20 BEST Things to do in Las Vegas [2023 UPDATED]

Las Vegas is known as The Gambling Capital of the World, but casinos are not the only attractions. It is also known as the Entertainment Capital of the World. You will find that there are attractions that fit people of all ages.  Whether you are looking for fun for the whole family to enjoy or just looking for some touristy things to do, this guide will show 20 of the best attractions to do while you are in The Entertainment Capital of the World.

See Also: Places to avoid in Las Vegas

1. Hoover Dam

You can spend the evening walking across the Hoover Dam, taking in the beautiful sights of Lake Mead and the deserts after.  If you are interested in history, stop by the visitors center to learn more about the Hoover Dam’s intriguing background.  Upon your visit, you will wonder how they built the dam without today’s tools. Some recommend trying their “Dam Burger” from the food store.  You will find that this attraction has something for everyone.  

2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

If you are in the mood for some exhilarating times outdoors, Red Canyon National Conservation Area would be a great place to spend your weekend.  Here, you will find that there are miles of trails to hike through in Nevada’s Mojave Desert that are led by Certified Interpretive Guides. You can take it all in at some of the panoramic viewpoints located throughout the park. 

3. Lake Mead

If you are looking for a good way to cool down or throw out some lines and see what fish are biting, Lake Mead has become known as a water paradise.  It was created in the 1930s after the Hoover Dam was built. Lake Mead is known as the largest reservoir in the United States. The beautiful water blue against the brown landscape makes the view breathtaking.  This is one of the non-tourist things to do in Vegas.

4. The Valley of Fire State Park

The Valley of Fire is a breathtaking National Park located in Clark County.  It gets its name from the red sandstone formations called the Aztec Sandstone, which was formed 150 million years ago caused of the shifting of the dunes.  This experience will take selfies to the next level. You will enjoy the peaceful scenery away from the noisy city. This is an astonishing National Park you may want to visit while you are in Nevada.  

5. Death Valley National Park

Experience a land of extremes at Death Valley National Park.  Titus Canyon is located in Death Valley and is a ghost town. It is known as “the hottest, driest, and lowest National Park in North America”.  Despite its name, there is much wildlife to experience in Death Valley. While you are there you may want to learn about the history of Death Valley.  There are many wonderful things for the kids to do as well. You may want to visit this amazing place, but you will not want to depend on your vehicle’s navigation system to get you there.  

6. Las Vegas Arts District

The Las Vegas Arts District is about an 18-block neighborhood that is located Downtown.  This electrifying cultural center is loaded with art galleries and fun events. This place has something for everyone, along with some interesting history.  The Las Vegas Arts District has many things to do including art galleries, museums, boutiques, antique shops, and many restaurants and bars to eat at. 

7. First Friday

First Friday is a block party that happens on the first Friday of every month.  It is located in the 18b Arts District and is a way for everyone to celebrate local culture along with creativity.  It provides artistic opportunities for many students in the Clark County School District with assemblies and contests.  You will be able to see the diversity and enjoy creativity at its best. This is an amazing block party that you may not want to miss on the first Friday of the month.  

8. Neon Museum

This museum is dedicated to studying, preserving, and exhibiting historic city signs.  Here, you will find that featured events are happening all the time. Every one of the signs in this museum has a unique story.  This is one museum that you may not want to miss if you are interested in taking selfies with some iconic neon signs and learning about their history.  

9. Las Vegas Natural History Museum

This museum is dedicated to educating the community about history from prehistoric times until now.  It does not matter what age, everyone will enjoy learning about the history of the world. This is one museum you will not want to miss while you are in the Las Vegas Art District.  

10. Stratosphere

The Stratosphere is one Las Vegas experience you will not want to miss.  It is not only a hotel, but it also has the only rotating dining room as well.  Dining at the Stratosphere will take you to the top of the world. You will also have the chance to get closer to the skyline with their skypod thrill rides.  If you feel like you want to dive, the Stratosphere also has a sky jump. Nights at the Stratosphere look breathtaking, so this is one thing you may want to experience at night.  There is so much to experience at the Stratosphere.  

