Going to Vegas doesn’t have to be a exercise in debauchery – though you’ve gotta admit, it is pretty fun when that happens. The beauty of this city is its diversity and if unique Vegas attractions is what you’re after, you’ve come to the right place!
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Unique Vegas
You know all about the sizzling nightclub and gambling scene, but what about settling into a family-friendly, multi-sensory experience that transports you miles away from the bustling strip? Some of our favourite unique Vegas attractions include a revitalized neighbourhood, a heavy equipment playground and an otherworldly desert canyon to explore. Here’s a look a 10 very different, super fun ways to inject some oomph into your next Las Vegas visit.
FlyOver
In Las Vegas, you can experience Paris, Venice, New York all by popping into the hotels along Las Vegas Blvd. Now, you can experience iconic sites in the American Southwest like the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park and Lake Tahoe – all without having to leave the Strip.
The city’s newest attraction, FlyOver is an immersive flight-ride experience that will knock your socks off. It’s a 4D journey that’s perfect for families or anyone wanting to rest their tootsies after a long day hustling along Las Vegas Blvd.
During the FlyOver flight ride, you’ll be surrounded by a super high definition screen and seated on a moving platform that allows you to dangle your feet above some of the planet’s most alluring vistas. With scents and a light breeze swirled around you, it actually feels like you’re flying and not seated in a state of the art theatre.
Find it: Right beside the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip.
3771 Las Vegas Blvd S Suite 150, Las Vegas
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Qj6kUkYqWCVk89Vy5
More info here.
Haus of Gaga LV
File this under free and fascinating! You’ll find a small museum dedicated to all things Lady Gaga’s inside Park MGM, proof that some of the best attractions in Las Vegas are those that you stumble upon.
Haus of Gaga LV is loaded with iconic fashion pieces from Gaga’s personal vault during her decade in show biz. In addition to sussing out some of her classic outfits (yes, the meat dress Gaga wore to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards is there!), you can also view hand written notes of lyrics and other never seen before memorabilia. You really have no reason not to check this attraction out, especially when it’s so conveniently located to FlyOver, as in right across the street.
Find it: Park MGM, 3770 S Las Vegas Blvd
Dig This
If you’ve ever fancied tearing up Las Vegas real estate, now’s your chance. You can dig yourself into a real, legitimate hole at Dig This, an unusual attraction where Tonka trunks come to life in a four-acre sandbox.
Several excavators and bulldozers are on site, and after a brief safety lesson (plus breathalyzer!), they’re yours for the taking. You’ll learn how to stack and push tires, dig trenches and can even play basketball with your big machine.
It’s surprisingly fun and is one of those no brainer activities that’s ideal for any sort of a girl’s or guy’s weekend. Even kids over the age of 3 can get in on the action, hopping aboard a 1-Ton Caterpillar. Don’t worry, mom. It’s supervised.
Find it: 800 W Roban Ave, Las Vegas
Hiking Near Las Vegas
After experiencing FlyOver, you may be tempted to strike out on your own and explore the towering red sandstone peaks of the American Southwest. In Vegas, that’s actually pretty easy to do. Simply get yourself a rental car and make for Red Rock Canyon.
It’s only a 30-minute drive from the Strip, and you’ll feel as if you’re a million miles away. Within this National Conservation Area are a variety of walks to better explore this dramatic landscape.
Ease your way in by going along the moderate Pine Creek Canyon hike that crosses the open desert, past an old homestead site and into the canyon. There’s a bit of scrambling involved, but it’s worth it to get up to Fern Canyon where you can take a dip in running water – a pretty cool find in the desert. There’s actually several National Parks near Las Vegas, not to mention national recreation areas and conservation sites, too.
Explore Downtown
Wonder where local hipsters hang? They head downtown to experience vintage Vegas. You’ve got your Fremont Street experience with its old school casinos, and the Gold Spike is party central.
Head to the Gold Spike to shoot pool and take on massive (as in life size) games of Connect Four, Jenga and beer pong. Got the kids with you? Make for the Downtown Container Park, a family friendly spot made of shipping containers stacked upon each other. Here you’ll find an outdoor playground, indy shops and some great food truck eats.
Find it: 217 Las Vegas Blvd N
Inside the Godfather
The Mob Museum dives into the power struggle of good guys vs. bad guys, telling the tale of the origins of organized crime through interactive exhibits, artifacts and videos.
Find it: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas
The Neon Museum
If you’ve ever wondered where those blingy neon signs, the classic Las Vegas art form have gone, consider this your cue to visit the Neon Boneyard at The Neon Museum. Situated on 2.6 acres, this outdoor exhibition showcases more than 200 historic signs – each with a unique story about its distinctive place in Vegas’ history.
Find it: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N
Eat Around the World
You don’t need me to tell you the dining scene is Vegas is hot, but figuring out which restaurants are worth the splurge is a hard gamble. Here’s some new and notable restaurants that international foodies will want to sample.
Best for Brunch
Whether you snag a seat inside at Primrose, a pretty Parisian-inspired bistro, or in their gorgeous leafy courtyard, you’re sure to feel transported to Europe. It certainly doesn’t feel like Vegas, but the all-you-can-drink sparkling rosé and brunch menu that extends to 2 p.m. reminds you that this is a city made for catering to your every whim. Start your day off with a freshly squeezed juice and the brioche french toast dolloped with whipped cream. Your taste buds will thank you.
Best Pan-Asian Cuisine
Lovers of Asian food won’t want to miss slurping back the hand-pulled noodles served up at La La Noodle. To be honest, there are very few misses on this menu. The special fried rice is to die for, the chili wontons simply must be ordered and the tenderloin studded with pineapple is oh-so juicy and succulent. Your only regret will be not having a mini-fridge in your hotel room to stash the leftovers.
Best Italian
One of the best Italian experiences in Las Vegas has to be Eataly. This mega marketplace boasts butchers, bakers and pasta makers, all doing what they do best behind their respective counters. Place your order, choosing between pizza, pasta, seafood and an Italian grill, before finding a table and a robust glass of vino.
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Have you tried something new or unusual on a recent trip to Vegas? I’d love to hear what you did.
You captured the unique side of Vegas very well! So good to see you there, too! Vegas is (slowly) growing on me. Loved the Container Park.
Unique Vegas is right, Las Vegas is so much more than just the strip, people need to explore more of it.
I couldn’t agree more!
Can’t say Vegas ever has much appeal but what you’ve suggested actually sounds fun. John would love playing with giant tractors!!
It brings out the kid in all of us!
I’ve been to Vegas a handful of times but haven’t made it to Fremont Street yet. I’m really intrigued by life-size Connect Four and Downtown Container Park!
It took me several trips to Vegas before I made it to Fremont, too. Worth sussing out, for sure.
I love that you’ve highlighted that there’s more to Vegas than just getting drunk on the Strip! We LOVED Red Rock Canyon while we were there and would go back for the stunning nature any day. Dig This sounds awesome – will have to add that to the list for our next trip!
Dig This was one of the highlights of my autumn. You’ll be talking about it for days later.
We’ve been to Vegas just the once but have heard of some interesting activities in and outside the hotels and casinos. Now, you’ve added a few more.
I so want to go play in the dirt with those diggers! Who knew?
Glad I could help!
The container park sounds awesome, especially finishing it off with tacos. I also like the fact that great hiking is so close by. When I went in university we drove to the furthest possible edge of the Grand Canyon – it was a little too far.
We have never been to Vegas…not even the western part of the USA for that matter. But I am pretty sure that will change in the coming 2-3 years. Of course Vegas will be on our list. Good to know there is much more to experience than only the Strip! 🙂