Travel to Las Vegas NV Advice

[.455 Webley]

Good morning,

My wife has a work trip to a conference in Las Vegas coming up.
In the past I have come with on these trips to play tourist and enjoy a vacation.

Previous trips were easy to keep occupied during her class hours. However I am a little bit concerned about playing tourist in Las Vegas. I don't drink, or gamble, and overt tourist traps turn my stomach.

Any recommendations of things to see and do are appreciated.

.455

[contender1]

There are many things to see & do in Vegas w/o gambling. Do a search of the exhibits at various hotels. Example; The Titanic exhibit at the Luxor. And most of the bigger hotels have live shows to enjoy as well.
Then, there is also tours to the Grand Canyon, Hoover dam etc.

[hoodat]

Go to the Pawn Shops. jd

[dave roelle]

Stop and see Cecil Fredi gunstocks.com

[JimB..]

I always go out to red rocks or death valley, have sometimes rented a car (jeep would be better) and explored old ghost towns and mining camps. Hoover dam was a once and done for me, but with the falling water levels I’d take a second look. I have not yet seen the grand canyon, need to do that.

I think there is a large gun range with full auto rentals.

[Bent Ramrod]

Check out the Mob Museum. It’s in the old Post Office, just off the Strip, IIRC. It’s the real deal; carefully curated and historical, not just a “Snakes Alive!” roadside attraction.

If you want to go shooting, the Desert Sportsman Range is fantastic.

And be careful on the freeways. The natives drive like moonshine runners.

[Sig556r]

Strip clubs!

[MUSTANG]

If you want an opportunity to shoot "FULL AUTO" there are multiple locations in and around Las Vegas where this can be done. Anything from the MP5. Uzi style 9mm based up to M2 50 Cals depending on location.

[Three44s]

Do a web search of attractions to find what interests you.

I recall a car museum that was very impressive many years ago. I am with you on not much for drinking and gambling being a turn off.

That pawn shop idea makes sense, lots of foolish people begging for one more “roll of the dice”.

You might have to rent a truck and haul your acquisitions home though!

Three44s

[MUSTANG]

A word of caution - The strip and side feeders can be dangerous places these days - the LVMPD is no longer as aggressive as they were up to 3 years ago in going after the thugs, druggies, and gang bangers because of the current political culture against Police. Also; be cautious of the Taxi's and Uber style car shares in Las Vegas - lot's of "Set Up" crimes there where the drivers are indirectly involved as they take a tourist where they want to go; but text thugs to be ready at the destination to meet a tourist and commit their crime - particularly when they will be outside of the Security Umbrella of a Casino/Hotel property. Rental cars are expensive in Las Vegas these days; but my preference if I do not have a vehicle otherwise available.

[IHuntDragons]

If you want an opportunity to shoot "FULL AUTO" there are multiple locations in and around Las Vegas where this can be done. Anything from the MP5. Uzi style 9mm based up to M2 50 Cals depending on location.

Agree with this one here. Last time I was in vegas I was shooting a cab from the gun turret of some kind of armored vehicle. It's been awhile so I don't remember all the particulars.

[nicholst55]

If you carry concealed, be aware that The Strip prohibits concealed carry, regardless of what permit(s) you may have. Concealed carry is legal in both Las Vegas and the state of Nevada, but not on The Strip.

[reddog81]

There is probably a wider variety of stuff to do in Vegas than just about anywhere else. You can spend a day just walking the strip and checking out displays in casinos. The Venetian has a whole indoor river setup with gondola rides and shop fronts painted like you're in Venice Italy with a sky scene painted up above. A lot of the prominent casinos have pretty elaborate displays that you can just walk through for free. It's kind of tourist trappish, but at least it's free to just walk around and view them. The Hoover Dam is an easy drive or if you've got money to spend a very short helicopter ride. There are a wide variety of gun shops and shooting ranges. If you're fine blowing a whole day visiting the Grand Canyon it's 4 hours away and you can do a day tour on a bus (15 hours) for $100 and see it. Zion National Park in Utah is a little over 2 hours away. There are comedy shows, concerts, Circe du Sole (Sic) shows, musicals and other similar shows every day. A number of the "Museums" and other things that you have to pay for are a tourist trap so you do have to watch out for that.

I've flown into Vegas, drove to the Grand Canyon, then woke up, did the 9 hour hike to the bottom and back up and then drove back to Vegas all in the course of a little over 24 hours. Did the same thing in Zion earlier this year but spent 2 days hiking there.

