29 Mar 10 Not-So-Common Things to Do in Las Vegas
10 Not-So-Common Things to Do in Las Vegas
Y’all, I am so lucky. My husband’s mama is really awesome.
In the back of my mind, I was always a little apprehensive about what my future husband’s mother would be like. Overbearing, demanding mothers-in-law (MIL) seem to be more common than the alternative. And, I’ll admit, I’ve dated guys who’s mamas were totally the stereotypical “nothing is too good for my son” tyrant.
But, I lucked out. She’s helpful and sweet. Thoughtful and, even though she doesn’t have to, has really made me feel like her daughter, not her son’s wife. Plus, when she gets tipsy she likes to play cards, then forgets it’s her turn and looks around exasperated at everyone like “Why aren’t we playing?!”
Because she’s so awesome, we flew her to Vegas to get some quality time and see if her ninja card skills give us an advantage at the casinos (they don’t).
Are you coming to Las Vegas and looking for things to do off the Strip? Do you have friends coming in town and want some ideas on what to do with them while they’re here? Here are some of the things we did while my MIL was in town.
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Check Out A Vegas Golden Knights Game
We’re season ticket holders so it’s always Knight Time at our house! Having only missed two home games all season we were going MIL or no MIL. While she was in town the VGK had two games scheduled and, y’all…she loved the game we took her to so much that she had us get her a ticket to the second game!
It’s really easy to love watching Knights’ games because the atmosphere is so energetic in the new Arena. During intermissions, the Blue Man Group and Cirque performers from Michael Jackson 1 and Mystère have performed and other Vegas celebrities (the Pawn Stars dudes, Kim and Kanye, Penn & Teller, and Matt Franco) make regular appearances. The games are loud (like really loud) thanks to an in-house DJ and the LED drumline, “Drumbots.” Go on a Tuesday and root with other fans for free tacos if the Knights score five points (thanks to Taco Bell) and any day that the Knights get a shutout it’s a dozen free Krispy Kreme’s PER TICKET.
Also, whoever does the content for the Knights’ jumbotron (called the KnightTron) is snarky and funny. Sometimes you forget to watch the game because there is always something funny going on on the big screen. One of my favorite videos comes up when an opposing player goes into the penalty box. Someone impersonating the player in the penalty box come up on the video and pitches a fit and cries. Okay…it’s way funnier in person.
So, if the Knights are playing at home when you or your guests are in town, I highly highly recommend catching a game whether you’re a hockey fan or not.
Watch Big Elvis at Harrah’s
Got an Elvis lover in the group? You won’t please anyone more than by hitting up Big Elvis. Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee performs (for free you guys) near perfect renditions of Elvis Presley songs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Harrah’s Piano Bar.
Pete has the longest-running Elvis Presley tribute show in Las Vegas and was named as one of Time Magazine’s Top 10 Elvis Impersonators for his “dead-on renditions of Elvis’ most popular songs.”
Tips: Get there early if you want a good seat. Showtimes are at 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm.
Grab a Drink at the Golden Tiki
Do you like rum? Do you like to set things on fire? Do you like pics of tasteful nudes adorning your tabletop?
Well, then I have your new favorite watering hole.
The Golden Tiki, located in Chinatown, is fantastic and a not-to-miss spot for locals and tourists alike. Go for the decor as much as for the drinks. The ceiling features a twinkling, starry sky with the occasional shooting star. Walk around to see the pregnant mermaid and the best #shelfie spot in all of Vegas (it’s a giant clam couch).
Explore the bar to find some of Las Vegas’ top performers – lovingly paid tribute to by a shrunken head fashioned in their likeness.
Update November 2019: The owner has recently gone waaay in on dicks. Ask your server to point out all the hidden phallic things located throughout the bar. And, don’t miss the bathroom….
Tips: The place is on the smaller side, so to get a better experience I’d hit it up during the week and go with a smaller group. The drinks may seem pricey but they pack a punch.
Trapeze Class
Have you ever seen a Cirque show and thought, “Psh. I could do that!” Umm, yeah, I haven’t either. But I’ve always wanted to know what it felt like to fly through the air like the aerial performers in Las Vegas’ shows.
If you’re like me and maybe gambling all day just isn’t your thing, you can take a quick Uber ride to Trapeze Las Vegas where you’ll (safely) channel your inner Cirque performer in no time!
Goat Yoga
So, you’re hanging out in Las Vegas and you’ve got a morning free. What should you do? I have two words for you.
Goat. Yoga.
Yeah, yeah. I know. It’s kind of tired at this point, but if you haven’t relaxed with some tiny, adorable, baby goats, maybe you should give it a try in Vegas!
