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Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has a way of keeping you entertained without ever having to leave the resort, but why stop there? Step outside, and you’ll find adventure, art, style, nature, and no shortage of wild ways to blow off some steam during your stay. Whether you’re hiking the red rocks, hunting for vintage treasures, or launching axes downtown, there’s something for everybody just off the Strip, if you’re brave enough. 

If you’re truly looking to step outside and have the time of your life, this is your primer on how to explore more, play harder, and make your Vegas experience anything but ordinary. 

Adventurer 

Ready to trade the casino carpet for something a little more action-packed? Whether you’re chasing thrills, soaking in epic views, or just looking to cool off, these off-Strip adventures are your ticket to a totally different kind of Vegas experience. 

Gipsy Nightclub

Right in the heart of the Fruit Loop District, Gipsy is a staple of queer nightlife with drag, DJs, and a come-as-you-are vibe. It’s part club, part community hub, and perfect for dancing, brunching, or just soaking up the energy. 

For more information on Gipsy Nightclub, click here.

Hoover Dam

About 30 minutes from the Strip, the Hoover Dam is an easy escape with a serious wow factor. Boasting massive views, enthralling history lessons, and tours that take you inside of the awe-inspiring structure, the Hoover Dam can be reached with a quick and easy road trip that feels epic when you consider the destination. This spot is great for photos, and even better for bragging rights. 

For more information on the Hoover Dam, click here

Maverick Helicopters

Looking for a bucket list moment? Maverick Helicopters is one of those places you’ll be glad to check off as you soar over the Strip or the Grand Canyon in a sleek, glass-wrapped chopper with serious VIP vibes. The entire experience is smooth, safe, scenic, and unforgettable. 

For more information on Maverick Helicopters, click here

Pink Jeep Tours

If you’re looking for a rugged adventure without actually having to rough it, Pink Jeep Tours is exactly what you’re looking for. Pink Jeep Tours takes you off-road in the comfy, custom vehicles to spots like Red Rock, Valley of Fire, and the Grand Canyon. With all of the scenery and thrills without any of the hassle, all you have to do is buckle up and enjoy the ride. 

For more information on Pink Jeep Tours, click here

Valley of Fire

Just an hour from Vegas, Valley of Fire spans nearly 46,000 acres of fiery red rock and ancient petroglyphs. It’s a local favorite for hiking, photos, and scenic drives that feel straight out of a sci-fi movie. The area is massive, quiet, and totally worth the trip– but only if you’re looking for the most stunning views you’ve ever seen in your life. 

For more information on Valley of Fire, click here

Wet’N’Wild

When the Vegas heat hits, Wet’n’Wild is the reason to be. Featuring massive slides, a lazy river, and splash zones for the little ones, it’s a full-on water park you can spend the entire day at without leaving the city. While it’s an easy way to escape the heat, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen so you can make the most out of your trip. 

For more information on Wet’n’Wild, click here

Artist

Looking for a different kind of Vegas vibe? These spots bring color, culture, and creativity. If you’re ready to trade the neon glow for some artistic inspiration, this is where the city’s creative side truly shines.

Arts District

The Arts District, or 18b if you’re in the know, is where Vegas shows off its creative side. Think murals, indie galleries, funky bars, and repurposed warehouses packed with character and creativity. It’s perfect for wandering around, sipping on a craft cocktail, and stumbling into the unexpected wonder of pure artistic freedom. 

For more information on the Arts District, click here

Fremont Street Experience

Fremont Street is where vintage Vegas meets nonstop spectacle. With live shows, zip lines, neon lights, and eight casinos packed into a few wild blocks, it’s a full sensory experience of classic Vegas energy. Fremont Street is gritty, loud, and way more fun than it has any right to be. 

For more information on the Fremont Street Experience, click here

The Mob Museum

The Mob Museum dishes up Vegas history with a side of crime and corruption that any history buff needs to check out. Set in a former courthouse, The Mob Museum is packed with real artifacts, wild stories, and interactive exhibits that make Sin City’s seedy past feel shockingly alive and supremely fun to explore.

For more information on the Mob Museum, click here

Seven Magic Mountains

Just 10 miles south of the Strip, seven towering stacks of vibrantly painted boulders rise more than 30 feet high. Seven Magic Mountains, created by internationally renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, is a bold, surreal, desert installation where nature meets neon in the most expected way. 

For more information on Seven Magic Mountains, click here

Slonina ARTSpace

If you’re seeking out the raw creative pulse of Las Vegas, Slonina ARTSpace delivers just that. This downtown gallery showcases a rotating mix of edgy mixed-media, sculpture, and street art by Las Vegas artists. Pop in during a Second Saturday Art Party to sip, see, and connect with the local arts community in a modern, warehouse-style setting. 

For more information on Slolina ARTSpace, click here

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

Just a few blocks into Symphony park downtown, the Smith Center for the Performing Arts has been Southern Nevada’s nonprofit cultural heartbeat since 2012. Expect Broadway-caliber shows, ballet, orchestras, and education programs across its elegant Art Deco-inspired campus with three theaters and an outside concert lawn. 

