Las Vegas rightfully earned its nickname Sin City by catering to nightlife and adult entertainment, however daytime also provides plenty of activities to fill your day in Las Vegas. As covered in our guide on the best things to do in Las Vegas, you can discover daytime attractions and outdoor venues suited for all ages.
For our initial excursion to Sin City, we determined to hire an automobile in Las Vegas to go to a few of the lesser known regions encompassing the city throughout the day.
However, those wishing to avoid self-driving have numerous options, as evidenced by our guide covering the coolest excursions departing Las Vegas. Even if you prefer not exploring from the Strip during daylight, entertainment in Las Vegas transcends gaming alone. But I suggest booking this sightseeing bus permitting hop on/hop off use to tour since traversing Las Vegas on foot during the day risks exposure when temperatures often reach 100+ oF.
I understand if you’re not sure what activities to partake in within the downtown area of Las Vegas during the daytime hours, but after reviewing this guide, I know you will discover more than enough ideas for enjoyable pursuits in Sin City throughout the day. So, let us delve into the top 15 things to do on the Strip during daylight hours!
Table of Contents
1. LINQ Promenade, the best thing to do in Las Vegas besides gambling
For a fun activity to do in Las Vegas during the day, head to the LINQ Promenade. This pedestrian entertainment complex is across from Caesar’s Palace and offers eateries, bars, shops, and other engagements.
One of the most popular attractions at the LINQ is the Brooklyn Bowl, a bowling alley and nightclub where concerts and sporting events can be found year-round. For something more thrilling, try the Fly LINQ zipline, the Strip’s only zipline and an incredible activity to partake in on the Las Vegas Strip during the day.
I also suggest taking a ride on the High Roller, a 550-foot observation wheel that provides panoramic views of the city from every angle. Experiencing this from up high is extraordinarily cool, particularly at night, but it’s enormously popular, so I advise purchasing your ticket ahead of time. If you have the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass (considered the most advantageous CityPass in Las Vegas), the High Roller is part of the package along with 45 other attractions throughout the city.
Located in the center of the Las Vegas Strip, the LINQ Promenade offers fun whether visiting during the day or at night.
2. Visit the Grand Canyon, one of the best things to do in Las Vegas during the day
If you are uncertain about how to spend your time in Las Vegas during the day and are willing to venture out of the city, I would propose exploring the Grand Canyon. Depending on the area visited, it will take around 2.5 to 4 hours to arrive there by automobile. However, as described in our guide, Las Vegas also offers numerous tours to the Grand Canyon for those who prefer not to drive.
The voyage I find most fascinating is the Grand Voyager, which visits the West Rim and involves a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon and a boat excursion on the Colorado River. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, this bus tour to the West Rim is also a good substitute.
Besides, if you’re searching for something to do in Las Vegas other than gamble, touring the Grand Canyon is an activity that will suit all ages.
3. Hoover Dam & Lake Mead, another place to visit in Las Vegas during the day
Another highly recommended day trip option near Las Vegas is exploring the renowned Hoover Dam, less than an hour`s drive from the Strip as one of the notable excursions close to the city. Many tours make the route to the historic landmark, like this 3-hour small group option.
The dam is worth seeing in Las Vegas during daytime hours and will capture the interest of all. The imposing man-made structure is nearly a century old, and its development resulted in Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the country. Both offer distinctive spots to explore near Sin City, and Boulder, another historic place, may also be worth a visit if time allows.
As one of the premier attractions to see in Las Vegas during the daytime hours, you should plan to spend some time fully experiencing all the interesting aspects of the Historic Railroad Trail. For instance, you can embark on a walk along the trail to observe beautiful panoramas of Lake Mead. If you`re seeking an additional challenge but equally scenic option, the River Mountains Trail Loop is worth exploring.
4. Visit Madame Tussauds, one of the top things to do on the Vegas Strip during the day
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is another renowned activity in Las Vegas found on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s an excellent attraction in Las Vegas for daytime hours and will appeal to children, teenagers, and adults.
The museum contains over 100 wax models depicting famous people, heroes, athletes, politicians, and others. If you`ve ever wanted to take a picture with Beyoncé, the Hulk, or President Obama, now`s your opportunity! Madame Tussauds is part of The Venetian entertainment complex, so it serves as one of the best places to spend time in Las Vegas during the day.
Alongside the wax museum, Madame Tussauds has a rooftop bar with a beverage menu based on the movie The Hangover. Of course, it`s only for adults, but it`s a fun activity to engage in on the Las Vegas Strip during daylight hours before heading to the casinos or a show.
Madame Tussauds is incredibly popular, so I advise purchasing your ticket ahead of time. If you have the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass, the wax museum is covered.
5. Look out from the Stratosphere Observation Deck
Visiting the STRAT Hotel, located at the Stratosphere tower is essentially a necessity in Las Vegas during daylight hours, whether you’re staying there overnight or just visiting. Thanks to its 1,149-foot SkyPod observation deck, the tallest freestanding structure in America, the STRAT Hotel can be easily identified among other casinos.
