Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Las Vegas Beyond the Casinos

Las Vegas: A Non-Gambling Adventure Guide

Las Vegas offers much more than casinos, whether you’re on a solo adventure or exploring with family. The city’s vibrant energy extends far beyond the slot machines and card tables. Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Las Vegas Beyond the Casinos will take you through all the best activities in and around Las Vegas without stepping foot in a gambling hall.

From serene poolside retreats to jaw-dropping natural wonders, here’s how to make the most of your trip with a perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable experiences. Vegas is a destination for every type of traveller.

Day 1: Poolside Bliss and Culinary Delights

After a long flight and a late first night, a relaxing pool day is the perfect way to start your Vegas adventure. We stayed at the luxurious Crockfords Hotel, part of a three-hotel complex offering a resort-style experience. Yes, there’s a casino nearby, but the real draw is the variety of pools, restaurants, and event spaces, all offering views of the iconic Strat Tower.

Spend the morning lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails, and soaking up the sun. With the option of a private pool section exclusive to Crockford guests, you’ll feel pampered and well-rested.

As the sun sets, dive into the local food scene with a lip-smacking food tour, visiting four unique restaurants. Start with a bold Mexican feast with tacos, margaritas, and live music to kick off your culinary exploration of Vegas. With four unique restaurants on the list, you know you will return to your hotel with one unique culinary experience under your belt!

Evening Stroll Along the Las Vegas Strip

After indulging in a gourmet food tour, the evening called for a leisurely walk along the iconic Las Vegas Strip. As the weather cooled down, it became the perfect time to explore the lively sights and sounds of the city that never sleeps.

Start by taking in the mesmerizing Bellagio Fountains, where the choreographed water show dances to music in a breathtaking display. Next, head to The Venetian to experience the romantic charm of the canals and gondola rides. It’s a little slice of Italy right in the heart of Vegas.

Don’t miss out on a stop at the newest architectural marvel, The Sphere. This massive globe lights up the night sky with stunning LED displays that wrap around its surface. Whether snapping photos or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the Strip’s energy will keep you captivated all night. Exploring the Strip after dark is a must-do, offering a perfect mix of entertainment, people-watching, and iconic Vegas attractions.

Day 2: Exploring the Wonders of Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon

Today is all about experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. We set off on a full-day adventure to visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, and though it’s a 15-hour return trip, the incredible sights make every minute worthwhile.

After a scenic 3.5-hour drive with a much-needed coffee stop, you’ll reach Horseshoe Bend, one of the most iconic and photographed natural wonders in the American Southwest. The short and easy hike takes you to the edge of the sweeping curve of the Colorado River, where the panoramic views will leave you speechless. Be sure to thoroughly pause at the overlooks to soak in the vast desert landscape.

Photography Tip: I used a 10-stop B&W filter to smooth the water and create movement in the clouds to capture the scene in all its glory. With dramatic skies, this filter is my go-to. My settings for this shot are F/18, ISO 100, a 22mm focal length, and an 18-second exposure. The result was a beautifully ethereal image that perfectly captures the essence of this natural wonder.

Discovering X Canyon and Glen Canyon Dam

Next, we ventured to X Canyon, a lesser-known but equally captivating alternative to the famous Antelope Canyon. Although I initially purchased the Lower Antelope Canyon, I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of X Canyon’s winding sandstone formations. Our Navajo guide elevated the experience with live flute performances, creating a magical and almost spiritual atmosphere as we explored the canyon’s unique curves and light-filled chambers.

On the way back, we made a brief but memorable stop at Glen Canyon Dam, rounding off the day with more incredible views and a fascinating look at American engineering history. This impressive structure stands 710 feet tall and plays a critical role in water management for the region. If you’re booking with a tour company, read the fine print to avoid surprises, as we did—make sure you’re clear on exactly which canyon you’ll be visiting!

A Quick Stop at Glen Canyon Dam

On the way back, our tour quickly stopped at the impressive Glen Canyon Dam, which capped off an incredible day of exploring Las Vegas beyond the casinos. Prepare to be wowed by the stunning views of the Colorado River and a fascinating lesson in American engineering history. At just 58 years old, this “young” dam stands 710 feet tall, making it the second tallest concrete dam in the United States, right behind the Hoover Dam.

