From the Nevada desert in the southwestern United States, Las Vegas emerges as a flamboyant, over-the-top oasis where visitors can indulge in every vice.
Renowned for its flashy casino hotels, Las Vegas attracts visitors from around the world to gamble. It’s also a favorite for destination bachelor and bachelorette parties that party poolside by day and at nightclubs long after the sun goes down.
If you aren’t into pulling slot machine handles, playing blackjack or craps, or betting on sports, you may be wondering what there is to do in Las Vegas if you don’t gamble.
As a non-gambler who visited Las Vegas for a weekend getaway, that is exactly what I wondered. As it turns out, Las Vegas actually has a wealth of things to see and do.
Away from the high-roller poker tables and penny slots, you can discover the glitz of the Las Vegas Strip, the hip art of the Downtown Arts District, and the scenic southwestern landscape of the surrounding desert.
Whether you are planning a bachelor or bachelorette party, a romantic trip for two, or even a family vacation with your kids, this guide is full of ideas for fun and unique things to do in Las Vegas for non-gamblers.
Disclosure: This guide to non-gambling activities in Las Vegas contains affiliate links. When you click on or book your Las Vegas hotel or activities through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. As always, all opinions shared are my own and all recommendations have been thoroughly researched or experienced by yours truly.
Sleep in Luxury
First and foremost, Sin City indulges every vice — including sloth. When you sink into the plush cocoon of your luxurious hotel room’s king-sized bed, I bet you’ll want to order room-service breakfast and lounge a bit.
Along the lively Las Vegas Strip, non-gamblers will find five-star luxury hotels they’ll adore for their serene pools, tranquil spas, and lack of gaming. And, in a city as glitzy and opulent as Vegas, even the mid-range hotels are quite luxurious.
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
Despite its location on the Strip, the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas is an elegant, gambling-free oasis.
With no on-site casino and a more relaxing poolside experience than you’ll find at most other hotels on the Strip, this sophisticated spa resort is ideal for non-gamblers hoping to avoid the city’s party and gambling scenes — at least where they sleep.
In particular, culinary travelers will love sipping afternoon tea or bubbly in the hotel’s 23rd-floor Tea Lounge.
Four Seasons Las Vegas
Another luxurious, gambling-free hotel is the Four Seasons Las Vegas. Connected to the Mandalay Bay at the southern end of the Strip, this is a convenient place to stay near Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders and Super Bowl LVIII.
Guests at the Four Seasons also have access to the Mandalay Bay Beach, an 11-acre outdoor pool area with a lazy river, a wave pool, three swimming pools, and 2,700 tons of sand.
The epicurean travelers among us will also love the artisanal cocktails, 24-hour in-room dining, and Saturday afternoon tea service with handcrafted pastries, organic teas, and Brut Champagne.
Not quite what you were seeking in a Las Vegas hotel? Use the map below to find and book other Las Vegas accommodations!
Explore the Las Vegas Strip
If you are a first-time visitor, acquaint yourself with Las Vegas, its hotels, attractions, and people with a stroll down the infamous Las Vegas Strip.
Between the people watching, street performers, and the dancing Bellagio fountain, there is plenty to see along this 4.2-mile stretch without setting foot inside a casino.
But certainly, step inside for relief from the arid desert heat and to check out each hotel’s unique décor. Don’t miss the colorful glass flower ceiling by Dale Chihuly at the Bellagio, gondolas floating along shop-lined canals in the Venetian, and Roman-style art and architecture inside Caesars Palace!
Money-Saving Travel Tip: If you want to take an outdoor gondola ride and visit Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, you can save up to $5 on admission by purchasing the Madame Tussauds and Gondola Ride bundle.
Outside the hotels, you can see beautiful fountains, Paris’s Eiffel Tower, and Treasure Island’s pirate ship.
