15+ Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble

UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024
hoover dam las vegas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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.
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