Things To Do In Las Vegas Off The Strip

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Things To Do Off The Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas is so much more than the Vegas Strip. But many people never venture off the beaten path to see what else the city and surrounding areas have to offer. If you’re looking to leave the hotels and casinos behind and explore some art, culture, nature, and new experiences, this is the guide for you.

Maybe you’re visiting Vegas with kids and need something besides slot machines to pass the time, or maybe you’re yearning for adventure beyond the buffet lines. Regardless of your motivation, I’m here to show you the wide world of things to do in Las Vegas off the Strip. From quick trips to full-day travel excursions, this guide has it all.

1. The Seven Magic Mountains

Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone created this large-scale public art installation just 10 miles south of Las Vegas. If you’re driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, you’ll pass it on your way into the city, just off Highway 15.

These giant, colorful rocks have become a true favorite of Instagram influencers the world over. And with good reason. It’s a pretty impressive installation. Think Stonehenge goes to a rave.

Warning: it is extremely popular, and guests are advised to arrive early if they’d like to get the best view and get close to snap pictures. Don’t have access to a car? I recommend this wheelchair-accessible guided tour of the Mojave Desert, the Las Vegas sign, and the Seven Magic Mountains.

Check out the Seven Mountains Website for more information.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.

2. Las Vegas Street Art Tour

I LOVE street art, as you might be able to tell from my Los Angeles Street Art and Chicago Street Art guides.

You can take a self-guided walking tour of Las Vegas street art with the help of my Las Vegas street art guide. This guide points out all the best Las Vegas mural art and where to find it.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. You will be on public city streets with sidewalks.

3. Fremont Street Experience

One of the best free things to do in Vegas is to visit Fremont Street for the incredible overhead light show and free nightly live music. Live music starts nightly at 6 pm. Viva Vision, the world’s largest digital display, runs every hour from 6 pm to 2 am.

Adventurous types can try their hand at Slotzilla, the overhead, 11-story-high zipline.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. Even the zipline. I also recommend this wheelchair-accessible tour of Fremont Street.

4. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Located just a short drive from Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning red rock formations, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife, it offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert. Hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife watching are among the many activities available for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, Red Rock Canyon has something to offer for everyone.

Don’t have access to a car? You can always take a wheelchair-accessible tour of Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

5. Hoover Dam

One of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas off the Strip is to visit the Hoover Dam. The Hoover Dam is about 30 minutes outside Vegas, making it an extremely popular day trip.

If you’re not in the mood for a structured tour, you can drive yourself to the Hoover Dam. A self-guided tour costs just $10 and allows you to immerse yourself in the history of the dam as you walk through narrated exhibits. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Dam, Lake Mead, Colorado River, and Hoover Bypass Bridge from the observation deck. Visitors can also cross the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge that spans the Colorado River, connecting Nevada and Arizona. Be sure to snap your picture straddling the state line as you hear dads making the standard dad joke, “Would you look at that dam bridge?”

If you’d prefer, you can also get a wheelchair-accessible guided half-day tour to the Hoover Dam.

Wheelchair Accessible: The actual Dam and exhibits are wheelchair accessible. This awesome Hoover Dam tour is also wheelchair accessible.

6. The Las Vegas Mob Museum

The National Museum of Organized Crime & Law Enforcement offers a provocative look at organized crime history and its impact on American society. And if that’s too fancy for you, you can always visit their underground speakeasy and distillery.

Click here for Mob Museum tickets.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, the museum is ADA-compliant.

7. Museum of Neon Las Vegas

Visit iconic neon signs from Las Vegas’s storied history. The Neon Museum collection chronicles changes and trends in sign design and technology through pieces ranging from the 1930s to the present day. The neon boneyard is also one of the top spots in Vegas to take amazing Instagram shots.

It’s recommended you purchase tickets beforehand, particularly if you are visiting at night.

You can also take a wheelchair-accessible guided tour of The Museum of Neon.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, the museum is fully ADA-compliant.

8. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park, located in California and Nevada, is known for its extreme heat and unique desert landscape. The park encompasses nearly 3.4 million acres, making it the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Visitors can explore salt flats, sand dunes, canyons, and rugged mountains throughout the park. Since the park is so massive, I highly recommend taking a guided tour of Death Valley from Las Vegas.

One of the most famous spots in Death Valley is Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. The park also features iconic landmarks such as Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Artist’s Drive.

Despite its harsh environment, Death Valley is home to a variety of plant and animal species adapted to the desert conditions. Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking, stargazing, and ranger-led programs to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history.

Due to the extreme temperatures during the summer months, it is crucial for visitors to be well-prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and appropriate clothing. You can learn more in my guide to Death Valley National Park.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. If you are permanently disabled, check out the National Parks Access Pass program to get free entry to all US National Parks.

9. Atomic Testing Museum

One of the most interesting things to do off the Strip in Vegas is to get nerdy at the National Atomic Testing Museum. Just 15 minutes from The Strip, this museum is the bomb. Designated as a private National Museum in December 2012, the National Atomic Testing Museum is charged by Congress to preserve the history of and educate the public about the nation’s nuclear testing program. It was of particular interest to me, as my great-uncle worked on the Manhattan Project. It’s a fascinating history lesson you can only get in Southern Nevada.

Get your tickets to the Atomic Testing Museum here.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. The museum is ADA-compliant.

Family Things To Do In Las Vegas Off The Strip

Vegas has become family-friendly over the years. If you’re thinking of bringing the kids, here are some fun things to do off the strip as well as some nearby things to do outside of Las Vegas.

10. Las Vegas Natural History Museum

If your kids are into science and nature and you’re looking for off-strip Vegas activities, then The Vegas Natural History Museum is for you. From dinosaurs to Da Vinci to exciting shark feedings, the Natural History Museum Las Vegas has it all. The interactive exhibits are great for kids.

Check out the Las Vegas Natural History Museum for tickets.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. The museum is ADA-compliant.

11. Valley Of Fire State Park

One of the most popular things to do outside Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is a stunning natural area known for its vibrant red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and diverse desert flora and fauna. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, enjoy panoramic views from various lookout points, and marvel at the unique geological features that give the park its name. Camping facilities are available for those looking to spend more time immersed in the park’s rugged beauty. A visit to Valley of Fire offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the wonders of the desert landscape.

Don’t have access to a car? You can take a wheelchair-accessible tour of The Valley of Fire from Las Vegas.

12. Downtown Container Park

Downtown Container Park is an open-air shopping experience like no other. This outdoor mall offers everything from gourmet quick-service dining to award-winning cocktails at Oak & Ivy. There’s even an interactive playground for kids if you’re looking for free family things to do in Las Vegas off the strip. Adults can relax while enjoying free concerts, movies, and more on the main stage. Check their website for special events.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

13. Grand Canyon National Park

One of the most popular things to do outside Las Vegas is to visit Grand Canyon National Park. There are plenty of day trip options from helicopter rides to bus tours, and they’re guaranteed fun for the whole family.

For those looking to soar over the Grand Canyon in the ultimate sightseeing experience, there are plenty of mind-blowing helicopter tours from Las Vegas. Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Or if you’re a land lover, you can visit Grand Canyon West in a one-day Grand Canyon white water rafting adventure from Las Vegas. Travel to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim in a luxury van, then navigate down Class 3 and 4 rapids through 40 miles of the Colorado River.

You can also choose to make the trip yourself if you have access to a car.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! Make sure to get your National Parks Access pass if you’re permanently disabled.

14. Ethel M Chocolate Factory And Botanical Gardens

If you love chocolate and seek a tasty off-strip Las Vegas experience, you’ll love a trip to the Ethel M chocolate factory in Henderson, Nevada. This family-friendly environment is a great place to enjoy premium chocolate and wine tastings for the adults, take a self-guided tour of the factory, and enjoy the free-to-visit, massive three-acre cactus garden. The garden is one of the largest in the world.

Pro tip: This is a great place to stock up on tasty souvenirs.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.

15. Cowabunga Water Park

Cowabunga Water Park is perfect for families and kids at heart. Located in nearby Summerlin, Nevada, the Cowabunga Canyon Water Park features 12 wild water attractions. You can also reserve poolside cabanas.

