So we went to go see some of the not so known places on the Las Vegas Strip.CHECK THE LINKS BELOWInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cohdeyTw. Las Vegas' Hidden Gems Pianist to the Presidents at Bellagio Indulge in a splendid evening at Bellagio's Petrossian Bar with live music from the pianist to Presidents of the United States. David Osborn has performed at the White House for many politicians including Presidents Carter.
- Hidden Things In Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Hidden Object Game
- Hidden Vegas Attractions
- Hidden Things In Las Vegas
Adam and I have been to Vegas numerous times, but every time it has involved lots of booze & clubs. On our most recent trip, it was just the two of us no bad influences AKA friends who wanted to party.
We booked our Las Vegas hotel and decided let's do Vegas the sober way. But what the heck is there to do in Vegas besides drink & gamble? A LOT! Here are our top 10 SOBER things to do in Las Vegas.
1.Helicopter Tour
Screw alcohol, get your buzz by flying high above Las Vegas! You can't get any better views of Las Vegas strip at night than from a helicopter. For the price of 6 drinks at a fancy pool bar, you'll have a memory of a lifetime!
Don't have a car, no worries Papillion helicopter tours include round-trip LIMO transportation. They have the best prices, click here to book online for cheap as only $84.
If the Grand Canyon is on your bucket list make sure to check out our complete list of the best Grand Canyon helicopter tours (several under $200). The best place for photos will always be from high above, our best photos of the Grand Canyon came from our helicopter tour.
*Make sure to check out our complete list of CHEAP LAS VEGAS HELICOPTER TOURS*
2.LINQ High Roller
Ride the world's largest Ferris Wheel! The LINQ high roller is 550-feet-tall and 520 feet in diameter, you will not miss it located at the LINQ hotel. The LINQ is larger than the London Eye and the Singapore Flyer. One full revolution will take you 30 minutes, with nonstop views. If you're lucky you will catch the Bellagio water show from high above. There are 28 glass cabins, which hold up to 40 people. On our trip there were maybe 15 other people, but if you wish you can rent out an entire cabin.
You can purchase your tickets online (prices cheaper if booking online with Viator) or at the ticket window. Prices at the window are $26.95 an adult during the day, $36.95 an adult at night, and $7 extra if you'd like to be in the Happy Hour cabin that includes unlimited open bar…but that would break the Sober rule. Totally up to you, no matter what you choose it's a blast.
3. Bacchanal Buffet Lunch
I suggest arriving in Las Vegas with an empty stomach and heading straight to Bacchanal Buffet located inside Caesar's Palace. Bacchanal has been voted best buffet in Las Vegas by USA Today more than once, and with good reason. There are more than 500 daily offerings, with an approx 15 daily chef's specials added to the menu as they change depending on the season.
Adam and I indulged in the prime rib, street taco station, cheese selection, pasta bar, sausages, shrimp, Singapore noodles, cupcakes, gelato, and so much more. We saw people going back plate after plate for the king crab legs, you could get your money's worth just in the seafood selection alone: mussels, crab legs, shrimp, sushi, and more.
Even though it may not be the cheapest buffet on the strip, but I can assure you this will be your only meal of the day, Adam and I didn't eat for 24 hours after… Breakfast $30, Lunch $37, Dinner $52, Champagne Brunch $49.
4. Slotzilla
Get your heart pumping as you soar down Fremont Street on Slotzilla. Slotzilla is the world's largest slot machine that is a 12-stories tall that lets you zip line from one end of Fremont Street to the other.
There are 2 lines, the lower which is 77 feet high and will fly you halfway down Fremont Street for $20, and the upper which is 114 feet high and will fly you all 1,750 feet down Fremont Street for $40.
The upper line aka the zoom line will have you flying in 'Superman' position, which much different than any other zipline we have done. There are 4 lines that fly side by side, and thankfully you will not have to jump off a platform as you are in flying position the 'door' will drop and you will be whisked away!
5. Zarkana Cirque du Soleil
If you only have time to see one show in Las Vegas I highly recommend Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil which plays at the Aria hotel. Pure entertainment for 90 minutes with over 70 acrobats, jugglers, aerialists, high wire and trapeze artists.
The characters and costumes are out of this world. Scene after scene we were amazed and thoroughly entertained. There are several Cirque de Soleil shows in Vegas, click here to see show options and ticket prices.
6. Canyon Ranch Spa
Nothing is more relaxing than a day at the spa. You could easily spend half the day at Canyon Ranch spa, or even an entire day! Once in the locker room put on your luxurious robe and disconnect from reality and just relax.
