22 Budget-Friendly Experiences in Las Vegas That Have Nothing to Do with Gambling

The Strip may be the heart of the city’s action. But, there are more fun things to do in Las Vegas than just the neon lights of the Boulevard, gambler slot machines jingles, world-renowned eateries, and Cirque du Soleil shows. You just have to step foot off the strip, and you’ll be surprised by the other hidden gems in the city.

Have you already checked off the must-do Las Vegas bucket list of tourist stops on the strip? Impress your friends by inviting them to the world of art galleries, museums, and nature all around you, off the strip, without burning a money hold in your pocket. 

After having been to Las Vegas more than five times in less than one year, the following list of things to do in Las Vegas off the Strip is highly curated and confirmed to be cheap, Uberable, and within city limits (mostly). No one wants to be in a rental car for three hours hungover. 

Best Things to Do in Vegas Off the Strip (Uberable and Cheap)

Many off the Strip lists include a trip to Zion or Death Valley National Park, which are three hours away, or a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon or exotic car racing that costs hundreds of dollars. (But click on those if that is something you may be into.)

We’re not about that on this list. Expect most of these suggestions to be free or cheap attractions, with the most expensive entrance fee being $50. Also, expect (almost) all recommendations to actually be within the city of Las Vegas, Nevada.

1. Wonder around the Arts District…for hours 

Distance from the Strip: 5 miles 

The New York Times called the Arts District “The Least Vegas Neighborhood In Vegas,” which couldn’t be truer. The Arts District’s 18-square-block area, nicknamed 18b, is nestled just one mile beyond The Strat. 

Once rundown and sketchy, this revived neighborhood now really holds its own in terms of cool and unique things to do in Las Vegas. Here, the glowing lights of the strip are replaced with dazzling graffiti, and the opulent facades are replaced with low-key galleries and vintage shops. Many Las Vegas food tours also combine sightseeing in this neighborhood with trendy eats, like this 5 star rated tour.

Things to do within 18B Arts District

Welcome to 18B Arts District, one of the best places to hang out off the Vegas strip.

2. Experience First Friday 

First Friday is an activity-packed event that happens on the first Friday of each month, spanning several street blocks in the 18B District. Since 2002, this monthly event showcases local artists, craft stalls, live entertainment, and a massive selection of food trucks and vendors. 

Address: 1025 S. 1st Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101  

3. Maze through the Galleries in The Art Factory 

Even if you’re not there for the First Friday event, admire 18B’s street art or discover local art galleries. For the densest area of galleries, head to The Art Factory, a giant warehouse featuring over 30 galleries and an art vending machine. 

Racy photographs, paint-splattered canvases, and multimedia sculptures line the entranceways to each gallery. Happy to chat with passersby’s, owners eagerly answer any questions about their art. Posters stapled on the halls advertising live music events, tech meet-ups, and poetry slams pinned on the halls may also pique your interest.

Address: 107 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104 

4. Recycled Propaganda’s Hidden Intent

If you are at all a fan of Banksy’s work, then pay a visit to Recycled Propaganda. Their art collections pay homage to witty political graffiti and artwork as a reflection of modern society. Every piece begs you to pause to understand the meaning behind each work of art. If the indoor installation inspires you, check out if the large-scale graffiti version is painted on the walls outside. 

Address: 1114 S Main St Suite 120, Las Vegas, NV 89104  

5. Las Vegas Street Art 

Aside from the exterior of Recycled Propaganda, this warehouse area is packed with amazing Las Vegas street art. There are so many eye-catching, larger-than-life graffiti pieces to make your Instagram feed pop!

6. Boutique & Vintage Thrift Shopping at Antique Alley Mall 

If the strip offers Balenciaga and Gucci, the Art’s District main street offers rebel boutique and vintage thrift shops with a side of antiques collecting. The Antique Alley Mall includes 12,000 square feet of retail space and 65 vendors to choose from. Even if you’re not vying to buy, the minimalist signs and storefronts are bound to grab your attention, even if you’re just looking at their aesthetics. 

Address: 1126 S Main Street, Las Vegas, NV, 89104 

7. Elvis Chapel 

Nothing is more Vegas than getting shotgun marriage…at an Elvis chapel. The chapel’s reasoning: “Why have a generic ceremony when you can have fun?” Peek in to watch a marriage by an Elvis impersonator for two strangers.

