While Sin City is best known for its many nightclubs, casinos and the glittering lights of the Strip, there are many things to see in Las Vegas beyond slot machines and strobe lights. From exceptional art collections to the unmatched beauty of the Nevada desert, Las Vegas has so much to offer. If you need a break from the Strip or are simply looking for a way to spend the day before hitting the blackjack table again, here are 7 incredible experiences you can share with Trafalgar.
Grand Canyon National Park
A short drive away from the bustling streets and nightclubs of Vegas is the awe-inspiring majesty of the Grand Canyon National Park. Just over the Nevada-Arizona border, the massive expanse of gorges, ridges and cliffs of the Grand Canyon will amaze you at every turn. Even simply enjoying the views from a variety of vantage points could take hours, but one of the best ways to admire the canyon is on a hiking tour to the bottom of the Canyon. An iconic American landmark, the Grand Canyon should be high on your list of things to see in Las Vegas.
Enjoy the best of Las Vegas and the mighty Grand Canyon when you travel with Trafalgar on ‘The Trailblazer’ tour.
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Neon Museum
If you’ve been wondering where to go in Las Vegas beyond the bright lights of the Strip, try the Neon Museum. Once known as the “neon boneyard”, this fenced-in yard was originally where many of the Strip’s neon signs were stored once their respective casinos were either renovated or imploded. Over 120 signs rest in the “boneyard” next to the museum. Guided tours cover trends in neon sign design and technology, which have played a huge role in Las Vegas history.
Wynn Golf Club
The gorgeous golf course at the Wynn Las Vegas is one of the finest golf courses in the United States. Redesigned by Tom and Logan Fazio in 2019, the showpiece – the 35-foot-high, 100-foot-wide waterfall – is the highlight of the green. With stunning views and much of the native vegetation retained, the Wynn Golf course highlights the natural beauty of Nevada, and makes for the perfect way to unwind away from the nightclubs and casinos.
Death Valley National Park
Settled between snow-capped mountains lies the very much alive Death Valley National Park; the perfect escape from the thrum of the city. One of the foremost things to see in Las Vegas, the Death Valley National Park is filled with life, with everything from native flora and fauna to historic ghost towns and long abandoned mining towns. Famous for being one of the hottest places on Earth, the Death Valley National Park is a mere 2 hours out of Las Vegas and home to a wide variety of wildlife from bighorn sheep and mountain lions to vibrant butterfly species like the Indra Swallowtail and Western Pygmy Blue.
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Aria Fine Art Collection
If you’re an art aficionado, you may be wondering what to see in Las Vegas that will scratch that itch. If so, it’s worth visiting the Aria Fine Art Collection. Over the years, Sin City has attracted many great artists and their works can be found all over the city. Paintings, sculptures, and installations from the likes of Frank Stella, Maya Lin and Coosje van Bruggen are scattered around the city. Self-directed tours mean that you can spend as much time as you want exploring the cultural side of Las Vegas that many never see.
Seven Magic Mountains
When you arrive in Las Vegas via Interstate 15, you’ll be greeted by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone’s large and colourful installation, Seven Magic Mountains. These seven 30-35 feet tall columns are sourced from local boulders and painted in bright, dayglo colours that are sure to attract your attention as you seek out what to see in Las Vegas. The juxtaposition of the natural versus artificial, the local boulders painted in unnatural colours are a creative critique of Las Vegas itself. Set in the awesome natural beauty of the Nevada desert, Las Vegas is characterized by its bright lights and array of colours. This iconic landmark is a must-see for anyone visiting Vegas.
Downtown Las Vegas Murals and Public Art
Just as Las Vegas has attracted numerous fine artists over the years, local and indie artists are drawn to the city as well. Downtown Las Vegas has gone through periods of gentrification and partial abandonment, attracting mural artists since 2013 when the annual Life is Beautiful Festival began. You can choose your own art adventure as you wander Downtown: follow established tour routes or look for diamonds in the rough off the beaten track. Keep an eye out for 21-story murals by the likes of Shepard Fairy and Faile on the sides of the Plaza. And while some murals have been lost, painted over in successive festival years, part of the charm is the element of discovery.
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There is more to do in Las Vegas than hit the nightclubs and the casinos, and it can be hard to decide what to do in Las Vegas when there are so many options. But taking the time to explore the city beyond the vibrancy of the Strip to uncover the hidden gems is well worth the time.
Have you travelled to Las Vegas? Or, are you hoping to visit Las Vegas in the future? What was your favourite hidden gem? Let us know in the comments! Or, visit our website to learn more about how you can travel to the United States with Trafalgar.