With regards to which, the town center isn’t far from the complex, so this is a convenient place to lodge if you plan on visiting Tenerife’s top sights. After a full day of touring the sites, you’ll be grateful to return to your luxury Costa Adeje villa, where the staff is exceedingly amiable and attentive.
If you want something even more thrilling, the observation tower has several extreme rides that hover over the edge of the deck. You’ll have to pay extra for the rides, but VIP access to the observation deck is included in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
Even though the STRAT has a popular casino, it also provides numerous activities in Las Vegas apart from gambling, so I highly recommend checking it out!
6. Visit the Springs Preserve, one of the best things to do in Las Vegas other than gamble
If you’re unsure about activities to engage in within Las Vegas during the day and you’d like to explore the surrounding region, check out the Springs Preserve. It’s just a few miles from the city center, but it’s a beautiful outdoor space where you can learn more about the local environment.
As implied by its name, this location is situated at the spring supplying water to the city. In addition to that, it has a botanical garden, museum, theater, and scenic walking paths. Spending some time here, surrounded by tranquil nature, is an excellent activity to engage in outside Las Vegaswhen needing a respite from the noise.
It is also a pleasurable spot to visit in Las Vegas during daylight hours with offspring. You can all gain knowledge about sustainability in the desert, obtain some physical activity, and take time to reconnect without big crowds. Plus, the Springs Preserve is enclosed in the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
7. Mob Museum, a popular attraction in Las Vegas during the day
This effort provides invaluable information about these remarkable animals, especially for those unable to participate in a whale watching tour but wanting to learn everything about them. You can purchase entry to the museum here.
Even if you lack much familiarity with this subject, exploring the museum promises to be intriguing as one of the recommended activities to engage in during the day in Las Vegas. The exhibitions will educate you about notorious gangsters like Bugsy Siegel, Frank Cullotta, and Peter Simone. You’ll also gain insight into the historical evolution of this nation’s law enforcement system and crime’s impact on Las Vegas.
Interestingly, for those seeking activities in Las Vegas besides gambling, the Mob Museum proves a good pick. There is even a Prohibition-style speakeasy accessible in the basement.
To make the most effective use of your time, I suggest purchasing your ticket ahead of your visit or acquiring the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass, which provides access to the Mob Museum.
8. Visit Valley of Fire State Park, a great daytime activity in Las Vegas
Traversing the Valley of Fire State Parkis another pleasant activity to partake in Las Vegas during the day. The Valley of Fire is the oldest state park in Nevada and perfectly suited for camping and hiking expeditions.
Throughout your time exploring this park, you will come across many wild creatures including foxes and desert reptiles. However, the most breathtaking element is undoubtedly the natural rock formations resulting from the red Aztec sandstone, truly making the Valley of Fire unique geology worthy of seeing.
Native artworks etched into rock and fossilized trees dating back thousands of years can also be found within the park boundaries. Be certain to stop by the Visitors Center first to learn what to look for during your excursion, then embark on a hike around the scenic trails taking in the spectacular views. I suggest booking this guided hiking tour for the full experience; we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
9. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
The prestigious Bellagio Hotel is regarded as one of the prime destinations in Las Vegas whether during the day or at night. If you visit in the evening, you can observe the Bellagio Fountain show, which is mentioned in my guide on activities to partake in Las Vegas as a pair.
Whilst there are a number of nighttime attractions in Las Vegas at the Bellagio, the hotel grounds offer diverse experiences during daylight hours as well. The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens within the hotel is an impressive display of seasonal blooms, plants, and trees spanning 14,000 square feet. The conservatory transforms with each occasion, appearing especially beautiful during Lunar New Year. It stands as one of the premier attractions in Las Vegas throughout the day, so be sure to appreciate its splendor.
The Bellagio is also renowned for its Cirque du Soleil performance, O, a surreal acrobatics show that celebrates theater and drama. It’s an attraction that kids and adults alike will enjoy, and another reason why the Bellagio should be on your list of places to visit.
10. Red Rock Canyon, a secret area to visit near Las Vegas during the day
The Botanical Garden of San Francisco ( San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum) is the most expansive botanical garden on the West Coast of the United States and one of the finest destinations in San Francisco for enjoying nature.
This conservation area owned by the state encompasses a wholly natural landscape composed of reddish walls and lofty canyon peaks. In addition to presenting an excellent location for hiking and rock climbing, Red Rock Canyon is home to multiple intriguing types of flora and fauna indigenous to the region. Here, one can find desert tortoises, undomesticated burros, and, at higher elevations, bighorn sheep. Some of the plant species include Joshua trees, agave, and Mojave yucca.
