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Las Vegas earned the name Sin City by being a wonderland for nightlife and adult entertainment, but there are still plenty of things to do in Las Vegas during the day. As we covered in our guide on the best things to do in Las Vegas, you can find daytime activities and outdoor venues for all ages here.
For our first trip to Sin City, we decided to rent a car in Las Vegas to visit some of the lesser-known areas around the city during the day.
However, there are also many options for those who do not want to drive, as you can see in our guide with the coolest tours from Las Vegas. Even if you are not keen on leaving the Strip during the day, there are lots of things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling. But I suggest booking this hop-on/hop-off sightseeing bus to explore since you don’t want to be walking in Las Vegas during the day when the heat can reach over 100 ºF.
I understand if you’re not sure what to do in downtown Las Vegas during the day, but after reading this guide, I know you’ll find more than enough ideas for daytime fun in Sin City. So, let’s get into the top 15 things to do on the Strip during the day!
1. LINQ Promenade, the best thing to do in Las Vegas besides gambling
For a fun thing to do in Las Vegas during the day, head to the LINQ Promenade. This pedestrian entertainment complex is across from Caesar’s Palace and offers restaurants, bars, shops, and other activities.
One of the most popular attractions at the LINQ is the Brooklyn Bowl, a bowling alley and nightclub where you can find concerts and sporting events year-round. For something more thrilling, try the Fly LINQ zipline, the Strip’s only zipline and an incredible thing to do on the Las Vegas Strip during the day.
1. High Roller & LINQ Promenade, a popular thing to do in Las Vegas besides gambling
I also recommend taking a ride on the High Roller, a 550-foot observation wheel that provides 360° views of the city. It’s an especially cool thing to do in Las Vegas at night, too, but it’s very popular, so I suggest purchasing your ticket in advance. If you have the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass (the best CityPass in Las Vegas), the High Roller is included along with 45 other attractions in the city.
The LINQ Promenade is conveniently located in the center of the Strip, so whether you visit during the day or at night, you’ll have a blast.
2. Visit the Grand Canyon, one of the best things to do in Las Vegas during the day
If you’re not sure what to do in Las Vegas during the day and you’re willing to get out of the city, I recommend visiting the Grand Canyon. Depending on which area you go to, it will take you 2.5 to 4 hours to get there by car. However, as you can see in our guide, there are also many Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas for those who don’t want to drive.
2. Visit the Grand Canyon, one of the best things to do in Las Vegas during the day
My favorite one is the Grand Voyager, which visits the West Rim and includes a Grand Canyon helicopter tour and a boat trip on the Colorado River. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, this bus tour to the West Rim is also a great alternative.
Besides, if you’re looking for something to do in Las Vegas other than gamble, touring the Grand Canyon is an activity that will suit all ages.
3. Hoover Dam & Lake Mead, another place to visit in Las Vegas during the day
The Hoover Dam is another great day trip from Las Vegas, and it’s less than an hour from the Strip. While it’s an easy drive, many tours go to this iconic landmark, including this 3-hour small-group tour.
3. Hoover Dam & Lake Mead, another place to visit in Las Vegas during the day
The dam is a must-see in Las Vegas during the day, and it’s something that everyone will find interesting. The imposing man-made structure is nearly 100 years old, and its construction resulted in Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the country. Both are unique sights to see near Sin City, and they’re close to Boulder, another historic place that’s worth checking out if you have time.
As one of the top things to see in Las Vegas during the day, you should probably plan a few hours to fully enjoy all the sights. For example, you can take a walk along the Historic Railroad Trail to see lovely panoramas of Lake Mead. Another more challenging but just as beautiful option is the River Mountains Trail Loop.
4. Visit Madame Tussauds, one of the top things to do on the Vegas Strip during the day
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is another famous thing to do on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s an excellent attraction in Las Vegas for the daytime and will appeal to kids, teens, and adults.
The museum is full of over 100 wax figures depicting celebrities, superheroes, athletes, politicians, and more. If you’ve ever wanted to take a photo with Beyonce, the Hulk, or President Obama, now’s your chance! Madame Tussauds is part of The Venetian entertainment complex, so it’s one of the best places to visit in Las Vegas during the day.
4. Visit Madame Tussauds, one of the top things to do on the Vegas Strip during the day
Along with the wax museum, Madame Tussauds has a rooftop bar with a drink menu based on the movie The Hangover. Of course, it’s only for adults, but it’s a fun thing to do on the Las Vegas Strip during the day before heading to the casinos or a show.
Madame Tussauds is very popular, so I recommend purchasing your ticket in advance. If you have the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass, the wax museum is included.
5. Look out from the Stratosphere Observation Deck
Visiting the STRAT Hotel is a must-do in Las Vegas during the day, whether you’re staying overnight or not. You can pick out the STRAT from the other hotels thanks to its 1,149-foot SkyPod, the tallest free-standing building in the United States.