Best of all, this Las Vegas activity is entirely free. However, be sure to bring spending money in case you decide to eat a crepe at the Paris Las Vegas hotel, visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, shop the designer stores of the Forum Shops at Caesars, or cool down with an ice-cold beverage. FYI, alcoholic drinks are allowed on the Strip!
Go on a Las Vegas Thrill Ride
As you explore the Strip, I’m sure you’ll notice that each Las Vegas hotel has its own unique attraction. So, go ahead and take a thrilling ride on one of these adrenaline-spiking Las Vegas attractions!
Big Apple Coaster
At New York-New York Hotel & Casino, take a wild ride on the Big Apple Coaster.
On this thrilling roller coaster, you’ll be whipped around Manhattan landmarks at 67 mph and through a 180-degree twist and dive.
Please note, riders must be at least 51 inches tall.
STRAT Tower Attractions & SkyJump
High above Las Vegas, on the top levels of the 1,149-foot STRAT tower, visitors can leap from 829 feet at the SkyJump or play it a bit safer by riding exciting attractions.
On the X-Scream, ride a roller coaster that goes over the SkyPod’s edge. Then, on the Big Shot, you’ll be launched 160 feet directly upward at a speedy 45 mph.
SkyJump participants must be at least 14 years old, 51 inches or taller, and no more than 275 lbs. You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the Big Shot and at least 52 inches to ride X-Scream.
Book STRAT SkyJump | Book STRAT Attractions
SlotZilla Zip Line
Over at Fremont Street in Old Vegas, you can zoom through the sky on the SlotZilla zip line. This Downtown Las Vegas zip line is inspired by the city’s slot machines and features two hair-raising experiences.
On the Zip-Zilla, the lower of the two zip lines, your flight takes off from a 77-foot platform. You’ll then soar two blocks down Fremont Street in a seated position.
Four stories higher and three blocks longer is the Super-Hero Zoom. On this exhilarating zip line, fly head-first across 1,750 feet at speeds up to 35 mph!
This attraction has some age, height, and weight requirements. Zip liners younger than 16 must be accompanied by another rider age 16 or older. Though there is no minimum height requirement, riders must be under 6’8” tall. The weight limit for both zip lines is 300 lbs, and the minimum weight is 50 lbs for the Zip-Zilla and 80 lbs for the Super-Hero Zoom.
SlotZilla also accommodates riders with disabilities.
FLY LINQ Zipline
At the only zip line on the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll reach speeds up to 35 mph as you soar 114 feet in the air on the FLY LINQ Zipline.
You can choose to fly hands-free “Superman” style over the LINQ Promenade or zoom 1,121 feet across in a feet-dangling, seated position.
To ride this zip line, you must meet height and weight restrictions. Riders must be at least 40 inches and no taller than 6’8” in height and weigh between 60 and 300 lbs (27 – 136 kg).
Get a Bird’s-Eye View of Las Vegas
Another non-gambling activity in Las Vegas is observing the city’s dazzling neon lights and iconic sights from a new and higher perspective.
You can do this by taking a scenic helicopter ride over the Vegas Strip, visiting one of the city’s high-in-the-sky observation decks, or dining with sweeping views of the city lights.
Helicopter Ride Over Las Vegas
On a helicopter flight over Las Vegas, marvel at the panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip. You’ll see the Bellagio fountains, the Luxor pyramid, and more of the Strip’s most iconic sights as you fly above the Vegas skyline.
One of the best times to take a helicopter ride over Las Vegas is at night when the city is illuminated in neon lights.
Another option is to add a landing at Red Rock Canyon to watch the sunset from a secluded vantage point.
The High Roller at The LINQ
Aboard the High Roller at The LINQ, a 550-foot observation wheel in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, you can gaze out at 360° views of Sin City’s most famous sights.
The 30-minute rotation is narrated with tales of Las Vegas history and points out these must-see landmarks as they come into view.
