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What to do in Las Vegas?
elkatas
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Hi,
I'm attending seminar in Las Vegas, and I'll be in the city for seven days. Just by quick glance, it looks the city doesn't offer much if you aren't into casinos or shows. What else there is to do in Vegas? I really love doing off-beat stuff, visiting quirky, non-touristy places, and exploring city's real life. Any suggestions from locals?
I'm attending seminar in Las Vegas, and I'll be in the city for seven days. Just by quick glance, it looks the city doesn't offer much if you aren't into casinos or shows. What else there is to do in Vegas? I really love doing off-beat stuff, visiting quirky, non-touristy places, and exploring city's real life. Any suggestions from locals?
Hypnotically inclined.
elkatas on
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All of them...why aren't you into shows?
Las Vegas has you covered for quirky.
But non-touristy stuff? Las Vegas was literally built around being the world's largest tourist trap.
Maybe go mine for opals for a day, though you probably don't have a free day if your doing a seminar. It's still a touristy thing to do, but it's not a show or a casino. Get some sun, some fresh air, maybe take home a shiny rock or two.
Other then that, Las Vegas is well known for having some awesome food (again, because it's a tourist trap pretending to be a city). Don't know if that appeals to you or not.
Maybe hit some pawn shops? They're as prevalent (if not, more so) then casinos. Might be a good way to get some interesting stuff.
I've heard very good things and is on my list of "TO DO" when I go to las vegas.
Ding, ding, and we have a winner!
Theres a shooting range near the strip (your hotel will probably have an ad for it. You can shoot all sorts of shit there. Its on my list of things to do the next time Im in Vegas and I dont even like guns.
*Note: dont do hookers and blow. Well, the decision is ultimately yours, but I dont recommend it.
I did the shootin range on a bachelor party trip. I have the target up in my cube. I did fairly well after the first shot. Firing a .45 is AWESOME!!!
Red Rock Canyon is nice if you're into nature type stuff, if you'll have a vehicle. A lot of people like the Hoover Dam, though I've been there so many times with people visiting that it's probably my least favorite spot in the entire area.
The Liberace Museum closed a few months ago.
There's also First Friday ( http://www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org/ ).
Bring plenty of .45-70 ammo with you. Max out your speech skill before you go, also.
Wait...no...
It may be a better idea to go to red rock canyon. I regret having chosen Hoover dam over it when I went. That's just me, though.
Is it really THAT bad to go in the heat of the summer? Will I die? I am from Canada where it is always raining and snowing and am worried I will die.
It's a "dry" heat, which in my experience is usually fairly livable up to around 108-110 degrees, just make sure to dress appropriately and drink lots of water. Usually in Vegas you'll be spending the majority of your time indoors anyway though. The hottest part of the day is around 3:00 in the afternoon, so you really just want to avoid being outdoors around that time if you can help it. Unless of course you're drinking by the pool....
No but it did make my nose bleed.
You don't notice a dry heat as much, which makes it far less unpleasant than a humid heat but also more dangerous. I live in the southeast where we get both heat and humidity. A 100 degree day in South Carolina is nearly unbearable because the humidity makes the air thick and sticky; you are coated in sweat the second you step out into the heat. In Vegas 100 degrees feels hot, but not nearly the same kind of thick, heavy heat. But in a humid climate you'll know how hot you are and want to drink water constantly. In Vegas I was continuously dehydrated because I didn't realize how hot I was.
Regarding things to do in Vegas: My wife and I went for, I think, 4 days and had a blast without ever gambling a penny and my only buying one alcoholic drink because I wanted the awesome skull mug it came in. You're not going to find much non-touristy stuff there, but the touristy stuff is pretty good. There's a lion habitat in the MGM Grande lobby with a couple of daily feeding/play times for the lions. In similar theme, there's an exotic animal zoo thing attached to one of the hotels named after... er... the gay magician guys who loved the shit out of tigers. I can't believe I've forgotten their names. In any case, it has a variety of big cats, dolphins, and some other exotic critters for you to gawk at.
Most of the fountain shows are worthwhile. Both the literal fountains at the Bellagio and the various fountain-centric shows at places like Treasure Island or Ceaser's Palace. They're short and free, so there's no really good reason Not to go see them. There are several shopping centers on the strip jam-packed with absurdly expensive stores and art galleries if you're into window shopping.
I know you said you're not into shows, but seriously, give one a shot if you can afford it. Even if you can't bring yourself to attend a Cirque du Soliel show (which is a lot more entertaining that they look on TV) there are comedy acts, magicians, plays, musical performances, burlesque... there's got to be something you like.
If you're from an area where it gets up to 90 and has 70% humidity, 115 degrees will feel like a pleasant spring day to you when it's dry.
Also, all of the casinos are air-conditioned 24/7.
