Not a fan of gambling?! Well my friend, neither am I!! Would you believe I was born and raised in the gambling capital of the world and HATE gambling? Living here my entire life, I have thought of a LONG list of things to do in Vegas besides gambling.
Even though Las Vegas is extremely known for being able to gamble anywhere, at anytime (like, you can literally gamble at the gas station or at the airport the second you get off your flight!), there is SOO much to do other than gambling. In this extremely detailed guide, I will give you plenty of ideas that include drinking activities, non-drinking activities, bucket list Vegas activities, things that are super family-friendly, and everything in between.
Again, I am a born and raised Las Vegas local, so there is no better person to help you with your Las Vegas travel planning! If you want bonus ideas for your upcoming trip, here are some itineraries I think you would love:
- The Ultimate Girls Trip To Las Vegas
- 3 Day Weekend in Vegas Itinerary!
- FREE Things to do in Las Vegas
- Romantic Things to do in Vegas for Couples
- Best Instagram Spots in Las Vegas
- How to Plan the Perfect 21st Birthday OR Bachelorette Party in Las Vegas
- 10 Things to know before traveling to Las Vegas!
- Best Bars in Downtown Las Vegas!
Before we dive into the travel guide, I will go over all the basics you should know before traveling to Las Vegas (ya know, where to stay, what to pack, how to get around, etc!).
There is a chance this free guide contains affiliate links. This means, that if you make a purchase through one of these links, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) that goes towards little Rosie’s dog treats!
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is known for their incredibly extravagant and unique hotels! If you don’t know this already, most of the hotels on the Las Vegas strip are themed around a famous city from around the world. So when you travel to Las Vegas, you are technically traveling to many cities 😉
There are two main areas to pick from: The Las Vegas Strip & Downtown Las Vegas. Both are great options and will just depend on the type of trip your planning! Let me go over the pros and cons to both of them..
TIP: If you are traveling with a group, I would definitely look into Airbnbs! If it’s your first time using Airbnb, click here to get $65 off your first booking! 🙂
Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is where all the action is! If you plan on eating at the best restaurants, partying at the nightclubs, and exploring the luxurious hotels, this is where you want to be. The Las Vegas Strip is on Las Vegas Blvd between Sunset Rd & roughly Sahara. Once you start going north of Sahara, you are inching into Downtown Las Vegas.
The downsides of the Las Vegas Strip is that the prices will be more expensive (not just the hotel prices, but all the restaurants and shopping). It is also very congested and a pain to get around if you plan on driving.
Click here to check out hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.
Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas has tons of history and looks similar to what you’ve probably seen in movies! There is the neon flashing lights, trendy bars and restaurants, and the famous Fremont Street!
I love downtown because of how easy it is to walk around to all the bars and restaurants. Plus the prices of everything will be a lot cheaper!!
Regardless if you stay in downtown Las Vegas or not, I think it is worth it to spend a night bar hopping in Downtown Las Vegas and seeing Fremont street!
Click here to check out hotels in Downtown Las Vegas.
What to Pack for Las Vegas
If you are looking for a very in depth packing guide for Las Vegas, you can find that here! For now, here are my top 3 must-haves for a Las Vegas trip!
If you plan on drinking (which, you know you’re coming to Las Vegas right!?), this stuff will save your life! Seriously, it will drastically help even the worst hangover. For best use, pour it in a water bottle & drink it before you go to bed. You will wake up feeling like a million bucks! 🙂
2. Good (and cute) Pair of walking shoes
If you trust me on anything, trust me on these shoes. These are my go-to travel shoes that I bring with me on every trip!! They are cute, subtle, never make my feet hurt, and go with everything. From casual jeans to a sun dress.. you can wear these with everything! Plus they don’t need to be broken in at all!!
Personally, I think bodysuits are the perfect travel item! You can wear them with jeans, shorts, dress them up, dress them down… it’s something to have for any occasion. My favorite shop to buy bodysuits from is Showpo!
Things to do in Vegas Besides Gambling
Okay, time to dive into the good stuff!! This is what you came to this guide for at least! 🙂
Like I said, there are a TON of things to do in Vegas besides gambling. This list could easily go on forever, but I am narrowing it down to only the best of the best! Here we go…
Spend the morning at Valley of Fire State Park
I absolutely adore Valley of Fire State Park! If you have at least a few days in Las Vegas, I would definitely spend at least a morning at Valley of Fire. There are so many easy hikes, scenic drives, and easy viewpoints to check out.
