To save money, plan on a weekday visit

Basically, everything will be cheaper including airfare, hotels, even buffets (breakfast is typically under $20-25 while brunch can cost upwards of $40!).

Dining at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada
An almost empty Eiffel Tower Restaurant. Visit on a weekday to avoid massive crowds!

What to do in Vegas?

Bellagio Fountain show in Las Vegas

Don’t feel obligated to gamble!

Spectacular fountain show at The Wynn in Vegas
With so many spectacular shows like The Wynn fountain show, sometimes you forget that Vegas started as a gambling town!

Nowadays there is so much to do for families, couples, and anyone else visiting Vegas who chooses not to gamble. With world renowned shows, excellent restaurants, free shows on The Strip, unique casino attractions, awesome pools, and world-class attractions, you can easily spend a few days in Vegas without the thought of gambling even crossing your mind! Check out my article on 25 things to do in Vegas besides gambling – you would be surprised at just how many non casino attractions exist!

Don’t spend all your time on The Strip!

Stardust sign at the Neon Boneyard in Las Vegas NV
Some of the best attractions in Vegas require leaving the Strip! At the Neon Museum, you can view all your favorite signs from casinos of the past! Really cool and informative tour, budget friendly, and some of the signs are lit up at night! A must-do!

While all the action and bright lights of The Strip are quite addicting, there are plenty of fantastic sights to see elsewhere. A few nearby recommended attractions…

Pinball Hall of Fame – Play all your favorite retro games from the 50’s through the 90’s for just 25-50 cents. Talk about a great value versus losing thousands of dollars at the casinos! The Pinball Hall of Fame is a fun filled trip through memory lane that will barely cost you anything. Anyone with any arcade nostalgia will absolutely love this hidden treasure! More info on the Pinball Hall of Fame.

Classic diner pinball game at the Las Vegas Pinball Museum

The Neon Museum – Reserve your spot for a tour (day or night) to explore all the old casino signs from days long gone by, a truly interesting sight for history buffs. More info on the Neon Museum.

Vintage casino signs at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas NV
The Neon Boneyard – where you can take a stroll through all the retro casino signs of the past. So cool to see how much Vegas has changed and is continuing to change through the decades! How long will it be before all the classic Neon signs are completely gone?!

The Ethel M. Chocolate Factory in Henderson – It’s worth the 20 minute drive to tour a working chocolate factory, test out some great chocolate, and even sign up for a tasting room experience (must reserve your spot in advance online). If your Vegas visit falls during December, you must plan some time to check out their gorgeous Cactus garden Christmas display, which happens to be the best in the state and one of the most unique in the Southwest.

Eiffel tower display at Ethel M Chocolates in Henderson NV

Red Rock Canyon Natural Area– Nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and anyone else seeking a quiet escape from all The Strip craziness will want to plan a few hours out for Red Rock Canyon, a gorgeous natural recreation area located just 20 minutes from The Strip. This Vegas gem features an incredible scenic drive, gorgeous views of the red rocks, and a variety of hiking trails. More info on Red Rock Canyon.

And don’t forget about all the day trips nearby. Since you spent so much time flying/driving out here, you might as well take the little bit of extra time to explore wonderful natural wonders like the Grand Canyon (4 hours), Zion National Park (2.5 hours), and Lake Mead (40 min from The Strip).

Views from Skeleton Point along the South Kalibab trail at the Grand Canyon
Hiking the South Kalibab Trail at the Grand Canyon is one of the ultimate nature/hiking experiences in the West. I highly recommend this unique adventure if you have the time & endurance.
Beautiful views from the Emerald Pools trail at Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of the most gorgeous places in the country. Lots of amazing trails to explore. At just 2.5 hour from Vegas, it makes for an easy day trip.