The most common image of Las Vegas is Sin City: a gambling, drinking, entertainment and elopement mecca. But there are so many more things to do in Las Vegas than partying and gambling that make it one of America’s top travel destinations.
Stay at grand resorts, explore the beauty of the Mojave Desert and eat your fill at one of the many top-tier restaurants while taking in one-of-a-kind attractions. Venture out to the nearby grandeur of the Grand Canyon, see stunning artwork and take in a show (or three).
AAA has been helping Las Vegas tourists find the best deals on entertainment and things to do for decades. Read on to find the best things to do in Las Vegas.
Things To Do on the Las Vegas Strip
Vegas has enough to keep you busy for weeks, but here are a few of the best things to do on the Las Vegas Strip.
1. Ride the High Roller Observation Wheel
- Hours: 2:00 p.m. to midnight, weather permitting
- Reservations Required: No, but you do need to purchase tickets in advance
- Travel Tip: Book a Happy Half Hour cabin for a party of up to 25. An open bar and a bartender are included.
Get one of the best views on the Strip with a 30-minute ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ. The largest observation wheel in the United States stands at 550 feet tall and each pod is air-conditioned so you can enjoy the view in comfort.
2. Relax at the Beach
- Hours: Open daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the summer season (March through September) and closed during the winter season (October through March)
- Reservations Required: No, but non-guests can only attend Monday through Thursday with a non-guest pass.
Nestled in the Mandalay Bay Resort, you’ll find a beach oasis so remarkable you’ll swear you’ve left Vegas behind for a tropical paradise. The artificial beach includes 2,700 tons of real sand, several pools, a lazy river, a wave pool and cabanas. If you want to book your trip to rest and relax like 51% of travelers, grab your swimsuit, a drink and a beach towel and make your way to the beach.
Attached to the beach, you’ll also find two clubs: Daylight, where you’ll see DJs and a pool party and the Moorea Beach Club, an adults-only private area with a European vibe.
3. Take a Selfie at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: Go in the early morning when it’s cooler and the temperatures are cooler.
.The Las Vegas Strip begins with the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Built in 1959, the neon sign is 25 feet tall and is the perfect place for a selfie to commemorate your trip to Sin City.
4. SkyJump at The Strat
- Hours: noon to 10:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: Yes
- Travel Tip: Once you pay, you won’t get your money back if you chicken out. You’ll receive a Chicken Out voucher to transfer your jump to another person.
The Strat Resort Casino and Skypod is home to the largest observation tower in the United States. It’s also home to the highest sky jump facility in the world. After a quick safety course, you’ll be harnessed to a cable connected to a descender machine, slowing your 40 mph jump as you approach the landing pad.
There are also two observation decks, two floors of thrill rides, a wedding chapel and several restaurants and bars.
5. Ride the Big Apple Coaster
- Hours: Monday through Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m and Friday through Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to midnight
- Reservations Required: No, but purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
As one of Sin City’s most iconic roller coasters, the Big Apple Coaster features cars designed to mimic the quintessential New York City vehicle: yellow taxi cabs. A steel hyper roller coaster, you’ll experience the world’s first 180-degree twist and a 203-foot drop while taking in the Las Vegas skyline.
6. See a Show
- Reservations Required: Varies by show, but purchase tickets ahead of time to guarantee entrance.
- Travel Tip: Use your AAA membership to get discounted tickets to your favorite shows.
Las Vegas is the world’s entertainment capital, so there are plenty of shows to see on the Strip. Some shows are permanent fixtures (Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil), while others come and go. You’ll find everything from music revues to comedy to burlesque to magic and more.
7. Explore the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tips: This is a short experience, lasting fifteen minutes at most. Make the outing worth your while by pairing with other nearby attractions or stop at the nearby coffee shop.
A few steps from the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is a four-acre habitat for Chilean flamingos. You won’t believe you’re in the middle of the Nevada desert when you step into the grassland habitat, complete with waterfalls and trees. Look for all the wildlife that calls this habitat home, including turtles, the hooded merganser and several breeds of ducks.
8. Meet the Stars at Madame Tussauds
- Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: No, but purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
- Travel Tip: Parking is challenging so walk to the attraction is possible or take advantage of local carsharing opportunities.
