If you’re thinking of visiting Las Vegas and looking beyond the dice rolls and nightclub glitter, this is just the article for you. Fear not, for this city isn’t just about high stakes and showgirls; there are hushed corners and serene spaces in Vegas where you can have a vacation in the more traditional meaning of the word. So, let’s shuffle our deck and reveal some of the most surprisingly relaxing things to do in Vegas unrelated to gambling.
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Relax At The Best Spas On The Strip
We’re starting off this list of the best relaxing things to do in Vegas with some of the city’s finest spa centers. Perhaps you’ve gone elbow-deep in poker chips or have been partying till late AM; whatever made you so tired, there’s nothing a fine spa can’t make better. And the Canyon Ranch Spa at The Venetian & The Palazzo, covering an area of 134,000 square feet, is just the place! A couple of other alternatives feature the desert oasis of Sahra Spa & Hammam at The Cosmopolitan or the Waldorf Astoria Spa. Whichever you choose to escape the Las Vegas hustle, you won’t be wrong.
Try The Red Rock Canyon Experience
This list of the best relaxing things to do in Vegas wouldn’t be complete without the Red Rock Canyon Experience. As you approach, the rusty red hues of the rocks (fun fact: they didn’t get their color from blushing at the Strip’s antics) dominate the landscape, offering a panoramic views of pure, unadulterated nature that you probably didn’t expect to find in Vegas (well, technically near it but you get my point). No filters needed here, folks!
Visit The Desert Sanctuary Of Springs Preserve
You see, in a city where the most common birds are perhaps showgirls’ feather headdresses, Springs Preserve comes as a pleasant anomaly. Sprawled across 180 acres, Springs Preserve is where Mother Nature rolled up her sleeves, played her cards right, and created a conservation oasis that came as a real surprise because I never expected to find a place like this so close to the Nevada dessert.
Unwind At Mount Charleston Getaway
Nestling skyward at 11,916 feet, Mount Charleston is one of the best (and coolest) relaxing things to do in Vegas, where you can actually sport those cute sweaters you impulsively packed “just in case.” Eager to stretch those legs without shimmying? Well, Mount Charleston boasts trails that range from the “Look, Ma, no sweat!” kinds to the “Is this how I get those model-worthy calves?” varieties. Whether you’re an occasional stroller or a mountain goat in a past life, there’s a trail with your name written all over it.
Visit The Dolphins At Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden
At the heart of the Mirage, which, by its name, should already prepare you for some delightful illusions, lies a sanctuary that flips (pun intended) your Vegas expectations. Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden isn’t just another splash in the ocean but a genuinely fin-tastic experience. Here, you can relax while seeing the charismatic dolphins that might just be better dancers than some folks you saw at the club last night.
Explore The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Now, hold on to your feathered hats, because Vegas is about to surprise you again. Nestled within the casino’s bustling heart, this habitat is the definition of an oasis in the desert. Spanning 15 acres of tropical paradise, the habitat is one of the best relaxing things to do in Vegas. Palms sway, waterfalls cascade, the sounds of birdsong, and the stars of the show- the flamingos. And the best part? It’s free (yes, you read that right, a freebie in Vegas) and it’s the kind of place where nature seems to wink and say, “Bet you didn’t expect to see me here!”
Admire Amazing Art At The Bellagio
Tucked within the very heart of the city, where fountains dance and fortunes are made (or, let’s be real, lost), the Bellagio unfurls its sophisticated canvas, beckoning art aficionados and curious wanderers alike. Specifically, I’m talking about the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, which, if you’re an art lover, is a place that will not only relax you but also sweep you off your feet. And I’m not talking about the “three cocktails deep at a Vegas lounge” kind of sweep. I mean the “standing in front of a timeless masterpiece with your jaw on the marbled floor” kind of moment.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of relaxing things to do in Orlando and this list of unusual things to do in Orlando.
Catch A Show At The Smith Center Performances
Nestled amidst the sequined bosom of Vegas, discovering The Smith Center is like finding an opera house in the middle of a circus. The entire premises are built and decorated in Art Deco and what you find inside will surely not disappoint you. Whether it’s a soul-stirring orchestra, a theater show, or a jazz ensemble, The Smith Center has it all.
Take A Stroll Around Arts District
Nestled about a mile from the neon glow of Downtown Vegas and the iconic Fremont Street Experience, the Arts District, fondly known as 18b, is a vibrant, pulsing heart of culture and creativity that’s currently much larger than its original 18 blocks. Here, you’ll find galleries, studios, and museums, and see paintings, sculptures, and even theatrical performances (and of course a lot of street art that gives the vibe of an open-air museum too).