Day passes start at $45.

For more information, visit the Cowabunga Water Park website.

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. However, it is not recommended for those with back issues.

Conclusion Of Things To Do In Las Vegas Off The Strip

I hope I’ve inspired you to leave that hotel and casino behind and explore some exciting things to do off the strip in Las Vegas. I love Las Vegas and the surrounding areas and have spent the last twenty years exploring all the area has to offer. It’s so much more than gambling and debauchery. However, I urge you to make time for a little debauchery as well. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do Off the Las Vegas Strip

Is it worth leaving the Las Vegas Strip?

Absolutely. Beyond the Strip, visitors can explore museums, public art, historic neighborhoods, desert landscapes, and engineering landmarks such as Hoover Dam. Leaving the casino corridor also reveals that Las Vegas has an actual personality beneath all those sequins.

What are the best things to do off the Las Vegas Strip?

Popular choices include Fremont Street, the Arts District, The Mob Museum, The Neon Museum, Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Seven Magic Mountains, and the National Atomic Testing Museum. Families may also enjoy Springs Preserve, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Ethel M Chocolate Factory and nearby water parks.

What are the best free things to do off the Strip?

Seven Magic Mountains, Fremont Street Experience, Downtown Container Park and the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden are generally free to visit. Exploring murals in the Arts District is another excellent free activity. Parking, transportation, special events, or tastings may still cost extra.

What is the best off-Strip activity for first-time visitors?

Choose Red Rock Canyon if you want desert scenery, The Mob Museum for Las Vegas history, or Fremont Street for classic neon and nightlife. Visitors with a full day can combine downtown attractions such as The Mob Museum, Fremont Street, and The Neon Museum because they are located relatively close together.

How far are off-Strip attractions from the Strip?

Downtown Las Vegas and the Arts District are generally 10 to 20 minutes away by car, depending on traffic and your starting hotel. Red Rock Canyon is approximately 30 minutes away, Hoover Dam takes around 45 minutes, and Valley of Fire is roughly an hour from central Las Vegas. Death Valley and the Grand Canyon require full-day excursions.

Do I need a rental car to explore beyond the Strip?

You do not need one for downtown museums, Fremont Street or the Arts District because rideshares, taxis, and public transportation are available. A car is useful for Red Rock Canyon, Seven Magic Mountains, Valley of Fire, and other desert attractions. Compare the rental cost with parking fees and organized-tour prices before booking.

Can I visit off-Strip attractions using public transportation?

RTC buses serve downtown Las Vegas, museums, and many urban neighborhoods, although journeys may take longer than rideshares. Public transportation does not reach several remote attractions, including Seven Magic Mountains. Check routes and accessibility before leaving because “only twelve miles away” becomes less encouraging when no bus travels those twelve miles.

What off-Strip attractions can I combine in one day?

The Mob Museum, Fremont Street Experience, Downtown Container Park, and The Neon Museum make a convenient downtown itinerary. The National Atomic Testing Museum can be paired with the Arts District or Springs Preserve. Avoid combining two distant parks unless you enjoy experiencing Nevada primarily through a windshield.

What is the best time of year to explore outside Las Vegas?

October through April usually brings the most comfortable temperatures for parks, outdoor art, and walking tours. Summer can be dangerously hot, particularly at Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Seven Magic Mountains, and Death Valley. Begin outdoor activities early and move indoors well before the afternoon heat reaches its supervillain phase.

Do I need a reservation for Red Rock Canyon?

A timed-entry reservation is required for vehicles entering the Scenic Drive between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from October 1 through May 31. Entrance fees or qualifying passes are separate from the reservation fee. Reserve through Recreation.gov and check the Bureau of Land Management website for closures and current conditions.

Is Red Rock Canyon wheelchair accessible?

The visitor center, scenic drive, and several viewpoints provide accessible ways to experience the landscape. Most hiking trails contain sand, rocks, steps, or uneven natural terrain and should not be described as wheelchair accessible. Ask about the exact stops included before booking a tour advertised for wheelchair users.

