10 Fabulous Things To Do in Las Vegas If You Don’t Gamble

Las Vegas is known for its casinos, with a reputation for being a place where people come to win big money gambling. We know what you’re thinking: Is it worth visiting Vegas if you’re not a gambler? Absolutely! There are so many exciting things to see and do in Sin City apart from gaming that it’s hard to fit them all into one article. To give you a taste, we’ve created this list of Vegas’s top 10 non-gaming experiences.

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Non-Gaming Hotels in Vegas

If you’re planning a trip to Vegas and you aren’t into gambling, the chances are you’ll want to stay in a non-gaming hotel. There are quite a few hotels without casinos in Vegas, and they stand out for their more peaceful and relaxing vibe. They are often non-smoking resorts as well.

Vdara Hotel and Spa, the sister property to Aria, is our favorite 5-star non-gaming hotel with a prime location in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. This all-suite hotel offers spacious, sophisticated accommodations and high-tech room amenities like in-suite tablets and robot room service attendants (not kidding).

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Top Things to Do in Vegas Apart From Gambling

1. See a World-Class Show

Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment Capital of the World and it’s home to some of the most elaborate and spectacular shows on the planet. The world-famous Cirque du Soleil has 5 stunning shows in Vegas, and they’re not to be missed. Marvel at the mesmerizing aquatic ballet of Cirque du Soleil’s “O”, or witness spectacular acrobatic feats in Michael Jackson: ONE.

If you’re a magic fan, don’t miss seeing the famous illusionist Criss Angel’s spectacular magic show Criss Angel MINDFREAK or the mind-boggling magic of David Copperfield. Cheer for knights as they joust on horses at the medieval dinner show Tournament of Kings or laugh out loud at the antics of Blue Man Group.

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2. Dine at Award-Winning Restaurants

Las Vegas has a diverse and vibrant food scene, with dining experiences to suit every craving. Vegas boasts award-winning restaurants, from Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to celebrity chef spots. When planning your trip to Vegas, be sure to make dining reservations well in advance, as the best Las Vegas restaurants get booked up quickly.

Savor sushi at Nobu, the exquisite Japanese restaurant at Caesars Palace, or delicious Italian favorites at Sinatra, located at Encore Las Vegas. If you’re on a bit of a budget, you’ll be glad to know there are cheap eats in Vegas that are absolutely delectable.

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3. Take a Day Trip to the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the 7 Wonders of the World, located just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Las Vegas. This is your opportunity to see the magnificent natural wonder for yourself. We wrote this helpful guide to visiting the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas so you can plan your ultimate day trip.

There are several ways you can experience the Grand Canyon, including white water rafting, hiking, and guided tours. The best possible way to witness this incredible place is by taking a luxury helicopter tour. You’ll soar over the spectacular canyon and get a bird’s eye view you’ll never forget.

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4. Visit Hoover Dam

You don’t have to venture far outside of Las Vegas to visit the historic Hoover Dam – one of the top 10 construction achievements of the 20^th century. Just a 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, it’s a landmark that’s well worth seeing for yourself. Walk over the towering structure and look down 900 feet to the river below.

Don’t have your own vehicle? Consider taking a guided Hoover Dam tour. Many tours will pick you up from your hotel on the Strip and transport you to Hoover Dam and back. You’ll have the added perk of getting inside knowledge from an expert tour guide about this Engineering Wonder of the World.

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5. Explore Downtown Las Vegas

Many Vegas visitors spend their entire stay on the Las Vegas Strip and don’t bother exploring Downtown Vegas. Downtown Las Vegas is located just a 10-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, and it’s well worth checking out. It’s got an entirely different vibe from the Strip, with a vintage Vegas style, a thriving local art scene, and excellent eateries. 

At the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, you’ll find Fremont Street Experience, a bustling pedestrian promenade that you have to see to believe. Here you can watch incredible light shows on the world’s largest LED screen overhead, see kooky street performers, take a photo with a showgirl, and more.

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6. Discover the Natural Beauty of the Mojave Desert

When you’re immersed in the sensory overload of the Las Vegas Strip, it may be hard to believe that just 20 minutes away there’s a natural wonderland just waiting to be discovered. The majestic Mojave Desert surrounding Las Vegas is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Go on a hiking tour of Red Rock Canyon and you’ll get to see its magnificent copper-red mountains, desert springs, and a 900-year-old Joshua tree forest. If you prefer a little more adrenaline in your adventures, jump on a four-wheeler for an ATV tour. You’ll ride over desert trails with lots of opportunities for photos along the way.

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7. Get a Breathtaking View of the Neon Lights

Las Vegas looks incredible from way up high, with the sparkling neon lights of the Strip glimmering below you. One of the best ways to get a fantastic view of Vegas is to take a ride on the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel that towers 550 feet above the Strip. From your comfortable air-conditioned pod, you’ll get a 360-degree view of the city.

Another way to get an unforgettable view of the Vegas Valley is to head to the 108^th floor of The STRAT’s massive observation tower, where you’ll find the Skypod Observation Deck. Not only can you enjoy an amazing view up there, but you’ll also have the option of scaring yourself silly on the Stratosphere Thrill Rides or jumping off the tower completely with the Skyjump experience.

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8. Learn About the Fascinating History of Vegas

The history of Las Vegas is truly weird and wonderful, with stories of mobsters, millionaires, and atom bombs to name just a few highlights! Take a trip back in time to the beginnings of Vegas and you’ll be amazed at the bizarre information you learn.

The Mob Museum is located in the heart of historic Downtown Las Vegas, inside the old Federal Courthouse. Here you can listen in on a wire-tapped conversation, and even step into a lineup of criminal suspects for a cool souvenir photo. The National Atomic Testing Museum lets you feel what it was like to live in the Atomic Era, and The Neon Museum showcases the famous Vegas neon signs that have been retired over the decades.  

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9. Get Your Thrills with Adrenaline-Pumping Attractions

You don’t have to win a casino jackpot to find excitement in Las Vegas – there are lots of thrill-seeking attractions here that will appeal to the daredevils in your group. Fly like Superman over the crowds of Fremont Street Experience on the Slotzilla zipline, or hurtle through the air at ridiculous speeds on the Big Apple Coaster at New York New York.

If you love rollercoasters and other thrilling carnival rides, spend a day at Adventuredome, the indoor theme park at Circus Circus. Have you always wanted to try driving an exotic race car? You can experience the excitement of racing a supercar like a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche at Exotics Racing.

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10. Check Out Vegas’s Exciting Nightlife

Las Vegas is famous for its party vibe, with endless opportunities to dance until the sun comes up. If you’ve still got energy after a full day of exploring Sin City, you can’t miss experiencing some of the hottest clubs in Las Vegas. These over-the-top nightlife spots feature state-of-the-art sound systems, enormous LED stages, and world-famous DJs.If you’re not quite in full party mode, you can socialize over cocktails at one of the best bars in Sin City. Enjoy an extraordinary view of the Strip at one of Vegas’s top rooftop bars, or experience prohibition-era cocktails at one of Las Vegas’s hidden speakeasy bars.