Ahhh, Las Vegas. It’s truly a city like no other. There’s always something going on (at all hours of the day), and there’s always plenty of things to do in Las Vegas. Whether you are looking for those iconic experiences that Sin City is known for, unique and experiences, or photogenic sights, there is plenty to add to your Las Vegas bucket list.
Growing up in Los Angeles (especially in an Asian family because IYKYK), I’ve been to Vegas dozens of times over the years. It was a regular family vacation destination for us. And so, throughout the years, I’ve developed kind of a love/hate relationship with Las Vegas – yet, there’s always something that keeps me coming back.
Over the years, I’ve gained a different perspective on Las Vegas. As a child, it was a place I went to with my family, and I spent plenty of time in the arcade. In my twenties, it was a place I went to to party.
Now that I’m in my thirties, I’ve come to appreciate all the city has to offer, and that there are many more things to do in Las Vegas than just gamble and party. It’s a place that offers literally something for everyone!
Even when I think that I’ve done it all and that I don’t need to come back again, the city surprises me with plenty of new and exciting things to do in Las Vegas that has me coming right up!
There are plenty of things to add to your Las Vegas bucket list, whether you are looking for high-end dining experiences, arts and culture, or even as a gateway to a plethora of nearby outdoor adventures.
Looking for things to add to your Las Vegas bucket list? Here are 120 of them!
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Looking to save some money in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas isn’t exactly known for being cheap. If you want to experience as many of the things on this Las Vegas bucket list as possible, while saving some cash, consider getting this Las Vegas Go City Pass.
It comes in various durations (2, 3, 4, or 5 days), and includes admission into over 30 attractions in Las Vegas. Some of the experiences included that are also on this Las Vegas bucket list include the Mob Museum, Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N, Linq High Roller, Sky Pod at the Strat, Eiffel Tower Experience, the Big Apple roller coaster, and more.
The Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List
Iconic Things to Do in Las Vegas
Enjoy amazing panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and beyond on the Linq High Roller. At 500 feet high, it is the tallest observation wheel in the world! I suggest going during happy hour – it includes an open bar on board, so you can sip a cocktail while watching the lights twinkle on the Strip (also one of the most Instagram-worthy experiences in Las Vegas!).
See if Lady Luck is on your side and put $10 (the usual minimum at most casinos) on the Blackjack table (or if table games aren’t your thing, try your luck on some penny slots).
Get married by an Elvis impersonator – you don’t even have to legally get married! Some chapels will perform the ceremony without a marriage license, so that you can take part in this Las Vegas bucket list experience. This is also a unique way to renew your marriage vows.
Watch the volcano erupt in front of the Mirage. The nightly shows take place at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm, and feature a display of light and fire set to music. This is one of those things to do in Las Vegas that has been around forever – they even had it back when I was a kid!
Snap a photo with the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. Taking a photo with this iconic sign is a must on your Las Vegas bucket list because no, you really haven’t been to Vegas if you don’t. (Tip: if you don’t feel like waiting in line, you can just snap a photo of it from the side of the sign).
Go to a pool party at a dayclub – it’s just one of those Las Vegas bucket list items that everyone needs to experience at least once. The pool parties in Vegas are on a whole new level – think world-class DJs, and megapools. You’ll find a dayclub for anyone, whether you’re looking for the hottest venues, or more laid-back, but the most popular ones are at the Encore, Drai’s (at the Cromwell), Wet Republic (at the MGM). You can even do a pool party crawl on a party bus here.
Check out the view of the Strip from the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel & Casino – for one of the most romantic things to do in Las Vegas, you can also have a meal at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant while enjoying the view.
Hit the outlets and score some deals – Las Vegas is known to be home to some of the best outlet malls in the world! You can hit up the Las Vegas Premium Outlets (either South or North), but I used to love shopping at the Primm Outlets, about 30 minutes south of Las Vegas at the California/Nevada state line.
Take a gondola ride around the Venetian – it’s one of the most romantic things to do in Las Vegas! You can either choose an outside gondola ride that circles around the outside of the hotel, or an inside ride that cruises through the Grand Canal Shoppes.
