130 Best Sights in Nevada, USA

When the Fontainebleau opened on the North Strip in late 2023, it defined the idiom \"a long time coming.\" The project was born in 2005, but the effects of the Great Recession that soon followed kicked off nearly two decades of ping-ponging ownership and conceptual changes stemming from financial issues and shifting market conditions. Finally, the towering hulk of a construction site that had cast a damper of blight on the neighborhood was transformed into a gleaming point of pride. The sparkling blue resort rises 67 stories, making it the tallest habitable building in the state (the 108-story Strat is still the tallest structure, though most of it is elevator shafts) , and has a 3,644-room hotel, 550,000 square feet of convention and meeting space, the BleauLive showroom that quickly drew headliners and dozens of restaurants and retail outlets. Signature bow ties dot the exterior, the wall behind the front desk, the carpeting—just about anywhere you look.

Like a growing number of Strip resorts, the Fontainebleau has amassed a collection of fine art, which is displayed throughout the public areas. Outside, you'll find Gonzalo Lebrija's \"History of Suspended Time,\" a huge automobile suspended vertically over and nearly touching the surface of a pond. Three works by Urs Fischer—the 46-foot-tall metal sculpture \"Lovers #3,\" and the paintings \"The Touch\" and \"The Eye\"—are in the South Lobby. Elsewhere you'll find \"Oceans,\" a sculpture that mimics the shape of Fontainebleau Miami Beach; Richard Prince's five-panel \"Untitled 2018–2019;\" Ivan Navarro's \"Mirage;\" and dozens of others.

The Experience was originally the name for the 1,450-foot arched canopy that was built 90 feet above \"Glitter Gulch,\" downtown's main drag, to revive its sadly fading epicenter. The plan worked, slowly but spectacularly—now the whole street is an \"experience.\" The Viva Vision synchronized light shows, which run the length of the canopy, got a $32-million makeover in 2019 and now sparkle with LED lights (officially touted as \"16.4 million brilliant pixels\") to create displays that are seven times brighter and four times sharper than previous versions. The brief shows are themed, such as the salutes to homegrown rockers The Killers and Las Vegas–based music producer Steve Aoki. They play five to seven times a night, depending on the time of year, and the six-minute presentations change regularly.

The upgrades to the overhead show were necessary to keep up with the carnival atmosphere on the street. Costumed characters and street performers vie for attention with the live bands playing on two stages, and outdoor bars now line the fronts of the historic casinos, the bar tops doubling as stages for dancing showgirls. Thrill-seekers can ride one of two zip lines beneath the length of the canopy; the zips emerge from the face of the world's largest slot machine, appropriately dubbed SlotZilla.

In summer, there's also free live music on stages adjacent to The D Las Vegas and Circa Las Vegas. Go ahead and sing at the top of your lungs; there's so much going on that nobody will even notice.

Once a (seedy) casino, the Gold Spike was resuscitated as part of the late Tony Hsieh's $350-million Downtown Project. In this case, that means gambling is out and free gaming is in. Gaming, as in shuffleboard, giant versions of Connect Four, and, on the back patio, life-size Jenga and beer pong with soccer balls and garbage pails. There's also a small restaurant, multiple bars (check out the bar truck named Recess), hookah, and more. The place is still a haven for Zappos employees, but the hot spot that bills itself as an \"adult playground\" is open to the public and has become a popular place for locals, visitors, and hipsters to hang, too, especially during weekday happy hour.

Let a gondolier \"o sole mio\" you down Vegas's rendition of Venice's Grand Canal. We love this attraction because it's done so well—the late owner Sheldon Adelson was obsessed with getting the canals just right: he had them drained and repainted three times before he was satisfied with the hue, and the colossal reproduction of St. Mark's Square at the end of the canal is authentic right down to the colors of the facades. The gondoliers who ply the waterway are professional entertainers and train for two weeks to maneuver the canals. It all makes for a rather entertaining way to while away an hour on the Strip. Outdoor gondola rides along the resort's exterior waterway are also available, weather permitting. Photo packages are available with all rides. Whether or not you ride, keep your eyes peeled for The Gondolier March at 9:45 am and 4:20 pm, as they begin or end the day in song.

Located about 5 miles from the park just outside of the town of Baker, the center has exhibits on the flora, fauna, and geology of the park. Books, videos, and souvenirs are for sale. Water is available.

