In case you haven’t heard, SHM Converge is happening in Las Vegas this year (April 22-25). Whether it’s your first time attending or your first time in Las Vegas, or you’re a veteran of both, we have a few suggestions to occupy your downtime.
Before we jump into places to go, things to do, and restaurants to discover, here are a few lesser-known tidbits about the Neon City.
The Las Vegas Strip isn’t actually in Las Vegas; it’s outside the city limits in Winchester and Paradise. Fremont Street, in “Old Las Vegas,” was the first paved street in 1925. The Venetian is the second-largest hotel in the world. You can view the world’s largest gold nugget (it weighs 61 pounds) in the Golden Nugget Casino on Fremont Street. While the Paris Hotel’s Eiffel Tower is only half the size of the original (developers wanted a full-scale replica but it was too dangerous for planes flying in and out of McCarran International Airport), the Luxor’s sphinx is 35 feet taller than the original and its pyramid is one of the tallest in the world.
If your idea of fun isn’t on par with The Hangover, Showgirls, or Casino, here are some activities you might find more up your alley.
Nature and the great outdoors
Grand Canyon—There are many options for exploring the Grand Canyon, so plan to spend at least a full day on your visit. You can take a tour that includes a stop at the Hoover Dam Memorial Bridge, and for the adventurous, a trip to the Skywalk. If you’re interested in the Wild West experience, consider the Grand Canyon Ranch Tour, which offers horseback and wagon rides.
Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens—Located in the Bellagio Hotel & Casino (also home to the famous dancing fountains and an art museum), the 14,000-square-foot space is transformed by horticulture and engineering teams each season.
Red Rock Canyon—About a 20-minute drive from Las Vegas Boulevard, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is 195,819 acres in the Mojave Desert and includes a one-way, 13-mile, scenic drive, 26 hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and more.
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel—This four-acre, outdoor garden is home to exotic birds, turtles, and fish, including, of course, flamingos. Admission is free.
The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay—This aquarium is home to more than 2,000 species of sharks, exotic fresh and saltwater fish, sea turtles, crocodiles, and much more. There’s also an aquarium in the Silverton Casino that offers interactive stingray feedings and mermaid swims.
Culture, kitsch, and fun
Seven Magic Mountains—Located about 10 miles outside of Las Vegas, this art installation features seven, 30- to 35-foot totems made from dayglow painted, locally sourced boulders. The Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone says the location is physically and symbolically important because it’s midway between the natural and artificial—mountains, desert, Jean Dry Lake, and the highway and its traffic between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Pinball Hall of Fame—If you’re a Pinball Wizard, or just enjoy playing, check out the Pinball Hall of Fame. It’s home to more than 200 different pinball machines—and each one is playable. Profits go toward charitable organizations.
Smith Center for the Performing Arts—Located in Symphony Park, the venue hosts theatre productions, dance shows, and concerts—about 400 performances a year. April performances include the Nevada Ballet’s Peter Pan and international jazz star, Nnenna Freelon.
Princess Diana Exhibition—Located in The Shops at Crystals connected to the ARIA Resort and Casino, this exhibition features 12 themed rooms and more than 700 personal artifacts of Princess Diana. This self-guided tour (there’s also an audio guide) includes seven of her evening gowns.
The Mob Museum—This non-profit museum is dedicated to organized crime artifacts, videos, interactive exhibits, and special talks and programs. There’s also an underground speakeasy serving Prohibition-era cocktails and live music.
Electric Playhouse—Located in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Electric Playhouse is a must-see for immersion-experience lovers. There are motion-based games, like Paint Pong and Light Hockey (no need for headsets or controllers), immersive dining experiences, and a full bar and patio with motion-activated visuals.
Fremont Street Experience—From ziplining, free concerts, and live music, to free Viva Vision light shows and more, Fremont Street does not disappoint. This canopied, five-block area is classic downtown Las Vegas with some of the most iconic hotels and casinos from Binion’s and the Golden Nugget to Las Vegas’ oldest hotel (it opened in 1906), the Golden Gate Hotel. If you’re an Elvis fan, you’ll want to check out the King’s Ransom Museum; some say it’s the best collection of Elvis memorabilia outside of Graceland.
Sphere—It’s described as the intersection of art and technology—it’s an immersive experience with various elements, including seat haptics, movement sensations, flashing lights, intense lighting, visual effects, loud noises, and atmospheric simulations that may include fog, scent, and wind. April’s shows include Darren Aronofsky’s first multi-sensory film, Postcard from Earth, and Dead & Company: Dead Forever.
Palate pleasers
Las Vegas is well known for its plethora of fine-dining restaurants—Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand; Piccasso, Le Cirque, and Michael Mina at the Bellagio; Wing Lei and Min Kim’s Mizumi at the Wynn; Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace; Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Hotel; LAVO at The Venetian; and so many more. Here are a few hidden gems you just might like to explore:
Bootlegger Italian Bistro is one of the oldest restaurants in town (1949) and it’s still family-owned and operated. It features original recipes from the family matriarch, Maria Perry.
Tacos El Gordo (open until 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday), is another family owned and operated restaurant that got its start in San Diego. It features authentic Tijuana tacos with several locations in Las Vegas, including on the Strip.
Sain Honoré Doughnuts & Beignets & Pizza offers classic and signature couture doughnuts, beignets, and pizza. This local, women-owned shop boasts 100% made-from-scratch tasty treats with locations on Flamingo Road and Blue Diamond Road (and delivery within five miles).
Casa Di Amore, a locally owned, old-school, Vegas restaurant, features classic Italian cuisine and nightly Rat Pack-era live entertainment. It also offers complimentary transportation when you call (not online) to make a dinner reservation.