For more information on The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, click here

Springs Reserve

Just three miles West of downtown, the Springs Preserve spans 180 acres of trails, gardens, museums, and interactive exhibits that bring Vegas history to life. It’s a peaceful escape with desert wildlife, hands-on fun, and a glimpse into the city’s roots, all in one easygoing stroll. 

For more information on Springs Reserve, click here

Stylist

Ready to shop like you mean business? From vintage gems to designer deals, these sp[ots serve up serious style with a side of local flair. Whether you’re curating your next look or just out for a browse, this is where Vegas dresses to impress.

Antique Alley on Main Street

Antique Alley on Main Street is a treasure hunt waiting to happen. Packed with vintage shops, funky boutiques, and cozy bars, Antique Alley is the kind of palace where you can find a mid-century lamp, grab a craft beer, and maybe book a tattoo appointment… all on the same block. 

For more information on Antique Alley on Main Street, click here

Downtown Container Park

Downtown Container Park is a family-friendly spot made entirely of repurposed shipping containers, but don’t let the structure fool you. It’s full of surprises, with boutique shops, live music, and a giant, fire-breathing praying mantis that always steals the show. 

For more information on Downtown Container Park, click here

Downtown Summerlin

Downtown Summerlin is like a polished little city within the city. With shops, restaurants, live events, and even the Golden Knights’ practice rink, it’s perfect for a laid-back day of browsing, eating, and people-watching without the chaos of the Strip. 

For more information on Downtown Summerlin, click here

Fashion Show Mall

Fashion Show Mall is retail therapy turned all the way up. Right on the Strip, it’s got big-name department stores, 250 shops, and even live runway shows. Whether you’re window shopping or splurging to your hearts’ content, Fashion Show Mall is a stylish way to spend the entire afternoon. 

For more information on Fashion Show Mall, click here

Las Vegas North Premium Outlets

Las Vegas North Premium Outlets is the go-to destination for luxury deals without the markup. With over 180 designer stores, including, but not limited to Versace, Ferragamo, and Marc Jacobs, Las Vegas North Premium Outlets is where serious shoppers score serious style, and it’s just a quick trip from the downtown area. 

For more information on Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, click here

Health Nut

Need a break from the buzz of the Strip? These spots offer fresh air, open space, and a slower pace– perfect for stretching your legs, clearing your head, and reconnecting with nature, even if it’s just for a few hours. 

Gilcrease Orchard

Tucked away in North Las Vegas, Gilcrease Orchard is a desert surprise with rows of fresh produce you can pick yourself, grown with natural spring water. It’s a wholesome, hands-on escape where the fruit is as fresh as the vibe is peaceful. 

For more information on Gilcrease Orchard, click here

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Just 30 minutes from the Strip, Lake Mead is a giant outdoor playground with room for everything from boating and hiking to swimming and relaxing. Surrounded by desert views and rugged canyons, it’s the perfect place to reset when you want to swap neon lights for nature’s majesty. 

For more information on Lake Mead National Recreation Area, click here

Mount Charleston

Just 30 minutes from the Strip, Mount Charleston is where locals go to cool off and catch a deep breath of fresh mountain air. Featuring hiking trails, picnic spots, and snowy slopes in the winter, Mount Charleston is a scenic getaway that feels worlds away from Vegas without having to go far at all. 

For more information on Mount Charleston, click here

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon is a local favorite, and for good reason. Just outside the city, it offers a stunning 13-mile scenic drive, epic hiking trails, and red rock formations that make every single photo look like a postcard. Combining adventure, fresh air, and natural beauty all in one place, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is something you simply have to see to believe. 

For more information on the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area, click here

Stress Reliever

Feeling wound up? These spots are perfect for blowing off steam, breaking a sweat, or just breaking stuff (if that’s what you’re into). Whether you’re swinging axes, flooring a Ferrari, or wrecking a room full of junk, this is stress relief, Vegas-style. 

Axehole Vegas

Axehole Vegas is the palace to unleash your inner Viking in the most satisfying way possible. With expert coaches, fun games, and room for plenty of trick shots, Axehole Vegas is part stress relief, part sport, and the perfect destination for an all-around epic fun night in the middle of downtown. 

For more information on Axehole Vegas, click here

Dig This

At Dig This, you can finally live out that childhood dream of driving a bulldozer or excavator (with zero experience required!). After a little bit of coaching, you’ll be operating heavy machinery like a pro, digging, lifting, and smashing your way through the most unique sandbox that Las Vegas has to offer. 

For more information on Dig This, click here

SpeedVegas

SpeedVegas lets you take the wheel of a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche, and put pedal to metal on a purpose-built racetrack. With high-speed straights and tight turns, it’s pure adrenaline from start to finish. And the best part? There’s no racing experience required. Jus nerves of steel and a need for speed. 

For more information on SpeedVegas, click here

Topgolf

Topgolf turns golf into a party with climate-controlled bays, music, and a full food and drink menu that keeps the vibes high. Whether you’re a seasoned swinger or can barely hold a club, it’s all about good times, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs along the way. 

For more information on Topgolf, click here

Wreck Room

The Wreck Room is the ultimate stress reliever. Just suit up, grab a bat, and smash everything in sight. From plates to electronics, nothing’s safe, and the best part is you get to have all the fun of a bona fide crash out without the hassle of cleaning up after yourself. 

For more information about the Wreck Room, click here