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Looking for some unique and exciting things to do in Vegas? You’ve come to the right place!
When most people think of Las Vegas they think of extravagant parties and gambling, but there is much more to do in this vibrant city and its surrounding area. There are literally thousands of options when deciding how to spend your time in Vegas, so narrowing down what to put on your travel itinerary can quickly become overwhelming.
We understand that time is money, so instead of gambling on whether an experience is worth doing, we decided to make this guide to the absolute best things to do in Las Vegas so that you can make the most out of your time here!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE activity in Las Vegas is visiting the Grand Canyon on a helicopter! The views are out of this world, and you’ll even land in the canyon to enjoy a champagne toast. Check out the 1,700+ 5-star reviews and purchase your tickets here!
Tip: This activity is popular – so make sure you book online in advance to secure your spot!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- 1. Go ATVing in the Mojave Desert
- 2. Drive an Exotic Car
- 3. Visit the Grand Canyon
- 4. See a Cirque du Soleil Show
- 5. Take a Night Flight over the Las Vegas Strip
- 6. Ride the High Roller
- 7. Go Kayaking at Emerald Cave
- 8. Go on a Food Tour
- 9. Indoor Skydiving
- 10. See a Magic Show
- Where to Stay in Las Vegas
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
1. Go ATVing in the Mojave Desert
This guided ATV tour of the Las Vegas dunes is a great morning adventure before it gets too hot. I think it’s an especially great activity for groups or families who enjoy a little bit of an adrenaline rush!
I like that they have both 30-minute and 1-hour options depending on how long you want to commit to exploring. However, I know from experience that once you get going, you won’t want to stop – so I suggest taking the one-hour tour at either 6 am (for sunrise) or 8 am for the best experience.
Even if you’re a beginner and have never been on an ATV, you’ll love hitting the trails and seeing the Mojave Desert dunes up close with your guides. Keep an eye out for all sorts of tiny critters like roadrunners, scorpions, and maybe even snakes – yikes! Don’t worry though, this is a super safe tour that has plenty of chances for you to cut loose and rip around if you want.
All necessary gear is provided, but you might want to bring a backpack with some extra water, sunglasses, and sunscreen. This is also surprisingly cheap for everything you get and is only $100 USD for the 1 hour ATV riding option.
Read the 3,500+ 5-star reviews here and book this tour before you go.
2. Drive an Exotic Car
I may not have the desire to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to own an exotic car, but luckily I don’t have to pay much at all to drive one for myself in Vegas. That’s right, you can rent an exotic car for two hours and rip around the SpeedVegas Motorsports Park as fast as you want. With over 20 cars to choose from like the Ferrari 488 GTB and Lamborghini Huracan, if you’re a car person this is a dream come true.
What I love about this experience is that they have excellent instructors who work with you one-on-one the entire time. They coach you through how to race these cars and even encourage you to go faster each time! Going up to 130 mph (210 kph) might seem freaky, but not when you have a great coach to back you up the entire way.
Depending on the package you choose, you’ll get your choice of car and anywhere from 5-10 laps around the track. Prices range between $299-$798 USD and the only catch to this experience is that it’s located 20 minutes south of the Vegas Strip so you’ll need to arrange transport. But trust me, this is well worth the trip down there!
Check out the 2,000+ glowing reviews and book this experience here!
3. Visit the Grand Canyon
Option 1: Grand Canyon by Helicopter
It’s easy to forget that not too far away from the hustle and bustle of Vegas is the Grand Canyon. Neither of us had been before, so we were beyond excited to see it from above during this helicopter ride.
Right off the bat, I appreciated that they had hotel pick-up and drop-off so we didn’t have to figure out how to get to a pickup point first thing in the morning. They have start times throughout the day, but I suggest booking around 11 am so you have time for breakfast. The whole experience takes about 4 hours with 1.5 hours of that time being in the helicopter.
From start to finish, we had a 5-star experience. Flying over the desert and Grand Canyon was incredible and the pilot was an excellent guide and narrator. What’s even better is that this tour also has you seeing it from the ground as you land right in the middle of the Grand Canyon to enjoy some snacks and a champagne toast with a view!
