Oh Vegas! Party mecca and adult playground. If you’re not into taking risks with your money, there’s an abundance of things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling!
While the famous piece of the Las Vegas Boulevard is the city’s biggest attraction, you don’t need to gamble, go to shows or even drink your face off to have a good time (although you definitely can if you want).
Affectionately known as Sin City, drinking and gambling used to be the reason for visiting this desert city. While there’s no shortage of opportunities for partying like a rockstar, there are enough things to do for any type of traveler!
Including some unique things like visiting natural hot springs (make sure you scroll to the end)!
Yes, Vegas is fun even if you don’t gamble! In fact, the first two times I went to Las Vegas, I didn’t gamble once and still had a blast.
From shopping, to the free shows, all the lights, grandiose hotels and fun buskers on Fremont Street, Las Vegas is a visual feast for anyone!
Vegas seems to be one of those destinations that if you have never been you can’t quite grasp the appeal. But once you go, you can’t wait to get back there again.
If you’re traveling to Las Vegas with zero interest in gambling, below is a list of all things to do that I put together for my friends and I when we made the trip in April 2019. About half of the group had never been to Las Vegas before and the rest had been at least once or twice.
I think the itinerary we followed has a great mix of something for everyone. Planning to head to Vegas for a bachelorette party? Tons of ideas below will help fill your itinerary.
After you check out the itinerary below, check out my guide about how to do Las Vegas on the cheap!
This post contains some affiliate links, meaning I may make a small commission if you make a purchase, at absolutely no extra cost to you.
What To Do in Las Vegas If You Don’t Gamble
1. Pool Parties and Day Clubs
Cool down and get your splash on!
The 2020 season is looking a little different, with not many pool parties going on, but lots of pools are still open.
Pool party season in Las Vegas usually opens at the end of March. In my opinion, late April is a great time to go. It’s hot, but not too hot and not quite as busy.
Pool parties are generally open from Thursday to Sunday. If you don’t have a spot reserved, I recommend getting to the pool party by 10:30am.
Flamingo Hotel Pool Party
From the lower occupancy limits and extra distancing in place, you’ll have to get to the pool earlier and likely have to make a reservation.
My top picks for Las Vegas pool parties are:
Encore Beach Club
Wet Republic
Drai’s Beach Club
KAOS Day Club
Circa Resort and Casino is the newest hotel to open (opened in December 2020) and has one of the coolest pools in Las Vegas.
They call it a ‘stadium swim’ – the pool setup is similar to an amphitheater with a massive screen to catch the big game. Oh, and the Circa Hotel is adults only!
Circa Resort and Casino – image credit Booking.com
Travel tip – a cute fanny pack is the perfect bag for visiting the pool in Vegas.
I love this one from Amazon. It carries all your essentials without being too bulky, and is easy to hideaway under your chair.
2. Spend the Day On a Boat at Lake Mead
If the idea of a pool party doesn’t interest you, you can still make your own fun on the water.
Lake Mead is a 40 minute drive from the strip where you can rent a pontoon boat for the day, cruise the open water and make your own fun!
Check out Get My Boat for rentals – it’s like Airbnb for boats! Renting a pontoon boat for a day will cost about $500, but you can also rent jet skis, kayaks and stand up paddleboards.
If you’re visiting Vegas with a a group of friends, splitting the cost between your group would be a comparable price to getting a daybed at a pool party cabana. Food for thought!
>> Don’t Miss: 7 Las Vegas Scams to Avoid (and how to not get ripped-off)
3. Have Bottomless Brunch
Head to Overlook Grill at the Cosmopolitan for bottomless bubbles, mimosas, rosé and of course brunch!
Or if you prefer something a little more upscale casual, check out Hexx Kitchen & Bar at the Paris hotel.
You can’t beat the bottomless mimosas.
Snag a table on the patio outside – it makes for some great people watching or a perfect backdrop for a cute Instagram pic!
Paris Hotel
Then, it’s time to hit the Strip! During the day the sights and sounds are a little muted compared to the evening.
Vegas can be tiring. Lots of sun and heat, and lots of walking. So if you want to stay up into the wee hours of the morning, definitely pace yourself!
The Chandelier Bar at the Cosmopolitan Hotel
4. Get an Adrenaline Rush on Thrill Rides
For the thrill seekers, take a ride on the roller coaster at New York New York or head to the Stratosphere for their thrilling rides.
You can check out the crazy G force on the Slingshot, spin 800 feet in the air on the Insanity ride, or get catapulted over the edge of the tower on the X-Scream ride.
5. Whack Some Balls at TopGolf
Spend a couple hours at TopGolf. It’s kinda like bowling but in a golf driving range setting! You save money and beat the crowds if you book an afternoon tee time. This location is located in the MGM Grand Hotel.
