15 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Las Vegas

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!

Things to do in Las Vegas

1. Take a VIP Hoover Dam tour

Skip the crowds and go VIP at the Hoover Dam on this all-access tour from Las Vegas.

Early mornings, smaller groups, and exclusive access make this one feel like a serious upgrade from the standard bus tours.

It all starts with limited hotel pickups, so you’re not stuck looping the Strip for hours before heading out. Along the drive, a guide shares stories about Vegas and the dam’s history, keeping things interesting before you even arrive. There’s also a quick stop at the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and a drive through Boulder City, adding a bit more context to the day.

Once at the dam, things ramp up as you descend 524 feet (160 meters) into the Black Canyon for the Powerplant Tour, passing massive generators and tunnels along the way. Back above ground, the Visitor Center fills in the details, but the real highlight is the 45-minute “Walk on the Top” tour, an exclusive experience you won’t find on every tour. It gives you a whole new appreciation for just how huge it really is.

After a full morning of exploring, the experience winds down with a hot lunch at Omelet House on the way back, plus a bonus ticket to the LA Comedy Club at The Strat—an added perk that makes this tour feel even more worthwhile.

Between the smooth itinerary and exclusive access, it’s no surprise this tour has racked up thousands of five-star reviews. It’s easily one of the best ways to visit the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas!

2. 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!

Option 2: Full-day Bus Tour to the Grand Canyon 

If you want to see the Grand Canyon, but don’t want to 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.

3. Walk the Strip

Walking the Las Vegas Strip is an experience in itself, and it’s way bigger than most people expect. The main stretch spans over 4 miles (6.5 kilometers), and you’ll walk even more once you start popping into resorts.

One of the best parts about wandering the Strip is how much there is to see for free. The Bellagio Fountains are a must, with water dancing to music every 15–30 minutes, and it’s even better at night when everything lights up. Inside, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is just as impressive, with massive seasonal floral displays that change throughout the year. 

As you stroll, you’ll pass street performers, live musicians, and the occasional Elvis impersonator. Step into any casino, and you’re hit with ringing slot machines, flashing lights, and that cool blast of air before heading back into the nonstop energy of the Strip.

From there, head over to Paris Las Vegas and take the elevator up the Eiffel Tower replica for sweeping views of the Strip—it’s especially worth it at sunset. Along the way, pop into iconic resorts like Caesars Palace for the Forum Shops or The Venetian for its indoor canals and gondola rides. I mean, where else can you go from ancient Rome to Venice to Paris in just a few steps?

For one of the best viewpoints in the city, head to The STRAT, the tallest building in Las Vegas. You can stick to the observation deck or take things up a notch with a thrill ride at the top.

There’s so much to do, just set aside plenty of time, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the chaos. This is Vegas at its most fun!

4. Explore Fremont Street

You can’t visit Las Vegas without experiencing its original form on Fremont Street. Before the mega-resorts of the Strip took over, this is where Vegas first made its name, and it still has a totally different vibe.

Fremont Street feels louder, grittier, and a bit more laid-back than the Strip, with a party atmosphere that kicks up as soon as the sun goes down. The entire street sits beneath a massive LED canopy that comes alive with free light shows set to music every hour, turning the whole area into one big outdoor concert. Below, you’ll find live bands, street performers, and crowds that keep the energy going all night long.

There’s plenty to do beyond just wandering. Pop into classic casinos like the Golden Nugget for a taste of old-school Vegas, or grab a drink and hang out by one of the stages for live music. Food options are more casual here, with everything from quick bites and street food to classic American diners and late-night eats.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the SlotZilla zipline lets you soar right above the crowd under the glowing canopy and is easily one of the most fun ways to take it all in.

Chaotic, colorful, and packed with personality, this is Vegas in its original form, and it’s absolutely worth experiencing.

5. See a world-class show

Seeing a show is a must in Las Vegas! It’s the entertainment capital of the world, after all.

With hundreds of performances happening every night, this is one experience you really shouldn’t skip.

Cirque du Soleil is easily the most iconic, known for its “contemporary circus” style with insane acrobatics, elaborate sets, and storytelling. These shows have been a Vegas staple since the ‘90s, and there are several running along the Strip. One of the most popular is “O” at the Bellagio, where the stage is actually a massive pool, combining synchronized swimmers, divers, and aerial performers in a way that’s completely unique.

“Michael Jackson ONE” at Mandalay Bay is another Cirque du Soleil favorite, mixing high-energy dance and acrobatics set to his greatest hits. Some performances even bring the audience into the action, which adds an extra layer of excitement you won’t expect.

