Things to Do in Las Vegas Off the Strip; Itinerary Ideas for Nevada’s Sin City

Would you believe that I spent 6 nights in Las Vegas, Nevada and probably only gambled for a total of 2 hours?! I also didn’t club or go to a pool party and you know what… I still had plenty of things to do.  This guide will tell you all of the typical things to do in Las Vegas, but it will also give you some cool itinerary ideas for things to do off the strip.

Getting to Las Vegas

By Air

Fly into Mccaren Airport. The airport is literally a 5 minute drive from the strip so the views of the strip flying in are pretty amazing.

By Car

If you’re coming from Los Angeles, the drive is about 5 hours. Make a road trip out of it and drive through the Mojave Desert.

Getting Around Las Vegas

When you’re on the strip be prepared to do a lot of walking. Remember that things in Las Vegas are not to any real scale so that building that looks likes it might just be next store could actually take awhile to get to.

I mainly walked and used uber for the Las Vegas locations and rented a car for 2 days for day trips.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

The LINQ Hotel

A new Caesar’s property hotel geared toward Millennials. The LINQ Hotel is on the LINQ Promenade and gives you easy access to everything on the Promenade including the High Roller. This is technically still on the strip but I think staying here and venturing out when you want makes the most sense. Rates here start as low as $5o/night! If you want to splurge go for a poolside cabana room.

The Promenade at the LINQ

I loved the Promenade set up and how it had a more relaxed and intimate feel. Lots of activities and places to eat or drink!

Activities and Shows

• High Roller- Ride the world’s tallest observation wheel. Would you believe it’s even taller than the London Eye?! I rode up just before sunset to get a day verse night perspective.
• Fly LINQ Zipline across the entire promenade.
• Comedy– Have a laugh at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club.
• Music-Nightly performaces and gigs. Check out the schedule at individual restaurants as well at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas.

Restaurants

I loved that there are cheaper restaurant options on the Promenade. One of my favourite fast casuals ones that I tried was Ja Burrito. As spot where you could get sushi burrito as well as chips and guacamole. They also have the classic In-n-Out Burger as well as sit down restaurants.

 

 

Off the Strip and Boutique Hotels in Las Vegas

• Thunderbird Boutique Hotel
• Oasis at Gold Spike
• Artisan Hotel Boutique
• The D Las Vegas
• Serene Hotel
• Alicante Casino & Hotel

Classic Las Vegas Hotels

• Bellagio
• Caesar’s Palace
• Cosmopolitan
• Venetian Resort

Typical Things to Do in Las Vegas

• Get drunk on the Strip.
• Gamble all of your money away!
• Go to pool and day parties.
• Bellagio Casino & fountains.
• Visit the Mirage Casino and volcano.
• Visit the Mandalay Bay Casino and aquarium.
• Visit New York New York Casino and ride the rollercoaster.
• Shop at Caesar’s Palace Casino and Shops.
• Check out the Eiffel Tower experience.

Alternative Things to Do in Las Vegas Off the Strip

Get to know Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown Las Vegas is home to “Old Las Vegas.” The Freemont street  still stands and has casinos but is no longer as popular or shiny as the current Las Vegas Strip. The area consists of Fremont Street, East Freemon and the Arts District. A great option to grab some good and food drink and to explore.  It’s not only more laid back, but also much cheaper! This is where the locals hang out.

There’s actually quite a bit of parking in either garages or on the street. You could get lucky with some free parking for much of it you will have to pay for.

Explore Fremont Street

Freemont Street Experience

A free light show and concert series in  a pedestrian malls in the heart of Old Vegas. Classic casinos like the Golden Nugget line this street.  It’s definitely a spot for people watching!

Neon Sign Museum

Retired Las Vegas Signs live here.  Go to literally see pieces of history. The museum is mainly outdoors and contains over 200 unrestored signs.  You can have a private or self guided tour. The space can also be rented out for photoshoots.

The Mob Museum 

A museum with a mission to advance the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society.

 

Fremont East

Container Park

Gourmet and street food, bars, boutique shops and a stage all made out of shipping containers. I had a grilled sandwich at Bin 702 and took advantage of their happy hour drink specials.

Atomic Liquor

This is the oldest bar in Las Vegas! It’s also where people use to watch atomic bomb testing in the distance. They’ve kept the old school decor and serve quality cocktails.

Las Vegas Arts District

Now this is where it gets really interesting ! It’s definitely the hipster part of Las Vegas. Dotted with vintage stores, murals and coffee shops, The Las Vegas Arts District is the newest area to enjoy. It’s fun to just walking around the few streets and try out different cafes and have a peak at the antiques.

A few spots to try include Makers and Finders, a great brunch spot with Latin flair (brunch pictured below), Jammyland, Rebar, Esther’s Kitchen or Hop Nuts Brewing.

First Friday is a monthly block party in the Las Vegas Arts District.

 

Nearby, Alternative Things to Do off the Las Vegas Strip

Seven Magic Mountains

A creative expression of human presence in the desert by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. The installation was originally only supposed to be up for 2 years, but has been extended due to its’ success.

The first time I went to this location was in 2017, about a year after it had opened. I went around 7:30 am and there was already quite a few people there. I was luckily enough to go back during my recent trip and got there for around the same time of day. This go around people didn’t start to flock here until about 9am.

The site is a 30 minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip.

Red Rock Canyon

This National Conservation Area is  located 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. It will take you about 30 minutes to drive here. Pick a hike to stop off at or just drive and admire the landscape on this 13 mile scenic loop.

Valley of Fire State Park

40,000 acres of bright red Sandstone. Valley of fire state park is an hour and 30 minute drive from downtown Las Vegas. This is epic location for a day trip or overnight camping trip.

 

Want some photo ideas for Las Vegas? Check out the Best Instagram Spots in Las Vegas