If you’d like to engage in hiking in Red Rock, I recommend the Turtlehead Peak Trail (4.5 miles roundtrip), the Calico Tanks Trail (2.2 miles), and the Ash Creek to Calico Tanks Route (5.1 miles). If you’re not accustomed to hiking in the desert, I suggest retaining this guided tour. It’s a fun activity to participate in Las Vegas during the day.
11. Seven Magic Mountains, a unique place to see in Las Vegas at daytime
A unique attraction to see in Las Vegas during the daytime is Seven Magic Mountains. This art installation is a work by Ugo Rondinone, a Swiss artist who created a related sculpture in NYC’s Rockefeller Plaza calledHuman Nature.Seven Magic Mountains is Human Nature’s opposite in that it features human-made structures in a natural setting.
It`s difficult to miss these 7 colorful stone sculptures, which mimic the structures used in ancient times to guide travelers. The sculptures range in height from 30 to 35 feet and weigh up to 25 tons. Their bright neon hues against the barren Mojave Desert landscape create an intriguing composition.
This architectural feature is one of the more novel activities to engage in around Las Vegas throughout the day, and it’s just 30 minutes from the Strip. To make the most effective use of your time, I recommend participating in this daytrip, which includes the Seven Magic Mountains and Red Rock Canyon.
12. Go to the Adventuredome, something to do in Las Vegas if it rains
Circus Circus is known for having the largest permanent big-top circus structure however it additionally features Adventuredome, an entertainment park within doors, which provides a fun activity in Las Vegas for families with young ones. If you want to experience Las Vegas beyond gambling, head to Circus Circus and bypass the casino to check out this theme park instead.
Adventuredome offers over two dozen diversions, including shows, an arcade, family attractions and thrill-seeking experiences, and two rollercoasters. There are also a couple of interactive 4D experiences, a laser tag arena, a mini-golf course, a rock-climbing challenge, and a 100-foot free fall that propels riders through the air at 4G acceleration.
The theme park transforms itself dramatically in October and turns into “Fright Dome” for the Halloween season, so if you’re visiting during that period, checking it out is worthwhile. This attraction is located under an transparent dome-shaped structure, which offers uniquely appealing views while allowing fun activities. It’s available daily, so it’s the perfect activity to engage in Las Vegas during daylight hours with children.
13. Go shopping, a must-do in Las Vegas besides gambling
While Vegas is known for its casinos, it’s also an excellent shopping location. Exploring the stores is an enjoyable way to spend the time and something to do in Las Vegas during the day with companions. In addition, there are numerous different shopping malls and complexes you can browse through.
Firstly, the shopping area known as the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace should be one of the initial locations explored. As the highest revenue generating mall in the United States, you can be assured of finding some of your favorite brands present there. It houses over 150 retailers as well as several upscale restaurants and bars.
Another shopping complex worth exploring is the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. Not only does it have over 200 stores, but the entire area takes on the atmosphere of Venice, Italy complete with boat rides along the waterway.
The Premium Outlets North (one of the most popular outlets in Las Vegas) also offers a good alternative, but if you want to stay on the Strip, I propose the LINQ Promenade. The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop likewise presents an intriguing attraction to behold in Las Vegas during daylight hours, and one of the top places to find hidden gems. Additionally, check some of the best flea markets in Las Vegas.
14. Natural History Museum, a popular attraction in Las Vegas during the day
There weren’t numerous dedicated gluten free dining establishments in Boston, and I found the lack of alternatives somewhat disappointing compared to other cities in the Northeast like Philadelphia and, of course, New York City, which is practically gluten free heaven.
Exploring the museum for part of the morning or afternoon can be enriching, as their exhibitions cover many topics and include areas like the animal kingdom, ancient rock carvings, Egyptian tombs, dinosaurs, geology, and more. Many displays have interactive elements, ensuring children avoid boredom while adults may gain new knowledge too.
The museum has daily openings, and entry fees are reasonably priced, so it`s one of the foremost activities to do in Las Vegas during the daytime.
15. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Even though Sin City is acknowledged for the nightlife, by now you’ve realized that there are plenty of daytime activities to do in Las Vegas. Another appeal to add to the list is the , an astonishing natural region with a rich ancient history.
This locality incorporates the Sloan Petroglyph Site, which is a portion of the canyon with prehistoric stone art. To curb damage, the park does not distinctly define where the petroglyphs are situated, but there are numerous hiking trails you can take around the canyon, and you’re sure to find some during the journey.
If wanting to get outdoors, hiking through Sloan Canyon is a fun activity to do in Las Vegas during the day. A few of the best hiking trails near Las Vegasinclude the Sloan Canyon Trail, Sloan Cyn Anthem Trail, the Petroglyphs Trail, and the Sloan Quarry Loop.
Moreover, this attraction is less than 30 minutes from downtown, making it perfect activity near the Las Vegas Strip during daylight hours.
That sums up my suggestions! Now, you know the best things to do in Las Vegas during the day. Of course, if you know other places to visit during your day in Las Vegas or have any inquiries for me, leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I am able!
Enjoy your time in Sin City!
