Picking the best spots in Las Vegas feels like trying to choose the brightest star in the night sky. From the famous Strip to the hidden gems tucked away in downtown, Vegas serves up an endless buffet of experiences that go way beyond the casino floor. Sure, everyone knows about the big-name hotels and their fancy shows, but this city’s got layers – like a deck of cards, each one revealing something new and unexpected.
I’ve spent countless nights exploring both the neon-lit main drags and the quiet corners where locals hang out. What I’ve learned is that Vegas isn’t just about hitting the jackpot or catching the latest Cirque show (though those are pretty great too). It’s about finding those special places that make you forget you’re in the middle of the desert – from peaceful garden spots to rooftop views that make the city lights look like fallen stars.
So whether you’re a first-timer looking to check off the must-sees or a regular visitor hoping to discover something new, this list of 20 best places in Las Vegas has a little something for everyone. No fancy poker face needed – just bring your curiosity and let Vegas surprise you.
The Bellagio Hotel & Casino
Many visitors come to the Bellagio Hotel & Casino for its famous dancing fountains, but this luxury resort offers much more than just water shows. The sprawling property houses an impressive conservatory and botanical gardens that change with the seasons, while its 3,933 rooms provide a comfortable escape from the Las Vegas Strip’s buzz. The resort’s collection of high-end restaurants and sophisticated lounges makes it a food lover’s paradise, and art enthusiasts can explore the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Whether you’re trying your luck at the casino, relaxing by the Mediterranean-style pool, or catching a Cirque du Soleil show, the Bellagio serves as both a peaceful retreat and an entertainment hub in the heart of Vegas.
The Strip
Take a stroll down the famous Las Vegas Strip, a 4.2-mile stretch of resorts, casinos, and entertainment that defines Sin City. This neon-lit playground features iconic spots like the dancing fountains at Bellagio, the replica Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, and the volcano show at The Mirage. Pop into any of the mega-resorts to try your luck at the slots, catch a Cirque du Soleil show, or enjoy dinner at restaurants run by celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Guy Fieri. It’s the perfect place to experience the energy of Las Vegas, whether you’re a first-timer or a regular visitor.
Fremont Street Experience
Looking for the heart and soul of old-school Vegas? Head straight to the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas. Stretching across five blocks, this massive pedestrian mall features the world’s largest LED screen canopy, which lights up the night sky with dazzling video displays. Below, you’ll find classic casinos like Golden Nugget and Binion’s, free live concerts, street performers, and that authentic Las Vegas energy that made the city famous in the first place.
High Roller Observation Wheel
Rising 550 feet above the Las Vegas Strip, the High Roller observation wheel sits at the heart of the LINQ Promenade. Much like other famous observation wheels around the world, it offers panoramic views of the city below. But unlike its counterparts, this one comes with a distinctly Vegas twist – you can book a cabin with an open bar for your 30-minute rotation. As the world’s second-tallest observation wheel, it gives you a bird’s-eye view of the entire valley, from the neon-lit Strip to the rugged mountains in the distance. Because of its central location and consistently smooth operation, both tourists and locals make their way here, especially during sunset when the city begins its transition from desert playground to nighttime spectacle.
Did You Know This Fact?
At 550 feet tall, the High Roller holds the title of being the world’s largest observation wheel (yes, even bigger than the London Eye) and offers riders a 30-minute journey with incredible views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding valley. The wheel’s 28 glass-enclosed cabins can each hold up to 40 people and feature fun music and an entertaining narration about Vegas landmarks you’ll spot during your ride.
Caesars Palace
Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace stands as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Like many hotels in Vegas, it has its share of slot machines, restaurants, and entertainment venues. But unlike the others, it transports you straight into ancient Rome with its grand columns and classical architecture. Just walk through the sprawling casino floor filled with toga-clad statues and elaborate fountains, and you’ll understand why it’s been a Vegas icon since 1966. Because of its prominent role in pop culture and movies, many visitors make this their first stop in Sin City, and you’ll find everything from A-list performers at the Colosseum to world-class dining at Nobu and Hell’s Kitchen.