Is Seven Magic Mountains free?

Yes. Admission and onsite parking are free, and reservations are not required. Check the official Seven Magic Mountains visitor information before traveling because the installation’s dates and access conditions can change.

Is Seven Magic Mountains wheelchair accessible?

The artwork can be viewed from the surrounding area, but visitors must cross a short unpaved or gravel route from the parking area. Conditions may be difficult for some manual wheelchair, walker, and cane users. There are no onsite restrooms or public transportation, so plan accordingly and consider an accessible private tour if assistance is needed.

What is the best time to visit Seven Magic Mountains?

Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and softer photography light. The installation is exposed to the desert sun and provides little or no shade. Bring water even if you only intend to stop briefly, because the Mojave Desert remains unimpressed by optimistic scheduling.

Is Fremont Street Experience free?

Yes. Walking beneath the Viva Vision canopy and watching its scheduled light shows is free, as are many outdoor concerts. Ziplining, restaurants, gambling, and special attractions cost extra. Check the Fremont Street Experience website for the current entertainment schedule.

Is Fremont Street wheelchair accessible?

The main pedestrian area is generally level and accessible, although crowds can make navigation difficult during concerts, weekends, and evening light shows. Some casinos and older buildings have more complicated entrances. SlotZilla zipline participation may require a physical transfer and compliance with ride restrictions, so confirm accommodations directly rather than assuming it is wheelchair accessible.

Should I visit The Neon Museum during the day or at night?

Daytime admission makes it easier to see the signs’ colors, construction, and weathered details. Evening visits are more atmospheric because restored signs and special displays are illuminated. Tickets frequently sell out after dark, so reserve in advance through The Neon Museum.

Is The Neon Museum wheelchair accessible?

The museum meets ADA accessibility requirements, and its outdoor Neon Boneyard has a fine gravel surface designed to accommodate powered and manual mobility devices. Some visitors may still find outdoor gravel tiring. Review the museum’s accessibility and weather information before visiting.

Is The Neon Museum indoors?

Most of the Neon Boneyard collection is outdoors, so visitors are exposed to heat, wind, and other weather conditions. Guided tours may be canceled when temperatures become excessive, and the museum has separate temperature thresholds for general admission and complete closure. Bring water and dress for the weather rather than the glamorous neon photographs you hope to take.

How much time should I allow for The Mob Museum?

Allow at least two to three hours for the principal exhibits. Interactive experiences, the distillery, and The Underground speakeasy can extend the visit. Travelers with limited stamina can prioritize one or two floors rather than attempting to interrogate every piece of organized-crime history.

Is The Mob Museum wheelchair accessible?

The museum has an accessible entrance, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Some optional interactive experiences may have separate physical, sensory or age requirements. Contact The Mob Museum if a particular exhibit or program is essential to your visit.

Is the National Atomic Testing Museum suitable for children?

Older children and teenagers interested in science, technology or Cold War history may enjoy it. Some exhibits address nuclear weapons, radiation and military testing, so parents should decide whether the subject matter is appropriate for younger children. Current hours and exhibits are available on the National Atomic Testing Museum website.

Can you visit Hoover Dam without a guided tour?

Yes. Visitors can see exterior viewpoints and cross the dam without joining a tour, while the visitor center and interior experiences require admission. Security screening applies, and tour availability may change. Review the official Hoover Dam tour information before driving from Las Vegas.

Is Hoover Dam wheelchair accessible?

The parking garage, visitor center, and many observation areas have accessible routes and elevators. Wheelchairs are available to rent in the parking garage, subject to availability. Some specialized areas or tour routes may have restrictions, so confirm the exact experience rather than assuming every section of the dam is accessible.

Should I visit Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire?

Red Rock Canyon is closer to Las Vegas and easier to experience during a half-day visit. Valley of Fire offers more expansive red-sandstone scenery but requires a longer journey. During hot months, Nevada State Parks may close exposed trails at Valley of Fire, so check the official park page before departing.

Is Valley of Fire wheelchair accessible?

