When having fun in Vegas comes to mind, you have to admit a lot of it either has to do with gambling or things that may not be entirely legal.
Being in the city, there’s a ton to do, but it is all centered around being either indoors or at a pool party. While that can be a good time, did you know Vegas also has a ton of natural beauty surrounding it?
Here are 8 fun things to do from Vegas that will get your adrenaline pumping and that fresh air blowing through your hair!
1. Take Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
The Grand Canyon is one of the top tourist destinations around the world, but is it a tourist trap? Well, that depends on which part of the canyon you see. The south rim is absolutely phenomenal and without a doubt worth seeing – even more so when you’re already in Vegas!
Taking any of these helicopter tours from Las Vegas is truly one of those core-memory-forming experiences. Just a 45-minute flight away from the canyon, this is one of those luxury tours that make you feel like a VIP. You’ll get to enjoy a delicious lunch, champagne, and more – all while seeing the beauty that is the Grand Canyon.
Oh, and did we mention you’ll be flying in a helicopter?! If you’ve never done so before, get ready because you’re in for a real treat.
2. Visit Hoover Dam
Maybe visiting a dam doesn’t initially sound like a riot, but trust us when we say it’s pretty awesome. As one of the largest dams in the US, its creation in 1931 lead to the formation of Lake Mead! Standing 726 feet tall, it’s quite impressive to walk or drive across.
Not only that, but their visitor’s center is very educational, offering insight into what life was like almost 100 years ago.
Not to mention, their on-site café is pretty tasty! Grab a pastry and coffee and cruise around or enjoy the fantastic view from up top! There’s so much more to see and learn about than what initially meets the eye.
Located just half an hour outside of the city, you’d be missing out by not taking advantage of one of these Hoover Dam tours!
Most start out early in the morning so you skip the crowds and get the place practically all to yourself! Your professional guide knows all about the dam’s history, its relevance in Las Vegas, and all kinds of interesting facts you won’t learn in school.
3. Go On A Hot Air Balloon Ride
There’s no lack of amazing views and different ways too see Vegas. In fact, most of the major hotels offer some pretty cool vistas of the Strip. Just look at the High Roller – the largest observation wheel in the US. T
hen there’s the obvious Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck and the STRAT’s enormous observation tower. However, it seems like everyone and their dog has seen those views before.
If you want an experience like no other, you have to try a Las Vegas Hot Air Balloon Ride. You’ll start out right before sunrise, so that as you’re rising higher in the sky, so will the sun. Watch as the warm sunlight illuminates the city’s high rises, making them glitter and glow.
Seeing the sun appear over the dark desert mountains creates a breathtaking contrast that is best seen high up in a hot air balloon. If you’re looking for a special moment with your significant other, this makes a pretty romantic excursion, too!
4. Take An ATV Tour
Not everything in Vegas has to be swanky or smooth. Sometimes all you want is some rough-and-tumble off-road racing around the desert! If you aren’t afraid to get a little dirty, you’ll love letting loose in the middle of nowhere on one of these ATV tours from Las Vegas.
There’s something for every experience level, with some focusing more on sightseeing than the actual sport, itself. While others really push the limits with how high or fast you can take these high-end ATVs!
With all safety equipment included as well as multi-seater options available, it’s perfect for going alone, with a partner, or with the entire family! After all, you don’t even need a driver’s license to drive an ATV in Vegas! If you’re traveling with kids, you’re going to earn some serious brownie points for this one!
We love that most have the option of the UTVs too, which have a sun shade roof to protect you from that blazing desert sun.
5. Hike Antelope Canyon
There are few places in the world with the kind of natural desert beauty that Antelope Canyon offers. The gorgeous slot canyon is located on Navajo Reservation land, which has helped preserve the breathtaking nature as well as the local wildlife who call this place their home.
Take photos and videos of the light beams which shine through its perfectly smooth walls, illuminating the countless shades of reds and oranges. Your guide will make routine stops for photo ops, and even offer to take some of you, should you like!
By taking one of these Antelope Canyon tours from Las Vegas, you’ll get to witness this masterpiece first-hand, created by water erosion over hundreds of years. Learn about the Navajo tribe, flora and fauna, and history of the area from expert guides who will lead you around the canyon as well as Horseshoe Bend.
Most are overnight tours with breakfast and your hotel stay included, so if you’re looking to get away from the chaos of the city, this is the perfect way to do so.
6. See The Grand Canyon
If you aren’t too keen on riding in a helicopter, you’re not the only one. Not to worry though – there are other ways of getting to the Grand Canyon from Vegas that don’t involve being airborne!
Kick things off early in the morning, at the crack of dawn. You’ll drive out there in a climate-controlled, comfy shuttle with plenty of snacks and water to keep you happy. This is a much more pleasant option than renting a car and driving out there, yourself!
As you make your journey there, your guide will offer an interesting commentary on the history of the canyon, as well as fascinating geology information. These Grand Canyon tours are personalized to your specific interests, and come with a VIP aspect where you’ll be able to see some hidden gems not everyone has access to.
Many people make a stop at the Grand Canyon, look around, and leave. While this is an easy way to check it off of your bucket list, it doesn’t really offer a way to get to learn about the area. Tours do offer that educational aspect, and if you can experience the canyon at sunset, you’ll sure to be left in awe just like we were.
7. Go On A Horseback Ride
The funny thing about Vegas is that while it’s undoubtedly cosmopolitan and unapologetically hedonistic, there’s also a huge Western/cowboy influence that can’t be denied.
After all, it is surrounded entirely by desert as far as the eye can see! With plenty of active ranches within a short drive of the city center, you can see real cowboys going to work.
Take one of these horseback riding tours from Las Vegas, where a wrangler will match you with a horse based on your experience and personality. Even if you’ve never ridden a horse before, you’ll be just fine as you’ll go through a safety briefing and test ride before heading out to the trailhead.
Small group sizes are perfect for setups like this one, and offer you the flexibility and personal attention from guides that you’ll never just be another head in the crowd. Check out Mother Nature’s finest, from ancient Joshua trees, red rocks, and plenty of critters who love to see who’s out there visiting them!
Don’t forget a traditional country-style dinner once back at the ranch for everyone to come together and have a good time!
8. Hike Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is perfect for those who’d like to get away and spend some time in a serene landscape untouched by humans. Known for its scenic, 13-mile drive, legendary hiking and trails, flora and fauna, and unique geology, it sees tons of visitors from around the world each year.
Each one of these Red Rock Canyon tours offers something a little bit different – some will take you on a horseback ride, while others involve hiking or even scooter tours! This is definitely a hiker’s paradise, but going by horseback and even scooter cars are a load of fun, too.
Some of them even offer the option of heading to the Valley of Fire, as well, which is undoubtedly one of the most stunning places in the state. Most tours end with a delicious cowboy-style dinner over the fire. Juicy strip steaks, grilled salmon, baked beans, and s’mores are oftentimes on the menu – that alone is worth the trip!