Red Rock Canyon
Step away from the bright lights of the Strip and discover Red Rock Canyon, a natural wonderland just 20 minutes from downtown Las Vegas. The 13-mile scenic drive takes you past towering sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations in shades of red, orange, and cream. You can explore over 26 hiking trails for all skill levels, try your hand at rock climbing, or join a guided horseback riding tour through the desert landscape. For the best photos, visit during sunrise or sunset when the rocks glow in the golden light. It’s an ideal escape when you need a break from the casino action.
Stratosphere Tower
If there’s one spot in Vegas that gives you a true bird’s eye view of the city, it’s got to be the Stratosphere Tower. Standing at 1,149 feet, this iconic landmark isn’t just the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States – it’s also home to some of the most heart-pumping thrill rides you’ll find anywhere. Perched at the north end of the Strip, the tower lets you take in the entire Las Vegas Valley, from the neon-lit casino corridor to the rugged mountain ranges beyond. While most visitors come for the observation deck views, the real adventure seekers head straight for the rides that dangle you over the edge of the tower. It’s not for the faint of heart, but that’s exactly what makes it such a quintessential Vegas experience.
Mandalay Bay Beach
Step into a beachy paradise without leaving Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay Beach, an 11-acre aquatic playground right on the Strip. The beach features 2,700 tons of real sand, a 1.6 million gallon wave pool that creates swells up to six feet high, and three swimming pools where you can escape the desert heat. Rent one of the private cabanas to enjoy your own slice of luxury, complete with TVs, refrigerators, and dedicated service. During summer evenings, the beach transforms into a concert venue where you can watch your favorite artists perform while floating on a lazy river or lounging in the sand.
Did you know?
Did you know that Mandalay Bay Beach has 2,700 tons of real sand and an 11-acre pool area with a massive wave pool that can create waves up to 6 feet high? The beach also features a lazy river, three swimming pools, and private cabanas where you can escape the Vegas heat while pretending you’re at a real beach resort.
Luxor Hotel & Casino
I always recommend checking out the Luxor Hotel & Casino when you’re in Las Vegas. Standing proudly on the south end of the Strip, this iconic pyramid-shaped resort brings ancient Egypt to the Nevada desert, complete with a massive sphinx guarding its entrance and the world’s brightest beam of light shooting from its peak. Inside, you’ll find a mix of modern entertainment and Egyptian-themed decor spread across 120,000 square feet of gaming space, multiple restaurants, and a theater hosting some of Vegas’s best shows.
Paris Las Vegas
Many tourists flock to Paris Las Vegas Hotel for its half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower, but this French-themed resort offers much more than just iconic architecture. The property brings a slice of Parisian charm to the Vegas Strip with its cobblestone walkways, French restaurants, and architectural details that mirror the City of Light. Inside, guests can try their luck at the 85,000-square-foot casino, catch a production of “Jersey Boys” at the theater, or dine at Gordon Ramsay’s Steak. While the hotel’s observation deck provides impressive views of the Strip both day and night, the property’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring other Vegas attractions nearby.
The Neon Museum
The Neon Museum captures a side of Las Vegas that most people never knew existed. In a city where old buildings regularly meet the wrecking ball, this outdoor museum serves as a final resting place for the iconic signs that once lit up the Strip. Walking through the “Neon Boneyard,” you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering letters and symbols from legendary casinos and motels of the past. Unlike the glossy mega-resorts of today’s Vegas, these rusted and weathered signs tell stories of the city’s evolution from a dusty railroad stop to a glittering entertainment capital. Take an evening tour to see some of the restored signs glowing just like they did decades ago, and you’ll understand why locals fought so hard to preserve these pieces of Sin City’s soul.
Fountains of Bellagio
Have you ever watched water dance to music? That’s exactly what you’ll see at the Fountains of Bellagio, where thousands of jets shoot water up to 460 feet into the Las Vegas sky. Every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night, this free show combines water, light, and music to create one of Vegas’s most iconic sights. From classical masterpieces to modern hits, each performance tells a different story against the backdrop of the Bellagio hotel. The best part? You can catch these shows right from the sidewalk along the Strip, where crowds gather to watch the water pirouette and sway in perfect synchronization with the music.