Enjoy A Drink Over Ocean Views At Mandarin Bar
I know I wrote ccean views and Vegas is in the desert, but hear me out. Mandarin Bar, nestled high above the bustling streets, is an oasis that offers a panorama that mimics the vast expanse of the ocean, with the Vegas skyline serving as its mesmerizing waves. The place itself is kind of extravagant with its plush sits and dream lights, but it’s also a great place to unwind, relax, and even forget that you’re actually in Vegas. Plus, their signature cocktails are awesome!
Go Golfing
Now, if you’re imagining yourself as the next Tiger Woods or merely an enthusiast who occasionally (read: often) lands in the sandpit, fret not. Vegas caters to both the pros and the ‘just-here-for-the-fun-and-fancy-golf-carts’ crowd. From championship courses that could make seasoned golfers break a sweat (and that’s not just the desert heat) to more forgiving fairways where the stakes aren’t as high as the blackjack tables, there’s a golfing niche for everyone. After all, when you can find ocean views in the middle of an oasis, why wouldn’t you be able to find golf courses (there’s a surprisingly high number of them).
Take A Gondola Ride At The Venetian
We all knew this was coming, so let’s just get it out there. Yes, it’s super touristy, yes, it’s a copy, but this list of relaxing things to do in Vegas wouldn’t be complete without it. No, it won’t make you feel like taking a trip to Venice because you’re in Vegas, but getting on that gondola is a pretty relaxing experience, not gonna lie. Buckle up (or should I say, cast off?) and enter the charming realm of the Gondola Rides at The Venetian (one of our favorite relaxing things to do in Vegas).
Enjoy The Sunset Views At The Stratosphere
So, you reckon the best sunsets are reserved for beaches or mountaintops? Well, there are no beaches and mountaintops in Vegas, so insert the Stratosphere Tower. Rising like a phoenix (or a rather tall cocktail glass) from the glittery chaos of the Strip, the sunset views from the top of the tower are one of the most relaxing things to do in Vegas. And friends, the views from this vantage point are as intoxicating as a Vegas night itself.
Visit The Ethel M Chocolate Factory And Cactus Garden
This list of relaxing things to do in Vegas couldn’t be complete without the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, or how I like to refer to it, the place where Willy Wonka meets the Wild West. And, yes the tour of the chocolate factory includes tasting too (it would be a pretty lame tour if it didn’t). But inside the factory, in addition to seeing and learning about everything related to cocoa/chocolate, you can also find a large cactus garden, actually the largest one in North America, with over 300 species of cacti and dessert plants. A bit of a weird combination, but a pretty unique and relaxing place, worthy of a mention in this article.
Attend The Mirage Volcano Show
Set against the watery facade of the Mirage’s lagoon, as nightfall descends, things begin to heat up, literally. With rhythmic drumbeats providing a tantalizing prelude, this show is one of the best relaxing things to do in Vegas. Fireballs shoot into the sky, synchronized with spirited beats, turning the night into a fiery fiesta. If you’ve ever wanted to see a volcano, sans the ash and lava running down streets, this is your golden ticket.
But there’s more! (There’s always more in Vegas.) The soundtrack for this eruptive escapade? Crafted by none other than the legends of percussion, Mickey Hart and Zakir Hussain. Talk about drumming up an inferno!
Yet, amidst the flames and fervor, here’s what’s truly awe-inspiring: it’s all free. In a city where the house usually wins, here’s a spectacle where everyone leaves feeling a bit richer. The heat, the beats, the fiery feats—it’s nature meets neon in the most Vegas way imaginable.
Have A Relaxing Day By The Pool
Yes, we gave you a lot of great suggestions on relaxing things to do in Vegas, but some days you just feel lazy and don’t want to do anything, and it doesn’t get more relaxing than staying near your resort’s pool and instead of bass-pounding music, let the soft rustling of Balinese-style cabanas serenade you.
Wander Around The Open-Air Tivoli Village
Last but not least, we wrap up this list of relaxing things to do in Vegas with Tivoli Village. At first glance, you might think you’ve been whisked away on a spontaneous Euro-trip. Cobblestone walkways, quaint little boutiques, and artisanal eateries that scream ‘la dolce vita’ – Tivoli is like that surprise ingredient in your cocktail, the one that takes the whole experience from “Mmm” to “Oh wow, bartender, what’s in this?” Yes, it’s a shopping plaza, but you can also find quiet cafes where you can sip a cup of coffee and do a bit of people watching, and read a book or take a sneak peek into an artisan’s workshop.
How did you like our list of relaxing things to do in Vegas? Did you ever try any of these things? Do you know of any other relaxing things to do in Vegas for a different experience? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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