Go out for a night on the town at one of Las Vegas’s legendary nightclubs – it’s just one of the things that make Vegas, Vegas. You’ll find a club to suit every style and taste, whether you’re looking for super trendy or super laid-back and casual, but some of the most popular include Hakkasan (MGM), Marquee (Cosmopolitan), XS (Wynn), and Omnia (Caesar’s Palace).
Take a photo with a million dollars at Binion’s. The display holds exactly a million dollars, shaped in a pyramid made of a combination of various cash denominations, from dollar bills to hundred dollar bills. They’ll even give you a free printed photo in a souvenir frame!
See water shoot up to 450 feet while synchronized to music during the Bellagio Fountain show, one of the most iconic things to do in Las Vegas. The fountains are the second largest of its kind in the world. You can see show times here.
Visit the replica Sphinx and pyramids of Luxor, which are roughly the same size as the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid of Egypt.
Learn about Downtown Las Vegas, its past and present and how the city came to be in a walking tour of the Fremont Street District.
Sip on a ridiculously large yardstick drink while walking down the Strip. This was what I really wanted to do on my Las Vegas bucket list as soon as I turned 21, haha! Some of these drinks are about 2-3 feet tall – hey, it’s Vegas and you know they go big! Some places sell these in a cool souvenir glass as well – my favorite is the giant Eiffel Tower from Paris (they also have a ceramic balloon glass too, although it’s not as large but it is super pretty!).
Walk through the Fremont Street Experience and watch the Viva Vision light show that plays on the canopy at night. It’s the world’s largest video screen, spans 1375 feet long, with 16.4 million pixels. You can also check out the live music playing there, or zipline across the canopy on the Slotzilla.
Check out what is on display at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. The 14,000 square foot conservatory has stunning plant and floral displays that change based on the season, while repurposing the existing plants as much as possible.
Go ice skating on top of the Cosmopolitan, named one of the top 10 ice rinks in North America. Every winter, the Boulevard pool turns into an ice rink, and patrons can glide over 4,200 square feet of real ice, roast s’mores by the fire, and indulge in seasonal food and beverage offerings. This one is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas during the holiday season, and has been on my Las Vegas bucket list for awhile (as I’m on a quest to hit up all the best ice rinks in the world!).
Shop til you drop! Shopaholics will rejoice as one of the best things to do in Las Vegas is to partake in its world-class shopping – it boasts over 7 million square feet of retail space! You’ll find everything you could want, from specialty brands, flagship anchor stores, to high-end luxury boutiques. Some of the best shopping centers to add to your Las Vegas bucket list include the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace (which is the top-performing retail center in the Las Vegas based on sales per square foot, and is among the top three enclosed centers nationwide), the Fashion Show Mall, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, and the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.
Quirky, Offbeat Things to Do in Las Vegas
Check out what’s going on at Area 15, a kind of futuristic shopping center and exhibition space. Currently, they are exhibiting Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, a mind-bending supermarket unlike any you’ve ever seen before. The interactive art experience explodes into surreal worlds and unexpected landscapes.
Learn to operate heavy machinery and construction equipment at Dig This. In this experience, you will get to operate a bulldozer or excavator (or both) to dig trenches, build mounds, go over a mega-mound, or even play “Bucket Basketball.” One of the most unique things to do in Las Vegas!
Sample all the eats and check out the unique boutiques at the Downtown Container Park, a open-air shopping mall that is entirely made out of repurposed shipping containers and metal cubes.
Play all the vintage pinball games at the Pinball Hall of Fame Museum, one of the quirkiest things to do in Las Vegas. The arcade/museum, which recently moved into a new location, boasts over hundreds of vintage pinball and arcade games (it’s kinda like the Musee Mechanique in San Francisco and the Pinball Museum in Seattle), which you can play for a few quarters!
Play a game of Sigma Derby at the D Hotel and Casino, the only remaining game in the city. The beautifully crafted vintage game features five mechanical horses that race around a track. Don’t forget to bring your quarters!
Say hi to Vegas Vic, an iconic 40-foot neon sign that has been a fixture on Fremont Street since 1951, when it stood outside of the Pioneer Club casino. Today, it stands at 25 East Fremont Street.
Search for treasures at the Gold and Silver Pawn shop – featured on the hit show Pawn Stars (you can even take a tour of the show’s filming locations around the city).
