Moving to Las Vegas and looking for fun things to do? There’s more to Vegas than the slot machines and the Strip. Check out this list of Las Vegas hot spots and hidden gems for outdoor recreation, local restaurants, family activities, annual festivals, and more!
Las Vegas Essentials for Newcomers
Before you get to the neighborhood favorites and hidden gems below, these are the landmarks every Vegas newcomer should hit first!
- Area15: The world’s first interactive entertainment district, packed with immersive experiences, shopping, concerts, and food. Walking the quirky art-filled ground floor is free, or you can upgrade to a bundle pass for experiences like Wink World or the Museum of Ice Cream.
- Lake Mead: Just 35 minutes from the Strip, this 1.5-million-acre national park spans mountains, land, and water. Whether it’s biking, boating, fishing, or scuba diving you’re after, there’s enough here for multiple days of exploring.
- Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart: A surrealist grocery store turned art museum, complete with hidden secrets, games, and puzzles around every corner. Keep an eye out for the hidden speakeasy tucked inside!
- The Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge: Step into old Las Vegas at this iconic spot, once a backdrop for films like Showgirls and The Cotton Club. Grab a cocktail in the sunken Fireside Lounge, or dig into comfort food classics like Cajun Chicken Pasta.
- Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay: Home to more than 2,000 animals and featuring a walk-through tunnel surrounded by fish, sharks, and sea turtles. Buy tickets for stingray or shark feedings, or book a guided tour for the full experience.
- Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign: This iconic sign has been welcoming visitors since 1959, glowing with classic Vegas neon after dark. There’s a designated parking lot nearby, making it easy to stop by and snap a photo.
Outdoor & Nature Spots in Las Vegas
For those who love nature, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Las Vegas! Whether you want to explore the red sandstones of Red Rock Canyon or take a hike up Mount Charleston, there is always something new to do and beautiful nature to explore.
Exploration Peak Park
You don’t need to drive 30 minutes to see the Nevada outdoors—Exploration Peak Park is an 80-acre city park complete with a 2,846-foot-high peak. Walk the trails, have a picnic overlooking the city, or take your kids to the play archaeological dig site. You can also cool off in the summertime at the water play area or try your hand at a game of horseshoes!
Floyd Lamb Park
View the beautiful Spring Mountains in Las Vegas at the 680-acre Floyd Lamb Park. Ride horses, play volleyball, or bike throughout the park while enjoying views of the mountains. If you plan to have a picnic, the park has barbecue grills to use and picnic tables available to reserve. There is a small entry fee per vehicle, but the park also offers free entry eight days a year!
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
About 30 minutes from the heart of Vegas is the natural conservation area of Red Rock Canyon. This Las Vegas hidden gem offers a beautiful 13-mile scenic drive and some of the most stunning views of Nevada’s landscape. When you visit Red Rock Canyon, you’ll have all kinds of things to do! You can go hiking, observe wildlife, see incredible geographic features, or even camp for the weekend.
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
Join Las Vegas nature programs for all ages and sign up for hikes at the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, also known as Mount Charleston. This park, about a 45-minute drive away from Las Vegas proper, is well-loved by outdoorsy families who sign their kids up for Junior Ranger & Junior Snow Ranger Programs. You can also sign up for Science Safaris to learn about data collection from real scientists, or see nature through a new lens with guided Snowshoe Hikes and Night Hikes.
Sunset Park
Sunset Park is one of the largest parks in Las Vegas. It has multiple trails to explore, picnic areas for resting, and amenities like basketball courts, fishing areas, a splash pad, and more! This 324-acre Las Vegas park also has the last of the remaining dunes that once took up a majority of Paradise Valley, so you can get a peek at what the landscape used to look like. If you want to host an event, there are also nine areas in the park that you can reserve.
Valley of Fire State Park
Stand in awe of nature’s colorful beauty at the Valley of Fire State Park, a 45-minute drive outside of Las Vegas. At this state park, you can hike to Elephant Rock, Arch Rock, and the Fire Wave site to see the natural layering of sandstone. Drive or bike through the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway, take a look at prehistoric petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock for a peek into life from thousands of years ago, and check out White Dome rock formations. You can even camp at one of two campgrounds in the park—and don’t forget to take time for stargazing in the clear night skies.
Local Restaurants & Bars in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is known for having some of the widest variety of food and drink options in the country. With everything from Michelin-starred dining to under-the-radar restaurants and bars, there is something for everyone to dive into when it comes to the Las Vegas food and beverage scene.
