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Beyond Casinos: 8 Las Vegas Attractions You Don't Want to Miss

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Las Vegas is well known as “The Gambling Capital of the World,” and it is well worth visiting for its famous casinos. But the city has much more to offer than just that. From iconic monuments, to thrilling amusement rides, and of course unbeatable dining and shopping, there is no end to the fun that can be had here. So if you happen across a good deal on a last-minute flight to Las Vegas (perhaps because you smartly signed up for GoLastMinute fare alerts), don’t pass on it just because you aren’t into casinos!

Fountains of Bellagio

Ariel view of the magnificent Fountains of Bellagio

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One of the most recognizable fixtures in Vegas thanks to being featured in practically every movie that takes place there, the Fountains of Bellagio is a collection of water fountains that put on a free show in the 8.5-acre artificial lake right in front of the resort. Seeing it on screen does not do it justice, so seeing it in person is a must for any Las Vegas tour. Don’t worry; you don’t have to stay at the hotel to be able to experience them!

Sphere

The Las Vegas Sphere dazzles with an extravagant light show against the night sky

(Image provided by Unsplash)

If you are driving to Vegas and see a giant basketball or snow globe spinning against the skyline, you aren’t hallucinating! That’s just Sphere.Sphere is a relatively new attraction in Las Vegas, having only been open for a little over a year. The interior of Sphere is a 18,600-seat auditorium with a massive wrap-around LED screen behind a stage that can be used for concerts, shows, and other events. But even if you can’t get tickets to an event inside Sphere, you can still marvel at the wrap-around LED screen on its exterior. 

High Roller Wheel

The High Roller Wheel lights up with blue and green just after sunset

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Another attraction that is hard to miss, the High Roller Wheel is a 550-foot tall Ferris wheel owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment. But unlike the Ferris wheels you’ll find at a carnival or fair, the pods on High Roller are spacious rooms with a capacity to hold up to 40 people. This means your entire party can ride on this thing together and mingle with other tourists while you gawk at the stunning skyline.

Neon Museum

Old neon signs from the Vegas of yesteryear find new life at the Neon Museum

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The Neon Museum claims to tell the story of Las Vegas through a collection of old neon signs that used to light up the skyline. Here you will be able to walk among 200 old signs that date back as far as the 1930s. While you can get cheaper tickets by visiting during the day, these old signs still light up, so a visit during the night is required to get the full experience.

The Fremont Street Experience

A crowd of people gawk at the onslaught of LED that is Fremont Street

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The Fremont Street Experience is a five-block mall and attraction space on the western side of Fremont Street. While a glorified mall may not seem like a worthy attraction, the scope and splendor of this place cannot be understated. Huge LED screens put on light shows, crowds gather to watch public performances, and zip lines fly overhead. The fact that you can do a little shopping while you are here is just an added bonus!

The STRAT

Lightning strikes behing the massive STRAT tower

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Formally called the Stratosphere, the STRAT is a hotel, casino, and tower just north of the Vegas Strip. The iconic observation tower that has become a defining feature of the Vegas skyline is 1,149 feet tall, making it the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. At the top, you will find observation decks, a bar, and even thrill rides. While you don’t have to be staying at the hotel to go to the tower, there is an entrance fee, but it is well worth the price!

Eiffel Tower

Paris Las Vegas mimicks the iconic French monument with its half-sized replica

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The tower at Paris Las Vegas is a half-sized replica of the famous French landmark, and features an observation deck 46 stories in the air. While it isn’t quite as bombastic as the STRAT, it is closer to the Strip, giving you a more up-close view of all the action below. This is one of the more romantic places in Vegas, so if you brought a date on your trip, you’ll definitely want to bring them here!

Valley of Fire State Park

Jagged red cliffs surround a valley of green shrubbery

(Image provided by Unsplash)

Once you’ve had enough of all the excitement and adventure that Sin City has to offer, head 45 miles to the northeast to find Valley of Fire State Park. This 46,000 acre nature preserve is named for the red sandstone that is said to look like it is on fire when the sunlight hits it just right. Among the ancient cliffs once lived the Ancestral Puebloans who left behind artwork in the form of illustrations carved into the rocks that can still be seen to this day.

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