Splashy hotels, show-stopping numbers, and—let’s face it—sensory overload. That’s Vegas, baby. But look past Sin City’s extravagance if you can, and you’ll find lots of local charm, open desert, and adrenaline-fueled adventures to soak up. Ready to go all in? First, tell us more about you.

On the north edge of the Stratosphere Tower, an electric-green claw-like contraption called Insanity extends outward 64 feet. As the ride spins faster and faster (eventually reaching speeds of up to 40 mph), your seat is lifted to a 70-degree angle by centrifugal force, offering a bird’s-eye view of the street, 900 feet below. And you thought the nickel slots were exhilarating. Ready to return to terra firma? The fastest way down is on SkyJump, an 855-foot, controlled free fall (think base jumping with a safety wire) from the 108th floor to ground level. 

Red Rock Casino Resort:

With 18 projectors and 213 individual monitors, this spread’s sportsbook is the place to be when March Madness tips off.

The D Hotel:

Feeling parched? Post up at this downtown hot spot’s aptly named Longbar, which spans the length of the casino.

Green Valley Ranch:

This Henderson resort’s bingo hall caters to purists and progressives: Both paper and electronic cards are available during the eight daily sessions.

Slotzilla:

Soar 10 stories above the Fremont Street district on the 1,700-foot-long “Zoomline” at speeds of more than 35 mph.

High Roller at LINQ:

Nighttime is the right time for a half-hour ride on the world’s tallest Ferris wheel.

Mini Baja Chase:

Race across the Nellis Dunes in a custom-built buggy. Four-, five-, and six-seat vehicles are perfect for families.

For about 15,000 years, there was abundant artesian-spring water in these parts. Bubbling springs seeped up through the desert floor, creating the grassy meadows that explorers called las vegas. Sitting just west of downtown on the site of the former water source, the 180-acre Springs Preserve offers visitors interactive exhibits, hiking trails, botanical gardens, live animals, and a glimpse at a sustainable future. Don’t miss the live-action flash flood demonstration in the Origen Museum, where 5,000 gallons of recycled water whoosh through a recreated desert ravine every 20 minutes. 

Red Rock Canyon:

Drive the 13-mile scenic loop or lace up your hiking boots. Either way, keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and desert tortoises. 

Lake Mead:

Vegas Water Sports offers instructor-led excursions like wakesurfing, waterskiing, and kneeboarding, with the Hoover Dam as a backdrop.

Mt. Charleston:

Cool mountain breezes, piney forests, and seasonal waterfalls might make you feel a million miles from the Strip, but this alpine retreat is just 45 minutes northwest. 

Bali Hai Golf Club:

Grab an extra sleeve of balls: This pristine, South Pacific–inspired course boasts 7 acres of water features. 

TPC Las Vegas: 

The daunting par-3 second features an island-like green with a 10-foot drop to the desert floor.

The Wynn Golf Club

Take a swing at this Tom Fazio and Steve Wynn–designed par-70 with the help of a professional caddy and Callaway club rentals. 

Sure, you’ve heard of Penn & Teller—the tall guy with the ponytail and his silent sidekick. Maybe you’ve seen their series on The CW, which returns for a third season this spring. But how well do you really know the comedy-magic duo? Stick around after the show at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, where they’ve performed for the past 15 years, for a free meet-and-greet (a rarity in Vegas, but these guys are known for breaking the “rules”). Snap a selfie, get your ticket stub signed, play it cool when Penn calls you “boss,” and find out if Teller actually talks.

Miracle Mile Shops:

This 1.2-mile complex at Planet Hollywood boasts LED video screens, people movers, and close to 200 stores and restaurants.

Grand Canal Shoppes:

With gondola rides and cobblestone walkways, this luxury mall inside The Venetian and The Palazzo offers a shopping experience straight out of Italy. 

Fashion Show Mall:

Catch models strutting down the runway, wearing high-end threads sold inside this 2-million-square-foot shopping center. 

The Griffin:

Slip past the black curtain into a cavernous interior, where cozy fire pits and a well-stocked jukebox make for a mellow night out. 

Don’t Tell Mama:

So you think you can sing? Line up for the open mic (every night) at this New York–style piano lounge.

Commonwealth:
Head up to the rooftop deck for strong drinks, sweeping vistas, and a DJ-spun soundtrack.

In a city that’s home to celebrity chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants, some of the best off-the-Strip eats can be found in … shipping containers? It’s Vegas; you can’t make this stuff up. Downtown Container Park, an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment district made of more than 40 stacked and conjoined freight vessels, is a key cog in the rebirth of downtown. Our top picks for mid-spree refueling: smothered egg biscuits off The Perch’s brunch menu, a gourmet hot dog from Cheffini’s, and a handmade cocktail ice pop (available Fridays and Saturdays only) from ChillSpot by SasaSweets.

Andiron Steak & Sea:

Restaurateuring power couple Kim Canteenwalla and Elizabeth Blau struck again when they opened this space in Summerlin last March.

Mr Chow:

Dishes are served family-style at this renowned palace of Chinese cuisine, which debuted at Caesars Palace in December. 

Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill:

Three culinary spaces (a robata grill, raw bar, and open kitchen) unite at this cele-brated eatery, set to open at Grand Canal Shoppes this spring.

District One Kitchen & Bar:
The heady Mekong River noodle soup at this Vietnamese-inspired joint near Spring Valley will only set you back $9.95.

Viva Las Arepas:

Order the namesake dish at this counter-service Venezuelan spot just north of the Strip. The wood-fired, shredded chicken arepas (tip: add avocado) are our fave.

Pizza Rock:

Ask for a Cal Italia, made with sweet fig preserves, prosciutto, balsamic reduction, and four types of cheese at this downtown parlor.