The view from the Strat is impressive. It is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States at 1149′. There are indoor and outdoor observation areas. In addition to a fantastic view, the heart pounding thrill rides will test your courage. Like the Sky jump bungee, where you jump from 829′ above the strip, a roller coaster which hangs riders over the edge of the top of the tower, and dangles them above the Las Vegas strip, and the Big shot which shoots riders 160′ in the air at 45mp.
If a quiet dining experience is your preference, be sure to take advantage of the ever changing 360 degree exquisite view from the Top of the World restaurant. It is located 800′ above street level and completely rotates every eighty minutes providing diners with one of the best views in Las Vegas. Jess and I spent an evening with family who was visiting, and thoroughly enjoyed the fine dining options and two complete rotations!
From thrill rides to fine dining and lots of activities in between the Strat has something for everyone. Just like Vegas, if you visit there is an abundance of activities for you to enjoy. This is Las Vegas-More than Gambling Part 2, which is part of a four part series. As is all for all pieces I hope this information will be helpful to you. The rest of the series will be available in the travel section of our website. Click here to view.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a couple of hours drive from Las Vegas, and is the busiest of Utah’s five mighty National Parks. It also has the distinction of being Utah’s first National Park, and was home to the Pueblo, Fremont, and Southern Paiute people. Because of the millions who annually visit this year-round park planning is essential. The busiest season is April through October when a complimentary shuttle bus is available for transportation through parts of the park.
Zion National Park is a 1000′ deep, steep sided, red rock canyon. It provides many sight-seeing and hiking opportunities. If you are considering hiking, the season you choose is important. Spring run-off can complicate hikes through slot canyons and summertime temperatures can climb into the nineties. This leaves the fall as the busiest and best time of the year. Angel’s landing is the parks most popular hike and requires a permit.
The park trails and shuttle do not allow dogs on them. With a two-hour drive one-way it was too far to leave the dogs alone at home without a potty break. We decided to visit on a snowy day in January and bring the dogs with us. As we knew we would likely only be allowed to drive on the park roads. However, we were excited to see for ourselves the marvelous place we had heard so much about.
Zion Canyon
With the weather and the dogs, we were unsure of what we would be able to do in the park, and stopped at the visitors center for a map. We learned the shuttles were not going to be running. However, we also learned we would be allowed to drive the entire park road. We couldn’t believe our good luck. When we arrived at the canyon junction there was a park employee and large construction sign stating snow removal in progress. The employee suggested we turn right and drive through the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel.
It was a great suggestion. The tunnel, completed in 1930, is 1.1 miles long. The drive was awesome and the views stunning. We continued driving for several miles before turning around and heading back to the junction then towards Angel’s Landing.
After arriving, we were excited to see the snow removal sign had been picked up and the road was open. In a few miles we arrived at the Zion Lodge, where we again encountered a park employee who was stopping traffic. This time because there were too many vehicles in the canyon and not snow removal.
One of Many Arches
We were not in a hurry as we had the pups, our lunch, and were excited to see the park. After several minutes of waiting and about fifteen cars passing by us leaving the canyon, the employee again headed in our direction. We hoped it was now our turn.
Instead, he said we had to leave. We were not allowed to wait for entry. I commented about how many cars had just driven out of the canyon to which he stated that they could not possibly keep track of traffic numbers in and out. We were confused, disappointed, and did not understand. All of the vehicles behind us were also told the same thing. Maybe someday we’ll go back, but it is not at the top of my list.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area covers 909 sq. miles and includes all of Lake Mead and the Colorado River from the western boundary of the Grand Canyon National Park to just north of Laughlin, Nevada. In 1964, it became the first officially designate national recreation area. The area is diverse and includes parts of the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin deserts.
The activities within the recreation area include boating and fishing in Lake Mead. There is canoeing and kayaking in the Colorado River. Even hiking, biking, and camping in diverse riparian and desert environments. There is a ghost town to visit, dams to tour, and wilderness to explore. Additionally, there are nine designated wilderness areas providing recreation opportunities such as BLM (bureau of land management) camping and off-road vehicle trails.