6. The Strip Walking Tour + Photo Hot Spots
Book a tour on Viatorwith a local guide who will show you around all the iconic photo spots on the strip and be your own personal photographer along the way.
This is the perfect tour to get you acquainted with all the hot spots on the strip as well as get some nice photos of you and your travel partner so that they’re not always selfies!
If you don’t feel like walking, book this photo tour cruise, where you will be driven around to places around the Strip that are harder to walk to.
For added fun (especially if you’re on a girls’ trip or bachelorette party) use a fun Polaroid-style instant camera to capture your adventures along the way.
The Vegas Strip makes a great backdrop for these instant hard copy photos, and everyone gets to take home a memory (that isn’t buried in your 500+ selfies on your phone).
7. Kayak to Sauna Caves and Hot Springs
High angle view of bridge on the Hoover dam on the Colorado river, USA.
On this full day tour, you will start at the base of Hoover Dam and kayak down the Colorado River. Over the course of your adventure you’ll visit sauna caves and hidden hot springs among the canyon walls.
Book your tour on Viator.
8. Pretend You’re in Venice, Italy
Take a romantic ride on a gondola through the canals of the Venetian hotel. If you’re visiting Las Vegas as a couple on a romantic getaway, this is the perfect way to spend a few moments together.
Don’t forget to kiss under each bridge for good luck!
And even if you’re traveling with your friends, it’s a nice relaxing break from walking the busy Strip.
Plus, the guide will take you indoors through the Grand Canal Shoppes where you can do some window shopping from the boat!
This is such an underrated thing to do in Las Vegas!
9. Pamper Yourself
Then pamper yourselves at the spa for a couple hours. Blowouts and mimosas anyone? The Dry Bar Las Vegas is a great spot, and there’s even a mini photo studio and selfie spot to show off you and your girls’ new dos.
Is it Your First Time Going to Vegas? Check out 19 Las Vegas Tips for First Timers
10. Stroll the Strip at Night
Now that the casinos are all lit up, you might be thinking, besides gambling what else is there for me to do in Vegas? The answer is lots!
As the sun fades and the lights come out, it’s time to see what Vegas is all about. For first timers (and repeat visitors) it’s fun to walk around and do some hotel and casino hopping.
Grab your favorite beverage from anywhere (corner stores are the cheapest) and stroll around and enjoy the sites and sounds.
11. Go Wine Tasting
Stop for some wine tasting at the Wine Cellar & Tasting Room at the Rio.
Better yet, treat yourselves to a Yoga Uncorked experience! Yep – enjoy a yoga class in a beautiful outdoor courtyard setting and your choice of red or white (in a souvenir sippy cup for no spill)!
12. View the Lights from the High Roller
Taking a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel is an experience you should not miss in Las Vegas. I recommend doing this on your first night to really appreciate the beautiful nighttime scenery. It’s only 30 minutes but the view at night is spectacular.
If you pay extra for the happy hour, it’s a great way to enjoy a drink or two and marvel at the lights. The bartenders are super fast and pour them strong!
Also, if you’re afraid of heights, it’s really not that bad. Heights aren’t my best friend, but it goes slow and is super smooth. Trust me, you can handle it!
Buy your tickets in advance so you can walk right up and have minimal wait times for you and your group. Vegas.com always has the cheapest prices and you can even book your time slot for minimal wait times!
13. Devour the Cut of the Week Steak
After your ride, grab some dinner at Charlie Palmer Steak House for the cut of the week.
This weekly menu special is $58 per person and includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert and bottomless wine. You’ll find this restaurant at the Mandalay Bay.
14. Swanky Cocktails With a View
Get some at Skyfall Lounge Delano up on the 64th floor or at the Foundation Room at the Mandalay Bay.
15. Experience a Show
Now, I know I said you don’t need to see a show in Las Vegas to have fun, but there are some good one that are wildly entertaining.
There are hundreds of shows to choose from.
If you’re in Vegas for a bachelorette party, try the Magic Mike show at the Hard Rock Hotel or the Naked Magicians, a new one that started in 2019!
Shows like these ones and any of the Cirque de Soleil shows typically get close to selling out on the day of, so best top buy your tickets in advance. Vegas.com is a trusted source for great prices on shows.
16. Catch the Best Free Shows in Las Vegas
There are some amazing free shows offered on the Strip every night. The Bellagio Fountain Show is a must-see.
After 8pm the fountains come on every 15 minutes and treat Strip-goers to a magical choreographed display of water, lights and music.
And other great free show is the exploding volcano at the Mirage. This one runs nightly at 8 and 9pm with an additional 10pm show on Fridays and Saturdays.
17. Cruise the Strip in a Pink Jeep
If you’re on a girls trip, another fun thing to do is to hop on a tour that takes you around to some iconic sites in an open air pink jeep wrangler!
