Bored with Vegas, what to do for 2 days?

I've been to Las Vegas probably 15 times, honestly I'm kind of bored with it. The last time I went, I swore off going again for a while. However, I'm coming back to the States for summer vacation and I have to spend some time with my Mom. Her idea is to stay in Vegas for 2 nights so she can use up her free nights and hit the slots. Then we'll drive out to the Grand Canyon, which will be fun. But then I'm still stuck in Vegas. I lost big last time I was here so I don't want to gamble and I don't want to stumble around getting drunk, which is what I usually do.

What are some things to do in Vegas that aren't casinos? Not really interested in shows and we'll be there Monday and Tuesday anyway. Museums, or something? We went to the Mafia museum last time. If Las Vegas didn't have gambling, what would people do while there?

I have visited the Atomic Testing Museum over by UNLV campus. Thought it was a very interesting way to spend a couple of hours.

When I get asked this type of question, I list stuff that flies under the radar of most travel guides. Also, I only suggest free admission things.


Stratosphere - Level 107 lounge:
You could pay to go to the observation deck or go to the lounge, one floor down, for free. drinking is optional, then climb the stairs that one extra flight. It's fun to take a few minutes to watch the crazy people on the rides.

The Pinball Hall of Fame:
A little over 2 miles east of the strip on Tropicana. While often called a 'museum', it's really a large arcade full of vintage pinball machines. While there are some video games there, most are the type of games that Tommy would love, plus a few that seem to pre-date the silver ball era. And nearly every one is in great working condition. Lots of fun.

Ethel M Chocolates:
'M' as in M&M/Mars. A chocolate factory with a self-guided tour. About 6 miles east of the strip, just north of Sunset Rd & Mountain Vista St. Also on their grounds is a cactus garden. Very cool.

Colorado River Bridge:
If you go to Hoover Dam, be sure to also walk the bridge. It tends to be overlooked, or skipped because of the stairs, but it's otherwise a fine walk. There's a parking lot near the bridge and about a hundred steps as well as a lengthy wheelchair ramp. But once you get up there, and walk across, it's totally worth it.

Hoover Dam Lodge:
On the way back, stop at the Lodge. Formerly the Hacienda Casino, it still has slot machines, in a variety of rooms with different themes. But it also has almost a museum feel with lots of info and exhibits about the dam and how it was built. It complements the dam tour rather well.

Quote: PapaChubby

I have visited the Atomic Testing Museum over by UNLV campus. Thought it was a very interesting way to spend a couple of hours.

Oh yeah, forgot to say we went there too last time. Really cool, they had an actual nuclear bomb there.

Thanks! I appreciate it! Now let me shoot down all your ideas. :D

Quote: DJTeddyBear

When I get asked this type of question, I list stuff that flies under the radar of most travel guides. Also, I only suggest free admission things.

Stratosphere - Level 107 lounge:
You could pay to go to the observation deck or go to the lounge, one floor down, for free. drinking is optional, then climb the stairs that one extra flight. It's fun to take a few minutes to watch the crazy people on the rides.

2 weeks ago I went to the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower, so I'm all skyscrapered-out. It was weird looking DOWN on the Oriental Pearl Tower.

Quote:

The Pinball Hall of Fame:
A little over 2 miles east of the strip on Tropicana. While often called a 'museum', it's really a large arcade full of vintage pinball machines. While there are some video games there, most are the type of games that Tommy would love, plus a few that seem to pre-date the silver ball era. And nearly every one is in great working condition. Lots of fun.

This looks cool! I'll have to go.

Quote:

Ethel M Chocolates:
'M' as in M&M/Mars. A chocolate factory with a self-guided tour. About 6 miles east of the strip, just north of Sunset Rd & Mountain Vista St.

I live in China, I've had enough factory tours to last a lifetime! ;)

Quote:

Colorado River Bridge:

Hoover Dam Lodge:

Gotta be in the city itself, I'm not going to have a car. These suggestions were right up the alley though! Thanks so much for making them! I'm still looking for a few more if anyone knows.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

The Pinball Hall of Fame:
A little over 2 miles east of the strip on Tropicana. While often called a 'museum', it's really a large arcade full of vintage pinball machines. While there are some video games there, most are the type of games that Tommy would love, plus a few that seem to pre-date the silver ball era. And nearly every one is in great working condition. Lots of fun.

