Essential Las Vegas Attractions (Minus Gambling)

Las Vegas is known as America’s playground and has something for everybody.  Vegas has a history of being synonymous with gambling and casinos; although modern day Las Vegas has so much more to offer than slots and craps.  From shows to art to experiences for the adrenaline junkie, Vegas has something for everybody.  I compiled a list of essential Las Vegas attractions with the help of some awesome travel bloggers.

Explore Freemont Street

Fremont goes back to 1905 when Las Vegas was first founded. Today, the original 2 blocks strip still shines with its unique style of entertainment and dining options. Starts your Fremont experience from S 4^th st to N Maine St. Besides enjoying the air-conditioned breeze from casinos, check out street entertainers, like spray paint artist – Tony Vegas. He paints each piece under 8 minutes with spray paints, tissues, knife, and sponge blender.

If you are tired of the expensive buffets, why not try something light. Right off the corner of N Las Vegas blvd and Fremont St is the newly opened Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck. (506 Freemont Street). Enjoy a quick bit of lobster roll or lobster tater tots

Vegas heat can be your worst enemy, come and hide inside the Gold Spike Playground. (217 Las Vegas Blvd). The playground has arcade games, oversized games like giant beer pong and chess. Each month a new game is being invented for you to try.

If you are looking for a place to kick off your heels and enjoy Las Vegas like the locals, Fremont is the place you can’t miss. Oh don’t forget to check out the giant yellow fire hydrant!

Section courtesy of Xin Xin
Travel Blogger at: www.wheresxinderella.com
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wheresxinderella/

Zip Lining Above Freemont Street

While you are on Freemont Street, you will probably see the zip liners overhead flying 77 feet in the air.  It you are an adventure seeker, this can be a way to get your adrenaline rush in downtown Vegas. Prices range from $25-$25 and more info can be found at: Slotzilla (425 Freemont Street)

Skydiving

I wanted to do something exciting for my 40th birthday and one of the first things that I thought of was jumping out of a plane. Skydiving was always in the back of my mind and Vegas seemed like a great spot to try it. I pre-booked my reservation after checking reviews, and went with Skydive Las Vegas (1401 Airport Rd, Boulder City, NV), they were very great.

Once we arrived at the small airport we signed waivers, were given instructions, suited in our gear and before I knew what was really happening – it was my turn. There were three other jumpers in my plane, and we were each matched up with a professional that ensured we were strapped together properly and all equipment was in good working order. The whole way up they chatted, calmed and distracted us so much that I almost didn’t fully realize that this plane did not have a door, and just how high we were climbing.

Everything happened fast, I remember being at the door and kind of being nudged out from behind. It was so windy, and the free fall part of the jump seemed really quick. Once my G.I. Jumper deployed the parachute, things slowed down a bit and I was able to take in the beauty of the desert with the Hoover Dam and The Strip in the distance. Awesome experience that I would definitely do again!

Section courtesy of: Karrie Garant

Travel blogger at http://luckybugadventures.com

Explore Street Art and Shopping in the Arts District

Not too far from the bustle of Freemont Street is the downtown arts district in Vegas.  The district centered around main and Charleston streets.  It is filled with restaurants and eclectic stores selling everything from handcrafted pieces to vintage clothes and antiques. The streets are filled with street art, which is fun to explore and take photos of.

Ride The High Roller

At an astounding 550 feet, The High Roller is the world’s largest observation wheel.  You can ride in a standard cabin or do a happy hour tour while taking in breathtaking views of the strip.  Schedule a ride here: The High Roller(3545 S Las Vegas Blvd)

See a Show

The shows and concerts in Las Vegas are endless and there is something for everybody.  Whether it is a magician, cirque du soleil, musical, comedy show or that Brittney Spears show that you have been wanting to see since 1997 (guilty!) there is something that appeals to everybody here. Check out upcoming events at:  Las Vegas Show Schedule

Snap a photo at the Las Vegas Sign

Seeing the iconic Las Vegas sign at 5200 S Las Vegas Blvd is a must do attraction. Expect to wait in line if you want to get a picture taken with the sign. However, there is a complimentary photographer from the tourist association that will take pictures for you on your camera.

Top Golf

Top Golf Las Vegas is located inside of the MGM at 4627 Koval Ln and is not your typical driving range.   Yes,  you can hit golf balls here, but it also houses 2 pool, event space with concerts and private cabanas that you can rent with friends. Book your time here: Top Golf Las Vegas

Walk the Strip (South Las Vegas Blvd)

Walking the Vegas strip is an experience in itself.  You will pass casinos, lively restaurants and bars, see street performers and hoards of people. My “must see” stops on your tour include:

• The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian: This is a stunning indoor replica of Venice, down to the indoor canal.  Here you can walk the canal and shop or take a gondola rides down the water.
• The Bellagio: The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and The Fountains. The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a stunning, free display inside of the lobby at The Bellagio and changes seasonally.  The Fountains outside of the hotel have free shows filled with water, music and lights. The shows are every half hour on the hour from 3pm to 8pm and then every fifteen minutes until midnight.
• Be transported to Paris at the Paris hotel.  This is worth a walk through to see the beautiful murals at the Paris; including the painted ceilings.
• The Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan hotel.  As a lover of modern art and sleek design The Cosmopolitan is one of my favorite hotels in Vegas.  The center piece of the hotel is a 3-story crystal chandelier.

Las Vegas has something for everybody to enjoy.  Make sure that your next Vegas trip does not start and end in the casino.  Go out and explore what the city has to offer.