If you’re not afraid of heights, visiting the Stratosphere Observation Deck is a fun thing to do in Las Vegas during the day. From up here, you can look out over the entire city and the surrounding areas. There is also a restaurant at the top of the tower, which can make for a unique date night in Vegas.
5. Look out from the Stratosphere Observation Deck
If you want something even more thrilling, the observation tower has several extreme rides that hover over the edge of the deck. You’ll have to pay extra for the rides, but VIP access to the observation deck is included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
Even though the STRAT has a popular casino, it also has plenty of things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling, so I highly recommend checking it out!
6. Visit the Springs Preserve, one of the best things to do in Las Vegas other than gamble
If you’re not sure what to do in Las Vegas during the day and you’d like to explore the surrounding area, check out the Springs Preserve. It’s just a few miles from the city center, but it’s a beautiful outdoor space where you can learn more about the local environment.
6. Visit the Springs Preserve, one of the best things to do in Las Vegas other than gamble
As the name suggests, this place is located at the spring that supplies the city’s water. Besides that, it has a botanical garden, museum, theater, and scenic walking paths. Spending some time here, surrounded by quiet nature, is an awesome thing to do outside Las Vegas when you need a break from the noise.
It’s also a nice attraction to visit in Las Vegas during the day with kids. You can all learn about sustainability in the desert, get some exercise, and take some time to reconnect without the crowds. Plus, the Springs Preserve is included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
7. Mob Museum, a popular attraction in Las Vegas during the day
Are you a fan of crime shows or The Godfather? Then you’ll love the Mob Museum, one of the best museums in Las Vegas. Here you can learn about some of the most well-known mafia members and criminals in U.S. history.
Even if you don’t know much about this subject, the museum is a cool thing to see in Las Vegas during the day. The exhibits will teach you about notorious mobsters like Bugsy Siegel, Frank Cullotta, and Peter Simone. You’ll also learn about the history of this country’s law enforcement system and crime’s impact on Las Vegas.
7. Mob Museum, a popular attraction in Las Vegas during the day
Interestingly enough, if you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling, the Mob Museum is a good choice. There is even a Prohibition-style speakeasy in the basement that you can check out.
To make the most of your time, I recommend purchasing your ticket in advance or getting the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass, which includes the Mob Museum.
8. Visit Valley of Fire State Park, a great daytime activity in Las Vegas
Hiking through the Valley of Fire State Park is another nice thing to do in Las Vegas during the day. The Valley of Fire is the oldest state park in Nevada and the perfect place to go camping and hiking.
8. Visit Valley of Fire State Park, a great daytime activity in Las Vegas
During your visit here, you will see all kinds of wild creatures, including foxes and desert reptiles. Yet, the crown jewel of this park is the breathtaking geology. The Valley of Fire has some of the most unique rock formations in the country thanks to the red Aztec sandstone.
There are also petroglyphs and petrified trees in the park that are thousands of years old. Be sure to stop by the Visitors Center so you know what to look for outside, then take a hike around the park and take in the spectacular views. I recommend this hiking tour for the full experience; we really enjoyed!
9. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
The Bellagio Hotel is one of the best places to visit in Las Vegas during the day or at night. If you visit in the evening, you can catch the Bellagio Fountain show, which is something I mention in my guide on things to do in Las Vegas as a couple.
9. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
That said, there are plenty of daytime things to do in Las Vegas at the Bellagio. The hotel is home to the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, an impressive display of blooms, plants, and trees. The 14,000ft² conservatory gets transformed each season, and it’s especially beautiful during Lunar New Year. It’s one of the top must-dos in Las Vegas during the day, so be sure to check it out.
The Bellagio is also famous for its Cirque du Soleil show, O, a surreal acrobatics show that celebrates theater and drama. It’s an attraction that kids and adults alike will love, and another reason why the Bellagio should be on your list of places to visit.
10. Red Rock Canyon, a secret area to visit near Las Vegas during the day
For more great hiking near Sin City, head to Red Rock Canyon. This is an amazing place to visit in Las Vegas during the day, and a wonderful way to appreciate the true beauty of the desert.
This National Conservation Area is a completely natural space made of reddish walls and canyon peaks. In addition to being an excellent hiking and climbing spot, Red Rock Canyon is home to several interesting species of flora and fauna. Here, you can find desert tortoises, wild burros, and, at higher elevations, bighorn sheep. Some of the plant species include Joshua trees, agave, and Mojave yucca.
10. Red Rock Canyon, a secret area to visit near Las Vegas during the day
If you’d like to go hiking in Red Rock, I recommend the Turtlehead Peak Trail (4.5 miles roundtrip), the Calico Tanks Trail (2.2 miles), and the Ash Creek to Calico Tanks Route (5.1 miles). If you’re not used to hiking in the desert, I suggest hiring this guided tour. It’s a fun thing to do in Las Vegas during the day.