Address: 1320 S Casino Center Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104 

👉 If this is a genuine interest to you Elvis fans, for less than $200, you can book your very own Elvis-themed wedding or vow renewal (not at the Elvis Chapel though)

8. Get Sucked into the Black Hole of Area 15 

Distance from the Strip: 3 miles 

Don’t mix up Area 15 with Area 51, which is all about aliens! Area 15 is a hidden gem of an immersive experience that will thrill your senses. Picture yourself at an EDM music festival held in a mall, surrounded by awesome hi-tech toys to play with. That’s what Area 15 is all about!

Seeing pictures doesn’t do justice to the real deal. You have to try all the cool tech like VR, AR (gaming, adventures, flying), immersive exhibits, arcades, ziplining, and so much more. It’s an experience that goes beyond expectations!

Address: 3215 S Rancho Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89102 

9. Meow Wolf’s trippy Omega Mart Experience 

Area 15’s staple exhibit is Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart Experience, which occupies around a quarter of the massive 40,000-square-foot space. Created by Santa Fe’s famous collective, Meow Wolf, Omega Mart can be described as a supermarket speakeasy where grabbing some milk can send “shoppers” into an immersive world. It’s difficult to put into words; you just have to experience it for yourself to see what’s “in store for you.”

10. Biggest LED Light Show on Fremont Street 

Distance from the Strip: 7 miles 

If you find yourself tired of gambling and drinking on the strip, why don’t you continue under the neon lights of downtown Fremont Street? Get entertained by some awesome magicians and have a good laugh at people getting stuck on the zipline. And hey, guess what? The Fremont Street Experience also offers free concerts every single day of the year on three different stages!

Crank your neck upwards to watch Viva Vision, the world’s largest video screen! Every hour, starting at 6 pm, this massive 1,375 feet long LED screen puts on a stunning light show synced with a groovy soundtrack. Click here for the Fremont Street Experiences calendar of events.  

Address: E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 

11. Downtown Container Park 

Distance from the Strip: 7 miles 

Container Park is a cool outdoor shopping mall downtown made entirely out of shipping containers. They actually stacked them up to make a two-story complex!

As you walk in, you’re greeted by this massive praying mantis with heated flames shooting out of its mouth. Right in the middle, there’s a modern playground for kids (or, let’s be honest, tipsy adults too).

Address: 707 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 

12. Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Botanical Cactus Garden 

Distance from the Strip: 9 miles 

What do Chocolate and Cacti have in common besides starting with the same letter? I can’t answer that, but Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Botanical Cactus Garden displays 300 species of plants and gives tours of a chocolate factory in one. Free admission for both the self-guided tour and the Botanical Gardens.

Address: 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014 

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Unique Museums in Las Vegas Off the Strip

13. Iconic Signs at the Neon Museum 

Distance from the Strip: 7 miles 

The Neon Museum is a blast to the past. Visitors can walk through all the restored iconic neon signs of Las Vegas’s history. During the day, they can attend the light show, or they can join a guided tour at night to see the signs in all their neon glory. 

Address: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101 

14. Burlesque Hall of Fame 

 Distance from the Strip: 5 miles 

The Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum, according to Wikipedia, is the world’s only museum of its kind dedicated to the art of burlesque. Admission is $15 (standard ticket) and includes a 30-minute tour. Learn the history or some moves from the art of the tease. 

Address: 1027 S Main St #110, Las Vegas, NV 89101  

15. Learn about Las Vegas’s criminal past at the Mob Museum 

Distance from the Strip: 7 miles

Have you ever wanted to learn more about organized crime? The Mob Museum has interactive exhibits and intriguing historical tales focusing on law enforcement vs. crime, good guys vs. bad guys. 

Address: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101 

16. Learn about Nuclear at the National Atomic Testing Museum 

Distance from the Strip: 2 miles 

Another unique museum, the Atomic Testing Museum, showcases the story of America’s nuclear testing program. They have collection-based exhibits and even an atomic blast simulator. 

Address: 755 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119

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Still Kinda Uberable Things to Do in Las Vegas Off the Strip

17. Gaze at the Colorful Seven Magic Mountains 

Distance from the Strip: 21 miles 

America is exceptional for its quirky roadside curiosities, and Ugo Rondinone’s “Seven Magic Mountains” is one of those gems. This magnificent large-scale art installation features seven towering pillars made of 30-foot stacked boulders, painted with vibrant colors that beautifully contrast the desert landscape.

