When people think of Las Vegas, they often only think about one thing — gambling. However, like most stereotypes, Las Vegas offers much more than just the first thing that comes to mind. With a huge variety of activities, there are limitless adventures to be had in downtown Las Vegas. Although, admittedly, there are many opportunities to gamble, too, if that’s what you’re into.
Whether you’re looking for the best spots to gamble in Las Vegas, the best shows, the best restaurants downtown Las Vegas, or the best hotels downtown Vegas, you’ll find attractions everyone can enjoy.
Hotels and Casinos
1. Golden Gate Hotel and Casino
The Golden Gate is located right in the action of Fremont Street, allowing you quick access to live music, fantastic bars, and numerous restaurants. Check out the casino’s “Dancing Dealers,” who add a new and unique experience to gambling, casino promotions, and casino tournaments.
The rooms at the hotel are reasonably priced and give you access to the hotel’s private pool, private fitness center, and concierge. The concierge can help you find the best deals in the city and discounts included with your room, such as discounts on rental cars and complimentary passes to Stadium Swim® at Circa.
2. Circa Resort & Casino
At Circa, you can enjoy everything you’d expect in a hotel and casino, plus more. Such as:
- Great bars
- Tasty food
- Cozy rooms
- Gambling at the casino
- Six-swimming pool sports bar with a 40-foot tall high-definition screen TV for all to see at Stadium Swim® (reservations required)
This hotel and casino are so inclusive you could spend your whole stay here. Be sure to check out Vegas Vickie’s new location, get a coffee at Jack Pots, and get a drink at The Overhang Bar.
Looking for great music? Downtown Rocks at Fremont Street is the place to be! Learn more here.
3. Four Queens Hotel and Casino
For those desiring a more traditional Las Vegas experience, check out the casino at The Four Queens. Amenities include:
- Table games
- Slot machines
- Sports booking (large TVs included inside the Four Queens at William Hill Sports Book)
- Chicago Brewing Company restaurant right inside the hotel with great food, hand-crafted beer, and even cigars
If you’re visiting in the hot summer months, cool off in the rooftop pool at Binion’s across the street. The rooms at The Four Queens are a tad pricier, but you can get a great deal if you plan a weekday vacation.
4. The California Hotel and Casino
“Welcome to the Hotel California” (if you don’t get the Eagles song reference, this hotel may be lost on you). For those desiring a Hawaiian theme to their gambling and hotel stay experience, check out The California Hotel. Here you’ll find all your traditional casino games, a rooftop pool (for guests only), and great dining options right in the hotel.
Dining options include:
- Lappert’s Ice Cream Shop — serves gourmet ice cream and breakfast desserts
- Aloha Specialties — serves teriyaki bowls with a Hawaiian theme
- Ethel M Chocolates — serves gourmet chocolate, caramels, truffles, and nut clusters
The California Hotel is truly such a lovely place (you must appreciate the Eagles song references).
5. The Golden Nugget
Whether you’re a guest or just booking time at the pools, The Golden Nugget offers an ideal escape from the heat with two pool options. “The Tank” provides a fun aquarium-themed dip for all ages, or choose the “Hideout” (21 and over) to get away from the kids and enjoy some relaxation as you cool off.
Las Vegas Attractions
6. Zipline at SlotZilla
Most people picture ziplining through tree canopies, but ziplining over Sin City is a thrilling experience worth checking off your bucket list. This Las Vegas zipline offers two options:
The “Zip-Zilla” zipline allows you to travel seven stories high for two blocks admiring the city’s sights.
And the “Super-Hero Zoom” allows you to travel 11 stories high for five blocks (this option is a tad more expensive, and you’ll ride on your stomach) to enjoy even more of the sites.
With a giant slot machine theme and a cooling breeze, this Las Vegas zipline is likely one of the most popular summertime Las Vegas attractions. So, be sure to get your tickets ahead of time.
7. The Mob Museum
Let’s be honest, the summer heat in Sin City can be a killer *cue cheesy mob movie gun noise*. With an underground Speakeasy and three floors of exhibits, At The Mob Museum, you can delve deep into the history and the “fun” side of the prohibition-era mobs as you cool off indoors.
8. Neonopolis
Essentially a mini-mall on steroids, Neonopolis offers food and entertainment for everyone. Enjoy a plethora of thrilling activities all in one place, such as:
- Getting a tattoo at Rockstar Tattoo
- Throwing axes at The Axehole
- Eating yourself to death at The Heart Attack Grill
- Singing karaoke at The Cat’s Meow
- Going bowling and getting drinks while dressed in cosplay at The Nerd
- Getting a hot dog at Dirt Dog
- Seeing a show at Notoriety (music, magic, comedy, and more)
9. The Haunted Museum
Known for being the “#1 Best Haunted Destination in America,” this is the thrilling Vegas attraction for anyone who loves anything supposedly haunted and looking for a thrill. Even if you don’t believe in the paranormal, taking a tour of The Haunted Museum’s haunted items and hearing their stories could be ideal for cooling off during the peak of the Vegas heat.
10. Ayu Dayclub
With an island vibe, a near guarantee to get wet, and live music, it feels like a constant spring break party at the Ayu Dayclub. Wear your swimsuit and don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses. It’s time to get your summer vibes and dance mood on.
Ready for a zipline like no other? Check out the SlotZilla at Fremont Street. Get tickets now!