For a boozy upgrade, guests ages 21 and older can book a High Roller cabin with an open bar and enjoy a “happy half-hour” on the world’s tallest observation wheel.
Travel Tip: Plan your ride on the High Roller for the evening to treat your eyes to a visual feast of brilliant, colorful lights!
The STRAT Tower Observation Deck
At the tallest freestanding tower in the USA, you can take in the Las Vegas skyline from 1,149 feet above the city.
Located on Levels 108 and 109 of the STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, the STRAT Tower Observation Deck offers panoramic views that you can enjoy with a handcrafted cocktail and/or sweet treat from 108 Drinks and 108 Eats, respectively.
Also, don’t forget you can combine your visit to the observation deck with an adrenaline-pumping SkyJump leap or the thrilling amusement rides on Levels 109 and 112!
Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck
Though it’s not nearly as tall as the STRAT Tower or even the High Roller observation wheel, the 460-foot Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck offers amazing bird’s-eye views of the Strip.
Located across the street from the Bellagio, the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck is a wonderful vantage point for watching the Fountains of Bellagio’s musical fountain show.
Top of the World Restaurant at the STRAT Tower
My final suggestion for seeing Las Vegas from elevated heights is to dine at the Top of the World restaurant on the 106th floor of the STRAT Tower.
As this fine dining steakhouse revolves 360°, you’ll have sweeping views of Sin City’s skyline stretching out to the expansive Las Vegas Valley.
Please note that the Top of the World has an upscale dress code, and reservations should be made in advance.
Indulge in an All-You-Can-Eat Las Vegas Buffet
Sin City has vices for all, including the “I’m on vacation from my diet” gluttons. So, indulge at least once at a Las Vegas buffet.
Widely considered the best in Las Vegas, diners at the Wynn buffet can visit 16 live cooking stations featuring global flavors and find an expansive array of delectable desserts.
Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, dining at the Wynn buffet is the perfect setting for a gluttonous Las Vegas brunch.
Go on a Las Vegas Food Tour
Another must-have experience for foodies visiting Las Vegas is a food tour to taste some of the city’s most delectable dishes.
Secret Food Tours’ Las Vegas Food Tour
On Secret Food Tours’ Las Vegas Food Tour, you’ll meet your tour guide at one of British celebrity chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay’s six Las Vegas restaurants to taste an elevated twist on traditional British pub foods.
Then you’ll venture onto three more culinary establishments from celebrities. At your next stop, you’ll lick your way through gelato or boozy sorbet at Food Network star and chef Giada De Laurentiis’s Italian eatery before noshing on pizza at the health food restaurant founded by celebrity doctor Andrew Weil.
Your gastronomic tour ends with a “secret dish” at a hidden gem after visiting Cake Boss Buddy Valastro’s Italian restaurant for savory eggplant Parmesan and meatballs. Sounds delish, right?
Best Bet Vegas Tours’ Best Bites on The Strip
Alternatively, go on Best Bet Vegas Tours’ Best Bites on The Strip, a foodie walking tour through four of the Strip’s infamous hotels.
Your tour begins at New York New York Hotel & Casino, where you’ll dive into an enormous corned beef sandwich stacked to the heavens at an authentic Jewish deli, one of the last of its kind on the Strip.
Then, as you make your way to Eataly to indulge in some delicious foods imported from Italy, you’ll pass by $100 dry-aged steaks during the stroll to Park MGM.
Onward to Block 16 at The Cosmopolitan for stop No. 3, you’ll sample Korean spit-roasted meats, flatbreads, or spicy eggplant.
Finally, your tasty journey ends at the Bellagio for creamy gelato from a patisserie next to the world’s largest chocolate fountain.
Soak in the Sun Poolside
When it comes to poolside fun, Las Vegas has it all — waterfalls, lazy rivers, adult-only pools for European bathing, hot tubs, cabanas outfitted with flat-screen TVs, rockin’ parties, swim-up gambling, and even family-friendly pools with waterslides or full waterparks.
