Las Vegas, Things To Do in Las Vegas

18 Things To Do Off the Las Vegas Strip [Updated in 2023]

Last updated: February 27, 2023. 

When you think of Las Vegas, what are the first things you think of? Bright lights, slot machines, and all-you-can-eat buffets?

There’s a lot more to Vegas than casinos, showgirls, and abundant food and drink – all you have to do is leave the Strip. From nearby downtown Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, there are activities, sights, and experiences to keep any adventurer entertained – even the pickiest of kids!

Here are some of our favorite places to visit off the Las Vegas Strip.

1. Fremont Street

Distance from the Strip: 7 miles

fremont street las vegas lighted canopy

Fremont Street, also known as “Glitter Gulch,” is the heart of downtown Las Vegas. Only 7 miles from the Strip, Fremont Street is a pedestrian-only thoroughfare jam-packed with experiences and attractions like casinos, live music, ziplines, and light shows courtesy of the LED-lit canopy.

If you’re in Las Vegas, you can’t miss Fremont Street. Visit their website for more information.

2. Visit The Mob Museum

Distance from the Strip: 7 miles

A trip to the Mob Museum is like a trip back in time, right into Vegas’s seedy underbelly. Experience both sides of the battle – the law versus the mob – as you explore this interactive downtown museum and immerse yourself in the history of organized crime, from the birth of the mob right up until today’s newspaper headlines.

Experience the multi-sensory exhibits, artifacts, and immersive storylines.

Visit the Mob Museum’s website for more details.

3. Visit the Grand Canyon

Distance from the Strip: 125-280 miles

mather point grand canyon south rim
Image Source: Grand Canyon National Park via Flickr.

Did you know that one of America’s most iconic sights is only a few hours away from Las Vegas? You can reach the South Rim in about five hours, or visit the Grand Canyon West region in only 3 hours! Explore the Grand Canyon Village, take a walk on the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk, or descend deep into the heart of the Grand Canyon on a helicopter tour. You can even enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Colorado River.

You can visit the Grand Canyon on your own or take a guided tour.

Check out our guided Grand Canyon tours and book yours today.

4. Drive a Fancy Car

Distance from the Strip: 2 miles

Do you dream of driving a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or even an Aston Martin? Exotics Racing lets you choose your dream car from the largest fleet of exotic cars in the world. Reach speeds up to 130 mph as you zoom around the 1.2-mile racetrack, complete with seven turns and an 1,800-foot straightaway.

Book your experience at Exotics Racing.

5. See the Neon Boneyard

Distance from the Strip: 7 miles

Image Source: korymatthew via Flickr.

Check out this historic collection of Las Vegas’s iconic signage at the Neon Museum. Learn the story behind each of the more than 200 famous neon signs as you explore the “Neon Boneyard” on a guided tour. Tours run daily, seven days a week.

Learn more about the Neon Museum.

6. Explore Red Rock Canyon

Distance from the Strip: 17 miles

calico hills at red rock canyon
By Frank Schulenburg - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Experience the true desert beauty of the Southwest, complete with towering red cliffs and abundant wildlife, only a short drive from the Strip!

Explore Red Rock Canyon on one of our guided tours, departing daily from most major hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Get up close and personal with the red sandstone cliffs on an SUV tour, complete with 13 miles of off-roading.

See all of our Red Rock Canyon tours.

7. Visit a Shark Tank

Distance from the Strip: 7 miles

Get to know the ocean’s most misunderstood inhabitant at the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas. Tour the shark tank, or even take a slide down the three-story waterslide.

Visit the Golden Nugget’s website for more details.

8. Check out Death Valley

Distance from the Strip: 125 miles

Death Valley Easy Day Trips from Las Vegas

Learn why it’s called “Death Valley” and explore Scotty’s Castle on this amazing tour of the hottest place on Earth! Earn your official Death Valley Explorer Certificate, visit an actual ghost town, and see truly spectacular geological formations.

9. Explore the Botanical Gardens

Distance from the Strip: 6 miles

The desert is teeming with life! See for yourself on a visit to the Springs Preserve and explore their many attractions and gardens, including an extensive botanical garden containing the largest collection of Mojave Desert cacti and succulent plants, and even a butterfly habitat.

Learn more about Springs Preserve.