The visitor center, paved roads, and several roadside viewpoints provide accessible sightseeing opportunities. Most hiking trails cross sand, rock, and uneven terrain and are not suitable for conventional wheelchairs. An accessible driving tour can provide a better experience than an itinerary centered on hiking.

Is Death Valley a good day trip from Las Vegas?

Death Valley can be visited from Las Vegas, but it requires a long, full-day excursion. The park is enormous, mobile service is limited, and summer temperatures can exceed 120°F. Read the National Park Service’s Death Valley safety guidance and reconsider the trip during extreme heat.

Is Death Valley wheelchair accessible?

Major viewpoints such as Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, and parts of Badwater Basin can be experienced through paved or relatively short routes, but accessibility varies. Many trails and natural surfaces are not barrier-free. Travelers with limited mobility should plan a driving-focused itinerary and confirm current conditions before visiting.

Is Grand Canyon West the same as Grand Canyon National Park?

No. Grand Canyon West and its Skywalk are operated by the Hualapai Tribe and are not part of Grand Canyon National Park. The national park’s South Rim is considerably farther from Las Vegas, while Grand Canyon West is commonly visited on organized day trips. Check which destination a tour actually visits before comparing prices.

Can you visit Grand Canyon National Park from Las Vegas in one day?

Yes, but the South Rim requires approximately four to five hours of driving each way and creates an exceptionally long day. Grand Canyon West is closer but offers a different experience and admission system. Consider staying overnight near the South Rim if you want meaningful time inside the national park.

Are Grand Canyon helicopter tours wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies by aircraft, operator, and passenger’s ability to transfer. Some companies can store folding wheelchairs but cannot accommodate power chairs, while others require passengers to climb steps or transfer into a fixed seat. Confirm aircraft dimensions, transfer assistance, and weight restrictions directly with the operator before booking.

Can disabled travelers use a free National Parks Access Pass?

The America the Beautiful Access Pass is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a permanent disability. It is not automatically available to every international visitor or anyone temporarily injured. Review the National Park Service Access Pass requirements before applying.

What are the best off-Strip activities for children?

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Springs Preserve, Ethel M Chocolate Factory, Downtown Container Park and seasonal water parks are popular family options. Hoover Dam may also appeal to older children interested in engineering. Confirm age, height, and health restrictions before promising anyone a particular water slide or zipline.

Are Las Vegas water parks wheelchair accessible?

Water-park entrances and common areas may meet accessibility standards, but individual slides and attractions can require climbing stairs, standing, transferring, or maintaining a specific body position. Guests with back, neck, cardiac or joint conditions should review every ride’s restrictions. Contact the park for information about pool lifts, accessible changing rooms and companion assistance.

What are the best low-energy things to do away from the Strip?

Consider The Mob Museum, the National Atomic Testing Museum, Ethel M Chocolate Factory or a scenic driving tour of Red Rock Canyon. These choices allow more control over walking and exposure to heat. The Neon Museum can also work if temperatures are comfortable and you are prepared for its outdoor gravel surface.

How can I explore off the Strip with a chronic illness?

Choose one major attraction per half-day, use rideshares or private transportation, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours. Carry extra water, medication, sun protection, and salty snacks if they are part of your usual care plan. Schedule recovery time before evening plans; Las Vegas will continue operating without your direct supervision.

Which off-Strip attractions should I reserve in advance?

Reserve timed entry for Red Rock Canyon when required, evening admission to The Neon Museum, and popular guided excursions to Hoover Dam, Death Valley, or the Grand Canyon. Weekend tours and accessible private vehicles may sell out early. Leave enough time between activities for traffic, meals, and rest.

Are things to do off the Strip cheaper than Strip attractions?

Many are. Fremont Street, Seven Magic Mountains, public murals and the Ethel M cactus garden offer free experiences, while museums generally cost less than major Strip shows. Transportation can increase the total price, particularly when an attraction requires a rental car or full-day tour.

How many days should I spend exploring beyond the Strip?

One day is enough to combine several downtown attractions or take a half-day desert excursion. Two or three days allow time for a museum day, an outdoor destination, and a longer trip to Hoover Dam or Valley of Fire. Death Valley and the Grand Canyon should each receive their own day.