Las Vegas, Nevada is known as "The City That Never Sleeps" due to the late night activities that occur all along the hotels on Las Vegas Boulevard, which is known as "The Strip." In Las Vegas, most visitors never even leave the Strip to see what rest of the city has to offer.
Besides the plethora of large casinos / hotels that line the Strip, there are many worthwhile sights surrounding the city. According to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the Las Vegas Valley has over 600 square miles to explore.
Fremont Street Experience
Located in downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street offers entertainment with a vintage feel for an alternative to the Strip. LasVegas.com states that along this pedestrian walkway is a party atmosphere that lies underneath a canopy that rises 90 feet above the ground and "spans the length of five football fields.
The Fremont Street Experience also displays Viva Vision, a light show on a high resolution screen that people can watch and listen to for free as they walk under the canopy.
Red Rock Casino, Resort, & Spa
To stay off the strip, tourists may enjoy staying at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa, which is located about 14 miles west of the Strip. Staying here offers visitors stunning, panoramic views of red rock formations. Also located here is the Adventure Spa which gives guests opportunities to go on hiking, biking or other outdoor tours.
To escape from the heat of the outdoors, guest can find enough to do inside, including going to the spa. According to the Red Rock Casino, Resort, and Spa, activities include a bowling alley, movie theater, restaurants, clubs, bars, and of course the casino.
Hiking in Las Vegas Valley
With cool mountain breezes and a elevation of almost 12,000 feet, Mount Charleston offers relief from the mid-summer heat. Hikers can enjoy being in the mountains along the scenic 10.3 mile hike to the summit. The mountain can be accessed from Springs Mountain National Recreation Area and more detailed information can be found on the US Forest Service's website.
Another milder hiking option can be explored in Red Rock Canyon. Here there are easy, moderate, and a couple advanced hikes sure to satisfy any level of hiker.
Take a Nature Walk
If hiking is not a preferred choice for an outdoor activity, the Springs Preserve is about 10 miles north of the Strip. The preserve offers 180-acres of hiking trails, live exhibits, botanical gardens, and educational activities for the whole family.
There are a multitude of scheduled events and programs for adults and children to enjoy. The admission fee is less for Nevada residents, and there is also a membership available for those interested in joining.
Golfing Around the Las Vegas Area
With a significant amount of sunny days and arid weather, many people come to Vegas to play golf. The Las Vegas area is home to over 20 golf courses.
One way to decide on which course to play is by going to the Las Vegas Golf Courses website. This is an online discount golf broker, where golfers can peruse the courses in Las Vegas, including course description, course rates, location, and even book tee times. There is also a toll-free number for more information.
Visiting Las Vegas can be more than smoky casinos and floods of tourists for those that are interested in getting off the Strip and seeing what else the city and surrounding areas have to offer.
References
- Website: Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. Living in Las Vegas (accessed June 28, 2010).
- Website: Las Vegas.com Fremont Street Experience (accessed June 29, 2010).
- Website: Red Rock Casino, Resort, & Spa (accessed June 29, 2010).
- Website: US Forest Service. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (accessed June 29, 2010).
- Website: Hiking Las Vegas (accessed June 29, 2010).
Julie McElroy - Freelance travel writer with published articles about places all over the world, including Italy, Colorado, Japan, Germany, and Spain.
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