10 Things to Do in Las Vegas If You Hate Casinos

Las Vegas pool parties offer the perfect opportunity to indulge in daytime drinking and dancing to live DJ sets. Sin City has some of the world’s most exhilarating rooftop pool events, such as The Aquatic Club at The Venetian and Venus European Pool Lounge at Caesars Palace.

These venues are renowned for their vibrant atmosphere and luxurious amenities. Here you can enjoy luxurious cabanas and sunbeds while taking in the expansive views of Las Vegas. The combination of electrifying music, refreshing pools and stunning cityscapes makes these pool parties an unforgettable experience.

Towering at an astounding 550 feet (168 metres) high, the High Roller certainly offers some impressive views of The Strip and across a lot of Las Vegas. It takes about 30 minutes for each of the 28 pods to do a full revolution.

Each pod can carry up to 40 people and, for an extra fee on top of the usual ticket price, you can get a personal bartender to join your journey. If you do, be sure to go to the bathroom before you do because there isn’t one in the pod. 

Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas attracts families with its indoor roller coasters, clown shows, classic rides and 4D theatres. The theme park’s most thrilling rides include the Canyon Blaster roller coaster that double loops and corkscrews at up to 55 mph (89 km/h), the Inverter that flips you upside down at high speeds and Disk’O, which combines rocking and spinning motions.

If you’re visiting Adventuredome with toddlers, check out the family rides and Scooby Doo and Ice Age 4D theatrical experiences. 

The STRAT Tower with its STRAT Observation Deck at 1,149 feet (350 metres) is among the tallest freestanding observation towers in the western hemisphere. Enjoying the view from the top with a nice meal at the revolving restaurant is certainly a pleasant experience.

However, the unique attraction is the SkyJump. Possibly the scariest of the different thrill rides available, it allows you to basically jump off the tower and hurtle towards the ground in a controlled descent similar to a bungee jump, reaching speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h) straight down. 

Discover the fascinating world of organized crime at the Mob Museum, where you can delve into detailed accounts, examine authentic equipment used by notorious gangsters and engage in interactive experiences. Ironically, this museum is housed in a former courthouse that has seen many mob-related trials in Las Vegas, including the Kefauver Hearings in 1950.

One of the museum’s exhibits is the 100 Years of Made Men, which has a wall of infamy filled with mugshots of notorious figures such as Vito Genovese and Mickey Cohen. 

Eldorado Canyon, located 46 miles (74 km) southeast of Las Vegas, is where you get to explore abandoned gold mines and ghost towns. Guided tours are available at Techatticup Mine, one of the oldest and largest mines in Southern Nevada.

Techatticup Mine dates back to the mid-1800s, and there are many pieces of authentic mining equipment found throughout the tunnels. Walking tours take place at 9 am, 12 pm and 2 pm, with each session lasting a little over an hour.

The Atomic Museum displays over 10,000 artefacts related to nuclear and radiological science, including rare photographs, videos, government reports and books. Visitors can explore 5 permanent galleries, each offering a unique perspective on the history and impact of nuclear technology.

One of the highlights of the Atomic Museum is its simulated experiences, which allow you to feel the awe and intensity of nuclear science firsthand. Additionally, the museum features travelling exhibits from around the globe, ensuring there's always something new to explore.

The Valley of Fire State Park, located 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, is named after its bright red Aztec sandstone formations. It’s known as the oldest state park in Nevada, and here you get to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking and RV camping.

One of its most impressive landmarks is the Atlatl Rock, a 50-ft-tall (15-metre-tall) boulder decorated with Native American petroglyphs. To fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this beautiful state park and enjoy a night under the stars, consider camping out for the night. 

The Neon Museum displays over 200 abandoned signboards from various casinos, retail stores and restaurants in Las Vegas. There are about 27 restored signs that light up the museum compound 24 hours a day, including The Hacienda Horse and Rider which dates back to the mid-1960s.

Guided tours are available if you want to learn about the history of the museum’s collection. The Neon Museum also hosts Brilliant! Jackpot, a 45-minute evening show with classic music and impressive lights projected on defunct signage.

Chinatown spans Spring Mountain Road in central Las Vegas, offering a vibrant array of Asian restaurants, bars and shops. Begin your exploration at the iconic Chinatown Plaza, which has an ornate imperial-style arch gate and golden statues depicting characters from The Journey to the West folklore.

This bustling area is a culinary paradise where you can savour a wide variety of Asian dishes. Among the many delicacies available are Vietnamese pho, Hong Kong wonton noodles and Taiwanese bubble tea.