It all depends on what you're interested in.

[Rapier]

On the outskirts of North Las Vegas is the Clark County shooting complex, a $65 millon dollar range complex, worth seeing. Pretty much every discipline, at a world class level. The international racetrack parking lot is home for Shelby, they have sone pretty special Shelby junque there. New Frontier Armory is located on the North road going to Nellis.
There are quite a few real good restaurants outside of the casinos.... Brazil, Brazil is pretty special with the start and stop cards. The all Stainless Steel restaurant from Guy's TV program is next the The Count's lounge (Counting Cars) Quite a few good Thai restaurants, and seafood restaurants, of all things. The Bar BQ place outside of the main gate of Nellis has about 3 dozen first place awards from Memphis in May. You are not far from Death Valley. A 70mm theater on the north side of Vegas, a good steak house in that complex.
Right after dark, walk down the old strip to see the lazer overhead show. Of course the outside shows for lights, fountains, ships, at Bilagio, Treasure Island and Ceasr's. I go by Binions and the Horse Shoe to just be there, the old time casinos that still lay a real bet. The Apple store is in Cesars.

Watch out for the street walkers and the pimps with pamphlets and pictures, your wife may not appreciate those in your pocket. Had that happen to me, walking down the main street, with a jacket on, minding my own business.

Do not bother with the Gold and Silver pawn shop, from TV, it is all for TV.

[Nobade]

Driving a Lamborghini or other super car around the racetrack out by Nellis AFB is pretty entertaining if you're into that.

[Electrod47]

Quote: in Las Vegas. I don't drink, or gamble, and overt tourist traps turn my stomach.

Find a medium priced hotel that has room service and order the carrot cake. Stay in and watch the local news. Its always fun.

[hlvabeach]

A tour of the NNSS site is really cool. You will need to get your name down for the tour. You can do this by calling the Las Vegas Atomic Testing Museum. The tour is free and lasts the whole day.

https://www.nnss.gov/pages/PublicAffairsOutreach/NNSStours.html


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[.429&H110]

Bent Ramrod mentioned traffic.

They drive like third graders going out to recess.

The old blind folks around here are great drivers!
With fifty years of practice, they are careful and go slow, stay close to home.

But the idiots texting, posting selfies are oblivious blind.
Heavy traffic,
at least 10 over the speed limit,
they can't see over the grill,
red light every mile
and they're watching TV.
A self-driving F-250 with bad software is dangerous...

It's your job to avoid their accident.

Tucson averages a dead pedestrian a day.
We are behind quota so far this year, but school just started.
When you get run over and you aren't in a crosswalk,
you can get a ticket for jaywalking.
It's always open season on pedestrians between lights.
Tucson could make millions, enforcing the traffic laws.
If you see someone going 35 in a 35 give them a break!
They're likely blind.

Local news reported "a pedestrian hit a SunTrans bus".
Fortunately the bus wasn't hurt.

[quilbilly]

You must be renting a car. There are lots of places to see and do things around LV. I would start by recommending a ride up to Mt Charleston and Kyle Canyon Roads. The road gets up to quite high (over 7,000 feet) going through multiple climate zones all the way to alpine timber country. I have a friend living in Mesquite about 70 miles NE and last week he described what a nasty place the downtown strip is with homeless encampments and violence. Going out to the 15 freeway NE to Moapa (about 40 miles) and returning via the two lane roads through the red rock parks is a great drive and you might see a few of the resident bighorn sheep. The trip over the mountains to Pahrump and then on to Death Valley is quite interesting but check road conditions because of recent flash floods. There is a Bass Pro Shops in town which is part of one casino complex. The county shooting complex may be one of the most spectacular in the country.

[nvbirdman]

Go to Binion's Horseshoe Club downtown on Fremont Street and get your picture taken with one million dollars. They take the picture for free, but you have to wait around for about a half-hour till it's ready. For extra fun (I've done this) write on the back "It's party time" and send it to a friend.

[Stewbaby]

Go see the Valley of Fire just north of town

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220922/4779406e3174d34eddd3871b1825039c.jpg

[M-Tecs]

If you still can go inside it's very impressive.

https://www.hooverdamtours.org/

[jimlj]

Check out some of the things mentioned by others. I enjoyed my time at the Mob Museum. If you have not been to Vegas before you are likely to enjoy the trip. I've been there about 20 times for work related conventions. The first several years were fun, but the last few years not so much. The first several times there just watching the people were entertainment, but later trips I found if you can get away from the craziness of the Strip it's not too bad.

