Visiting Las Vegas and wondering what to do during the day, other than gambling? While Vegas is primarily known for its vibrant nightlife and plentiful slot machines, the city also brims with daytime activities, from exploring Nevada’s beautiful deserts to high-end shopping. Here’s 24 things to do in Las Vegas during the daytime to make the most of your visit to Sin City.
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My husband, Justin, and I have been to Sin City over half a dozen times (and actually renewed our vows there!), but we wanted to recruit a true Las Vegas expert to round-up some of the best things- and some hidden gems- to make the most of your time here.
So we recruited our friend, Shannon, from Three Days in Vegas to give us the low down. Take it away, Shannon!
Cultural and Educational Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Daytime
When people think of Sin City, most don’t realize that there is a lot more to do than just gamble and party—in fact, there’s a number of unique cultural attractions that are the perfect activities to tackle during the daylight hours.
1. Explore Springs Preserve
If you’re a history buff or love unique museums, Springs Preserve, a 180-acre institution designed to commemorate the city’s quirky culture, nature, and history, should absolutely be on your list. The preserve offers everything from botanical gardens and walking trails to museums and art galleries and has been deemed so integral to the foundation of the city that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
For example, dive into exhibits about the Hoover Dam or dinosaur tracks—which were discovered right here in the preserve! Alternatively, stroll along the 3.6 miles of trails in the Botanical Garden, where you can immerse yourself in the plants and wildlife that flourish in Vegas’ ecosystem.
Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or culture, the Springs Preserve is definitely worth a stop!
2. Visit the Mob Museum
If you think museums are usually dry, give the Mob Museum a try. This world-class museum offers an interactive journey through the true stories of organized crime, focused largely on the mob presence that Vegas is so famous for, and their entanglements with law enforcement agencies.
You can explore the museum’s collection of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and high-tech audio-visual displays that are constantly growing and evolving. For example, check out the Crime Lab exhibit, where you can explore the work of forensic scientists, like DNA or fingerprint analysis.
Plus, there’s an actual speakeasy in the basement. I won’t ruin the surprise, but order an Old-Fashioned—they definitely lean into the prohibition-era fun!
3. Experience the Seven Magic Mountains
When visiting Las Vegas, make sure to experience Seven Magic Mountains, a large scale art exhibit you’ve surely seen plastered all over your Instagram.
And for good reason!
Created by Swiss artist, Ugo Rondinone, this large scale artwork consists of seven towers, made of colorful stacked boulders, soaring 30-35 feet above the desert floor. It’s located just half an hour outside of Vegas, in the Mojave Desert and best of all, this attraction is totally free!
If you don’t have a rental car while you’re in Vegas, you can either take a ride share here or alternatively, join one of the tours that stop here, like this one, which also stops at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and the Mojave Desert.
4. Visit the Pinball Museum
The Pinball Museum in Las Vegas is a must-visit if you love nostalgic trips down memory lane.
With over 150 coin-operated pinball machines, this 10,000 square foot interactive museum is located off the Strip, right by Mandalay Bay. Beyond just pinball machines, the museum also houses vintage arcade games and memorabilia to delight gamers of all ages.
Admission to the museum is totally free—just don’t forget your quarters!
Unique Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Daytime
No matter your feelings on Sin City, there’s no denying that it’s certainly a one-of-a-kind destination. People travel from all over the world to see the kitschy chaos that is Vegas—so why not dive directly into the madness?
5. Take a tour of the Pawn Stars store
Ever watch the hit show, Pawn Stars, on the History Channel? Well, the famed Gold and Silver Pawn Shop is located right here in Las Vegas!
There’s plenty of tours that will take you to the pawn shop to peruse its wares for sale, like an authentic Colts Super Bowl Ring or incredibly rare coins. For example, check out this VIP tour, which stops at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, as well as the Toy Shack, owned by Pawn Star expert, Johnny Jimenez, with tons of collectible toys, and even filming locations from other popular reality TV shows, like Count’s Kustoms from Counting Cars.
6. Experience the High Roller Observation Wheel
Located at The LINQ Hotel, the High Roller is a 550 feet-tall observation wheel, with enclosed glass gondolas. It towers over the Las Vegas Strip, providing views of its famed hotels, and is actually the largest observation wheel in the entire world, even surpassing the iconic London Eye which stands at a paltry 443 feet-tall!
