hoover dam las vegas

15+ Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

By Lindsay Eagan

Not being a gambler is no reason to not visit Las Vegas. There are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble, you'll forget all about the casinos. To make planning a casino-free trip to Vegas a little easier, we put together a list of top things to do in Las Vegas and none of them involve any bets at a casino. Some fun suggestions include...

  • Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Tour
  • Blue Man Group
  • Grand Canyon Tours
  • TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition
  • BODIES: The Exhibition
  • Hoover Dam Tour
  • Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
  • Madame Tussauds
  • and much more!

1. Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Las Vegas Day Tour

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

1. Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Las Vegas Day Tour

Explore all the highlights of the Vegas Strip and learn about the city's history with knowledgeable guides as you enjoy a Hop On Hop Off Las Vegas Big Bus Tour! Head to the top of the bus for an open-air experience or stay inside the lower level for shade and climate control. Buses leave the Big Bus Tours Welcome Center every 40 minutes and stop at a number of popular locations for hours of fun activities on the Classic Route.

2. Blue Man Group

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

2. Blue Man Group

Experience the spectacular journey of music, laughter, and surprises as three, bald and blue men put on a show that will rock your world, blow your mind, and unleash your spirit. The Blue Man Group will electrify your night at the specially designed Blue Man Theater at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Over 35 million people of all ages, languages, and cultures have experienced the Blue Man Group – now it’s your turn. Dare to live in full color.

3. Grand Canyon Tours

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

3. Grand Canyon Tours

Get away from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip and head to the Grand Canyon. On your way to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, knowledgeable tour guides will point out and highlight the must-sees along the historic Route 66 while providing interesting historical facts and fun trivia about the area.

Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park you’ll get a National Park South Rim and Village Tour and have 3 full hours to explore the area at your own pace.

 

4. Las Vegas Downtown - Fremont St. Walking Tour

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

4. Las Vegas Downtown - Fremont St. Walking Tour

What better way to learn about the detailed history of Las Vegas than on a two hour Las Vegas Downtown Walking Tour with a friendly, knowledgeable guide See where it all began at the corner of Fremont and Main Streets and step underneath the largest video screen in the world, then continue past the tallest and most attractive casinos and hotels in the city.

You'll also explore the new hotels, restaurants and shopping areas that are part of the urban revival project taking place on Fremont East, followed with information about the Downtown Container Park, where recycled shipping containers have been used to create an entire open-air shopping and entertainment complex! From the past to the present, the Fremont St. Walking Tour is one of the best ways to experience everything from Vintage Las Vegas sites to the area's most recent developments.

 

5. Hoover Dam Tour

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

5. Hoover Dam Tour

With pick up and drop off service right from your hotel included in the Hoover Dam Tour package, you won't want to miss the most popular sightseeing attraction in the area! Known as a marvel of modern engineering and the "greatest dam ever built", the Hoover Dam is proof that there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble.

If you're fortunate enough to take this tour during the holiday season, you'll even be rewarded with a bonus stop at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Gardens! Enjoy an engaging narration and mini tour of the area on the way to the Dam as told by one of our expert guides You'll then have two hours to explore the sights upon arrival.

Make sure to walk the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge if you want to experience the very best views and photo opportunities! Enjoy the museum, exhibit areas, Visitor's Center and movie room, and/or walk across the Dam and delight in the works of art lying on the Arizona side of this marvel. The choice is yours!

 

6. Gene Woods Racing Experience

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

6. Gene Woods Racing Experience

Anyone who has ever dreamt of sitting behind the wheel of a real race car will enjoy zooming around the challenging half mile race track at Gene Woods Racing Experience. You'll learn tips and tricks from the pros featured on an instructional video which will help you safely maneuver around the turns at top speed while getting an edge on your competition.

Up to 18 laps around the course allows plenty of time to sort out the driving skills of your family members and friends. Racing legend Gene Woods spends time at the track most days and loves to share his own tips and personal experiences behind the wheel as a professional driver. Anyone who believes there are not things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble has probably not had the Gene Woods Racing Experience!

