon energy.  We’re finished and thirsty – is there a decent bar in the area?  Near High Roller:  SkyLounge at High Roller: Ride the Happy Half Hour for a built-in bar with your view, or pop into SkyLounge’s bar nearby for cocktails with a view of the wheel itself.  O’Sheas Irish Pub: Go casual with cheap beers, live music, and a lively pub atmosphere. The frozen Irish coffee here is a cult hit on a hot Vegas day.  Near Eiffel Tower:  Baccarat Bar (in Paris Las Vegas): Opulent, quiet, and a great spot to sip a Champagne cocktail beneath glittering chandeliers.  Beer Park: Just outside Paris Las Vegas, this rooftop bar serves a lineup of draft beers and spiked lemonades, with prime patio views of the Bellagio Fountains.  Signature Drink Picks:  At Beer Park, their spiked strawberry lemonade is a refreshing Strip staple.  Order the "Tower Spritz" at Eiffel Tower Restaurant—Cointreau, sparkling wine, and a bright dash of orange bitters.  Any other good stuff nearby?  High Roller / LINQ Promenade:  Fly LINQ Zipline: Launch yourself from the top of the LINQ promenade for a thrilling trip above the crowds—perfect for adrenaline junkies.  Brooklyn Bowl: Laugh, eat, and bowl a few frames at this music venue-bar-bowling alley mashup.  Free fun: Marvel at street performers or giant outdoor art installations that line the walkway.  Near Eiffel Tower Experience:  Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: Just across the street, stroll the ever-changing floral displays, all for free.  Fountains of Bellagio: Don’t miss the water and music show from ground level for a totally new perspective—shows run every half-hour in the evenings.  The Shops at Crystals: Step into air-conditioned luxury next door—window shop or real shop at brands like Gucci, Prada, or browse art galleries.  Local tip: Mon Ami Gabi's patio fills fast for good reason—arrive slightly before noon or sunset to score a prime fountain-facing seat.  Let’s Wrap it Up  Vegas is never short on dazzling experiences, but both the High Roller Observation Wheel and the Eiffel Tower Experience promise memories that’ll last way beyond your checkout date. Looking for a family-friendly vibe, high-energy fun, and panoramic Strip views? The High Roller spins its magic every time. Do you dream of Parisian elegance, jaw-dropping views over the fountains, or a romantic escape above the noise? The Eiffel Tower Experience romances every visitor.  Whichever you choose, you’ll get more from Vegas with Go City®. Save money, skip ticket lines, and bundle even more adventures into your trip—because in Vegas, there’s always one more story to be told.  Ready to see Vegas from above, for less? Buy your Go City® pass and start planning those sky-high memories!    Enjoyed this? Check out which tourist traps to avoid, and how to make the most of your evenings on the Strip. 
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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
The Grand Canyon
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Things to do Outside Las Vegas City

No-one ever said that someone who is tired of Las Vegas is tired of life. And that’s because, quite frankly, Sin City can be *exhausting*: the 24-hour hustle and bustle; that constant neon glare; all those glitzy casinos, shows, restaurants, pools and rooftop bars vying for your attention; the overwhelming chaos of the Strip. It’s no surprise that, after a couple of days of high rolling, frazzled travelers often find themselves ready to recharge. The good news is that there are plenty of great things to do outside Las Vegas city. Hey, just because it’s in the middle of a desert doesn’t mean there aren’t dozens of eye-popping natural (oh ok, and man-made) attractions to discover, many within an hour of the Strip. Indeed, its desert location is what makes it such a fine destination for out-of-town excursions. The best of both worlds, if you will. So saddle up and join us on our rundown of some of the best day trips from Las Vegas, including: The Grand Canyon Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Seven Magic Mountains Red Rock Canyon Mount Charleston The Grand Canyon There are a number of ways to experience the Grand Canyon. Indeed, you may well be able to pap it from your flight into town (assuming you’re sat on the right side of the plane, that is). But can you really say you’ve ‘done’ the Grand Canyon if you haven’t set foot in it? No, dear reader, you cannot. So go on: book yourself a thrilling helicopter ride for spectacular (and close-up) aerial views as you cruise over the south or west rims of this epic natural wonder, before touching down among its