Things to Do in Las Vegas, United States of America

Las Vegas, the glittering oasis in the Nevada desert, stands as the world's premier entertainment capital where fantasy becomes reality 24/7. The famous Strip stretches for 4.2 miles, lined with iconic mega-resorts, each offering its own themed experience from ancient Rome to medieval times to Parisian elegance. Beyond the casinos and showrooms, Las Vegas has evolved into a culinary destination with world-class restaurants, an arts and culture hub, and a gateway to stunning natural attractions. While gambling remains at the heart of the Vegas experience, the city offers far more than just slot machines and poker tables. Visitors can catch spectacular Cirque du Soleil shows, dine at restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs, shop at luxury boutiques, and experience some of the most elaborate themed attractions in the world. The city's transformation into a complete entertainment destination means there's something for every type of traveler, whether you're seeking high-energy nightlife, family-friendly attractions, or serene spa retreats.

Top Things to Do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Strip Experience

Walk or ride along the world-famous Las Vegas Strip to experience the themed mega-resorts, from the Bellagio's dancing fountains to the Venetian's indoor canals. Each casino-resort offers unique attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment options that transport you to different worlds. The Strip is best experienced both during the day and at night when the neon lights create a dazzling spectacle.

Booking Tip: Many Strip attractions are free to view, but budget $20-50 per person for paid attractions within resorts. Visit during weekdays for smaller crowds, and wear comfortable walking shoes as distances are deceiving. Book show tickets and restaurant reservations well in advance, especially for weekend visits.

World-Class Entertainment Shows

Las Vegas hosts some of the world's most spectacular live entertainment, from Cirque du Soleil productions to headlining musicians and comedy acts. The city's showrooms feature everything from intimate magic shows to large-scale theatrical productions with elaborate costumes and staging. Many shows are exclusive to Las Vegas and can't be seen anywhere else in the world.

Booking Tip: Show tickets range from $50-300+ depending on the performance and seating. Book directly through resort websites or authorized ticket sellers to avoid scams. Tuesday through Thursday shows are typically less expensive, and some venues offer same-day discounted tickets at their box offices.

Red Rock Canyon Adventure

Just 20 minutes from the Strip, Red Rock Canyon offers a stunning contrast to the city's neon landscape with its dramatic red sandstone formations and desert wildlife. The 13-mile scenic drive provides numerous hiking opportunities, rock climbing routes, and photography spots showcasing the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert. The area features trails suitable for all skill levels, from easy nature walks to challenging desert hikes.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $15 per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Consider guided tours ($75-150) for in-depth geological and historical information.

High Roller and Observation Experiences

Experience Las Vegas from above with various observation attractions, including the High Roller Ferris wheel, the tallest in the world at 550 feet. These elevated experiences offer breathtaking 360-degree views of the Strip, surrounding mountains, and vast desert landscape. The slow-moving cabins provide perfect opportunities for photography and a unique perspective on the city's layout and scale.

Booking Tip: High Roller tickets start at $25 during the day and $35+ at night, with VIP cabin options available for $75-100. Sunset rides offer the best experience but cost more. Book online for discounts and skip-the-line access. Happy hour cabins include open bar service for an additional fee.

Hoover Dam Exploration

One of America's greatest engineering marvels, Hoover Dam sits just 45 minutes from Las Vegas at the border of Nevada and Arizona. This Art Deco masterpiece offers guided tours through the power plant and dam structure, providing insight into Depression-era construction and the dam's ongoing role in providing power and water to the Southwest. The visitor center features exhibits on the dam's history and construction challenges.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits cost $10, while power plant tours are $30 and dam tours are $45. Book tours online in advance as they often sell out. The dam tour includes restricted areas and requires advance security screening. Bring ID and avoid bringing large bags or prohibited items.

Getting There

McCarran International Airport (now Harry Reid International Airport) is the primary gateway to Las Vegas, located just 5 miles south of the Strip with direct flights from major cities worldwide. The airport is well-connected to hotels via taxi ($15-25), rideshare services, rental cars, and some hotels offer complimentary shuttles. For those driving, Las Vegas sits at the intersection of several major highways including I-15 from Los Angeles (4 hours) and I-40 from Phoenix (5 hours). The city is also accessible by bus services like Greyhound and Megabus, though flying remains the most convenient option for most visitors.

Getting Around

The Las Vegas Strip is largely pedestrian-friendly, though distances between resorts are longer than they appear, and elevated walkways and moving sidewalks help connect major properties. The Las Vegas Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip connecting seven stations for $5 per ride, while the free trams connect specific resort clusters like Bellagio-Aria-Park MGM. Taxis, rideshare services, and rental cars provide access to off-Strip destinations, though traffic can be heavy and parking fees apply at most Strip resorts ($15-25 per day). For exploring beyond the city, rental cars offer the most flexibility for visiting Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, and other regional attractions.

Where to Stay

The Strip South

The Strip Central

The Strip North

Downtown Las Vegas

Off-Strip East

Summerlin/Red Rock

Food & Dining

Las Vegas has transformed into one of America's premier dining destinations, hosting restaurants from world-renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, and Joël Robuchon alongside innovative local establishments. The city offers everything from $5 food court meals to $500+ tasting menus at Michelin-starred restaurants, with many resorts featuring their own collection of dining options ranging from casual to ultra-fine dining. Beyond the Strip, the local dining scene includes authentic ethnic cuisines in Chinatown, farm-to-table restaurants in Summerlin, and classic Vegas steakhouses. The famous Vegas buffets have evolved from quantity-focused spreads to quality-driven experiences featuring international cuisines, fresh seafood, and artisanal preparations, though prices have increased significantly with premium buffets costing $75-100+ per person.

When to Visit

Las Vegas is a year-round destination, but the best weather occurs from March to May and September to November when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities and walking the Strip. Summer months (June-August) see temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F, making outdoor exploration challenging during midday hours, though this is also when hotel rates are typically lowest. Winter (December-February) offers mild days and cool nights, perfect for hiking and outdoor attractions, though it's also peak season for visitors escaping colder climates. Major conventions, holidays, and special events can significantly impact both crowds and hotel rates, so check the convention calendar when planning your visit.

Insider Tips

Sign up for players club cards at casinos even if you don't gamble heavily - they provide discounts on dining, shows, and hotel stays, plus free drinks while playing

Many casino floors offer free drinks to anyone actively gambling, but tip your cocktail server $1-2 per drink for continued service

Avoid the tourist trap restaurants right on the Strip - walk one block in any direction to find better food at lower prices, or explore the excellent dining options within hotel food courts

Things to Do in Las Vegas