Check out the Hand of Faith, aka the largest gold nugget in existence (and the second largest ever found), at the Golden Nugget.
Channel your frustrations and wreck all the things at the Wreck Room. You’ll be outfitted with a helmet and safety gear, be handed a bat or crowbar and you can smash all the everyday objects to your heart’s content – everything from TVs, bottles, plates, and furniture.
Las Vegas Bucket List Museums
Travel back in time and check out all the vintage casino signs at the Neon Museum Boneyard. The open-air museum collects, restores, and preserves some of the most iconic neon signs from Vegas’s past. It’s one of the most unique and interesting things to do on your Las Vegas bucket list!
Pay a visit to the Mob Museum. This fascinating museum tells the story behind organized crime in Las Vegas and the US, and introduces you to such characters as Al Capone and Elliott Ness. You can see clips from mob movies, listen to footage from wire taps that were used to catch mobsters, and even visit a working speakeasy and distillery in the basement!
Visit the National Atomic Test Museum, one of the most fascinating things to do in Las Vegas. The museum operates as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Museum, and explores the history of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site in the desert north of Las Vegas.
Visit the Burlesque Hall of Fame, the world’s only museum dedicated to the history, preservation, and the future of the art of burlesque.
Learn more about the tragic journey of the Titanic at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor. The exhibit displays over 250 artifacts collected from the ship, as well as a recreation of some of the most grand rooms of the ship, as well as tell the story of the passengers and crew.
See the art on display at the Aria Fine Art Collection, which encompasses a variety of styles and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and large scale installations. Artists include Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Frank Stella, Henry Moore, and more.
See original props and equipment used on the set of Marvel Avengers movies at the Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network). See Captain America’s uniform and shield, learn to operate Iron Man’s suit, and more! One of the most fun Las Vegas bucket list experiences for families.
Check out the art on display at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. The gallery displays a rotating collection of works from some of the world’s renowned artists, including Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Takashi Murakami, and more.
Things to Do in Las Vegas for Arts and Culture Lovers
Take a photo of the colorful floral glass ceiling in the lobby of the Bellagio – created by none other than the glass master Dale Chihuly (whose work you can see more of in Seattle, where he originates from).
Check out Vegas’s thriving arts scene at 18b, in the heart of the Arts District. The vibrant cultural hub is full of indie art galleries and performance venues in converted warehouse space. Some highlights include the Arts Factory, the Arts Square, and Cockroach Theatre.
Tour the city’s art galleries, check out some art and shop from local artists, enjoy live music, and grab some food and drinks at the First Friday art crawl.
Check out the towering neon rocks at Seven Magic Mountains, an art installation by famed Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone that is a creative expression of human presence in the desert. This is one of the most Instagrammable things to do in Las Vegas! (note: Seven Magic Mountains is about a 20 minute drive from the city. If you won’t have a car, you can consider taking a tour that takes you there, like this one.)
See trippy light installations and high-tech projections at the Museum of Dream Space, a new digital art exhibition.
Go for a mural and street art crawl in Downtown Las Vegas. Las Vegas has a thriving Arts District, located just east of Fremont Street, where you can find many murals and art installations. Many of the murals here were created by local artists for the annual Life is Beautiful music festival, which is also held in the neighborhood. You can also find several art installations that were originally used as part of the Burning Man festival.
See a show at the Smith Center. The state-of-the-art performance venue hosts many premier acts such as the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the Nevada Ballet, Broadway performances, and other top acts. Be sure to also take a photo with the colorful pipes at the neighboring Symphony Park.
Adventurous Things to do in Las Vegas
Check out an amazing view of all of Las Vegas from 109 stories up, from the top of the Strat. It is the tallest freestanding observation deck in the United States (yes, taller than the Space Needle in Seattle and the Skydeck in Chicago). If you want to experience one of the most thrilling things to do in Las Vegas, you can also 160 feet in the air at 45 mph, or ride a roller coaster that hangs on the edge of the building at 886 feet high (get a ride pass here).
Fly over Las Vegas and catch birds-eye views of the dazzling lights of Strip on a 15-minute helicopter ride. This is one of those Las Vegas bucket list items that I have been wanting to do forever!
Drive your dream car, forget about the speed limit, and take part in an exotic car experience at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. You’ll get to choose from 13 different super cars, get instruction on race driving, and then be able to drive to your heart’s content at speeds up to 130 mph!
