Looking for the best things to do in Las Vegas? Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world: mega-resorts, headline shows, celebrity-chef restaurants and round-the-clock energy on the Strip. It is also a superb base for desert day trips to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for American travellers.
Best things to do in Las Vegas
1. The Strip
A 4-mile boulevard of themed mega-resorts, from the Bellagio fountains to the Venetian’s canals. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
2. Fremont Street Experience
Downtown’s pedestrian mall with an LED canopy light show. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
3. Sphere
The giant spherical venue whose immersive shows and exterior displays have become a landmark. Sunset is a particularly good time.
4. Red Rock Canyon
A 13-mile scenic drive and trails just 30 minutes west of the Strip. Bring a refillable water bottle.
5. Hoover Dam
An engineering marvel on the Arizona border, about 45 minutes away. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
6. The Neon Museum
A boneyard of restored historic Vegas signs. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
Stay charged, stay connected
- Top-rated camera picks BuyrSkip
Canyons, coastlines and city skylines reward a camera with great dynamic range. - Best action cameras for adventure travel BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free.
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7. High Roller
A 550-foot observation wheel at the LINQ. Bring a refillable water bottle.
8. Valley of Fire State Park
Red sandstone formations about an hour northeast. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
9. Shows and residencies
One of the most popular ways to experience Las Vegas; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Sunset is a particularly good time.
10. Pool clubs in summer
One of the most popular ways to experience Las Vegas; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. It is great value for families.
11. Fine dining
One of the most popular ways to experience Las Vegas; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
12. Day trips into the desert
One of the most popular ways to experience Las Vegas; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Sunset is a particularly good time.
13. Helicopter flights over the Strip
One of the most popular ways to experience Las Vegas; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
14. Take a day trip to Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is a mile-deep, 277-mile-long gorge carved by the Colorado River, one of the most awe-inspiring sights on Earth. Read our Grand Canyon National Park travel guide. It is great value for families.
15. Take a day trip to Zion National Park
Zion is a canyon of soaring sandstone walls in southern Utah, famous for Angels Landing, The Narrows and its shuttle-only scenic drive. Read our Zion National Park travel guide. Bring a refillable water bottle.
16. Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is where two deserts meet, with spiky Joshua trees, giant boulders and some of the best stargazing in Southern California. Read our Joshua Tree National Park travel guide. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
17. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try buffets, steakhouses, celebrity-chef restaurants and late-night tacos. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
When to go
The best time to visit is March to May and September to November.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | Ideal: warm days, cool nights, wildflowers. |
| Summer | June–August | Very hot, often above 100°F at low elevations; hike only at dawn. |
| Fall | September–November | Excellent hiking weather and clear skies. |
| Winter | December–February | Mild days and cold nights; snow possible at higher elevations. |
Where to stay
- Center Strip: Walkable to the most famous resorts.
- South Strip: Big resorts near the airport.
- Downtown/Fremont: Cheaper rooms and vintage casinos.
- Off-Strip: Quieter resorts with better value.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $110–170 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $180–300 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $350–700 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Las Vegas travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Most Strip resorts add a nightly resort fee of roughly $35–55; compare total prices.
- Summer temperatures often exceed 105°F; plan outdoor trips for early morning.
- Weeknights are much cheaper than weekends.
- Walking between “neighbouring” resorts takes longer than it looks.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $540–$900 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,400–$2,314 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Las Vegas
- Breathable clothing and a sun hat
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Insect repellent
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our travel gear picks
- Carry-on travel backpacks we rate BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Travel phones and smartwatches Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Top-rated wireless earbuds VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Las Vegas?
For most first-time visitors it is The Strip: a 4-mile boulevard of themed mega-resorts, from the Bellagio fountains to the Venetian’s canals.
How many days do you need in Las Vegas?
Plan 3 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
March to May and September to November.
Is Las Vegas good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Las Vegas is popular with couples, groups, foodies and show lovers.
What should I eat in Las Vegas?
Try buffets, steakhouses, celebrity-chef restaurants and late-night tacos.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Las Vegas Travel Guide: Best Things to See Beyond the Casinos
- Las Vegas 3-Day Itinerary: Strip, Shows and Desert Day Trips
- Grand Canyon Travel Guide: South Rim, Hikes and Planning Tips
- Zion National Park Travel Guide: Angels Landing, The Narrows and Tips
- Joshua Tree Travel Guide: Hikes, Climbing and Stargazing