A human-made reservoir, Las Vegas Lake may not have the majesty of Lake Mead—a much larger reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam—but it does offer a serene setting for water sports and activities, not far from the famous Strip. It's part of a Mediterranean-themed residential community, with boat rentals, village-style shopping, and multiple luxury resorts.
Just west of the Las Vegas Strip, the Palms Casino Resort is a two-tower hotel known for its party vibes and over-the-top suites. Highlights across the complex include a spa, multiple pools, table games, slots, entertainment venues, and 10 different restaurants.
Conveniently close to the Las Vegas Strip and the Las Vegas Convention Center, the sprawling Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is a popular place to stay the night or spend a few hours placing bets at the sportsbook or catching a show. It was this very hotel where Elvis Presley had his Las Vegas residency between 1969 and 1976.
Themed after an extravagant marketplace in ancient Rome, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is full of up-to-the-minute goods. The unique complex is one of the premier luxury retail destinations along the Las Vegas Strip, with more than 160 shops, galleries, and restaurants, set among grand sculptures, columns, fountains, and a vaulted faux-sky ceiling.
The Shops at Crystals is an upscale shopping destination featuring luxury brands, which is an extension of the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Known for its striking architecture and art installations, The Shops attracts visitors seeking high-end retail, fine dining, and a break from the casinos. It's a must-visit if you’re looking to browse or buy.
Spread out over more than 18 blocks, the Las Vegas Arts District feels worlds apart from the neon lights and casino floors of the Strip. Just south of downtown, it offers everything from vintage shops and boutiques to hip cafés and restaurants, plus—as the name suggests—plenty of artists’ studios and galleries.
There’s no shortage of places to shop on the Las Vegas Strip, but at 2 million square feet (186,000 square meters), Fashion Show Las Vegas is easily the largest. Home to over 250 retailers, more than 30 restaurants, and entertainment options, it’s a one-stop destination with a range of brands for all ages and styles.
Zombie Burlesque is a wildly entertaining, campy musical that blends comedy, burlesque, and undead hijinks. Set in a 1950s‑style “Club Z,” sexy zombies perform variety acts, dance numbers, and sing backed by a live big band. You’ll be laughing, cringing, and tapping your toes all at once. This is Las Vegas entertainment with a twist you won’t see anywhere else.
On the western outskirts of Las Vegas, right next to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa is a great option for travelers wanting the casino experience while being close to nature. It still features all of the trappings of a casino resort, including a large gaming floor and multiple restaurants, but with a more secluded feel.
Nothing in Vegas is modest—and this counts for the Las Vegas Convention Center, as well. This sprawling space spans millions of square feet, making it one of the largest—and busiest—convention centers in the world. Here you can see trade shows, live performances, sporting events, and much more.
In downtown Las Vegas, the El Cortez Hotel & Casino is one of the oldest and the longest continuously running casinos in Sin City. In operation since 1941, the El Cortez is the only existing casino on the National Register of Historic Places, and offers slots, table games, sportsbook, and high-limits action.
Located inside the STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, the L.A. Comedy Club hosts performances every night of the week. This venue features a rotation of big names, many of whom you’ll recognize from Comedy Central and Netflix, along with promising up-and-comers. If you’re in Las Vegas and looking for a night of laughs, this venue is a sure bet.
Part of downtown Las Vegas since 1971, the Plaza Hotel & Casino offers old school Las Vegas vibes at the start of Fremont Street Experience. Gaming is a big draw here: The casino is home to the only bingo room and largest sportsbook in downtown, along with a smoke-free gaming area, a rooftop pool, and multiple dining options.
Located in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino (formerly known as the Bakkt Theater) is one of the top concert venues in the city. The 7,000-seat theater has showcased a huge number of world-famous entertainers and hosted residencies by Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and the Backstreet Boys. A 100,000-plus-watt sound system and 2,200 feet of high-definition LED walls augment the concert experience.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway shows, classical concerts, ballet, jazz, and more across three performance spaces in downtown Las Vegas. Known for its art deco architecture—inspired by the Hoover Dam—and superb acoustics, the center draws both locals and visitors seeking entertainment away from the Strip.
Sky Zone Las Vegas is an indoor trampoline park where kids and adults can bounce, climb, and fly through a range of gravity-defying attractions. From freestyle jump zones to foam pits, ninja courses, and dodgeball courts, it’s a high-energy break from the Strip that’s great for families, groups, or anyone looking to burn off some steam indoors, whether for fun or for fitness.