We biked through the famous railway tunnels. Originally, they were constructed to provide access and materials to the Hoover dam building site. Both bikers and hikers alike use this trail heavily. It begins at the Lake Mead Recreation Area visitors center and proceeds 4.1 miles one-way through five historic tunnels. The trail ends at the Hoover dam parking area and visitors center.
Lake Mead Marina
Lake Mead Marina is an entirely different experience and only a few miles from the historic railway tunnels. The marina provides access to the lake for boaters and visitors. Because of lake levels the marina areas are not flourishing like they once were, however they are still worth the visit. It has shops, restaurants, and many come to feed the fish.
It’s incredible to be standing on the dock observing the amazing amount of fish and realizing how far underwater we would have been just a few years ago. It is common for the lake levels to fluctuate however in 1983 it reached its highest level and water flowed through the dam’s spillways. In 2002, it reached its lowest level since the dam was built. This jeopardized power production and water supply for millions of citizens. 2023/2024 was a good year for snow in the Rocky Mountains which provide much of the water and the lake levels rose to the delight of officials and residents.
From the Frenchman’s peak area of Las Vegas just north of Nellis Air Force Base there is another entrance into the Lake Mead national recreation area. The North Shore road provides access to incredible red rock formations, including the bowl of fire pictured above. There are many trails providing hiking and biking opportunities. Callville bay is an additional marina that provides boat access to Lake Mead.
This route makes an incredible loop drive to Vally of Fire.
Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
The preserve is described as one of the best local bird viewing areas. Interestingly this area is part of the metropolitan’s wastewater reclamation area. The viewing area is the third largest body of water behind Lake Mead and Lake Las Vegas. It draws a diverse population of birds. In the mid 90’s, in conjunction with the National Audubon Society, the public was welcomed in. Efforts were made to create a better habitat. Steps such as not draining ponds and protecting nests, actions which had previously been common practice.
The preserve is over 80 acres and is home to more than 270 species of birds. It is popular with bird lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. There are nine ponds throughout the preserve, each with hundreds of birds. The park includes an ADA accessible paved path approximately 3/4 of a mile long. The majority of the paths are level with good footing. There are many rest locations and viewing areas providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The park has seasonal hours, check their website for specifics. There is free admission, however it necessary to sign in at the visitors center. A first-time visitor must also sign a liability waiver. In addition to regular hours special events, guided tours, and educational opportunities exist, contact the preserve. Trail running, Bikes, and Pets are not allowed on the trails.
Frenchman’s Peak
Frenchman’s Peak is visible from most areas in the valley. It was one of our first hikes when we arrived in Las Vegas. It is a no nonsense hike from start to finish gaining 2155′ in just 2.3 miles, which includes having to hike down into this enormous valley, before hiking the final very steep accent. This part of the hike tests your mental toughness. We had worked hard climbing to this point. I’m certain we looked at each other and questioned if we were crazy. Our goal was the ridge at the top of the path.
The footing on this hike was loose gravel from beginning to end. The trail was exceptionally steep just below the summit. We took it step by step and in no time were standing on the summit. The view of the city laid out in front of us was breathtaking, (or maybe that was the climb). Mt. Charleston, Red Rocks and Mt. Wilson sitting majestically across the valley, with the Las Vegas strip in the foreground.
We ate our lunch at the top as we enjoyed the view, just the two of us. Imagine being alone anywhere in Vegas. It was a beautiful day and time to head back down the mountain, we still had a tough climb ahead and a difficult steep descent. When we arrived back at the RV I snapped this picture of Frenchman’s peak from my front steps. We arrived home just in time before a crazy wind and rain storm encompassed the area.