11. Seven Magic Mountains, a unique place to see in Las Vegas at daytime
A unique attraction to see in Las Vegas during the day is Seven Magic Mountains. This art installation is a work by Ugo Rondinone, a Swiss artist who created a related sculpture in NYC’s Rockefeller Plaza called Human Nature. Seven Magic Mountains is Human Nature’s opposite in that it features human-made structures in a natural setting.
11. Seven Magic Mountains, a unique place to see in Las Vegas at daytime
It’s hard to miss these seven colorful stone totems, which mimic the structures used in ancient times to guide travelers. The totems range in height from 30 to 35 feet and weigh up to 25 tons. Their neon-bright colors set against the barren Mojave Desert landscape create an intriguing composition.
This installation is one of the more unique things to see in Las Vegas during the day, and it’s just 30 minutes from the Strip. To make the most of your time, I recommend this day trip, which includes the Seven Magic Mountains and Red Rock Canyon.
12. Go to the Adventuredome, something to do in Las Vegas if it rains
Circus Circus may be known as the largest big-top in the world, but it’s also home to Adventuredome, an indoor amusement park, and a great thing to do in Las Vegas with kids. If you’re wondering what to do in Las Vegas besides gamble, head to Circus Circus, skip the casino, and check out this theme park instead.
Adventuredome offers over two dozen attractions, including shows, an arcade, family rides and thrill rides, and two roller coasters. There are also a couple of 4D interactive experiences, a laser tag arena, a mini-golf course, a rock-climbing challenge, and a 100-foot free fall that shoots riders through the air at 4G acceleration.
12. Go to the Adventuredome, something to do in Las Vegas if it rains
The theme park undergoes a spooky transformation in October and becomes “Fright Dome” for Halloween, so if you’re visiting during that time, check it out. This attraction sits under a glass dome, which provides uniquely beautiful views while you have fun. It’s open daily, so it’s the perfect thing to do in Las Vegas during the day with children.
13. Go shopping, a must-do in Las Vegas besides gambling
While Vegas is known for its casinos, it’s also a great shopping destination. Hitting the stores is a fun way to pass the time and something to do in Las Vegas during the day with friends. Besides, there are plenty of different shopping malls and complexes you can browse through.
First, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace are one of the first places you should check out. As the highest-grossing mall in the U.S., you can be sure that you’ll find some of your favorite brands here. There are over 150 retailers as well as several gourmet restaurants and bars.
13. Go shopping, a must-do in Las Vegas besides gambling
Another mall worth visiting is the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. Not only does it have over 200 stores, but the entire complex looks like Venice, complete with gondola rides on the canal.
The Premium Outlets North (one of the most popular outlets in Las Vegas) is another good option, but if you want to stay on the Strip, I suggest the LINQ Promenade. The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is another cool attraction to see in Las Vegas during the day, and one of the best places to find hidden treasures. Also, check some of the best flea markets in Las Vegas.
14. Natural History Museum, a popular attraction in Las Vegas during the day
The Natural History Museum is another excellent place to visit in Las Vegas during the day with kids. It’s also one of the attractions that are included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
14. Natural History Museum, a popular attraction in Las Vegas during the day
For an enriching morning or afternoon, check out the museum’s exhibits, which include the animal kingdom, ancient petroglyphs, Egyptian tombs, dinosaurs, geology, and more. Many of the exhibitions have interactive activities, so kids won’t be bored and even adults may learn something new.
The museum is open daily, and tickets are reasonably priced, so it’s one of the top things to do in Las Vegas during the day.
15. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Even though Sin City is known for the nightlife, by now you’ve realized that there are plenty of daytime things to do in Las Vegas. Another attraction to add to the list is the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, an incredible natural area with a rich ancient history.
This region includes the Sloan Petroglyph Site, which is a portion of the canyon with prehistoric rock art. To curb vandalism, the park doesn’t clearly define where the petroglyphs are located, but there are several hiking trails you can take around the canyon, and you’re sure to find some along the way.
15. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
If you want to get outdoors, hiking through Sloan Canyon is a fun thing to do in Las Vegas during the day. A few of the best hiking trails near Las Vegas include the Sloan Canyon Trail, Sloan Cyn Anthem Trail, the Petroglyphs Trail, and the Sloan Quarry Loop.
Moreover, this attraction is less than 30 minutes from the city center, so it’s the perfect thing to do near the Las Vegas Strip during the day.
That’s it for me! Now, you know the best things to do in Las Vegas during the day. Of course, if you know other places to visit during your day in Las Vegas or have any questions for me, leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!
Enjoy your time in Sin City!
