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Las Vegas is known for its hotels and casinos, but the city has much more to offer than that. Whether you’re into picture-worthy urbanscapes, adrenaline-inducing views, romantic getaways, or natural wonders, Vegas has a view for you. If you’re planning your itinerary to Sin City and need some pointers on what to see in Las Vegas, here’s a rundown of 10 can't-miss sights.
What to See in Las Vegas: Our Top 10 List
1. “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign
One of the most iconic symbols of Las Vegas, this neon sign is a must-have for your Instagram feed. Since it was erected in 1959, this 25-foot sign stands tall to welcome new arrivals coming in from the West. With its flashy design and neon lights, it perfectly represents the colorful adventures that await visitors in Sin City.
The sign was designed by Betty Willis, but she opted to not trademark the famous 50s design, choosing to give it to the city as a gift. If you look closely, you’ll see that the letters that spell “Welcome” are positioned above seven silver dollars, alluding to the state’s moniker, “Silver State.”
2. The Strip
When most people think of Las Vegas — picturing bright lights, diverse personalities, and a buzzing nightlife — they're thinking of the Strip. Stretching 4.2 miles long, it encompasses Las Vegas Boulevard, the Stratosphere, and the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. It’s an “All-American Road” recognized by the Department of Transportation.
Most of Vegas’ must-see sights and must-do activities are located on or around this area, attracting an estimated 43 million visitors annually. There are many guided tours you can sign up for, but you can also build your own itinerary based only on what interests you.
3. Red Rock Canyon
Las Vegas is more than the hustle-and-bustle of city life. Just a few miles west of the city is Red Rock Canyon, Nevada’s first National Conservation Area that spans 195,819 acres in the Mojave Desert. Worlds away from the busy streets of Sin City, Red Rock Canyon offers many natural wonders that will amaze nature-lovers, friends, and families alike.
Visitors are spoiled for choice in terms of activities to be done at Red Rock Canyon, with options such as a 13-mile scenic drive for vehicles and bikes, 26 hikes and trails of varying levels, rock climbing, cycling, camping at Red Rock Canyon Campground, and off-road driving. There are over 600 unique species of plants in the area, 15 of which are endemic to Red Rock Canyon. Its LEED gold-certified Visitor Center is also noteworthy for encouraging responsible stewardship of public land and housing various indoor and outdoor activities.
4. Fountains of Bellagio
The Bellagio’s ambitious and complex water feature is a wondrous sight to behold. The 8.5-acre lake located in front of the resort has 1,214 jets that shoot water as high as 460 feet into the air. Held every night, the free (yes, free!) show embodies the romantic spirit of Bellagio resort. Each performance is unique and blends together expertly coordinated water patterns with playlist-worthy music.
The scale of this fountain and its shows is so massive that it takes 30 staff members working seven days a week to ensure it stays clean and maintained between shows.
5. Hoover Dam
This will tickle the fancy of history and architecture lovers. The Hoover Dam is a National Historic Landmark and recognized as one of the country’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. Built during the Great Depression, it was completed in 1936, taking only five years to complete and finished two years ahead of schedule. It impounds Lake Mead and produces hydroelectric power and water for irrigation.
To this day, Hoover Dam is considered an example of excellent American engineering. But design and architecture fanatics will drool over this Art Deco masterpiece. It embodies the era with its bronze angel sculptures and the “Winged Figures of the Republic.” The facility offers three types of tours to help visitors make the most of their trip — a self-guided visitor center tour, guided power plant tour, and guided dam tour.
6. Stratosphere Tower
Adrenaline junkies can’t miss the 1,149-foot tower at the end of the Strip. Simply called the Strat, it's the tallest freestanding observation tower in the country. But visitors can enjoy the view of Las Vegas a few different ways. There’s an assortment of food options, ranging from quick bites to fine dining, for visitors who wish to stay awhile and soak in the sights. Or take things up a notch with the Strat’s range of thrill rides such as the SkyPod, Big Shot, Insanity, X-Scream, and SkyJump.
7. The Venetian
Another iconic Vegas attraction, a Gondola ride at the Venetian’s Grand Canal transports you to the heart of Venice. It provides an immersive experience with a singing gondolier in charge of every gondola. The unique views as you float beside cafés and under bridges and balconies are an enchanting and romantic way to cap off any day.
Aside from the actual ride, the Gondolier March tradition, which happens twice a day, is a must-see. The gondoliers all sing together as they march along the indoor canal to announce their arrival.
8. Fremont Street
What once was a popular roadway was turned into a pedestrian mall back in 1996. But today, the Fremont Street Experience has more than just shops to offer. A barrel vault canopy was installed over the entire area, spanning four blocks, in 2004. The canopy is designed with almost 12 million LED lights that transform the place into a real experience. Themed light-and-sound shows play every hour starting at dusk.
The shows differ per hour, nodding to some of Las Vegas’ famous attributes like Area 51 and race car driving. In between shows, music is constantly played through a 550,000-watt sound system that encompasses the entire length of Fremont Street.
9. Eiffel Tower
Las Vegas offers many wondrous escapes, including a side trip to Paris. The replica of the Eiffel Tower is a prominent fixture of the Vegas skyline and makes for a romantic view when dining al fresco or strolling down the Strip. Inspired by the original tower in France, the Vegas Eiffel Tower has free light shows every night that occur every half-hour starting at sunset until midnight. The tower also has a viewing deck which gives you a breathtaking view of the city from 46 stories high. You don’t need to go to France to indulge in the romantic experience.
10. High Roller
If London has the London Eye, then Vegas has the High Roller. As the largest observation wheel in North America, passengers are lifted 550 above the Las Vegas Strip and given a stunning 360-degree view of the city. One evolution lasts 30 minutes and the spacious cabins can comfortably accommodate several guests.
The High Roller has several programs to cater to different visitors. Parents may want to make it an educational trip by checking out the STEM Family Field Trip guide, while friends can enjoy the Happy Half Hour which includes an open bar and bartender.
These are just a few of the awe-inspiring and entertaining sights that Las Vegas has to offer. If you’re ready to call the city home, contact the Brendan King Group, and we’d be happy to help!