On the way back, we flew right over the Las Vegas strip which was a different but equally amazing view. For how much you get to see and the once-in-a-lifetime experience the $645 USD price tag is a steal of a deal – if you don’t believe me, just read the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
This tour is likely to sell out – book your helicopter tour in advance here!
Option 2: Full-day Bus Tour to the Grand Canyon
If you want to see the Grand Canyon, but not spend the money for a helicopter ride don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I’ll start by saying that while this all-inclusive tour is a great budget option, it does take a full day so you’ll need to plan around that. However, you do get back around 6 pm so if you aren’t too tired there’s still plenty of time for a night of activities!
Considering this experience starts at 6:30 am, I think it’s great they include hotel pickup and drop off from seven locations on the strip, not to mention a hot breakfast and coffee. The drive out to the Grand Canyon takes about 4.5 hours, so it’s a good opportunity to catch up on your sleep if you need it. But don’t miss out on the views of the Hoover Dam and Joshua Tree Forest on the way there!
Once you make it to the Grand Canyon, you’ll have several hours to explore and I recommend paying a little extra for the Skywalk when you book because the views are incredible. Before heading back there’s an included BBQ lunch (vegetarian options available) which is a lovely inclusion to have.
Tickets for this tour (with the skywalk) are only $195 USD which makes it an affordable and convenient way to see the Grand Canyon everyone will love!
Check out the 9,000+ positive reviews and book your spot on this epic tour here!
4. See a Cirque du Soleil Show
Las Vegas is known as the “entertainment capital of the world”, and for good reason. It has hundreds of shows booked at any given time, but some of the most iconic are the Cirque du Soleil shows.
Cirque du Soleil is described as a “contemporary circus”, full of mind-blowing acrobatic acts on visually stunning sets. I have seen many Cirque du Soleil shows on my trips to Vegas and have never been disappointed – they are just that good!
Cirque du Soliel shows have been a staple in Las Vegas since 1993, and there are currently 5 different shows going on at different hotels along the Strip. My favorite is “O” at the Bellagio, where the stage is actually a large swimming pool! The show includes an amazing display of acrobatics, synchronized swimmers, and divers that put on a circus show unlike any other.
Another one of the most popular Cirque du Soliel shows is “Micheal Jackson ONE” at Mandalay Bay Resort. If daring aerial acrobatics mixed with incredible dance moves set to Michael Jacksons greatest hits sounds like your kind of thing, you won’t be disappointed in this show!
Prices for Cirque du Soleil range depending on the date and where you are sitting but can start as low as $90 USD and can go as high as $330 USD per person. Believe me, these shows are worth the cost!
Check prices and book your ticket to “O” here and to “Micheal Jackson ONE” here!
5. Take a Night Flight over the Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas is famous for its sparkling lights and vibrant neon signs. At night, everywhere you look is met with flashing bright lights that are truly mesmerizing. The lights on the Las Vegas Strip are actually so bright that they can be seen from space!
So naturally, there is no better way to experience these dazzling lights than with a nighttime helicopter flight over the city. This 10-12 minute flight takes you up high over the city so you can really appreciate the extent of the mesmerizing lights and city skyline.
Your experienced pilot will fly you above iconic landmarks such as the Stratosphere Tower, Freemont Street, the Luxor, and the Bellagio – hopefully, you can catch a glimpse of the famous fountain show while you’re in the air!
This nighttime helicopter flight is truly the best way to see Las Vegas (check out the thousands of 5-star reviews here!). I didn’t realize just how expansive it was until I was up in the air. The experience is truly breathtaking!
Plus, the price is actually super affordable for such a premium experience. For the flight alone, prices start at only $99 USD per person. If you need transportation from your hotel it will cost an extra $20 USD, or you can add on a dinner beforehand at one of two select restaurants for an additional cost.
