Nevada, specifically in and around Las Vegas, is a mecca for entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and dining. Known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” there is no shortage of things to do in Nevada. In fact, your biggest problem will be deciding which activity you should pursue and when. Luckily, having a handy guide to the area can help you solve that problem. Here are the eight best activities in Nevada to have a truly memorable experience.
1. HOOVER DAM
Constructed between 1931 and 1936, the Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam located along the Colorado River. Given the dam’s proximity to Las Vegas, which is slightly less than an hour’s drive away, it is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. In fact, the Hoover Dam is so popular that it’s one of the most well-known dams worldwide. Tours of the Hoover Dam happen daily and include information on its history and construction, as well as actually seeing how the dam functions and operates. Self-guided tours start at $10 per ticket; however, you can also opt for a guided tour for around $30.
2. RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
Protected by the Bureau of Land Management, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a conservation area that showcases incredible red rock formations. The walls rise up to 3,000 feet high and are popular hiking and rock climbing destinations. While the area is best experienced on foot, visitors can also take the 13-mile, one-way loop road that provides easier access to key features throughout the park. This loop road is also a popular destination for bicycle touring. Located about 15 miles west of Las Vegas, the area attracts a number of visitors each year, which tops out at around three million tourists yearly. Entrance fees to the park cost around $20 per vehicle; however, you can also opt for the Red Rock Annual Pass for $50 to enter the park throughout the entire year.
3. THE LINQ HIGH ROLLER
Take a ride on the tallest Ferris wheel on Earth at the world-famous LINQ Hotel. The High Roller is an observation wheel that towers over the Las Vegas strip at 550 feet in the air. View the strip as you’ve never seen it before from your own observation cabin as the wheel rotates at a rate of 30 minutes per revolution. Consider splurging on a VIP cabin to enjoy custom music while you look out over the glowing lights of the city below. Tickets start at around $23.50 per adult.
4. LION HABITAT RANCH INC
The Lion Habitat Ranch Inc is a non-profit sanctuary for lions, parrots, ostriches, and giraffes. Activities at the sanctuary include touring the facility with an experienced trainer, painting your own masterpiece with Ozzie the giraffe, and feeding the animals yourself. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can opt to hand-feed the lions for an extra $100. Tickets to the sanctuary cost $25 for out-of-state guests and $20 for locals.
5. FOUNTAINS OF BELLAGIO
No trip to Vegas is complete without watching the world-famous Fountains of Bellagio outside the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. This famous landmark of the Vegas Strip features awe-inspiring aqua fountains that dance to a variety of songs and lights. Every performance at the fountains is unique, which means stopping by more than once is not a bad idea. The best part about the Fountains of Bellagio is that they are completely free to view.
6. THE NEON MUSEUM
Located near downtown Las Vegas in the lobby of the former La Concha Hotel, The Neon Museum is the final resting place for over 200 retired neon signs from all over town. Many of these signs were taken from nearby casinos and businesses that have since closed down or gone through refurbishments, giving guests a peek into old Vegas. Take a tour through the museum’s two-acre courtyard to learn the history of these glitzy signs. You can also opt to watch an augmented reality show that reanimates 40 of the signs seen throughout the museum. Because this museum ranks highly on the list of things to do in Nevada, tickets, which start around $20, frequently sell out nightly. Therefore, buying your tickets in advance is highly recommended.
7. SEVEN MAGIC MOUNTAINS
Designed by the Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, Seven Magic Mountains is an art installation located along the 15 freeway just outside of Las Vegas. Set against the desert landscape, the installation consists of seven brightly colored boulder totems. Gaze upon the stunning artwork to see a different side of Vegas. Best of all? The art installation is completely free to visit.
8. DIG THIS VEGAS
Known as the “World’s Heavy Equipment Playground,” Dig This Vegas is a family-friendly one-of-a-kind experience in Las Vegas. Operate heavy equipment such as excavators and bulldozers in the park’s gigantic sandbox for a truly unique experience. On-site instructors will teach you how to safely operate each piece of equipment. Choose from different packages to really create long-lasting memories. For example, choosing the Aggression Session allows you to crush a car, and choosing the Big Dig Excavator package offers you the chance to dig into the sand.
GET HELP WITH NEVADA REAL ESTATE
Because there is an overwhelming number of activities throughout the state of Nevada, the list above doesn’t even scratch the surface. There are countless additional activities, from taking in a baseball game and cheering on the Las Vegas Athletics to hiking in the Valley of Fire State Park. If you’re hoping to move to Nevada permanently so you can take your time enjoying all these activities, reach out to Maureen Robison today.
Maureen is a local Realtor who has helped numerous clients find their Nevada dream home over the years. Using her knowledge of the area, Robison and her team of agents have the tools needed to secure great deals on homes in the area. Additionally, they know the area so well that they could easily advise on local activities. If you’re in the market for real estate and are looking for things to do in Nevada, then contact Maureen and the LV Real team today.