Best things to do in Las Vegas that aren’t gambling or drinking
Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment Capital of the World and is famous for its casinos, nightlife, and extravagant parties. However, not everyone who visits Las Vegas is interested in gambling or drinking. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry! Las Vegas has plenty of other things to offer besides the casino floors and bars. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best activities to enjoy in Las Vegas when you don’t gamble or drink.
1. Enjoy a Show
photo credit: Travels with the Crew
Las Vegas has been famous for entertainment since Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Liberace began performing here in the 1960s. Magicians, singers, and comedians began flocking to Las Vegas soon after.
Some of the most popular shows in Las Vegas today include Cirque du Soleil’s O, Blue Man Group, and Penn and Teller. You can also catch Broadway shows like The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera at some of the city’s top theaters.
If you are going with the family, the Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur Casino is a treat for young and old alike.
Be prepared to be up late, as many shows don’t start until 9-9:30 pm.
2. Soak Up The Sun at One of Las Vegas’ Famous Pools
photo credit: Deposit Photos
Vegas is also home to some of the world’s most extravagant and luxurious pools. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a party scene, Las Vegas has a pool for every type of traveler. Here are some of the best pools to visit in Las Vegas:
- The Venetian Pool Deck – This pool deck is created to feel like a garden in Venice. It features several pools, including a heated pool and hot tub, and is surrounded by landscaping and cabanas. There is a splash pad as well for kids and kids at heart.
- The Wynn Pool – The Wynn Pool is a tranquil oasis located in the heart of Wynn Las Vegas. It features four pools, a hot tub, and a waterfall and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and private cabanas.
- Mandalay Bay Beach – Mandalay Bay Beach is a massive 11-acre pool complex with a wave pool, a lazy river, and eight pools. It’s designed to look like a tropical beach, with sand, palm trees, and cabanas. It is considered to be one of the best pools in Las Vegas. Be aware that the sand gets very hot, so you will want to pack water shoes to visit Mandalay Bay Beach.
- The Cosmopolitan Pool – The Cosmopolitan Pool is a three-level pool deck that features several pools, including a party pool, a relaxing pool, and a private pool for hotel guests. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the Las Vegas skyline.
- The Bellagio Pool – The Bellagio Pool is a beautiful, Mediterranean-inspired pool deck that features several pools, including a lap pool, a wading pool, and a hot tub. It’s surrounded by Italian landscaping and private cabanas, making it a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- The ARIA Pool Deck – The ARIA Pool Deck is a sleek and modern pool complex that features several pools, including a lap pool, a relaxation pool, and a hot tub. It’s surrounded by a lush garden and private cabanas and is known for its chic and sophisticated vibe.
Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, most hotel pools offer a day pass rate to use the pools. You can visit a new one every day.
3. Shop at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
Photo credit: Travels With The Crew
If you’re looking for a little retail therapy, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is the place to go. The Forum Shops are a high-end shopping mall that features over 160 stores, including designer boutiques, luxury brands, and high-end restaurants.
In addition to shopping, the Forum Shops also offer a range of entertainment options, including live music and street performances. There is an animatronic show called “The Fall of Atlantis” that runs every hour on the hour.
The mall is also home to a replica of the Trevi Fountain, which is a popular spot for photos.
4. Watch the Bellagio Fountains
Photo credit: DepositPhotos
One of the most iconic attractions in Las Vegas is the Bellagio Fountains. Located in front of the Bellagio hotel and casino, this stunning water show consists of a series of choreographed water jets that shoot up to 460 feet in the air, illuminated by an array of colorful lights. The fountains dance to a variety of music, from classical to pop, and perform several times a day, offering visitors a spectacular sight that is not to be missed.
The show is designed to evoke different emotions and moods, from peaceful and romantic to energetic and joyful. Visitors can watch the fountains from several vantage points, including the street, the Bellagio’s balcony, or even from a gondola ride at the nearby Venetian hotel.
Watching the Bellagio Fountains is a quintessential Las Vegas experience that should be on everyone’s itinerary.
5. Watch the Volcano at the Mirage
Photo credit: Deposit Photos
Another must-see attraction in Las Vegas is the Volcano at the Mirage hotel and casino. This awe-inspiring display of fire and water is set against the backdrop of a tropical lagoon, and it’s a show that will leave you speechless. The Volcano at the Mirage features a massive volcano that spews fireballs, smoke, and steam into the air, accompanied by a powerful soundtrack that immerses you in the experience.
The Volcano show is a combination of music, special effects, and pyrotechnics that create a stunning visual spectacle. The show runs several times a night, and each performance is slightly different, making it worth seeing multiple times. The volcano is surrounded by waterfalls, palm trees, and other tropical foliage, adding to the overall ambiance of the show.
6. Visit the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Photo credit: Deposit photos
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is the perfect spot. Located inside the Bellagio hotel, the conservatory features five different gardens that are changed out seasonally.