Check out all of the options and reserve your seat on this epic night flight here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Ride the High Roller
The High Roller was the perfect evening activity and didn’t take up too much time, making it easy to fit into our itinerary. As the biggest observation wheel in the world, it gives you incredible views of Vegas all lit up.
This is different than your average Ferris Wheel though – I loved that we got a whole air-conditioned pod with an observation deck to walk around in. If you’re lucky, there will be a concert happening at The Sphere and you can see an amazing light show from up high!
What made it even better was that we booked these happy hour tickets and got unlimited free drinks for the entire 30 minutes it takes to make a rotation. Considering drinks in Vegas can be expensive, you can really get your money’s worth at this open bar while you’re taking in incredible views. Especially since tickets start at only $64 USD! Our bartender was awesome to hang out with and made sure we (and everyone else) got more than a little buzzed during our time on board.
But if you aren’t interested in happy hour drinks, you can book standard tickets instead for only $20-34 USD. There’s no bar inside these so if you want it to be a family-oriented activity, this is a perfect option.
Don’t miss out – book your happy hour tickets here or standard admission to the High Roller here!
Related Read: If you want more details on what the experience is like, check out our full review of the High Roller here!
7. Go Kayaking at Emerald Cave
As amazing as Las Vegas is, sometimes it can be a bit overstimulating. This is why we love to get outside the city and explore the surrounding nature.
My favorite way to do this is on this Emerald Cave kayaking tour. It takes you an hour outside of Las Vegas to the Colorado River where you will go on a picturesque kayaking adventure up the river to Emerald Cave. The water here is as bright green as an emerald and is bound to take your breath away!
I loved that this tour stopped along the way to let us get out of the kayak and go swimming, so make sure you wear your bathing suit. It also included some great snacks and bottled water which was a nice touch.
It’s a small group tour with a maximum of only 12 people, so we felt super taken care of the entire time. And the kayaking was leisurely making this a great trip for any level of experience. Prices start at $109 USD per person if you don’t need transport, or $154 USD per person if you need hotel pick-up/drop-off.
Check out the 3700+ 5-star reviews here and secure your spot before it sells out!
8. Go on a Food Tour
Las Vegas is heaven for all of you foodies out there! Everywhere you go you will find countless restaurants and bars. In fact, some of the best chefs in the world have restaurants here.
It would be impossible to go to every great restaurant and try all of the amazing dishes on a trip here, so the next best option is to go on this fun 3-hour walking food tour. You will taste your way through either Las Vegas Downtown or the Las Vegas Strip as you visit 5 different spots.
The tour will bring you to the most sought-after restaurants in the city to sample delicious dishes such as Lobster Montidito or Crispy Parmesan Eggplant. Some of the restaurants are even run by famous chefs such Gordon Ramsay and Giada De Laurentiis, so you know you’ll be getting an epic culinary experience!
I think this tour is the perfect way to try out multiple restaurants while also learning all about the city from your guide as you go. With over 1,100 5-star reviews you know it’s going to be a great time. Prices start at $119 USD per person which includes all of the tasting, so make sure you come hungry!
Check availability and book your spot on this delicious food tour here!
9. Indoor Skydiving
I love skydiving, but indoor skydiving is a different kind of fun and just as much of a thrill. It lasts longer than actual skydiving, you can do it by yourself (not with an instructor on your back), plus you can do all sorts of fun tricks! Especially if you don’t love heights, Indoor Skydiving Las Vegas has all the fun of jumping out of a plane without actually doing it.
If you’re unfamiliar with the process, let me explain how it works. You show up, get the safety brief, get your suit, goggles, and helmet, and then you go into this massive tube that blasts you with air. Getting shot up from the fans at the base of the floor is an absolute thrill and your instructor will be in the tube with you to show you how to do tricks if you want. Safe, fun, and easy!
I’m also a big fan of indoor skydiving experiences like this one because it only takes 45 minutes instead of hours. Not to mention it’s much, much cheaper. This adrenaline rush only costs $149 USD and that’s a heck of a deal. Great for kids or adults, it’s an awesome group activity!
Reserve your spot in advance here with FREE cancellation!