 

7. Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

7. Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas

Experience the romance and charm of Paris within the city limits of Las Vegas! A glass elevator will take you up 46 stories during the popular Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas. On your way to the tower, you'll enjoy French flare and appreciate photo opportunities in front of the Arc de Triomphe, the Paris Opera House, the Louvre and more.

The 460 foot, adrenaline inducing ride up the glass elevator will take you to an observation deck where your jaw will drop at the site of the incredible 360 degree views of the city. Ambassadors who spend their days on this deck will cheerfully point out all the famous landmarks of the stunning Las Vegas skyline and will answer questions about the tower's history. Touted as one of the most romantic and memorable things to do in Las Vegas, you won't want to miss this one!

 

8. Vegas Rockstar Club Tour

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

8. Vegas Rockstar Club Tour

Guests over the age of 21 can enjoy the Vegas nightlife like a VIP from the inside of a luxurious limo party bus on the seasonal Vegas Rockstar Club Tour. Your VIP host will serve you drinks from the complimentary open bar while you tour some of the top clubs in the city. All cover charges are included in the tour and you won't have to deal with any lines.

After picking you up at some of the best ultra-lounges in Las Vegas, you'll get VIP entrance privileges at three of the top Vegas clubs. While the club lineup varies each night, you'll likely be clubbing at some of the following hot spots:

  • Light at Mandalay Bay
  • Body English at the Hard Rock
  • Chateau at Paris
  • The Bank at the Bellagio
  • 1OAK at the Mirage
  • Tao at the Venetian
  • Lavo at Palazzo
  • and other top clubs!

9. Rockstar Pool Party Tour

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

9. Rockstar Pool Party Tour

For a daytime experience as a VIP, guests over 21 can spend their time poolside and touring the area in a Limo Party Bus during the seasonal Rockstar Pool Party Tour. A perfect way to spend a day after a long night out, you'll begin at a relaxing party pool complete with daily drink specials.

Next, hop on board a Limo Party Bus complete with a daiquiri bar which will take you on a tour of the famous Las Vegas Strip. Following the tour, you'll get the pleasure of enjoying Las Vegas sunshine at one of the area's hottest party pools. Your VIP status allows you to bypass cover charges and any lines at one of the following:

  • Sapphire Pool & Day Club
  • Liquid Pool Lounge at Aria
  • Wet Republic at the MGM Grand
  • Venus Pool Club at Cesar's Palace

10. Catch a Show

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

10. Catch a Show

Experience The Beatles' iconic songs like never before with this multi-sensory spectacle. Watch as your favorite songs are reimagined through inspiring choreography, impressive aerial acrobatics and immersive visuals. With 360-degree seating, you'll experience this amazing show from all angles – it's really like nothing you'll have ever seen before!

11. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

11. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Step onto the red carpet and get up-close photos with all your favorite celebrities (or at least their very convincing life-like wax figures) to fool your friends back home. Pose for the paparazzi with Lady Gaga, relive a crazy Vegas night with Bradley Cooper, and fight crime alongside Nick Fury all at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. Don't miss your favorite Marvel Super Heroes brought to life in the Marvel Super Heroes 4D Experience too.

12. Crack the Case at CSI: The Experience

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

12. Crack the Case at CSI: The Experience

Think you have the skills it takes to be a forensic detective? Head to CSI: The Experience at MGM Grand to try your hand at cracking the case. You'll work your way through three simulated crime scenes, evaluate evidence in crime labs, and more.

13. The Mob Museum

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

13. The Mob Museum

Did you know that Las Vegas was essentially built by notorious mobsters? Hear both sides of the story from the notorious battle of the law enforcement against organized crime and walk away with a new appreciation for Las Vegas's unique history at The Mob Museum. Real stories are brought to life with engaging, multi-sensory exhibits, rare artifacts, and exclusive insights from people on both sides of the ongoing battle.

14. Ride the High Roller

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

14. Ride the High Roller

For some of the best views in of the Strip, take in the amazing, panoramic views of the Strip and beyond on the High Roller Observation Wheel, the world's largest observation wheel at 550 feet above ground level. Grab a drink before boarding at the wheelhouse at the base of the ride and be sure to spend some time exploring the LINQ outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment area.

