11 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Las Vegas, Nevada

Shamika
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read

When you think of Las Vegas, Nevada, you probably think of bachelor parties, clubbing, drinking and gambling in casinos. These activities indeed remain extremely popular, and are responsible for bringing in most of Las Vegas’ tourists each year. However, if you have visited Vegas before, if you are staying for a longer time in this city, or if you simply want to explore a less generic, different side of the city, Las Vegas has a lot of offbeat and unique activities for you. There are also plenty of hotels and luxury Airbnbs available if you’re wondering where to stay in Las Vegas. From water sports, to hiking or art events, dive into another side of Las Vegas and read on as we explore the best non-touristy things to do in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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1. Visit the historic Bootlegger Italian Bistro

Posted by The Bootlegger Bistro on Wednesday, 23 December 2015

You cannot miss the ever popular Bootlegger Italian Bistro if you come to Las Vegas and are craving some authentic Italian food. This restaurant has a rich history that the owners will lovingly explain to you, and the guests highly complimented the friendly and cozy atmosphere the owners and staff gave this family-run place. There is great live music on most days, and the location is very spacious and quiet, while not burning your wallet.

Bootlegger Italian Bistro

Address: 7700 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89123, USA

Website: Bootlegger Italian Bistro

Opening hours: 24/7

Price: 11 to 30 USD

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2. Drive along the Extraterrestrial Highway

A road trip experience is not just a means to an end when it comes to Las Vegas. This guided full-day tour takes you through Area 51, some of the most desolate, uninhabited and scenic desert landscape that is as infamous as it is fascinating. Learn about area 51’s infamous history with a professional guide as you relax in your luxury SUV, then stop for lunch at the Little A'Le'Inn. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, lunch, snacks and bottled water.

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3. Horseback riding at Bonnie Springs Ranch

If you’ve ever wanted to do horseback riding, now is your chance. Saddle up for this 60-minute expedition through the Wild West, after a sumptuous and authentic cowboy-style pancake and egg breakfast. This tour offers a round-trip hotel transport to a working horse ranch, Bonnie Springs, where you can begin your horseback riding experience. The horses are all friendly and tame, and you will be provided with a professional wrangler cum guide.

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4. Water sports at Lake Las Vegas

Lake Las Vegas, Nevada
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ken Lund used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you are looking for something more outdoorsy and adventurous, why not try out water sports and activities at Lake Las Vegas? From extreme activities meant for the seasoned adventure sports enthusiast to something for relaxing like paddle boarding, Lake Las Vegas is sure to have something for you no matter what you prefer. The sports activities include kayaking, water pedal biking, paddle boarding, flyboarding, trevi jay boat, and more. There is an aqua park for 30 USD only where you can frolic with your family. You are sure to have a blast here!

Lake Las Vegas

Address: Lake Las Vegas, Henderson, Nevada

Website: Lake Las Vegas

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 30 to 40 USD

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5. Join the locals at The Escape Game

Prison Break
Source: The Escape Game

America’s premier provider of uniquely premium escape rooms is newly opened in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. This family-friendly place has over 28,000 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and they are the top-ranked escape room in the US according to TripAdvisor’s national rankings. You and your team will come together within a live 60-minute time frame to find clues and overcome challenges to complete a mission. To escape, you need to put your teamwork, wits, communication, and sense of adventure to the test. Don’t have the numbers to form a team? Better still, join hands with locals and work on a new chemistry like never before!

This paragraph is sponsored by The Escape Game.

The Escape Game Las Vegas

Address: 3500 Las Vegas Blvd S, Space T11B, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Website: The Escape Game Las Vegas

Opening hours: 9am - 11:45pm (daily)

Price: 38.99 USD

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6. Visit the First Friday art event

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


First Friday Las Vegas refers to a community festival in downtown Las Vegas that hosts local art, culture, music, and food-related events on the first Friday of every month. This is a wonderful not-for-profit event dedicated to promoting arts and culture and is a must-visit event to immerse yourself in if you find yourself in Las Vegas on the first Friday of any month. This incredible progressive art experience is sure to delight you with the expansive art exhibits on display here. Admission to the event is free, although you may have to pay if you want to see specific paid events.