On this 3-hour tour your guide will take your group to the famous ‘welcome to Las Vegas sign’, wedding chapel row and Fremont Street.
18. Learn How to Be a Stripper!
Here’s another perfect idea if you’re on a ladies-only trip: take a Stripper 101 class!
This 75-minute class is offered at Planet Hollywood, and teaches you the roles about how to pole dance and conquer some sexy choreography.
At the end, you receive a certified Stripper 101 License, a perfect Sin City souvenir.
19. Have Breakfast or Brunch Hash House a Go Go
This place is a must do if you’re in Vegas. They put a fun twist on farm fresh ingredients and serve massive portions.
You’ve been warned, even the biggest eaters of my group couldn’t finish their plates!
If you’re staying on the Strip, you can find a location at the LINQ promenade, and it’s open 24 hours.
If you’re renting a house or condo off the strip, there are several other locations to choose from that won’t be as busy!
This is what you get when you order the chicken and waffles!
Flying to Las Vegas? Read my full and honest review of Swoop Airlines before you go!
Then it’s time to hit the Strip again and check out some of the great day time activities.
20. See the Famous Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
Start at the south end of the Strip and pay a visit to the infamous Las Vegas Sign. Expect a wait unless you go early.
Folks may be there offering to take pics with your phone for you, just be sure to tip them a couple dollars as they’ll be expecting it.
OR, you could stand off to the side of the sign if you’re picture taker has skills and can angle it so you don’t get others in the background.
Bonus tip, if you can’t make it down to Las Vegas sign, there’s a smaller one at the LINQ promenade.
21. Watch the Aquarium and Mermaid Show
While you’re on the very south end of the Strip, if you go a little further you’ll find the Silverton Hotel for the free Aquarium and mermaid show!
Not only can you enjoy over 4000 exotic fish, you can watch mermaids swim and dance among them in the 100,000 gallon aquarium!
Back on the Strip there are even more free things to enjoy while you wait for the sun to set and the lights and sparkle to come out.
22. Admire the Flamingos
Grab a cold brew coffee and stroll through the Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo. It’s a nice quiet reprieve from the hustle and bustle on the strip and who doesn’t love a few minutes with flamingos!
23. Roam the Linq Promenade
Next, head to the nearby LINQ promenade. Roam around the outdoor plaza and do some shopping or stop for a bite to eat or patio beverage!
24. Caesar’s Palace and the Free Show
Across the street is the iconic Caesar’s Palace. Wandering around this property is quite the activity itself, but if you’re looking for another free show, check out the Fall of Atlantis. This fountain and light show brings history to life.
The show is starting to show its age as it’s remained the same for over 20 years. But, it’s still free and worth a look if you happen to be nearby! The shows run everyday from 11am every hour on the hour.
25. Find Peace in the Gardens
Next door is the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden. Take a relaxing stroll through the amazing indoor gardens that are transformed four times a year with the change of the seasons.
26. Have Fun Snacks
If you’re craving a snack at this point, head to Doughp Cookie Dough Bar. Yep, it’s cookie dough served in a cup ice cream style!
Safe to eat, don’t worry! If if you prefer a snack of the alcoholic variety, Vanderpump Cocktail Garden is the latest spot for a sip to hit Vegas.
27. Experience Old Las Vegas on Fremont Street
Now it’s time to hit Fremont Street to take in the Fremont Street Experience. This is the original Las Vegas people!
This is a pedestrian only area where you can check out the old school casinos, watch some live music and people watch! You can zipline over the whole area or just enjoy the energy!
28. People Watch
People watch from a seat at Mickie Finnz Fish House & Bar. Grab a table closer to the street and watch people weigh themselves before entering the Heart Attack Grill.
The place where your meal is free if you’re over 350 pounds!
If you’re new to gambling or not much of a gambler at all, Fremont is a great place to try it out.
The old school casinos still provide a glimpse of Vegas of the past and are a nice change from the extravagance found on the Strip.
They’re generally a little less busy and a little cheaper. You can even find lessons from blackjack dealers (usually in the mornings) to teach you how to play the game.
Vegas Pro Tip: Order yourself a copy of the American Casino Guide which is the most extensive and trusted resource about all things gambling in Vegas. Even if you have no interest in gambling, there’s over 150 coupons and basically pays for itself after you use one or two (there’s all kinds of food and buffet coupons, and coupons for shows and attractions).
29. Eat at the Most Iconic Las Vegas Restaurant
If you’re stopping for dinner before you head to Fremont, check out the Peppermill.
This place has been around since the rat pack and mob days of Vegas, and still holds its vintage charm with its velvet lined booths.
30. Visit the Oldest Bar in Las Vegas
Have a nightcap at the oldest bar in Las Vegas: Atomic Liquors.
If you’ve still got some time in this city, here’s a few more things you can do in Las Vegas besides gambling:
If you’re up for a day trip, there are some incredible places to see within a couple of hours from the city.
