Hate Las Vegas? Here’s How to Actually Enjoy Your Trip

Wondering how to enjoy Las Vegas when you hate it? It isn’t typically the first place that comes to mind when I think about vacation destinations. In fact, I often tell people I don’t like it there. I’m not into gambling, I don’t care about flashy shows, and I certainly don’t have a budget for high-end shopping. It’s expensive, crowded, overwhelming, and exhausting. Do you feel the same way about Vegas, but have plans to visit anyway? Then this post is for you!

Every time we’ve visited Las Vegas, it’s been for a concert. This routine definitely contributed to my dislike of Vegas. We didn’t explore or do much outside of hanging out with friends before, during, and after the show. While most of our friends living in California, for them, Vegas was just a weekend road trip. Whereas for us, it meant taking several days off work and flying across the country. I wanted to make these trips more enjoyable by expanding beyond the concert and seeing more Vegas.

We’ve made two changes to our Vegas visits: first, we make sure to add an outdoor adventure to every trip. Las Vegas is centrally located to many amazing parks within just 30 minutes to 4 hours away. Second, we try to include at least one or two new experiences, plus a new restaurant, each time we visit. Without doubt, this variety has helped break up our trips and make them feel fresh every time. My perspective on Vegas shifted, while it’s still not at the top of my list, I’ve come to appreciate our visits.

Find Your Vegas Faves!

In this post, I’m sharing the top things that made us hate Vegas less and actually have fun! This isn’t an exhaustive guide, but a curated list of things I feel are worth adding to your itinerary if you also struggle with enjoying Vegas. Hopefully, it’ll help you shift your perspective, too, and maybe even have an amazing time! I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments, and if you have any recommendations for us to try next. I’ll keep this post updated with our latest finds from time to time.

Discover the Quirky Side of Las Vegas

Let’s take the party off the Strip and instead check out these unusual, unique, and fun destinations. While you’re still going to find crowds, it’s something different to do when you need to get away from the chaos of Las Vegas strip.

Experience the Magic of Seven Magic Mountains

Launched in 2016 and initially intended for a limited-time viewing, this unique, large-scale desert public art exhibit by Ugo Rondinone is still available to see and is a fun photo op just about 10 miles outside of Las Vegas. Lastly, you’re going to need to drive here as no public transportation is available at the installation site.

Visit the Seven Magic Mountain’s website for more information.

Go on a Weird Adventure at Area 15 & Meow Wolf

If you’re looking for something really weird to do, check out Area 15/ Meow Wolf. This huge art installation/entertainment complex is undoubtedly one of the oddest things you can do in town. Your tickets gain you entry to Mega Mart, a very unusual, interactive story that starts within a grocery store and gets weird when you find some secret paths and entryways. Also, there are bars and other entertainment activities that are additional costs spread throughout the building.

Visit the Meow Wolf website for more information.

Visit the Neon Museum: A Glimpse Into Vegas History

Also known as the Neon Boneyard, this destination is still on our to-do list, but a look at this fun, lit-up vintage Vegas sign depot shows this will be a fun museum to explore. Nighttime viewings are guided tours, however, you can stroll around on your time if you choose a daytime viewing.

Visit The Neon Museum website for more information.

Fremont Street Experience: Las Vegas’ Historic Heart

Downtown Las Vegas, otherwise known as Fremont Street Experience feels like a combination of every major party street you can think of. Basically Bourbon Street, Sunset Strip, Venice Beach, and vintage Vegas combined. While it shares packed crowds, bright lights, and loudness with the Vegas Strip, it has a much more down-to-earth feeling to it.

Visit the Fremont Street Experience website for more information.

Our Off-the-Strip To Do Next Visit List: DTLV Arts District, Ethel M. Chocolates & Cactus Garden, Lake of Dreams

How to Enjoy the Las Vegas Strip: Tourist Style

Not especially into gambling, big shows, or spending big bucks on high-end shopping? Me neither. If you’re having to spend time on the strip and want to find something interesting to do, here are a few of my favorites and some things on my to-do list.

Enjoy the Bellagio Fountains for Free

This is a popular destination so you’re not going to escape the crowds, but it’s a fun show to watch. Depending on the date and time, the show could view as long as every 15-30 minutes. Overall, it’s quite the spectacle and the fountain follows some classic Vegas tunes like Viva Las Vegas by Elvis.