But Cirque isn’t the only option. Vegas is also famous for its magic shows, and seeing a legendary performer like David Copperfield at the MGM Grand is a completely different kind of experience. His show blends storytelling with classic illusions, like walking through the Great Wall of China, and includes audience interaction that keeps every performance feeling unique.

Mat Franco is another standout since shooting to fame after winning America’s Got Talent. His sleight-of-hand magic is seriously impressive, but it’s his laid-back, comedic style and interactive tricks that really make the show fun.

Ticket prices vary widely depending on the show and seats, but no matter what you choose, seeing a show in Las Vegas is an experience you won’t find anywhere else and is definitely worth the splurge.

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. 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 a slightly cheaper rate. There’s no bar inside these so if you want it to be a family-oriented activity, this is a perfect option.

Related Read: If you want more details on what the experience is like, check out our full review of the High Roller here!

7. Visit the Neon Museum Las Vegas

Go beyond the Strip and explore The Neon Museum Las Vegas, where the iconic signs of old Vegas have been brought back to life. Often called the “boneyard,” this outdoor museum is dedicated to preserving the city’s most iconic neon signs from historic casinos, hotels, and businesses.

Walking through the Neon Museum feels like stepping into a different era of Las Vegas. You’ll see restored and unrestored signs from legendary spots that no longer exist. It’s especially cool to see just how bold and over-the-top Vegas signage has always been—it’s basically the city’s personality in sign form.

You can visit on your own, but the best way to experience is by booking a guided tour on their official website here, which lasts about 45 minutes and costs around $35 USD. Without a guide, you won’t be able to access everything, and you’ll miss the stories behind the signs, which are a big part of the experience.

If you’re visiting in the evening, the “Brilliant! Jackpot” show is worth adding on. This immersive light and sound spectacle re-illuminates vintage signs in a really unique way. For something even more memorable, there’s also the Neon Night Flight experience, which combines a helicopter ride over the Strip with a guided visit to the museum.

It’s completely different from the Strip but just as memorable, offering a rare glimpse into the history behind the lights that made Las Vegas famous and making it a must-see while you’re in the city.

8. 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.

9. Drive an Exotic Car

You may not have the desire to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to own an exotic car, but luckily, you 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. It’s about 20 minutes south of the Vegas Strip, so you’ll need to arrange transport to pick the car up.

10. Immerse yourself in entertainment at AREA15

Step into one of the most unique and immersive experiences in Las Vegas at AREA15, where art, technology, and entertainment collide. This massive complex just off the Strip creates a surreal world that feels completely different from anything else in the city.

The main attraction here is Omega Mart, an interactive art installation disguised as a grocery store that quickly turns into a mind-bending maze of secret rooms, portals, and storylines. It’s part art exhibit, part puzzle, and part “what is even happening right now” experience, and it’s easily one of the most talked-about attractions in Vegas.

But there’s way more to AREA15 than just Omega Mart. The entire complex is filled with immersive exhibits, digital art displays, and hands-on experiences, plus plenty of photo-worthy installations that make it feel like you’ve stepped into another world. You’ll also find bars, lounges, and even live events, so it’s just as fun to hang out here as it is to explore.

Tickets start around $49 USD, depending on what experiences you choose, and there are bundle options if you want to try multiple attractions in one visit. You can check out the pre-bundled ticket packages here to get the best value.

This is one of those places that’s completely different from the typical Vegas experience and perfect if you’re looking for something creative, interactive, and a little unexpected.

11. 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!

12. 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.

13. Visit Seven Magic Mountains

Before it disappears for good, make the short trip to see Seven Magic Mountains, one of the most unique and photo-worthy spots near Las Vegas. Located about 10 miles south of the Strip, this colorful art installation feels like something completely out of place in the middle of the desert—in the best way possible.

Created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, Seven Magic Mountains features seven towering stacks of brightly painted boulders, each standing over 30 feet (9 meters) tall. Set against the wide-open Mojave Desert, the neon colors pop against the natural landscape, making it a striking contrast and a favorite for photos.

It’s an easy stop if you have a car or are heading out of the city, and since it’s completely free to visit, it’s one of the most accessible attractions near Las Vegas. You don’t need a ton of time here either—most people spend about 20 to 30 minutes walking around, snapping photos, and taking it all in.

Originally meant to be a temporary installation, it’s been extended several times due to its popularity and is currently expected to remain through at least 2027. Simple, colorful, and totally unexpected, this is one of those quick stops that’s absolutely worth adding to your Vegas itinerary before it’s gone. 

14. 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 as 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.

15. Take a day trip to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

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.

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!

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