Without doubt, Vegas is a gambler’s delight. It’s also the place to spend some big bucks in luxury stores and savor a few meals in Michelin-star restaurants. But, one thing that’s often overlooked is Vegas’ proximity to National Parks and unique excursions like hot air balloon rides over rivers and valleys.
If you want to design a vacation that takes you a little bit off the beaten path, we have some can’t-miss attractions for you to enjoy. From race cars, to balloon rides, to river rides aboard a kayak, you can really have it all the next time you find yourself in Vegas.
Fremont Street
Did you know there’s another famous street in Vegas, and it’s not the Strip? Located right in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, you’ll find pedestrian-only Fremont Street. As you stroll along, you can listen to live music, see an impressive light show, and even hop atop a zipline.
Downtown Container Park
On Fremont Street, you’ll also find an open-air shopping center known as the Downtown Container Park. This is a fabulous opportunity to patronize smaller boutiques, in lieu of the big brand names on the Strip, enjoy a delightful meal, and savor the live music dancing through the air.
First Friday, Las Vegas
Speaking of supporting smaller enterprises, First Friday is a spectacular way to support local businesses. On the First Friday of every month, local artists gather together and put their art on display for locals and visitors alike. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, it’s all accompanied by live music, performing artists, and oodles of food trucks.
Red Rock Canyon
It’s interesting to think that, a mere 17 miles from the Strip, you’ll find Red Rock Canyon. Like something out of a painting, this hotspot is known for its vibrant red canyons and cliffs – some that tower 3,000 feet in the air.
The colorful Calico Hills and pristine peaks of Keystone Thrust are also well worth the trip. Without a doubt, you’ll be dazzled and delighted by this unique example of Southwest geology.
Death Valley
It sounds like an ominous adventure – leaving Sin City for Death Valley. But you’ll be alright! This is another fascinating day trip, as Death Valley is situated on the lowest point of elevation in North America.
Once you arrive, you can venture through Badwater Basin, salt pans, and showstopping mountain ranges. The mountain ranges are particularly impressive, given the fact that this is the lowest point of elevation in America.
The Valley of Fire
There’s something slightly intimidating about some of the naming conventions in and around Vegas. Sin City… Death Valley… The Valley of Fire. But, if Red Rock Canyon knocked your socks off, then you simply must carve out another afternoon for the Valley of Fire.
Dare we say its red rock formations are even brighter and more impressive than Red Rock Canyon? Located only about 50 minutes from the Strip, you’ll be able to admire Native American petroglyphs, as well as the famous Atlatl Rock.
Vegas Balloon Rides
How’d you like to take in the sight of all those canyons, rivers, and valleys from a hot air balloon?
This stands the chance of being one of the coolest things you’ll do in one of the hottest places in the country. With Vegas Balloon Rides, you’ll be in good hands all throughout your journey and can even toast to your experience with a glass of champagne upon landing.
The Grand Canyon
Although it’s considerably further away than Red Rock Canyon, the Grand Canyon is also within reach, perhaps as an overnight trip.
The South Rim is a five-hour drive from Vegas, but other parts of the region are only about three, including the Grand Canyon West region. If you wanted to go big, however, you could even charter a helicopter and get there in a jiffy.
Hoover Dam
Engineering aficionados are the ones who talk about Hoover Dam the most. Known as an architectural masterpiece, Hoover Dam continues to be gawked at, long after its inception in the 1930s.
In addition to its sheer fascination, it also spans the Colorado River, offering a nice opportunity to rent a kayak for a few hours and cool off with a few splashes of water.
Lake Las Vegas
If watersports truly are your thing, you might consider moving from the Hoover Dam to Lake Las Vegas for your next jaunt in a kayak. This is a super ritzy section of Vegas, and stunning homes surround the whole lake. It’s a fabulous way to paddle away the day, tucked into a kayak or balancing on a paddleboard.
Exotics Racing
After you’ve chartered a helicopter for the day, you could return to Vegas to rent a luxury car like an Aston Martin, Ferrari, or Lamborghini and top out at speeds around 130 mph. However, you won’t be able to take these cars back and forth to the Grand Canyon.
Instead, you’ll have to stick to a track at Exotics Racing. But, if you have a need for speed and have always wondered about the thrill Nascar drivers experience, you’ll love this daytime activity.
Live Shows
Okay, this one may or may not be on the Strip. The point is, this bit of fun doesn’t revolve around the bright lights of the slot machines. So many of our favorite stars have residencies like Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, and Bruno Mars. Then, you also have your pick of other shows like Cirque du Soleil and countless comedy and magic shows.
The Bellagio’s Fountains
This one is also cheating the system a little bit in terms of off-Strip excursions. But it’s worth breaking the rules for this photo op. Vegas has a few iconic picture opportunities, and the fountains outside the Bellagio are one of them.
Sort of like the Eiffel Tower at night, it’s a fun, free experience, waiting for the light show to dazzle and delight your senses. Accompanied by choreographed spouts of water and music, the fountains run every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night.
Springs Preserve
To return to your off-strip adventures, you might want to check out Springs Preserve the next day. Often dubbed the Central Park of Las Vegas, you’ll find plenty of peace and serenity within these garden walls.
If you don’t have a lot of cacti wherever you live, you’ll enjoy a full dose here because they house the largest collection of Mojave Desert cacti and succulent plants. After you explore their hiking trail, you can also float through their butterfly habitat.
Nipton Ghost Town
Nipton is a prime example of a former mining town that was once brimming with activity in its heyday and now stands among dustballs and tumbleweeds. Just across the border in California, you can visit this semi-ghost town to see some of the old buildings that are typical of the Wild wild west.
It’s not totally deserted, however, because you can stop by the Nipton Trading Post, an actual running store, to learn more about the town. With a population of 16, you never know if you’ll be shaking hands with a member of the living or the dead.
If ghost towns sound thrilling, you can take your adventures to a few more neighboring states to see these eerie ghost towns for some haunting strolls through history.
Escape the Strip and Embrace the State
All of the Southwest really is special. It’s so unique from many other parts of the country. If you happen to land in Vegas but don’t want to get lost in the shuffle of the Strip, rest assured that there are still plenty of ways to make the most of your trip.
Whether you’re sticking close to Vegas or adventuring further beyond, we have a destination guide on deck to help you craft the perfect itinerary. And, who knows, maybe someday we’ll clink a glass of champagne together after a hot air balloon ride over mountains, rivers, valleys, and streams!!