Fly across the Strip (or at least part of it) on the Fly LINQ zipline. You’ll soar above Sin City from 12 stories high for an exhilarating, adrenaline-fueled experience.
For one of the most thrilling things to do in Las Vegas, go skydiving – indoors! The experience mimics the conditions of free-falling without the need for a parachute or without motion sickness. You’ll spend three minutes above a wind tunnel that mimics the weightlessness that skydivers experience when they fall through the air.
Fly through the skies and around New York New York on the Big Apple Coaster. You’ll twist and turn your way around the replica Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty at speeds reaching up to 70 miles per hour on the world’s first roller coaster with a 180 degree twist!
Experience all the thrills inside the Adventuredome, a 5 acre indoor theme park inside Circus Circus. It features 25 rides and attractions, including a 1.5 vertical-G roller coaster, the world’s only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster, bumper cars, an arcade, and much more. This is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids (heck, I spent a lot of time here when I was a kid).
Wildlife + Nature Experiences
Say hi to the flock of flamingos at the Flamingo Habitat. In addition to flamingos, you can say hi to a variety of other feathered friends, such as Ring Teal ducks, Sacred Ibis, and brown pelicans.
Hit the beach at Mandalay Bay – it has a wave pool (with waves like a real beach), lazy river, and even cabanas and bungalows for rent for maximum relaxation. Must be a hotel guest for access.
See the exotic sharks of the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef – you can even feed them and dive with them through their animal encounter experiences (currently temporarily suspended). In addition to sharks, the aquarium features endangered green sea turtles, piranhas, and Komodo sea dragons.
Check out the dolphins and exotic animals at the Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. The animal sanctuary (which has a focus on scientific research, education and conservation outreach) is home to a variety of majestic creatures including white tigers, white lions and leopards.
Slide down a water slide that goes through a 200,000 gallon shark tank aquarium at the Golden Nugget. One of the most unique Las Vegas bucket list experiences!
Visit the animals at the Lion Habitat, a wildlife sanctuary where the lions from the MGM lion exhibit were moved.
Las Vegas Bucket List Food and Drink Experiences
Eat at a Vegas buffet – some are much, much better than others. I suggest the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, the Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan, or the Wynn Buffet. Go right before lunch ends, so you get the lunch price but you get to eat some of the dinner items that they start bringing out. (temporarily closed)
Order a seafood pan roast at the Oyster Bar in Palace Station – it comes with your choice of seafood cooked in a hearty tomato stew with a kick of spice, and a side of rice. It’s a local favorite, and people line up for hours for it! The Oyster Bar is open 24 hours, but you’ll find the least crowds between 6-11 am.
Taste some small-batch, artisanal chocolates from Ethel M. They have been made in the Las Vegas area for over 40 years! You can sample some chocolates at one of their boutiques, or see how it is made at the factory in Henderson (they have a cactus garden there as well).
Eat a donut that’s as big as your face at Donut Bar. Seriously, these things are HUGE and the most extra donuts you’ll find.
Take a tour of Banger Brewing and sample a few microbrews at Las Vegas’s own craft brewery. The brewery was created by the city of Las Vegas, for the city of Las Vegas.
Order a drink at the Long Bar in the D hotel. At 1300 feet long, it is the longest bar in Nevada and features drinks with flair by talented bartenders, nine beers on tap, 32-34 seats with personal gaming machines, and multiple flat-screen TVs with a personalized sound system.
Try to see if you can sneak inside the Laundry Room, downtown Las Vegas’s speakeasy bar, hidden inside the Commonwealth. The internationally-acclaimed cocktail haven has a pre-prohibition theme with a vintage cocktail menu, and only 22 seats that you can only snag by reservation.
Sip a cocktail under sparkling chandelier crystals at the Chandelier Bar inside the Cosmopolitan. It expresses elements of playground, art exhibit, and cocktail haven all at once. Try the Mad Hatter (it’s on the specials): The Alice in Wonderland-inspired cocktail starts with vials of blue gin and lemonade. Pour the lemonade into the gin, and the drink magically turns purple! It’s almost like a science experiment and super fun (and delicious as well!).