15. Stratosphere Observation Deck

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

15. Stratosphere Observation Deck

Head to the iconic Stratosphere Observation Deck one the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States at 1,149 feet tall for 360-degree views of the city and beyond.

Outdoor deck: Scan the city through viewfinders or watch a desert sunset. The outdoor observation deck sits atop the Stratosphere building and is the tallest observation deck in the United States.

Indoor deck: Take in views of the Las Vegas Valley from inside the Stratosphere. With uninterrupted 360-degree views, your fear of heights will still be tested.

 

16. BODIES: The Exhibition

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

16. BODIES: The Exhibition

This immensely popular exhibition is one for all those interested in science, and for anyone curious about how the human body works. Stroll through nine galleries featuring respectfully presented human remains, from skeletons to preserved organs and beyond. You'll learn a great deal about how the human body works, and get an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems of the human body.

Knowledgeable docents will also make the experience that much more informative, so don't be shy to ask questions! Check out the interactive elements, too.

 

17. TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

17. TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition

For anyone with a fascination for history, and particularly the history of this tragic event, TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition is a must-see attraction in Las Vegas. Here you'll find genuine artifacts recovered from the wreckage of this mighty ship, from luggage to floor tiles to window frames.

You'll also get to wander through scale recreations of the signature areas of the ship, like the Grand Staircase and the outer Promenade Deck. See what life was like for both the rich and the less fortunate aboard this vessel, and learn about the history of the Titanic from construction to her sad end.

18. X-Scream at the Stratosphere

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

18. X-Scream at the Stratosphere

Thrill seekers of all ages will love the X-Scream at the Stratosphere. Buckle up and get ready for a headfirst jolt 866 feet up in the air and right over the Stratosphere's edge. The ride takes you both forwards and backwards and provides the feeling of weightlessness as it seemingly defies the laws of gravity. You'll also be rewarded with striking views of the Las Vegas skyline and the Strip below. Do you still believe there aren't plenty of things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble?

19. Insanity at the Stratosphere

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

19. Insanity at the Stratosphere

Daredevils and anyone who wants to force themselves past their fear of heights can climb on board the Insanity at the Stratosphere for a truly memorable experience. Insanity the Ride will take you 64 feet away from the edge of the Stratosphere Tower and 900 feet above the ground, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sites below, if you're willing to keep your eyes open! First, the ride tilts guests at a 70 degree angle, but while spinning, visitors will be pointing straight down and experiencing speeds producing 3 'G's of force. Do your best to open your eyes, if even for a second, as you won't find another opportunity to view Las Vegas from a perspective like this!

20. Big Shot at the Stratosphere

Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

20. Big Shot at the Stratosphere

Located at the top of the Stratosphere and taking you 1,081 feet up in the air (higher than any other thrill ride in the world!) is the Big Shot at the Stratosphere. Starting from the top of the tower, you'll be vertically propelled 160 feet into the air at 45 mph and with a force strong enough to generate 4 'G's. Keep your eyes open while moving up for breathtaking views of the Las Vegas skyline far below, then enjoy a split second of weightlessness at the very top of the ride before dropping straight back down. hink you've caught your breath at the bottom? Think again, as the ride sends you back up for a second round!

Save on Attraction Admission

There you have it - some great alternatives for things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble. We've got you covered with ideas ranging from amazing tours, exciting thrill rides, to world class shows and performances. Best yet, you can save on combined admission to many of these fun alternatives with a pass.

There are taxis everywhere in Vegas but they can get expensive. The hop-on hop-off Vegas Bus Pass travels up and down the strip, which can get you easy access to many of the top attractions and things to do in Vegas during the day.

Admission to many of these top Las Vegas attractions & activities are available with a pass by Go City®. Choose as you go from many top attractions and save on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Trust us, you'll walk away a winner. So grab a Las Vegas pass and get exploring!