Some pools are strictly for hotel guests, while others allow non-hotel guests for a cover charge or a cabana rental. Keep in mind some pools open to non-hotel guests only do so on weekdays.
Of course, if it is a pool party you seek, you’ve certainly come to the right destination.
See a Las Vegas Show
Like exploring the Strip and splashing into a Vegas hotel pool, a Las Vegas trip wouldn’t be complete without a night out on the town to see one of its many shows.
Las Vegas Showgirls and Musical Tributes
For a traditional Las Vegas experience, watch Vegas! The Show at the Saxe Theatre. Featuring showgirls, a live big band orchestra, and tributes to Vegas legends like Tom Jones and the Rat Pack, this show tells the backstage story of Las Vegas entertainment and its magic, music, and icons through the decades.
Alternatively, you could go see a tribute show entirely dedicated to famous Vegas headliners, such as Elvis or Frank Sinatra.
Adult-Only and Burlesque Shows
For something even more risque than Vegas showgirls, check out a burlesque or other adult-only show.
Bachelorette parties make up the mostly female crowds at Thunder from Down Under and Magic Mike Live.
Family-Friendly Las Vegas Shows
While this city may be known for its showgirls, there are kid-friendly shows in Vegas, too.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy the acrobatic feats in the less-risque Cirque du Soleil shows, mind-boggling illusions performed by magicians, and the Blue Man Group’s lively percussion show.
Here are links to purchase tickets to some of the most popular family-friendly Las Vegas shows:
- “O” by Cirque du Soleil at Bellagio
- David Copperfield at the MGM Grand
- Blue Man Group at Luxor Hotel
- iLuminate Show at the STRAT (Featured on America’s Got Talent)
Comedy Shows, Concerts & More Las Vegas Shows
Comedy shows, hypnosis, musicals, concerts, and more round out the city’s diverse show lineup.
If you’re looking for last-minute Las Vegas show tickets, check out Vegaslens.com.
View Art in and Near Las Vegas
We just discussed the amazing performing arts scene of the Las Vegas Strip, but Las Vegas also offers plentiful attractions for art enthusiasts, too.
You can go on a self-guided walking tour of Downtown Las Vegas street art, interact with immersive art exhibits, and view fine art at multiple galleries and museums.
Downtown Las Vegas Arts District
If you want to experience the local Las Vegas arts scene, check out the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District. At the heart of it all is The Arts Factory, a warehouse filled with art galleries, artists’ workshops, boutique shops, and performing arts spaces.
A lively time to visit is the monthly First Friday art festival during which you can browse galleries and street art murals, enjoy live entertainment, and eat from local food trucks.
Art and food lovers can taste the “real Las Vegas” on an Arts District walking food tour. This foodie Vegas tour, offered by Taste Buzz Food Tours, will take you to a diverse mix of trendy restaurants in the Arts District.
You’ll also stop for a touristy photo at the “Greetings from Las Vegas” mural, take in more graffiti and street art, possibly see an Elvis impersonator at the Little Vegas Chapel, and visit the Arts Factory.
Immersive Art Installations in Las Vegas
Art lovers can also be fully immersed in breathtaking scenes — like a seemingly endless Aurora sky or a roaring wave crashing into you — at Arte Museum Las Vegas or in the trippy and interactive Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart installation and Wink World, the psychedelic art house, at AREA15.
At the Paradox Museum, one of the newest Las Vegas attractions and an immersive modern-art experience, you can step into mind-blowing, eye-tricking illusions that will leave you pondering if what is true is also false.
Fine Art Galleries & Museums in Las Vegas
For a more traditional art-viewing experience, visit the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art or explore the ARIA Fine Art Collection that has been integrated into public spaces around the ARIA property.
To see masterpieces from Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and other famed artists, visit the Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery with two locations in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Here you can see the largest collection in the world of Picasso’s ceramic pieces.