Just a short drive from the city, it seems to be quite a random blend of nature and artistic expression.

Address: S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054 

18. Escape the Vegas Lights at Red Rock Canyon 

Distance from the Strip: 24 miles 

When you get to Las Vegas’s edge, there is a defined edge, and nothing but the Mojave Desert and shrubs lie beyond. Just a little away from the artificial bright lights, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has very natural and beautiful rock and mountain formations swirling with wave patterns and terracotta tones. 

Once you cruise past the visitor center, it’s a 13-mile one-way scenic drive. The first stop, Calico 1, is absolutely epic, you can even catch a glimpse of Las Vegas from there.

Address: 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161 

👉 Instead of Ubering, scoot away your day with a Scooter Tour around Red Rock

19. Marvel at the Human Feat of The Hoover Dam 

Distance from the Strip: 39 miles 

Straddling northern Arizona and the Nevada border is one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century, The Hoover Dam is the most-visited dam in the world, with 7 million tourists a year. 

The one-way road to Hoover Dam first leads you to an overlook at a neighboring bridge – Mike O’ Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. I recommend seeing Hoover Dam from the opposite side before driving on top of the dam for that bird’s eye view.

Tip: Because it is on federal land, security and K9 units check every car and ask if you have marijuana or guns before entering, which you can’t officially bring in.

Address: Visitor Center 81 Hoover Dam Access Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005 

👉Another hard-to-reach spot with no transportation, Hoover Dam is an iconic American must-see. Check out this comprehensive Hoover Dam guided tour here.

20. Lake Mead

Distance from the Strip: 39 miles  

If you’re heading to the Hoover Dam, why not swing by Lake Mead National Recreation Area for some hiking and water fun? Fed by the Colorado River, Lake Mead is the biggest reservoir in the US. This awesome desert lake has cool spots to hang out or go kayaking, boating, jet skiing, and more.

21. Arizona Hot Springs 

Distance from the Strip: 39 miles 

Confusing name, I know, but Arizona Hot Springs is indeed in Nevada. The trailhead is located in Lake Mead Recreational Area and takes you to a toasty 110°F hot springs pool just south of The Hoover Dam. This 3-mile hike traverses into a colorful slot canyon (like the ones in Page, AZ) with a 20 foot waterfall. Pretty cool, huh? (For more details of how to get there: here) 

GPS Coordinates of Trailhead: 35.979876, -114.696996 

22. Valley of Fire State Park 

Distance from the Strip: 57 miles 

Not gonna lie, it’s not exactly Uberable at 57 miles, and you would have to drive through the park. But, I couldn’t leave the Valley of Fire State Park off this list for how beautiful it is!

As you climb that steep hill, there are these amazing red sandstone towers on both sides of the road. Then, the road opens up to reveal hoodoos, petroglyphs, and other other iconic southwest trails and rock formations.

Address: 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040 

👉Valley of Fire is a bit on the outskirts of town. If you are looking to explore without a car, it’s best to sign up with a tour to explore this geological wonder via hiking.

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Still think there’s nothing to do in Vegas Off the Strip? 

This is just scratching the surface. Wait until you get to Antelope Canyon, which can be done as a day trip from Las Vegas. Although you will probably spend most of your first-time visit to Sin City on the strip, for those who want to see what else Las Vegas has to offer, I hope this list fills the days you’re there! 

If you are short on time, make time for these things to do in Las Vegas off the strip:

• Area 15 & Omega Mart
• 18B Arts District
• Fremont Street Experience
• Valley of Fire State Park

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TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find the best tours and activities with Viator to cross off your bucket list and create unforgettable memories 🏘️ Book your accommodation with Booking.com in advance and check availability on the days of your travels. 🧾 Rent a car in advance with Discovercars for those epic road trips at the best price.

Going Elsewhere? Discover Other West coast Adventures and Resources

• Zion to Horseshoe Bend: 17 Adventures on a Las Vegas to Page AZ Road Trip
• 11 Heart-Stopping Adventurous Things to do in Page, AZ (In-Depth 2022 Guide)
• Highway 395 California Desert Road Trip: 25 Detour-Worthy Adventures
• A Champion’s Northern Arizona Road Trip Guide: 15 Best Detours
• Southern Arizona Road Trip Guide: 17 Detour-Worthy Things to Do
• White Sands National Park Photography Tips: How to Find and Take Beautiful Photos

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