Pinball Hall of Fame
Have an hour or so to kill? Head over to the Pinball Hall of Fame and play some cool retro games (some lovingly restored all the way back from the ’40s!) like Space Invaders and great current pinball games, too.
The prices are reasonable and there is a bill breaker on site so you don’t even need to bring a roll of quarters.
You can also feel good about the money you spend here because proceeds go to charity.
Red Rock Canyon
Hiking around Red Rock Canyon is one of our favorite things to do on the weekend.
The Canyon features a one-way 13-mile scenic drive (perfect to grab some pictures for the Gram if you can’t designate a whole day to a hiking adventure), 26 hiking trails (click here to get a trail map of Red Rock Canyon), desert plants and wildlife, geology, and camping.
Here are some of our favorite hikes at Red Rock:
White Rock Mountian Loop
Distance 6.2 miles; Average time: 3.5hrs; Difficulty: STRENUOUS
This loop takes you through a secluded pocket of life around the colorful sandstone White Rock Mountain. You’ll traverse through several different habitats and gain & decline near 1,000 ft in elevation. Start at Willow Spring Picnic Area or White Rock Spring trailhead.
Ice Box Canyon
Distance 2.2 miles; Average time: 2 hrs; Difficulty: STRENUOUS
This is the BEST hike to take at Red Rock Canyon in the summer. The trail traverses through a cool, shady box canyon with seasonal waterfalls (December-April). The narrow canyon rarely sees sunlight, and the cool water and air pouring down from the mountains keep it significantly cooler than the open desert.
Petroglyph Wall Trail
Distance: 0.20 miles; Average Time: 30 minutes; Difficulty: Easy
This trail is significantly easier than the others I mention. However, this short trail takes you across a wash and towards a cliff-side that features historical rock art, estimated to be at least 800 years old. Like the White Rock Mountain Loop, you can start the trail in the Willow Springs Picnic Area parking lot (on the opposite side of the road from the picnic benches).
Can’t make it to Las Vegas or want to relive a hike that you took when you were here? Red Rock Canyon offers virtual hikes! Check them out here.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden
I love growing cactus in my Las Vegas backyard. In fact, when we head to Montana in the summer, I rent a van to transport them!
Ethel M Botanical Gardens houses over 300 species of drought-tolerant, ornamental, cacti and other succulents. It’s not only Nevada’s largest but it’s also one of the world’s most prolific collections of cactus.
Head inside before you leave for a self-guided chocolate tour to see chocolatiers making some delicious treats. Then sample chocolates fresh off the cooking floor.
The Neon Museum
We absolutely loved visiting The Neon Museum, or the Neon Boneyard. The museum features signs from old casinos and other businesses displayed outside on 3 areas. They do tours during the day and at night. I think both are equally as interesting, but if you’re in town during the summer I highly recommend the night tour.
Zipline
Don’t mess with the SlotZILLA or the Voodoo Ziplines! If you want a really fun and exhilarating experience, you have to head out with the folks from Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon.
I actually took my dad with me on this adventure and we had an absolute ball.
What You Can Expect to Pay “On the Strip” in Las Vegas, Nevada:
> Lodging: $65 (wallet-friendly) vs $150+ (average) per night. ** You might see cheap prices, but the casinos will add in resort fees to your booking.
> Coffee: Around $5
> Dinner: $150 (two people) Wine, Appetizers, and Seafood Main Courses
> Beer: $9
Recommended Lodging Options in Las Vegas, Nevada:
- Budget-Friendly Backpackers: Sin City Hostel (from $48 / night)
- Stay in vintage Las Vegas on Fremont Street: The D Las Vegas (from $109 / night)
- Stay at one of the most beautiful properties on the Strip: The Wynn (from $319 / night)
- Relax in one of three immaculate pool areas: The ARIA (from $199 / night)
Resources to Help Your Travels
As always, everything on this site is completely free. If you found this post (or anything on YouFoundSarah.com) useful, I’d be grateful if you considered using the affiliate links below. I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. These are the services Drew and I love to use ourselves when we plan our travels. Thanks for your support!
— Sarah
Booking.com – For booking hotel rooms.
Tours by Locals and GetYourGuide.com – For finding high-quality tours around the world.
BestofVegas – Get up to 50% off the ticket price of some of the best shows in Las Vegas!
VRBO – For renting homes across the world.
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About Sarah
Sarah hails from the land of fried chicken, sweet tea, buttered biscuits, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet…Alabama! She loves exploring undertouristed locations — places that you wouldn’t automatically think “I’ve always wanted to go there!” Of course, we’ll always have Paris, but what gets Sarah really jazzed is finding those diamond in the rough cities and sharing them with you. Read more…
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