Sometimes the best therapy is breaking stuff. The leading “rage room” in Las Vegas, this place lets visitors relieve stress, vent frustration, or simply have a smashing good time by taking baseball bats and crowbars to everything from glass bottles to TVs. You get the rush of destruction without the cleanup. It’s a cathartic, adrenaline‑charged Vegas experience that’s fun solo or with a group.
Clark County Wetlands Park is a sprawling natural oasis on the fringe of the Las Vegas Valley, featuring diverse habitats, walking trails, and educational exhibits. Visitors are drawn to its serene setting along with the chance to observe wildlife, including birds and other native species, for a peaceful escape from Sin City.
Creepy hallways, secret passageways, and rooms brim with frightening lore at Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum—a personal collection of artifacts and oddities gathered by the host of the reality television series Ghost Adventures. Even the 1938 mansion that houses the museum is said to be haunted. On late-night tours of the museum, intrepid travelers use special equipment to search for any sign of paranormal activities.
Known for its luxe, tech-centric rooms and its huge variety of dining options, ARIA is a great place for a convenient stay on the Las Vegas Strip. Even if you aren't planning to stay the night, it's a destination for eating a meal (or two) and viewing the resort's extensive art collection.
With wild western theming and more than 25 rides and attractions, Cowabunga Canyon is a family-friendly outdoor water park that brings splashy excitement to the Las Vegas desert. Expect high-speed slides, a massive wave pool, a lazy river, and a multilevel play structure perfect for younger visitors and all surrounded by canyon-style rockscaping and playful signage. From thrill seekers to toddlers, there's something for every kind of water lover here.
Custom car aficionados, gearheads, and fans of the TV show Vegas Rat Rods will want to visit Welder Up, the custom car fabrication garage featured on the show. Take a self-guided tour of the showroom and see where owner Steve Darnell and his crew create their unique turbo diesel builds, plus all sorts of other one-of-a-kind vehicles.
Learn about Nevada’s rich history on a visit to the Clark County Museum in Henderson, Nevada. Wander through a recreated ghost town, peek inside restored historic homes on Heritage Street, and explore immersive exhibits that trace the region’s transformation from Indigenous cultures and pioneer life to railroads, atomic testing, and the Vegas boom. It’s a low-key but memorable way to connect with the people and places that shaped Southern Nevada.
Located just a short drive from Las Vegas, Mt. Charleston offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities, whether hiking and camping by summer, or a host of snow sports come winter. Also known as the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, this mountainous retreat rising prominently from the Mojave Desert is a must for anyone who enjoys a dose of the great outdoors.
The immersive Illuminarium Las Vegas transports visitors into stunning visual worlds. Featuring projections and in-floor haptics, its innovative experiences have themes ranging from rock history to a journey through the solar system. Ideal for families, this attraction offers a fun alternative to the usual Las Vegas entertainment options.
Good times in Vegas aren’t just for grown-ups. Located downtown, the Discovery Children’s Museum promises a captivating and enriching experience for younger visitors. The 3-story museum houses nine themed exhibition halls filled with interactive, hands-on displays that are designed to stimulate creativity and curiosity while kids learn, explore, and play.
Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, travelers flock to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for its chic rooms, shows and entertainment, three pools, in-house casino, and exceptional spa. It’s also a foodie destination: You’ll find 28 different eateries inside, ranging from casual cafés to cocktail bars and fine-dining restaurants.
In the heart of Sin City’s glittering Strip, House of Blues Las Vegas is a multifaceted venue that caters to eclectic tastes. The club showcases live music across a range of genres, performed by up-and-coming artists as well as legendary acts, and honors its connection to American blues culture by serving a menu with Southern flavors.
You know what you’re getting at a Hard Rock Cafe, and this Las Vegas chain restaurant doesn’t disappoint. In a prime spot along the Las Vegas Strip, the Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas is decked out in one-of-a-kind rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia and boasts the biggest Rock Shop across the entire Hard Rock universe. Look out for the signature neon-lit guitar out front.
For a taste of the Big Easy in the Las Vegas desert, head to The Orleans Hotel & Casino: a New Orleans-themed property that leans heavily into the Mardi Gras spirit. This family-friendly resort offers plenty of bars and restaurants, but it’s perhaps best known for its entertainment venues, including the sprawling Orleans Arena.