Also, admission is free, and you can play many games for just a quarter! Some games are 50 cents, and games from this decade are $1, but still a great entertainment bargain. Indeed, lots of fun!

on my own list is

*viewing the The Hand of Faith giant gold nugget found in Australia at the Golden Nugget

*the Neon Sign Museum

*Red Rock Canyon

I second the Pinball Hall of Fame. Many of the games are still 25 or 50 cents, so you don't need much money to have a good time for a bit. It's also a charity, too, so all of the money goes towards good causes.

Without a car your choices obviously are limited.

Suggestions to kill the time:

Lunch at In 'n Out Burger

Go to a concert if a performer you like is playing

Cab to the gun range where you can shoot a machine gun

Enjoy a casino pool

Hooker (optional, obviously)

There isn't much to do in Vegas outside of casinos. Everything that comes to my mind has been mentioned. It may be worth it to get a rental car for a day and drive around the Red Rock Canyon loop, hike on some of the trails and enjoy the scenery.

Vegas4Locals.com has a list of free things to do in LV. For some reason the website is now requiring a password, so here's the website via the Internet Archive Wayback Machine: Free Things To Do In Las Vegas

I'd like to see the bars that were on bar rescue if they're not bankrupt already. I've been to the federal in Youngstown and it kind of sucked, metal furniture like in a federal prison I imagine anyway, very uncomfortable.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

When I get asked this type of question, I list stuff that flies under the radar of most travel guides. Also, I only suggest free admission things.


Stratosphere - Level 107 lounge:
You could pay to go to the observation deck or go to the lounge, one floor down, for free. drinking is optional, then climb the stairs that one extra flight. It's fun to take a few minutes to watch the crazy people on the

They have happy hour from 4-7 with 2 for 1 drinks. Does anyone know what type of prices they have on drinks?

Absolutely go see the Titanic exhibit at the Luxor. It's breathtaking to experience, worth the price of admission (about $30), and they'll be moving out soon, so go see it while you still can.

Quote: onenickelmiracle

I'd like to see the bars that were on bar rescue if they're not bankrupt already. I've been to the federal in Youngstown and it kind of sucked, metal furniture like in a federal prison I imagine anyway, very uncomfortable.

I would be interested if any of the Las Vegas bars were successful after the show. I can only think of failures. Usually a makeover won't save them because it is poor management that got them in trouble in the first place.

I have a lot of experience with the bar business in Las Vegas and I think I can predict with a 90% certainty whether a bar will make it after being open six months.

Seems like there are a lot of interesting things in random corners of the Strip casinos. These are all free, to my best knowledge. Caveat: 3 cancelled trips later, it's been 2+ years since i got there, so maybe others can verify or correct whats out of date.

the West side of the strip:

The Conservatory at Bellagio is free and stupendous, amazing flowers and trees, beautiful decorations, changed often. The fountains outside there are also great.

Treasure Island has the hourly pirate ship show, with a battle staged by live actors and pyrotechnics.

The volcano at Mirage erupts hourly though possibly only at 7pm atm. This website has a lot of listing of free stuff like this, though you may have to dig.

Mandalay Bay has things to be seen from what I hear. Aria also. Don't know those properties well, but they have themes and public spaces. I think there's an outdoor sculpture garden there, too.

Cosmopolitan has public sculptures and artwork 2nd floor, above the casino, including a giant shoe or 3.

Caesars has many sculptures and pools and gardens both in and outdoor, and the forum shops are interesting, with lots of art and decoration.

Many of these properties are connected with trams that used to be free, not sure now. Cheap at worst.

East side. They have the monorail, which is a great way to get around. It goes from near the Strat to MGM, with about 7 stops. Single ticket too expensive, but 24 hr pass probably worth it for running around the Strip.

Not sure what the Wynn and Encore have - I've never been there. But they're a lot of modern glass with huge spaces and installations. I'd bet they're worth visiting, as Wynn likes art and beautiful, luscious settings.

The interior walk between Venetian and Palazzo has many elaborate displays, Venetian blown glass, internal river downstairs. Outside a river with gondolas and music, gardens. Upstairs a large wandering trail of shops and restaurants with displays and sometimes music.

There is a madame tusseau (not sure how to spell that) wax works next to venetian, not free, but not casino either.

Harrah's has a piano bar just inside the front door that does a great free show every night. Dueling pianos, they trade pianists and go continuously from about 9 to midnight. Open to the casino, lots of people just lounge along the half-wall. Also Mac King magic show daily (most days) is great, and half-price flyers for it are common.

The space between Harrah's and IP /Linq/Quad has kiosks and an outdoor stage that often has free music, day and night.

The entrance to the sky wheel at Quad (not sure how all those buildings connect) also has shops and street shows.

