13 Things to Do in Las Vegas That Don’t Involve Casinos

National Atomic Testing Museum

The National Atomic Testing Museum features artifacts and exhibits dedicated to nuclear testing at the Nevada National Security Site, previously called the Nevada Test Site, and is located just north of Las Vegas. A part of the Smithsonian Institution since 2011, the museum also offers the Ground Zero Theater, which stimulates for visitors the experience of witnessing a nuclear bomb blast. There’s also an exhibit about how scientists developed the first atomic bomb.

Neon Museum and Boneyard

If you’re a fan of neon America, these Las Vegas attractions are for you. Vegas is known for flashy neon signs pointing the way to cheap buffets, casinos, shows and whatever your little Vegas-loving heart desires, and this quirky museum celebrates the discarded signage of the past.

Founded in 1996, the Neon Museum showcases hundreds of retired signs, from the iconic to the more modest (as modest as a Vegas neon sign could be!). Sitting on 6 acres of land, the Boneyard is where the signs are restored and put on display for the public. Some notable classics include signs from the famed Stardust Hotel and Casino, which was demolished in 2007, and the Riviera, demolished in 2016.

Cirque du Soleil

This Las Vegas attraction has been dazzling Vegas audiences with death-defying acrobatics for more than three decades. The original Cirque du Soleil show, Mystère at Treasure Island, is still going strong, and other popular options include O at Bellagio and Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay. Sadly, The Beatles LOVE and Zumanity (an adult-themed show) closed after longtime runs.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

If you’re still fascinated by the sinking of the Titanic more than 100 years later, and why wouldn’t you be, make sure to plan a trip to Las Vegas. Located inside the Luxor Hotel & Casino, the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition showcases the complete journey of the RMS Titanic, from construction to sinking to rediscovery—and beyond.

On display are actual artifacts recovered from the “unsinkable” ship, such as floor tiles from the first-class smoking room, a window frame from the Verandah Cafe, the ship’s whistles and an unopened bottle of champagne from the year 1900. There’s even a recreation of the Grand Staircase, which might just make you feel like you are on the former luxury liner itself—or maybe on the set of the James Cameron film.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) is one of the few motor speedways in the country that allows guests to rent (and race) exotic supercars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches. The high-octane Exotics Racing experience lets you imagine you’re a Formula One driver as you speed around a special track on the Speedway grounds. You can also drive a real NASCAR race car!

The motor speedway offers racing classes, ride-alongs and other VIP experiences to satisfy your need for speed. And of course, the LVMS is also the home of multiple NASCAR events throughout the year.

Mob Museum

The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement—aka the Mob Museum—is a unique Las Vegas attraction that first opened its doors in 2012. With exhibits and artifacts from the original Sin City era, when Vegas was built and organized crime ruled supreme, it tells the story from all points of view—from mobsters to law enforcement officers to the workers in the glamorous casinos.

The Pinball Hall of Fame

Believe it or not, pinball was once considered a form of gambling in the United States. It was looked upon as a game of chance instead of a game of skill, and Las Vegas was one of the few places you could play pinball. The Pinball Hall of Fame and Museum features over 200 different pinball machines and games, including rare models like Williams’ Black Gold and Bally’s Pinball Circus.

Incredibly, all machines at this iconic Las Vegas attraction are available to play. So try your hand at a vintage pinball game! It’ll only cost you 25 or 50 cents, depending on how old the machine is.

The High Roller

Soaring 550 feet, the High Roller at the LINQ is the largest observation wheel in the world. (Observation wheels are similar to Ferris wheels, but larger.) The High Roller offers air-conditioned pods that fit 40 people, and open bar options so you can drink while taking in incredible 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip. The ride takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and fans say it’s most breathtaking at night. If you’re looking for non-casino Las Vegas attractions, and you’re not afraid of heights, the High Roller is a must-add to your bucket list.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Located west of the Las Vegas Strip and encompassing nearly 200,000 acres of the Mojave Desert, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area provides an escape from the hotel and restaurant scene. Choose from 26 different hikes and trails: The 13-mile scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon, Nevada’s first National Conservation Area, is definitely a good choice.

The park charges a fee to enter, but then you’re free to explore. Other activities include mountain biking, horseback riding and picnicking in this stunning natural environment. The visitor center has a bookstore, where you can learn more about the area and exhibits. 

The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Visiting an aquarium isn’t the first thing people think of when going to the Nevada desert, but the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay isn’t your typical aquarium. There’s no shortage of water here, with almost 1.6 million gallons spread out among 14 exhibits. Don’t miss the 1.3 million gallon shipwreck exhibit, the largest spectacle of the bunch.

Offering a look at more than 2,000 animals representing 100 species, the Shark Reef Aquarium has every type of shark you could imagine—except for great white sharks, of course.

Dig This

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind Las Vegas attractions, check out Dig This. It’s a construction-based theme park located a short drive from the Strip, where visitors can operate heavy equipment. Choose an excavator or a bulldozer, or, if you just can’t narrow it down, try them both on a 3.5-hour mega dig. Where else are you going to have the opportunity to operate this kind of equipment?

Expect a 30-minute orientation, then you’ll be free to dig trenches or participate in contests of skill. Like on a real construction site, it’s important to dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes. Yes, you may get dirty, but that’s all part of the experience of driving a bulldozer in the Nevada desert. 

Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown Las Vegas has it all—an eclectic mix of nightlife, art, dining and music. (And yes, gambling.) One must-see is the Fremont Street Experience, a 24-hour open-air mall offering light shows and free nightly entertainment as you stroll the street where Las Vegas began back in 1905. If you’re sick of walking, jump on a Segway tour of historic downtown and finish out the day with a frosty beverage at one of Fremont Street’s many bars and restaurants.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

If the High Roller wasn’t high enough, test your nerves with a helicopter ride! Many visitors are surprised to learn that the Grand Canyon is only a few hours away, and definitely worth the trip. Explore the gorge by helicopter tour, and come back with spectacular photos you’ll treasure. For something a little closer, Las Vegas is located in the middle of the Mojave Desert and boasts a number of national parks, rivers and other amazing and breathtaking wonders nearby.

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Sources:

• National Atomic Museum: “Experience the Atomic Era”
• The Mandalay Bay Hotel: “Shark Reef Aquarium”
• Neon Museum: “Welcome to the Neon Museum”
• Cirque du Soleil: “Las Vegas Shows”
• Las Vegas Motor Speedway: “About”
• Luxor-MGM Resorts: “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition”
• Exotics Racing: “The Supercar Driving Experience in Las Vegas”
• The Mob Museum: “National Museum of Organized Crime & Law Enforcement”
• Pinball Hall of Fame: “Welcome”
• Dig This Las Vegas: “Heavy Equipment Playground for Adults, Families & Groups”
• Red Rock Canyon: Las Vegas: “Visitor Information”
• The LINQ: “The Las Vegas High Roller”