Things To Do In Las Vegas Off The Strip
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Things To Off The Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas is so much more than the Vegas Strip. But many people never venture off the beaten path to see what else the city and surrounding areas have to offer. If you’re looking to leave the hotels and casinos behind and explore some art, culture, nature, and new experiences, this is the guide for you.
Maybe you’re visiting Vegas with kids and need something besides slot machines to pass the time, or maybe you’re yearning for adventure beyond the buffet lines. Regardless of your motivation, I’m here to show you the wide world of things to do in Las Vegas off the Strip. From quick trips to full-day travel excursions, this guide has it all.
Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone created this large-scale public art installation just 10 miles south of Las Vegas. If you’re driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, you’ll pass it on your way into the city, just off Highway 15.
These giant, colorful rocks have become a true favorite of Instagram influencers the world over. And with good reason. It’s a pretty impressive installation. Think Stonehenge goes to a rave.
Warning, it is extremely popular and guests are advised to arrive early if they’d like to get the best view and get close to snap pictures. Don’t have access to a car? I recommend this wheelchair-accessible guided tour of the Mojave Desert, the Las Vegas sign, and the Seven Magic Mountains.
Check out the Seven Mountains Website for more information.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
2. Las Vegas Street Art Tour
I LOVE street art, as you might be able to tell from my Los Angeles Street Art and Chicago Street Art guides.
You can take a self-guided walking tour of Las Vegas street art with the help of my Las Vegas street art guide. This guide points out all the best Las Vegas mural art and where to find it.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. You will be on public city streets with sidewalks.
3. Fremont Street Experience
One of the best free things to do in Vegas is visit Fremont Street for the incredible overhead light show and free nightly live music. Live music starts nightly at 6 pm. Viva Vision, the world’s largest digital display runs every hour from 6 pm to 2 am.
Adventurous types can try their hand at Slotzilla, the overhead, 11-story high zipline.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. Even the zipline. I also recommend this wheelchair-accessible tour of Freemont Street.
4. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Located just a short drive from Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning red rock formations, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife, it offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert. Hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife watching are among the many activities available for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, Red Rock Canyon has something to offer for everyone.
Don’t have access to a car? You can always take a wheelchair-accessible tour of Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
5. Hoover Dam
One of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas off Strip is visit The Hoover Dam. The Hoover Dam is about 30 minutes outside Vegas, making it an extremely popular day trip.
If you’re not in the mood for a structured tour, you can drive yourself to The Hoover Dam. A self guided tour costs just $10 and allows you to immerse yourself in the history of the dam as you walk through narrated exhibits. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Dam, Lake Mead, Colorado River, and Hoover Bypass Bridge from the observation deck. Visitors can also cross the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge that spans the Colorado River connecting Nevada and Arizona. Be sure to snap your picture straddling the state line as you hear dads making the standard dad joke, “Would you look at that dam bridge?”
If you’d prefer you can also get a wheelchair-accessible guided half-day tour to the Hoover Dam.
Wheelchair Accessible: The actual Dam and exhibits are wheelchair accessible. This awesome Hoover Dam tour is also wheelchair accessible.
6. The Las Vegas Mob Museum
The National Museum of Organized Crime & Law Enforcement offers a provocative look at organized crime history and its impact on American society. And if that’s too fancy for you, you can always visit their underground speakeasy and distillery.
Click here for Mob Museum tickets.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, the museum is ADA-compliant.
Neon Boneyard Museum
7. Museum of Neon Las Vegas
Visit iconic neon signs from Las Vegas’s storied history. The Neon Museum collection chronicles changes and trends in sign design and technology through pieces ranging from the 1930s to the present day. The neon boneyard is also one of the top spots in Vegas to take amazing Instagram shots.
It’s recommended you purchase tickets beforehand, particularly if you are visiting at night.
You can also take a wheelchair-accessible guided tour of The Museum of Neon.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, the museum is fully ADA-compliant.
8. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park, located in California and Nevada, is known for its extreme heat and unique desert landscape. The park encompasses nearly 3.4 million acres, making it the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Visitors can explore salt flats, sand dunes, canyons, and rugged mountains throughout the park. Since the park is so massive, I highly recommend taking a guided tour of Death Valley from Las Vegas.
One of the most famous spots in Death Valley is Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. The park also features iconic landmarks such as Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Artist's Drive.
