20 Must-See Attractions In Las Vegas

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Las Vegas is truly unique. It’s both a cosmopolitan city and a big ol’ playground for adults. To help you make sure you make the most of your trip, here are 20 must-see attractions in Las Vegas.

1. The Secret Garden

The renowned Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat hold a special place in the history of Las Vegas. The Secret Garden was launched by the well-known magician duo, Siegfried and Roy. It’s inside The Mirage on the well-known Las Vegas Strip. This habitat is home to dolphins, lions, panthers and white tigers. If you can spare a little extra expense you can even swim, paint or do yoga with the animals.

2. Stratosphere Tower Hotel

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The Stratosphere Tower Hotel is a distinctive part of the impressive Las Vegas skyline. Constructed from 1992 through 1995, the Stratosphere Tower is the tallest structure in Vegas. It’s also the official tallest freestanding tower in the USA.

It is home to four different thrill rides. Visitors can dangle over the very edge of the 1,149-foot tall tower on Insanity. They can also go skydiving off the top of the tower.

3. Mystère

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Image courtesy of Cicque Du Soleil

Mystère is a classic production on the Las Vegas Strip. It is one of half a dozen resident Cirque du Soleil performances. This one has been at the famous Treasure Island Hotel since 1993. The show includes high-energy performances, a new teeterboard act and the classic hand-to-hand duo that’s been in the show since the curtain first went up on the show. It includes the clown Brian Le Petit and the narrator, Moha-Samedi.

4. The Fremont Street Experience

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Family-friendly Fremont Street is the official second-most-popular street in the city. Some of Sin City’s oldest casinos and hotels are found here. It’s famous for the huge canopy that spans roughly 1,500 feet over the popular boulevard. Every night you will find a virtual cast of characters–artists, musicians, street performers, and various vendors–lining the street. It has its own touristy eccentricity not found on the famed Strip.

5. The High Roller At The LINQ

The High Roller is perhaps one of the most recognizable structures in the entire Las Vegas skyline. It opened in March 2016. It stands 550 feet high. Thus, visitors get an excellent, unencumbered, bird’s-eye view of Sin City. For an additional cost, you can not only ride the High Roller but also have a private party, take a yoga class or even have your wedding there.

6. The Famous Las Vegas Strip

The world-famous Las Vegas Strip is a 4.5-mile portion of Las Vegas BoulevardIt is here you will find most of the resorts and hotels in the entire Las Vegas Valley. Hotel owner and ex-L.A. vice cop Guy McAfee named this particular section of Las Vegas Boulevard after his hometown’s Sunset Strip. It is an ever-buzzing, touristy, historical landmark. Millions of travelers come here every year.

 

7. The Hoover Dam

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If the Strip made Vegas world-famous then the Hoover Dam made it sustainable. Built during the infamous Great Depression, this historic monument and wonder of engineering provided thousands of men with desperately needed work. You can tour the power plant and the dam. The tours are priced differently. The dam remains functional today. It provides plenty of power to Arizona, California, and Nevada via its special arched structure.

8. The Famous ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ Sign

The iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign is arguably the most popular Instagrammable attraction in Vegas. You’ll find the legendary sign at the very southern end of the strip. It’s next to the Little Church of the West and Mandalay Bay. The sign was designed by Betty Willis and some say it’s the best place to take a selfie. It has stood there since 1959.

 

 

9. The Pinball Hall Of Fame

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You can find several odd museums in Las Vegas. One of them is the popular Pinball Hall of Fame. Situated mere minutes from the previously-mentioned Strip, this museum focuses on the classic arcade game. Here you will discover more than 100 pinball machines dating from the 1940s through 2009. Stop in here for some good old fashioned fun. The place is family-friendly and admission is free.

10. Lee Canyon

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If your mad money’s gone and you love the snow then head for Lee Canyon. Lee Canyon is in lovely Mount Charleston about an hour out of Sin City. Veteran Vegas visitors say this ski resort is one of the most picturesque places in the area. This resort offers guests snowboarding and skiing in the winter and memorable hiking in the summer. It’s a popular place for weddings as well.

