There are dozens of reasons that millions of people visit Las Vegas each year. For thousands, Las Vegas is the USA’s vacation capital, a playground whose themed activities incorporate the full range from relaxing pools to exhilarating amusement park rides to fine dining. For thousands more, Las Vegas is the USA’s convention capital, and professional gatherings fill conference rooms by day before the masses spill out onto the iconic Las Vegas Strip at night. With enough entertainment to fill every waking hour you have ten times over, it would seem there is no reason to ever go off the Strip.
As it turns out, there are plenty of reasons to go off the strip. In fact, we’ve found 10 of them.
Las Vegas has been a favorite vacation spot for Adam and me for years, and I have lost count of the number of business trips I have taken with Las Vegas as my destination. Between trips that use vacation time to business-turned-bleisure trips that mix work with free time, it took multiple visits before I discovered that life in Las Vegas off the strip is just as interesting as what you’ll find on the strip. Although you, like me, might wonder if it is worth giving up the lounge chair by the pool that you spent the whole morning defending to explore Las Vegas, you’ll be amazed by the incredible sights that await you (and don’t worry—the pool will be there tomorrow!). If your vacation plans will include Las Vegas, here are 10 things to do off the Strip that will connect you to some of the off-the-beaten-path destinations you will love exploring.
Las Vegas Off the Strip: Quick Trips
If spending time on the Las Vegas Strip is the reason for your vacation, these quick trips off the Strip will prove to be a great compliment to the fun you will have when you are on it—and they don’t require a big time investment.
► The Simpsons House

Today, the Simpsons house is a private residence, and it is not possible to tour the inside. Still, it is worth the drive off the Strip to see the house and admire the incredible detail that is still obvious even without the bright yellow exterior and a pink car parked in front of the garage. Just remember that the house is located in a popular neighborhood and that people live in the home, so don’t linger longer than it takes to snap a few photos.
► Gold and Silver Pawn Shop
Only two miles off the Strip, it will take you just 15 minutes to arrive at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop. The shop rose to fame as the setting for the History Channel’s Pawn Stars TV show, which stars owner Rich Harrison, his family, and the store’s staff. Gold and Silver Pawn Shop is a fully-operational pawn shop, so while many visitors are seeking the chance to walk in the same setting where the show is filmed, you may also encounter some interesting treasures if the shop makes your off the Strip itinerary. The shop often has antiques and collectibles, and if you are looking for items that were highlighted during one of the show’s episodes you are likely to see a few on display (and available for sale). Of course, it wouldn’t be the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop if you couldn’t buy jewelry, and dozens of high-end watches, necklaces, and rings will compete with items you may find in high-end jewelry stores on the Strip. The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop is an easy destination if you want to go off the Strip but don’t want to venture too far, and for History Channel fans it’s a must-see stop.
► Seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic Mountains provides a unique photo opportunity, and with ample parking it is an easy off the Strip spot to visit. The installation is not permanent, though; although funding is keeping it in place through early 2019, it is possible that the cairns will be removed in the future. If seeing Seven Magic Mountains is on your Las Vegas off the Strip bucket list, it’s a good idea to prioritize your visit to avoid potential disappointment. Because the site receives 1,000 daily visitors, there is a clear interest in keeping it part of the off the Strip landscape for as long as possible.
More Information: SevenMagicMountains.com
► The Neon Museum
The Neon Museum isn’t far from the modern glitz and glamor of the Las Vegas Strip, but its brand of bright lights and grandeur will connect you the city’s former glory. Las Vegas isn’t lacking in style or flamboyance these days, but just a few decades ago the city was characterized by big neon signs that drew people into hotels and casinos. Over time the neon signs began to fall into disrepair; subjected to the elements and poorly maintained, as each neon sign failed and was replaced by more modern technology it was surrendered to “the Boneyard” at the Young Electric Sign Company.

More Information: NeonMuseum.org
► Fremont Street Experience
One of the best reasons to go off the Strip is the Fremont Street Experience. Located in Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is an ideal spot if you are looking for people watching, a party atmosphere, and a fun collection of experiences for thrill seekers. My family loves the SlotZilla Las Vegas Zipline, where you can cruise down Fremont Street as hundreds of people watch you from below. If you are thinking of trying your luck in the casinos, be sure to walk past the California Hotel and Casino to rub its famous Buddha’s belly. Although we love the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, you can still see sharks off the Strip at the Golden Nugget, where the magnificent tank also features a three-story water slide (don’t worry—it won’t dump you into a pool of sharks). You’ll also find plenty of dining that equals some of the restaurants on the Strip. You may wonder if it’s worth it to sacrifice a night on the Strip for a night on Fremont Street, and we can assure you it is—in fact, you may be surprised to find yourself hopping in an Uber bound for Las Vegas’s downtown more than once!
► The Mob Museum