Lindsay Eagan
Go City Travel Expert

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Top Las Vegas Museums to Visit - Culture, History, Nature, & More

While most people think of Las Vegas as a city filled with gambling, dining, and drinking, there are plenty of cultural attractions to enjoy, too. Whether you prefer art museums, cultural institutions, or topical exhibitions (or appreciate them all!), Las Vegas has something you’re sure to love. Want Passes to Top Las Vegas Museums? Admission to a number of these attractions is included on the Go Las Vegas® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of topic attractions and save up to 60% on admission versus paying at the gate. See all available Las Vegas attractions and passes. Museums available on the Go Las Vegas® Card include: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas CSI: The Experience Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. The Mob Museum REAL BODIES at Bally’s BODIES: The Exhibition TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition Please note that not all of the museums listed below are included with the Go La Vegas® Card. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas If you adore pop culture, this is one institution you won’t want to miss. It’s the world’s most famous wax museum, filled with realistic replicas of celebrities from around the globe. Wander through eight distinctive rooms with different themes and “meet” your favorite stars. Keep that phone charged for those perfect Instagram shots! Getting In: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas® Card. CSI: The Experience For all fans of procedural crime dramas, this is the attraction for you. Here you’ll learn to become crime scene investigators in the style of the hit show. You’ll be able to gather evidence before heading to the lab with your clues to see if your crime-solving skills are up to the challenge. Bonus: if you successfully figure out the killer, you’ll get a CSI diploma! Getting In: CSI: The Experience tickets included with the Go Las Vegas® Card. Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Immerse yourself in the world of Marvel comics with a visit to this top family attraction. Go beyond the world of the comic books and see the franchise brought to life. You’ll actually dive into the action, too, with a chance to train to become an agent of S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (aka, Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network). This is one fans of Marvel properties at any age will love. Getting In: Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas® Card The Mob Museum If you’ve always been curious about the mob, have a real thing for the Godfather movies, or just love history, this is the museum for you. You’ll see exhibits filled with real artifacts and evidence. Plus, learn about the long history of the ongoing struggles between the mob and law enforcement officials. It’s a great way to see real, fascinating history brought to life -- there’s even a Prohibition exhibit that people love! Getting In: The Mob Museum tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas® Card. REAL BODIES at Bally’s After scoping out the models at Madame Tussauds, come here to visualize models of the human body in a whole new way. This informative and engaging exhibition showcases the anatomy of the human through real specimens, carefully preserved and respectfully displayed. You’ll wander through 11 fascinating galleries that explore how the human body works, how it interacts with the environment, and the meanings that culture makes from the body. It’s a powerful exhibition that’s well worth your time. Getting In: REAL BODIES at Bally’s tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas® Card. BODIES: The Exhibition Hosted by the Luxor Hotel, this unique exhibition also showcases real preserved bodies and body parts. It’s a larger exhibition than REAL BODIES, but offers many of the same themes, including respect for the wonderful machine that is the human body. It’s a good educational experience for kids above a certain age, and offers in-depth looks into how the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, and respiratory systems work. Getting In: BODIES: The Exhibition tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas® Card. TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition Whether you’re a big fan of the film, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good story, you’ll appreciate this exhibition. The tragedy of this infamous ocean-liner has been retold many times, but now you’ll have the chance to see real artifacts and objects from the wreck itself. As part of a 25,000-square-foot exhibition space, visitors can see recovered objects like floor tiles, windows, and luggage, as well as full-scale recreations of famous spaces like the Grand Staircase. Getting In: TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas® Card. Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art Located on the Las Vegas campus of the University of Nevada, this free little museum is an excellent resource in the community. Once a natural history museum, today this institution ties together the UNLV art galleries with exciting exhibitions and special programming. You’ll find strong holdings in contemporary art, objects from the American southwest, and Pre-Columbian artifacts. Getting In: The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art is free to explore. Remember to Save on Museum Admission Hopefully one or two of these museums strikes your fancy. If you’re interested in adding one or more to your Las Vegas itinerary, consider picking up an all-inclusive Go Las Vegas® Card to save up to 60% on admission.
Katie Sagal
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Things to Do in Las Vegas in August 2018

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 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 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 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 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 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 By Antoine Taveneaux (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia CommonsTake 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 "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

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