10 Best Things Locals Do In Las Vegas, Nevada - Updated 2024

things for locals to do in las vegas
Anne Gabrielle
Anne Gabrielle 
Updated
| 5 min read

Las Vegas, Nevada, is known worldwide as a city brimming with excitement, fun, and adventure. This place has endless attractions to offer, such as chic hotels, fancy restaurants, attractive museums, and beautiful casinos. While most people associate Vegas with parties and trying out their luck, it has more to offer than that. Tourists also visit this destination for art, hiking, educational shows, and more. Visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Mount Charleston, or Lake Mead for a break from the busy atmosphere. Since Vegas is such a big city, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re planning to visit with your family and friends, it’s always best to come prepared. Scroll down for a list of the best things locals do in Las Vegas, Nevada, that you should try too.

1. Try rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

4/22 - Red Rock Canyon | Las Vegas, NV
Source: Photo by Flickr user jankgo used under CC BY 2.0

If you’re down for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience, why not kick off your Vegas trip by rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area? Located 15 mi (24 km) west of Las Vegas, this destination is a crowd favorite because of its stunning red rock formations, exciting trails, and majestic views. You don’t have to worry if it’s your first time climbing because Red Rock Canyon has more than 2,000 different routes to choose from. Also, you’ll always be accompanied by a certified guide, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. Red Rock Canyon is very accessible since it is only a 30-minute car ride from the Las Vegas Strip. Before you go here, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and don’t forget to bring your water bottle, snacks, toiletries, and sunglasses.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Address: 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161, United States

Website: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Per vehicle: 5 USD/day; 20 USD/Annual pass

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2. Ride a sunset boat cruise on Lake Mead

Lake Mead 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kjkolb used under CC BY 2.5

What better way to end the day than to enjoy a relaxing cruise in Lake Mead. Situated 30 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Mead is the go-to place for locals for fishing, kayaking, swimming, jet-skiing, and cruising. It is the 16th biggest human-made lake in the world, surrounded by vivid landscapes and breathtaking views. Since Vegas is such a busy city, it’s nice to escape and slow things down a bit once in a while. Why not take a break, hop on a boat, and get a glimpse of the Arizona Paint Pots, Hoover Dam, and Fortification Hill while munching on a sumptuous meal served on board.

Lake Mead Natural Recreation Area

Address: 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States

Website: Lake Mead Natural Recreation Area

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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3. Enjoy a late night snack at Tacos El Gordo

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


If you’re craving some Mexican food, drop by Tacos El Gordo at the Strip. Though the place is usually jam-packed, their tacos are definitely worth the wait. Make sure to try their famous carne asada and beef tongue tacos, or you can also go for their mouth-watering quesadillas. No matter what you get, you are guaranteed to always leave with a satisfied stomach. Tacos El Gordo is open until 2am, and it has another branch in East Charleston.

Tacos El Gordo

Address: 3041 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States

Website: Tacos El Gordo

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 2am; Fri - Sat: 10am - 4am

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4. Taste Asian cuisines at Chinatown

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


For a different kind of dining experience, head out to Chinatown located along Spring Mountain Road. This small neighborhood is home to several Asian restaurants that offer the best delicacies from Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, and Japan, to name a few. Fire up your taste buds with spicy food from Chengdu Taste, or enjoy a laid-back ramen night at Monta Japanese Noodle House. Satisfy your cravings or discover new dishes here.

Chinatown Vegas

Address: 4276 Spring Mountain Rd Unit 201, Las Vegas, NV 89102, United States

Website: Chinatown Vegas

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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5. Go on a shopping spree at Container Park

Downtown Container Park (20021638046)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tomás Del Coro used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Treat yourself to a little retail therapy at Container Park. This Instagram-worthy outdoor mall features quaint shopping stores and food outlets housed in shipping containers. Here, you will find quality items sold at an affordable price. The venue also has a play area for kids and a mini-theater where people can watch short video clips to keep themselves entertained while waiting for their companions to finish shopping.

Container Park

Address: 707 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States

Website: Container Park

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 1am; Sat: 10am - 1am; Sun: 10am - 8pm

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6. Hike to Mount Charleston

Mount Charleston from Kyle Canyon 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Stan Shebs used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go on a soul-healing hike to Mount Charleston. This mountain is filled with several hiking trails, scenic views, pine trees, and wildflowers, making it a perfect getaway for adventure-seekers and nature-lovers alike. While it takes a whole day to reach the summit, the panoramic view from up there is definitely worth the climb. Mount Charleston is just a 45-minute drive from downtown Las Vegas, and it is most accessible during the snow-free months of fall and summer.

Mount Charleston

Address: Mount Charleston, NV 89124, United States

Website: Mount Charleston

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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7. Catch a show at Mondays Dark

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


Twice a month, famous celebrities, musicians, celebrity chefs, athletes gather to perform at Mondays Dark. One of the people behind this premier variety show is Mark Shunock, an actor and host. If you’re looking for a unique way to start your week, then you’re most welcome to join in the fun. The live show features 90 minutes of pure entertainment that will definitely keep you hooked all night. A ticket only costs 20 USD each, and all proceeds go to charity.

Mondays Dark

Address: 3460 Cavaretta Ct, Las Vegas, NV 89103, United States

Website: Mondays Dark

Price: 20 USD

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8. Go to First Fridays to admire the art scene

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


Get in touch with your creative side and join the First Friday festival in downtown Las Vegas. This event celebrates art, music, and food in one place. Once you enter the venue, you’ll find several stalls featuring beautiful paintings, sculptures, and jewelry made by local artists. You can even buy one as a souvenir of your Vegas trip. Aside from artworks, the event area is also filled with food trucks, rides, and game booths. This space is a nice place to mingle with various artists and vendors.

First Friday at Art Square

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

Website: First Friday Las Vegas

Opening hours: Every first Friday of the month: 5pm - 11pm

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9. Participate in the fandom-themed events at Millennium Fandom Bar

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


Step inside a whole new world when you enter Millennium Fandom Bar in Las Vegas. This quirky bar allows you to be whoever you want to be while enjoying good food and drinks with your friends. If you wish to be a member of the Scooby-Doo squad or if you’d like to relive your childhood Harry Potter dreams, there’s plenty of costumes and props available to satisfy the inner geek in you. To make every visit more thrilling for its customers, they also host game nights, cosplays, and karaoke competitions.

Millennium Fandom Bar

Address: 900 S Las Vegas Blvd #140, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States

Website: Millennium Fandom Bar

Opening hours: Mon: 7pm - 1am; Tue - Thu: 5pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 7pm - 2am; Sun: 5pm - 1am

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10. Experience a bar crawl on Fremont Street (from USD 99.0)

If you’re into free concerts, neon lights, aesthetic bars, and pubs, or just looking for a good time, then this is the spot for you. Go on a bar crawl and taste some of the most exquisite hand-crafted cocktails in Downtown Cocktail Room, or watch a game while drinking beer with your mates at Longbar. For a more private and cozier vibe, The Griffin is the place for you. Experience the nightlife in Las Vegas right here.

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Bar Crawl On Fremont Street

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

75 reviews

Experience everything that Las Vegas has to offer

Las Vegas is filled with amazing places and activities waiting to be discovered. Get to know every side of this city by doing the things locals do. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, ride a plane to Vegas, and feel alive in this magical city.

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In her current roles, she serves as a Web Content Writer at Microsourcing Philippines and takes on the responsibility of being a Community Manager at ZhenHub. Despite her demanding schedule, she...Read more

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