13 Unique Things to Do on Your Next Trip to Las Vegas

Just because an iconic sign is no longer on the strip doesn't mean it's gone forever, especially if it belongs in The Neon Museum's extensive collection. Its "boneyard," which is filled with gems from Caesars Palace, Golden Nugget, and the Stardust, can be explored on ticketed tours all day and night. Only a small amount of the signs are actually lit in the evening, so while afternoon tours are preferred for an aficionado looking for up-close details, nighttime tours can be an ideal predinner activity. Don't skip the gift shop on your way out, either — housed in the former La Concha Motel lobby, which was broken into eight pieces and rebuilt in its new location, it offers goodies like neon-sign-shaped magnets and vintage-inspired t-shirts.

If most Vegas all-you-can-eats are meant for stuffing your face (and, well, making up for all that lost cash), The Buffet at Wynn is in an entirely different category. Its whimsical decor, anchored by floral-and-fruit pillars, makes it feel more like an Alice in Wonderland-themed eatery or decadent tea parlor than a bottomless spectacle. Take your pick from made-to-order street tacos, grain salads, sushi, and meats, and whatever you do, save room for dessert. The candy apples, ice cream, and chocolate fountain are all delicious, not to mention Instagram gold.

If the Las Vegas strip is synonymous with bustling crowds and headache-inducing lights, think of the Mandarin Oriental as a luxurious oasis in the midst of the chaos. The 47-story building is gambling- and smoke-free, trading the dinging noise of slot machines and cigarette puffs for delicately perfumed hallways, high-end facilities, and a serene, party-free pool. It's a bit of a splurge, sure, but retiring to a pristine, pin-drop-quiet hotel with plush beds and blackout curtains so dark you'll forget you're in Vegas is worth it, and easily more enjoyable than a late-night Calvin Harris set.

They've thought of everything in Las Vegas, which thankfully includes rock-'n'-roll-themed putt-putt. To get to Kiss by Monster Mini Golf, you'll have to walk the length of Rio's gambling floor — a jarring reality to the casino-averse traveler — but with one glimpse of the black-light decor, it'll be worth it. Perfect for groups and undeniably fun for couples, the course has visitors vying for a hole-in-one through oversize guitars and neon obstacles, culminating in the opportunity to tap a ball right into Gene Simmons's mouth by way of that notorious tongue. It doesn't matter if you're a fan or not — the wall art outlines the band's history — but if you happen to be diehard, the back area serves as a mini museum to the band, complete with a wedding chapel.

Push past the craps table and casino crowds, hang a left, and prepare to be surprised. Though it feels like some sort of underground secret, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is truly a first-class mini museum displaying some of the most noteworthy artists to date. Exhibits change seasonally, but most recently, artwork by Picasso and Degas was on display for a moderate admission fee.

Fremont Street is considered a must see when in Vegas, but as a bar- and casino-packed walkway with Times Square vibes, the atmosphere can leave much to the imagination. Thankfully, there's Slotzilla, a thrilling 12-story-high zipline that lets you take in the decades-old glimmering neon signs and oversize video canopy while flying as fast as 40 miles an hour. Part old Vegas, part new, but altogether exciting, it's one of the best ways to take in the city.

Hop in the car and drive about 10 minutes from the strip to be rewarded with a row of delightful vintage shops selling furniture, clothing, home goods, and plenty of branded souvenirs from beloved old casinos. Main Street hosts plenty of options, like Retro Vegas, a vintage shop-in-shop offering midcentury furniture and throwback clothing, and just a few blocks away is Glam Factory, one of Vegas's best. The carefully curated shop, which is stockpiled with men's and women's clothing, has a delightfully wide selection of bold colors and patterned frocks at reasonable prices.

Escape from the pulsating music and overpriced bottle service and instead opt for a low-key lounge, like Frankie's Tiki Bar, where the boozy drinks are delicious and won't break the bank. Everything on the lengthy trifold menu is just $10-$25 if you opt for one of its commissioned signature tiki glasses — and easily ranks among the best beverages you'll have on your trip. Lean into summertime vibes with a fruity Malekula, or opt for a well-balanced classic, like Three Dots and a Dash. With tranquil-themed watering holes like these, drinking in Vegas no longer has to be a pricey outing.

Brunch doesn't need to be a mimosa-laden affair, especially in the city of sin. The kitschy local Omelet House, which has three locations within a short drive of the strip, offers a never-ending menu of 38 different fluffy omelets, each of which comes with delicious homemade potato chips and banana bread. (The charmingly home-style decor of the location at Charleston and Rancho is a favorite.)

Skip bringing guilt home as a souvenir and instead fill up on over-the-top memorabilia like cheesy visors and glittery magnets at Bonanza Gifts. The quirky pins and shot glasses are ideal low-cost take-homes, and the photo op of the oversize sign at this self-proclaimed World's Largest Gift Shop is just an added bonus.

Some of the world's best chefs have opened outposts in Las Vegas, and if you play your proverbial cards right, you'll never see 'em. Bypass the ritzy restaurants and pricey dinners and instead take a time machine back to when velvet upholstery, neon lighting, and rainbow-colored drinks were all the rage at the Peppermill. Order a Melon Ball at the sunken fire pit by its Fireside Lounge before devouring impossibly huge portions of comfort foods while tucked into its signature tree-topped purple booths, all while steering clear of the shocking signature drink: a potent 64-ounce Scorpion.

If you are not completely gambling-averse but have no clue how to handle video poker, save your money for a much more worthy cause: Vegas's Pinball Hall of Fame. The meticulously restored machines, many of whose origins stretch from across the last century, are a joy to experience, even if you don't hit a high score.

Pro tip: Don't miss the popcorn self-vend machine (!), which fills up a bag of the carnival favorite for a couple of coins.

The lobby of the Bellagio doubles as a glass-ceilinged conservatory and botanical garden that changes its wild and decorative interior — complete with running fountains, oversize plants, and lush greenery — every season. If it's animals you're after, there's plenty of that at Vegas's massive hotels, too. Mandalay Bay offers a walk-through tank at its Shark Reef Aquarium, the Flamingo hotel has an entire wildlife habitat, and the Golden Nugget even lets guests take a water slide straight through a herd of sharks.