The Entertainment Capital of the World is a great vacation spot if you’re looking for glitz, glamour and nonstop activities, but that’s not all Las Vegas has to offer. Here are nine insider tips to make your trip a unique experience.

 

1. Get Up Close and Personal With Sharks

While Vegas may be known for the Strip and its nonstop nightlife, it’s also home to one of the most extraordinary aquariums. The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay will take you on a breathtaking undersea journey featuring more than 2,000 aquatic animals and over 100 different species. If you’re feeling brave (and are a certified diver), you can experience the exhibit on another level and swim with over 30 exotic sharks.

2. Experience Beautiful Works of Art

If you want to get in touch with your artsy side, be sure to check out the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art located at Bellagio Las Vegas. The premier exhibition space has featured some of the world’s most compelling exhibitions including Picasso: Creatures and Creativity; Fabergé Revealed; Painting Women: Works from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and Warhol Out West. Visit The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas to add a pop of color to your Vegas. Hundreds of contemporary art works by both established and emerging artists from all over the world can be found throughout the iconic hotel. Designed to inspire discovery, the collection includes large-scale paintings, photography, mixed media works, sculptures, murals and more.

 

3. Did Someone Say Pool Day?

If you want to give your vacation a splash of upbeat energy, then look for a hotel with a one-of-a-kind pool. Stadium Swim, located at Circa, has six heated rooftop pools, a massive LED screen to follow live sports and gaming, and unforgettable views of downtown that help keep the party going 365 days a year. On the other hand, if you’re feeling a bit more down to earth, the Resort Pool at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas offers a beach-style experience where guests can sink their toes in the sand with a spirit in hand. Seduce your heart and soul at Azilo Ultra Pool, located inside Sahara Las Vegas. Azilo is one of Vegas’ most immersive ultra pools, offering an intimate poolside experience, sexy Moroccan decor, and an alluring atmosphere where music elevates the senses. So, whether you want to indulge under the sun or dive right into the action, no one pulls off pool time like Las Vegas.

4. Visit the Grand Canyon

If you’re coming to Vegas from another part of the country, it’s worth making the trip over to the Grand Canyon. There are helicopter tours available that will take you to the West Rim. On this side of the canyon, you’ll get to see naturally carved rock formations such as Eagle Point, and experience the Skywalk Bridge, which is a glass walkway nestled in between the canyon walls. If you have more time, you can drive or take a bus to the South Rim, only four hours away from Las Vegas.

 

5. Ready for Football?

The Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World is the new official home to the Las Vegas Raiders. Take an offensive approach to your game-day experience by clinging to the edge of your seats in Allegiant Stadium where fans can get up close to the action. But our game doesn’t stop there. Allegiant Stadium will also play host to this year’s Pac-12 Football Championship and the Las Vegas Bowl.  Don’t miss out on the action!

6. Explore the Outdoors.

Going to Las Vegas doesn’t have to mean going to a show or partying in a club. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has more than 30 trails and several climbing paths to explore. Or beat the heat and spend the day on the water at Lake Las Vegas. Enjoy the day paddleboarding, kayaking, on a lake cruise, or trying something a little edgy – flyboarding! VEGAS ON gives you the inside scoop of the unique water attractions offered by Lake Las Vegas Watersports for a refreshing, fun filled day at the lake!

7. A Whole New World

Las Vegas has immersive attractions perfect for every day of the week. Explore a marvelous mashup of art, experiences and live entertainment at AREA15. Dripping in once-in-a-lifetime attractions unlike anything you’ve laid your eyes on, this immersive space has everything you need to stimulate your senses, and then some. Awaken your inner child by exploring Meow Wolf’s not-so-normal Omega Mart, or grab a bird’s-eye view from Haley’s Comet.

8. Take Advantage of Happy Hour.

Taking advantage of happy hour specials at local bars and restaurants can go a long way toward a happy vacation budget. Oscar’s Steakhouse at The Plaza overlooking Fremont Street has half-price drinks and appetizers from 4-7 p.m. (Sunday–Thursday), and Allegro at Wynn Las Vegas has happy hour daily from 3-5 p.m. Top off any happy hour with The Strat’s 108 Drinks and 108 Eats in SkyPod. Get two-for-one SkyPod admission access and two-for-one cocktails at 108 Drinks, 3 to 7p.m. Monday through Thursday. 

 

9. Get the Bird’s-Eye View.

Vegas has both hot air balloon rides and helicopter tours so you can see the city like you never have before. Maverick Helicopter Tours offers trips around the Strip or a flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon for nature enthusiasts. Ascend into the sky with Vegas Balloon Rides. The perfect way view Vegas like you’ve never seen it before. Upon returning back to earth, guests can even celebrate their voyage with a pop of champagne.