Once you step into one of the 28 spacious cabins, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Las Vegas and beyond, the Mojave desert for half an hour as the Wheel completes its rotation.
At night, you can enjoy the glittering lights of the Strip, but during the day, you’ll have a much easier time seeing and appreciating the architecture of the casinos, resorts, and chaos of Las Vegas Boulevard, as well as the surrounding landscape.
Pssst… if you’re looking to get the party started early (no judgment here—it’s Vegas, after all!), consider booking a Happy Half Hour, where you’ll get to indulge in an open bar during your spin aboard the High Roller!
7. Explore the Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is a great attraction for history buffs or those interested in cheeky kitsch of old Vegas. Founded in 1996, this museum showcases more than 800 abandoned and restored neon signs from 200 resorts and casinos, giving you a glimpse into the colorful history of Las Vegas.
You can explore the main “boneyard” during the day on your own or join a guided tour to learn more about the history and cultural significance of the signs. If you want to see some of the neon return to its glowing glory, there’s also guided tours at night!
8. Watching the Bellagio Fountains
The Bellagio Fountains, located right in front of the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, offer a bucket list experience for visitors.
Considered to be one of the most ambitious and complex water features ever conceived, the Bellagio Fountains consist of more than one thousand fountains that blast jets of water, up to 460 feet in the air. The fountains’ spray is perfectly choreographed with lights and a rotating roster of popular music, ranging from Cher to Bruno Mars. The fountains are such an iconic part of Vegas that they’ve been featured in a number of movies, including The Hangover III and Ocean’s Eleven.
The show starts at 3 PM on weekdays or 12 PM on weekends, with performances scheduled every half hour until 8 PM (with performances every 15 minutes after that until midnight).
Pssst… if you’re looking for an awesome hotel with views of the Bellagio Fountains that isn’t quite as pricey as The Cosmopolitan, Paris, or the Bellagio, check out our personal favorite hotel, the Jockey Club, one of Vegas’ best hidden gems.
9. Touring the Hoover Dam
One of the United States’ greatest engineering marvels, the Hoover Dam, is located less than 40 minutes from Las Vegas. It’s the largest dam in the United States and annually produces four BILLION kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric power, which serves 1.4 million power in Las Vegas (a power-hungry city!) and the surrounding area.
You can experience the grandeur of the dam’s massive concrete structure and witness its power firsthand on a guided tour. For example, this tour lets you walk atop the structure, take in the views of Lake Mead and the surrounding landscape from its observation decks, and actually explore inside its power plant.
Not only will you get to see into the belly of one of the U.S.’ most famous landmarks, but your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating information about the dam. Like, for example, did you know that it took the same amount of concrete to build the Hoover Dam as it would to build a four-foot-wide sidewalk, wrapped completely around the Earth’s equator?
For a more adventurous experience, consider taking a kayaking tour, like this overnight option, that cruises along Lake Mead and gets up close and personal with the dam, without all of the crowds on the structure itself!
10. Ride the Big Apple Coaster
Las Vegas is known for its outlandishly themed hotels and one of the most iconic ones is New York, New York. The hotel is inspired by the United States’ largest city and is home to a steel hyper roller coaster, themed after New York’s iconic taxi cabs.
The Big Apple Coaster travels on a 4,777 foot track, with two inversions, and offers fantastic views of the “skyline” of New York, New York and the Vegas Strip. Whenever I go with my best friend to Vegas (three times and counting!), it’s our tradition to always kick off our trip by riding the Big Apple Coaster.
Once your ride is done, you’ll immediately exit the roller coaster into the Big Apple Arcade, which offers classics, like Skeeball and Air Hockey. You can actually even earn tickets to win prizes from their Redemption Center, to take home a lil’ souvenir from Vegas!
Psssst… if you plan on doing several activities in Vegas, you might want to consider getting a Go-City All Inclusive Pass, which allows you to enjoy an unlimited number of attractions during a certain number of days for a set price. It’s a great way to stuff a TON of individual attractions that would cost a lot if you paid for them separately, including a helicopter tour, the Linq zipline, and, none other than the Big Apple roller coaster—at a much more affordable rate.
11. Fly high while indoor sky-diving
Have you wanted to experience skydiving but are a little too afraid to jump out of a plane and plummet 10,000 feet to the ground (*raises hand sheepishly*)?