10. See the Hoover Dam

Distance from the Strip: 35 miles

aerial view of hoover dam and bypass bridge
Image Source: Karl MPhotography from Pexels.

Visit one of the world’s most spectacular engineering marvels. Descend deep inside the Dam to see the massive generators, or combine your visit with a trip to the Grand Canyon, or a leisurely cruise on Lake Mead.

See all our Hoover Dam tours and book yours today.

11. Jump Around at a Trampoline Park

Distance from the Strip: 5 miles

SkyZone Las Vegas is the world’s first indoor trampoline park, and it’s a great destination for families, groups, and parties. SkyZone offers Open Jumping, a Foam Zone, Ultimate Dodgeball (dodgeball on a trampoline, anyone?), and even “SkySlam” – or trampoline basketball!

Fly high at SkyZone – find information on rates and book your jump time here. 

12. Visit the Atomic Testing Museum

Distance from the Strip: 2 miles

atomic testing museum las vegas
Image Source: gocardusa via Flickr.

The Atomic Testing Museum tells the story of America’s nuclear weapons testing program. Explore 70 years of nuclear testing and see a replica of the Control Point where the countdown for each nuclear bomb detonation occurred.

Visit the Atomic Testing Museum’s website for more information.

13. Fly Above the Strip

aerial view of las vegas strip at night

See the Strip from an entirely new perspective! Experience the dazzling lights of Sin City from a specially designed sightseeing helicopter on our Las Vegas Night Flight Helicopter Tour.

Las Vegas Night Flight Helicopter Tour

$124$154

Fly over the dazzling lights of the Las Vegas Strip at night!

$124 Per Person

Guests must provide their own transportation to our Las Vegas Terminal located at 5060 Koval Lane, Las Vegas, NV.

See the glittering lights of fabulous Las Vegas in a luxury helicopter! Upgrade your tour and travel to Harry Reid International Airport by shuttle. Airport fee is included in your price.

Reserve Tour Now

14. Engage with the Arts at First Friday

Distance from the Strip: 5 miles

On the first Friday of every month, artists and artisans from all over Las Vegas gather together to share their work. Take in visual and performing arts, live music, and delicious food, only five miles off the Strip.

Learn more about First Friday.

15. Explore Eldorado Canyon

Distance from the Strip: 45 miles

Experience the Old West in all its glory as you explore historic (and haunted!) gold mines. You can even pan for gold on one of our Eldorado Canyon adventures, like the adrenaline pumping  ATV and Gold Mine Tour. 

16. Explore the Wetlands

Distance from the Strip: 10 miles

Learn about the wildlife and ecology of the Las Vegas Wash as you explore the lush habitats of over 300 species of plants and animals at the Clark County Wetlands Park. Enjoy guided discovery walks, family programs, and other events, only 10 miles off the Strip.

Get more details at the Clark County Wetlands Park website.

17. Fly a Plane

Distance from the Strip: 15 miles

Calling all adrenaline-junkies! Fly a mock air combat mission and learn aerial dogfighting skills, test your piloting chops on a recon mission, or enjoy an aerial roller coaster ride complete with spins, loops and rolls at Sky Combat Ace, just outside of Las Vegas! Or, for the more relaxed adventurer, simply enjoy unobstructed views of the spectacular landscape.

Book your flight with Sky Combat Ace.

18. See the Valley of Fire

Distance from the Strip: 55 miles

Valley of Fire Las Vegas

Named after its distinctive red sandstone formations, the Valley of Fire was formed by shifting sand dunes dating all the way back to the age of the dinosaurs. Hike into the inner canyons and see formations like the Rainbow Vista as you hunt for petrified wood – if you find a piece, it’s yours to keep! Discover why it’s called the “Valley of Fire” on an SUV tour.

See all our Valley of Fire tours. Book yours now!

Explore Beyond the Las Vegas Strip

There are simply too many things to do in and around Las Vegas to spend your entire vacation on the Strip. Many of our Grand Canyon and Southwest tours include complimentary pickup and drop-off at most hotels on the Strip, so there’s no excuse not to strap on your walking shoes and explore the surrounding areas of Sin City.

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About Ria Borja

Ria is a Customer Experience Manager at Canyon Tours and an avid lover of the outdoors. When she isn't helping other travelers check destinations and dream vacations off their bucket lists, she's busy exploring the Southwest. Her favorite place to visit is (unsurprisingly!) the Grand Canyon.