Alive 24/7 and throbbing with an electric vibe, Las Vegas is popular for its famed Strip that boasts a string of big casinos, luxury hotels, plus a multitude of entertainment and wining and dining options. However, it may prove quite refreshing to veer off the beaten track while visiting the city of neon lights.

There’s never enough time to explore Las Vegas fully, especially for first-timers on a short visit. It’s easy to lose track of time while casino-hopping, soaking up the ambiance, savoring the choices of food and wine and trying a hand at lady-luck. To make the most of a trip to Sin City, visitors will find it sufficient to devote an entire day just to checking out the different casinos, leaving time for other activities the city has to offer.

For regular visitors who are looking to break the monotony or even the select few who aren’t too interested in gambling, Las Vegas offers equally exciting alternatives. Scenic settings, local attractions and adventure activities have their unique appeal as well.

Photo Ops

Madame Tussauds Vegas, Credit M. Tussauds

Youngsters and the young at heart, who are aspiring to get photographed with their favorite sports/film stars, musicians or even animation characters, can fulfill their wishes at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. A multitude of stunning, life-like, impeccably crafted wax figurines of celebrities amid themed settings are a pleasure to behold.  Have a picture taken with stardom icons, such as George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matthew McConaughey, Hugh Hefner, Shaquille O-Neal, J’Lo, Angie Jolie, Hale Berry, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, Tupac Shakur, Ricky Martin and Liberace just to name a few. Interactive exhibits and 4-D theater shows add to the excitement at this venue. Guests can also experience the frightening side of life at SCREAM, where actors dressed as zombies roam a haunted maze and scare the wits out of people who dare to visit this exhibit.

Thrill Rides

Thrill Ride, Credit nytimes.com

Las Vegas is home to several thrill rides, too. The High Roller, which is the tallest observation wheel on earth, is the best way to get a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings. The Stratosphere’s Big Shot, about 1,000 feet above the ground, is another entirely different level of excitement for the bravehearted!

Close Encounters with Sharks and Dolphins

Dolphins Training in LV, Credit Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

Certified scuba divers can opt to spend some time in a tank full of sharks, including the dangerous sand tiger, at the Mandalay Bay Aquarium’s Shark Reef. For the less adventurous, a swim with dolphins may prove to be a comforting alternative. The Mirage offers innovative Dolphin Yoga and Dolphin Trainer programs that are worth a try.

Driving Adventures

Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Credit radio.foxnews.com

Las Vegas offers visitors unique opportunities to test their driving skills. Experiences range from trying one’s hand at operating heavy vehicles, such as excavators and bulldozers, to speeding across the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and traversing a part of the city in neo-classic cars.

Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock canyon, Credit Wikipedia

Though not within the city limits, this National Conservation Area is home to some spectacular locations rich in scenic beauty.  Enjoy the picturesque landscape along the 13-mile drive through Red Rock Canyon, or choose from 19 different hiking trails of various degrees of difficulty. The Visitor Center further provides information on local vegetation, geology and wildlife. Trips to Hoover Dam, Mount Charleston, Lake Mead and Valley of Fire State Park are just a few other alternatives to escape the frenetic activity in the city. An aerial view of the Grand Canyon is bound to make a difference to any trip out West, especially if time is limited to a weekend trip or to fulfill a desire to have a different perspective of a very familiar setting.

Las Vegas is more than casinos and nightlife, with plenty to discover beyond the glam, glitz and brilliant neon lights!