We won’t all be lucky enough to meet our favorite A-list stars in person. But the more than 80 wax figures at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas are so realistic no one will know when you show them a picture with your arm around Channing Tatum’s shoulders.
9. Experience Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
- Hours: Varies by season
- Reservations Required: No, but purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
- Travel Tip: Take advantage of the audio tour, which provides a richer telling of the Titanic story.
The tragedy of the Titanic has captured the imagination of generations since 1912 and the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition brings it to life for visitors. Check out the 250+ artifacts from the downed ocean liner and explore replicas of key areas of the ship, like the iconic stairway where Jack met Rose in the 1997 movie.
During the tour, you’ll be given a boarding pass for an actual Titanic traveler. Learn their fate at the end of the exhibit.
Things To Do in Las Vegas With Kids
When most people think of Las Vegas, they think of a playground for adults. Fortunately, there’s plenty to do in Vegas with the whole family.
10. Tour Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
- Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm
- Reservations Required: No, but they are recommended.
- Travel Tip: Allow at least an hour to explore the aquarium.
The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is located at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, home to more than 2,000 aquatic animals. It’s the perfect place to hide from the heat for a few hours.
The aquarium is divided into three main features — The Jungle, The Temple and The Shipwreck — and for an additional fee you can feed sharks or stingrays or you can swim (virtually) with sharks in the Undersea Explorer VR Theater.
11. Take in the Thrills at Adventuredome
- Hours: Vary by season and may be impacted by special events
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: When you need a break from the action, the FX Theater has 4-D movies.
The Adventuredome at the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino is a 5-acre theme park entirely enclosed under a pink dome.
Inside, kids and parents will enjoy the Bank Heist Laser Challenge and some indoor Bungee jumping in the Extreme Zone. Experience thrills on the Canyon Blaster, the world’s only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster and other large rides like NebulaZ or the Sling Shot. There are even junior rides like the Frog Hopper, Thunderbirds and the always popular carousel for smaller riders.
12. Play at The Origen Experience at the Nevada State Museum
- Hours: Thursday through Monday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (may close early due to special events)
- Reservations Required: No, but buying tickets in advance is encouraged
- Travel Tip: Some outdoor activities may be closed during excessive heat over 105 degrees.
The Origen Experience includes 75 permanent interactive exhibits and an indoor theater focused on educating guests about the complete history of Las Vegas.
Experience a desert flash flood in the Flash Flood Exhibit or look at fossilized dinosaur tracks from the area. Learn about the land auction of 1905 that resulted in the city of Las Vegas or the construction of the Hoover Dam.
13. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Hershey’s Chocolate World
- Hours: Sunday through Thursday: 9:00a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 am
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: Treat yourself to one of this attraction's legendary s'mores.
A must-do thing to do in Las Vegas for sweet tooths of all ages, Hershey’s Chocolate World is located in the New York-New York Hotel & Casino. See the 800-pound Statue of Liberty made from chocolate or create your own chocolate bar. Participate in a few interactive exhibits, starring in a TV ad for Reese’s peanut butter cups.
14. Play and Learn at the Discovery Children’s Museum
- Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays: noon to 5:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: No, but purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
- Travel Tip: Bring your own snacks, as options at the children's museum are limited.
The three-floor Discovery Children’s Museum includes nine different galleries filled with fun and adventure for kids of all ages. From STEM to fantasy, from problem-solving to art, there’s plenty to see and do to keep kids entertained for hours.
15. Shop at Downtown Container Park
- Reservations Required: No (but you may want to make them at one of the restaurants)
- Travel Tip: Combine with a visit to the nearby Fremont Street Experience, which is within walking distance
Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday through Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
NOTE: After 9:00 p.m., the park is for 21+ only
Downtown Container Park is an outdoor shopping center with shops, restaurants and live entertainment. Kids love The Treehouse, an interactive playground and the Sugar Shop Candy & Gifts shop.
The Mantis is the star of the show. Standing 40 feet tall, the metal sculpture breathes fire six feet high and speaks over 20 languages. Weather permitting, catch the drum circle celebration to wake The Mantis.
