Las Vegas is a popular destination for a variety of different reasons. I think most people would go to Las Vegas for gambling, nightclubs, and shows. I have been to Vegas a few times, and I find something new and different each time I go there. There is so much to see and do AND you don’t have to spend any money. Here’s a list of 20+ free things to do in Vegas.
1. Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
If you are staying on the Las Vegas Strip, you will do this before you head down the Las Vegas Blvd. This is probably the #1 free things to do in Vegas. There is a small parking lot next door. I would recommend getting there early in the morning. There is typically a line but it does move pretty fast. If you don’t want to wait in line, there are plenty of replica Welcome to Vegas signs throughout the strip.
PRO TIP: If you stand off to either side, you’ll still get a great picture and not have to stand in line.
2. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
The Bellagio ConservatoryOn my last trip to Vegas, this was the #1 thing I wanted to do. It was so amazing to see everything in person and up close. Themes are always changing, and according to locals you’ll never see the same thing twice. This is another popular free things to do in Vegas. The Conservatory is located inside the Bellagio hotel, go past the main lobby check in and you’ll see a sign pointing to the area. Also, you can’t miss it with all the flowers and people.
TIP: I heard if you go really late/early morning there is practically no one there. This would be the time to go to get some great pictures without the crowd.
3. The Grand Canal at the Venetian
This was on my bucket list of places I wanted to see on my VERY first trip to Vegas. It did not disappoint because it was so much better in person than any pictures I have ever seen. You could easily be in sensory overload because you’ll want to see it all.
I loved how it looked like streets through the Venetian. There is also infamous indoor/outdoor gondola, but that costs. IF you want to spend money, I would recommend the indoor more than outdoor. I overall had a better time during the indoor one. It also depends on your “driver.”
3B-While you are at the Venetian there are so many performers like acrobats and living statues. The Venetian has a few art exhibits as well. One of my coworkers got engaged by the LOVE installation. So the next time I went, it was still there so I took a picture for her.
4. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo
This exhibit is completely FREE and there is much more to see than just flamingos. I went around 11a and the trainers were out there feeding them. That was cool because we got to ask them questions that about the flamingos, what they eat, etc. The Flamingo Wildlife habitat is a 4-acre garden with streams, fish, turtles, etc.
5. Lake Mead
Lake Mead is America’s first and largest national recreation area. There is so much you can do here – boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, and hunting. You will need a pass either a standard entrance pass or an annual pass for $45. America the Beautiful Pass is $80 which gets you into more than 2000 federal recreation sites across the US.
6. Free Aquariums on the Las Vegas Strip
Unfortunately, I didn’t know this until after my trip BUT the Mirage Hotel and Caesars Palace both have aquariums that you can visit. The Mirage Hotel lobby has 53 foot long, 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium behind the check-in. Caesars has a 50,000-gallon aquarium.
7. Drive or Walk down Las Vegas Blvd
The entire strip is 4.2 miles. I have driven and walked down the Blvd, and I personally like walking the Strip. Disclaimer: I have only been to Vegas once during the summer and didn’t walk because it was too hot. Obviously, the best time to drive is at night. Remember to have patience because everyone else is wanting to see things too. So you might not move as quickly as you would like.
9. Volcano eruption at the Mirage
*Side Note: I don’t know if this is still there. I get so many conflicting stories. Some articles say it’s still there but when I talk with people who just went to Vegas say it wasn’t there. If it’s there it’s right in front of the Mirage and you can see from Las Vegas Blvd. The volcano only erupts at 8pm and 9pm. Again, if you plan it just right you can be on the Ferris Wheel during both the Volcano eruption and Bellagio Foundations.
10. Bellagio Fountains
The Bellagio Fountains go off every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night. They are really hard to miss if you are walking down Las Vegas Blvd. I personally love seeing them at night over during the day, but it’s a cool experience either way.
THIS IS NOT FREE BUT A GOOD VIEW. On my last trip to Vegas, we did the Ferris wheel. If you go in the gondola around 15 and 45 after you’ll be at the highest point and grab some awesome pictures & experience cool views.
11. Glass Art Sculpture by Dale Chihuly
I have seen these several times and it never gets old. It’s probably one of the few times I don’t have my phone in my hand taking a million pictures. There is something about Chihuly’s work that I am obsessed with.
