Hidden Gems of Vegas: 15 Ways To See a Different Side of Las Vegas

The first things that come to mind when people think of Las Vegas are the glittering neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip, slot machines hitting the jackpot, and Cirque du Soleil shows. But what if you like to adventure outside the normal Vegas tourist attractions? If you do things a little differently, you’ll be happy to learn that Sin City has many hidden gems that most tourists overlook. Here are our top 15 ways to see Vegas differently!

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1. Red Rock Canyon

If you have a rental car while you’re in Vegas, you need to experience Red Rock. Venture just 25 minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip and you’ll find yourself in an unexpected natural wonderland: Red Rock Canyon. Think red sandstone peaks, hiking trails, and desert wildlife. The sunsets here are beyond majestic, so plan your visit around that if you can.

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2. Fremont Street Experience

Many Vegas visitors never step foot outside of the Strip, so they miss out on the glory that is Fremont Street Experience. This pedestrian promenade in historic Downtown Las Vegas is lined with vintage casinos, outdoor bars with dancing bartenders, souvenir shops, and street performers. Above you, the world’s largest LED screen glows and swirls with spectacular light shows. In other words, this place is a total sensory overload in the best possible way.

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3. Lake Mead

You’d never imagine that there’s a lake right in the middle of the Mojave desert. Located just a 45-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Mead is a delightful day trip to take when you’re visiting Vegas. There are lots of things to do on the lake, including fishing, swimming, kayaking, and hiking. A bonus is that Lake Mead is right next to another must-see attraction: Hoover Dam.

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4. Seven Magic Mountains

This whimsical art installation lies just 10 miles south of the Strip, off of a stretch of highway. Seven towering stacks of bright neon rocks contrast against the stark desert landscape, making this installation a must-see for art-lovers. Created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, this colorful art piece is one of Vegas’ coolest photo ops.

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5. Exotic Car Racing

If you’ve always dreamed of getting behind the wheel of a supercar, Las Vegas is where you can make your dream come true. Buckle up in the front seat of your choice of a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche and get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush as you push it to the limits on a specially-designed race course.

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6. National Atomic Testing Museum

Some parts of Sin City’s history are stranger than fiction, and one of those parts is its connection with atomic bombs. This fascinating museum showcases how atomic testing affected Las Vegas and the world, with interactive exhibits including a fallout shelter experience with a simulated nuclear explosion. We featured the National Atomic Testing Museum as one of the best educational attractions in Vegas.

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7. Pinball Hall of Fame

This unique attraction in Vegas is part museum, part arcade. Pinball Hall of Fame showcases hundreds of vintage pinball machines, all in like-new condition and ready for you to play. You’ll enjoy games from the 1950s through to the 1990s, and all proceeds go to a charitable organization. Whether you were a pinball wizard back in the day or you’ve never experienced the excitement of playing pinball before, the Pinball Hall of Fame is great fun.

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8. Shark Reef Aquarium

Located at Mandalay Bay Resort, this aquarium lets you step into a fascinating underwater world. Shark Reef Aquarium doesn’t just have sharks – it’s home to more than 2,000 animals including endangered sea turtles, piranhas, and more. Walk through a glass tunnel with aquatic life swimming all around you, or if you’re especially brave, you can schedule a session to swim with the sharks.

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9. Adventuredome

This exciting indoor theme park at Circus Circus is so much fun, you’ll want to dedicate at least half a day to experiencing all that it has to offer. Thrilling roller coasters, laser tag, bumper cars, and a 4D theater are just some of the awesome activities the whole family will love. While you’re there, check out the World’s Largest Permanent Circus where you can play carnival games and watch circus performers like clowns, jugglers, and trapeze artists.

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10. Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart

Omega Mart is a grocery store unlike any you’ve shopped at before. This immersive art installation is a psychedelic, mind-bending supermarket where every little detail of the experience is carefully curated to seem completely surreal. Amongst the aisles of strangely labeled products, you’ll find hidden passageways and portals into other dimensions. Located at AREA15, Omega Mart is fun for the whole family to explore.

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11. The Mob Museum

The early days of Las Vegas were intertwined with organized crime, and this museum offers an in-depth look at how the mob shaped Vegas as we know it. Located in Downtown Las Vegas in the original city courthouse (pretty fitting), The Mob Museum features fun interactive exhibits, fascinating artifacts, and even a speakeasy in the basement. If you’re exploring Downtown Vegas, be sure to make a stop here.

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12. Eldorado Ghost Town

Want to catch a glimpse of Las Vegas’ past that’s straight out of a Wild West movie? Eldorado Ghost Town is an abandoned gold mining town that’s fascinating to explore. You’ll find old mining equipment, vintage cars, and rickety buildings that make incredible props for photos. Take a guided tour of Eldorado Ghost Town and you’ll get to venture into an actual gold mine that some say is haunted!

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13. The Mojave Desert

When you’re wandering around the Strip, it’s easy to forget that you’re in the middle of the Mojave Desert. It’s worth taking at least half a day to experience the rugged beauty of Southern Nevada just outside the city limits. Hop on an ATV and zoom along desert trails, where you’ll see the natural beauty of the desert landscape.

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14. Area 51

Yes, that’s right – Las Vegas is very close to the infamous Area 51, a place where UFOs are said to be sighted regularly and a secretive military base does who-knows-what away from prying eyes. This awesome Area 51 day tour takes you in a comfortable SUV to a variety of spots where UFO sightings happen frequently. You won’t get to go into the restricted military area itself, but you’ll have the chance to eat an Alien Burger and learn spine-tingling facts about UFOs.

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15. Chinatown

Las Vegas has its own Chinatown, located on Spring Mountain Road, just a 15-minute Uber west of the Strip. If you’re a foodie exploring Vegas, this is one part of town you can’t miss visiting. Here you can find authentic cuisine from all around Asia, including Chinese dumplings, Japanese sushi, Korean BBQ, Vietnamese sandwiches, and much more.