15 fun things you can only do in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas strip is known for its gambling, wild parties, and lavish hotels, but there is a lot more to do in the city than play the slot machines. Below, 15 unique things to do in Sin City that will make for an epic vacation.

Marking the official start to the Las Vegas strip, this 25 foot-tall sign has become an iconic fixture in the city. It’s free, but take note you may have to wait in line to snap your picture. Take comfort that it at least makes for extra fun people-watching.

There’s no better way to arrive at The Strip than heading over to the famed Bellagio Hotel to take in the sights of the property's majestic fountains and water show. If you’re staying here, try to book a room with a fountain view so you can savor the glimmering lights and cascading beams of water throughout your Las Vegas trip. While the outdoor display happens fairly regularly on the half-hour or quarter-hour every day, it is subject to cancellation due to weather. (Check out the full schedule here.) The fountains run for more than 1,000 feet and thanks to speakers everywhere, you should be able to hear the music regardless of your vantage point.

From Mariah Carey to Britney Spears, Las Vegas has been home to top-tier talent in the music industry for years. Getting tickets to see a Vegas residency show is something that can be done virtually year-round, but make sure to check ticket availability at least a few weeks in advance of your stay.

Also dubbed “the original Las Vegas,” this mini drag in downtown is a quintessential experience. From its bright neon lights reminiscent of Times Square to its iconic history (including the famed Vegas Vic smoking cowboy marquee), Fremont Street has a lot to offer. It may only be five blocks long, but with free concerts, a zip line, and a light-and-sound spectacle every evening, you’ll want to carve out at least an hour or two here.

Just 30 minutes from the strip, Lake Las Vegas is a luxury oasis of shops, restaurants, and upscale lodging perched on a man-made lake—a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle that Vegas is known for. For a festive waterfront dinner, try Mimi & Coco Bistro for French fare or Sonrisa Grill to satisfy a hankering for Mexican cuisine. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to swing by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for sweets, chocolate pizza, and more.

Also man-made, but on a much, much larger scale, Lake Mead is another must-see, off-strip destination. Not only is it home to the Hoover Dam, but it is a great spot to rent a boat for the day and cruise through the canyons. Your best bet for boat rentals is Lake Mead Marina or try Lake Mead Cruises for a brunch, mid-day, or evening dinner tour to enjoy these splendors from climate-controlled enclosed decks.

If you want more time exploring the Hoover Dam specifically, one of the best ways to experience its magnitude is by raft. On a 1.5-hour raft tour, you’ll be guided through the Black Canyon and get an up-close look at the concrete slabs used to build this incredible dam. (For a longer excursion, check out this half-day raft tour.)

Given the intense desert heat, one of the most popular activities in Las Vegas is visiting the lively pool scene at many of the city’s top hotels, and Wet Republic at MGM Grand is one of the most renowned. Here, 54,000 square feet of pools, bungalows and party cabanas makes this one of the most popular day clubs around. FYI: Not all Vegas pools are created equal when it comes to family-friendly affairs. Consider MGM Grand’s six-acre Grand Pool complex with its lazy river if you have little ones in tow.

In a lot of ways, Vegas is a restaurant lover’s paradise, with award-winning restaurants at every turn, celebrity chef–helmed hotspots, and plenty of hidden gems that offer delectable street fare. To eat your way through the best of the best, join a three-hour food tour by Secret Food Tours Las Vegas, which includes a private visit to some of the city's finest restaurants doling out standouts like crispy eggplant Parmesan and handmade empanadas, all while learning some of the history behind the city’s food culture.

Embark on a breakfast horseback riding tour with Wild West Horseback Adventures, where you'll be transported to a ranch in the Nevada desert with jaw-dropping views and a chance to see some wildlife like coyotes, deer, and rabbits. After the experience, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a traditional cowboy breakfast. FYI: Round-trip transportation is included from Las Vegas hotels, most of which are about 30 to 60 minutes away from the Moapa Valley, where the adventure takes place.

This world-renowned race track not only hosts many NASCAR and official racing events, but it also gives car fanatics a chance to drive a racecar like the pros with its on-site driving school. Gearheads can also try a two-hour exotic car driving experience, where you can choose from 20 top-of-the-line automobiles (like Lamborghinis and Aston Martins) to call your own for a few laps around the track.

Inside the walls of this museum is the largest collection of pinball machines in the world—so big it covers 25,000 square feet of space. Peruse the collection of classics from the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s as you embrace your inner kid, because, yes, you can play them, too.

Leave all the high-octane energy of the city streets behind and see the neon lights blaze from a nighttime helicopter ride instead. Fly over famous hotels like the Bellagio and Paris, and take in old Las Vegas (Fremont Street) from high above everyone else.

There are plenty of beautiful rock formations to take in during your visit to the 195,000-acre Red Rock Canyon, which sits 25 miles west of the Las Vegas strip. Embark on a scenic 13-mile drive, or lace up your hiking boots and hit the dusty, Tripadvisor-community-approved trails like Pine Creek Canyon, Ice Box Canyon, and Calico Tanks. No matter how you experience the reserve, keep your eyes peeled for rock climbers making the most of the unique natural features.

Want to add more adrenaline to your itinerary? Soar 550 feet above the Vegas strip in this giant wheel, which is 100 feet taller than the London Eye. Each of the 28 glass-enclosed cabins holds up to 40 people and can be booked for private events and happy hours. You’ll spend 30 minutes circling from top to bottom while taking in magical views of The Strip.