Be sure to check out their website for the most up-to-date details.

Take in the Beauty of the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden

While you’re near the Bellagio, be sure to check out the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens inside. Each season the 14,000-square-foot garden is transformed into a beautiful display of florals themed to each of the four seasons. It’s certainly a delight for the senses, and free.

Check out their site for more details.

Gondola Rides at The Venetian: A Romantic Vegas Experience

The Venetian Resort is something to see. With the Canals of Venice, Italy replicated both inside and outside of the resort, you have two options for this fun and unexpected experience. We opted for the indoor ride as 70 degrees in the direct sun was not our idea of a good time. The rides last about 11-13 minutes and include some interesting facts about Venice and a few songs by your Gondolier. If you’re looking to make this a romantic gesture, be prepared to shell out twice the cost of tickets for a private ride, otherwise, you’ll be sharing a Gondola with two strangers.

The Gondolier March, a special tradition that only happens twice a day, happens at 9:45 am and 4:30 pm. Catch them singing as they march in unison along the indoor canal to announce their arrival.

Check out their site for more details.

Ride the High Roller: Las Vegas’ Iconic Observation Wheel

We rode this massive observation deck wheel on a recent trip to Vegas and it gave us epic views of Las Vegas, including the Bellagio Fountains and an epic sunset. You even get great views of the new Sphere! I highly recommend booking a time that will land you around sunset, the views are stunning.

Get more details on the High Roller on their website.

Things to do on the strip on our list: Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at The Flamingo Hotel, The Strat Tower & Observation Deck, Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck, Arte Museum, Electric Playhouse, The Punk Rock Museum, Atomic Museum, and The Sphere

Enjoy Unique Desert Landscapes Around Las Vegas

Las Vegas was built in a basin within the Mojave Desert and is surrounded by some incredible desert landscapes and mountainous terrain. From unforgettable National and State parks to incredible feats of human engineering, there’s an outdoor destination for everyone making it easy to enjoy a trip to Las Vegas.

Ranging from 1 to 4 hours of driving time from Las Vegas, these all require a rental car or to participate in a paid tour service to get to, but I promise they are all worth it. Since we began to make an effort to see something new each trip, we’ve been able to check out several great outdoor destinations. Here are our favorites, plus our to-do list for future trips.

My Top Outdoor Spots Near Vegas

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Distance: 30 minutes west of Las Vegas
What to do: Enjoy the 13 mile one-way road scenic drive. I recommend you research areas you’d like to stop at or hike to make sure you find the best destination for you. We loved the views at the Calico Basin and Calico Tanks. Petroglyph Wall was an enjoyable short hike with unique views and we really enjoyed our longer hike at Ice Box Canyon.
FYI: You’ll need a reservation between October – May. If you have a National Parks Pass it will work at this park.

Valley of Fire State Park
Distance: 1 hour north east of Las Vegas
What to do: This is one of our favorite parks in Nevada! The colorful rocks are stunning and you’ll most-likely see some bighorn sheep cross your path. Our two favorite viewpoints are Mouse’s Road Scenic Lookout and Fire Canyon/Silica Dome. The Beehives and Atlatl Rock are cool stops to check out and our favorite hike is Fire Wave – you’ve got to check it out. Got half a day? You can see so much at this fiery park.

Hoover Dam
Distance: 45 minutes south east of Las Vegas
What to do: Enjoy a stroll across the dam to observe the massive structure, or take a dam tour.

Worth the Drive: Parks 2 Hours or More from Vegas

Death Valley National Park
Distance: 2 hours north west Las Vegas
What to do: There is so much to see here but Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America is a otherworldly destination. Also check out Zabriskie Point, Mosaic Canyon, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and end your day with a drive through the colorful Artist Point. Learn how to have the ultimate day trip in Death Valley National Park.

Zion National Park
Distance: 3 to 3.5 hours north of Las Vegas
What to do: This is one of those parks where you will be stunned by how much prettier the park gets every view you see. The sunset hike at Canyon Overlook is not to be missed. We gave Angel’s Landing a try but barely made it half way. Additionally, we strolled along the Narrows and enjoyed the views all around us.