Why was it built? The Glen Canyon Dam is a water reserve, essentially a “bank account” for hard times. It was designed to store water during droughts, making it an innovative and essential resource for the region.

Day 3: Poolside Relaxation and Gourmet Dining

After the excitement of yesterday’s adventure, a day of pure relaxation by the pool is exactly what the doctor ordered. Kick back, cool off in the refreshing water, and let the hotel’s attentive staff cater to your every need. Whether you enjoy delicious poolside snacks or take a dip to escape the Vegas heat, today is all about unwinding and embracing the laid-back vacation vibe.

Our hotel, The Crockford, offered a variety of pools, including a luxurious infinity pool (available for a fee). Guests from all three hotels in the complex have access to the main pools, but staying at our hotel came with the exclusive perk of a private pool. Each pool area features a dedicated restaurant and cocktail service delivered by the ever-hustling and friendly staff. As you step onto the beautifully maintained grounds, you’ll understand why this is the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

An Unforgettable Evening at Bazaar Meat by Chef José Andrés

In the evening, we enjoyed an extraordinary dining experience at Bazaar Meat by renowned Chef José Andrés, one of the world’s most celebrated culinary innovators. This restaurant offers an indulgent exploration of high-quality meats and imaginative dishes that will leave you in awe.

Start with fresh oysters, dive into something unique like the funky sloppy joe served with crispy potato strings, or go all out with the luxurious caviar cone. For the main course, savour expertly cooked steaks paired with rich whipped mashed potatoes and perfectly roasted asparagus. To finish, indulge in a selection of creative, beautifully presented desserts.

It was not just a meal but an authentic culinary journey—one you’ll never forget! For your reference, Bazaar Meats: the culinary experience and vine menu is $$$$

Day 4: Exploring Old Vegas

Having visited Vegas before, mainly in the newer parts with its shows and tours, I wanted to experience something different this time. So, on our last day, we headed to Fremont Street to soak in the old-school charm of Las Vegas.

Fremont Street, located in downtown Vegas, is a pedestrian-friendly entertainment hub. No cars are in sight, making it a perfect spot for exploring on foot. The area has live street performances, neon light shows, and an energetic, lively atmosphere. It’s the ideal place for people-watching while sipping on a refreshing strawberry margarita, and the combination of dazzling lights and music adds a dynamic flair to the experience.

From street performers to impromptu concerts and the world-famous Fremont Street Experience, with its massive LED canopy overhead, this vibrant area offers a fun, family-friendly alternative to the more glitzy side of Vegas. It’s an unforgettable way to spend your last day, soaking up the nostalgic charm of Old Vegas.

End Your Day with Stunning Views at the Strat Tower

Wrap up your day with a visit to the top of The Strat Tower, standing 1,149 feet in the air. Climb to the top and be amazed by the breathtaking 360-degree view of the Vegas skyline, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch the sunset. As the second-tallest observation tower in the Western Hemisphere, after Canada’s CN Tower, this spot offers an unforgettable view of the entire city.

There are adrenaline-pumping rides at the top for thrill-seekers, but if you’re like me, you might prefer to capture stunning cityscape photos rather than brave those heart-stopping attractions. Entrance fees to the observation platform start at USD 30, with the thrilling rides costing extra for those daring enough to take the plunge!

Bonus: Extra Day Trips Ideas

If you have extra time, rent a convertible, put sunglasses on, let your hair loose, and take in the beauty of the surrounding desert landscapes. Here are three must-see destinations near Las Vegas:

Death Valley National Park— a 290 km drive back in time to these dramatic dunes and the lowest point below sea level- offers stunning vistas and a real sense of the desert’s vastness (images below).

Red Rock Canyon – Just 27 km from the city, this is the perfect place to hike, picnic, and enjoy the rugged beauty of Nevada’s red rock formations.

Valley of Fire – A scenic drive winds through a 16 km stretch of vibrant red rocks, offering plenty of stops for photos and exploration (images below).

Conclusion
Take a ride in the colourful country area of Las Vegas, Nevada, or lose yourself in the new; there is something for everyone, from Cirque du Soleil shows and concerts by top international artists to multi-level culinary experiences and so much more. Touring with a company can ease your day; while you relax, they do the driving.

Until our next adventure
Roland Bast