10 Relaxing Things to do in Las Vegas
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
A vacation to Las Vegas can be a crazy, fun, and exhausting trip all rolled into one. With so much to see and do, insane crowds, seemingly endless walking, noisy ads distracting your every move, it’s not surprising that this type of vacation can really wear you down. Sometimes, you just need a quiet escape from all the clutter and commotion for a bit to recharge your batteries before enjoying all the craziness again. I feel the same way here as I do after visiting a congested tourist area like Orlando – all I want is a vacation from this vacation!
Fortunately, after a number of visits over the years, I have found some low-key activities to enjoy. It’s fun to mix and match high energy fun with some laid-back attractions to prevent burn out. For those seeking a tranquil refuge for an hour or 2, this guide is for you. These are a few of my favorite places to escape the noisy crowds and congestion of The Strip. The more I visit Vegas, the more I seek a peaceful escape from the crowds. These days there is almost too many people and too much going on!
1. Waldorf Astoria Tea House
The Waldorf Astoria Tea House, located on the 23rd floor of the gorgeous Waldorf Hotel (formerly the Mandarin Oriental), is my absolute favorite place in Sin City to escape all The Strip action. When you seek a quiet break, yet still want to feel like you are on vacation, only without actually being part of the commotion, a relaxing tea break at this beautiful resort is your next best bet.
The Waldorf offers a wonderful afternoon tea service in a truly spectacular setting. The tea room is elegant, zen-like, and cozy with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking all the casinos below. Thus, you still get to take in the dazzling scenery, only without the stress. It’s really nice to see another side to this city. This crazy place sure does look more amazing and beautiful from the 23rd floor of this elegant resort.
Afternoon tea includes an assortment of scones, mini sandwiches, specialty chef created desserts, and a pot of steaming hot tea. I recommend the Imperial Spring Dragonwell, a delicious smooth green tea with hints of chestnut. Or you can simply skip the pricey afternoon tea service in favor of a simple pot of tea. The Waldorf offers an assortment of wellness loose leaf tea blends, which are just perfect for helping to restore your body and rebalance your energy after a long day out exploring all the attractions and shows.
With incredible views of The Strip, a diverse selection of quality loose leaf teas, extraordinary tea presentation and service, and a refined & quiet setting, this might just be the most relaxing activity of them all. It’s defnitely my favorite place to escape it all for a bit.
2. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Unfortunately, many tourists are unaware of the many freebies lurking all around The Strip. Almost every casino resort is home to a handful of wonderful no-cost attractions. The Flamingo is home to the serene Wildlife Habitat. This attraction is not only free to the public, but also a great place to get back to nature for a bit. I didn’t even know that this place existed until fairly recently when a friend told me about it. It’s definitely a hidden gem to check out if you need a break.
The resort’s 15 acres have been transformed into a tropical oasis with lush landscaping, relaxing fountains, soothing waterfalls, and exotic wildlife. A colorful flock of Chilean flamingos call this quiet oasis home. Beautiful unique looking birds, turtles, and Koi fish can also be found along the grounds. When I walk around the grounds, I feel like I am temporarily back in Sarasota, a gorgeous tropical area I visited frequently while living in the Bay metro.
Whenever you need a breather from all the casino action, take a little trip over to the Flamingo for a relaxing stress-free stroll. Take a picture with a parrot, watch a live feeding, take pretty nature pictures, or simply stroll around and enjoy a drastically different setting that you will not find elsewhere on The Strip. It’s free, relaxing, and fun so no reason not to check it out.
3. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Although the Bellagio fountain show is spectacular and absolutely worth making the time for, it really is not the most relaxing place due to the immense crowds. It’s hard to get a great view unless you arrive at least 15 min in advance. Remember almost everyone is attempting to catch a glimpse of the most standout show. A walk around the gorgeous Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is a quieter alternative. The garden is really amazing anytime of year (I love that the theme and design changes) and I only wish I would have known about it sooner.
The display consists of thousands and thousands of flowers and plants, 90% of which are recycled. Several times throughout the year, the 14,000 square foot garden is transformed into a unique scene to represent the beauty of each season. The fall harvest and Christmas display (featuring thousands of poinsettias and a polar bear made of carnations) are the most stunning. Whenever you feel the need for a break from the crowds, a quick stroll around the serene Bellagio Gardens will do. No matter what time of the year your visit falls, you are in for a visual treat.
4. The Wynn Gardens
The atrium at The Wynn is almost as stunning as the Bellagio. Everything is made of flowers, including a gorgeous carousel and hot air balloon. From afar, you would never be able to tell that these 2 gorgeous designs are made entirely of flowers. Really they are artistic masterpieces! I’ve walked through this display so many times and it never gets old.
As you walk through a canopy of trees, you will be amazed at the floral balls hanging above you. It took designer Preston Bailey more than 3500 hours to create this stunning display of more than 110,000 flowers. The dedication and attention to detail is simply amazing. Even better is the spectacular Christmas display featuring dazzling trees and poinsettias.
As The Wynn tends to be less congested than other casinos, it is a nice quiet resort to stroll around. There are many relaxing activities to check out here. Also on-site, you will find a small luxury shopping area, a low-key restaurant where you can dine next to a waterfall, and a fantastic water fountain show that is more low-key than the popular Bellagio show.
