Places to Go in Las Vegas That Aren’t on the Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is a very popular place, but it can feel hectic and crowded. There are many other interesting places you can visit that are a bit more off the beaten path. Here are some of the best Las Vegas attractions that aren’t on the Strip.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a perfect destination for hiking fans and nature lovers. It’s inside Nevada’s Mojave Desert, and it’s only about 25 minutes away from Las Vegas. This conservation area covers 195,819 acres. Beautiful cliffs and impressive, 3,000-foot-high red rock formations make the area ideal for photos. You can see Native American petroglyphs, towering sandstone peaks, and seasonal waterfalls.
Many animals live in the area, including mountain lions, bobcats, wild horses, rabbits, red-tailed hawks, and coyotes. You can go horseback riding with a professional guide, or you can visit the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park next door. It has a cabin that belonged to the first family in Nevada and an 1860s blacksmith shop. Living history programs use costumed role players to show people what life was like for residents. There are several grills and picnic tables as well.
Stop at the visitors center to learn more about the plants and animals in the region, or take a look at Elements Gift Shop. You can visit from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Ethel M. Chocolates Factory and Garden
The Ethel M. Chocolates Botanical Cactus Garden is the largest cactus garden in Nevada, and it has more than 300 plant species. It’s in Henderson, about 20 minutes away from Las Vegas, and you can explore 3 acres of cactuses, succulents, desert trees, and shrubs.
Premium chocolate tasting experiences are available. They usually last from 30 to 45 minutes, and they include a presentation on chocolate sourcing, refining, producing, and tasting. People over 21 can pair their chocolate with four hand-picked Trinchero wines, and people who get a tasting will receive a 15% discount from the chocolate shop on the same day.
You can shop for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, liqueurs, brittles, bars, espresso, chocolate-dipped fruits and nuts, and more. You can also watch workers in the chocolate factory make these delicious items. Visit Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Downtown Container Shopping Park
The Downtown Container Park has a fascinating set of shops, restaurants, and other vendors that are sure to make your visit memorable. You can find art galleries, jewelry stores, tattoo parlors, dance studios, stylish boutiques, a magic shop, a cigar shop, and much more. Live music and other entertainment is common at the park, especially on weekends.
You can grab a drink or a hearty bite to eat at Bin 702 deli. It’s made from two shipping containers, and it’s been around since the Downtown Container Park got started in 2013. This place is known for its sandwiches and salads, especially the Flamin’ Hot Cheeto grilled cheese. Downtown Terrace is a gourmet bar with excellent brunches and farm-fresh dishes, and Mob Pie is the perfect place to grab a pizza or plate of pasta. Waffelato’s most popular item is your choice of gelato on their signature Hong Kong waffle. It’s perfect for beating the Nevada heat.
The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is officially called the National Museum of Organized Crime & Law Enforcement. It has a pot still, a full distillery, a functioning Prohibition-era speak-easy, a private VIP room, the wreckage of a ship used for smuggling, a firearm training simulator, a period courtroom, a mob skim room, and a fully-equipped period crime lab.
You can learn more about why the United States started Prohibition, how detectives caught mob members, and the histories of high-profile mobsters like Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Bugsy Siegel, Moe Dalitz, Carlo Gambino, Vito Genovese, and John Gotti. There’s also a film about present-day organized crime. You can visit the museum from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the speak-easy is open from noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from noon to midnight on other days.
SpeedVegas
If you have a need for speed, SpeedVegas is an ideal place for you to live your dreams. This place has a paved track that’s 1.5 miles long and a 1.4-mile dirt track. With the paved track, the elevation changes by 60 feet. You can navigate 12 turns with banking up to 15 degrees. The off-road track includes eight jumps, high banks, and speed corners. The 60-foot Tabletop is the highest jump on the off-road track.
The rates at SpeedVegas are a bit pricey, but considering the awesome vehicles available, the cost is more than worth it. On-road options include the Ferrari 488, the Lamborghini Huracan, the Acura NSX, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, the Hendrick Motorsports Edition ZL1 Camaro, the Corvette C8 Z51, and the BMW M4.
You can also take a drive in the Camaro ZL1 1LE, the Tesla Model 3 Performance, the Toyota Supra GR, and the Chevy Corvette Z51. SpeedVegas has an impressive Porsche selection, including the 911 GT3 Standard Edition, the GT4, and the Cayman 718. You can visit Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
First Friday Artists and Artisans Gatherings
The First Friday artists and artisans gathering happens in downtown Las Vegas on the first Friday of every month. You can see local artists and musicians display their work or perform and make sales. Regularly featured local artists include Steven Horlock, Mark Goddard, Justin Lepper, Gina Cifonelli, Megan Barker, and Gem Jaxx. Art classes are available as well.
Las Vegas has a lot more to offer than just the Strip, and you can enjoy some truly unique experiences. Did we miss any of your favorite activities or attractions? Contact us and let us know where you like to go in Vegas.