The passage from Ballys to Paris has a few things, but it's more interesting as a metro entrance. There's a public plaza outside Ballys, though, and Paris has some shops, a french bakery, some other things at the far end of the passage, including an "outdoor" cafe under the Paris "sky". There's live music there most nights.

Planet Hollywood has a lot of memorabilia in all the public areas from movies; they're kind of a living museum.

MGM Grand is massive, with indoor and outdoor gardens and sculpture, and a huge shopping and dining passage between the casino and the convention hall. They used to have quite a few animals and terrariums in the main lobby/casino edge.

Not sure what, if anything, New York, New York and Excalibur offer. They both have stuff, including a roller coaster ride on NY NY itself, but I don't go to either. Circus circus used to have live circus acts overhead and around for free, but 20 years since I've been. Strat was mentioned before.

The pirate show at TI has been gone for about 6 years. It is now a cvs or walgreens.

Quote: GWAE

The pirate show at TI has been gone for about 6 years. It is now a cvs or walgreens.

No big loss IMHO. I guess I was spoiled by their previous show. "Battle of Buccaneer Bay" was spectacular. "Sirens" just seemed to me like a bad episode of Gilligan's Island that even a bevy of scantily clad women could not save.

I know OP said no casinos, but I would agree with Babs that both the Conservatory and the Fountains at the Bellagio are definitely a must-see; not to mention they are free.

The Container Park across the street from El Cortez is fascinating. I have never seen anything like it.
The Neon Graveyard is kool, but I recommend not doing it in the summer heat.

Quote: beachbumbabs

Seems like there are a lot of interesting things in random corners of the Strip casinos. These are all free, to my best knowledge.

There's also an animal habitat at the Flamingo with a bunch of birds and water-dwelling creatures that is free.

Quote: GWAE

They have happy hour from 4-7 with 2 for 1 drinks. Does anyone know what type of prices they have on drinks?

I went up there last month. $15+ for their cocktail menu, around $10-12 for beer and wine. There was no problem finding a seat either at a table or in the bar area, but in both places we had a hard time getting service. Walked around the entire deck to see the views, sat down at the bar, and then after a few minutes of listening to the bartender talk to another customer about nothing, we decided to head downstairs and drink for free.

Quote: beachbumbabs

Planet Hollywood has a lot of memorabilia in all the public areas from movies; they're kind of a living museum.

A bit out of the way, but HARD ROCK should have quite a bit of Rock n Roll memorabilia. They did last time I was there, many years ago.

Quote: beachbumbabs

Circus circus used to have live circus acts overhead and around for free, but 20 years since I've been.

Some of the shows are pretty cool, some not so much. The mezzanine games are fun, we get a kick out of launching chickens into the rotating pots. If I recall correctly, if you break a $ 100 bill in the office ( hard to find, near McD I think ? ? ? ) they used to give you a bunch of 2 for 1 game vouchers.

Quote: beachbumbabs

West side of LV Blvd:

Many of these properties are connected with trams that used to be free, not sure now. Cheap at worst.

I think all of the ones on the west side are free.

1) TI to Mirage ( not very far, but we've taken it lots of times ).

Doesn't one also go all the way from Aria to Mandalay Bay ? It still takes a long time to get to MB. And Speaking of which, should the WoV website have a section or article on getting around Vegas ? Maybe it already does, not sure.

Couple of google searches and presto !

2) ARIA to EXCALIBUR via BELLAGIO:

https://www.bellagio.com/en/amenities/transportation.html

The ARIA Express Tram is on an elevated electric track connecting:

ARIA
Bellagio
Vdara
Monte Carlo
The Shops at Crystals

and.....

3) EXCALIBUR to MANDALAY BAY:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandalay_Bay_Tram

I was reminded about this on another forum.

James Turrell's exhibit titled Ahkob, at the Louis Vuitton store at Crystals.

Very cool and trippy. Free with zero sales pitch. But you have to make a reservation.

Don't be afraid to ask WHY it's free...

http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/akhob

On my next trip to Vegas, I plan to spend a few hours at Top Golf. There's one being built in Orlando (where I live), and I'm really looking forward to it.

Quote: clamchowder

I went up there last month. $15+ for their cocktail menu, around $10-12 for beer and wine. There was no problem finding a seat either at a table or in the bar area, but in both places we had a hard time getting service. Walked around the entire deck to see the views, sat down at the bar, and then after a few minutes of listening to the bartender talk to another customer about nothing, we decided to head downstairs and drink for free.