Clark County Museum
The Clark County Museum is a gem in the valley, easily accessible off Boulder Highway in Henderson, NV. It’s open daily from 9-4 and the admission fee is only two dollars. The Clark County Museum administrator Mark Hall-Patton gained infamy on the Las Vegas reality show Pawn Stars. Rick, the owner of the pawn shop, often called on him. He served as an expert identifying items and providing information about them. In addition, the museum was featured on an episode of Rick’s Restoration, another Las Vegas reality show.
I am thankful we learned of this place. Jess and I spent hours exploring the museum inside and out. The amount of exhibits and artifacts were amazing. Heritage Street of Historic Homes provides museum goer’s the opportunity to explore period homes, complete with everyday tools and furnishings. The variety of railroad cars, equipment, and heavy machinery on display were especially impressive.
Concerts
Residency’s, Concerts, huge arenas, quaint intimate venues, and now the Sphere Vegas has it all. A performer with a residency in a Las Vegas casino has the advantage of performing everyday without the hassle of traveling from city to city. Top artist headline shows and draw crowds of people to the casino’s where they are performing. A win for the casino and for concert attendees, it’s possible to see Mariah Carey one night and Shaina Twain the next in a different casino.
During Super Bowl week many A-list celebrities were in town, not just athletes. Actors, actresses, and performers were also participating in the activities leading up to the big game. Several of the performers put on a show of their own while they were in town. Kelly was also asked to do a couple of shows while in town. She thought would be great, and we were the lucky benefactors.
Kelly Clarkson was incredible! I would not consider country music my favorite genre, I am more of a rock and roll type, but I knew almost all of the songs she played. She was talking on stage to the audience like we were sitting in her living room. It was all Kelly, no opening act. Once it was time for the show to start we were dancing in our seats for the rest of the night.
Las Vegas Grand Prix
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is a new addition to the Las Vegas entertainment scene. It is one of the races now included in the Formula One World Championships. A temporary raceway circuit is set-up passing by the Venetian, Caesar’s Palace, and the Bellagio along the famous Las Vegas Boulevard. It’s a Saturday night race under the lights and lives up to the hype of the Las Vegas nightlife.
The inaugural year of the race was 2023. There was a mixed reaction from locals, however city and race officials both touted the success of the event. This year’s race is supposed to have more opportunities for lower cost viewing options, as well ensuring access to local businesses throughout the race event.
Ethel M. Chocolates
Ethel M. Chocolates is a family friendly must-see. Delicious chocolates which are almost too beautiful to eat. I first visited the chocolate factory in 1997 with my 2-year old daughter. There was a factory tour and an incredible cactus garden. It was wonderful watching the chocolates production. This was my first ever factory tour. It ignited a passion for learning about how things are made.
As this was also my first time being in a desert environment and the furthest west I had ever traveled. It was the first time I saw a cactus with my own eyes. Every one was labeled and the signs provided brief descriptions of the plant. We spent an hour or so wandering around taking pictures.
The picture below is a recreation of a picture I took that day. I had sat my daughter on a rock in front of a cactus and stepped back to take the picture. When I did my daughter leaned back on the rock and a cacti thorn touched her head, as I was snapping the picture. She was not injured just startled. The picture was a classic. Of course this was years before cell phones and the picture is now somewhere in a box.
Valentine’s at Ethel M. Chocolates
Over the years I always return to visit the chocolate factory and cacti gardens. The company has grown and as well as the experiences they offer. This year we spent Valentine’s Day enjoying the gardens, listening to music and surrounded by beauty. The weather in the valley provided perfect temperatures and I had the perfect person with me to enjoy the night.
In addition to a Valentine’s Day light extravaganza there is also an incredible Christmas display. The botanical gardens is the largest in Nevada, with over 3-acres and 300 species. Beginning in early November, the garden is decorated with over a million lights throughout the holiday season. Families have the opportunity to meet Santa and enjoy delicious hot chocolate and more.
This one of a kind place is a gem, a family friendly experience. I recommend visiting during the day, evening, or special event. Enjoy the chocolate, cacti or lights, we have enjoyed all. A small donation is requested for some events, but the tour is free.