The Roman Catholic cathedral often has standing-room only on Saturday afternoon, as visitors pray for luck—and sometimes drop casino chips into the collection cups during the tourist-friendly mass. According to tradition, a priest known as the \"chip monk\" periodically collects the chips and takes them to the respective casinos to cash them in. There are daily masses, with four on Sundays.

A consistent presence since 1988, The Gun Store puts you on the range with a machine gun of your choice. When you walk in, you're greeted with a wall full of weapons, including still-functional weapons from history. Pick your era: hose the target a steady diet of lead Cagney-style with a Thompson. World War II buffs might go for an MP40 Schmeisser. Have a flair for the international? Grab an Uzi or Sten. They've got handguns, rifles, and shotguns, too. The guns are real, but some of the packages offer fanciful paper targets of space aliens. Save the next-door Tiki di Amore for after, as a sign out front warns intoxicated persons away.

The massive Harley-Davidson dealership on the south end of the Strip is ultimate destination for hog lovers. You can window-shop or even buy a bike right off the showroom floor, with financing and even shipping available—or rent one through Eagle Rentals ( 844/378–3060  www.eaglerider.com), which operates a branch office on the premises. There’s also a specialized service department and a riding academy for newbie and experienced riders, some of them including a license waiver. And if you’re looking for Harley merchandise—from vests to T-shirts to onesies for babies—you aren’t likely to find a better selection anyplace else. 

Chocoholics will rejoice at the sight of the two-story West Coast flagship of Hershey's Chocolate, which is a part of the streetscape fronting New York–New York. The attraction stocks more than 800 types of candies and includes a nearly 800-pound Statue of Liberty made of milk chocolate. Visitors can personalize Hershey's chocolate bar wrappers, star in a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup TV ad, marvel at the Kisses and Jolly Rancher flavor walls, or indulge in a chocolate shake, Double Chocolate S'more, or another sweet treat from the bakery.

Standing more than 100 feet taller than the London Eye, the 550-foot-tall High Roller is the largest observation wheel in North America. The giant Ferris wheel at the east end of The LINQ features 28 glass-enclosed cabins, each of which is equipped to hold up to 40 passengers. One full rotation takes about 30 minutes, with visitors getting one-of-a-kind views of Sin City and the surrounding Las Vegas Valley. The experience begins and ends in a state-of-the-art wheelhouse, where visitors can read about the engineering behind the project as they wait in line, buy drinks to take with them on the ride, or pick up souvenirs commemorating the spin. There's also a Happy Half Hour option, which includes unlimited drinks and a bartender. The best time to ride the wheel is nighttime, when 2,000 LED lights on the wheel itself create an otherworldly vibe.

Youngsters answer questions and complete activities related to the park and then are sworn in as Junior Rangers, complete with a Great Basin badge.

Formerly known as Pole Position, this electric miniature race car track is now part of a chain with locations all over the country. If it's no longer a uniquely Las Vegas experience, it's still likely the only location next door to a casino (The Palms). And the appeal of souped-up carts that reach up to 45 mph is undeniable on a hot summer day. You and up to 12 competitors zip around the ¼-mile indoor track full of twists and turns. Computers track your overall performance from race to race, and over multiple visits. You'll get a score sheet giving a detailed score breakdown to compare with your friends. There's a pizza lounge with beer and wine for spectators.

This 320-acre, man-made lake outside Henderson is regarded for its golf courses, boating, fishing, and hotels. Two resorts sit on the lake shore: Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa and The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa. The lake was created by an earthen dam in 1991.

Protecting much of the lake's eastern shore from development, this park consists of several sections that stretch from Incline Village to Zephyr Cove. Beaches and trails provide access to a wilder side of the lake, whether you're into cross-country skiing, hiking, or just relaxing at a picnic. With a gently sloping beach for lounging, crystal clear water for swimming and snorkeling, and a picnic area shaded by cedars and pines, Sand Harbor Beach sometimes reaches capacity by 11 am on summer weekends. A handicap-accessible nature trail has interpretive signs and beautiful lake views. Pets are not allowed on the beach from mid-April through mid-October. Parking is $10 for cars with Nevada plates, $15 for out-of-state cars. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking.