First Friday art event

Address: 1025 S 1st St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

Website: First Friday art event

Opening hours: First Fri: 6pm - 10pm (closed on all other days)

Price: Free

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7. Watch plays at Baobab Stage Theater

I hope to see you all at our Drumming Event this Friday at Wassa Boutique, Theater & Café! We have been working so hard...

Posted by Baobab Stage on Thursday, 20 September 2018

The Baobab Stage Theatre is sure to offer you a unique and incredible experience unlike any you will ever have. From improv comedy nights to breathtakingly impressive dance performances by seasoned and experienced professionals, you will thoroughly enjoy a fun night of immersive culture and entertainment. This attraction in Las Vegas is really well-decorated with Middle-Eastern, African and Asian decor, and the kind and friendly staff will make you feel like a regular immediately. The venue is a mix between a bar, cafe and a full stage theatre giving it a very informal feel.

Baobab Stage Theater

Address: 6587 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA

Website: Baobab Stage Theater

Opening hours: 2pm - 10pm (daily)

Price: 15 to 40 USD

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8. Hike in the Valley of Fire State Park

non touristy things to do in vegas | hike in the valley of fire state park

Are you looking for something sporty to do during the day in Las Vegas? Explore the adventurous side of Las Vegas as you hike at the Valley of Fire State Park, and enjoy views of the Recreation Area in Lake Mead, one of the most gorgeous lakes in Las Vegas. This tour allows you to choose from easy, moderate and difficult options depending on your preference, age group and fitness levels. You will be accompanied by a guide, and there is free pick-up available from your hotel.

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9. Enjoy a thrilling hot air balloon flight

non touristy things to do in vegas | enjoy a thrilling hot air balloon flight

Soar high above the city and explore Las Vegas in a brand new way with this thrilling one-hour private hot air balloon flight for two or more people. An FAA-certified commercial hot air balloon pilot will guide you as you explore the valley and get a bird’s eye view of Red Rock Canyon, Mount Potosi and the Las Vegas Strip. This tour ends with a free toast of champagne, mimosa or orange juice, and you will win a commemorative flight certificate from the pilot as a keepsake.

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10. Explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

explore red rock canyon national conservation area

Discover the beautiful desert landscape surrounding Las Vegas with a live guided trip to the nearby Red Rock Canyon. There is a free pick-up service from most Las Vegas hotels, and you will be taken to explore the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, a working ranch nestled at the base of the dramatic Wilson Cliffs. After this, the trip continues to a few Visitors Centers of the Red Rock Canyon, followed by a leisurely lap around the scenic route. With plenty of photo stops along the way, you can enjoy the spectacular views the tour provides from your 12-passenger luxury vans.

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11. Go boating at Lake Mead

If you want to spend a relaxing day outside after a night of heavy partying, an evening of casual boating is the right choice for you. This tour offers a lip-smacking three-course meal with a glass of bubbly as it takes you through a dinner cruise on Lake Mead. The steamboat, Desert Princess, will take you through a series of spectacular evening views and unique scenery and wildlife, as you stroll along the deck of the spacious three-level vessel and enjoy a relaxing sunset view in the distance. It offers round-trip hotel transport and a photo stop at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.

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Explore a more unique side of Sin City

If hours of table poker or partying at crowded clubs aren’t your style, you may feel like a trip to Las Vegas may be boring for you. But the ever-popular Sin City has so much more to offer than the stereotypical image it presents to the world. You could live here for years and still keep discovering some things that locals do in Las Vegas that never fail to surprise you. So come on down to this beautiful city and check out these non-touristy things you can do here!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Being a military kid, Shamika has lived and travelled all over India, and her nomadic childhood has fueled an immense hunger and fascination for new cultures and languages (she's a polyglot!)...Read more

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