Able Baker Brewing Company
Inspired by Nevada’s role in the Atomic Age, Able Baker offers a wide rotating line-up of hand-crafted beers. They have two locations—their “Bomb Shelter” in Centennial Hills and their brewery and taproom in Downtown Las Vegas. The downtown location shares space with the Arts District Kitchen, offering bites like Beer-Brined Wings, Crispy Cauliflower, or Baja Fish Tacos while you sip. Or grab food like Loco Wings, Fusion Fries, or Atomic Street Tacos from the “Bomb Shelter” location’s menu. Plus, the restaurant and patio allow kids, so you can either enjoy time with the family, or have a 21+ night out!
Atomic Liquors
A piece of Las Vegas’ history and a true gem to the bar scene, Atomic was the first free-standing bar in Vegas and received the first-ever “Tavern License” in the city. This still-popular Las Vegas bar can even be seen in iconic film and TV works like The Twilight Zone, Casino, and The Hangover. In addition to drinks, Atomic serves bites like Hand-Dipped Pickle Spears, The Truffle Explosion, and Shrimp Ceviche Tostada—or you can try the Atomic Wing Challenge, which involves eating six Atomic Reaper Wings in five minutes to win a shirt and free drinks.
Cured & Whey
Cured & Whey is home to some of the best charcuterie Las Vegas has to offer! Located just off S Valley View Blvd, this meat and cheese supplier-meets-restaurant has more than 200 different cheeses and 60 different meats from around the world. While visiting Cured & Whey, let the friendly staff curate a charcuterie board that caters to your unique tastes, or choose from a variety of hot and cold sandwiches like Truffle Honey Grilled Cheese, Duck Reuben, or Mortalian.
Esther’s Kitchen
Savor Italian in Las Vegas when you stop by Esther’s Kitchen. Owned and created by James Trees, Esther’s Kitchen is named after his late great-aunt Esther. Taste Chef Trees’s cooking through brunch dishes like Whipped Ricotta + Marmalade Toast, the Proper Breakfast, or The Brunch Pizza. Or stop by for dinner and start off with one of the housemade sourdough breads before moving on to an entree of Cauliflower Alla Romana, followed by Chocolate Hazelnut Olive Oil Cake.
Evel Pie
Evel Pie celebrates and honors the iconic American stunt performer, Evel Knievel, through slices of an American favorite food: pizza. This Las Vegas pizza place is famous for the Reaper Challenge, where you must complete three “Don’t Fear the Reaper” slices in ten minutes for a Reaper Shirt, your name on the Wall of Flame, and an announcement on social media. Evel Pie also serves up pizza slices like Gang Green, Goblin Sausage, or even a Charity Slice, which donates a dollar to charity organizations.
La Strega
Experience Chef Gina Marinelli’s take on coastal Italian cuisine at La Strega. Upon entering this cozy hidden gem, you’ll be greeted by a light, airy interior and friendly service from its staff. La Strega has frequently been recognized as one of the best Italian restaurants in Vegas—and it’s no surprise why! With carefully-crafted menu items like the Swordfish Milanese, Grilled Spanish Branzino, and Orecchiette, it’s a dining experience that will absolutely leave you satisfied.
Herbs and Rye
Ranked 25th out of the 50 best bars in America, Herbs and Rye offers more than amazing and creative cocktails. Take date night to the next level at this Las Vegas steakhouse. Start with appetizers like Beef Tartare, Spicy Mussels, or Littleneck Clams, then move on to the Pork & Figs, Agnolotti, or New York Strip.
Partage
Wondering where to go for date night in Las Vegas? Make a reservation at Partage. This hidden gem is a French restaurant that serves gourmet dishes in a modern yet elegant space tucked away in Chinatown. Partage offers monthly rotating five-course, seven-course, and nine-course tasting menus. In addition, they have an incredible selection of French wines and an exclusive wine club that you can join to learn more about winemaking and even get discounts on bottles.
Velveteen Rabbit
An award-winning bar, Velveteen Rabbit offers a unique place for grabbing drinks with your friends. This fun and colorful bar also offers large event spaces for throwing private parties, making it perfect for whimsical gatherings with friends. Enjoy a wide range of unique cocktails like The Amulet, the Moon Landing Hoax, or The Bermuda Triangle—or enjoy Las Vegas mocktails like Resurrection or The Midnight Idol.
Arts & Culture Things to Do in Las Vegas
Want to explore arts and culture in Las Vegas? The city draws people from all over the world to make, share, and experience creativity in every form—from fine art to local history. Between vintage finds, theatrical shows, museums, and everything in between, there’s always something new to discover.
The Beverly Theater
See your favorite film on the big screen or take time to find a new favorite movie at The Beverly Theater, Las Vegas’ independent nonprofit movie theater. This space combines a love for literature, music, and film under one roof. Whether you want to see new releases or cult classics, The Beverly Theater has it all.
