Las Vegas: Beyond the Strip

Las Vegas may be known as the entertainment capital of the world with its glam nightlife and star-studded residencies, but there’s much more to the destination beyond the Strip.

It is, home to spectacular natural and manmade wonders, with surrounding landscapes provide some of the world’s most dramatic scenery. Check out an array of unique activities less than one hour from the Strip.

AREA15, a visionary warehouse

Opened in 2020, this purpose immersive entertainment playground of interactive experiences can be found just north of the Strip. Wander through a bamboo volcano or race on an indoor zip line. Step into a psychedelic fantasy exhibit at Wink World and be guided through six infinity mirror rooms, each with a distinct combination of light, colour, sound and motion. Exhibits include Illuminarium, a technology infused, cinematic art exhibition.

The Grand Canyon from above and below

One of the most popular attractions is the Grand Canyon National Park. With its dramatic scenery and breathtaking views, it is no surprise it has been crowned one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Maverick Helicopters offers a ‘Wind Dancer Sunset Tour’, taking guests from the heart of Vegas and flying 10 miles over Grand Canyon before descending 3,500 feet below the rim on Hualapai Indian Territory. For extra-adrenaline seekers, there is also the option to discover the mighty canyon from below, on a full-day whitewater rafting trip with Advantage Grand Canyon.

The Red Rock Canyon

Just 30 minutes from downtown Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area is arguably the most striking natural spot in the Mojave Desert, with its aztec sandstone and contrasting limestone hills. The striking landscape is the ultimate backdrop for the diverse hiking trails that run through the area, weaving their way through dramatic canyons and over the rolling red rock hilltops. Visitors can take a 4X4 off-road adventure with Pink Adventure Tours. Also, considered one of the top climbing destinations in the world, Red Rock is home to more than 2,000 climbing routes.

The Valley of Fire

Closely resembling planet Mars, Nevada’s Valley of Fire is home to sandstone peaks, rock formations and breathtakingl landscapes. Just one hour from Las Vegas, ancient petroglyphs can be discovered in the area, carved into the red sandstone rock formations by the Native American Puebloans, 2,500 years ago. Artemis Adventure Tours offers a scenic six hour tour, with lunch included to discover what is arguably Nevada’s best kept secret.

Kayak from the base of Hoover Dam 

Completed in 1936, Hoover Dam is considered a man-made marvel and one of the finest engineering projects of the time. Less than an hour’s drive from the Strip, travellers can discover the 725 feet dam with panoramic views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead below. Best explored on a kayak trip with Expedition Evolutions, bookable through Viator, visitors can experiencing its mighty power from the moment they set off, as they follow expert guides down the Colorado River and through the Black Canyon, into the caves and geothermal hot springs. A must-do trip for anyone with a thirst for adventure.

Las Vegas’ history and culture

Located in Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is where it all began, long before the world-class hotels, dazzling shows and 24-hour entertainment. The pedestrian-only stretch of road is home to vintage casinos, open-air bars, affordable food joints, quirky street performers and the world’s largest light and sound shows. Walk just two blocks and you will find The Mob Museum, where you can discover the history of organised crime in the US along with accompanying artefacts and stories. Interactive experiences include Crime Lab, which takes visitors on a journey to explore the work of forensic scientists and medical examiners. After an afternoon solving crime, head to The Underground Speakeasy, a unique ‘secret’ bar that takes guests back in time to the Prohibition era.