Destination Vegas: What to do off the Strip
Nightlife and entertainment continue to lure millions to Las Vegas each year, but for some, it’s just not that appealing. Whether a nightclub isn’t your cup of tea or your pockets hurt at the thought of the typical Vegas experience, we urge you to read on before you draw the line through destination Vegas.
We’ve done our homework and talked with locals about their favorite to-dos in Sin City to get a feel for what tourists are missing. Just a short five-hour drive from San Diego and mere miles away from the Las Vegas strip, there are no excuses to miss these options. Discover what lies behind the image of wild parties, empty pockets and drunken shenanigans below.
Outdoor Adventure: Red Rock Canyon
If you’re looking for the “oohs” and “awes” of Mother Nature, the crimson landscape of Red Rock Canyon will do just the trick. Located 17 miles west of the Strip lies over 30 miles of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, camping, rock climbing and scenic views. The Canyon is a local staple and outdoor sanctuary where Las Vegans are known to enjoy their free time. Some of the canyon highlights include the well-known Wild West spot, Bonnie Springs Ranch, featuring a peek inside an Old Western Town: Vegas style. Stop by and enjoy live music and numerous events throughout the year at this venue. Horseback riding is also a popular excursion; Ride or hike with your pal across the mountaintop and view the richest sunsets that Vegas has to offer.
Red Rock Canyon: 3205 NV-159, Las Vegas. (702) 515-5350 or redrockcanyonlv.org
Out-Of-The-Box Experience: Container Park
A unique dining and boutique shopping experience is the definition of the newly-built structure, Container Park. Located in the heart of Las Vegas, Container Park shines with creatively stacked shipping containers showcasing a fun, recycled open-air mall equipped with restaurants, live entertainment and boutique shopping. Locals praise this new development for its wild change of scenery. Whether you’re craving a gourmet hot dog or browsing the shops, Container Park makes for a fun night out. Be there or be square.
Container Park: 707 Fremont St, Las Vegas. (702) 359-9982 or downtowncontainerpark.com
Canyon Resort: Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa
This stunning resort offers spacious rooms overlooking the Red Rock Mountains or Las Vegas Strip. The location fits in the heart of suburbia and is surrounded by a cherished shopping and dining district. Enjoy the views from your hotel room while you relax or go see some live entertainment poolside. Promising to never bore you, the Resort also has a bowling alley, movie theatre and buffet onsite. Shopping, anyone? Head next door to Downtown Summerlin, a new hit mall giving visitors a large selection of shopping and dining year round. What more could you ask for?
Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa: 11011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas. (702) 797-7777 or redrock.sclv.com
Wild Theme Parks: Adventuredome and Wet ‘n Wild
Calling all adrenaline junkies! Las Vegas has two thrilling parks in town. Inside the Pink Dome next to Circus Circus Hotel and Casino lies a hair-raising fun zone. Roller coasters, carnival games and tons of rides are at your mercy. Ride the Canyon Blaster or compete for the big prize. Locals have enjoyed the Adventuredome for many years and they keep coming back for more.
If the heat is not your friend, float over to the recently opened Wet ‘n Wild Water Park to cool off. Float down the lazy river or go for a wild ride down one of the many slides. Grab a pool floaty and some Dip ‘n Dots to prepare for a day in the sun. Vacation doesn’t get better than that.
Adventuredome: Circus Circus Hotel, 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas. (702) 794-3939 or adventuredome.com
Wet ‘n Wild: 7055 S. Fort Apache Road, Las Vegas. (702) 979-1600 or wetnwildlasvegas.com
Broadway Headliners: The Smith Center
If you’re craving top-shelf entertainment, Vegas has it all. The Smith Center, a new addition to the Las Vegas community, raises the bar and gives locals and visitors an opportunity to experience world-class entertainment. This new-in-town theatre brings some of the most popular productions to Las Vegas every month. Some mentionable upcoming summer headliners include: The Tony Award-winning production “Annie,” “Elf,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Dirty Dancing” and the hot comedy “The Book of Mormon.”
The Smith Center: 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. (702) 749-2012 or thesmithcenter.com
Source: DiscoverSD