Instead, you can actually skydive indoors at Vegas Indoor Skydiving. During this unique experience, you’ll be suspended for up to three minutes in an enormous wind tunnel, with the same exciting feeling of weightlessness and free-falling as you would with skydiving—without the need for parachutes or the epic bravery needed to jump out of a plane.
Before your “flight”, you’ll receive a hardcore-looking flight suit, helmet, and training—and if you’re lucky, your instructor might even show off some nifty in-air flips and other tricks!
12. Explore the Fremont Street Experience
While the majority of travelers spend most of their time on The Strip, you can find all of the charm and kitsch of Old Vegas, like the Golden Nugget and Four Queens, along Fremont Street, located a 10 minute drive north of the Las Vegas Boulevard.
Explore some of the quirky attractions at the casinos here, like the world’s second largest golden nugget (weighing a whopping 61 pounds!) at, yup, the Golden Nugget, a pyramid of a million dollars at Binion’s, or a real hunk of the Blarney Stone at The D.
For something a bit more adventerous, you can actually get launched from an enormous slot machine, suspended 77 feet in the air, on the Slotzilla Zipline, where you’ll soar over the crowds of Fremont Street below.
There’s also several quirky restaurants to enjoy along Fremont Street, like Evel Pie, an Evel Kneivel-themed pizza place (where Jess and Justin of Uprooted Traveler celebrated their Vegas wedding!) or Atomic Liquors, which is the oldest bar in Vegas that earned its name from patrons coming here to watch the atomic bomb blast testing from its roof in the 1940s and 1950s.
As the day wears on, more and more street performers show up on Fremont Street and if you stay until 6 pm, there’s a daily light show on the world’s largest LED Canopy screen overhead. Definitely an experience!
13. Take in the views at The STRAT
The STRAT Hotel, Casino, & Tower holds LOTS of claims to fame. Standing at 1,149 feet tall, the STRAT is more than two times as tall as any other building in Las Vegas, is the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, AND is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the entire country.
Head to the top of this impressive structure to its incredible Observation Deck, which has both indoor and outdoor decks and its very own bar, if you’d like to imbibe while taking in the stellar views.
One of the most fun aspects of the Observation Deck is that you can watch people enjoying The STRAT’s rides, like the SkyJump, a bungee-jump off the top of the tower; X-Scream, a roller coaster that’s 866 feet above the ground; or the Big Shot, where you’ll be shot up over 200 feet to a maximum height of 1,081 feet over the Vegas Strip. Of course, you can also choose to just do these adrenaline-pumping activities yourself!
Honestly, even just the ride up to the Observation Deck is an experience—you’ll zoom up more than 100 flights(!!!) in a high speed elevator.
14. Be serenaded on a gondola at The Venetian
For one of the most quirky things to do in Las Vegas during the daytime, consider a European getaway- or at least the next best thing. The Venetian is an iconic Vegas resort that’s themed after the beloved city, Venice, Italy in the 15th and 16th century, complete with replicas of its famed Rialto Bridge and maze of canals.
In fact, you can even take a gondola ride, either indoor or outdoor, as you pass cafes, shops and passer bys and float under balconies and bridges (pssst… if you’re traveling as a couple, kissing under a bridge is believed to be good luck!). During your gondola ride, your trusty gondolier will even serenade you in Italian!
You can book at either The Venetian or pick a package deal that includes a gondola ride, like this option that includes both a gondola ride and entry into Madame Tussauds, the famed 200-year old wax museum with almost creepily life-like celebrities made of wax.
15. Check out Area 51
If you’re interested in conspiracy theories, aliens, or maybe just the kitschier side of history in Las Vegas, consider a day trip to Area 51. Many believe that this highly classified Air Force base near Las Vegas is the location of testing alien technology that was recovered from UFO crash sites, like the famed site outside of Roswell, New Mexico.
While you can’t visit the base and probably won’t see any aliens, you can join a group tour to learn about some of the modern mythology and urban legends about Area 51 and UFOs from your knowledgeable tour guide and stop at several sites related to the extraterrestrial lure. For example, you can stop at the perimeter of Area 51 (where you can still see heavily armed military guards waiting outside!) and the Little A’Le’Inn, a cheeky roadside diner that pays homage to the area’s supernatural roots that’s been featured in a number of films, including Independence Day.