Off the Strip, you can view more art at the Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery and Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, both part of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Seven Magic Mountains
Of course, one of the most well-known art installations worth seeing when visiting Las Vegas is Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains. This large-scale artwork features seven 30- to 35-foot totems of brightly painted boulders from the local Nevada desert.
Seven Magic Mountains is free to visit and open to the public. However, due to its desert location about 20 miles outside of Las Vegas, you’ll need to either drive yourself or book a Seven Magic Mountains tour.
Explore a Las Vegas Museum
Though Las Vegas is better known for its flashier attractions, you’ll actually find many cool museums and exhibits in Las Vegas. So, if you are looking for a non-gambling indoor activity in Las Vegas, head to one of these Las Vegas museums!
You can visit the Princess Diana & the Royals exhibition with the largest collection of evening gowns worn by the late Princess of Wales.
If you are visiting Las Vegas with kids, don’t miss the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, where youngsters will learn about dinosaurs and animals. Then, get a hands-on, educational experience at the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum.
Or, embrace your own inner child with a quirky activity! You can pose for silly photos with wax figures of celebrities at Madame Tussauds or play a few rounds of pinball at the Pinball Hall of Fame.
With museums and special exhibits dedicated to punk rock, classic cars, the human body, and even burlesque, you’re sure to find a Las Vegas museum that suits your interests.
But if you are having trouble selecting, I’ve selected four of the best Las Vegas museums. Each will give you a closer look at Las Vegas from a different perspective.
Money-Saving Travel Tip: Go City’s Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass includes admission to several Las Vegas museums.
The Neon Museum
At the Neon Museum, Las Vegas history is on visual display in more than 250 neon signs. Though many signs remain unrestored and are highlighted only in spotlights, there are about two dozen working neon signs brightly glowing, too.
You can visit the Neon Museum in the afternoon or evening, but it is arguably one of the best things to do in Las Vegas after dark. In fact, this popular attraction has been known to sell out at night, so it is best to purchase your admission tickets in advance.
For a truly unique thing to do in Las Vegas, see the shining neon lights of the Strip on a nighttime helicopter ride before visiting The Neon Museum to view its collection all aglow.
Book Helicopter Ride + The Neon Museum at Night
The Mob Museum
Another unique museum offering a look at Las Vegas’s past is The Mob Museum.
On the second floor of the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, see how mobsters built Las Vegas into a gambling destination attracting visitors from around the world.
Then, head down to the basement to learn about the mob’s role in Prohibition-era rum running. Use the password to enter the speakeasy for a drink or sip moonshine made in the museum’s own distillery.
Atomic Museum
If you watched Oppenheimer and were left wanting to learn more about the nuclear weapons testing program, visiting the Atomic Museum is a must during your Las Vegas trip.
The educational exhibits of this Smithsonian Affiliate museum preserve the history of America’s nuclear weapon program and Nevada Test Site while using atomic testing’s past to reflect on the geo-political impact and relevance to national security today.
Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre, family-friendly attraction consisting of two museums, botanical gardens, a butterfly habitat, 3.5 miles of nature trails, and more.
The botanical garden is a desert oasis featuring thousands of cacti, succulents, and native Mojave Desert plants. You’ll also find a wildlife garden, which attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and vegetable and herb gardens where vegetable gardening classes are offered.
Visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas
My last suggestion will take you beyond the city’s borders because, as you may already know, Las Vegas is one of the closest big cities (with an international airport) to the Grand Canyon, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This awe-inspiring canyon is known for its breathtaking vastness, steep-sided walls of multi-colored layers, and the white-water rapids of the Colorado River flowing between its three rims. It’s no wonder visiting the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas!
The drive from the Las Vegas Strip to the Grand Canyon takes about 2.5 hours to the West Rim on the land of the Hualapai Tribe and about 4.5 hours to the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park.