5. Bouchon at The Venetian
Bouchon is a great little French restaurant located in the Italian inspired Venetian resort. It is my favorite place for a relaxing brunch experience. I really love dining at the poolside outdoor dining terrace. Chef Thomas Keller has won numerous awards including that of “America’s Best Chef” by Time magazine. Classic French cuisine, extraordinary service, and a relaxed & refined setting make it the best place in the city for a low-key brunch date. I dined here for the first time when I was in town to run the Rock N’Roll half and let’s just say I PR’d in the race!
I highly recommend the Quiche du Jour, Pain Perdu (Brioche French Toast served with blueberry compote and Crown Maple Syrup) and the Assortiment de Pâtisserie (a tasty selection of mini pastries). Their coffee and espresso drinks are really amazing too so no need to pick up a Starbucks. This is a great place to enjoy a local coffee date in a relaxing setting. Also be sure to stop by the Bouchon Bakery for some tasty macaroons, available in just about every flavor imaginable. We got to try a few dessert samples while we were waiting for our seat and they were all delicious.
6. Dinner at Don Vito’s
Don Vito’s is one of the hidden gems off the Strip. This old-world Italian restaurant is the best place to enjoy a date or celebratory occasion. While most tourists stick to popular hotspots like Mon Ami Gabi, you can head off the Strip for a nice quiet dinner.
Don’s serves a classic Italian menu in a beautiful space inside the South Pointe Hotel. We actually ran into this place by accident when we were staying at the South Point for a race. I needed a big carb dinner before running a half marathon and this place worked well for that. I tried out the most delicious Five Cheese ravioli: it was such a treat.
They offer a bit of something for everyone here, from a savory Vegan Pomodoro pasta entree to a decadent Cappuccino Cheesecake.
7. Gondola rides at The Venetian
The Venetian offers a truly relaxing escape for those seeking a temporary break from the crowds. A singing gondolier will take you down the Grand Canal in an authentic gondola as you make your way through the streets of Venice. It is a really romantic experience: the perfect date night activity!
For a truly romantic & unforgettable experience, you can pay a bit extra for a private gondola ride for 2. Both indoor and outdoor rides are available. I recommend the indoor ride as the architecture and design inside The Venetian is simply magical, creating a more intimate setting for a date. You will also get to see the beautiful painted ceilings while you are here which really justifies a visit in and of itself.
8. Drift Spa at Palms Place
There are too many fabulous spas to choose amongst on The Strip: it can be quite an overwhelming experience. Some of these spas are really fancy and have won numerous awards, such as the uber exclusive Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian, which offers many amenities not found at other spas including a salt room and a wave room. Others like the Mandara Spa at the Paris Hotel offer more affordable packages, although the setting is just not as memorable. If you are looking for an amazing spa experience without a crazy price tag, then definitely consider this overlooked gem.
Because this resort is located off The Strip, the spa is never overcrowded. In fact, I had all the amenities completely to myself on my last visit. Drift offers lots of fantastic extras (for one, it is home to the first Hammam co-ed steam room in the city). Also, prices are not outrageous. On my last visit, I enjoyed a seasonal Caramel Apple Massage for under $100. The facilities are beautiful, the massage therapists are wonderful, and the package deals affordable, making it the best value spa.
It’s my top spot for a day of pampering, rest, and relaxation. After all that wear and tear on your feet walking around The Strip for hours on end, treating yourself to a few blissful hours at a great spa like Drift, is the ultimate in R&R. On a side note, this hotel is really nice too. I would justify staying off the Strip to enjoy the peace and quiet here.
More info on the Palms Place Hotel
9. Brunch at The Eiffel Tower Restaurant
The Eiffel Tower Restaurant in the Paris hotel is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. Located on the 11th floor of the charming Paris Hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking The Strip, the views are quite breathtaking. If you are lucky enough to score a window seat, you will have a prime view of the Bellagio fountain show. We visited on a rare empty morning: what a treat to enjoy this fabulous show from so high up.
Dinner is often very busy and reservations required. However, brunch is a peaceful time to take in the stunning scenery minus a noisy background of diners. The fancy setting and exceptional service make it a great place to celebrate any special occassion. And unlike some touristy restaurants, the service and food are just as wonderful as the views. I highly recommend the Baked Herb Crepes, along with a delicious chocolate soufflé for dessert!
After brunch, take a relaxing walk along the cobblestone streets of Paris. The hotel’s magnificent replica area includes cute little cafes, shops, and more. Later in the evening, be sure to get tickets to the Eiffel Tower Experience. Following a glass elevator ride up to the observation deck, you will then be treated to the most dazzling city views. At first I thought this would be a tourist trap, but really the entire experience was great. And you can’t beat these views!
10. Pinball Museum Hall of Fame
The Pinball Museum Hall of Fame is a 10,000 square foot facility dedicated solely to classic old-fashioned pinball machines from 1950’s through the 1990’s. Some of the unique finds here include a Jurassic Park, Simpsons, Terminator 2, and Super Mario Brothers machine. They even have a Super Mario arcade game. Another unique find was one of those cool old claw machines that we used to find in the restaurants as a kid. There are no frills or bells and whistles here, just classic old style gaming fun.
The Pinball Museum is located off The Strip, however, it is so worth the drive or taxi ride for some nostalgic, stress free, not to mention totally affordable (just a quarter or 2 per game) fun. I highly recommend anyone looking for a budget, unique, low-key, and/or fun activity to give this place a chance.
Update: The Pinball Museum has moved to a bigger 25,000 sq foot space on The Strip (across from the Mandalay Bay).