Last time I went it was 103 at 2am. You have been warned. If youre going during the winter months itll be pretty cold though. Realistically its a non issue - youre going to be inside most of the time (I hope you dont mind cigarette smoke), and if youre outside youre either going to be at the pool or only outside for a brief period it doesnt really matter.
I did the Atomic Testing Museum last time I was there, I definitely recommend it.
As far as not liking shows, don't rule them out. You might find something you like. They can be pricey though.
And there's plenty of strip clubs!
Does someone know what this is? : O I would verymuch like to stay at this hotel that has a fucking zoo in it.
DON'T buy a monorail pass. I know I'm spoiled from NYC but their train sucks regardless. You have to go through casinos to get on and off the train, and there are signs pointing you to the strip once you get off the train, but they also point you into the casino. And once you get in the casino? No more signs. Find your own way out.
I did get a chance to go to MGM and check out the lions, it was pretty cool.
I'd definitely make a reservation for Mix at Mandalay Bay if you can afford to spoil yourself. It's not crazy expensive but it's up there (~$50 a plate, ~$10 drinks). The food was delicious and the view was INCREDIBLE. It's up on the 64th floor with a great view of the strip and a really nice lounge to drink in to boot.
I loved my trip, but I have no desire to go back on my own accord, ever. It's too easy to spend money and not feel bad about it for some reason.
It's "Sigfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat" and is at The Mirage. I was there post-The Mauling, like 2 years ago or so, and they had all manner of animals.
Edit: Regarding the monorail - it does suck, but there's really not an alternative. If you want to get from one end of the stirp to the other you either pony up for a taxi, walk for fucking ever down the packed sidewalk while dodging dudes trying to foist calling cards for "escort" services and strip clubs off on you, or you take the monorail. It's inconveniently located and will always be across the street and two hotels up from where you're trying to go, and you'll have to walk past a quarter mile of slot machines to get to it from the street, but it's still probably faster than taking a taxi.
Like this new place that opened up and seems like a great time.
Insert Coin
Yep, it's a video game bar.
You would have to try really hard to have a bad time. Vegas has anything you can think of that you would ever want to to do. Anything.
Or any town really without any real historic value.
I was born and raised in Las Vegas, what kind of stuff do you want to do that's not touristy? It's a tourist town, so it's tough to find "things" to do that aren't.
Even kids that live in Las Vegas end up spending time at casinos because the casinos also have things that kids do. Theatres, bowling alleys, food... Most are open 24 hours in casinos.
I'll suggest:
-Skydiving (many local skydiving operations have shuttles that can pick you up directly from the Strip). There's also an indoor skydiving place if you're too scared.
-Gameworks (they have them in other cities though)
-The Stratosphere tower (great views of the whole valley as long as some rides to again frighten you)
-Red Rock Canyon (I used to live on the edge of the valley, so it was a short hop to go hiking out there, it's amazing)
-Golfing (if you're into it, The Wynn hotel has a great golf course, reserve in advance)
-Previously mentioned animal shows at both the MGM and the Mirage. I really like going to the Shark tank at the Mandalay Bay too. Penguins at the Flamingo, as well.
-Forty Deuce
-The Gun Store, this is the range people are talking about. I shot a SAW (M249 light machine gun) the last time I was there and it is freakin AWESOME. Very expensive though.
-The gardens in the Bellagio, everyone goes to the fountains, but yawn. They have a seasonal garden where most everything is constructed using live flowers and plants. It's pretty awesome.
-The Fashion Show mall, which has a Fashion show (usually terrible, but I'm listing it anyways, the whole stage comes out of the ground and is flat when there is no show)
-Don't take the monorail. Too many of my local friends as well as visitors get mugged near some of the stations. Also the thing is a piece of crap.
-Ethel M Chocolate Factory. Not many would even know it's out there in Henderson, but my father's pharmacy is across the street so I've been through it a few times. Kind've interesting, I suppose?
-Guggenheim Hermitage Museum in the Venetian Hotel
-M&M world, though I think the last time I was there they didn't have Crispy M&Ms anymore. Bastards.
-Wax Museum at the Venetian
-The Boneyard, where all the casinos old signs go to die. Have to schedule a tour but it is pretty awesome. Think that's where they filmed the scene from Vegas Vacation? Not sure.
-Nellis Air Force base
-The Ice Bar at Mandalay Bay is cool too (pun)
Some of the things I listed are of course car-limited, but many are within walking distance of the Strip.
Let me know if you need more stuff or want more local advice!
Truly Awe Inspiring.
Stay away from Celebrity Chef places - usually horrible service and only decent to slightly above average food at stupid high prices for what you are getting.
You can eat your way across vegas. it's possible.
If you are into watches, there is a great watch store to browse in (but not buy) on the strip at the Venetian.
Go to the Sahara hotel.
It closed down a few months ago, but you can still get access for the sale. And once you're in, the elevators are still working, so you can get around. Wandering in an old abandoned hotel is off-beat and quirky, I think.