Let’s be honest, sometimes you need a break from the Las Vegas Strip. The constant bright lights, relentless clanging of slot machines, persistent pours of alcohol and an overstimulation of adult indulgences and temptations can only be enjoyed for so long. But not to fear, Las Vegas tours has so much more to offer than just what can be found on the Strip.
From learning about Las Vegas’s humble beginnings, experiencing some of the most stunning natural wonders, to experiencing an adrenaline rush like never before, here are our top eight off the Strip Vegas tours and activities.
Learn about Las Vegas’s past
Take advantage of not having a hangover by learning about the history of Las Vegas. The Neon Museum lets visitors explore their 200+iconic signs that once dominated the Strip. Now featured in this Neon boneyard, you can learn the stories behind the iconic signs either self-guided or through an organized tour. Once you finish soaking up all the lights, hop on over the the Mob Museum, located four minutes away. Once inside, you’ll become engulfed with the stories of the city’s notorious climb of organized crime. Located in the actual courthouse where some of the greatest mobster legends were once convicted, you’ll truly be transported back in time to a different Vegas era.
Indulge in chocolate at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory
The best chocolate experience in Las Vegas and only a 15-minute drive from the Strip, this is every chocolate connoisseurs’ dream! Ethel M Chocolate Factory offers patrons the options of a self-guided tour, chocolate + wine pairing classes with their own chocolate experts or the ultimate unwrapped Factory tour—where you can learn the ropes at becoming a chocolatier. No matter what selection you make, your taste buds are guaranteed to leave satisfied and craving more.
Shoot out of a helicopter
Only in Vegas can you shoot a fully automatic machine gun from a helicopter. With a 71-acre private shooting range in the Mojave Desert, shooters of any experience level can enhance their skills while target shooting at a variety of reactive steel targets, airplanes and zombies. Need we say more?
Go horseback riding through Red Rock Canyon
Channel your inner cowboy and saddle up for a unique horseback ride tour through Red Rock Canyon, which is under 30-minutes from the Strip. Ranging from one hour to five hour tours, you’ll get to ride along the canyon rim, through the dried-up river beds and be on the lookout for coyotes, bobcats and other wildlife who call this gorgeous bright red canyon home. Don’t miss these spectacular Las Vegas Tours.
Explore Hoover Dam
Once the world’s largest dam, this architectural phenomenon is an absolute must for any Las Vegas trip. While there is the option to self-drive to and over the dam, a guided tour will give you access to explore the concrete walls within from top to bottom, along with a boat tour on the Colorado river. While you’re out there, make sure to pop over to Lake Mead, where an old ghost town is starting to appear as the man-made lake formed from the Hoover Dam is starting to dry up.
Drive really fast in a fancy car
Feeling the need for speed? Then this off the Strip activity is the one for you! Choose amongst a collection of luxury sport cars—including Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin—and drive them at up to 130mph around the speedway! There’s also the option to drive racing cars and go-karts, but no matter what fancy car you choose, a trained professional will first gear you up before letting you zoom away at top gear.
Valley of Fire
These red sandstones are an absolute natural phenomenon and any photographer’s dream. Formed from moving sand dunes and once the spiritual center of the Anasazi Indians, it has recently acted as a filming location for blockbuster movies like Transformers, Star Trek and Austin Powers. Whether you decide to self-drive through the park or book a guided tour, make sure to keep an eye out for the petroglyphs hidden throughout the Valley of Fire. One of the best Las Vegas Tours.
Explore the Grand Canyon
This is an absolute must do for an off the Strip adventure. Depending on your budget, there is the option to self-drive, hop on a bus tour or, our recommended mode of transportation, fly in a helicopter! There are a wide variety of Grand Canyon helicopter tours to splurge on, with experiences ranging from Canyon rim tours, Canyon floor landings and even a champagne picnic!
Whether you’re on or off the Strip, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. So make sure to book your activities now to maximise your time for play in Las Vegas!