Las Vegas attractions: museums, shows, landmarks

The Strip is the central thoroughfare of Las Vegas and extends 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) through the city. It connects numerous casinos, entertainment complexes, hotels, and restaurants and houses 18 of the 20 largest hotels in the United States. This street, officially known as Las Vegas Boulevard South, attracts more than 42 million visitors each year and has served as the economic and tourism center of the city since the 1940s. The Strip brings together the main attractions of Las Vegas and serves as a starting point for exploring the museums, shows, and landmarks of the desert city.

The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden is a 14,000-square-foot (1,200-square-meter) climate-controlled greenhouse within the Bellagio Hotel. This Las Vegas attraction presents rotating floral displays that change with the seasons throughout the year. A team of gardeners maintains approximately 10,000 plants, which are reconfigured for each seasonal exhibition. The installations combine flowers, shrubs, trees, and decorative elements in themed compositions, offering visitors free access to botanical displays year-round.

This museum is the first institution in the world dedicated exclusively to the punk rock movement. The exhibition presents musical instruments, stage clothing, and archival materials from the 1970s, including original guitars from known bands, handwritten lyrics, and photographs from the early days of punk. The museum documents the cultural and musical development of this movement in the United States and internationally, adding to the cultural and historical offerings of Las Vegas.

The Sphere is a 367-foot-tall (112 meters) building on the Las Vegas Strip, with its exterior surface entirely covered in programmable LED screens. The interior accommodates 16,000 spectators and features a high-resolution wraparound screen system that extends across the entire inner dome. This facility was designed for concerts, shows, and immersive events that combine visual and audio technology, expanding the range of entertainment options in Las Vegas.

This pedestrian zone in downtown Las Vegas sits beneath Viva Vision, a 1,476-foot (450 meters) LED canopy. Every evening, light and music shows are projected onto the digital ceiling. Fremont Street connects several casinos, restaurants, shops, and street performers. It forms the center of downtown revitalization and offers an alternative to the Strip with a classic Vegas character. The street belongs to the historic areas of the city and attracts visitors with its covered architecture and nightly projections.

This museum houses over 250 historic signs that document the evolution of Las Vegas since the 1930s. The collection includes signs from legendary casinos, hotels, and businesses that once lit up the Strip and downtown areas. The outdoor facility spans five acres (two hectares) and displays both restored and unrestored examples of American neon artistry. Visitors can examine the designs that shaped the visual identity of the city throughout its development.

This interactive entertainment complex combines multiple experience zones under one roof. The facility houses arcade rooms with classic and modern video games, along with bars offering cocktails. The center features various themed installations and digital art projects. Guests can move between gaming stations, virtual reality experiences, and dining options. As part of Las Vegas's museums, shows, and landmarks, AREA15 adds to the city's entertainment offerings with interactive and artistic elements in an air-conditioned indoor environment.

This museum occupies a historic 1933 federal courthouse building in downtown Las Vegas and documents the history of organized crime in America and the evolution of law enforcement efforts against it. The exhibits present authentic artifacts, interactive displays, and stories of notorious gangsters and FBI agents. The museum covers the Prohibition era, the rise of crime syndicates, and their influence on Las Vegas. The permanent exhibitions offer insight into criminal organizations and their connections to the city's history.

This open-air shopping center in downtown Las Vegas is constructed from repurposed shipping containers and contributes to the city's range of entertainment venues and landmarks. The containers house boutiques, restaurants, bars, and galleries. A children's playground occupies the central area, featuring climbing structures and interactive installations. The entrance is marked by a large metal praying mantis sculpture that shoots fire in the evenings. Container Park also includes a stage for live performances and events.

This pawn shop spans 15,000 square feet (approximately 1,400 square meters) and displays thousands of collectible items from various periods. The merchandise includes historical weapons, coins, musical instruments, and jewelry. After its television series aired, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop became a popular destination in Las Vegas, welcoming over 4,000 visitors daily. Visitors can explore the showroom and examine the diverse objects that have been brought into the establishment over the years.

The High Roller observation wheel rises 550 feet (168 meters) above the Las Vegas Strip. This structure features 28 climate-controlled glass cabins, each holding up to 40 passengers. One complete rotation takes approximately 30 minutes and provides views of the desert landscape and the city. The wheel is located within the LINQ Promenade complex and represents one of several observation points for visitors exploring the entertainment district.

The Bellagio Fountains are located in front of the hotel and casino of the same name on the Las Vegas Strip. These choreographed water displays span an 8.5-acre (3.4-hectare) lake and use more than 1,200 nozzles to shoot water jets up to 460 feet (140 meters) high. The performances are synchronized to music ranging from classical compositions to contemporary songs, and are illuminated by 4,500 lights. Shows take place every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes in the evening. This attraction represents one of the most recognized landmarks in the city, combining entertainment with technical innovation.