To get there, you will need to drive roughly 45 min – 1 hour outside of the city and pay a $10 park pass per vehicle. If you don’t want to rent a car and drive, you can also sign up for a tour to see the park’s highlights! Click here to check those out.
Sights you shouldn’t miss are Fire Wave Trail, Mouse’s Tank Road (pictured), Atlatl Rock, & White Domes Trail!
Pssst.. This photo was edited in ONE CLICK using my Desert Boho presets!
Go Brewery Hopping and Art Mural Siting in the Art’s District
If it’s a nice day out, this is a must! It is so fun to walk around the trendy Art’s District and explore local boutiques, art murals, and local breweries. On weekends, they usually will have food trucks and live music playing!
My favorite craft breweries in the Art’s District are Craft Haus, Nevada Brew Works, & Able Baker!
Take in the History at the Neon Museum
If you are looking for things to do in Vegas besides gambling AND drinking.. this is it!
The Neon Museum is located in downtown Las Vegas and is by far the coolest museum in town! You get the opportunity to stroll around a massive, neon sign boneyard that is the resting place of all the vintage neon signs from the Vegas hotels.
What is neat about this museum is that there are constantly new signs being added! Even if you’ve been here before, it will likely be a little different next time.
There are a few different tour options to choose from, click here to check them out!
Pssst… this was recommended on my 3 day weekend in Vegas itinerary!
Ride in a Gondola at the Venetian
This is such a unique and fun thing to do in Las Vegas! At the Venetian hotel you can rent gondolas that will take you on a tour through their lagoon!
You can choose between a few options to customize your ride (Private v. small group, nighttime v. daytime, inside v. outside, etc.). I would recommend choosing a nighttime, outdoor ride to see the beautiful Las Vegas Strip in all its glory. 🙂
You can check out all the pricing here.
Go Wine Tasting in Pahrump
Pahrump is a small town just 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas. There are three local wineries to check out, two of which have rows of vineyard views! The three wineries are:
- Sanders Family Vineyards – FREE TASTING!
- Pahrump Valley Winery – FREE TASTING!
- Artesian Cellars – $5 TASTING!
Like this idea? I have a full guide on the best FREE things to do in Las Vegas! 🙂
Take Your Photo at One Of Las Vegas’s Many Photo Ops
Las Vegas has a unique photo opportunity on every corner! And the best part about this idea is that you get to create photos to keep forever (best souvenir ever!!) & it is completely free! I have a lengthy guide on all the best “Instagram spots” in Las Vegas that give you the exact location + photography tips. You can read that here 🙂
My all time favorite photo spot is in front of the Tropicana Hotel on their fake lawn! If you stand on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd, you have the beautiful NYNY hotel in your backdrop. See…
Like this photo? It was posted on my Instagram page!
Party at a Drag Brunch
This is one of those things that you can only do in Vegas! Not only do you get a nice brunch with bottomless mimosa, but you get a drag show too! I have this listed on my 21st Birthday in Vegas guide, but you could really do it for any occasion.
This is definitely on the pricier side, but it sure does include a lot! And if you are not a big drinker and just want to go for food & entertainment, there’s a less expensive option for to pick.
The best Drag Brunch location is at Senor Frogs at the Treasure Island! I believe they have currently discontinued it during COVID-19, but just make sure you check their website before going. 🙂
Go to First Friday’s Food & Art Festival
In the Arts District, there is a big food & art festival that happens on the first Friday of every month (called First Friday… creative huh?).
There are tons of local vendors, food trucks, artists, and street performers the fill the street! If you are in town during this event, it’s a must-do!
TIP: If you are driving, make sure you show up early so you can get parking! A lot of the times this festival gets PACKED.
Go Zip Lining With a View
There are a few spots in Las Vegas to go Zip Lining, so it depends on what view you would prefer.
The Slot Zilla Zip Line runs across Fremont Street in Downtown where you can view all the street performers, flashing lights, and drunk tourists ha! Tickets start at only $29 per person and go up depending on the length and time you choose.
The VooDoo Zip line at the Rio off the Las Vegas Strip will give you those nice strip views! And the best part about this zip line is it’s a dual, seated zip line. This means you get to share those beautiful views with the person you are traveling to Vegas with. Tickets start at $29.95 per ticket!
Go Line Dancing at Gilley’s Saloon (FOR FREE)
The Gilley’s Saloon at the Treasure Island hotel has free line dancing lessons Monday – Friday from 7pm – 8pm. My man HATES to dance in public (unless there’s a ton of alcohol involved haha), so I’ve actually never done this before! My best friend’s mom goes at least once a week and absolutely LOVES it!
If you try it out, let me know in the comments so I can live vicariously through you 🙂
See a Famous Las Vegas Show
If Las Vegas knows how to do anything, it’s an epic show! There are endless options and I can guarantee you will find a show that’s a perfect fit for you!
The most popular and extravagant shows in town are the Cirque Du Soleil shows. There are 5 different shows that play at multiple different hotels, all are equally amazing! Click here to read more about them.
Party your Heart Out at a Las Vegas Day Club OR Night Club
Whether you’re a day drinker, night owl, or just want to go for the experience & music.. Las Vegas has an activity for you! In my opinion, you can’t come to Las Vegas and not experience a club. The lights, music, pure size, and production of these things will seriously shock you!
My go-to Nightclubs are:
- Surrender
- Hakkasan
- Omnia
- XS
- Zouk – My bestie works here and can get girls on her guest list for FREE! Hop into her DM’s on Instagram & let her know My Perfect Itinerary sent you! 🙂
My go-to Day clubs are:
Do a Food Tour
Las Vegas should really be most known for it’s incredible food scene! Crafted chefs from around the world have opened up restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, meaning there are endless amazing options to choose from.
If you can’t choose just one place to eat, why not try them all! There are tons of food tours that will take you to hidden gems, downtown walking tours, on the strip or off the strip, and so much more. Click here to browse through options.
Spend a Day at Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is only 2 hours from Las Vegas, making it the perfect day trip! There are tons of things to do and see in this national park, so you could even spend a night in the area to explore more.
OR if you would rather not have to drive and worry about what sites to see, there are many tours that can take you out there. Click here to check those out.
If you want to make a trip out to Death Valley, be sure to check out all my travel guides on the park!
- One Epic Day in Death Valley National Park!
- Where to stay in / near Death Valley!
- Everything you need to know about visiting the Salt Flats in Death Valley!
If Death Valley doesn’t look like something you would want to do, there are tons of other day trips that you can do. I have a list of the Best Day Trips from Las Vegas, which names popular places like Zion National Park, The Grand Canyon, and Sand Hollow!
Take a Helicopter Ride of the Las Vegas Strip
This is definitely a splurge, but definitely worth the price tag! There is something so unique and impressive about seeing the Las Vegas Strip from above!
If you are flying over the Las Vegas Strip, I would definitely spend the extra money and see it at night! I promise you it will be 1000% better! Click here to check that out!
There are also flights that will take you all the way out to the Grand Canyon, which if you have never seen this wonder of the world, this is the best way to do it! Click here to check that tour out!
Rent a Boat at Lake Mead or Sand Hollow
If you are traveling to Las Vegas during the warmer months (which let’s be frank… that is majority of the year!!), then a lake day is a must! Lake Mead is only 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and has tons of boats to rent, cliff jumping, kayak tours, hot springs, and beaches to relax on.
DISCLOSURE: Lake Mead is not the nicest lake! The water smells bad, the beaches are not nice and sandy, and it can get very crowded. It is still a really fun day if you have a boat, but just don’t be expecting Lake Como or something 😉
Another option for a lake day is at Sand Hollow, which is my hidden gem!! Only 2 hours outside of Las Vegas near St. George UT you can relax at those soft, red sand beaches. This lake is extremely warm year round, shaped like a heart, has excellent golf courses, boat & kayak rentals, and sand dunes surrounding the lake with dune buggy rentals.
If you have time to drive a little farther, I would 100% recommend Sand Hollow!
Sand Hollow Lake
Don’t forget your cute lake floats!! 🙂
Spend the Day at the Spa
Are you starting to notice the trend of everything in Vegas is completely over-the-top? Well, the spa experience is no different!!