11. The Neon Museum
While Paris is considered the city of lights, there’s no denying that Las Vegas has been bright and shiny for over 50 years. At The Neon Museum, see the proof at sunset when their Neon Boneyard exhibits light up. Wander through the collection of retired and preserved Las Vegas signs that have lit up the city throughout its history.
Free Vegas Attractions
12. Concerts at The Fremont Street Experience
The excitement of Fremont Street is electric during the summer months in Sin City. The free concerts in Las Vegas on Freemon Street will feature big names during the summer of 2022, such as:
- The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
- Alien Ant Farm
- Hoobastank
- Theory of a Deadman
- Saliva
- Rick Springfield, and more
Make sure to plan your trip around the great free concert(s) you want to see.
13. Water Show at The Bellagio
While it may be a bit “touristy,” this is a Vegas must-see as there’s nothing like the incredible water show at The Bellagio fountain set to music. With free shows going on every 30 minutes starting at 3 p.m. (noon on Saturday and Sunday) and every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. until midnight, you can plan to visit whenever you have free time and hope you get splashed by the water traveling up to 460 feet in the air.
14. Viva Vision
For another free entertainment option, check out Viva Vision on Fremont Street, where there are free light shows every hour from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. every night. The light show takes place on the big screen above Fremont Street, which is 1,375 feet long and 90 feet wide. This light show is something you’ll want to see in person.
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Vegas
15. The American Coney Island
One of the best things about Vegas is getting a little taste (literally and figuratively) of everywhere, all in one exciting place. Get a taste of Detroit with a traditional Coney Island hot dog, chili cheese fries, or even a gyro. Located at The D Hotel and Casino and open 24 hours, you can enjoy as many hot dogs as you want while enjoying some light (or not so light) gambling.
16. Carson Kitchen
Between the extensive drink menu (including a “day drinking” menu), the donut French toast, the breakfast tacos, the comprehensive lunch menu, and their specialty sodas (nix the alcohol), Carson Kitchen is a delicious and unique experience for all ages.
Fusing a casual atmosphere with fine dining ingredients, you can enjoy great food and drinks as an indoor experience or an outdoor experience depending on the size of your party (and whether you brought anyone under 21 since the rooftop is also a bar).
17. Bin 702
After a morning and afternoon enjoying the excitement of Las Vegas attractions, you may be feeling a bit peckish. At Bin 702, you can enjoy custom-made charcuterie, cheese, breadboards, sandwiches, mini sandwiches, and a wide assortment of drinks (beer, cocktails, and of course, ten different kinds of wine).
18. The Whiskey Licker Up Saloon
The Whiskey Licker Up Saloon is known for serving delicious food and whiskey while being close enough to the action of Fremont Street to enjoy the great music. You can get a 360-degree view of Fremont Street from the rotating bar, so you’ll be right by the action and music (but inside the air-conditioned bar). Plus, the bar serves everything from signature cocktails, beer, wine, and of course, great whiskey. With all your favorite bar food favorites, you may just end up spending a little bit too much time here.
19. Cereal Killerz Kitchen
With over a hundred cereals from around the globe and an abundance of breakfast and non-breakfast-themed toppings, ice cream, and dairy and non-dairy milk options, your imagination is the only thing holding you back.
At the Cereal Killerz Kitchen, make your own crazy concoction or try one of the menu items such as:
- Churro waffles topped with a scoop of ice cream and caramel drizzle
- “LeTaco James” made with a waffle “taco shell” covered in white chocolate and dipped in fruity pebbles, filled with the ice cream flavor of your choice sprinkled with even more fruity pebbles
- “Peanut Butter Loverz” made with chocolate ice cream, every peanut butter flavored cereal in stock, a scoop of peanut butter, topped with more peanut butter cereal, Reese’s pieces, chocolate drizzle, and a Reese’s cup
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, consider taking the “Cereal Challenge,” where you will be faced with eating a bowl of over 130 cereals in 60-minutes. What do you win if you can do it? A $50 gift card, your picture on their “Cereal Wall of Fame,” a free t-shirt, and mad bragging rights.
Ready for an unforgettable night out on the town? Fremont Street is the place you need to be. Check out these premium venues.
20. The Park on Fremont
While the Park on Fremont is known for being more relaxing than adventurous, this could be the ideal place to make vacation friends, which can be quite the adventure for some. Plus, being in Sin City, they up the excitement on the weekends, anyways (of course).
Enjoy amenities such as:
- A delicious (and shareable) menu with great food and drinks
- A cozy and fun atmosphere
- “Dinner and DJ” events are planned on the weekends
- “Another one bites the brunch” on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring ’80s classic songs
- Live DJs on Saturday nights from 11 p.m. until all hours
21. Luxor Hotel and Casino
Craving some fried food? Go no further than Luxor Hotel and Casino for all your classic sports bar food. With fried cheese curds, fries (regular, truffle, or “loaded”), wings, nachos, ribs, burgers, fish and chips, and an extensive drink menu, you can find something for everyone for a delicious and delightfully fattening meal here.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous (and, hopefully, quite hungry), consider ordering the “Do It in Public Challenge Burger,” which includes four double cheeseburgers, a basket of loaded fries, and a 22-ounce milkshake. Assuming you can handle the challenge and get it all down in 30 minutes, all of that food will be free, and you will get a free t-shirt to remember the occasion.
Things to Do Near Me in Vegas
Whether it’s your first time in Vegas or you have been many times but want to check out things you may have missed on your last go-around, there are always new and exciting things to do. Be sure to check out Fremont Street for great food, fun, and music all in one place. Be sure to stay cool and have a blast this summer!