The single-sex thermal environment includes a dry sauna, crystal steam room, hydro spa, igloo, herbal laconium, and experiential rains. What the hell is an igloo, I had no idea so I had to investigate for myself. It is a COLD room, shaped like an Igloo probably 15 degrees with cool air and three Arctic mist aromas to choose from. The herbal laconium is a calming herbal infused humid room to relax your body. I spent an hour in the dry sauna, and herbal laconium before my 50 minute Canyon Ranch massage. After my massage, I relaxed in the steam room, hydro spa, sauna, and cooled down in the igloo.
Day passes can be purchased for $40, or if you are staying at The Venetian or The Palazzo for a discounted rate.
Ride the world's largest Ferris Wheel! The LINQ high roller is 550-feet-tall and 520 feet in diameter, you will not miss it located at the LINQ hotel. The LINQ is larger than the London Eye and the Singapore Flyer. One full revolution will take you 30 minutes, with nonstop views. If you're lucky you will catch the Bellagio water show from high above. There are 28 glass cabins, which hold up to 40 people. On our trip there were maybe 15 other people, but if you wish you can rent out an entire cabin.
You can purchase your tickets online (prices cheaper if booking online with Viator) or at the ticket window. Prices at the window are $26.95 an adult during the day, $36.95 an adult at night, and $7 extra if you'd like to be in the Happy Hour cabin that includes unlimited open bar…but that would break the Sober rule. Totally up to you, no matter what you choose it's a blast.
3. Bacchanal Buffet Lunch
I suggest arriving in Las Vegas with an empty stomach and heading straight to Bacchanal Buffet located inside Caesar's Palace. Bacchanal has been voted best buffet in Las Vegas by USA Today more than once, and with good reason. There are more than 500 daily offerings, with an approx 15 daily chef's specials added to the menu as they change depending on the season.
Adam and I indulged in the prime rib, street taco station, cheese selection, pasta bar, sausages, shrimp, Singapore noodles, cupcakes, gelato, and so much more. We saw people going back plate after plate for the king crab legs, you could get your money's worth just in the seafood selection alone: mussels, crab legs, shrimp, sushi, and more.
Even though it may not be the cheapest buffet on the strip, but I can assure you this will be your only meal of the day, Adam and I didn't eat for 24 hours after… Breakfast $30, Lunch $37, Dinner $52, Champagne Brunch $49.
4. Slotzilla
Get your heart pumping as you soar down Fremont Street on Slotzilla. Slotzilla is the world's largest slot machine that is a 12-stories tall that lets you zip line from one end of Fremont Street to the other.
There are 2 lines, the lower which is 77 feet high and will fly you halfway down Fremont Street for $20, and the upper which is 114 feet high and will fly you all 1,750 feet down Fremont Street for $40.
The upper line aka the zoom line will have you flying in 'Superman' position, which much different than any other zipline we have done. There are 4 lines that fly side by side, and thankfully you will not have to jump off a platform as you are in flying position the 'door' will drop and you will be whisked away!
5. Zarkana Cirque du Soleil
If you only have time to see one show in Las Vegas I highly recommend Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil which plays at the Aria hotel. Pure entertainment for 90 minutes with over 70 acrobats, jugglers, aerialists, high wire and trapeze artists.
The characters and costumes are out of this world. Scene after scene we were amazed and thoroughly entertained. There are several Cirque de Soleil shows in Vegas, click here to see show options and ticket prices.
6. Canyon Ranch Spa
Nothing is more relaxing than a day at the spa. You could easily spend half the day at Canyon Ranch spa, or even an entire day! Once in the locker room put on your luxurious robe and disconnect from reality and just relax.
The single-sex thermal environment includes a dry sauna, crystal steam room, hydro spa, igloo, herbal laconium, and experiential rains. What the hell is an igloo, I had no idea so I had to investigate for myself. It is a COLD room, shaped like an Igloo probably 15 degrees with cool air and three Arctic mist aromas to choose from. The herbal laconium is a calming herbal infused humid room to relax your body. I spent an hour in the dry sauna, and herbal laconium before my 50 minute Canyon Ranch massage. After my massage, I relaxed in the steam room, hydro spa, sauna, and cooled down in the igloo.
Day passes can be purchased for $40, or if you are staying at The Venetian or The Palazzo for a discounted rate.
7. Eiffel Tower Observation Deck
Located 46 stories high above the Las Vegas Boulevard the Eiffel Tour observation deck offers iconic 360-degree views of the Las Vegas skyline. The Eiffel Tour in Las Vegas is half the size of the world-famous Eiffel Tour in the Paris hotel.
Make sure to go up at night to capture the strip come alive at night. It is also worth waiting for the Bellagio water show, which happens every 15 minutes in the evenings. Tickets can be purchased at the Eiffel Tower gift shop or online here, adults during the day are $14 and after 7:30 pm $19
8.Gondola Ride
Hidden Things In Las Vegas
Can't make it to Venice, just pop on over to the Venetian hotel for a gondola ride. Just like in Venice the Venetian offers gondola rides, you can choose to be indoors or outdoors.