There are dozens of stories that the Mob Museum expertly brings to life, and history buffs will love learning about the darker side to the city’s foundation.
More Information: TheMobMuseum.org
► Cowabunga Bay Water Park
Although the Las Vegas resort scene on the Strip is great for relaxing in the lazy river or in a cabana, the Cowabunga Bay Water Park is a reason to head off the Strip and experience the slides and rides you won’t find at the hotels. From fast water slides like Breaker 1-9 to splash pools and wave pools, Cowabunga Bay is a terrific choice for families traveling with children or looking for a different way to enjoy a sunny day. Although going off the Strip can require some planning and may be a bit more inconvenient, you may also find it to be worthwhile. Cowabunga Bay’s amenities are significantly less expensive than the same experiences on the Strip, so if you are dreaming of a day in a cabana but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars you may find Cowabunga Bay to be a nice alternative. Additionally, while your hotel will likely have a pool, it won’t have each of the types of pools and slides that Cowabunga Bay offers, so you can enjoy a more diverse range of activities by taking a short trip off the Strip!
More Information: CowabungaBayVegas.com
Las Vegas Off the Strip: Day Trips
If you are ready for a change of pace, these day trips will take you off the Strip and into some of the most unique and popular destinations within a few hours of Las Vegas.
► Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam was completed in March 1936, and it is one of the USA’s largest hydroelectric power facilities. To maximize your experience and truly see what makes the Hoover Dam such an impressive structure, take a tour of the facility to learn about its history and significance. We especially liked the dam’s bridge walk, which is punctuated by informative signs that share facts about the Hoover Dam as visitors walk from Nevada into Arizona via the 1,900-foot-long bridge. Similarly, the observation deck provides some incredible views of the Hoover Dam, the Colorado River, and Lake Mead.
A visit to the Hoover Dam will take most people a bit more than a half a day, and if you don’t mind spending some additional time off the Strip it’s a great idea to continue to Lake Mead if the weather is nice. Lake Mead is famous for water sports including boating, water skiing, and canoeing, and it is a wonderful place to extend your day trip and spend some time in the great outdoors.
► Death Valley

We went off the Strip to visit Death Valley in a rental car in August during one Las Vegas vacation, and it showed us one of the most fascinating landscapes we have ever seen. Still, there is a lot to keep in mind if you decide Death Valley will be one of your day trip destinations. The temperature soared to 120 degrees Fahrenheit when we were there, and we were glad to have plenty of water and a full bottle of strong sunscreen with us. We were also surprised that our rental car, a new model with low mileage, wasn’t up to its assignment. As we departed Death Valley, we noticed the check engine light was on, and while it eventually turned off as we got to cooler temperatures we both realized how important it is to have a reliable ride out of the extreme climate. Although our car was fine, it is a good idea to be sure the car you take is in excellent condition—those temperatures are just as hard on cars as they are on people!
► Bryce Canyon

If you are thinking of including Bryce Canyon in your travel plans, take a look at our full-length article that highlights some of the must-see spots within the national park.
Our Post: Bryce Canyon National Park: History and Hoodoos in Utah
► The Grand Canyon

If you have just one day and are looking for a unique experience that will get your adrenaline pumping, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is just two hours away from the Strip and is an easy day trip. Known as Grand Canyon West, the Skywalk is not part of Grand Canyon National Park. It is on land owned by the Hualapai Indian tribe, which is on the western rim of the Grand Canyon. Visiting Grand Canyon West will give you the chance to walk on the Skywalk, a mile-long plexiglass walkway that extends a mile above and 70 feet over the rim. The experience might be more than those with a fear of heights can handle, but on a clear day the views are spectacular—and it’s an unforgettable way to cross the Grand Canyon off your bucket list!
Las Vegas Off the Strip: Where to Stay
When we visit Las Vegas we almost universally stay on the Strip, but there are dozens of great off the Strip hotels to choose from if you are looking for a different experience. We regularly find the best deals with Booking.com; whether you plan to stay on or off the Strip, this tool might connect you to a great hotel room like it did for us!
Enjoy Las Vegas Off the Strip!
The first time I went off the Strip was during a business trip, when a colleague suggested we check out Fremont Street after dinner one evening. Over my towering mound of buffet cocktail shrimp I narrowed my eyes, questioning why anyone would willingly hop in a cab and leave the lavish excess of the Strip for… well, whatever lay beyond it. After that night, and after many subsequent nights on many subsequent trips, I know the answer is the same reason why so many visits to familiar places benefit from changing your travel routine. It’s great to experience your favorite sights, meals, and shows when you are in Las Vegas, but it’s just as wonderful to check out the new, the surprising, and the unfamiliar.
Las Vegas, Nevada is an incredibly diverse destination, and we hope you have as much fun building your off the Strip itinerary as we did!
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* From time to time, our travels are directly impacted by a service or company. In this case, we visited multiple locations in and around Las Vegas, and this post includes our candid review of our experience. We selected the locations based on our own research and travel needs; we were not offered and did not receive compensation of any kind from them or any other party in exchange for our review. Learn more about our travel philosophy here.