iconic rust-red rocks and hardy desert wildflowers. You’ll have plenty of time for a wander and/or to stuff your camera roll full with enough selfies to fill your Insta feed for a year. Many operators also offer bolt-on experiences like champagne picnics and birthday celebrations for those ultimate #humblebrag souvenir snaps. The sunset ride back into Vegas ain’t too shabby either, as you soar over the neon-lit Strip against a backdrop of blazing desert skies. Magical. Seven Magic Mountains You could be forgiven for thinking you’ve been hitting the mescal too hard when you first lay eyes on the Seven Magic Mountains, a trippy Mojave Desert art installation by Swiss sculptor Ugo Rondinone, around 30 minutes south of Las Vegas. The sculpture consists of seven gravity-defying towers of boulders, some teetering as high as 35 feet tall! But that’s not all: these desert totems are painted in a kaleidoscope of colors – sky blue, mint green, flamingo pink – making for quite the eye-popping sight against those big azure desert skies. The installation is visible from Interstate 15, but is far more impressive up close. Take a good pair of walking boots and get there early to beat the crowds. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area You probably didn’t come to Las Vegas expecting snow. But snow is what you can have on a trip out to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, or simply Mount Charleston as the locals know it. This is one of the (ahem) coolest things to do outside Las Vegas city limits, and is only about an hour north of the Strip. Temperatures here tend to run around 20-30 degrees lower than the city, making this fine natural wonder and Mount Charleston, its frequently snow-capped star, an excellent choice for escaping the Las Vegas heat. The scenic drive out of town is impressive enough in its own right, as the landscape transforms from those heat-hazed Martian reds to a coole, greener alpine environment. But the park’s lush wilderness, all pine forests and crashing waterfalls, is nothing short of spectacular.  There’s a vast variety of hiking opportunities here, and it’s also where you can spot gnarly bristlecone pines, among the most ancient living trees on the planet, some of them many thousands of years old. Take the relatively unchallenging Bristlecone Loop, or steel yourself for a 16-hour round-trip ramble to Charleston Peak, nearly 12,000 feet up in the clouds, where views, on clear days, of Death Valley, the Sierra Nevada, and Las Vegas, provide quite the stunning reward. Red Rock Canyon There’s a variety of ways you can enjoy the epic natural wonder that is Red Rock Canyon: 200,000 prehistoric acres of rust-colored sandstone stacks and cacti-crammed valleys. The canyon’s location just a few miles west of downtown makes it one of the easiest things to do outside Las Vegas. Rent a pink Cadillac and cruise there in less than half an hour (top down and ‘Viva Las Vegas’ blasting out at maximum volume, natch). There’s a scenic 13-mile driving loop, from which it's possible to access most of the hiking trails, from short casual rambles to steep, glute-straining ascents. You can even book guided half- or full-day horseback hacks through this extraordinary wild landscape, keeping peepers peeled (and camera at the ready) for hidden waterfalls, ancient Native American petroglyphs, and the twitching ears of curious jackrabbits along the way. Check out some of the hiking trails here. Hoover Dam and Lake Mead The Hoover Dam is one of those feats of early 20th-century engineering and ingenuity that will leave your jaw on the floor from the moment you set eyes on it. The dam’s shapely curves aren’t just there to look good either: it’s an arch-gravity dam, which means the pressure of the water against its specific curvature actually makes it stronger. Impressive. As with most out-of-town Vegas attractions, there’s a whole menu of ways to visit the Hoover Dam and its reservoir (the biggest in the United States, fact fans), Lake Mead, where its possible to go boating, swimming, water skiing and more. You could take a helicopter ride for aerial views, or get there by coach and set foot on the thing, taking in panoramic views from the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge some 905 feet above the Colorado River. The latter is available with the Go City Las Vegas attractions pass, which includes access to dozens more Sin City bucket-listers for one money-saving price. Check it out here. Save on Tours, Attractions and Activities in Las Vegas  Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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