This zipline attraction is a central entertainment feature of the Fremont Street Experience, complementing the collection of Las Vegas amusement venues. SlotZilla offers two different flight options: a seated position at 70 feet (21 meters) and a prone superman-style position at 115 feet (35 meters) above ground. The track runs through the center of Fremont Street, where visitors experience the LED light shows from an elevated perspective. The structure spans several blocks and reaches speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour). The system uses steel cables and safety harnesses for transporting participants.

This conservation area spans 800 square kilometers (2,000 square miles) west of Las Vegas and complements the city's indoor attractions with a natural desert landscape. The red sandstone formations developed through millions of years of erosion. Visitors can use marked hiking trails of different difficulty levels, climbing routes on the rock faces, and mountain biking paths. A 13-mile (21-kilometer) scenic loop road runs through the canyon and provides access to major viewpoints and trailheads.

This automobile collection presents 300 historic American vehicles on the fifth floor of the Linq casino. The collection documents a century of automotive history and contributes to the museum offerings in Las Vegas with exhibits ranging from early motor cars to modern sports vehicles. The display features various vehicle types, including sedans, roadsters, and racing cars from different periods of American automotive manufacturing. Visitors can trace the technical development and design evolution of automobiles. The air-conditioned exhibition space within the casino allows viewing of these historic vehicles regardless of weather conditions in the desert city.

The Shark Reef Aquarium is located at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and presents various marine animals across more than 5 million gallons (19 million liters) of water volume, including sharks, sea turtles, tropical fish, and other marine species. This facility complements the entertainment offerings in Las Vegas with an aquatic experience featuring exhibits that provide visitors with insights into marine ecosystems. The exhibition includes several themed areas with tanks of different sizes.

This collection houses 200 operational pinball machines spanning from the 1950s through the 1990s. The exhibit includes machines from various manufacturers and different eras of pinball history. Visitors can play the machines and observe the technical evolution of this form of entertainment. The Pinball Hall of Fame adds to the museum offerings in Las Vegas with its focus on arcade game history and hands-on exhibits.

This theatrical performance with banquet takes place in the circular arena at the Excalibur Hotel and features sword fights and equestrian jousting. The Tournament of Kings combines medieval tournament games with a multi-course dinner, where spectators representing different kingdoms cheer for their chosen knight. The show runs approximately ninety minutes and includes acrobatic horsemanship, choreographed combat scenes, and pyrotechnic effects. Visitors sit at long tables in the arena and dine without utensils in medieval fashion while horses and performers in period costumes entertain. The Tournament of Kings is one of the longest running entertainment shows in Las Vegas and complements the city's offerings of shows, museums, and landmarks.

The Big Apple Coaster sits atop the New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas. This roller coaster extends 4,500 feet (1,372 meters) and reaches speeds up to 67 miles per hour (108 kilometers per hour). The track winds around the hotel's replica skyscrapers and includes multiple 180-degree turns and steep drops. Riders experience elevation changes exceeding 200 feet (60 meters) during the three-minute journey. This attraction adds to Las Vegas's collection of climate-controlled amusement park experiences in the desert environment.

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum presents paleontological exhibits from multiple geological periods, including dinosaur fossils and prehistoric mammal skeletons from the Ice Age. The mineral collection documents specimens from Nevada and illustrates the geological diversity of the region. This museum provides insights into North American natural history and presents scientific knowledge about the evolution of life on Earth through fossil reconstructions and educational displays. The institution offers a contrast to the city's entertainment venues and complements the cultural range of Las Vegas attractions.

This recreational park offers visitors the opportunity to operate bulldozers and excavators on a designated site under instructor supervision. Dig This adds to the entertainment options in Las Vegas with a hands-on activity where participants control heavy construction equipment and complete various tasks. The facility features several tons of sand and dirt where guests can dig trenches, move objects, and perform other earthmoving operations.

This museum presents the history of atomic testing conducted in the Nevada desert between 1951 and 1992. The exhibition displays documents, photographs, and technical equipment from the test sites. Visitors can examine information about scientific developments, safety measures, and the effects of the tests on the region. The National Atomic Testing Museum provides a historical overview of Nevada's role in the atomic age and complements the cultural offerings of Las Vegas with scientific and historical content about the state's involvement in nuclear research.

This former 1930s mansion houses a collection of objects related to paranormal investigations and supernatural phenomena. The Zak Bagans Haunted Museum presents artifacts from various cases, including personal items from historical figures and objects with reportedly unexplained properties. The exhibits include furniture, photographs, documents, and other items connected to reports of unusual events. The museum adds to the entertainment landscape of Las Vegas with a collection focused on true crime, paranormal accounts, and historical curiosities. Guided tours through the building's rooms provide information about the history of the objects and their connections to different stories.

