10 Unique Non Gambling Activities In Vegas

We touched down in Sin City in early May and hit the streets running to the nearest slot machine! We aren’t big gamblers, but hey you are in Vegas! You can part with a penny to put in the slots because trust me that will be the cheapest thing you will do the entire trip!

There is tons of sunshine so be sure to bring sunscreen during the day, especially if you are or a  member of your party is bald. You can do literally anything and everything in Vegas, but however, my bank account had other plans. Therefore, here are some cool things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling.

Fountains at the Bellagio

I know, I know, out of all the things in Vegas who wants to come and see a fountain. I will tell you who, YOU! There is something memorizing and fascinating about a synchronized fountain show that instantly turns you into a wide-eyed little kid at a candy store.

After seeing the show once you will secretly hope every time you walk, drive or pass the Bellagio you will see the fountains going.  The fountain shows run every 1/2 hour from noon to 8 pm and 15 minutes after 8 pm to midnight.

Pro Tip:  Keep your eyes open for street performers/vendors who flock around the fountain-like flies on poo. They are after a few bucks, just remember if you take a picture with someone off the street to be sure to have some cash ready for them.

Visit a Las Vegas Night Club

This is an experience that is one for the books, especially if you come from a city that doesn’t have a thriving nightclub scene.  So pick out your classiest “club” attire, heels that will make you walk like a newborn baby deer, and prepare yourself to be crammed in a room like sardines.

Actually, the sardines may have more room and it likely smells better because there was enough cologne to choke an elephant.  Seeing David Guetta at Club XS could best be compared to being in the pit at a concert.

Pro Tip: The main DJ you are coming to see doesn’t show up until 1 am-2 am. If you are coming from a city with no major clubs, this little tidbit will keep you from standing in high heels for four hours while waiting for the main attraction!

Day Trip To The Grand Canyon From Las Vegas

As you sit in the hotel room and ponder whether or not you want to drive out to see this natural wonder, ponder no more.  Don’t be a baby about the drive, either; there are tons of great places to visit near Las Vegas by car. Yes, it is roughly a two-hour drive to get there, but it is the GRAND CANYON!!

Unless you live within visiting distance of this national treasure, peel yourself away from the roulette wheel and get behind the wheel of your car. Make a day trip of it and visit the Hoover Dam on your way out or back from visiting the canyon.

If you are the adventurous type, on your way to the canyon, stop by the Hot Diggety Dog for lunch. You won’t be disappointed. This is one of the top ten non-gambling activities in Vegas. 

Pro Tip: You can only visit the West Rim of the Grand Canyon from Vegas and make it back on the same day. The Hualapai tribe owns it, and they charge admission for various packages depending on what you want to do.

We did the bare minimum, which was to bus you to different outlook points. My advice is to skip the cheesy wild west town (unless you have kids). They offer the Skywalk, which we opted out of since you couldn’t bring your camera.

Visit These Unique Las Vegas Bars!! 

If you are going to spend a million dollars on a drink, then by God, you better enjoy that drink in style and class.  Here are a few unique and fun bars that we visited.

 Ghost Bar: Sitting high atop the Palms, this excellent rooftop bar features a few glass-bottom areas. You get a fantastic view of the strip; however, they do charge a cover.

Chandelier Bar: In the heart of the Cosmopolitan is this bejeweled bar that commands your attention. Women are drawn to this bar like they are to diamonds….ohhh shiny!

Frankie’s Tiki Room-A true Vegas institution, Frankie’s Tiki Room combines classic tiki culture with a dash of rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Open 24 hours a day, it’s filled with bamboo décor, carved wooden tiki statues, and creative cocktails with names like “Tiki Bandit” and “Zombie Punch.” This off-the-Strip gem feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret island in the middle of the desert — perfect for an after-dinner adventure.

The Laundry Room – Hidden behind a secret door inside Commonwealth downtown, The Laundry Room is an intimate speakeasy experience where every drink is tailor-made to your taste. You’ll need a reservation and a texted password to get in, but the exclusivity and artistry make it worth the effort.

Red Rock Canyon

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Las Vegas that doesn’t involve flashing lights or slot machines, head west to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Just a short 30-minute drive from the Strip, this stunning desert landscape offers a completely different side of Vegas — one filled with dramatic red rock formations, scenic overlooks, and miles of hiking trails. Whether you’re up for a family-friendly walk, a scenic drive along the 13-mile loop, or a chance to spot desert wildlife, Red Rock Canyon is a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle. It’s the perfect reminder that Las Vegas isn’t just about the casinos — it’s also surrounded by some of Nevada’s most breathtaking natural beauty.

Travel Tip:

Good to Know: A timed entry reservation is required for the Scenic Drive during peak season (October through May), so book ahead online to secure your spot.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler and the light makes the red rocks glow.

What to Bring: Plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. The park is great for families — there are rest areas, picnic spots, and easy trails like the Calico Hills path.

Pro Tip: Once you are in the park, there is no phone service, no water, no food, so come prepared so you don’t die. Wear gym or hiking shoes, because I guarantee you will want to get out and explore.

More Non-Gambling Activities In Vegas: Visit The Pioneer Saloon 

Remember how I mentioned there are amazing places to visit near Las Vegas by car? There are a few ghost towns near Las Vegas worth exploring.

One of our favorite spots to visit was the Pioneer Saloon. Off the beaten path, you will find this authentic wild west saloon in the heart of a ghost town.

There are two things you must do here: Do a shot of whiskey at the bar and order one of the best hamburgers you will have in Vegas. Read more about them here.

This adventure is for someone looking for something outside of the box or someone who has lost all of their money and are looking for something free and fun.

As you drive for miles into the desert you will begin to wonder if this is a hoax, you start to see mirages that look like lakes. Just as you are about to turn around you finally arrive at the amazingly awesome ghost town of Nelson.

This preserved piece of history takes visitors back to a simpler time and offers a photographer’s paradise. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes and be sure to stop in the general store to visit the property up keepers.

Do you love Coke? Do you like haute cuisine from far away lands? If you do then this is for you!  

While you are walking the strip swing by the Coca Cola Store, make your way up to the second floor, and order the Tastes of the World. It is the best money you will spend and technically you are educating yourself on Cokes from afar.

Fair warning: You get 16 samples so one order is perfect to share. Also some of the flavors…are…unique aka disgrossting.

 Fremont Street

Nothing screams classic Vegas, like Fremont Street.  This is the Vegas that we have seen in the movies since we were young! The beloved marquises greet you and the musical muses of Elvis echo through the streets.

Street performers line the street hoping you will put that lone dollar in their bucket instead of the slot machine.  You can even go zip lining down the whole street-next time!

Pro Tip: It can get crowded and can be kinda dirty. I don’t know if I would trust the $6.99 Prime Rib buffets down here either. Just remember, you get what you pay for and that may be Hepatitis A.

Historic Railroad Trail 

Take a step back into history with this fun unique hike. This is the only remaining section of the Hoover Dam Railroad system that is not destroyed.

The tunnels that you will get to walk through are phenomenal and full of history. You can even see where the smoke of the engines has layered the walls. Not being an avid hiker I did find this trail fairly easy and it did offer some amazing view of Lake Mead.

Pro Tip: This is not a shady hike, wear sunscreen, and bring water! It gets super hot and there is no shade, other than in the tunnels.

Looking for more adventures?  Check out what other adventures we had out west!

Pin It For Later 

Ten Non-Gambling Activities In Vegas