MGM Grand
When it comes to iconic Las Vegas hotels, the MGM Grand stands as a true heavyweight champion of the Strip. This massive green-glass resort houses over 6,800 rooms, making it one of the largest hotels in the world – and trust me, you can feel that scale the moment you step inside. The property features four pools spread across 6.5 acres, more than 15 restaurants, and its own arena that regularly hosts major boxing matches and concerts. If you’re looking for classic Vegas entertainment, their resident Cirque du Soleil show “KÀ” has been wowing audiences for years with its gravity-defying performances. It’s not just a place to rest your head – it’s practically a small city unto itself, complete with a casino floor that seems to stretch endlessly into the horizon.
The Mirage
Take a trip to the iconic Mirage Las Vegas, where adventure meets luxury right on the Strip. The resort’s 90-foot-high volcano erupts nightly, putting on a free show that combines fire, music, and mist for passersby to enjoy. Inside, you’ll find yourself wandering through a lush indoor rainforest filled with waterfalls and tropical plants. Head to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat to see bottlenose dolphins and big cats up close, or catch the famous Cirque du Soleil’s “Love” show, featuring the music of The Beatles. For a special evening, book a table at one of the high-end restaurants like STACK or Osteria Costa.
Valley of Fire State Park
I first visited Valley of Fire State Park back in 2019, about an hour’s drive from the Las Vegas Strip. The oldest state park in Nevada sits amid 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops scattered across the Mojave Desert. Ancient petroglyphs dot the rock walls here, telling stories of the Native American tribes who lived in the area over 2,000 years ago. The park’s scenic drive winds past famous formations like Elephant Rock and the Beehives, while hiking trails lead you through multicolored canyons where bighorn sheep often roam. At sunset, the red rocks seem to glow like embers, showing exactly why early travelers named this remarkable place the Valley of Fire.
Container Park
Made from repurposed shipping containers stacked like building blocks, Container Park is one of the most unique spots I’ve visited in downtown Las Vegas. This open-air shopping and entertainment complex brings together local businesses, live music, and family fun in a way that feels worlds apart from the typical Strip experience. Kids can spend hours climbing through the treehouse playground while parents browse boutique shops or grab drinks at one of the bars. What really catches your eye is the giant praying mantis sculpture out front that shoots flames from its antennae after dark. It’s not a journey to the bright lights of the mega-casinos — but that’s exactly what makes Container Park special for visitors looking to experience a different side of Vegas.
Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve stands out as one of the most unique spots I’ve explored in Las Vegas, offering a complete break from the neon lights and casino floors. This 180-acre cultural site lets you step back in time to discover how Las Vegas grew from a tiny desert outpost into the city we know today. Walking through the desert botanical gardens and nature trails, you’ll find yourself surrounded by native plants and wildlife – a side of Vegas that most visitors never see. While it’s a bit off the typical tourist track, those who make the short trip west of downtown are treated to an authentic look at the region’s natural and cultural history, complete with interactive exhibits and seasonal butterfly habitats. It’s not the glitzy Vegas experience most people come looking for, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
T-Mobile Arena
Looking to catch the biggest shows and sports events in Las Vegas? The T-Mobile Arena is where all the action happens. Located right on the Strip, this massive 20,000-seat venue hosts everything from NHL hockey games and UFC fights to major concerts and award shows. Home to the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team, the arena opened in 2016 and quickly became the city’s go-to spot for world-class entertainment.
Arts District
Step away from the glitz of the Strip and discover the Las Vegas Arts District, an 18-block neighborhood where creativity runs wild. Local artists display their work in dozens of galleries and studios throughout the area, while vintage shops and antique stores offer unique treasures for collectors. Stop by on the first Friday of each month when the district comes alive with food trucks, live music, and pop-up art installations. For a taste of local culture, visit the many craft breweries and coffee shops that dot the neighborhood, or browse through the independent boutiques selling everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing. It’s the perfect spot to experience the artistic side of Vegas that most tourists never see.