Fremont Street Experience
The Fremont Street Experience blends classic Las Vegas casinos with the adventure seeking tourist. Vegas Vic, pictured above, was commissioned in 1947 by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and represents what Vegas was. Today tourists and locals alike are greeted by state of the art experiences which blend perfectly with old school casinos offering unique opportunities.
The viva vision light show is the world’s largest digital display and a must see free light show. Shows occur nightly at the top of each hour. Free live concerts on multiple stages are also taking place every night. We have watched amazing performances on stage and off. In addition to organized stage acts street performers are numerous. Sharing their talent with anyone who they think will tip them.
Slotzilla an incredible zip line allows tourist to fly the length of Fremont street day or night. Inside the Circa hotel you can view the largest sports book screen offering guests a 78-million pixel high definition screen. Great food and beverage options are abundant. Although many of the activities are free drinks prices add up quickly.
The Four Queens Hotel & Casino, Golden Nugget Las Vegas, Circa Resort & Casino, The D Casino & Hotel, Fremont Hotel & Casino, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, California Hotel & Casino and Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel are just a few of the many casino’s in the Fremont street area. Great deals and experience can be found! Be prepared to see things you may have never seen before and it would not be a place I would take my children in the evening. “What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas!”
Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
Gold & Silver Pawn is home to one of the History channels most popular reality show. The show has attracted over 7.6 million viewers and the shop itself receives millions of tourist annually. Gold & Silver Pawn is the most visited non-gaming location in Las Vegas. Rick Harris Jr. jumped many hurdles to open the pawn shop in 1988, and in order to compete against the nation wide corporate companies he sought out the unique and unusual. Rick fueled by his lifetime of learning and interest in history was able to recognize the value in things others did not.
He not only possessed a unique eye, but additionally the foresight of a reality show. He pitched the show for years without any interest, however he did not talk no for an answer. Finally, he hired a company to film a test episode which was brought to the History channel by a junior program manager. Because of a broken DVD player, the short reel ended up being played in front of the VP of programming. He loved it, and the show Pawn Stars was born.
Gold & Silver Pawn is dedicated to ensuring authentic and fairly priced merchandise. They stand behind every item and are one of the most well known art and antiquity dealers in the world. Because the pawn shop has to closed while filming, the show has impacted their primary business. With over three thousand visitors daily Gold & Silver Pawn’s business now includes selling merchandise to tourist. We enjoyed our visit, but did not meet any of the show’s stars. They are often obligated to other appearances.
Lake Las Vegas Resort
Lake Las Vegas is a 320-acre privately owned lake which boasts luxury resorts, golf courses and more. Five companies, including the Lake Las Vegas Joint Venture, LLC developed the property. There were many hurdles, which compounded expenses and eventually led to bankruptcy.
The earthen dam received final approval in 1991. In 1995, the resort and surrounding community were built at a cost of over five billion US dollars. In 2008, Lake Las Vegas Joint Venture, LLC filed for bankruptcy. After many years of litigation and various law suits (riveting reading if you’re interested) things are getting back on tract. The resort communities luxurious designer homes are and have been home to many celebrities.
Today the area includes three resorts Aston Montelago Village Resort, Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and the Hilton Lake Las Vegas. Two Jack Nicklaus designated championship golf courses as well. as two near by Rees Jones courses. Hiking, biking and water sports are just a few of the activities available to residents. Shopping and restaurants are available within the resorts.
Recently, the resort hosted the San Francisco forty-niners and Kansas City Chiefs throughout Super Bowl week. The resort was in the news daily, which brought lots of positive publicity to Lake Las Vegas. Hopefully in the years to come the resort area will continue to grow and optimize its potential.
I hope this information will be helpful when you’re planning your next trip to Las Vegas. Subscribe to our website (Free) and on Mondays you will receive an email providing a link to the weekly article or video we publish. No spam, no selling e-mails, no hassle just an e-mail with a link once a week. Still to come Las Vegas More than Gambling Part 3 & 4. To read Part 1 click here.
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