Main Street Peddlers Antique Mall
Step into Las Vegas’ Antique Alley for a blast from the past at Main Street Peddlers Antique Mall. Browse racks of vintage clothing, furniture, and decor, or dig through bins of retro toys, mystery bags, and old comics for a hidden treasure. At 5,000 square feet, this local institution is easy to lose an afternoon in—so budget more time than you think you’ll need.
Majestic Repertory Theatre
The Majestic Repertory Theatre is a popular local performing arts theatre in Las Vegas’ arts district. Be ready for your funny bone to be tickled with parodies, LGBTQ-friendly comedy, and unique musical comedies—including eclectic shows like Poisoning Pigeons in the Park, I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire, The Miss Behave Game Show, and many more. If theatre is your jam, you can even consider auditioning for a show!
The Neon Museum
Want to learn more about Sin City history? Take a trip to The Neon Museum in Downtown Las Vegas, where you can stroll through exhibits featuring vintage signs from former casinos, hotels, and much more! In the Neon Boneyard, you can view giant signs from the Hard Rock Cafe, Stardust Resort & Casino, and Moulin Rouge Hotel. And in the North Gallery, you can check out all kinds of unrestored neon signs. The museum lights up at night, which makes for great photos!
The Punk Rock Museum
Rock out to your favorite music genre or learn to appreciate a new genre at The Punk Rock Museum. See a wide range of punk rock history artifacts like fliers, clothing, handwritten lyrics, and instruments from bands like Rise Against, Sick of it All, Strung Out, and more. You can even hold and play guitars from the featured bands while you listen to music. The museum also throws 21+ Las Vegas punk rock concerts in the Pennywise Garage.
Zia Records
Music lovers and pop culture fans alike will find something to love at Zia Records. Located on Rainbow Blvd in the Charleston neighborhood, this Vegas independent record store sells new and used vinyl records, music accessories, DVDs, entertainment center equipment, and more. They even have exclusive color vinyl records for sale! On top of that, if you love pop culture collectibles like Funko Pops, action figures, and movie tees, this Vegas hidden gem has all kinds of treasures.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Las Vegas
Despite the main Strip’s reputation, there are plenty of family-friendly activities in Las Vegas. Whether it’s visiting prehistoric sites to learn about natural history, exploring local museums, or seeing kid-friendly shows, the city has a variety of options for family-friendly fun.
CJ’s Italian Ice & Custard
Cool off from the Las Vegas heat with the whole family at CJ’s Italian Ice & Custard. With four locations around the Vegas area, this local favorite is an easy stop after a day at the park or the pool. Kids will love building their own custom treat—mix and match Italian ice and custard flavors, pile on toppings, or try one of CJ’s fun signature creations, like the Spicy Sandia or the classic Dipped Cone. It’s a simple, sweet way to end a day together.
Downtown Container Park
This isn’t just any shopping mall—the Downtown Container Park in Las Vegas is a strip of shipping containers made into stores, restaurants, and entertainment. Enjoy time on the Downtown Terrace with a cocktail, then accompany your kids to playtime at The Treehouse playground. While you’re there, you might be able to see some daytime entertainment at the main stage—or check out the daily free Mantis Fire Show!
Ice Age Fossils State Park
Feel like a paleontologist when you visit Ice Age Fossils State Park, perfect for kids interested in science and prehistory! Explore the park’s three trails—including the Megafauna Trail, Las Vegas Wash Trail, and Big Dig Trail—where you’ll see fossils of Pleistocene animals like the Columbian mammoths, American lions, dire wolves, and more from the Ice Age. After your hike, take time to enjoy a picnic or walk through the Visitor Center.
Las Vegas Aviators
Root for the Las Vegas Aviators (MiLB) at Las Vegas Ballpark. This Triple-A affiliate of the Athletics (MLB) features rising stars of baseball and offers family-friendly outings in Sin City. You can enjoy theme nights like Bark in the Park or even rent out the stadium’s swimming pool! Additionally, be sure to try the elevated ballpark fare and signature cocktails with food stands like Custom Hot Dogs, Flight Deck Burgers, and BBQ Mexicana.
Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum
History buffs, natural science lovers, and curious kids alike will appreciate a visit to the Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum. Visit exhibits like Treasures of Egypt, learn about nature and animals through one of the animal galleries, or observe rocks in the Geology Gallery. And don’t forget to get up close to meet the most preserved dinosaur in the world at the Dinosaur Mummy CSI: Cretaceous Science Investigation exhibit.