 

11. The Shark Reef Aquarium

The exciting Shark Reef is ensconced within Mandalay Bay next to the big convention center. Here you will find eels, piranhas, stingrays, turtles, and 15 different species of sharks. This aquarium is popular with kids. Because of this, the best time to visit for those traveling sans spawn is any time but the summer. Pay a few dollars more and participate in the thrilling Dive With Sharks program.

12. The Mob Museum

Sin City and organized crime have an infamous history. So if you’re looking for an offer you cannot refuse, check out the Mob Museum in downtown Vegas. The Mob Museum tells the torrid tale of organized crime’s influence on Las Vegas. Visitors can listen to real wiretaps or fire an actual Tommy gun in an exciting simulation display. See the bloodstained wall from the actual St. Valentine’s Day Massacre too.

 

13. The Neon Museum

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Learn the story of Las Vegas through neon. The family-friendly Neon Museum is located off Interstate 15 and next to Cashman Field. This curious collection of classic business and hotel signs reveals the interesting evolution of Las Vegas from a simple stop along the way to California to top tourist attraction. You can take a tour any day they’re open. Still, the tours are limited and they reportedly sell out quickly.

14. The Bellagio Conservatory And Botanical Garden

The Bellagio Conservatory truly does draw a crowd. Situated across from the hotel front desk, the conservatory is changed throughout the year thanks to the efforts of more than 100 gardeners who both design and maintain the facility. Seriously, you cannot walk through here without unintentionally photobombing. Just like the glass flowers in the lobby and famous fountains in front, the conservatory and garden make the Bellagio a “must-see.”

15. Delicious M&M World

Chocolate lovers and children of all ages will enjoy M&M World. Look for one of the M&Ms frolicking out on the Strip. It’s right next to the MGM Grand.

You might even find the place by following the aroma of chocolate and you cannot miss the brightly-colored window display. You’ll discover four floors of candy displays, posters, and souvenirs. You can even purchase personalized M&Ms, which make tasty albeit obviously temporary souvenirs.

16. VooDoo Zipline

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Adrenaline junkies flock here to ride the adrenaline-fueled VooDoo Zipline. Visit whenever you want because it’s open seven days a week, 23 hours a day. The VooDoo Zipline offers thrill-seekers a truly unique view of the famous Las Vegas Strip on an exciting thrill ride that reaches 33 miles per hour. The adventure starts at the VooDoo Lounge and riders may go solo or with a friend. No reservations are required.

17. The Cosmopolitan’s Pool

The pool at the luxurious Cosmopolitan is reportedly special. It’s open all year. Anyone can stop in during any of the seasonal activities or special events.

If you’re a film buff then visit in the summer. It’s then that the pool holds its “Dive-In Movies” series which features numerous classic and current films. In the winter, the Cosmopolitan hosts its own winter wonderland complete with Christmas lights, an ice rink, and s’ mores.

18. Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail Head

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Image courtesy of Yelp

The popular Gold Strike Hot Springs trail-head can be found 40 minutes outside of Sin City. For those up to a challenging hike, the springs offer a transformative experience. Plan on spending time there.  The hike itself is not appropriate for pets or young children.  In fact, while you can reach the trail head, the official trail at Great Basin Highway is currently closed.

19. Dig This Las Vegas!

Some travel bloggers say that the popular Dig This Las Vegas gives a new meaning to the phrase “adult’s playground.” Oh, it’s dirty but maybe not what you’d expect. This is a large safe dirt lot on which teens and adults can run heavy-duty construction equipment in a controlled environment. You can stack huge tires, dig big holes, or even destroy vehicles.

20. The Basement: A Live Escape Room Experience

Fright flick fans and adrenaline junkies alike will not want to miss The Basement. The Basement, born in Los Angeles, California, is the result of the growing popularity of escape-room attractions in the US. Guests may choose from the basement or the study and are given only 45 minutes to escape from evil serial killer Edward Tandy who feasts on human flesh. You could go solo but it’s best to take a few friends.

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