Things To Do in Las Vegas For Locals
When the words “Las Vegas” are uttered, the mind immediately jumps to visions of blackjack tables, neon lights, sprawling nightclubs, and all-night parties. This is the tourist side of Las Vegas. It’s easy to forget that this city has a population all of its own. Las Vegas locals are just like the locals anywhere else in the world – except they live in one of the flashiest and fun cities in the world.
The Marina at Lake Mead
So, Vegas locals must spend their days at the slots and their nights living it up at the trendiest hot spots, right?
Well, sort of. While locals undoubtedly enjoy their city’s famous nightlife from time to time, there’s plenty of other things to indulge in that don’t include glitz and glamour. Read on to find out how locals spend their time in and around Vegas:
Escape Rooms
Put your patience, intellect, and teamwork skills to the test with this highly unique – and slightly creepy – activity. Located less than 1 mile from the main Las Vegas Strip is a new, physical adventure game called Trapped! that requires you and your friends to keep your cool, use your wits, and ‘escape’ your room.
To start, participants choose an escape scenario that comes equipped with a themed room. The group of “trapped” players need to decode clues, solve puzzles, and use the elements of the room to free themselves before the time is up.
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, however it’s certainly an interesting and mentally stimulating way to pass the time.
Red Rock Canyon
Hiking some truly stunning landscapes may not sound synonymous with Las Vegas, but locals know better. Red Rock Canyon, a protected National Conservation Area within the Mojave Desert, can actually be seen from the Strip – a mere 15 miles away.
The canyon boasts 26 different hiking trails and a 13-mile scenic driving route winding through the iconic red sandstone rocks. Visitors can explore the peaks, valleys, mountain trails, nooks and crannies by foot, bike, or car. The big boulders and steep cliffs have made the area increasingly more popular with climbers. Routes range from beginner to advanced.
Lake Mead
Locals know the best way to beat the crowds is to leave dry land altogether. When privacy is what they crave, Vegas locals head to Lake Mead for some time out on the water. Whether it’s day or evening, Lake Mead offers boating activities for any occasion, time or season.
Want to feel a million miles away from the revelry and excessiveness of the Strip? Lake Mead gives visitors that feeling – at a distance of just 25 miles. The country’s largest reservoir is the site of some pretty jaw-dropping scenery. Via organized cruise or private vessel, boaters can breathe in the crisp fresh air, gaze out over the glassy, sapphire blue waters, and admire the sculpted orange plateaus and mountains.
Sunset dinner cruises are a favorite among locals. It’s the perfect escape after a hot day in the sun – all while enjoying a tasty meal and cold drinks. Another cruise worth checking out is the Champagne Brunch Cruise, complete with breakfast buffet and, of course, lots of bubbly.
Lake Las Vegas
This man-made, 320-acre oasis is located in Henderson, roughly a 20-minute drive outside Las Vegas. Lake Las Vegas offers guests privacy and serenity, something locals hold near and dear to their hearts.
The area surrounding the lake has been developed to offer a luxurious way for guests to relax and unwind. Palm trees line the perimeter and the glassy lake is the epitome of picture-perfection. Locals love spending time here, because of the area’s exclusive vibe in addition to being able to access one of Nevada’s best golf courses. Other activities include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, boat rentals, water jet-packs, tennis, wakeboard cable system and yacht dinner cruises.
There’s plenty going on away from the water, too; al fresco dining, live entertainment, luxury hotels, and holiday celebrations are a few things that draw locals into MonteLargo Village.
The Arizona Hot Spring
Don’t let the name fool you; the Arizona Hot Spring is actually in Nevada and less than 40 miles from Las Vegas. While there’s definitely no shortage of spas in Vegas, the hot spring provides sort of the same thing – in a more natural form.
Before soaking in the steamy water, a 3.25-mile hike along the Colorado River is required to reach this literal hot-spot. The final leg is climbing past a 20-foot waterfall and up a ladder to reach the warm, welcoming pools of water.
Don’t expect anything fancy – the pools are actually created by the placement of sandbags which dam the water. This is nature in its purest form, which is often the refreshing change locals crave. There are even nice places to camp overnight along the river for those who aren’t ready to head back to civilization after a relaxing soak.
Land Sailing
What can you do when you’re are surrounded on all sides by desert? Sail, of course. Land sailing is a super unique way to spend a day on the outskirts of Sin City. The desert’s dry lake beds provide the perfect landscape for scooting around on the sand.
Your land sailing mobile is a low-riding, three-wheeled vehicle with a sail, powered solely by the wind and steered by the peddles with the feet.
When the wind picks up, the vehicles really get up to their top speed. In fact, the world record for the fastest land sailing speed was set in Prim (40 miles outside Las Vegas) at 126mph. It’s a fun, safe, and scenic way to enjoy a day away from the hectic Strip.
Bonus: Land Sailing is one of the greenest activities you can do in Vegas.
Clearly, Las Vegas is not just bright lights and pool parties, especially in the eyes of the locals. For those who want to party-hardy, Vegas is undoubtedly one of the best places to go. However, those who want to have a deeper experience and see a softer and completely alternative side to Las Vegas should do as the locals do.