10 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
Las Vegas certainly can be an expensive city to visit and live in with its multitude of lavish casinos, high-end restaurants, and shops, world-renowned theatrical shows.
Although Las Vegas is typically a place where people come to spend exuberant amounts of money, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Sin City for free.
From rock concerts, fountain shows, wildlife viewing, and Instagram-worthy landmarks, we’ve provided a list of 10 unique attractions on and off The Strip that won’t cost you anything except your time!
“Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign
1373 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
No Las Vegas vacation is complete without a selfie with the infamous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.
Located at the southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard near the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the 25 foot-tall neon sign has welcomed visitors since 1959.
Parking is free and accessible 24/7. Please note though that the sign is an incredibly popular tourist stop that’s often packed daily — especially at night when the neon glow of the sign and Strip in the background make for an even more gorgeous photo op.
The Fountains of Bellagio
3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
The Bellagio Water Fountains is a dazzling water and light spectacle that makes for a memorable visit to the Strip.
At Bellagio, more than a thousand fountains sway in front of the hotel, enhanced by music and light. The display spans more than 1,000 feet with water soaring with more than a thousand water fountain nozzles that at times shoot water as high as 460 feet into the air.
The water show happens daily every 30 minutes, from 3 PM-8 PM Monday-Thursday and every 15 minutes from 8 PM to midnight. On weekends and holidays, the fountain’s display takes 30 minutes from noon to 8 PM and every 15 minutes from 8 PM to midnight.
Fremont Street Experience
E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
The Fremont Street Experience is a covered-outdoor pedestrian mall that’s perfect for those looking to experience an older slice of Las Vegas while on a budget. The area is surrounded by some of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas and features a free light and sound canopy show, as well daily shows from a variety of street performers.
You can also catch free concerts from some of the biggest names in music as part of the Downtown Rocks Concert Series. For a full concert schedule, click here.
Bellagio Botanical Gardens
3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
This lush indoor conservatory offers a peaceful retreat from the Las Vegas Strip with its collection of more than 30,000 flowers and plants. The 14,000 sq. foot indoor is located inside the lobby of the Bellagio and features special seasonal displays, including a Lunar New Year display.
You can expect a rich variety of flowers that change with the seasons, including Japanese cherry blossoms, orchids, and poinsettias.
The Volcano at The Mirage
3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Just a short distance away from the infamous Bellagio water fountains, the Volcano at the Mirage Hotel and Casino offers a fiery spectacle that’s entertained millions of visitors for over 30 years.
The epic four-minute pyrotechnic display features an elaborate fireball and artificial lave displays, and syncs to an explosive, psychedelic soundtrack featuring music from The Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and Indian tabla sensation Zakir Hussain/
With the exception of certain weather conditions, the show happens daily on the hour from 8 PM-11 PM.
Mount Charleston
2525 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124
Located about 35 miles outside of Vegas, this mountain offers a number of free alpine hiking and mountain bike trails, including the scenic 16-mile Charleston Peak South Trail which takes you all the way to the 11,916-foot peak of Mt. Charleston.
Visiting Mt. Charleston is also a great way to cool down during the summer months with temperatures ranging 20-30 degrees cooler than Las Vegas. Mt. Charleston also turns into a Winter Wonderland each year — making it a perfect family destination for snow-filled fun.
Ethel M’s Chocolates
2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014
It may not seem like a normal combination, but chocolate making and cactus viewing pair quite well together at Ethel M’s Chocolates’ main factory. Located about 10 miles away from the Las Vegas Strip, visitors can enjoy free self-guided tours of the chocolate factory and 3-acre cactus garden.
Guests can view the inner workings of the gourmet chocolate factory and watch chocolatiers prepare all sorts of delectable sweets, including their signature small-batch fillings like caramels, satin crèmes, and peanut butter.
The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
3555 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
For a more exotic Las Vegas experience, The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino offers a 4-acre wildlife garden that’s home to a flock of Chilean flamingos, two brown pelicans, ducks, sturgeon, koi, albino catfish, and turtles. The habitat is located within the hotel grounds and is free to walk around daily, 7 AM- 8 PM.
Seven Magic Mountains
S Las Vegas Blvd, Jean, NV 89054
Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains is an art exhibition ten miles south of Las Vegas in the Ivanpah Valley Desert. The artwork is a sculpture featuring seven towers of locally sourced painted boulders standing thirty feet tall.
The vibrant exhibit is visible across the desert landscape along Interstate 15 that connects Southern Nevada and California and is free to visit and is a popular spot for photographers and Instagram posting.
Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV, 89154
Located on the campus of the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art offers free admission to exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. The museum primarily focuses on the art and culture of Southern Nevada and often showcases locally sourced works from Las Vegas’ diverse art community.
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