5 Things To Do in Las Vegas Besides Gambling and Drinking

A visit to Las Vegas isn’t complete without gambling, cocktails, and watching live concerts. It’s undoubtedly the place for world-class entertainment and luxurious shopping experiences. But what most tourists don’t know is that there’s more to Sin City than round-the-clock gambling and partying. Beyond Las Vegas’ extravagant establishments are awesome sightseeing spots brimming with mountains, forests, rivers, and wildlife. If drinking and playing table games aren’t your thing, there are tons of other activities you can do instead. It’s an amazing destination, perfect for those who want to connect with nature and enjoy endless outdoor activities!

Whether you’re traveling alone or with your loved ones, there is something for everyone out there — most of the time, not in megahotels but in the natural world. 

5 Unique Things to Do in Las Vegas 

1. Kayaking

Las Vegas is home to several waterways, many of which flow between breathtaking canyons and desert landscapes. There are numerous kayaking options and tour packages even for beginner paddlers, each with exciting stops featuring waterfalls, caves, hot springs, and sandy beaches.

One of the most popular Las Vegas kayaking destinations is Emerald Cave, a small cave situated along the Black Canyon, about an hour from Las Vegas Strip. The Emerald Cave, known for its bright green waters due to its algae, is a natural wonder you won’t want to miss. It’s easiest to access via kayak due to its size. Allow yourself to be mesmerized by its bright green aura.

You can also launch from the base of Hoover Dam and kayak down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. As you paddle through the wilderness, keep an eye out for bald eagles, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and other migratory waterfowl.

The best way to enjoy kayaking in Las Vegas is by booking a guided kayak tour. Your guide will ensure that you not only stay safe but that you make the most of your Las Vegas kayaking tour.

2. Hiking

Most trails around Las Vegas are open for everyone, including those with no hiking experience and traveling with children. There’s no need to travel far from the city. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located in the Mojave Desert, offers a respite for people who need a quick escape.

The area has 26 different trails, covering one- to eight-mile round trips. The Calico Tanks Trail, one of the many trails within Red Rock, features magnificent sandstone formations, towering mountains, and a spectacular view of Las Vegas.

It’s generally an easy 2.5-mile round trip route, but huge sandstone blocks and uneven terrain may be difficult to navigate. Depending on your speed and comfort level, it may take more than an hour to finish.

Exploring Red Rock Canyon’s Children Discovery Trail is the best idea if you're planning a short day trip. This is a short hike that only takes 20 minutes to complete.

3. Soak in Hot Springs

Relaxing in the rooftop pool of a five-star hotel is cool. But nothing beats soaking in a natural hot spring in a secluded location, far from the noises and stressors of the big city. Many of Las Vegas' hot springs are in remote areas but are still accessible.

Spencer Hot Springs is 20 minutes away from Austin, just off America's Loneliest Highway. It has a cluster of metal tubs and in-ground ponds that people can visit all year round for free. Moreover, there's a vast open area where people can park their trailers. Camping is only allowed 100 feet from the springs.

Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs, another popular Las Vegas hot spring destination, can be reached via a challenging four-hour hike or by kayaking from the base of Hoover Dam. Whichever way you choose to travel, the journey is worth it, as this paradise is filled with hot pools and waterfalls! 

4. Ziplining

Ziplining is a relatively new recreational activity enjoyed by people who love the thrilling idea of flying through the air like a bird. It’s a way to explore your surroundings without disturbing the environment beyond. There are plenty of ziplining opportunities waiting for you here in Las Vegas!

Don’t want to leave the city? SlotZilla Zip Line is a slot-machine-inspired zipline experience in downtown Las Vegas. It provides two options: the two-block long, seven-story high zipline and the five-block long, 11-story high Zoomline. Whether you choose to fly sitting down or like a superhero, you’ll absolutely enjoy the view.

Thrillseekers may also zipline from the LINQ launch tower and enjoy Las Vegas Boulevard 114 feet from the ground before landing near the High Roller. It’s a 45-second zipline session that offers a terrific view of the entertainment district. 

5. Helicopter Tour

In Las Vegas, you can explore by air in two ways: zipline sessions or helicopter rides. If you have the budget, a helicopter tour is the way to go. It can give you a bird's eye view of Sin City while sitting safely and comfortably on a VIP ride. Some tours even offer champagne before boarding the chopper.

Nighttime helicopter tours are a huge hit on the Las Vegas Strip. Each trip leaves tourists captivated by a glimmering charm they won’t see anywhere else and in any other way. These aerial excursions are sure to keep visitors enthralled throughout their ride (and long after they’re back on solid ground).

Those who want an extended, more nature-oriented trip can book a Grand Canyon helicopter tour to have a glimpse of the Grand Canyon West Rim, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and more.

You’ll Never Run Out of Things to Do in Las Vegas

Even if you don’t enjoy gambling, drinking, and partying, there is always something new to explore in Las Vegas. You can create lasting memories here in the most unique, exhilarating fashion. From kayaking and helicopter rides to ziplining, hikes, and hot springs, the city of sin never disappoints. Explore every corner of Las Vegas, one tour at a time!

Ready to strap on your lifejacket and hit the water? Book a guided kayak tour with Evolution Expeditions and explore Las Vegas by paddle.