10. See a Magic Show
David Copperfield at the MGM
David Copperfield is easily one of the greatest magicians and illusionists of the last decade, if not of all time. His magic tricks, charisma, and energy he brings to the stage are legendary, so you know his performances are always going to be good!
No show is exactly the same, but he will perform some of his older and most popular tricks so fans of his work are sure to have a blast. Even if you’ve never heard of him, I’m positive you’re going to have a great time. I’m personally a big fan of when he walks through the Great Wall of China, but I won’t spoil the other surprises!
What I love about this show (besides the magic) is that it’s at the MGM Grand so you can get tickets the day of easily and it’s great for groups. There are shows at both 7:30 pm and 9 pm every day of the week, so it’s easy to fit in regardless of when you’re visiting. Depending on where you choose to sit tickets range from $100-$168 USD so they’re also super affordable for a Vegas show!
Purchase David Copperfield’s show tickets here with FREE cancellation options!
Mat Franco at the LINQ
Mat Franco first took the spotlight in 2014 when he won America’s Got Talent and since then, he has only been getting better. His sleight of hand magic is world-renowned as some of the best in the business, but that’s not all you’ll see when you attend one of his shows in Vegas. He has new tricks almost nightly with an emphasis on audience participation. It constantly has you wondering if you’re part of some elaborate trick you don’t yet know about!
But I personally love his laid-back and comedic approach during his shows that has everyone laughing as much as they are being amazed! His shows at the LINQ are easy to book on the same day because of its large venue, which also makes it great for groups. They happen almost daily at 7 pm and tickets start at an affordable $55 USD per person.
Book this budget-friendly magic show in advance to secure your spot!
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
There are about a million options on where to stay in Las Vegas, so it really comes down to your budget, location preference, and what you want to do! Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate by season or if there is a big event going on! But to help narrow down your options, here are our top three picks on the Vegas Strip.
Bellagio – $$$
There’s no doubt that the Bellagio is the premier hotel and casino on the Vegas Strip. So if your travel budget allows, I can’t think of a better place to stay for a lavish experience! Centrally located in the heart of the Strip, you’ll find multiple restaurants and bars, 5 pools, a spa, a huge casino, and amenities to make you feel like royalty.
Rooms are available varying from an average hotel room up to multi-bedroom strip-view suites, but even the “average” room is fitted with marble features. Regardless of what you choose, it will be luxurious and the service is top notch.
Prices range from $240 USD to $1,600+ USD, depending on the time of year and which room you select. Book your stay at the Bellagio on Booking.com
The LINQ – $$ (where we stayed!)
We stayed at The LINQ Hotel the last time we were in Vegas and loved it! It’s centrally located on the Vegas Strip which means it’s super easy to visit the best casinos and restaurants. We also liked that it has direct access to the LINQ Promenade which is a huge open-air district with shopping, restaurants, and the huge High Roller Ferris Wheel which we hopped on one night!
The rooms are modern with artsy touches and if you can, try to get one that faces the strip or the High Roller Wheel for the best views! Prices can go as low as $50 USD, but average more around the $100 USD mark and can go higher depending on availability. Book The LINQ online here!
Excalibur – $
Just because you’re staying on the Strip doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget. The Excalibur is a great choice to stay within budget and still get that Vegas resort feel. Located on the south end of the Strip, it’s a short walk to the main attractions. You won’t be compromising quality with spacious, comfortable, and clean rooms, 4 onsite pools, 14 restaurants, and a large casino.
Best of all, rooms start at $21 USD! Check availability and book the Excalibur on Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
There you have it! The most fun and exciting Las Vegas activities that are 100% worth your time and money. We hope that this guide has helped you plan an epic Vegas itinerary full of shows, food, and exploration. I know you’ll have the best time here – Viva Las Vegas!
If you found this article helpful, be sure to read our other USA blogs. We have traveled to some of the big-ticket cities in the country and love sharing our experiences and tips. Here are a few posts to get you started:
15 Things to Know BEFORE booking a Helicopter Ride in NYC