Outdoorsy Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Daytime
While there are tons of things to do in Las Vegas itself, it would be a shame to not explore the incredible deserts, canyons, and rock formations that surround the city—including three of the most epic U.S. National Parks!
16. Explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Venturing just 15 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find yourself in the stunning landscapes of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which, true to its name, offers absolutely stunning rock formations of vivid colors.
As you embark on the one-way 13-mile scenic drive through the park, you will find numerous trailheads for various hiking trails for all skill levels, with different views of the canyon’s diverse geology, wildlife, and flora. Popular trails include the Calico Hills and Calico Tanks trails, which are both located right after the Visitors Center.
This is worth a brief stop as well, to learn more about the history, wildlife and various recreational opportunities in the area.
If you don’t have a rental car to get here yourself, there’s a number of tours you can join, including this option, with a short and guided nature walk through the park, or this unique option, where you’ll zoom off road through the park’s incredible landscape in an open air 4×4 Jeep.
17. Visit the Valley of Fire State Park
Only an hour away from Las Vegas, you’ll find yourself immersed in the unique landscape of the Valley of Fire State Park. It’s a vast expanse spread over 40,000 acres and boasts breathtaking sandstone formations, ablaze with fiery hues of red, orange, and pink.
History buffs will want to stop at Atlatl Rock to view the large collection of Native American petroglyphs, which are believed to date back to 2,500 years ago.
There’s also a number of incredible hiking trails in the park, including the iconic Fire Wave, which takes you to a swirling formation with orange, pink, and white striations; the Pink Canyon, which leads you through a cotton candy-colored canyon; and the White Domes trail, with unique plateaus, rock arches, and soaring canyon walls along the path. Honestly, you could spend an entire day—or three—exploring the incredible trails here!
You can either take a rental car here or come on a tour, like this one, which includes a scenic drive and, if conditions permit, a short hike, or this hiking tour, where you can actually choose between an easy, moderate, or challenging trail.
18. Take a Helicopter Tour of the Grand Canyon
Experiencing Grand Canyon National Park through a helicopter tour is one of the most exhilarating daytime activities you can experience while visiting Las Vegas. Flying high over the Grand Canyon is inarguably a bucket list experience—the incredible canyon stretches 377 miles across four different states and boasts red cliffs that soar over 3,000 feet above the canyon floor below.
There’s several helicopter tours that you can choose from, like this one, which includes a champagne toast on a private bluff of the canyon, or this tour, which flies over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam before landing in the canyon, where you’ll get to head to Eagle Point, one of the most scenic viewpoints in the park.
When I went on a Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Vegas, I loved that the tours lasted from three to four and a half hours—plenty of time to explore and enjoy some of the highlights of this incredible landmark, but not long enough to take up your whole day.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone who simply appreciates natural beauty from a unique viewpoint, this is undoubtedly an experience to add to your Las Vegas itinerary.
If flying in small aircraft makes you nervous, there’s also bus tours from Las Vegas to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon that you can join, like this one or this small group option, which offer a bit more time than helicopter tours to explore on the ground itself. For example, you’ll actually have time to stroll along the SkyWalk, a 10-foot wide, horseshoe-shaped bridge that juts 70 feet out from the Grand Canyon, with a glass floor that provides views of the canyon floor over 4,000 feet below!
19. Kayak to the Emerald Cave on the Colorado River
Kayaking to the Emerald Cave on the Colorado River is another unforgettable experience for outdoor adventure lovers. This popular day trip includes paddling along the canyon walls of the Colorado River, which stretch up to 900 feet tall, all the way to the Emerald Cave. This beautiful cavern is so named because it glows a spectacular emerald green color in the afternoon sun, adding to its allure.
On most tours, like this one or this one, you’ll have time to explore the cave and even stop for a break to swim through the cool, green waters—a welcome treat from the Nevada heat!
20. Visit the lowest place in North America in Death Valley National Park
Located less than two hours from the Vegas Strip, Death Valley National Park is the land of many superlatives. The highest recorded air temperature was taken in the park’s iconic Furnace Creek area (134°F!), while, less than a 15 minute drive away, sits the lowest spot in North America, the Badwater Basin salt flats. And it’s the largest national park in the contiguous United States!