Despite its harsh environment, Death Valley is home to a variety of plant and animal species adapted to the desert conditions. Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking, stargazing, and ranger-led programs to learn more about the park's natural and cultural history.
Due to the extreme temperatures during the summer months, it is crucial for visitors to be well-prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and appropriate clothing. You can learn more in my guide to Death Valley National Park.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. If you are permanently disabled check out the National Parks Access Pass program to get free entry to all US National Parks.
9. Atomic Testing Museum
One of the most interesting things to do off the strip in Vegas is get nerdy at the National Atomic Testing Museum. Just 15 minutes from The Strip, this museum is the bomb. Designated as a private National Museum in December 2012, the National Atomic Testing Museum is charged by Congress to preserve the history of and educate the public about the nation’s nuclear testing program. It was of particular interest to me, as my great uncle worked on The Manhattan Project. It’s a fascinating history lesson you can only get in Southern Nevada.
Get your tickets to the Atomic Testing Museum here.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. The museum is ADA-compliant.
Family Things To Do In Las Vegas Off The Strip
Vegas has become family friendly over the years. If you’re thinking of bringing the kids, here are some fun things to do off the strip as well as some nearby things to do outside of Las Vegas.
10. Las Vegas Natural History Museum
If your kids are into science and nature and you’re looking for off strip Vegas activities, then The Vegas Natural History Museum is for you. From dinosaurs to Da Vinci to exciting shark feedings, the Natural History Museum Las Vegas has it all. The interactive exhibits are great for kids.
Check out the Las Vegas Natural History Museum for tickets.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. The museum is ADA-compliant.
11. Valley Of Fire State Park
One of the most popular things to do outside Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is a stunning natural area known for its vibrant red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and diverse desert flora and fauna. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, enjoy panoramic views from various lookout points, and marvel at the unique geological features that give the park its name. Camping facilities are available for those looking to spend more time immersed in the park's rugged beauty. A visit to Valley of Fire offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the wonders of the desert landscape.
Don’t have access to a car? You can take a wheelchair-accessible tour of The Valley of Fire from Las Vegas.
12. Downtown Container Park
Downtown Container Park is an open-air shopping experience like no other. This outdoor mall offers everything from gourmet quick-service dining to award-winning cocktails at Oak & Ivy. There’s even an interactive playground for kids if you’re looking for free family things to do in Las Vegas off the strip. Adults can relax while enjoying free concerts, movies, and more on the main stage. Check their website for special events.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
13. Grand Canyon National Park
One of the most popular things to do outside Las Vegas is visit Grand Canyon National Park. There are plenty of day trip options from helicopter rides to bus tours and they’re guaranteed fun for the whole family.
For those looking to soar over the Grand Canyon in the ultimate sightseeing experience, there are plenty of mind-blowing helicopter tours from Las Vegas. Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Or if you’re a land lover you can visit Grand Canyon West in a one-day Grand Canyon white water rafting adventure from Las Vegas. Travel to the Grand Canyon’s West rim in a luxury van then navigate down Class 3 and 4 rapids through 40 miles of the Colorado River.
You can also choose to make the trip yourself if you have access to a car.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! Make sure to get your National Parks Access pass if you’re permanently disabled.
14. Ethel M Chocolate Factory And Botanical Gardens
If you love chocolate and seek a tasty off strip Las Vegas experience, you’ll love a trip to the Ethel M chocolate factory in Henderson, Nevada. This family friendly environment is a great place to enjoy premium chocolate and wine tastings for the adults, take a self-guided tour of the factory, and enjoy the free-to-visit, massive three-acre cactus garden. The garden is one of the largest in the world.
Pro tip: This is a great place to stock up on tasty souvenirs.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
15. Cowabunga Water Park
Cowabunga Water Park is perfect for families and kids at heart. Located in nearby Summerlin, Nevada the Cowabunga Canyon Water Park features 12 wild water attractions. You can also reserve poolside cabanas.
Day passes start at $45.
For more information visit the Cowabunga Water Park website.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. However, it is not recommended for those with back issues.
New York New York on the Las Vegas Strip
Conclusion Of Things To Do In Las Vegas Off The Strip
I hope I’ve inspired you to leave that hotel and casino behind and explore some exciting things to do off the strip in Las Vegas. I love Las Vegas and the surrounding areas and have spent the last twenty years exploring all the area has to offer. It’s so much more than gambling and debauchery. However, I urge you to make time for a little debauchery as well. Happy travels!
