Budget-Friendly Vegas: Incredible Attractions That Won't Break the Bank

There’s much more to experience in Las Vegas beyond the neon lights of the Strip. The city is surrounded by wondrous beauty just waiting to be explored, as well as various free and affordable arts and cultural activities within the destination. Get the most value out of your next visit and see a side of Las Vegas that you never knew existed. 

Natural Wonders Near Las Vegas 

Las Vegas is surrounded by breathtaking outdoor adventures. Put on your hiking shoes and head to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, only 17 miles west of Las Vegas. Along with a scenic 13-mile loop drive, there are 30 miles of trails to explore on foot. Red Rock is great for cycling, climbing and horseback riding, and picnic areas are available. Entry to Red Rock Canyon is $20 for standard vehicles. 

Prefer to spend a day on the water? Take a trip to Lake Mead National Recreation Area—an ideal getaway for boaters, swimmers, sunbathers, and fishermen. Located less than a half-hour from Las Vegas, the area offers plenty of opportunities to relax and explore. A $25 entrance fee per vehicle is required, as well as additional lake usage fees. While you’re there, take a tour of Hoover Dam. Visit historic tunnels within this man-made marvel and national landmark. During this guided tour, you’ll also ride in its original elevator to the top of the structure. 

Immerse yourself in gorgeous red Aztec sandstone rock formations nestled in tan limestone at Valley of Fire State Park, about 45 minutes northeast of Las Vegas. You’ll encounter ancient, petrified trees and petroglyphs from more than 2,000 years ago. Entry is $10 for standard vehicles and RV camping and group-use campsites are also available. 

An hour north of Las Vegas, Mount Charleston offers four campgrounds,  dispersed camping, seven picnic areas and more than 50 miles of maintained hiking trails, at an elevation of about 7,500 feet. The area is open 24 hours a day. Enjoy the lush greenery or go skiing during the winter months.  

Explore more than 300 rock writing panels and nearly 1,700 petroglyph designs from native cultures spanning archaic and historic eras at Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. Just 20 minutes southeast of Las Vegas, you’ll find thousands of acres of pristine wilderness.  

PRO TIP: The hours to visit Petroglyph Canyon vary by season, but hours of operation are longer (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) from October to May. 

Experiential Museums and Cultural Experiences 

Las Vegas has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with unique galleries and interactive museums for every taste. On the Strip, the Paradox Museum and Museum of Illusions feature mind-boggling exhibits that bend reality; from the Paradox Sofa, where it appears that someone’s body has been split in half, to the Museum of Illusions’ Cloning Table, where you’ll literally be beside yourself with surprise. These mystical installations will have to be seen to be believed … and you won’t believe what you’re seeing! 

Inside the Fashion Show Las Vegas, enter the Fantasy Lab: Colors of Mexico exhibit. Celebrate Mexican culture as you journey into the country’s heart and soul, displayed through original technologies within its 20,000 square feet of space. Admission is only $15, and the fee is applied toward any of the restaurants, bars and art markets inside. You can also explore seven interactive experiences.  

Take your shot at the high score, but don’t tilt when you visit the Pinball Hall of Fame on the Strip. Restored classic pinball machines from the 1950s through 1990s are on display and available to be played!  

For some real Las Vegas nostalgia, visit The Neon Museum in Downtown Las Vegas. Wander through original vintage signs from famous Las Vegas resorts and see them come to life once again in a stunning visual presentation. While you’re downtown, learn about the history of organized crime at The Mob Museum. Engulf yourself in its interactive exhibits, and later, have a cocktail at The Underground, a speakeasy within the museum. 

Photo-Worthy Locations Without Entry Fees 

Pull out your camera phone and leave your wallet alone. You’ll find several locations in Las Vegas to fill your social media feed without spending a dime. 

Start with a must-do for any visitor – a picture by the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. This iconic landmark on the southern part of the Strip is open 24 hours a day with free parking. It’s a classic piece of signage recognized around the world and one of the most popular free things to do in Las Vegas. 

Work your way north on the Strip and stop at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, where exotic floral displays rotate seasonally throughout the year inside this 14,000-square-foot greenhouse. Then venture across the street and check out the free Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo Las Vegas, where you can walk around in a peaceful garden filled with meandering streams, waterfalls, exotic birds, turtles and fish.  

Continue north to The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and stroll through the Grand Canal Shoppes. Featuring cobblestone walkways and illuminated painted-sky ceilings along a Grand Canal and gondola ride, this 875,000-square-foot, Venetian-inspired venue includes dining, entertainment and, of course, luxurious shopping. 

Engage in Various Interactive and Immersive Experiences  

Las Vegas also has immersive and unique attractions for every taste. Any fan of music is encouraged to visit Illuminarium at AREA15 to see Rolling Stone’s new exhibit, Amplified. Along with displays of vintage music artifacts, including guitars from famous artists, album covers and more, you’ll watch a narrated hourlong, 360-degree, movie-style presentation with more than 1,000 photos, 200 videos and 1,300 Rolling Stone magazine covers, all in 4K resolution. Witness the sights, sounds and stories that compose the history of rock ’n’ roll.  

AREA15 is also home to several affordable Las Vegas activities. Show off your axe-hurling skills at Dueling Axes; enjoy a mixture of golf and entertainment at Five Iron Golf; or enter a dangerous and captivating world at the John Wick Experience. AREA15 has fun, engaging entertainment around every turn. 

For another kind of “rock”-star experience, get behind the controls of massive machinery at Dig This, about 10 miles south of the Las Vegas Strip. A heavy-equipment playground suitable for the whole family, you’ll tear up a construction area, pushing boulders around while operating bulldozers and excavators. There are even smaller digging machines for children to use.  

Get your adrenaline pumping with the thrill rides atop The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower. Ride the X-Scream, a roller coaster that’s over 800 feet above the ground. Your heart will be racing with excitement as you’re propelled 27 feet over the edge of the tower. For more thrills, strap into the Big Shot, where you’ll be hoisted another 160 feet in the air at 45 miles per hour.  

Take advantage of value-packed ticket bundles that include access to thrill rides or top-rated live shows at The STRAT Theater like Rouge – The Sexiest Show in Vegas! and Terry Fator, plus admission to the Tower Experience. For a more leisurely option, enjoy Bottomless Mimosas with a View—available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM at 108 Drinks for about $40. 

Make the most of your next getaway by visiting these affordable and free treasures. And be sure to check out more ways to find Las Vegas value when you visit some of the destination’s trendy and distinctive cafés. And for more budget-friendly insider tips, see budget hacks that will help you find the best deals.