11. Fremont Street Experience

The Fremont Experience is a five-block attraction located in downtown Las Vegas. You will find that there is always something happening.  Here, you will find many places to stay along with many places to dine. You will even find light shows along with your experience. This is one attraction you will want to do with the kids.  This is also one of the top 100 things to do in Vegas. You will not want to miss this experience at night. 

12. Paris Las Vegas

If you are in The City of Lights with your significant other, you will want to stay at “the most romantic spot in Las Vegas.”  Paris Las Vegas overlooks the Fountains at Bellagio. They also host some amazing shows that you may want to experience while you are there.  This is one of the things to do tonight with your significant other.  

13. The Big Apple Coaster and Arcade

This is a New York experience in Vegas that the whole family can enjoy.  They offer a virtual reality experience where you can chase around monsters and aliens above the Las Vegas Strip, The Big Apple Coaster which is a taxicab theme, and a Big Apple Arcade.    

14. High Roller

The High Roller is a 550-foot tall giant Ferris wheel located on the Vegas Strip.  If you want to see the strip from above, this is a great way to do it. It is currently the world’s tallest Ferris wheel.  This is one experience you will not want to miss at night on the Vegas Strip.

15. Caesars Palace

If you are a sports lover, Caesars Palace is where you need to be.  This tailgating style attracts huge crowds and has become a sports-lovers paradise.  If you are in Vegas on game day, you may want to visit their race and sportsbook. Here you will find a custom-built HD LED screen, and you will not miss a minute of the game.  If you like poker, you will find that the poker room is the most action-packed room at Caesars Palace. There is so much happening at the “Home of the Champions” that you will not want to miss. 

16. ARIA

You will find one of the largest slot machine floors on the Las Vegas Strip at ARIA.  You will find nearly 2,000 slot machines here, including some of the current-day favorites including The Simpsons, Anchorman, Wheel of Fortune, and The Walking Dead II.  Plenty is happening at this casino that you will not want to miss.  

17. MGM Grand

If you are a non-gambler, this casino is going to be perfect for you.  This casino is known as “one of the stingiest slot machines in Vegas history” because of its vast table games.  Here, you will find an arcade for adults by the Golden Lion that has beer pong and one of the largest Pac-Man games on earth.  They also have a center called CBS Television City where you can sign up to see new shows from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and other Viacom networks. 

18. Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa

The Red Rock Casino Resort is the first billion-dollar resort in the region to be built off the strip.  Located on the far western side of Las Vegas Valley, you will find this Strip-style casino offers an all-inclusive Sin City gaming experience that you will not experience anywhere else.   

19. Circus Circus

If you are looking for a casino that the whole family can enjoy, Circus Circus has what you are looking for.  You will have the chance to see acrobats performing circus acts while you enjoy your favorite carnival games. This place has plenty to do including roller coasters and a carousel.  There is even a pool area that is known as Splash Zone. If you are new to gambling, this is the place to be because every day at 10:30 a.m. they offer free lessons in blackjack, craps, and roulette.

20. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

This is one of the luxurious things to do in Vegas that you will not want to miss.  CNN Travel labeled this “The best casino for foodies.” The Cosmopolitan is home to a bar called The Chandelier where you will experience a modern twist on classic cocktails and drinks.  This is one luxurious casino you may want to visit while you are here.   

Conclusion

Vegas is a large city with many attractions.  Finding the right things to do can be hard since there is so much to choose from.  You will find that the Vegas Strip is not all there is to do in Vegas. There are many outdoor activities, art galleries, museums, casinos, and many attractions on the Strip that you may not want to miss.  This guide will help you choose the right attractions while you are in the Entertainment Capital of the World.