Joshua Tree National Park
Distance: 3 to 3.5 hours south west of Las Vegas
What to do: This alien landscape is a perfect day trip from Vegas. Or, if you’re like us, an overnight trip which I would recommend so you can enjoy a sunset – something Joshua Tree does best. Stop at the Cholla Cactus Garden and Ocotillo Patch, hike to Barker Dam and see some petroglyphs along the way. Enjoy the views of Joshua Trees in Hidden Valley. Stop by Skull, Split, and Arch rocks. There are so many things to see in this unique park. See how we spent a November day in Joshua Tree.

This One is Worth The Longer Drive Option

Grand Canyon National Park
Distance: 4 hours east of Las Vegas
What to do: We decided to drive to the southern rim of the park which is part of the National Park. There’s part of the Grand Canyon that is closer to Vegas that is not part of the National Park and has a fraction of the depth of the National Park. Take the shuttle and stop at viewpoints along the drive or enjoy one of many hikes through the canyon. Read more on our day at the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Some of My Favorite Las Vegas Eats

If you’re wondering how to enjoy Las Vegas, eating your way through amazing, unique, and fun restaurants is one of the best ways. This city has some of the more unique dining experiences out there, from budget bites to high-end dining. We fall somewhere in the middle and gravitate toward unique experiences. Here are some of my favorite spots we’ve been to so far worth a mention and an add on your itinerary list!

Food Spots in Vegas I Still Think About

Secret Pizza: A Hidden Gem for Pizza Lovers
You wont see signage for this secret pizza shop on the upper level in the Cosmopolitan, but you might notice a line coming out of a hallway at 2am. It’s worth the wait to grab one of these delicious slices on your late night in Vegas.

Beauty & Essex: Where Dining Meets Glamour
This cool space is hidden behind behind a small pawn shop and is one of the meals I still think about to this day. You order a few plates of sharable bites to create a meal, it’s a unique and fun way to eat. Get the Grilled Cheese dumplings and thank me later!

Momofuku Milk Bar: Sweet Treats with a Twist
Their iconic layered birthday cake is a standout, but you can also enjoy ice cream, cookies, and other treats from this iconic bakery and restaurant brand.

How to Enjoy Las Vegas? Eat at Fun Restaurants!

Brunch at Primrose
This beautifully Parisian-inspired restaurant inside the ParkMGM is a great spot for grab a bite to eat in the morning, or throughout the day. The pancakes were delicious.

Eggslut: A Brunch Lover’s Dream
This is one of my favorite spots to grab a quick breakfast while in town!

Dirt Dog: Bold and Flavorful Street Eats
Known for its loaded hot dogs and unique toppings, Dirt Dog is a fun, laid-back spot where you can enjoy a creative twist on classic street food.

Black Tap: Over-the-Top Milkshakes
For a wild, Instagram-worthy treat, indulge in one of Black Tap’s over-the-top milkshakes, topped with everything from candy to cotton candy.

Eataly: A Gourmet Italian Experience
Explore a world of Italian cuisine at Eataly, where you can enjoy everything from pizza and pasta to fresh gelato, all made with authentic ingredients.

Hello Kitty Cafe
If you love Hello Kitty be sure to stop at the truck outside of ParkMGM! Get adorable Sanrio-themed treats from cookies, crisp rice treats, cupcakes, donuts and more. The strawberry lemonade was delightful!

Taco Bell Cantina
Sure, it’s a Taco Bell but this one is a special Taco Bell, they serve spiked slushies.

Café Hollywood
A vintage-diner style restaurant covered in memorabilia photos and serves up comfort dishes and epic, huge milkshakes.

Restaurants & bars on my to try list: Best Friend, La La Noodle, Superfrico, Ghost Donkey, Eiffel Tower Restaurant, The Laundry Room, Best Friend, Nomad Library, Mama Rabit, Lucky Day, The Henry, Black Out Dining in the Dark, Bouchon, Hash House A Go Go, Back to the 80s Cafe

did You Find Out How to Enjoy Las Vegas?

So there you have it, my curated list of things to do if you don’t like Vegas. After our last couple of visits, I have to say I’ve warmed up to Las Vegas a little more and I’m actually excited to check out our to-do list destinations on future visits. I hope you found this list of things to do inspiring if you find yourself visiting Las Vegas in the future.

Did I miss any great destinations or unique attractions that should be on this list? Let me know in the comments!

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