Everyone knows the Strip with all the bright lights and casinos and you know I’ve been there many times myself. But on my last trip, I finally decided to step away from the slot machines to see what else Vegas is hiding. Let me tell you I found some seriously cool spots that have absolutely nothing to do with gambling.
Seven Magic Mountains
These are massive stacked boulders painted in super bright neon colors and they stand right in the middle of the empty desert. It is totally free to visit and makes for some really amazing photos that look nothing like typical Vegas.
Bellagio Botanical Gardens
The Bellagio Botanical Gardens are a beautiful indoor space that looks different every few months. The hotel staff builds huge displays using thousands of fresh flowers and plants. When I visited during the autumn season it felt very calm compared to the busy streets. It is a perfect place to relax and see nature indoors.
The Shark Reef Aquarium
Located at Mandalay Bay this aquarium lets you walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks and turtles. It is a fantastic family-friendly activity and I was surprised by how peaceful it felt down there.
Birthday Dinner At Rainforest Cafe
I really enjoyed the theme here because the moving animals are very impressive. Every few minutes a fake storm starts with lights and loud sounds. It is a fun place to celebrate with others. While the food is good it is pricey. You are mostly paying for the work that went into making the jungle.
Fremont Street Experience
This is the old downtown area and it has a massive light canopy overhead with live music on every corner. It can get very crowded and loud but it has a different energy compared to the main Strip.
Entering Area 15
Think of a futuristic entertainment complex that is like an art gallery combined with an arcade on steroids. It is filled with immersive art and unique experiences that are totally unexpected for Vegas.
The Historic Flamingo Hotel
This classic hotel was built in 1946 by Bugsy Siegel and it still maintains some of its old-school charm. I just enjoyed wandering around checking out its history and the famous live flamingo habitat.
Downtown Arts District
If you want local art and cool graffiti then this area is where you need to go for a true creative vibe. There are tons of independent galleries and neat antique shops to explore away from all the tourists.
The Mob Museum
This fascinating museum tells the real story of organized crime in America right inside a former federal courthouse. It is very detailed and interactive and provides a gritty look into the city’s actual history.
Hiking Red Rock Canyon
You should visit the red rock formations that sit just outside of the main city. These trails are fun to walk and the roads offer many pretty views. Getting away from the machines helps your mind stay sharp and relaxed. It is a quiet escape that shows you a different side of the local desert land.
Pinball Hall Of Fame
This is basically a massive warehouse filled with hundreds of vintage pinball machines and arcade games that you can actually play. Most games just cost a quarter and it is a fun nostalgic break for everyone.
Exploring Hoover Dam
A massive concrete structure that controls the Colorado River and provides power to multiple states is located just an hour away. Seeing this engineering marvel in person is highly recommended and you can even take tours deep inside it.
The Neon Museum Neon Boneyard
This is a graveyard for all the old iconic neon signs that used to light up Vegas back in the day. Taking a tour during the evening lets you see these retired signs glowing again which tells a cool visual history of the city.
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