There’s tons of things to do in Death Valley National Park, ranging from hiking through craggy canyons that are so otherworldly-looking they were used as a filming location for Star Wars to playing on incredible sand dunes that rise 100 feet above the desert floor below. You could honestly spend several days exploring the park, but you could definitely hit several of its highlights as just a day trip from Las Vegas.
You can drive yourself or take a group tour, like this one that also stops at the very cool Rhyolite Ghost Town or this one, where you’ll actually stay in the park past sunset to enjoy the epic stargazing there!
21. Head to Zion National Park.
Located just two hours from Las Vegas, Zion is one of the most popular U.S. National Parks- and it’s no wonder why. With striking red desert walls that stretch 3,000 feet above its canyon floor below, lush Ponderosa pine tree forests, and the rushing Virgin River, Zion National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the United States.
It also happens to be home to some of the most bucket list hiking trails in the country, including the Narrows Trail, where you hike up the Virgin River into a slot canyon, and Angel’s Landing, a heart-pounding trail where you cling to chains as you traverse the narrow spine of a mountain, with drop-offs of over 1,000 feet, that juts out into the Zion Canyon.
You can either drive yourself to the park (which I’d recommend for maximum flexibility) or join a group tour, like this one or this one.
22. Enjoy some solid pool time
This one is probably abundantly obvious but what’s a Vegas vacation without some pool time, soaking up the sun?
Almost all resorts in the city will have a pool, which is typically open from March through October. Some of the our favorites that we’ve personally tried out include:
- The Cosmopolitan: Alright, we’re kind of Vegas pool connoisseurs around here and we LOVE the Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool. Located on the rooftop of the resort’s fourth floor, directly overlooking the heart of the Vegas Strip, this pool offers submerged loungers, boozy Dole Whips, and some of the best views of Las Vegas Boulevard.
- Paris Resort & Casino: If Vegas kitsch is your thing, what could be more cheeky than working on your tan, directly under the Eiffel Tower? That’s exactly what you’ll get at the Pool à Paris, which offers excellent views of the resort’s replica of the Arc de Triomphe and Bellagio Fountains, plus a solid poolside menu if you get some afternoon cravings.
- Circa Las Vegas: This Fremont Street adults-only resort offers a pool that was quite literally designed for sports enthusiasts. Its rooftop pools are set up stadium-style, with three different levels, so you can watch the big game from the forty foot tall high definition screen.
- Mandalay Bay Beach Resort: For something on the family-friendly end of the spectrum, Mandalay Bay should be your go-to, with its very own beach, a wave pool, a lazy river, and poolside massages for the grown-ups.
- Ayu Dayclub: If you’re coming to Vegas to party, congratulations—-you’re in the right place! You can definitely combine pool time with a bit of partying at the Ayu Dayclub, which offers a number of pools to cool down while you dance the day away to the beats of its resident world-class deejays, like Tiesto and Kaskade. Jess and Justin of Uprooted Traveler just saw Zedd there and had an absolute blast!
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Daytime
Vegas is widely known as the Disneyland for adults—but it’s also an incredible place for families to visit!
23. Visit the Discovery Children’s Museum
The Discovery Children’s Museum offers a wide range of family-friendly activities suitable for kiddos of all ages.
Across its three floors, the museum provides an engaging and vibrant experience through its brain-boosting exhibits, like the Fantasy Festival, which has a life-sized pirate ship, or Water World, where kids can learn about movement by launching balls at a track suspended from the ceiling or creating their own currents. As the only non-profit children’s museum in Las Vegas, it is the perfect for daytime curiosity-quenching adventure for the kids and families alike.
24. Have Some Fun at the Circus Circus Adventuredome
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus is another fun destination in Las Vegas for those seeking an action-packed day of fun. This indoor amusement park offers thrilling rides and attractions suitable for all ages- and is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas during the daytime if you happen to get unlucky with a rainy day during your visit.
From the exciting Canyon Blaster and El Loco roller coasters to 4D Theater Adventures, there is something here for all ages to enjoy. Challenge your escape skills at the Bank Heist Laser Challenge or relive old memories playing carnival games at the Midway.
Regardless of what kind of traveler you are and who you’re visiting with, there’s tons of things to do in Las Vegas during the daytime, ranging from family-friendly museums to more adrenaline-pumping adventures. Do you have any questions about any of these activities? Let us know in the comments below!
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