From Las Vegas, you can set out on a guided Grand Canyon day trip, a helicopter tour, an overnight guided tour, or a self-guided road trip.
Guided Grand Canyon Day Trips from Las Vegas
Located one state over in Northwest Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a popular destination for a day trip from Las Vegas.
Typically, Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas drive through the Mojave Desert to the West Rim. Many of these tours also include lunch and stops at other nearby attractions.
Below, we’ll examine three of the most popular Grand Canyon day tours from Las Vegas.
National Park Express Grand Canyon West Day Trip from Las Vegas
One of the most popular Grand Canyon bus tours is the Grand Canyon day trip operated by National Park Express. This 10.5-hour tour departs Las Vegas near Treasure Island for Grand Canyon West on the Hualapai Reservation and includes lunch.
Along the way, you’ll also stop at a Joshua Tree forest in Arizona, the Hoover Dam for a scenic photo op, and Hemenway Park to possibly see bighorn sheep.
At the Grand Canyon, you’ll see breathtaking, panoramic views of the West Rim from two scenic lookouts, Eagle Point and Guano Point. You’ll also be able to cross the Grand Canyon West Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends beyond the canyon wall’s edge.
Grand Canyon South Rim with Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour
If you’d prefer to visit the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, head out on this Las Vegas to Grand Canyon tour of the American Southwest’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders.
At 17 hours, this is one of the longest Grand Canyon day trips from Las Vegas, so you may want to bring a travel neck pillow to nap during the long van ride.
Though you’ll need to be prepared for a long travel day, you’ll get to admire the otherworldly landscape of Antelope Canyon on a 1.5-hour tour led by a Navajo guide before hiking to the picturesque Horseshoe Bend and viewing the stunning Grand Canyon South Rim.
Las Vegas Day Trip to Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam and Seven Magic Mountains
Of the guided Grand Canyon day trips from Las Vegas, this small-group tour of Grand Canyon West, the Hoover Dam, and the Seven Magic Mountains is my top pick for its unique itinerary loaded with Instagram-worthy photo stops.
After your early morning departure, you’ll stop for the ultimate Vegas photo op in front of the Las Vegas sign before driving into the Mojave Desert to walk through the bright-and-colorful Seven Magic Mountains art installation.
Then you’ll journey onward to the Hoover Dam for sweeping views of the largest hydroelectric dam in the United States.
Finally, you’ll reach the Grand Canyon West Rim, where you’ll have an opportunity to do the Skywalk, spot the outline of an eagle in the rock formation at Eagle Point, and take in 360° views at Guano Point.
Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas of the Grand Canyon
Don’t want to sit in a bus or van for hours? Taking a helicopter from Las Vegas is a faster and more luxurious way to travel to the Grand Canyon.
During the 75-minute round-trip flight, you’ll see Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Black Mountain, the Mojave Desert, and more of the southwestern landscape.
At Grand Canyon West, the helicopter will land 4,000 feet below the rim on the canyon floor, where you’ll sip sparkling wine during a picnic along the Colorado River bank.
Opt for a sunset flight to make this scenic helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon more romantic.
Overnight Grand Canyon Tour from Las Vegas
On the flip side, if you would like to spend more time visiting the Grand Canyon, other natural wonders, and more tourist attractions near Las Vegas, an overnight tour may be the best fit.
During a two-day Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas, you will see Hoover Dam, road trip along the historic Route 66, view the Grand Canyon’s South Rim from multiple scenic outlooks, hike to Horseshoe Bend, and join a Navajo guide on a walk through Antelope Canyon.
Road Trip to the Grand Canyon
Though taking a guided tour is a convenient way to visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, the main downside is that you are not in control of your itinerary or schedule. Of course, that is a major perk of driving yourself!
However, taking a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon requires more advance planning.
First, you’ll need to rent a car if you will not be driving your own vehicle to Las Vegas.
Second, if you want to stay overnight, you’ll want to book your Grand Canyon South Rim accommodations up to 13 months in advance due to limited lodging in the area.