[bedbugbilly]

The one thing I remember from being there years ago was the car museum . . . IIRC, it was near the Imperial Palace - which probably doesn't even exist anymore. Take a drive out to Pahrump and grab lunch and look around. We don't drink nor gamble other than trying the nickel slots - which also probably a thing of the past - people watch - hit a buffet . . . . google and search for things to see in or near Vegas - there is not a lack of things to see. Just don't be a babe in the woods and be aware of your surroundings and the people around you - a lot of people coming and going to Vegas including those who would be more than happy to separate you from your money - pick-pockets, working girls, scammers, etc. as well as the normal riff raff found in a crowded busy city.

[Half Dog]

My wife and daughter tried the racing:

https://exoticsracing.com/las-vegas-supercar-driving-experience

[John Guedry]

Seems like when "the mob" "ran things" Vegas was a better place. Anyone got mugged? The mugger was never seen again.

[quilbilly]

When the mob ran things, LV had adult leadership. One of the mob guys rescued me from drowning at the Flamingo swimming pool when I was about 5 years old in the 1950's. A couple years later when my parents were comfortable with me heading out into the desert alone, they began staying in the town of Beatty (80 miles northwest) while my dad continued doing business in LV. It was a different kind of world then.

[MUSTANG]

When the mob ran things, LV had adult leadership. One of the mob guys rescued me from drowning at the Flamingo swimming pool when I was about 5 years old in the 1950's. A couple years later when my parents were comfortable with me heading out into the desert alone, they began staying in the town of Beatty (80 miles northwest) while my dad continued doing business in LV. It was a different kind of world then.

Wow - Not many houses in Beatty or surrounding area. Probably still looks close to same as in the 1950's/1960's.

[quilbilly]

I was there a couple years back and very little had changed except there is a Motel 6 and the Exchange Club has gone downhill (but still had that beautiful bar that came from Rhyolite, the ghost town over the hill). The owners of the Exchange Club kept an eye on me and kept me fed when my parents were delayed getting back from an LV business trip.
I can still be a serious name-dropper about those days in Nevada. I intend to go back to Beatty now that I am retiring if only to find that huge outcrop of onyx which I discovered but never could find againbut only in cooler months.

[Nobade]

The one thing I remember from being there years ago was the car museum . . . IIRC, it was near the Imperial Palace - which probably doesn't even exist anymore.
It's called the Quad now. I'd forgotten about the cars, that is really something to see if you like old cars.
http://www.vegassolo.com/the-auto-collection-at-the-quad/

There's also a pretty good car museum down in Laughlin but not as nice as this one.

[gwpercle]

You can go to Hoover Dam ... and take the ...(drum roll please)...

...DAM Tour !

Sorry I just couldn't pass up that old joke ...
... and it is really called the Dam Tour !
Gary

[dave roelle]

Prime Rib at the Golden Steer just off the strip, get the Ceasar Salad

[Jsm180]

The last time we were there we stayed 2 nights in the Trump hotel and went to Battlefield Vegas just down the street.

The Trump hotel has to be experienced to appreciate it, best hotel coffee I've had and I'm a snob about coffee.

Battlefield Vegas is an indoor range, but they have a good variety of full auto toys to play with. Also have tanks you can drive if car crushing is your thing.

My better half is a huge Elton John fan so we have been there 3 different times to see his show. The only gambling we do is budget $20 each in the slots. For me, that's gone in 10 minutes, my wife always comes home with a few dollars more than she started with. If you have wheels Death Valley and the damn are worth the ride.

[jonp]

Death Valley, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon Skywalk https://www.grandcanyon.net/skywalk along with the Hualapai Reservation.

When are you going? Pow Wow in Pahrump in November. Try this site for ideas https://travelnevada.com/things-to-do/

Say hello to the MGM Casino. I hauled quite a bit of the prestressed concrete flooring into their from Phoenix on a flatbed. Great roundtrip for a number of weeks.

[Wag]

Nothing on the Strip interests me any more so I do a lot of other things WAY off the strip and stay in places well out into the city.

The tourist flight that goes over The Grand Canyon is pretty cool!

--Wag--

[10x]

snip
It's your job to avoid their accident.
snip .

That is a classic line to tell a teenage driver who believes they are invincible,
Or believes that real life driving is like grand theft auto...

[.455 Webley]

Thanks for the good advice. Looks like a rented car is the way to go.