Leave the Strip: 21 Other Things to Do When You Visit Las Vegas

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There is so much to do and see on the Las Vegas Strip that it can be difficult to break away from it. But once you do — whether it's because you're on a budget, don't gamble, or want a break from the hubbub — there's all sorts of attractions to explore. It doesn't matter if you're in Vegas with a bunch of friends or for a family reunion, because you'll find something everyone will love, from beautiful nature hikes to quirky museums.

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Mob Museum

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Las Vegas' ties to the underworld are legendary, so it only makes sense that it would be home to a crime museum. The National Museum of Organized Crime & Law Enforcement, known affectionately as the Mob Museum, is a top-notch facility. There are three floors of exhibits, including a speakeasy and a crime lab experience. Children are allowed, though only adults 21-plus can participate in experiences such as distillery tastings.

Downtown Container Park

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The Downtown Container Park is a hip open-air shopping center and entertainment venue built mostly out of recycled shipping containers, right down to a massive kids play area. There are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop, and movies and concerts take place. Look for the giant metal praying mantis sculpture (there are drum circles and fire shows) and you'll know you're in the right place. You might consider joining a walking food tour of the downtown area where you can sample local bites off the beaten path.

The Haunted Museum

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Between the Strip and Downtown is Zak Bagans' The Haunted Museum. It's a cross between a haunted house, funhouse, and museum with 30 rooms that hold spooky collectibles, paranormal objects, and just plain creepy stuff such as the "propofol chair" from the room where Michael Jackson died. This one is not for children (and kids under the age of 14 are not permitted).

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Gold & Silver Pawn Shop

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If you're a fan of the TV show "Pawn Stars," a visit to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is a must. The shop itself is pretty small — it looks bigger on TV — and you're not likely to run into Rick, Corey, or Chumlee. But most Saturdays at noon you can meet Mark Hall-Patton, aka the Beard of Knowledge, which is a pretty good compromise. (You can also check out the Pawn Plaza next door where Chumlee has a candy shop.)

Dig This

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Though it may be a pricey venture, operating heavy machinery at Dig This can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Choose a bulldozer or an excavator, then live out childhood construction fantasies. You can tear, push, dig, and even play "bucket basketball." Kids as young as 8 can join the fun in a mini excavator.

Grand Canyon

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The Grand Canyon is about a four-hour drive from Las Vegas. And while you could rent a car and go at your own pace, there are tour companies that will take you round trip for a less stressful experience. Some, such as Pink Adventure Tours, will even take you there and back by plane, helicopter, or boat for amazing views in 12 hours or less. Take your pick from a plethora of other tour choices on Tripadvisor.

SpeedVegas

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If you've ever dreamed of driving a high-performance or exotic car but can't afford one of your own, Speedvegas is for you. Drive laps around its banked track in Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Porsches. You can even ride along with a professional driver for a drifting experience in a muscle car.

Neon Museum

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One of the most well known off-Strip attractions is the Neon Museum, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Las Vegas' vintage neon signs. The "Boneyard" includes hundreds of signs arranged like murals, which makes walking among them totally surreal. Visit at dusk for the best photo and Instagram ops.

Red Rock Canyon

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For awe-inspiring nature that's closer to Vegas, head to Red Rock Canyon, just west of the city. There's a 13-mile scenic drive if you don't want to leave your air-conditioned car, but there's also hiking trails, campsites, and all the geology you could ask for. You'll find tours that let you explore the area on everything from electric bikes, segways, and scooters to horseback. Timed reservations are required.

Fremont Street

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Head north of the Strip to Fremont Street, also known as Downtown. It's a pedestrian street with a 1,500-foot canopy of light shows every hour at night. Many of the old school casinos can be found here, including Binion's and the Golden Nugget. There's shopping, zip lining along the canopy, free concerts, restaurants and plenty of "only in Vegas" attractions, including taking a free photo with a million dollars in cash at Binion's.

Topgolf

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Golf lovers who want a baller Vegas experience will find both at Topgolf. The swanky, high-end facility has multiple bars, lounges, pool, and cabanas, and a three-story driving range with views of the Strip. Thanks to the view, this may be the only range where prices go up when it gets dark out.