10 Non-gaming Things to Do in Las Vegas

When you think of Vegas, your mind might conjure images of high-stakes poker, roulette wheels, and high-rolling dice.  That’s a fair assessment.  Las Vegas is known for one-armed bandits (slot machines) and some of the most exclusive gambling experiences in the world.  But what if you’re not into Texas Hold ‘Em or Blackjack?  Lucky for you, Vegas isn’t a one-dimensional city. In fact, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of non-gaming things to do in Las Vegas.  Sadly, we can’t cover every single enticement or activity here – but we’ve picked out our top 10 favorite attractions in Las Vegas besides gambling that we think you’re going to absolutely love.

Our Top Picks for Non-gaming Things to Do in Las Vegas

Did you know that Vegas has won countless prestigious “best of” awards for smashing attributes such as best resorts, holiday entertainment, shopping, and outstanding amusement rides?  There’s no gambling in that line-up, so let’s take a closer lookie loo at some of these unparalleled non-gaming activities Las Vegas has to offer, shall we?

1. Venture Beyond the Neon: Red Rock’s Natural Splendor

A stone’s toss away from the Strip (17 miles west) there is a beating heart of eco-diversity and majestic natural gorgeousness known as Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The area is hailed for its towering red sandstone peaks and the Keystone Thrust Fault. It features 30 miles of rolling, rocky, marvy hiking trails, loads of challenging climbing routes, and a 13-mile drive that unveils some of the most staggering scenery you’ve ever seen. Red Rock is a stimulating escape from the city’s hustle, and there’s no chance you’ll even think about a casino when you’re amidst Red’s enchanting landscapes and mesmerizing natural splendor. When you go, spend the day hiking the Calico Tanks trail or picnicking amidst the panoramic vistas of the canyon – it’s a classic and restorative alternative adventure in Las Vegas for non-gamblers.

2. Take a Day (or Night) Trip to Death Valley

Who needs the sparkling lights of the slot machines when you can behold your own light show in the stars strewn in the skies above Death Valley National Park?  With minimal light pollution, this soberingly beautiful desert landscape rivals the canned glow of a casino. Death Valley is equally exceptional during the day too. The hottest, driest desert national park in the United States, this vast national treasure extends from Nevada into California and enthralls with its otherworldly landscapes like Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Springtime visitors are especially lucky, as they might witness the rare and beautiful super bloom, where the desert floor is carpeted with carefree wildflowers.

3. Visit Joshua Tree National Park

In a roughly three-hour drive from Las Vegas, you’ll find yourself in the dreamy, otherworldly realm of Joshua Tree National Park.  While it’s not in Arizona, this expansive protected area in southern California is famed for its jaw-dropping desert landscapes, craggy colorful rock formations, and delightfully twisted Joshua trees. Locals and tourists both heartily agree that the rock climbing, hiking, and stargazing here are all premium and can’t be missed.  With distinct ecosystems at varying elevations, you can explore the stark beauty of the Colorado and Mojave Deserts in a single visit, and the views will pale in comparison to any casino – we promise.

4. Mastermind Your Escape at The Escape Game Las Vegas

One of our favorite non-gaming things to do in Las Vegas is to grab some friends and head out to The Escape Game Las Vegas.  Located in The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, The Escape Game is America’s foremost provider of premium puzzle-clue-filled escape rooms.  Imagine you and your crew working together to hunt down clues and crack codes to find your greatest escape in any of six immersive 60-minute adventures. This unique friend and family-approved experience is guaranteed to make memories and put smiles on faces.  Did we mention they have a 5-star Google review, and The Escape Game is an award-winning venue? Seriously, folks, who needs gambling when you can show off your clever cunning, and problem-solving skills in an unforgettable great escape in Vegas? 

5. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

When you go hot air ballooning over the Mojave Desert, it’s as if the entire world becomes anew, and you’re seeing a whole side to life that you never even knew existed.  Floating like a cloud, aerial views will treat you to sweeping scenes of serenity and surreal desert landscapes.  As you buoyantly bound through the Arizona skies, you can even see all the hustle-bustle of Sin City below, and realize you can’t think of any other place you’d rather be (including gambling at a casino) than flying high in the sky in a sensory-tickling, blissed-out hot air balloon adventure.

6. Witness the Grandeur of the Grand Canyon

277 miles long, and 10 miles across, The Grand Canyon is appropriately named, because it is indeed vast and grand.  It’s also one of the world’s seven wonders for good reasons. With views that will take your breath away and vistas that will sweep you off your feet – there’s no way you can’t be deeply moved by the immense scale and tremendous beauty of GC. Even better, it’s accessible via helicopter, airplane, and bus tours from Las Vegas. These tours often include stops at significant viewpoints and sometimes descend to the canyon floor for a boat ride on the Colorado River. The truly humbling and arresting views make the Grand Canyon a riveting alternative to non-gaming things to do in Las Vegas.

7. Experience NHL Hockey

Catch the high-speed action of the Vegas Golden Knights at the T-Mobile Arena. The team has quickly become a beloved part of the local sports scene, offering a fast-paced and engaging hockey experience. The arena, located just off the Strip, provides state-of-the-art facilities and an electric atmosphere that’s perfect for sports fans.

8. Enjoy NFL Football

If you’re a sports fan, they’re no need to ask about what to do in Las Vegas besides gamble, because Sin City is a sportsperson’s paradise.  For instance, the Las Vegas Raiders bring NFL excitement to the desert like no other team, and they do it in style at the Allegiant Stadium. Game days here are a spectacle, with passionate fans and a family-friendly environment. Beyond the game, the stadium offers tours that explore its architecture and state-of-the-art features, including a retractable field and expansive views of the Strip.

9. Take a Cultural Tour

Ever since Las Vegas was settled in 1905, this bedazzling cultural destination has been making all kinds of historical waves – hence the reason for the many fascinating museums in the city. From the first time professional showgirls made their debut in the US, to the advent of Elvis’ reign – Sin City is loaded with intriguing historical and cultural tidbits. Start by exploring the Neon Museum, where old Vegas signs take on new life and guided tours are offered, which tell the story of the city through its iconic neon signs. The Mob Museum is another must-see destination as it provides an intriguing look at the influence of organized crime on the development of Las Vegas and the ongoing efforts to combat it. From art to natural history, museums definitely need to be on your bucket list of non-gaming activities in Las Vegas.

10. Visit The Las Vegas Arts District

Known as “18b,” the Las Vegas Arts District is a flourishing hub for artists and creatives alike. Located downtown, Vegas’ artistic neighborhood features art galleries, unique boutiques, and street murals that transform the area into a canvas of urban art. Regular events like the First Friday Art Walk celebrate the community’s creativity, offering a glimpse into the local art scene.

Is It Possible to Have Fun in Vegas Without Gambling?

That’s a big, fat, hairy yes! As you can see from these 10 ideas on non-gaming things to do in Las Vegas, the party never stops, and the fun never ends. Yes, it’s true that Vegas is mostly known for its spectacular gambling culture – but that’s only one aspect of this diverse, technicolor city. There’s so much more Sin City has to offer, and we hope you enjoy exploring our town as much as we love talking about how awesome it is!

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