Things to do in Las Vegas

The best way to get around Las Vegas is by car, either driving, using a rideshare service, or taxi. There is also a bus system that goes throughout the Las Vegas Valley operated by the RTC of Southern Nevada but it is not very direct and will add significant time to your travel.

UNLV is located right next to the Las Vegas Strip. There are many exciting things to do on the Strip, but here are some of our favorite areas to explore around Vegas that are off the Strip:

Downtown Vegas (~5 miles north of UNLV), very walkable neighborhood

  • Includes the famous Fremont Street Experience which is popular with tourists and includes nightly live music.

  • Further away from the Fremont Street Experience is Fremont Street East with several local bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and businesses including the Downtown Container Park (with the daily Mantis show!), Fergusons Downtown

  • Visit the Mob Museum to learn about the history of organized crime and law enforcement. The Mob Museum also has its own speakeasy.

  • Neon Museum - see iconic neon signs from Las Vegas history. Guided tours are offered during the day and at night.

  • There is also a free shuttle (Downtown Loop) that services several attractions in downtown Vegas. The shuttle runs Sunday through Thursday from 11am-6pm and Friday and Saturday from 3-10pm.

Arts District (~5 miles north of UNLV), very walkable neighborhood

  • Includes many great coffee shops, bars and restaurants, vintage shops, art galleries, and much more!

  • Visit the Burlesque Hall of Fame, the only museum in the world dedicated the history and art of burlesque

Boulder City (~24 miles east of UNLV), charming small town near Lake Mead and Hoover Dam that is a quick day trip away from Las Vegas

  • Main Street Boulder City is home to several restaurants, cafes, antique shops, and more! There are several parks around Boulder City including Hemenway Valley Park where you can often see groups of Bighorn Sheep!

Other fun places to visit:

Hiking/Outdoor Activities

Red Rock Canyon (~25 miles west of UNLV)

  • This national park includes a one-way 13 mile scenic drive, hiking trails, geology, plants and wildlife

Mt Charleston (~45 miles from UNLV)

  • Looking to escape the heat of Las Vegas? Mt. Charleston is about a 1-hour drive northwest of Las Vegas. There are plenty of hiking trails, large grass picnic areas, and chances are high you will see at least one wild horse!

Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Recreation Area

  • Walk around the dam (free) or purchase tickets to tour the inside

  • Lake Mead Recreation Area has a long scenic drive, hiking trails, boating/kayaking, and much more. Hot in the summer, but if you can arrive early enough in the day, it is a very enjoyable place to visit.

Local arrangement contacts can provide additional information, recommendations, and answer any questions about visiting Las Vegas: