What to Do in Vegas (When You’re Not Hiking)

Las Vegas is known for its nightlife and casinos, but depending on the length of your stay, hitting the slots will only take up so much of your day. The same goes for hiking. While there are plenty of beautiful hiking areas around Las Vegas to check out — such as Red Rock Canyon and the Grand Canyon — you might not want to do this every day. So, what else is there to do in Vegas?
Luckily, there is something for everyone. There are plenty of great shows to see, from comedy shows, to magic shows, to puppet shows — and many other types of performances. Many musicians also stop in Vegas while on tour, or else set up shop for a while and perform a number of shows. There are also lots of great restaurants and activities fit for the whole family. The real struggle will be narrowing down what you want to do, not having too little to do. So, when you’re not hiking or at the casino, here are some ideas for what to do in Vegas:

Check Out the Entertainment Shows

There’s a lot to do and see in Vegas, especially when it comes to entertainment. Some of the most popular shows are: the six Cirque du Soleil shows (such as Michael Jackson ONE, the Beatles LOVE, and Blue Man Group), the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur (a dinner show), Absinthe (an over-the-top burlesque show), Penn and Teller (a comedy and magic show), V - The Ultimate Variety Show (which includes circus stunts and comedy), and Terry Fator’s ventriloquist show. This is just a small selection of all that Vegas has to offer, so check out the event lists at specific venues and on Google to get a better idea of the many other shows currently happening in Vegas.

Enjoy Some Music

Vegas is a great place to see one of your favorite bands or musicians. For example, some of the current or upcoming headliners are Celine Dion, Cher, Lady Gaga, Van Morrison, ZZ Top, the Backstreet Boys, James Taylor, and Aerosmith. Another option is to check out one of Vegas’s many music venues, like House of Blues (where you can hear live music and grab a bite to eat), Velveteen Rabbit (for themed events like ‘90s night), and Double Down Saloon (which has a variety of free shows).

Dine at a Top Restaurant

Las Vegas is known for having some of the best restaurants around, so a trip to Vegas is the perfect time to treat yourself to a great meal. If you have money to spend and you’re in the mood for Japanese food, head to Raku on Spring Mountain Road. At the Wynn Hotel, check out Cipriani (Italian) and Lakeside (steak and seafood) for their food and their artistic interiors. Other popular, top-rated spots include Sinatra (Italian), Joel Robuchon (French), Andiamo Steakhouse, and Twist by Pierre Gagnaire (French).

Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re traveling to Vegas with your family, you might want some additional options besides checking out the entertainment or food. One option is to take a ride on the High Roller at The LINQ, which is the tallest observation wheel in the world at 550 feet. This activity only takes about 30 minutes and you’ll get incredible views of the Strip and the valley. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, consider taking a helicopter tour of Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon. Want to stick to the ground? Another option is to visit the Madame Tussauds wax museum at the Venetian resort, which features more than 100 celebrity wax figures — a trip that will be sure to please every member of your family.
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If you’re looking for some additional activities outside of hiking and experiencing the nightlife, there’s plenty to do in Vegas. Be sure to check out some of the above activities before your trip so you’re never stuck with the same old routine in Vegas.