Then, you’ll need to map out your driving route. If you plan to visit Grand Canyon West, I recommend downloading GuideAlong’s Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam & Red Rock Canyon navigational audio tour.
As you drive to the West Rim from the Strip, your journey will be guided by driving directions interspersed with stories about the Grand Canyon. You’ll learn about its geology, wildlife, and the Native Americans who live there.
Then, during the 2.5-hour drive back to Sin City, you’ll listen to stories about some of the most unique figures in Vegas history, the secrets of Area 51, and more.
Download the GuideAlong Audio Tour
Las Vegas FAQs
Now that you’ve read about all the fun things to do in Las Vegas for non-gamblers, it’s time to plan your Sin City vacation. Below, I answer some commonly asked questions about visiting Vegas to help you start planning your trip!
When is the best time of year to visit Las Vegas?
I recommend spring from March to May or fall from September through October for the best weather. It will be warm enough to enjoy the Las Vegas pools or stroll the Strip wearing shorts or sundresses during the day. At night, you’ll be comfortable in long pants, and you may even want a light jacket.
When is the cheapest time to visit Las Vegas?
You are likely to find the best rates on Las Vegas hotels on weekdays when conventions aren’t in town. Prices also drop in July and August when temperatures push 100° Fahrenheit/38° Celsius. With Vegas reaching its coldest temperatures in December, mid-December is also considered an off-season with lower hotel rates.
How do I get to Las Vegas?
The closest airport is Harry Reid International Airport. If you are staying on the Strip, I recommend taking a shuttle from the airport. However, if you want to save time, a taxi or ride-share may be a better option. I found taking a taxi was more convenient for returning to the airport from my hotel.
Conclusion
After booking a flight and a Las Vegas hotel, you’ve likely already spent a significant amount of your hard-earned, to-be-spent-on-vacation dollars. So, don’t gamble away your vacation!
Make your Sin City stay a “surefire bet” by stepping out of the casino with the aforementioned suggestions of things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling.
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Save this post to your Las Vegas travel board on Pinterest to refer back to it later!
If you have visited, what were your favorite non-gambling activities in Las Vegas?
Editor’s Note: Photo credit for the lead photo of the Vegas sign (© AmeriCantaro/Adobe Stock)
Love this post! We always spend too much money in vegas, not on gambling, but on drinks, shows, food, love the food! but it is true that walking around and checking out the different hotels are free. And i love the pool at the Venetian!
I LOVE Vegas! I used to go every year for a while. I’m a big BlackJack player so I like to do a lot of gambling while I’m there, but everything else is amazing. I’m a huge Celine Dion fan, so I usually try to see her show too. We always hit the spa for the day when I’m with the girls. Vegas has AMAZING spas.
I like Vegas and I am not a gambler at all. Agree people who are not interested in the casinos can have a lot of fun. For my next trip to the city, I am planning to stay Downtown and forget about the strip. I want to concentrate on the scene there. Oh, and the Wynn buffet looks beyond amazing. Gotta go. #WeekendWanderlust
Ruth, if you decided to eat at the Wynn Buffet, I recommend timing your meal to overlap with the breakfast and lunch hours. Then you get the best of both meals! Just check the Wynn’s website for the hours when they switch from one meal to the next. Hope you have fun on your next Vegas trip!
Great list of things to do that don’t include gambling. I agree, experiencing a Las Vegas buffet and their pools is a must. Drinks can be very pricey tho. I haven seen really cheap Groupons for Vegas hotels. I love that you included the Chihuly glass ceiling. I’ve been to Vegas a couple of times. Not sure I’ll be heading back that way as there are so many other places I want to visit.