Have your gondolier sing you a romantic song on a gondola. Prices are $21 per person shared gondola (4 people), or $84 for a private gondola.
9. Bellagio Water show
Everyone loves FREE stuff, but free entertainment is even better. It is a must that you stroll by the fountains at the Bellagio hotel at least once while in Las Vegas. You will be amazed by the show water, light, music is choreographed to a tee. Every time walk by it will be different as there will be a different song to a choreographed routine.
The fountains are Monday-Friday 3pm-8pm every 1/2 hour and 8pm-12am every 15 minutes, and Saturdays/Sundays/Holidays 12pm-8pm every 1/2 hour and 8pm-12am every 15 minutes.
10. Shopping
No matter if you're coming from far away or just a few states away, Vegas has shopping for everyone. If you are coming overseas take advantage of the prices at the Las Vegas Premium Outlets.
This is where I tend to go shopping as they have the best deals, my favorite outlet stores there are Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach, Gap, Levi's, Saks of Fifth Ave, Diesel, Nike, and many more stores. You could easily spend an entire day shopping in Las Vegas. Great shopping malls right on the strip are the Fashion Mall and Forum Shops.
There you have it, my top 10 things to do in Las Vegas sober! Yes, you will wake up every morning hangover-free and be feeling great. Not nursing your hangover with more booze, spending even more silly money. To save even more money look at getting the Go City Card it includes admission to several of the above attraction and even more fun things to do in Las Vegas including a few meals!
Have you been to Vegas and didn't go crazy with booze? What are your favorite things to do in Las Vegas sober? Share them below, as I know next time I return to Vegas it will another semi-sober. I do like to have a drink or two, not 10!
To save some money consider staying in an Airbnb, there are tons of condos in Las Vegas for a fraction of the price of a hotel on the strip. Staying in an Airbnb will also help save money on meal costs as you can easily make breakfast before heading off exploring Hong Kong.
Get a $40 credit when you book your first trip! –>> sign up here!
You could do all the above under the influence too, but you may end up with a HANGOVER!
This post may contain affiliate links, see our disclosureOnce you finally land in Vegas, its quite hard to draw yourself away from the excitement of The Strip. And really, with all the fabulous restaurants, shows, casinos, and endless entertainment, there really is no need to step a foot off The Strip. However, if you have already been to Vegas a time or 2 and are seeking a more unique, offbeat experience, then taking some time to explore non-Strip attractions may be something to consider.
For those willing to leave the glitz and glamour behind (if only for a few hours), there are plenty of exciting and eclectic activities to keep you busy. Below are my top picks for unique attractions off The Strip!
Pinball Hall of Fame
Located just minutes off The Strip is the really eclectic Pinball Hall of Fame, home to the largest collection of pinball machines in the world! Nostalgia overload hits anyone who grew up spending free time in old-fashioned arcades. As soon as you step in the door, you are taken back in time, back to the days where everything was simpler, cheaper, and more fun! From a classic Simpsons pinball machine, to a Super Mario's Brothers joystick arcade game, to one of those old time claw prize machines, the Pinball Museum is simply classic old-fashioned fun at its' best.
The large collection includes pinball machines from the 50's-90's, and fortunately, the pricing is also more in line with the past with games ranging from just 25-50 cents! Where else in Vegas can you walk in with just 5 bucks and leave happy?! Unlike Vegas casinos which very often do not provide a great return on investment, the Pinball Museum is a great time for Vegas visitors of all ages.
The Neon Museum
The Stardust, Fitzgeralds, The Aladdin…have you ever wondered where all these old neon casino signs actually end up? Lots of Vegas casinos have come and gone over the years and the remaining signs have to go somewhere, right? Fortunately, the Neon Museum started preserving these vintage treasures in 1996, so we can all remember the old days of Vegas before LED technology began to take over! YESCO, a leading sign manufacturer, donated many of the neon signs. These neons were stored in their 'boneyard.'
Touring the Neon Boneyard is an essential Vegas must-do for history buffs and anyone else who remembers the old days of Vegas. Tours run both day and night, although nighttime is a real treat as 7 of the signs have been restored and lit up. Not to mention, you get to avoid the less than pleasant sunny afternoon weather! For just over 2o bucks a person, the Neon Museum comes in as a unique budget friendly activity where you can learn more about the history of Neon signs, take some really cool photos, and enjoy a quiet setting away from the commotion.
Red Rock Canyon
Who knew such a gorgeous natural area could be found just 20 minutes from the man made splendor of The Strip? For those who have never ventured off The Strip, Nevada is actually a pretty gorgeous place with so many beautiful state parks and recreational areas. Really, minutes after driving away from The Strip, you are transported into a totally different world.
