Las Vegas is well-known throughout the world for its exciting nightlife and thriving casino industry. But did you know that the city has much more to offer than just the flash and glamor of its entertainment options?. If you’re looking for things to do in Vegas and aren’t much of a partier, then you’re in luck – whether you’re searching for outdoor activities, special dining experiences, or cultural enrichment. Let’s explore three Vegas-specific activities that are perfect for those exploring Sin City but don’t have much of an interest in the “typical” Vegas experience.
1. Explore the Arts District
Situated a short distance from the busy Strip, the Las Vegas Arts District, also referred to as “18b,” is a cultural oasis with a diverse selection of galleries, street murals, and distinctive shops. On the first Friday of each month, the area comes alive with art exhibits, live music, and food trucks for the aptly named “First Friday” art celebration. It’s a terrific place to explore to get a truly authentic sense of Las Vegas. As someone who’d like to visit Vegas again in the near future, it’s events like these which are especially appealing to me. Likewise, “First Friday” is a staple for both residents and tourists because of the liveliness and uniqueness of the event that celebrates Vegas’ expansive culture.
Outside of the “First Friday” event, there are a plethora of art galleries throughout the city, including the Arts Factory and Art Square. These exhibits allow visitors to peruse the work of regional artisans and artists, getting a greater sense of the flare of Vegas. In addition, this area is home to a wide range of fashion and antique businesses that sell uniquely-Vegas clothing wear and other crafty items.
2. Visit Red Rock Canyon
Just 20 minutes outside of the Las Vegas Strip is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. For hiking enthusiasts or anyone looking for an amazing adventurous getaway away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is the day-trip for you. Here, you’ll be able to indulge in hiking, rock climbing, bicycling, and photography, getting a true sense of the beautiful nature of the area. As a heads up, make sure to check out the massive red sandstone peaks and the Keystone thrust fault which are central to this Canyon.
Within the Canyon area, there are over 30 miles of hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from moderate to challenging. Choose the difficulty level that you and your group are most comfortable with, but either way, make sure to stay alert and hydrated. The Vegas heat is no joke and just an hour of hiking can tire you out quickly. For those looking for a less strenuous journey through the park, you can explore via driving a car. From your car, you can witness the amazing views of the canyon’s stunning terrain. Additionally, going back to the more adventurous route, there are guided rock climbing tours available to get a different perspective of the canyon’s landscape.
3. Indulge in Culinary Delights
Beyond the standard casino buffet – which, don’t get me wrong – still has some tasty menu options – Las Vegas offers an amazing range of top-notch eating establishments, making it a gourmet melting pot. There’s no limit to the kind of cuisine to try, from restaurants with star chefs to neighborhood staples.
If you’re looking for food options beyond the Strip, check out Chinatown, which is well-known for its authentic Asian cuisine. This area serves everything from dim cuisine to hand-pulled noodles. Another must-see for foodies in Vegas is the charming Fremont East area, which is home to a wide range of eateries offering anything from gourmet burgers to vegan delicacies. For those who prefer to learn how to make gourmet dishes on their own, the city also offers a variety of cooking classes, perfect for honing your skills in the kitchen to utilize upon returning back home. These workshops are taught my skilled chefs who are eager to impart their inner expertise onto cooking enthusiasts.
Las Vegas is much more than just its gaming and nightlife scene; in fact, one could visit for over a week and still have so much to do between the art scene, local hiking options, and food establishments nestled throughout the city. Vegas sometimes gets stereotyped as the party capital of the United States, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg for this fabulous desert oasis city. If this inspired you to head to Las Vegas in the near future, then even better!