Grab a slice of authentic New York-style pizza at Secret Pizza, inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel, across from STK. The hidden spot recreates the feel of a corner pizza shop in NYC, and is perfect for a late night snack.
Check out Resorts World, opening in summer 2021. The brand-new hotel and resort is the first to be built from the ground up in a decade, and will feature 3500 guest rooms, multiple artist residencies, a nightclub and dayclub, a craft cocktail bar, and a food court reminiscent of the hawker stands in Singapore.
Enjoy sophisticated French cuisine at Restaurant Guy Savoy, the only one of the celebrity chef’s establishments in the United States. Try one of Savoy’s most celebrated dishes, including Colors of Caviar, foie gras and the artichoke and black truffle soup with toasted mushroom brioche and black truffle butter.
Order the chef’s special dessert set at Sweets Raku – basically a tasting menu of the most intricate dessert you’ll ever find. You can also opt to top it off with a wine pairing. This is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas for people with a sweet tooth (like me!).
Feast on some authentic Northern Thai specialties at Lotus of Siam, which was lauded as the best Thai restaurant in the United States by Gourmet Magazine. This is not where you’ll want order the same ‘ol Thai dishes that you can find at your local Thai joint back at home (i.e. Pad Thai). The duck Khao Soi is an absolute MUST TRY here! This is a must on any foodie’s Las Vegas bucket list!
Dine in an Instagrammable pink heaven at Mrs. Coco. This stylish cafe is a millennial’s pink dream, and is perfect for brunch!
Feast on a 16-course dinner at Joel Rubichon at the MGM Grand, the only three-star Michelin restaurant in Las Vegas. Rubichon was named “Chef of the Century” by the guide Gault Millau and his tasting menu is decadence at its finest. One of the most splurge-worthy dining experiences in Las Vegas and definitely Las Vegas bucket list worthy.
Enjoy a decadent meal in a dining room surrounded with original works by Pablo Picasso, or on an outdoor patio with a perfect view of the Bellagio Fountains at Picasso. Either way, you’ll have an unforgettable dining experience.
Eat at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant. The celebrity chef and star of Hell’s Kitchen has several establishments in Las Vegas, and has made his mark on the Las Vegas dining scene. Eating at one of them is a must on your Las Vegas bucket list. Choose from Hell’s Kitchen (where you can experience dining on a replica set of the show), Gordon Ramsay Burger, Gordon Ramsay Steak, or Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill. Those looking for a more casual dining experience can also opt for Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips.
Experience an innovative 20-course prix-fixe dinner at E by Jose Andres at the Cosmopolitan, one of the most memorable dining experiences in Las Vegas. Reservations must be requested in advance, and they will send you golden tickets in the mail, complete in a wax-sealed envelope.
Try both traditional and modern Vietnamese cruise at District One – slurp down a bowl of lobster pho or big bone soup.
Grab a group of friends and order the suckling pig ($540) at Bazaar Meat.
Atomic Liquors has its roots as the oldest free-standing bar in Las Vegas. Back then, people used to stop by to grab a drink, sit on the roof, and watch nuclear test explosions go off in the desert (because, you know, the 1950s). The original Atomic Liquors eventually closed down, but resurfaced in 2012 as a destination for craft cocktails. You can still see remnants of its predecessor here with Nevada’s nuclear history being documented on its walls.
Sip on indulgent tiki drinks at Golden Tiki, Las Vegas’s kitschiest tiki bar. The interior is decorated with such items such as a dancing skeleton, conch shell chair, and overstuffed treasure chest and some of its drinks come topped with Dole Whip.
Peruse the US’s largest whisky selection at the award-winning Whisky Attic. They offer educational tasting experiences, and more.
Try Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine at Best Friend by Roy Choi, best known as the founder of the Kogi food truck in Los Angeles. The experience can be described as “LA-meets-Korea-meets-Vegas,” with vibrant interiors and a menu featuring items such as A-Frame OG baby back ribs, and a whole rack of lamb with kimchi chimichurri. They also have alcoholic slushies!
Grab an over-the-top milkshake at Black Tap at the Venetian – they are the most extra milkshakes you’ll ever see (they have a location in NYC as well)! You’ll probably have a sugar high afterwards, but meanwhile, you can sip on your milkshake while enjoying the views of the canals at the Venetian.
