Top 10 Non-gambling activities in Las Vegas:
1. The Stratosphere Tower
At 1,149 feet tall, the tallest free-standing observation deck in the U.S.,
provides spectacular views of Las Vegas and if you're in the mood for
a romantic dinner, try Top of the World, which sits high atop the Stratosphere
and revolves 360 degrees to provide panoramic views of the city.
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2. Red Rock Canyon
The popular red sandstone peaks, 15 miles outside of Vegas, provide
plenty of space for hikers, bikers and rock climbers to enjoy its natural
beauty. The highest point of this natural conservation area
is La Madre Mountain, which sits 8,154 feet above sea level.
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3. Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is more than a scenic backdrop for the movie
Fools Rush In. It is an engineering and architectural marvel that harnessed
the mighty Colorado and helped the desert southwest bloom, providing
electricity for millions and irrigation for even more. It's located
just 30 miles from Vegas and is well worth the trip.
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4. Golf at Shadow Creek
Golf Las Vegas author Ken Van Vechten calls Shadow Creek
"one of the best golf courses in the world." and that might be
an understatement. To those that have golfed there, Shadow Creek
features 18 holes that belong on postcards. If you want to golf there,
make sure you stay at the Mirage. That's the only way you can get
on the course and bring your American Express. Greens fees are $500.
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5. Romulan Ale at Quark's Bar
The Star Trek Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton features two
excellent rides, the new BORG Invasion 4D and Klingon Encounter
and a first-rate Star Trek museum, but the best aspect of the Experience
is Quark's Bar. The bar is a faithful reproduction of Quark's Bar,
which appeared in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Every detail is correct,
from the layout of the establishment to the seats at the bar, the food
and drinks served and the ferengi barkeep. So if you are in the mood for
Romulan Ale or Klingon Blood Wine, then hit Quark's Bar. You'll
enjoy the food, the drink and the costumed help
and characters that treat it as their favorite haunt.
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6. Paddlewheel cruise at Lake Mead
The Lake Mead cruises are a nice way to get outdoors and away from
the Las Vegas strip and the scenery is spectacular. Among other things,
cruise passengers will be able to see an extinct volcano, the "Arizona
Paint Pots", magnificent panoramic landscapes and the Hoover Dam.
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7. Dancing Fountains at the Bellagio
The Bellagio is an amazing establishment, but the casino's primary attraction
isn't actually inside the casino. It's outside, where thousands gather daily
to watch fountains dance to the music of Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly,
Johnny Mathis and others. In fact, you've never officially been to Vegas
unless you've seen fountains dance to Sinatra's "Luck be a lady".
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8. Gondola rides at the Venetian
For star-crossed lovers that can't afford a trip to Venice,
a ride on the gondolas at the Venetian is the next best thing.
Gondoliers sing to the passengers in Italian, the boats glide smoothly
through the canals that run under bridges and right by cafes and onlookers
look on jealously, wishing their significant other would buy them a ride.
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9. The Liberace Museum
In a city that's all about glitz and glamour, the Liberace Museum fits right in.
It's a flamboyant tribute to the over-the-top pianist who was known as much
for his ability to put on show as his musical skill. Among its incredible
collection of pianos, costumes and Rolls Royces are a rhinestone
encrusted piano, a rhinestone-lined black diamond mink cape
and a rhinestone-encrusted Roadster.
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10. Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
This is the open air home of the animals that made the
Siegfried & Roy show famous. Its primary goal is to educate students,
teachers and guests alike about the animals living there and from rare tigers
and lions to dolphins, this tropical paradise inside the Mirage has something
for everyone. One of the tigers in the habitat is Montecore, which accidentally
bit Roy Horn in 2003. The injuries that Horn suffered in the accident
forced the show to close.