16. Feed the Ducks at Aliante Nature Discovery Park
- Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: If possible, bring sand toys so you and your kids can make the most of the sand pit.
When your kids inevitably get overstimulated by all the lights and noise, head to Aliante Nature Discovery Park. There, you'll find a preschool toddler's heaven: a waterfall and pond where you can feed the ducks, plus a dino-themed playground and plenty of sand for digging.
17. Feed Lions at the Lion Habitat Ranch
- Hours: Varies by season and may be impacted by rain
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: Tickets can only be purchased at the gate.
If you don’t mind a quick drive to nearby Henderson, Nevada, visit the Lion Habitat Ranch, a sanctuary for African lions. Tour the facility with a trainer or feed Ozzie the giraffe or one of the lions. You can even create art with Ozzie.
18. Have a Blast at the Fun Dungeon at Excalibur Hotel & Casino
- Hours: Daily noon to 11:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: No
The Fun Dungeon has 200 arcades and carnival games to keep you busy indoors at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino when the desert heat is too overwhelming. There’s also a Dairy Queen and an Orange Julius in the arcade when someone needs a snack.
Free Things To Do in Las Vegas
When your wallet needs a break, check out these free things to do in Las Vegas.
19. Watch the Fountains of Bellagio
- Hours:
- Monday - Friday:
- Every 30 minutes from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Every 15 minutes from 7:00 p.m. to midnight
- Saturday, Sunday and Holidays:
- Every 30 minutes from noon to 6:30 p.m.
- Every 15 minutes from 7:00 p.m. to midnight
- Monday - Friday:
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: Several Bellagio restaurants have great views of the Fountains, but reservations are required.
You can catch the infamous Fountains of Bellagio water show outside the Bellagio. More than 1,200 fountains and 4,500 lights are choreographed to a variety of songs from genres ranging from pop to classical and rock to electronic music. During the show, water shoots 460 feet in the air.
Hours:
20. Stroll through the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
- Hours: Open 24 hours (except during dark days when they are switching out the displays)
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: The display is changed each season (Holiday, Lunar, Spring and Summer), so stop by whenever you’re in town for a different view.
Before or after you watch the water show, take a romantic stroll through Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. The 14,000-square-foot space under a 50-foot glass ceiling is a lush natural display. Its staff of 120 gardeners cares for the display, reusing as much of the natural material as possible to honor Bellagio’s commitment to sustainability.
21. Hike Lone Mountain Peak
- Hours: Daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 pm.
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: Visit at sunrise for cooler temperatures and a spectacular view.
If you're feeling ambitious, take a steep, invigorating hike at Lone Mountain Peak. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with an unmatched view of Las Vegas.
22. Tour the Downtown Art Murals
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Reservations Required: No
Thanks to the Life Is Beautiful festival, downtown Las Vegas has no shortage of visually stunning street art murals. Wander the streets to see work by internationally known muralists and local artists. The best places to look are Downtown's Arts District and Fremont East, but you can spot this vibrant artwork all over the city.
23. See the Seven Magic Mountains
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: There aren’t any restrooms or amenities within five miles of the art installation, so bring your own food and drinks and stop at the restroom on your way.
Between Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, you’ll find an art installation of seven totems. Artist Ugo Rondinone constructed the Seven Magic Mountains from local boulders between 2016 and 2021. The totems are painted in dayglo colors and range in height from 30 to 35 feet.
24. Eat and Shop at the LINQ Promenade + Experience
- Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
- Reservations Required: No, but you may need them for the restaurants.
- Travel Tip: Use the monorail to easily get from the Strip to the LINQ Promenade.
Across from Caesar’s Palace, you’ll find the LINQ Promenade + Experience: a dining, shopping and entertainment district. Eat at famous restaurants like Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips or Tilted Kilt and go shopping before catching a show or bowling at Brooklyn Bowl.
25. Shop at the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian
- Hours: Hours vary, so check their website for specifics. Restaurant hours may not match the rest of the mall.
- Reservations Required: No, but you might need reservations for the restaurants.
- Travel Tip: Take a selfie in the Waterfall Atrium at The Palazzo, which is part of the Grand Canal Shoppes.