Have brunch inside the swanky Sadelle’s, and swoon at the stylish interior (gives off serious Bridgerton vibes).
Order a cocktail made by robot bartenders at the Tipsy Robot. You can customize your perfect recipe and watch as a robot mixing, shaking, and serving the drink!
Visit the Taco Bell Cantina, on Harmon Corner right in the heart of the Strip. You may be thinking, “why on earth is Taco Bell on my Las Vegas bucket list?” Aside from the fact that you can never go wrong with a Crunchwrap Supreme or a Twisted Freezee (aka slushie with booze), this is unlike any other Taco Bell you’ve seen before. Vegas’s flagship Taco Bell establishment has a very Vegas spin to it – it’s open 24 hours, it’s two floors, it has a live DJ, and you can even get married here.
Have brunch while enjoying the perfect view of the Bellagio Fountains while sitting on the patio of Mon Ami Gabi. You’ll swear you’ve been transported to one of the many sidewalk cafes of Paris (except maybe with an arguably better view – which makes it worthy of your Las Vegas bucket list).
Hang out, grab a drink, and play oversized games at the Gold Spike’s Backyard – they have giant beer pong, Jenga, Legos, chess, and much more! They also play host to live music and various events as well, for one of the most fun things to do in Las Vegas.
Grab some tacos with a twist at Mas Por Favor, and then ask the cashier for “tonight’s delight” – you’ll be led down a secret tunnel that leads to a hidden speakeasy parlor.
Enjoy high tea service with an incredible view of the Strip at the Waldorf Astoria Tea Lounge. Situated on the 23rd floor, you can enjoy miniature sandwiches, freshly-baked signature scones, scrumptious desserts, and choose from a collection of fine loose-leaf teas.
Las Vegas Bucket List Shows
See a Cirque du Soleil show – the combination of music, dance, acrobatics, and sensory experience are absolutely mesmerizing. You have several options here, and you can’t go wrong with any of them, and they are a must on your Las Vegas bucket list! Some favorites are O (Bellagio), Mystere (Treasure Island), Ka (MGM), and Love (Mirage).
See the Blue Man Group perform, one of the world’s most iconic performance troupes. The stage show incorporates many kinds of music and art, both popular and obscure, and is bursting with laughter and surprises.
See a show by an artist in residency. Las Vegas has played home to many artists in residence over the years, including such acts as Elvis Presley (who had the longest stint ever at the Las Vegas Hilton), Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and the Backstreet Boys to name a few. You can see which artists are in residence and where they are playing here.
Attend a zombie burlesque show at Planet Hollywood. This is one of the quirkiest and most unique Las Vegas bucket list experiences! This zany, playful show takes you back to 1958, to an era in which the undead have taken over. The show features acts, comedy, a live big band and award-winning cast of characters for a fun, unforgettable time!
Gather up your girlfriends and watch the dancing, gyrating hard-bodied blokes of Australia at the Thunder from Down Under show. You’ll be swooning and laughing the entire time – this is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas for bachelorette parties and girls’ trips!
Check out Absinthe, an entertaining mix of carnival and spectacle, featuring jaw-dropping acrobatics, cabaret, and outrageous adult humor. HuffPost once declared, “if you only watch one show in Las Vegas, make it this one!,” making this a must on your Las Vegas bucket list.
Enjoy a medieval-style dinner (that you have to eat with your hands!) and show at the Tournament of Kings in the Excalibur. This show has been around forever – like since I was a little kid – and is an entertaining time!
Things to Do in Las Vegas for Sports Fans
Cheer on the Las Vegas Golden Knights at the T-Mobile Arena. The NHL expansion team took the hockey world by storm when they won the Stanley Cup in 2018, the same year they debuted.
Tour the brand-new Allegiant Stadium, the new home of the Las Vegas Raiders. The immersive tour will take you through some of the most exclusive areas of the arena, including the private suites and clubs, broadcast booth, press conference room, and locker room, as well as walk onto the field. One of the best things to do in Las Vegas for sports fans!
Shoot some balls at Topgolf, a driving range like no other. The golf and entertainment center features 107 climate-controlled hitting bays on four levels, a sleek pool with cabanas, five bars, and other games and activities.