This exhibition center presents thirty models of Shelby vehicles, engines, and documents on the history of the American automobile brand. The collection includes various generations of sports cars, technical components, and historical records about the development of the brand. The Shelby Heritage Center adds to the city's range of specialized museums and offers visitors insight into American automotive history. The displays document the technical evolution and design of the vehicles across several decades.

This amusement park covers five acres (two hectares) under an air-conditioned dome at the Circus Circus Hotel and ranks among the weather-independent attractions of Las Vegas. The facility provides roller coasters, arcade games, and attractions for children. As an enclosed theme park, the Adventuredome complements the city's entertainment offerings with rides and interactive gaming options. The climate-controlled environment makes this park an alternative to the outdoor attractions of the desert city.

This 1,149 foot (350 meter) tower includes a revolving restaurant at the top and mechanical rides on the outdoor observation platform. The tower allows visitors to view Las Vegas and the surrounding Nevada desert landscape. The rides include various attractions mounted on the outer edge of the platform. The restaurant completes a full rotation during the dining experience, providing changing perspectives of the city. The observation platform sits at a height that offers an overview of the Las Vegas Strip and nearby mountains.

This observation tower is a half-scale replica of the Parisian Eiffel Tower, located on the grounds of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. The viewing deck stands 460 feet (140 meters) above ground and provides views of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding desert landscape. Visitors reach the deck via an elevator that travels through the steel structure of the tower. This replica ranks among the recognizable landmarks in the city and complements the collection of architectural reproductions and entertainment offerings in Las Vegas.

This racetrack spans 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) and hosts NASCAR races along with other motorsport events. Visitors can participate in driving sessions using racing cars or watch races from the grandstands. The facility includes multiple track configurations, including an oval course and a road course. The speedway offers tours of the facilities and provides insight into the operations of a professional racing venue. This racetrack serves as a significant venue for motorsport enthusiasts visiting Las Vegas, adding a speed and competition oriented experience to the city's entertainment offerings.

This mentalist deciphers audience thoughts and presents predictions at the V Theater in Las Vegas. The show combines mind reading with direct audience participation, with guests actively involved throughout the performance. This act adds an interactive performance to the city's entertainment offerings, complementing the Cirque du Soleil shows, themed hotels, and historic casinos with a different style of presentation.

This facility in Las Vegas offers a freefall simulation in a vertical wind tunnel. Visitors receive training and complete equipment to experience the sensation of skydiving in a controlled environment. The attraction adds to the city's entertainment options with a physical activity that requires no prior skydiving experience. Instructors accompany participants throughout the experience in the climate-controlled indoor tunnel.

This permanent Cirque du Soleil production at MGM Grand presents acrobatics, martial arts, and special effects on a movable stage. The performance combines physical displays with technical elements and tells a story through movement and visual design. The theater was built specifically for this production and features a computer-controlled stage that can tilt, rotate, and move vertically. The show uses projections, pyrotechnics, and complex set pieces to represent different environments while performers execute aerial acrobatics, floor gymnastics, and choreographed combat sequences.

This museum displays costumes, posters, and accessories of burlesque art from the early 20th century to the present. The collection includes historical documents, photographs, and objects that document the development of this entertainment form. The Burlesque Hall of Fame preserves the legacy of notable performers and presents their stage wardrobes, programs, and personal items. Visitors can trace different eras of burlesque history and learn about the artistic and social aspects of this performance tradition. The museum complements the cultural and historical attractions in Las Vegas with its documentation of American entertainment history.

This variety show at Caesars Palace combines circus acts, acrobatics, and comedy in a small tent designed in a vintage style. The performance presents a selection of physically demanding acts and interactive elements aimed at adult audiences. The show's format allows for closer interaction between performers and viewers due to the spatial proximity. This production is part of the entertainment offerings in Las Vegas and regularly features rotating acts with performers from various disciplines. Performances take place in an environment reminiscent of historic circus tents.

This Cirque du Soleil production takes place in a pool holding 1.5 million gallons (5.7 million liters) of water at the Bellagio. Acrobats and divers perform acts in and above the water. The show combines water ballet, synchronized swimming, and acrobatic performances with theatrical elements. The specially constructed theater features a stage that transforms into a water pool. The show is one of the permanent productions in the Las Vegas entertainment offerings, blending athletic skill with technical effects in an aquatic environment.

The Discovery Children Museum adds to the cultural attractions of Las Vegas with educational programs for children. This facility spans three floors and provides a science laboratory, an art zone, and a construction area for hands-on exploration. The museum organizes workshops and educational programs throughout the year, engaging children through interactive activities. This institution combines play-based learning with educational content, allowing children of different ages to develop their curiosity across various subject areas.