More than 150 designer shops and more than a dozen restaurants call the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian home. Catch a performance by the talented Streetmosphere cast in St. Mark’s Square or window shop from a Gondola. The themed mall’s cobblestone streets, canal and painted ceilings will have you wondering when you stepped into Venice.
26. Witness the Mystic Falls Laser Light Show
- Hours:
- Monday through Thursday: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Friday through Sunday: 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: Watch the show from The Ram’s Head Bar with a cocktail.
Just off the Strip, you’ll find Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall. Inside, you’ll find the 10-story atrium, which houses Mystic Falls Park. Walk through the park, which features a waterfall, brooks, animatronic animals and greenery. Every day, a ten-minute laser light show transforms the space with projections, animal sound effects and more.
27. Experience the Lake of Dreams Show at Wynn
- Hours: Nightly every half hour after dusk
- Reservations Required: No, unless you want to watch from nearby restaurants Lakeside or SW Steakhouse
- Travel Tip: Drink Singing Frog Lager, created to honor the Singing Frog character from the show, during the show. It’s available in select locations around the Wynn resort.
The Lake of Dreams Show at Wynn Las Vegas is a one-of-a-kind experience set against the distinctive three-acre Lake of Dreams and a 90-foot waterfall. Watch puppets, lighting and projections interact with the water feature in time to a mesmerizing soundtrack.
Things To Do in Las Vegas for Couples
Las Vegas is one of the country’s best romantic getaway destinations, so there’s plenty to do with your partner.
28. See the Vegas Skyline on a Helicopter Night Flight
- Reservations Required: No, but purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
- Travel Tip: Add a dinner before or after your trip for a romantic date night.
Fly high over the Vegas skyline on a helicopter night flight to get the best view of Sin City. See all the bright colors of the Strip and famous landmarks, including the High Roller and The Strat, from the sky.
29. Eat a Romantic Dinner at the Top of the World Restaurant
- Hours: 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: Yes
- Travel Tip: Make sure you abide by the upscale dress code.
The Top of the World restaurant is located in the SkyPod at The Strat and it rotates every 80 minutes so you can get a panoramic view of the Las Vegas skyline. The food is award-winning and they offer special proposal packages for the ultimate romantic evening.
30. Ride a Gondola at The Venetian
- Hours: Hours may change unexpectedly; consult their website for the most accurate information
- Indoor: Monday through Thursday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Friday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to midnight
- Outdoor: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: No, but purchasing tickets in advance is recommended
- Travel Tip: Catch the Gondolier March at 9:45 a.m. and 4:20 p.m..
Float through the Grand Canal on a romantic gondola ride. There are two versions of the experience: one indoors and the other outdoors. Singing pilots will navigate you through the canal and you can rent an entire gondola for you and your partner (they normally seat four). Book your ride for sunset for the best ambiance.
31. Soar Above the Desert in a Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: Yes
- Travel Tip: Don’t forget to tip your balloon pilot.
See the Mojave Desert from the sky in a romantic hot air balloon ride. Soar 10,000 feet above the desert at sunrise and see the majestic beauty of the desert and the Las Vegas skyline. The flight includes transportation from Las Vegas to the departure point, a celebratory post-flight champagne or mimosa and a certificate commemorating your flight.
32. Get Married at a Vegas Wedding Chapel
- Hours: Head to the Marriage License Bureau (open from 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.) to get your marriage license.
- Reservations Required: No appointment is needed to get your marriage license and most chapels accept walk-ins, but if you want a specific date, make a reservation.
- Travel Tip: After you tie the knot, plan a small reception to celebrate with loved ones or enjoy a romantic dinner as a newly married couple.
What’s more romantic than an impromptu wedding in Vegas? Over 150 couples get married in Las Vegas each day thanks to Nevada’s easy marriage license process and the 50 wedding chapels located downtown.
33. Experience the Beauty of Antelope Canyon
- Reservations Required: No, but it’s recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance.
- Travel Tip: Remember to pack lunch.
Antelope Canyon is known for its unique and unforgettable natural structures. The erosion of Navajo Sandstone created the sandstone slot canyon’s stunning, smooth-flowing shapes. If you and your partner like to hike and take photos, this tour shouldn’t be missed.