31. Day Trip to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon
This day tour brings you to world-famous Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, one of the most famous canyons on earth.
After a few busy days in the concrete jungle of Las Vegas, it’s nice to get out of the city and experience some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the US. (Oh and the bus has WiFi!)
Antelope Canyon
32. Add Some Color to Your Trip
Closer to the city, you could visit the Seven Magic Mountains and add some serious color to your Instagram feed.
Book a 90-minute tour, where your guide will first bring you to the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and then bring you to this unique and beautiful piece of art in the desert.
33. Enjoy High Tea, Literally
Sip some early grey and eat dainty sandwiches on the 23rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria.
34. Be a Pinball Wizard
Relive the 80s and 90s and play any pinball game you want at the Pinball Hall of Fame.
35. Visit the Neon Museum
Experience Las Vegas history with a walk through the outdoor neon sign museum (originally called the neon sign boneyard!
36. Go For a Drive or a Hike in the Breathtaking Landscapes
Red Rock Canyon
Go for a chill hike or scenic drive at Red Rock Canyon, only 25 miles from Las Vegas.
For an unforgettable way to spend a few hours off the Las Vegas strip, experience sunrise on an e-bike! Watch the fiery colors reflect off the rock for an incredible start to your day. .
Or try a more challenging hike that takes you above the city on the Las Vegas overlook trail.
BONUS ACTIVITY – Hike to Natural Hot Springs
Visiting the Arizona hot springs is one of the most unique experiences in Las Vegas away from the flashy Strip.
With a local guide, you will do an evening hike through the canyon walls formed by the Colorado River with the grande finale of soaking in natural hot springs pools and then lunch on the beach.
Book your tour here!
So if you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas and aren’t interested in gambling, as you can see there’s no shortage of things to do!
Some Tips About Where to Stay in Vegas for Non-Gamblers
Rent a House for Cheap! Las Vegas Accommodation Options Off the Strip
If you’re looking for recommendations about where to stay in Vegas if you don’t gamble, I suggest either staying off the Strip or finding a hotel on the Strip that has lots of other attractions within it.
Not everyone is a fan of having to walk through the casino to grab your morning coffee, so staying in a residential neighborhood would be a good option.
Catch some morning sun by the pool, enjoy some mimosas or caesars (or bloody marys) and cook an epic brunch with your friends.
Or, if you’re traveling with a group, consider renting a house off the Strip. We had a group of 10 friends and this was the best idea! We had our own pool, our own hot tub and our own kitchen.
Having our own place made things super easy to organize. We woke up whenever we wanted and didn’t have to worry about getting down to the pool early to grab chairs.
We played our own music, and the drinks were much cheaper than a hotel pool on the strip.
This way you can hang out at your own private pool party while you nurse your hangover before starting all over again! The best thing about your own pool in Vegas?
You can hang out in your unicorn pool floatie with a beverage in hand. Can’t do that in a hotel pool on the strip!
The pool at our house we found on VRBO
If you’re planning to rent a house, you can have groceries and booze delivered! With services like Instacart, you can order groceries the day before you arrive and have them delivered to the house you’re renting.
This makes it so easy these days, and way cheaper than staying on the strip. For instance, my friends and I rented a house for 4 nights. It worked out to be $30 USD per person.
We bought enough booze for all 4 days and food for 2 brunches and 2 dinners. This totaled only another $50 USD. This is a great option for a Las Vegas on a budget!
We found this great house to rent in Las Vegas on VRBO. It had everything we needed. Lots of bedrooms and bathrooms, a big kitchen and a huge backyard with our own pool and hot tub.
Read more about tips for choosing the best vacation rental here.
You Might Also Like: Unique Ideas for a Bachelorette Party
Here are My Favorite Las Vegas Accommodation Options On the Strip
If you want to be in the middle of the action, I love staying at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.
For people looking for a hotel in Vegas for non-gamblers, the pool here is awesome, with lots of palm trees for shade. It’s perfectly central on the Strip and is still an affordable option. Plus, it’s mostly pink!
The Paris Las Vegas Hotel is also nice and central and great for a romantic option if you’re on a couples getaway.
Hotel WiFi in Las Vegas is included in the daily resort fee, which includes things like pool and fitness center access. Most fees only cover connecting up to 2 devices and is spotty at best.
TRAVEL TIP – If WiFi is essential for your trip, a portable mobile WiFi hot spot, like Skyroam, is the way to go. You can get unlimited WiFi for $9/day, connect 5 devices and it doubles as a portable charging bank.
More resources you might find helpful to plan your trip to Las Vegas:
14 Important Considerations Before you Travel with Friends (so that you don’t ruin your friendship)!
How to Plan Any Trip with This Easy and Organized Method
How to Tackle Your Pre-Travel Anxiety (and get rid of those travel jitters)
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