Mermaid Appearances at Silverton Casino Lodge
Amaze your kids with the free aquarium and mermaid shows at the Silverton Casino. You can even sign up for an exclusive mermaid school experience where you and your kids can swim with the mermaids and sea creatures in the tanks. Stop by around 1:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. if you want to participate in daily stingray feedings, but note that the mermaids take a break from 3:45 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Springs Preserve
Discover the “birthplace of Las Vegas” and learn about the people who inhabited the area thousands of years ago at Springs Preserve, a site on the National Register of Historic Places. Tour the Origen Museum, where you can visit Mojave animals, watch a film about the Mojave Desert, and learn about the flash floods the area experiences. You and your family can also explore the Botanical Garden, Butterfly Habitat, WaterWorks Museum, and more—in fact, you could easily spend a day here and still have more to see next time!
Seasonal Events & Local Festivals in Las Vegas
There are plenty of seasonal events to look forward to in Las Vegas. From the Summerlin Festival of Arts to the annual Las Vegas Pride Parade, there is always a great event happening in every season of the year!
The Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival
Live like a king or queen during the three-day Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival! Hosted in Sunset Park, this festival lets you take part in fantastical medieval-inspired activities like archery, camel rides, pirate games, and more while you interact with period actors. Watch performances like the comedic Barber Surgeon, the adventurous Captain’s Challenge, or the fiery Sisters of Cybele. Stay the whole weekend and dive into the festivities as early as 6 a.m. when you camp on the grounds.
Downtown Rocks Summer Concert Series
Listen a variety of musical guests at the season-long Downtown Rocks Summer Concert Series. Held on Fremont Street, this summer concert series lasts from May to October and features about 16 artists, including big names like Sleeping With Sirens and Mayday Parade. The best part is that the concerts are free—just note that you’ll need $25 for parking if you plan to drive.
Las Vegas Book Festival
Pick up a stack of new reads at the Las Vegas Book Festival, held at the Historic Fifth Street School! Bookworms of Las Vegas unite for exclusive readings, author meet-and-greets, and interviews with independent authors of various cultural identities. Browse books in genres like romance, science fiction, young adult fiction, children’s literature, and so much more at this page-turning festival in Las Vegas!
Las Vegas Pizza Festival
Come with an empty stomach to the Las Vegas Pizza Festival. Lovers of the Italian dish can find a variety of slices with unique twists—compare pies in Detroit, New York, Sicilian, and more styles from different Las Vegas pizzerias. If you’re truly passionate about pizza and want maximum comfort and entertainment, you can also consider upgrading to the VIP experience!
Las Vegas Pride Parade
The Las Vegas Pride Parade has a leg up on most Pride parades—this one takes place at night! Lighting up the Downtown Vegas streets starting at 6 p.m. with a Parade Pre-Show, this festival takes place at and around the intersection of 4th St and Bridger Ave in October. Join the businesses and individuals celebrating the LGBTQ community in dancing, singing, and cheering on parade attendees!
RISE Lantern Festival
Join in on the world’s largest sky lantern ceremony! The RISE Lantern Festival includes live music, art, and of course, paper lanterns. This three-day festival takes place in the Jean Dry Lake Bed in the Mojave Desert and has previously featured musical performances from major artists like Ben Bohmer, Calvin Harris, and John Mayer. At the end of the night, you can take time to write your story, a dream, or intentions on your lantern before releasing it into the sky.
Summerlin Festival of Arts
Looking for new art to add to your collection? Find it at the Summerlin Festival of Arts, a Downtown Summerlin festival with over 100 artists from across the country! The free festival offers fun for everyone for three days, starting on a Friday and ending on a Sunday each year in October. Grab some food as you walk around and find new art forms you didn’t know existed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hidden gem in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has plenty of hidden gems to explore. For an outdoor activity, check out Red Rock Canyon. For something cultural, The Neon Museum is a standout—home to 2.27 acres of “electric excitement,” featuring signage from the Strip’s earliest casinos alongside new art installations, all rich with history and entertainment.
What is the best neighborhood to explore in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has so many neighborhoods worth exploring, and the best one depends on the vibe you’re going for. For vibrant, popular attractions, try the tried-and-true Downtown Las Vegas neighborhood, a favorite among singles and young professionals. Or check out Summerlin for a more family-friendly vibe in Las Vegas.
What are some free activities in Las Vegas?
There are plenty of free things to do in Las Vegas, including visiting Exploration Peak Park or Sunset Park, attending the Downtown Rocks Summer Concert Series at the Fremont Street Experience, taking photos at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, watching the Fountains of Bellagio water show, or browsing booths at the Summerlin Festival of Arts.
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