Behind the bright lights and entertainment of Las Vegas, I love the number of hidden gems to explore. Some take you off the beaten path, while others hide in plain sight.
Below I’ve highlighted a few of the city’s secret attractions that are well worth the time.
Within our Downtown District is the Neon Museum. Dedicated to preserving and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signage, the Neon Museum is a destination for all history buffs. Tours run both day and night, with advantages to taking both. During the day, you’ll see more signs, but at night, the Museum is remarkable with the signs lit.
With the popularity of Oppenheimer, the Atomic Museum offers a deeper dive into our country’s explosive history. It tells the story of Nevada’s Test Site and nuclear testing in the 1950s and beyond. After visiting the Museum, check out Las Vegas’ first free-standing bar, Atomic Downtown. Rumor has it tourists were drawn to the establishment because it had an unobstructed view of the desert’s atomic testing site.
Exploring adult entertainment history, The Burlesque Hall of Fame features an impressive collection of costumes, stage props, photographs, and ‘personal’ effects.
Guarded by a gigantic, fire-breathing metal praying mantis, The Container Park has stores and restaurants constructed, stacked, and arranged out of shipping containers. The Park provides unique shopping opportunities and a mainstage for entertainment.
Hidden on The Strip and Downtown are callbacks to Old Las Vegas’ underground. Two notable Speakeasy bars are in Freemont: The Underground at the Mob Museum and The Laundry Room. Both feature retro décor, dim lighting, and hand-crafted cocktails. At the Laundry Room, if there isn’t anything on the menu you like, ask the bartender to craft a cocktail from flavors you love.
On the Strip, The Flamingo displays its namesake in a central sanctuary. The Flamingo Habitat is free and open to the public.
The fully renovated Liberace Mansion offers private tours just east of the Strip. The supposedly ‘haunted’ home displays the flamboyant performer’s extravagant lifestyle.
The historic Frankie’s Tiki Room is only minutes from The Strip on Charleston. Built by Bamboo Ben, the one-of-a-kind Polynesian experience features artwork by renowned artists; Tiki-styled attire is optional.
The Pinball Hall of Fame is just south of The Strip, close to the iconic Las Vegas Sign. Recently relocating, the Hall boasts an array of pinball machines and video games from retro to the modern day.
Only 10 miles from South Las Vegas, Seven Magic Mountains is free and open to the public. It is a colorful art piece created by renowned artist Ugo Rondinone. The captivating presentation features 30-foot towering stacks of boulders painted in fluorescent colors.
Another outdoor art display, conceived by the late sculptor Albert Szukalski showcases an array of outdoor sculptures, including a haunting rendition of “The Last Supper.” Located approximately 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, The Goldwell Open Air Museum is near the actual ghost town of Rhyolite.