The emergence of the offbeat Las Vegas Arts District (which comprises 18 blocks bounded by South 7th, Main, Bonneville, and Charleston Streets on Downtown's southeastern corner) continues to generate excitement in the city's arts community and, increasingly, among visitors. With a number of funky, independent art galleries in its confines, the area is a growing, thriving cultural hub—think of it as the Anti-Strip. In addition to the galleries—some of which contain impressive collections of locally known and world-famous artists—you'll find interesting eateries, craft cocktails galore, and dive bars to serve the alternative artists, musicians, and writers who have gravitated to the neighborhood. Each month the district hosts a First Friday gallery walk from 5 to 11 pm, with gallery openings, street performers, and entertainment. It's an excellent time to come check out the steadily improving scene for yourself.

The newest addition to downtown Summerlin is also the home of the Las Vegas Aviators, the Class-AAA affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. The 10,000-seat stadium opened in time for the 2019 season and was named the best Triple-A Minor League park in 2019 by Baseball Digest. Amenities include breathable mesh seats to keep fans cool during summer, a kids’ zone, and a pool beyond the outfield wall (to name a few). General admission tickets go for as low as $17 a pop, and there are two tiers of seats with prices that include two beers and all-you-can-eat food. There are vegetarian menu options, including a smoked tofu bowl. The stadium replaces Cashman Field, a circa-1983 downtown ballpark that was home to the team under its previous name, the Las Vegas 51s.

If your kids are into animals (or taxidermy), they'll love this museum, where every continent and geological age is represented. You're greeted by a 35-foot-tall roaring T. rex in the dinosaur gallery that features Shonisaurus, Nevada's state fossil. From there, you can enjoy rooms full of sharks (including live ones, swimming in a 3,000-gallon reef tank), birds, cavemen, and scenes from the African savanna. Kids especially enjoy the various hands-on exhibits; the Young Scientist Center offers youngsters the opportunity to investigate fossils and animal tracks up close. After that, tour the Wild Nevada Gallery, where kids can see, smell, and even touch Nevada wildlife. Two-for-one ticket coupons are available online.

Looking for a place to stroll with a view? These nine labyrinths ranging in length from 25 to 55 feet blanket a hill overlooking the casinos and the Colorado River. Watch for a small sign and parking area halfway between Bruce Woodbury and South Casino drives.

See several different sports franchises under one roof. This indoor events center (formerly The Dollar Loan Center) is home to the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League, the Vegas Knight Hawks of the Indoor Football League, the Vegas Thrill women's pro volleyball team, and the Las Vegas Desert Dogs lacrosse squad. The arena also houses the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame and the Craggy Range Sports Bar & Grill, which is open when there's an event at the venue. 

Regularly scheduled cave tours lasting 60 or 90 minutes depart from here (make sure to get your tickets early). The Mountain View Nature Trail encircles the center and includes a historic cabin and the original cave entrance. Buy gifts at the bookstore or take a snack break at the seasonal café. There’s also a replica of the park’s famed caves you can walk through.

This picnic site, with tables, water, and restrooms (the latter two available during the summer), is a short walk from the visitor center. Summer hours are often extended beyond the standard 8 am–4:30 pm.

Tucked just inside the main Strip entrance to the MGM Grand resort, this expansive space is a playground for adults, complete with a great bar. A variety of arcade games can be found among the vibrantly colored decor, as well as a 2,000-square-foot arena called Zero Latency, where teams of up to eight people can immerse themselves in three virtual-reality experiences. But much of the energy comes from the live sports being broadcast on 30 big screens, as well as the nightly live music. Erstwhile hipsters can relive their glory days during 1980s nights on Mondays, while Latin-music fans can indulge in La Noche on Saturdays.

Games include everything from Pop-A-Shot and foosball to shuffleboard and more; most cost about $1 apiece. There also are three virtual-reality experiences for teams of up to eight: Zombie Survival (about the inevitable apocalypse); the military-space challenge Singularity; and Engineerium, set in a world of oversize floating mythical creatures. Plus there are live sports on giant screens, theme nights, and live music or a DJ nightly.

Tucked far away in the rugged backcountry, Lexington Arch is six stories high, looming over Lexington Creek. While most arches are made of sandstone, this arch is limestone, more often associated with caves. That leads some to believe it was once a passage in a cave system. The 5.4-mile (round-trip) hike to the arch is challenging, with little to no shade. Hiking boots, sunscreen, water, and snacks are essential. It’s the one and only trail in the park where pets are allowed (on a 6-foot leash). The arch is actually located south of Snake Creek, outside of the small town of Garrison, Utah. Only high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended on the dirt road leading to it.  Traveling to the arch can be dangerous, as the road becomes rougher the closer you get to the trailhead. Make sure to stop driving before you get in trouble and walk the rest of the way, which could be up to a mile.