Las Vegas Bucket List Festivals & Events
Make a wish and release a lantern at the Rise Festival, the largest lantern release in the world. The lanterns are specially designed to have a short burn and flight time, are picked up from the surrounding desert after the event, and are 100% biodegradable.
Check out all the art and headlining music acts at the Life is Beautiful festival. The annual festival takes over 18 blocks in Downtown Las Vegas, and brings electrifying music, art, and culture to the city.
Dance the night away at the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) the largest electronic music festival in North America. The festival lights up the city with the biggest names in electronic dance music, carnival rides, lights, and vibrant art installations.
Las Vegas Bucket List Day Trips
Visit Valley of the Fire, Nevada’s oldest state park. Check out the miniature version of the Wave (the Fire Wave), hike through a slot canyon (White Domes), check out all the cool rock formations, and snap a photo with the Insta-famous Mouse’s Tank Road.
Marvel at the natural wonder that is the Grand Canyon National Park at its South Rim, and admire the jaw-dropping viewpoints such as Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View, and Grandview Point.
Visit the Grand Canyon’s West Rim (separate from the Grand Canyon South and North Rims, which are managed by the National Parks Service) and walk out onto the Skywalk. You can even take an airplane tour!
For a truly epic experience, you can take a helicopter ride right down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon!
Take a day trip to Bryce Canyon and admire its unique hoodoo rock formations. Hike around the rim, drive the Scenic Drive and marvel at the park’s many panoramic views.
Admire the red rocks and slot canyons of Zion National Park – experience the thrill of Angels Landing, hike through the Narrows, and take in some spectacular views. (Note: yes, you can visit both Zion and Bryce Canyon in one day, but I don’t recommend doing it yourself because that’s a whole lot of driving – take a tour like this one instead).
Marvel at the dramatic rock formations at Red Rock Canyon. See the red rocks along the Scenic Drive, check out the ancient Native American petroglyphs, and see the 65 million year old Keystone Thrust, and fossilized sand dunes.
Visit the Hoover Dam, one of the engineering marvels of the 20th century and one of the largest public works projects in history. Check out the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, and enjoy incredible views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead.
Spend the day kayaking on the Colorado River – you’ll also get a new perspective of the iconic Hoover Dam!
Check out the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley National Park. Some of the highlights you can see in one day include visiting the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin, the magical Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, the badlands of Zabriskie Point, and the colorful landscapes of Artist’s Palette.
Visit Area 51, the top secret military facility that didn’t exist for decades, according to officials. Drive along the “Extraterrestrial Highway,” see a mysterious dry lake where recent UFO sightings have been reported, see a popular filming site, and visit a sacred meeting place for UFO enthusiasts.
Escape the heat and head to Mount Charleston. At over 11,000 feet in elevation, it is the tallest peak in Clark County. You can climb to the summit in the summer, and go skiing there in the winter. (You can also check out Lee Canyon along with Mount Charleston.)
Visit Nelson, a ghost town 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas. Here, you will find mine tours, a crashed plane, and restored buildings with old retro signs. Also visit El Dorado Canyon.
Kayak down the Colorado River to Emerald Cave, a grotto-style cave with pristine green-colored waters.
Explore the narrow channels of Black Canyon via kayak.
Marvel at some of the most incredible natural wonders in Page, Arizona and visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Hike to Mary Jane Falls, in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The hike climbs 1100 feet in elevation in 1.6 miles, but you will be rewarded with a view of a stunning waterfall (best hiked in the spring, when the water flow is higher).
Go ATVing in the desert – did you know that Las Vegas has a big ATVing culture amongst its locals?
Get out on the water at Lake Mead National Recreation Area – go boating, or do some water sports. (Pssst…your America the Beautiful annual national parks pass =).
Soar over the Mojave desert in a hot air balloon – one of the most romantic things to do in Las Vegas.
What are some of the things on your Las Vegas bucket list?
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Caroline is a Southern California based traveler, writer, and photographer. She travels all around California, the US, and the world in search of the most colorful places, the most delicious food, and bucket-list adventures. Her aim is to inspire other travelers discover how to add more adventure and joy to their lives. On Pictures & Words, you’ll find detailed guides + itineraries, along with vibrant photos to help you plan the the most epic trips. When she’s not traveling, Caroline also runs half marathons.