5. Mermaid Swimming Show at the Silverton

Mermaid show at the Silverton Aquarium in Las Vegas

One of my favorite freebies (there are many) is found just 5 miles or so off The Strip at the eclectic themed Silverton Casino. The lobby of the hotel features a massive 117,000 gallon saltwater tank, loaded with all sorts of colorful and exotic fish. It reminds me of one of those amazing tanks Wayde and Brett build on Tanked.

And the Mermaid Lounge next door features two 500 gallon jellyfish tanks, so you can relax with a drink in a really cool setting. I love aquariums and we enjoyed a light bit here (the food wasn’t too bad for a touristy casino).

While this is all great, the best part yet is an unusual mermaid swimming show which takes place several times throughout the day. This quirky show alone makes the drive out here worth it. Oh and also be sure to check out the massive Bass Pro Shop – it’s one of the largest and most unique!

More info on Silverton entertainment

6. The Fremont Street Experience

Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, Nevada

Fremont Street, located downtown, is known for being home to some of the final remainders of old-school Vegas. It’s considered one of the last places where you can experience that old-school charm. However, it seems to be getting more modern by the year, so you will have to get here soon.

Every night 1000’s and 1000’s of tourists crowd the streets (boy was it crowded on our visit) for the amazing Fremont Street Experience, a spectacular light and sound show on a gigantic LED screen known as the Viva Vision. Viva is the world’s largest at 1500 foot long by 90 foot wide! For a really thrilling experience, you can take a zip line ride right beneath the lights! As a thrill seeker, this is on my bucket list.

Adding into the uniqueness, all of the casinos go dark prior to the show! It was really cool seeing all the lights go dark – I assume this doesn’t happen too often. The show runs from 6pm-2am at the top of the hour, every hour.

With classic Neon signs, coin operated slots (inside Main Street Station), a signed poker table at the birthplace of the World Series (Binions), there’s lot of quirky fun to be had. A bit trashy in my opinion, but also quite intriguing at the same time.

Update: Sadly, Main Street closed all its’ coin slots. If you are wondering, Circus Circus is the last casino still offering old time coin slots!

7. Shark tank slide at the Golden Nugget

Golden Nugget shark slide in Vegas

The Golden Nugget, located downtown on Fremont Street, is home to one of the most interesting pools in the world. In fact, you’ve probably seen it spotlighted on the Travel Channel at one point. I did and that’s why I made it a point to visit on a recent trip.

A thrilling glass enclosed water slide takes you right through a shark tank for an experience like no other in the city (or elsewhere for the matter)! Or, simply relax poolside with a tropical drink in hand as you enjoy this colorful tank. Note: Although the pool is open only to guests, you can still check out the tank!

More info on Golden Nugget hotel amenities

8. Christmas cactus garden at Eiffel M. Chocolates

Pretty cactus light display at Ethel M Chocolates in Henderson

During the holiday season, the pretty cactus garden at Ethel M. Chocolate Factory transforms into a gorgeous winter wonderland with a million lights adorning all the exotic desert plants. Seeing all these rare desert plants dressed up for the holidays is a really unique sight, especially for those of us not originally from the Southwest. I am originally from the Midwest so I really love the strangeness of the desert.

This display is quite different from the norm. It’s not too often we get to see exotic plants draped with Christmas lights. And the best part of all, it is completely free to stroll the gardens and you will also get to try out some delicious chocolate!

It surprised me, but this city isn’t actually too bad of a holiday destination. You really need to check out the over-the-top Bellagio Conservatory Christmas display and the elegant Wynn display. Check out some of my favorite things to do around the holiday season.

Other strange & unusual sights of interest

  • National Atomic Testing Museum – Learn about the nation’s atomic testing program.
  • Erotic Heritage Museum – A really odd museum which preserves erotic fine art and film.
  • Kiss Mini Golf – A glow in the dark Kiss themed miniature golf course inside The Rio.
  • The Mob Museum – An interactive journey through organized crime of the 21st century.
  • Burlesque Hall of Fame – Learn more and explore artifacts and costumes from the burlesque industry.
  • The Zombie Apocalypse Store – Your defense against the undead.