One of the best of these natural areas is Red Rock Canyon, featuring 19 gorgeous trails and a 13 mile scenic drive. It's the perfect activity for hikers, joggers, bikers, and anyone else looking for a peaceful nature escape from the city. Red Rock is the perfect day trip after a few exhausting days of exploring The Strip.
While it's hard to pull yourself away from all the action, once you arrive at Red Rock, the beauty of these colorful towering rock formations will take your breath away, thus making you glad you took the detour. As soon as you start your scenic drive or hike, you will forget about all the man made Strip attractions and begin to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful natural desert surrounding you in every direction.
Ethel M. Chocolate Factory
Now here's a reason to leave the Strip – free chocolate tastings! At Ethel M. Chocolates in Henderson, you can take a free self guided tour of a working chocolate factory, sample some tasty candies, and even pre register for a more intense chocolate tasting experience (just $15).
Also on-site is a beautiful cactus garden with several varieties of the unique desert plant lining all sides of an easy nature trail. With over 300 species, it's one of the world's largest cactus gardens! Assuming the weather isn't too unbearable, the garden is a really nice place to take a rejuvenating stroll, especially after dealing with endless crowds and loud casinos! This one is a good half hour from The Strip, however, there's plenty more to explore in Henderson including the Lion Habitat Ranch and the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve.
Mermaid Swimming Show at the Silverton
One of the best freebies in Vegas is found just 5 miles or so off The Strip at the eclectic rustic themed Silverton Casino. The lobby of the hotel features a massive 117,000 gallon salt water tank, loaded with all sorts of colorful and exotic fish. And the Mermaid Lounge next door features 2 500 gallon jellyfish tanks, so you can relax with a drink in this totally unusual, yet exciting setting.
While this is all great, the best part yet is a fun and unusual mermaid swimming show which takes place several times throughout the day. This quirky attraction, combined with a cool restaurant directly facing the tank (with great happy hour app specials), makes the Silverton a worthy detour off The Strip. Oh and also be sure to check out the massive Bass Pro Shop – one of the largest and most unique!
The Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street, located in downtown Vegas, is known for being home to some of the last remainders of old school Vegas. Fremont is one of the few places where you can still feel that 'old Vegas' charm. However, it seems to be getting more modern by the year, so you will have to get here soon. Every night 1000's and 1000's of tourists crowd the streets for the amazing Fremont Street Experience, a spectacular light and sound show on a gigantic LED screen known as the Viva Vision. Viva is the world's largest at 1500 foot long by 90 foot wide! For a really thrilling experience, you can take a zip line ride right beneath the lights!
Adding into the uniqueness, all of the casinos go dark prior to the show! This is a really unique experience as Vegas is known for never turning off the bright lights.
With classic Neon signs, coin operated casinos (inside Main Street Station), a signed poker table at the birthplace of the World Series (Binions), there's plenty of interesting things to do at Fremont which you won't find on The Strip. It's a unique area that still preserves some of the Vegas charm, but for how long?
Shark tank slide at the Golden Nugget
The Golden Nugget, located downtown on Fremont Street, is home to one of the most interesting pools in the world. In fact, you've probably seen it spotlighted on a travel special at one point. A thrilling glass enclosed water slide takes you right through a shark tank for an experience like no other in Vegas (or elsewhere for the matter)! Or simply relax poolside with a tropical drink in hand as you enjoy this colorful tank. Note: Although the pool is open only to guests, you can still check out the tank!
Las Vegas Hidden Object Game
Christmas cactus garden at Eiffel M. Chocolates
Hidden Vegas Attractions
During the holiday season, the pretty cactus garden at Ethel M. Chocolate Factory transforms into a gorgeous winter wonderland with a million lights adorning all the desert plants. Seeing all these rare desert plants dressed up for the holidays is a really unique sights, especially for those of us now originally from the Southwest.
This display is quite different from the norm. It's not too often we get to see exotic plants draped with Christmas lights! If you find yourself visiting Vegas in December, it's worth a visit. And the best part of all, it is completely free to stroll the gardens and you will also get to try out some delicious chocolate! And of course, you must also check out the gorgeous holiday displays at the Bellagio and Wynn.
Other Strange & Unusual Sights of Interest
Hidden Things In Las Vegas
- National Atomic Testing Museum – learn about the nation's atomic testing program
- Erotic Heritage Museum – A really odd museum which preserves erotic fine art and film
- Kiss Mini Golf – A cool glow in the dark Kiss themed miniature golf course inside the Rio
- The Mob Museum – An interactive journey through organized crime of the 21st century
- Burlesque Hall of Fame – Learn more and explore artifacts and costumes from the burlesque industry
- The Zombie Apocalypse Store – your defense against the undead