34. Explore Emerald Cove on a Kayak Tour
- Reservations Required: No, but you should book your tickets in advance. Travel Tip: Set aside an entire day for this tour. Count on the kayak tour to last about four hours, with a one-hour drive each way.
Located about an hour’s drive southeast of Las Vegas, Emerald Cave is a great option for couples who want to escape the business of Las Vegas. The grotto-like cave is located on the Colorado River and while small, the cave has gorgeous green waters. Access the cave with a kayak tour for the best experience.
35. Tour the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden
- Hours:
- Sunday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: Look for special in-store experiences around Valentine’s Day, like Chocolate Tasting Lessons.
You can visit the Ethel M Chocolate flagship store at the Caesars Forum Shoppes on the Strip to buy all the sweets to satisfy your partner’s sweet tooth.
If you don’t mind taking the trip to nearby Henderson, Nevada, you can visit the factory to see where the premium chocolate is made. The factory schedule varies, so you may not always be able to see the chocolatiers at work, but you’ll always be able to experience the smells.
Grab a chocolate treat on your way out and enjoy it in the Cactus Garden, one of the world’s largest.
36. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower
- Hours:
- Viewing Deck: Daily 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Restaurant: 5:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Reservations Required: Purchasing tickets for the attraction in advance is recommended. Reservations for the restaurant are required..
One of the most romantic spots in Las Vegas, the Eiffel Tower Experience is a half-size replica of the famous Paris landmark. Take in the view of the Strip from the 26th-floor observation deck or watch the free light show every 30 minutes from sunset through midnight.
For the ultimate romantic dinner, make reservations at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant for classic French cuisine. The restaurant serves dinner and brunch and it’s one of the best places for a romantic proposal.
Educational Things to Do in Las Vegas
There's much to learn in Las Vegas and, if you prefer classic museum browsing over the excitement of the Strip, you're in luck: many excellent museums and nature-focused destinations showcase a calmer side of Sin City.
37. Check Out the Pinball Hall of Fame
- Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: Some of the games can be surprisingly confusing to figure out, so follow the instructions when available.
Get playful and check out the largest display of functioning pinball machines in the world. The Pinball Hall of Fame introduces you to an important side of America's cultural history. This is a decidedly hands-on experience; you can play pinball to your heart's delight as you discover pinball machines you might not encounter anywhere else. You can also feel good about your visit, as this attraction donates generously to local charities.
38. Learn About the Desert Ecosystem at the Springs Preserve
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Reservations Required: No, but recommended for weekend or holiday visits
- Travel Tip: Visit in the morning to beat the heat and be prepared for certain trails or outdoor attractions to close early if it's too hot.
Discover a quieter side of Vegas at a vast preserve spanning 180 acres. There are multiple museums and other attractions at this site, plus hiking trails that appeal to kids. As you hike, complete the photo quest, featuring fun facts about Mojave Desert wildlife.
The botanical garden is also worth a visit. Focused on preservation, this garden provides a powerful introduction to native species. Highlights include Cactus Alley and the Desert Gems Garden. In spring and fall, a popular exhibit introduces you to gorgeous butterflies while teaching you about their importance within the desert ecosystem.
39. Visit With Dinosaurs at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: No
- Travel Tip: Plan to attend the daily shark feeding at 2:00 p.m.
Embrace the wonders of the natural world at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. Explore exhibits featuring dinosaurs and marine life. Not all exhibits are focused on natural history, however; you can also take a trip back in time as you enter a realistic depiction of Tut's tomb. Sound bites and even smelling stations add further sensory appeal to an already visually impressive museum.
40. Do Time at the Mob Museum
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Reservations Required: No, but strongly recommended
- Travel Tip: Visit the Mob Museum's underground speakeasy
Learn about the history of organized crime in a museum that addresses an important side of local history. Experience the pressures of law enforcement first-hand as you take part in interactive simulations that put your instincts to the test.
Plan Your Trip to Las Vegas with AAA
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Las Vegas today. Dream up the perfect trip and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars, and entertainment tickets.