Each garden features a unique theme and is decorated with thousands of flowers, trees, and plants. The conservatory is free to enter, and it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a photo op.
7. Take a Food Tour
Photo credit: Deposit Photos
Las Vegas is known for its food, and there are many food tours available that allow you to explore the city’s culinary scene. From downtown Las Vegas to the Strip, there are many neighborhoods to explore, and each offers its own unique dining experience.
Food tours typically include stops at multiple restaurants, where you’ll sample a variety of dishes and learn about the history of the area. Some popular food tours in Las Vegas include the Downtown Lip Smacking Foodie Tour and the Secret Food Tours in Las Vegas.
8. Play Golf in Las Vegas
Photo credit: Deposit Photos
Las Vegas is a great destination for golfers, with a wide variety of courses to choose from. Whether you’re an advanced player looking for championship-level play or a beginner who just wants to have some fun, there’s something for everyone. Many of the resorts in Las Vegas offer world-class golf courses that are designed by the biggest names in golf, such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. These courses provide stunning views of the city and surrounding areas while offering plenty of challenges to all levels of players.
It may be surprising to hear that one of the best things to do in Las Vegas is golf,” said Monica Fish. “Las Vegas golf courses are some of America’s best greens from the greatest course architects. You can pick from ones that integrate the natural Nevada landscape and beauty, allow you to experience true Jack Nicklaus golf, play championship-level golf, or gain bragging rights at the only PGA golf course open for public play.”
If you’re looking to practice your game before hitting the greens, many resorts also feature driving ranges and putting greens that can help you improve your skills without having to pay course fees.
9. Visit the Mob Museum
Photo credit: Deposit Photos
The Mob Museum is a fascinating museum in downtown Las Vegas that tells the story of organized crime in America. The museum features interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the rise and fall of the mob, including infamous gangsters like Al Capone and John Gotti.
The Mob Museum also offers guided tours that take visitors through the museum’s exhibits and offer insights into the history of organized crime in America.
10. Visit the Pinball Hall of Fame
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
The Pinball Hall of Fame is a unique museum in Las Vegas that showcases vintage pinball machines from the 1950s to the 1990s. The museum is a nonprofit organization that volunteers run, and all of the machines are fully operational.
Visitors to the Pinball Hall of Fame can play any of the machines for a small fee, and the museum also features a gift shop that sells pinball-related merchandise. The Pinball Hall of Fame is a great spot for a fun and nostalgic afternoon.
11. Take a Day Trip to the Grand Canyon
Photo credit: Deposit Photos
The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world and is a must-see attraction if you’re in Las Vegas. While it’s not located directly in Las Vegas, it’s only a few hours away, and there are plenty of tour companies that offer day trips to the Grand Canyon.
There are many ways to experience the Grand Canyon, including hiking, helicopter tours, and mule rides. If you’re short on time, you can take a tour of the South Rim, which is the most popular and accessible part of the canyon.
12. Visit the Hoover Dam
Photo credit: Deposit Photos
The Hoover Dam is one of the most impressive engineering marvels in the world and is a must-see attraction if you’re visiting Las Vegas. Located just 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam on the Colorado River. It was built during the Great Depression and is named after President Herbert Hoover.
The Hoover Dam is an awe-inspiring sight to behold, and there are many ways to experience it. You can take a guided tour of the dam, visit the Hoover Dam Museum, or simply take in the stunning views from the observation deck. The Hoover Dam is open every day of the year, and admission is free.
13. Explore the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Photo credit: Deposit Photos
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a stunning natural wonder located just a few miles west of Las Vegas. The conservation area covers 195,819 acres and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including bighorn sheep, wild horses, and golden eagles.
There are many ways to explore the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, including hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. There are over 30 miles of hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy to difficult, and the views are simply breathtaking.
14. Battle a Buffet
Photo credit: Deposit Photos
If you are visiting Las Vegas, you must try one of the many celebrated Buffets.
You can fill up on endless plates full of cuisine from around the world at all-day buffets like The Buffet at Harrah’s, Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, and Garden Court Buffet at Main Street Station.
The most over-the-top buffet is Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace. Here you’ll find more than 500 items from around the world daily, including sushi, Asian specialties, Latin flavors, and classic American dishes. Plus, a full-service dessert station with cakes, pastries, and fruit will have even the most ardent sweet tooth salivating.
What are You Waiting For?
Photo credit: Travels With The Crew
If you don’t gamble or drink, Las Vegas can still be an excellent vacation destination. There are enough activities here to keep you busy for a week without even leaving the Las Vegas Strip. You can feel confident that you can have a relaxing vacation that doesn’t involve any of the “sins” of “Sin City.”
There may be affiliate links in this post. Read my disclosure policy to learn more.
Leave a Comment