The Best Hidden Gems in Las Vegas: Going Off the Beaten Path
LT Globetrotter
With so much to do right on the Las Vegas Strip, you could go an entire week without venturing out, and you’d still not see everything.
But if you’re headed out to the Entertainment Capital of the World for the second or third time (or just want to do things differently), check out these Las Vegas hidden gems that could easily go under the radar—but shouldn’t!
Contents
The Berlin Wall at Main Street Station Casino
The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails
The Other Side to America's Playground
Valley of Fire State Park
Just an hour’s drive from the sights, sounds, and endless action of the city is this stop of raw beauty. This natural fiery red sandstone formation is something to behold, offering visitors opportunities to spot ancient petroglyphs that go back thousands of years, plus hidden arches and caves.
Take it all in and learn a bit at the visitor center featuring exhibits highlighting the geology, ecology, and history of the region. This is a great escape from the Vegas hustle and bustle!
Secret Pizza
Somewhere in the Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino, this elusive pizza place is a must-find if you can find it.
Their only clue for guests? Follow your nose. In all reality, you shouldn’t have a hard time locating it if you have internet access (it’s on the third floor, but don’t tell anyone you got that from us). The main reason it makes it on this list is because this speakeasy-style place makes seriously good pizza worth locating.
Bonus speakeasy tip: head to the tucked away Ghost Donkey bar in the Cosmopolitan for off-beat vibes, Latin tunes, and a great tequila and mezcal menu.
Related: A Fiesta-Worthy Margarita for Cinco de Mayo
Seven Magic Mountains
Behold this majestic convergence of art and nature amidst the vast Mojave Desert. Rising out of the barren landscape just south of Las Vegas, these towering stacks of colorfully bright boulders somehow feel futuristic and ancient at the same time.
Created by internationally-renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, this art installation pits a colorful exhibit utilizing nature up against the endless skies and faraway mountains. It’s a surreal experience and absolutely worth getting off the beaten path for, just ten miles south of Las Vegas.
Pinball Hall of Fame
Pinball is as much fun as it is now a part of history. Come play and take it all in at what is both a fun off-the-beaten-path jaunt as well as museum experience.
Currently, pinball machines range from the 1950s up to the 1990s. You can spend a nice chunk of time just walking around seeing what themed games there are, but don’t forget to play! Because this is a non-profit, it’s all pure pinball with the profits kicking up to charities.
The Berlin Wall at Main Street Station Casino
Still a mystery how it got here, a stretch of the actual Berlin Wall is on display in a Las Vegas casino. Who would have thought?
The only catch is that it’s located in a men’s room at the Main Street Casino, literally positioned behind three urinals, protected, thankfully, by glass. Since it is a piece of history, women can still see it, escorted by security. Of course, this may be a quick stop on your hidden gem tour, so plan on enjoying a pint at the Triple 7 microbrewery also right on-site.
The Underground
Most know to visit the Mob Museum when in Vegas, but not everyone knows to head downstairs to the Underground, their very own intimate speakeasy.
Head downstairs, ring a bell, share the password, and enter into the prohibition-style bar and distillery, producing some not-so-illicit moonshine. Enjoy a glass of the strong stuff or any number of Prohibition-era cocktails like the Bee’s Knees, all while surrounded by artifacts from the 1920s.
Related: 5 Must-Try Caribbean Cocktails
Springs Preserve
Spanning over 180 acres, this lush oasis features botanical gardens, walking trails, interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and a range of educational opportunities delving into the biodiversity and ecological importance of the area, great if you have the kids along for a family Vegas vacation.
This natural sanctuary is a wonderful getaway from the city lights, perfect for nature lovers or any visitor looking for a change of pace amidst a naturally stunning landscape.
The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails
Here’s another secret culinary oasis somewhere within The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino. The best part about this speakeasy is that the barbershop part of it isn’t just a front – you can get a haircut or a close shave while sipping on an expertly crafted cocktail.
To enter, look for a janitor door and take a step back in time to a prohibition-era parlor with rich features that are a feast for the eyes, a must-find especially for whiskey-lovers. This is one of the only bar experiences that will have you looking better on the way out!
Omega Mart by Meow Wolf
Where art meets the supermarket. This bright, would-you-look-at-that art installation takes an everyday activity and elevates it into an immersive art experience. A hidden gem in and of itself, it contains hidden gems within its walls as well – every door or cereal box may lead to new adventures.
Lose yourself amongst the endless aisles of discovery and follow a story of a family-owned store turned mega-mart, turned into mega art. You can purchase most of what you see in this supermarket, but it will be the art you’re buying, hence the price tags you’ll find.
For a hidden gem within a hidden gem: find the semi-secret Datamosh bar located somewhere inside for a relaxing break from faux-shopping!
Related: Explore the Hidden Gems of Venice
Red Rock Canyon
If Grand Canyon is more of an on-the-beaten-path natural wonder, depart from the crowds for breathtaking Red Rock Canyon, just west of Las Vegas. Situated in the Mojave Desert, this oasis boasts stunning red sandstone rock formations, massive cliffs, and a range of hiking trails.
Affected by millions of years of geological processes, you’ll see a natural palette of colors, especially during sunrise and sunset. Bring your boots to walk off the fine dining of the city and discover tucked away waterfalls and ancient petroglyphs. This experience is a perfect way to blend city and nature, and a reminder of the raw beauty that the city of Las Vegas was built upon.
Dig This
Ever wanted to crush, smash, and tear things up with excavators and other heavy-duty equipment?
You’re in luck. Dig This just south of Las Vegas is a heavy dose of fun for families (there are mini excavators for kids), or groups looking to smash stuff up without consequences. Dig trenches, move 1,000 lb.+ tires, and crush cars to your heart’s content. Trainers will ensure you’re operating the machinery like a pro, and you’ll even earn a certificate for your destructive accomplishments.
Atomic Liquors
Today, Vegas represents a modern America at the cutting edge of technology (just look at the popular Sphere), but the history of Vegas is a rich one. There was a heyday to this town that is celebrated, infamous, and missed by many.
For a taste of that past, you might as well just enter into it. Atomic Liquors is Las Vegas’s first free-standing bar, and it’s still standing today. Notable clientele used to include the legendary Rat Pack (including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.), Barbara Streisand, and Clint Eastwood. For a break from the modern Vegas experience, this is your way into the Vegas of old.
The Other Side to America’s Playground
Las Vegas is so much more than its casinos and clubs, and is so much more than a bachelor or bachelorette party destination. It’s an eclectic city that puts the emphasis on fun – and always on a grand scale. Discover the hidden gems and go off-the-beaten-Strip next time you’re in Vegas for a deeper look at what makes this city that rises from the desert so incredible.
