The Best Kept Secrets of Las Vegas Tourism
Everyone is familiar with the kind of world class entertainment Las Vegas tourism offers on the strip. There are endless hours of whirlwind casino gambling, headliner shows with state-of-the-art special effects, and free attractions like fountains and pirate shows, just to name a few of the Las Vegas strip features that come to mind when you think of Las Vegas tourism.
But the Las Vegas strip contains just a small sampling of the appealing array of things to do in Las Vegas. Consider these off-strip activities the next time Las Vegas tourism comes to mind.
Climbing At Red Rocks
Just a few minutes' drive outside of Las Vegas is a tourism magnet known as Red Rocks National Conservation area, a rock climber's dream. Enjoy views of cactus, with snowcaps, and wild endangered burros, all in one day. Veteran climbers will marvel at the varied terrain and the highly textured surfaces, and novice climbers will appreciate the generous use of anchors and bolt protection. Several guide services offer instruction and equipment rental.
If you're not athletically inclined, consider visiting some of the world class museums of Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Museum Scene
The Las Vegas strip boasts some of the most remarkable art galleries in the world, but the museum scene off the strip is well worth checking out. The Nevada Southern Railway Museum, in nearby Boulder City, offers a 45-minute historic train ride from Boulder City to Railroad Pass in the River Mountain Range. Passengers may choose to ride in air-conditioned antique Pullman cars or in open-air coaches. This is a Las Vegas tourism attraction for the entire family, with special rates for seniors and children.
The Nevada State Museum, located in historic Lorenzi Park, is another family friendly Las Vegas tourism destination, with permanent exhibits on regional history, earth sciences, and biological sciences. The gift store sells Native American arts and crafts, so be sure to bring your credit cards.
Day Trips From Las Vegas
If you have a day to spend in and around Las Vegas, tourism officials hope you'll consider one of the popular day trips offered in the area. You can take a short flight and see the spectacular Grand Canyon or take a drive to one of the many golf courses outside the city and enjoy a round of golf in the fabulous Las Vegas climate. Go hiking, skiing, or horseback riding at scenic Mt. Charleston, just 35 miles outside of town.
The next time you think about Las Vegas tourism, think outside the strip. Las Vegas is full of things to do that don't involve casinos.
