Unless you just arrived on this planet yesterday, you know that Las Vegas has gambling; it’s everywhere.
If you want to make your entire vacation in Las Vegas about gambling, then more power to you. With those who want a more well-rounded vacation or just don’t have the bank roll to gamble for an entire week, you should know what else Las Vegas has to offer.
Clubs
There are numerous clubs in Las Vegas, as one would expect. You may even want to spend a few nights checking different ones out, both on and off-strip.
If you like high energy, hardcore clubbing, you may want to try clubs such as Jet (located in the Mirage Hotel and Casino), Studio 54 (located in the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino), or Rain in the Desert (located in the Palms Casino Resort – off-strip).
If you’re looking more for a club with prestige and status and upscale, you can try clubs such as Pure (located in Caesar’s Palace), Tao Nightclub (located in Venetian Resort), and the Moon Nightclub (located in the Palms Casino Resort – off-strip). However, there are tons more, so try some out on your won or ask people which they would recommend.
Theme Parks and Amusement Activities
That’s right; you can have thrills and adventures other than gambling in Las Vegas. If you’re going with your family, you can take your kids to these places and they’ll have a blast.
Thrill Rides at the Stratosphere
Check out the thrill rides in the Stratosphere Hotel on the strip. In addition, there’s an observation tower in the hotel that is the tallest in the United States. One of the most popular rides, called the Insanity, is a ride that extends 64 feet out from the tower and spins at a force of 3 Gs. If you’re into thrill rides, the ones at the Stratosphere are a must, but even if you’re not you can check out the observation deck located in the tower to get a spectacular view of Vegas.
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus
Everyone knows that Circus Circus is one of the most fun casinos, with an indoor theme park featuring rides for all the thrill seekers out there.
Carnival Midway at Circus Circus
Carnival Midway inside Circus Circus has over 200 carnival games for all ages. You may want to swing by and get that “carnival high” for a little while.
New York New York Hotel and Casino
If you want to see the “New York City” in the desert, then visit the New York New York Hotel and Casino with a replica of the Statue of Liberty out front. Check out the roller coaster, made to resemble that of Coney Island, which travels 67 mph and will lift you 203 feet in the air.
Art and Culture
The Arts Factory
Located downtown, the Arts Factory has a variety of art exhibits on display. Like many galleries, they also have special events from time to time.
Bellagio Hotel and Casino
If you visit this casino, you can get your dose of culture and your gambling in all at the same location. The Bellagio has a fine arts gallery with exquisite contemporary art. The hotel and casino also has a spectacular display that will amaze all: the dancing Fountains of Bellagio.
This is a 1,000 foot fountain display with jets of water that shoot 240 feet in the air. Of course, they’re the “dancing fountains” because the show has music and the fountains “perform” to the time of the music. The shows happen frequently enough that you don’t have to go out of your way to schedule the attraction into your day.
Madame Tusaauds Wax Museum
Where can you see Dale Earnhardt, Elvis Presley, Huh Hefner, Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, Angelina Jolie, Tiger Woods, and Simon Cowell? Though it may have sounded like heaven until Simon Cowell was mentioned, the answer is obvious; at the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. They also have different events on different days, so inquire ahead of time if you’d like to see something a little different.
The Liberace Museum
Even if this sounds boring to you, you should at least check out the outside of the building as it may entice you to investigate further. In Liberace style, the exterior of the building has an outlandish flair and is decorated in a piano, piano keys, and sheet music theme. It’s interesting to say the very least.
Tourist Attractions
M&M’s World
Can’t get enough of M&M’s? Then M&M’s World is the place for you. The four-story M&M filled building is unmistakable as you’ll see the gigantic M&M figures on the outside of the building. Do you get excited when you get a new color M&M in your package? Check out the rainbow of M&M’s; a total of 22 colors; truly an original experience.
Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge and Cactus Garden
If M&M’s World isn’t enough chocolate for you, or if you like the finer chocolates, then Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge is the place for you. Also, to add to the beauty and elegance of it all, they have a botanical cactus garden. You will be amazed at what you see.
Paris De Las Vegas
Sure, this is also a casino, of course, but you can get the experience of Paris (or the Las Vegas version anyway) during your vacation. Take a look at the Eiffel Tower right in the middle of the casino and extending up 50 stories, and check out the Arc de Triomphe.
The Volcano at the Mirage
Outside of the Mirage Hotel and Casino is a humongous volcano that can shoot fireballs up to 12 feet in the air. It’s awesome to watch it “erupt”.
Circus Acts
It’s no surprise where you can see a circus act in Vegas, but you may be surprised to find that the circus acts are free at Circus Circus and are performed from 11:00 am until 12:00 midnight every day. World Class.
Animals
Aquariums at the Silverton Hotel and Casino
Attention all fisherman and hunters! The Bass Pro Shop is a must at the Silverton Hotel and Casino. Whether you’re alone or with your family, there’s fun for everyone. Check out all three aquariums inside the Bass Pro Shop. These aquariums are huge at 4,000 gallons, 20,000 gallons, and an amazing 28,000 gallons!
Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Not only will you get to see Dolphins from the Atlantic Ocean, but you can also see African animals such as lions, and tigers, and panthers, oh my!
Flamingo Habitat
There are more than just flamingoes at the flamingo habitat in Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, but you’ll want to view a flock of your favorite feathered friends.
Lion Habitat
Would you like to see the lion habitat hosted by the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino? You’ll have to go about 12 miles from the hotel, but it’s worth it. They’ve got our feline friends in an 8.5 acre habitat.
Cars and Racing
The Auto Collections
Whether you’re into cars or just have an occasional appreciation, you’ll love the Auto Collections in the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino as they have the world’s largest classic car showroom with over 250 classic cars.
Go Carts
You’re not limited to just one go cart track in Vegas. You have your choice of three off-strip, nearby locations: Pole Position Raceway, FastKart Speedway, and Fast Lap Indoor Kart Racing. Any of them are awesome, or you could do the fair thing and visit all three.
Miscellaneous
Show in the Sky
No man should miss this! This adult masquerade show in the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino features dancers modeling different fashions from DKNY and Victoria’s Secret! It’s a show that you could see again, and again, and again… Did you know that it’s free too?
Gondola Rides
If you’re with your wife or girlfriend, take advantage of the gondola rides at the Venetian Resort. You’re woman will love it and swear that you’re a romantic at heart.
If you were thinking about a trip to Las Vegas, but didn’t want to gamble the entire time, you may want to consider extending your vacation by another week just to fit everything in. Though Vegas doesn’t appear to be the type of place that’s appropriate for a family vacation, it’s great for couples, individuals or families as there’s something for everyone.
Anyone have any other favorite spots or activities that they enjoyed while partying it up in Vegas?
Thanks for the information.
Can't wait to try these next time I'm in Vegas
Finally, an article that isn't completely sexist and that doesn't sound like an asshole wrote it. Jeez…