Yes, the name is confusing, but The LINQ Promenade—the shopping, dining, and entertainment complex between the Flamingo and The LINQ hotel—is worth the trip. Some of the notable attractions include the two-story I Love Sugar, complete with \"candy martini bar\"; Sweet Sin, which specializes in gelato and macarons; a namesake comedy club for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel (who grew up in Las Vegas); and Brooklyn Bowl, which is one-part bowling alley, one-part live music venue. Of course, there's O'Shea's Pub, the new iteration of the Irish-theme casino that was razed to create the new streetscape. The big draw, however, is the High Roller, a 550-foot-tall observation wheel with spectacular views of the city.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the rustic chapel has been hosting wedding ceremonies since 1942; it's a landmark on the South Strip, the doors often thrown open to provide views of the candlelit interior. The six basic wedding packages range from the simple The Elopement for the couple only (no guests), to the Desert Stardust, with unlimited guests, a 24-rose bouquet, limo for six to the chapel, a professional photography session, and more. You can choose a traditional minister to officiate, or you can get Elvis, a Mini Elvis, or Johnny Cash. The chapel also offers weddings at the nearby Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign if you're—you know—a traditionalist, or at the Las Vegas Harley-Davidson dealership, for hog lovers. Options include gowns, tuxes, cakes, a livestream, videos, and more.

This cedar-and-redwood chapel on the South Strip is one of the city's most famous. The kitsch is kept under control, and the setting borders on picturesque (it's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places—ah, Vegas). Since it opened in 1942, the church has been the site of more celebrity marriages than any other chapel in the world.

The list of ALWWC alums is impressive: Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Michael Jordan, Britney Spears, and Frank Sinatra. Patty Duke liked it so much, she got married here twice. Try the Hawaiian theme, where the minister plays a ukulele and blows into a conch shell to close out the ceremony. Or, get hitched in a pink Cadillac while an Elvis impersonator croons. One of the five chapels is a drive-through, for the ultimate in shotgun weddings.

The Moapa Valley has one of the finest collections of ancestral Puebloan artifacts in the American Southwest. Lost City, officially known as Pueblo Grande de Nevada, was a major outpost of the ancient culture. The museum's artifacts include baskets, weapons, a restored Basketmaker pit house, reconstructed pueblo houses, and black-and-white photographs of the excavation of Lost City in the 1920s and '30s. To get to the Lost City Museum from Valley of Fire, pass the park's east entrance and head north onto Northshore Drive, which becomes state route 169, toward Overton.

Welcome to the land of the Egyptians—Vegas-style. This modern-world wonder is topped with a xenon light beam that burns brighter than any other in the world and can be seen from nearly anywhere in the Valley at night; it's supposedly visible even from space. The exterior is made with 13 acres of black glass, and you won't easily forget elevators; climbing the slanted walls of the Luxor pyramid requires four \"inclinators\" to reach guest rooms. Above the casino is the world's largest atrium—you get the full impact of the space from the second floor, where the 13 whole-body specimens and 260 organs and partial body specimens of Bodies ... The Exhibition offers a look at what makes us tick. Or take in Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, or Discovering King Tut's Tomb; if you're 21 and older, you can play around on the physical, memory, and puzzle games in the Play Playground bar. And you may be interested in the new e-sports arena HyperX (the only one currently in Las Vegas), which replaced the hotel's dance club and offers gaming opportunities when it's not in use for scheduled competitions. This also is the site of one of the city's remaining buffets. For something entirely unique, head outside the casino, walk past the porte cochere, and follow the sidewalk inside a replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza. Only in Vegas.

Swanky nightclub meets gun range in this only-in-Vegas addition to the scene. In an industrial neighborhood just west of the Interstate, \"MGV\" (as it's known) offers 10 indoor shooting lanes, including two in a VIP area (It's Vegas), as well as a number of outdoor lanes. Visitors have dozens of firearms to choose from, and you can be part of \"Seal Team 6\" or a \"Femme Fatale\" with pink weaponry. Package deals all include multiple guns and supervised instruction.