There’s more to Las Vegas than the Strip, although the nightlife, entertainment, posh hotels and chef-led restaurants are certainly catalysts for kicking off the trip planning. Set in the Mojave Desert and surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, there’s an unexpected side of Las Vegas that’s not all neon lights and the sound of slot machines.
Head beyond the downtown limits to find outdoor activities, lakes, canyons and family-oriented neighborhoods to explore. It’s easy to catch the flavor of the city — both flashing lights and more mellow natural scenes — in a long weekend.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: The Famous Glittering Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas mornings may seem extra quiet in comparison to the nighttime energy, but that’s the point. While others sleep in, get an early start with a visit to the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden, where plants, flowers, scents and colors change with the seasons.
From here, make your way to the Venetian, where you can stroll through St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal Shoppes, browse designer stores and take a gondola ride. If you’re slowing down a bit, take a walk south down the Strip to the Cosmopolitan to indulge in a snack (or two) from some of its iconic restaurants: Beauty & Essex, Eggslut, Momofuku and Milk Bar.
For great views and laughs, head to the High Roller Observation Wheel for a spin 550 feet above the Strip. It takes 30 minutes for a full revolution and provides 360-degree views of the light-filled neighborhood below. For another perspective, ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, a half-scale replica of the original.
For an adrenaline kick that doesn’t happen in a casino, take on the LINQ zip line and soar above Las Vegas Boulevard at speeds up to 35 miles per hour.
It’s time to freshen up and make plans for the evening — but choosing a restaurant won’t be easy. The Las Vegas all-you-can-eat buffets of years past have given way to restaurants led by famous names like Wolfgang Puck, Thomas Keller, Lorena Garcia, David Chang, José Andrés and Nobu Matsuhisa.
If you need someone to narrow it down for you, explore the 14-page menu at Peppermill Restaurant (also known for its wonderfully kitschy fire pit) or head back to the Cosmopolitan for an unforgettable meal at Chef José Andrés’s China Poblano, which mixes the best of Chinese and Mexican cuisines.
After dinner, will it be a show at one of the major hotels, a casual lounge or dancing at a chic nightclub? You could take on one of each (assuming you caught an afternoon nap). Make the most out of your Las Vegas vacation and start by strolling down the Strip at night and taking the evening as it comes.
Saturday: The Desert Outdoors With Artsy and Nighttime Fun
To start off the day, head to the Summerlin neighborhood, which is home to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It may be a short 30-minute drive from the Strip, but prepare to be transported worlds away. Hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding and biking are ways to enjoy the stunning mountainous scenes that span in all directions.
For a more relaxing way to explore, take a 13-mile scenic drive through the canyon. In addition, a system of trails throughout the neighborhoods offers ample places to walk and bike.
From there, head to Downtown Las Vegas for a casual lunch at the Downtown Container Park, an open-air shopping center with restaurants, shops and live entertainment.
Take some time to relax and people-watch before heading to the nearby Arts District — an 18-block area about a mile away — with unique shops, galleries, antiques and the Arts Factory building, which is considered the cultural hub of the area. There, you can visit the studios of artists, photographers and architects and watch them in action.
It’s this kind of activity that offers a great reminder that the energy Las Vegas is known for often comes from the people who call it home.
If you have the time, visit the Mob Museum where you can see a crime lab, courtroom and artifacts and listen to wiretap recordings. Another must visit: the Neon Museum, which contains more than 200 historic neon signs. For extra drama, stop by the museum at sunset when everything is illuminated.
As the sun dips, it’s time to head to Fremont Street, where the lights are on and the nightlife is kicking off. Expect live bands playing on corners. The casinos will be buzzing, and the Fremont Street Experience Viva Vision canopy will be gearing up for its light shows, which start at 6 p.m. The canopy is the largest video screen in the world, suspended 90 feet above Fremont Street’s pedestrian mall.
For the adventurous, the Zip-Zilla zip line and Superhero-Zoom are flying overhead, fun for spectators and even more of a thrill if you choose to soar over the street.
Sunday: Explore the Suburbs and Lakes of Las Vegas
Less than 30 minutes from the Strip, the Henderson neighborhood is a popular suburban area of Las Vegas, with family-friendly neighborhoods and excellent schools.
Before you wonder what you’re doing in “the burbs,” check out the Artisan Booze District, which is packed with craft breweries, wineries and distilleries — with tasting rooms, of course. If you’re looking for something really different, don’t leave without trying Ambros Banana Whiskey.
Make some time to stroll through the Water Street District, where you can stop for coffee, a snack, a casual meal or a pint at one of the craft breweries. While you’re there, look for murals that tell the history of Henderson.
Believe it or not, there’s actually a lake in Las Vegas — several, in fact — so plan to spend your afternoon on Lake Las Vegas, a 320-acre man-made lake with a full-service marina where you can rent a paddleboat, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or Duffy Electric Boat for a relaxing cruise. There’s also hiking, biking and golf.
If you’re craving even more fresh air, visit Lake Mead, America’s first and largest national recreation area, with 1.5 million acres of mountains and canyons plus two lakes for swimming, boating, fishing and hiking.
For dinner, loop back to Henderson and choose from a surprisingly diverse variety of cuisines, from steak and seafood to sushi and Mexican. After all is said and done, give yourself a round of applause for experiencing all the paces of Las Vegas, from the buzzing Strip to the great outdoors to a suburb full of friendly faces.
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