Things to do in and around Las Vegas
Beyond the casinos, Las Vegas sits in the middle of some of the best desert country in the US: Red Rock Canyon is half an hour away, Hoover Dam 45 minutes, Valley of Fire an hour, and the Grand Canyon close enough for a day trip. Here are 20 things worth the time, how far each is, and where to book.
Outdoors near Vegas
- Red Rock Canyonabout 30 minutes west
Red sandstone cliffs with a 13-mile one-way scenic drive, hiking trails and climbing. From October to May the drive needs a timed-entry reservation for most of the day.
- Valley of Fire State Parkabout 1 hour north-east
Nevada's oldest state park: red sandstone, petroglyphs and the Fire Wave trail. Go early in summer; the heat is serious.
- Hoover Damabout 45 minutes south-east
The 1930s dam on the Colorado River, with a visitor centre and tours inside, and the bridge walkway above it for the view.
- Lake Meadabout 30 minutes east
The reservoir behind Hoover Dam: boat rentals, kayaking and beaches in a national recreation area.
- Seven Magic Mountainsabout 25 minutes south
Ugo Rondinone's stacks of neon-painted boulders in the desert off I-15. Free, open all day, best in the morning light.
- Mount Charlestonabout 45 minutes north-west
Pine forest in the Spring Mountains, about 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the Strip: hiking in summer, snow and the Lee Canyon ski area in winter.
Day trips
- Grand Canyon West and the Skywalkabout 2.5 hours by road, or by helicopter
The western rim on Hualapai land, with the glass Skywalk over the canyon. Many visitors fly in by helicopter from Vegas.
- Grand Canyon South Rimabout 4.5 hours
The classic national park views; too far for most to drive there and back in a day, so tours fly or start early.
- Zion National Parkabout 2.5 hours north-east
Canyon walls and river hikes in Utah, including the Narrows and Angels Landing (which needs a permit).
- Death Valleyabout 2 hours west
The lowest and hottest place in North America: Badwater Basin, the dunes and Zabriskie Point. Best from November to March.
- Antelope Canyonabout 4.5 hours east
The narrow slot canyons near Page, Arizona, open only with a Navajo guide, so book a tour.
Thrills
- Helicopter flight over the Stripfrom the airport area
A short night flight along the lit-up Strip; tours leave from heliports by the airport.
- SlotZilla zip lineFremont Street, downtown
Zip lines under the Fremont Street canopy, from a launch tower shaped like a slot machine.
- The High RollerThe LINQ
A 167 m observation wheel; one turn takes about 30 minutes, best at dusk.
- Thrill rides at the STRATnorth end of the Strip
Rides and a controlled jump off the 350 m tower, with the observation deck below.
- The Big Apple CoasterNew York-New York
A roller coaster that loops around the hotel's skyline facade on the Strip.
Museums and sights
- The Neon Museumnorth of downtown
The 'boneyard' of old casino signs, best on a guided evening tour when some are lit.
- The Mob Museumdowntown
The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, in the old federal courthouse.
- AREA15 and Omega Martwest of the Strip
An immersive art and entertainment complex; Omega Mart is Meow Wolf's walk-in installation disguised as a supermarket.
- Cirque du Soleil and the big showsacross the Strip
Resident shows run most nights; O at Bellagio, Mystère at Treasure Island and KÀ at MGM Grand are the long-runners.
Drive times are approximate from the middle of the Strip. "Find tours" links go to GetYourGuide through Stay22 and may earn us a commission. Check opening times and reservations on the official site before you go. Discover Vegas for the sights on the Strip.