Almost every hotel on the Las Vegas strip has a spa of their own, where you will not only get a spa treatment (massage or facial), but access to their spa amenities for the day. The amenities are what make the Las Vegas spas so unique… You can expect to find things like saunas, steam rooms, meditation rooms, and even snow rooms.
Yes, you read that right.
If you want a gold facial after you relax in the snow room, be sure to head to Caesar’s Palace!
Cheer on the Las Vegas Knights at a Hockey Game
The Las Vegas Golden Knights were Las Vegas’s first professional sports team! Because it was long overdue, the entire city rallied behind them and became loyal fans! On their very first year they made it all the way to the Stanley Cup, which is nearly impossible for a rookie team.
The Golden Knights hockey games are extremely lively, entertaining, and so much fun! If you don’t want to commit to an entire hockey game, you can also hang out in “The Park” area at one of the bars. During home games, these bars outside of the stadium are packed and full of fun!
Traveling with your partner? Be sure to check out my Things to do in Vegas for Couples guide!
Ride the Rollercoaster at the NYNY Hotel
This is definitely over-priced, but it’s because it’s one of those things you will only do once! At the NYNY hotel, you can ride a roller coaster right in the middle of the strip!
It is a really amazing experience to see the Las Vegas strip from that viewpoint, and it’s a ton of fun! This is a fun thing to do in Vegas for kids because there is also an arcade at the roller coaster entrance. 🙂
Click here to check out current ticket pricing for the Big Apple Coaster!
Go On an EPIC Shopping Spree
There are so many luxury malls along the Las Vegas Strip to splurge on that item you’ve always wanted! If you are traveling to Las Vegas during Christmas, all of the malls have incredible Christmas decorations worth checking out.
The main malls on the strip are the Fashion Show Mall, Shops at the Crystals, and Miracle Mile, and the Grand Canal Shops.
TIP: If you are traveling to the Fashion Show mall, be sure to check out their rainbow staircase near Maggiano’s Restaurant!
Shops at the Crystals
Rainbow Stairs at the Fashion Show Mall
Be sure to follow along on Instagram for tons of Las Vegas inspo!
Common Questions About Las Vegas
Is Vegas Fun if you don’t Gamble?
ABSOLUTELY!! Las Vegas is surrounded by national and state parks, historic museums, lakes, and an incredible food scene. There are endless things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling! Being a Las Vegas born & raised local, I have never wanted or felt the need to gamble.
What to do if you don’t gamble in a casino?
You can rent a car to go visit national parks like Zion, Grand Canyon, or Death Valley! You can also sign up for food tours to dive into the amazing food scene that Vegas has to offer.
Is Vegas fun if you’re under 21?
I definitely think you can still have fun in Vegas if you are under 21! Of course, you will be extremely limited with any drinking or gambling activities.. but if you are traveling to Vegas for the food scene or desert scenery, you will have a blast!! Las Vegas is extremely strict with checking ID’s, so don’t count on “skirting by” and getting into any nightclubs!
What do Locals do in Vegas?
As a local, I have gotten the question, “So, what casino do you live in?” SO MANY TIMES. People genuinely believe the 2 mile Las Vegas Strip is the only thing in town! There is a large valley of homes, golf courses, parks, and outdoor malls that we hang out at. Unless you work on the strip, you are usually only going there for a special occasion!
Okay, that’s a wrap! I hope you have too many ideas on things to do in Vegas besides gambling! If you are still wanting more ideas on your upcoming travel to Las Vegas, here are some itineraries I think you’ll love:
- The Ultimate Girls Trip To Las Vegas
- A Perfect weekend in Vegas itinerary!
- FREE Things to do in Las Vegas
- Romantic Things to do in Vegas for Couples
- Best Instagram Spots in Las Vegas
- How to Plan the Perfect 21st Birthday OR Bachelorette Party in Las Vegas
- 10 Things to know before traveling to Las Vegas!
- Best Bars in Downtown Las Vegas!
If you have any questions or need any recommendations, let me know in the comments! 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by!
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5 comments
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Great suggestions. I live in Los Angeles and frequently go to Vegas, sometimes without even gambling a dollar. So many great restaurants, shows, and nearby national/state parks.