If there is long line for the actual paying people, do you walk by them and go to the front or did you still wait in line?

Is it mandatory to buy a drink? Not sure if you actually ended up with a drink. I guess I am asking if you can go up, see the views and just leave? Also is there outdoor viewing or just inside?

Quote: GWAE

Is it mandatory to buy a drink? Not sure if you actually ended up with a drink. I guess I am asking if you can go up, see the views and just leave? Also is there outdoor viewing or just inside?

When we last went up a few years ago, I think there was "supposed" to be a drink minimum, but dont know that anyone really cared. The OUTSIDE viewing area is for paying folks, a level or two above the bar INDOOR observation lounge.

The problem with the Bellagio to MB route is the following:

You have to walk to back of Bellagio Casino to get to the tram from Bellagio. Then have to walk through the Monte Carlo, go outside and through the NYNY and cross Tropicana to get to the Excalibur express to MB.

In my experience, the number of steps having to walk to get to the tram at the back of the casino is roughly equal the the number of steps you would take by just walking outside and you avoid MonteCarlo/Park and NYNY. We did the tram a couple of times and the walk a couple of times and said, "six of one, half dozen of the other". Walking through Crystals and Cosmopolitan is a bit more pleasant than walking through NYNY / MonteCarlo.

The Excalibur to MB express, though is totally worth it. Though when I walked last Wednesday, I wouldn't have seen a lonely Pete Rose signing autographs in that sports memorabilia shop in the hallway between MB and Luxor.

Time for my favorite Vegas/ Pete Rose story.
Back when Rose had a shop at Caesar's , he was sitting outside at a table by himself surrounded by a memorabilia . A father and his two young boys are standing nearby and I overheard the father tell the older son "that's Pete Rose, he was a great ballplayer but was caught cheating and isn't allowed in the Hall of Fame . One son is watching the living statues and doesn't quite hear what the father says so he turns to his big brother and says what was that about .

The older brother points to Mr. Rose and says that guy got caught cheating and has to sit outside in the hall all by himself.

He played baseball, he's famous, F a hall!

Quote: GWAE

If there is long line for the actual paying people, do you walk by them and go to the front or did you still wait in line?

Is it mandatory to buy a drink? Not sure if you actually ended up with a drink. I guess I am asking if you can go up, see the views and just leave? Also is there outdoor viewing or just inside?

It is a separate entrance from the people paying to go to the observation deck. When we went we just "checked in" at a desk where the guy waved us along to the elevators. Same elevator banks but you enter from the other side of the elevator (dual doors). So there was zero wait.

When we exited the elevator it was an open-seating bar/lounge with no host stand. All indoors and that level does not rotate. It was not our plan to leave without paying for a round of drinks, but they sure made it easy for us to do so.

We did not try it but there was a staircase going down a level. A Yelp review indicates that you can grab an elevator to 108 and go to the Air Bar as well.

My impression is that once you are up there, the staff is too busy to care about what area you "belong in" based on what you told the folks on the ground.

Quote: Ibeatyouraces

He played baseball, he's famous, F a hall!

He went to prison, he's infamous and from most counts, he's near broke. I'm surprised the casinos allow a convicted felon to operate within their properties.

Quote: billryan

He went to prison, he's infamous and from most counts, he's near broke. I'm surprised the casinos allow a convicted felon to operate within their properties.

Getting into the HOF isn't going to make a difference in his or anyone else's life. Just more Barry Horowitz "pat ourselves on the back" nonsense...like the Oscars.

Try the zipline at Fremont Street or the one I read about at Rio.

Speaking of ziplines, this is what Sin City needs: a "rollercoaster" zipline.

Quote: billryan

He went to prison

1990

Fallen baseball hero Pete Rose was sentenced today to five months in prison and fined $50,000 for cheating on his taxes.

"I have no excuses because it's all my fault," the former manager of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team said. "I lost my dignity, I lost my self respect . . . and I almost lost a lot of dear friends."

Rose was sentenced for failing to report more than $354,000 in income from baseball memorabilia sales, autograph appearances and the gambling for which he was banned for life from professional baseball.

U.S. District Judge S. Arthur Spiegel also ordered Rose to spend three months in a halfway house after the prison term and perform 1,000 hours of community service with inner-city youths. He could have sentenced Rose to six years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

http://articles.latimes.com/1990-04-21/sports/sp-1311_1_tax-charges

IF everyone who gambled in Vegas and forgot to put any winnings on their Tax Return was sent to jail, we'd need to build a lot more jails, eh ?