12. Visit M&M World
M&M World is a colorful & interactive retail store located on The Strip. There are several levels with a variety of different displays, merchandise, and activities. There is so much to see in this store, and I can’t believe how many things you do or create will M&M’s.
13. Pinball Hall of Fame
Another one that I haven’t personally been to but it was on my list but no one else wanted to go. This is located off the strip. The Pinball Hall of Fame has the LARGEST collection in the world of pinball machines. I read that you can bring quarters to play some of the pinballs.
14. Linq Promenade
The Promenade is near the giant Ferris Wheel or High Roller. There are several stores to window shop. One of my favorites is I love Sugar. It’s a 2 story candy shop with every kind of candy you can think of and some you wouldn’t expect. The 3rd floor is a martini bar with very Instagrammable drinks.
15. Walk Fremont Street
Fremont Street is a street in Downtown Las Vegas that spans 5 blocks. There was so much to see and do than I expected. There were several street artists performing & DJs playing on the main stage. Every hour from 6p-2a there’s a 6-8 minute LED light show that goes along with the artist. The night we went they had a DJ playing. I messaged her on IG to play Call Me Maybe, and SHE DID! (That’s my favorite song)
18. Downtown Container Park
Disclaimer: I personally have not been to this because I didn’t have enough time. The thing that I have heard about this is you can make it a whole night thing because there is so much to see and do.
Downtown Container Park is an open-air shopping center with boutique retail shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. There is a kids area called the Treehouse-interactive playground.
19. Hoover Dam/The Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
If you are heading out of Vegas, this is on your way! When you get off the highway, there’s a small parking lot for the Hoover Dam Lookout. There’s not a lot to see when you are there, so this might be a quick spot to stretch your legs or just get out of the car.
20. Las Vegas Walk of Stars
The Las Vegas Walk of Stars is a walk of fame along the Strip. It was created to honor prominent Las Vegas figures. The first person to receive a star was Wayne Newton on October 6, 2004.
20. Seven Magic Mountain Rocks
This is my #1 recommendation to anyone going to Vegas. I recommend this to everyone, on every visit I go, and never get sick of it. I remember when this first popped up because it was literally out of nowhere. It was like one day it was there. It’s 7 rocks mountains (obviously) painted in different neon colors.
PRO TIP: Get there EARLY! I recommend getting there between 7-9am because tour buses and people start coming. I went at 8am, and there was about 10 of us there. It was so much fun because we were all sharing ways to get all the mountains in one picture with lots of different views and angles.
21. Shelby American, Inc
The Shelby Heritage Center is free and open to the public 7 days a week. The tours are self-guided, but there is an opportunity for a VIP Behind the Scenes for additional cost. The center has over 25 Shelby vehicles and tells the story of the company. The Heritage Center is 10,400 square feet and is located adjacent to the 150,000 square feet production facility. The hours to Shelby American is Monday – Saturday 9:30a-5pm and Sunday 10a-4pm.
22. Murals
I am obsessed with murals. It’s usually one of the first things I look for when traveling. I love to see the work and the creativity. I also love it when I find a place that will have all the murals in one spot or have a map created. Check out this photographer for a list of the murals.
23. Las Vegas Airport
I wish I knew about this but I am going to do this on my next trip. North Las Vegas Airport has a viewing deck where you can watch and listen to planes take off and land. I did this when I lived in Washington. I have had an obsession with planes for as long as I remember.
23B – Aviation History Museum is located at the Harry Reid International Airport
24. Happy Buddha
Inside the California Hotel & Casino is the happy Buddha to rub the belly before gambling. Take a picture to post on social media or have extra luck by throwing in some coins.
25. Downtown Gateway Arches & Showgirls
I found this by pure accident but I am so glad that I did. The showgirls are at the intersection of Main STreet & Las Vegas Blvd – right next to the Strat. The arches are 140 ft across the Blvd with LED lights that can change colors and patterns.
There is so much to see and do in Vegas, and things are always changing. Even though, I am not a gambler I still have a great time in Vegas. I find new things to see and always go back for my favorites. My next trip out to Vegas will be exploring away from the Las Vegas Strip.
