Things to do on Your First Trip to Las Vegas
THE BELLAGIO FOUNTAIN SHOW
The stunning choreographed fountains at the Bellagio are the Crown Jewel of the Las Vegas Strip. For FREE, Visitors can enjoy an incredible display as the fountains dance and sway to music and lights. Daily shows run every 30 minutes in the evenings, alternating between classics and pop tunes.
Stake out a good viewpoint on the sidewalk in front of the Bellagio before show time.
FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE
Downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian mall features an illuminated LED canopy 90 feet overhead that runs for five city blocks. Visitors can take in dazzling light shows and music performances under the canopy hourly every night.
Street performers and lively bars add to the pulsing energy. Visitors can enjoy and also snap some souvenir photos.
VISIT THE NEON MUSEUM
This Unique Museum is among the many amazing attractions in Las Vegas; it's an outdoor "boneyard" with over 200 rescued neon signs from old Vegas Hotels and Businesses.
A guided tour provides fascinating history and context behind the retro designs powered up at night. Tours start at $19 for an illuminating look at classic Las Vegas.
HIGH ROLLER OBSERVATION WHEEL
The High Roller in Las Vegas is the world's tallest observation wheel, which towers 550 feet; it towers over the Vegas Strip. Riding in one of the 28 pods offers panoramic views while soaring high above Las Vegas.
Purchase a "happy half-hour" pass for $22 to ride during the 30 minutes right before sunset and see the city lights pop on.
VISIT THE MOB MUSEUM
Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas displays the history of Organized Crime. Tour exhibits include mobsters' weapons and the actual brick wall from the St. Valentine's Day Massacre.
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Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
FREE LAS VEGAS SHOW
Las Vegas has plenty of FREE Entertainment. Watch street performers and hilarious pirates battling on the Strip. Catch lounge acts in Circus Circus and live music at Fremont Street Bars.
Plus, go people-watching at the Bellagio Conservatory and Mirage Volcano - classic free Vegas acts.
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Best Time to Visit: Evenings when most street performers are out.
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Things to Do: Walk along the Strip. Check schedules for FREE Lounge Acts.
EXPLORE THE CONSERVATORY & BOTANICAL GARDENS AT BELLAGIO
This stunning indoor Botanical Garden at the Bellagio Hotel features immense arrangements of flowers and plants that change with the seasons.
Visitors can take a peaceful stroll for free to admire the handiwork of the hotel's skilled horticulturists.
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Hours: Open 24 hours daily, free to the public.
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Best Time to Visit: Displays change seasonally.
RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
Red Rock Canyon has everything for the Outdoorsman. Located a few miles from the Strip is Red Rock Canyon, along with beautiful desert scenery and rock formations.
Explore the striking natural landscape on foot, then stop at the Visitor Center. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers unparalleled views of the Mojave Desert and various hiking trails to visitors.
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Difficulty: Hiking trails range from easy to difficult.
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Duration: Hikes can range from one hour to a full day
ETHEL M CHOCOLATE FACTORY AND BOTANICAL CACTUS GARDEN
Satisfy a sweet tooth while sticking to a budget at this popular chocolate factory and cactus garden, which is free to the public.
Take a self-guided tour of the factory viewing area and store, then meander through three acres of unique cacti located in nearby Henderson.
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Hours: Self-guided viewing area and botanic garden open daily 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
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Things to Do: Take a free chocolate sample, browse the gift shop, and stroll the cactus gardens.