Lara, you are right about pricey drinks, but I didn’t really mind since we saved money by splitting a room. Actually, the Bellagio has two of my favorite sights in Vegas: the Chihuly glass ceiling and the dancing fountain. Luckily, the Bellagio is pretty central to a lot of the Strip! I’ve only been to Vegas once, and I’m sure I’ll go back again someday. I wouldn’t mind another round of poolside relaxing and delicious dinners!
Las Vegas looks like so much fun. I’m not a gambler but would still visit, just to experience it all.
Ever since we moved to Utah, we have been trying to plan a Vegas trip since it is so close. Gambling isn’t our thing so I appreciate this post!
I’m glad I could provide a little inspiration for your trip then! I just scratched the surface, so if you need more non-gambling ideas, check out my Vegas board on Pinterest, Jessica.
I’m not a gambler at all but I’m all for Vegas! It’s awesome for budget travellers too, there’s so much to do & see for free, and you can get awesome hotel & food deals. Can’t wait to go back in the summer!
Yes, so much to do and see for free! You could spend a whole day wandering the Strip and only spend money on food and drink. I’ve seen some fantastic promotions for Vegas hotels, especially during the summer. Hopefully, you’ll snag a great deal for your next visit, Sheena!
Las Vegas has so much to offer but I do worry I’d get trapped in the casinos and miss it. I can’t help myself, I loved a good casino 😉
Too funny, Claire! I’m not a gambler, but if I were, it does seem like Vegas would pull me in. Luckily, the casinos, hotels, and restaurants are all conveniently in one place!
Great post! With family in Vegas, we’ve had the opportunity to watch the city evolve. We’re so glad there is more to do now than just Circus Circus and club shows. This post has us planning a return trip! #WeekendWanderlust
Thank you, Rob. Vegas certainly has changed over the years, hasn’t it? I can’t keep up with all the restaurants and shows!
I’m not a gambler – in fact, I once read a book in the corner of a casino while my husband gambled – but my extended family are so I’ve been to Vegas a few times. And I think you’ve dispelled that notion that Vegas is only for gamblers. I’ve never run out of things to do there!
Thanks, Jill! I can’t imagine running out of things to do in Vegas. Each hotel has its own unique theme with restaurants, pools, shops, and attractions to explore! And, that’s just on the Strip! As a return visitor you can also explore other parts of the city that most visitors don’t have time to see on a weekend getaway. Plus day trips the Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon. So much to do!
My favorite thing to do in Vegas is the Venetian. I love the canal and Venetian streets. It makes me feel like I’m actually in Venice. #weekendwanderlust
The all you can eat buffet sounds amazing. This post is just what we needed since we are not big on gambling. Thanks for all the tips.
It’s funny because the last major vacation my husband and I took was to Vegas — 5 years ago! And neither of us are gamblers but we had such a blast! We saw a couple of shows and did a lot of exploring!!
Walking the vegas strip was fun when I went. You bump into so many interesting things.
Wow, that looks really cool!
This is great – Vegas is such an inexpensive place to fly to and stay for the level of accommodations you get in the hotels! I would totally take the kids here for a fun, gambling-free spring break.
Liz I did the same thing years ago. Want to add that having the buffet in the same building Zuma nitty is in is the best buffet I had. Very nice night out and even if you’re alone, you’ll quickly talk to people around you at dinner!
This would have been perfect for my parents to read before they went to Vegas in October. They are not really into gambling but really wanted to go. I will send this to them in case they decide to ever decide to go again!
Great guide, i’ve pinned it for the suggestions of pool parties – oh I need some fun!
Love it! I could use a fun vacation by the pool right now, too. 🙂
Great post – I’ve loved Vegas ever since my parents started taking me there as a teen. I’m heading there in a few weeks for work, too 🙂 staying at Paris but usually I stay at Ballys. I stayed at the Wynn once, in 2009, which was fab, too.
My favorite non-casino activity is the shows! I bought myself a ticket for Zumanity (NYNY, Cirque du Soleil) this time.
Zumanity looks like a fun show. Have fun in Vegas, Liz!