Tucked away in the midst of vast desert landscape, Las Vegas is a playground for those of all ages. With a seemingly endless array of things to see ranging from the beautiful Bellagio dancing fountains to the weird but quirky Blue Men Group, Las Vegas is never without something interesting to see or experience. While you may enjoy the traditional Sin City tourist traps such as the rides atop the Stratosphere, the Roller Coaster at New York New York or the sexy dancing Sirens of TI show, think a bit out of the box for a change-up. Las Vegas has something suited for every interest, and with a little research, you can explore places that will yield both awesome pictures and memories.
For those looking for something slightly less uncommon to see in Las Vegas, head east on Flamingo Road, just minutes from the Strip. The Atomic Testing Museum is a popular amongst geeks, historians and those curious about nuclear weapons in general. Back in the 1950s, visitors would flock to Las Vegas to check out the mushroom clouds that would rise from this site, called the Nevada Test Site (NTS). From 1951-1992, this site was the United States' premier nuclear testing facility, created by the U.S. Department of Energy. Visitors can browse through the 10,000 square-foot facility filled with artifacts, films, interactive displays and galleries. You can even scroll through the explosion of an atomic bomb in slow motion on one of the interactive computer displays. Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the Atomic Testing Museum is open daily and is a perfect alternative to the typical Vegas tourist traps.
Atomic Testing Museum
755 E. Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-794-5161
atomictestingmuseum.org
In addition to the countless party animals that roam the casinos and nightclubs along the Strip, Las Vegas has plenty of natural wild animals for your viewing pleasure. Stroll through the MGM Grand to check out the Lion Habitat, where for free, you can get up close and personal with these cute but ferocious beasts. Visit Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage to see the beautiful dolphins as well as the majestic white tigers. You can opt to swim with the dolphins, well worth the money. The Habitat houses tiger cubs too; be sure to check to see when they will be on display. Further down the Strip at Mandalay Bay is the Shark Reef Aquarium. Check out the sharks, sting rays, piranhas and rare golden crocodiles in amongst over 2,000 creatures on display in North America's only predator-based aquarium and exhibit. You can SCUBA dive with the sharks; or for those looking to truly take the plunge, you can get married in the tunnel, surrounded by the under-the-sea wildlife.
The Lion Habitat at MGM Grand
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
877-880-0880
702-891-7777
mgmgrand.com/entertainment/lion-habitat.aspx
Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
The Mirage Hotel & Casino
3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-791-7111
mirage.com/attractions/secret-garden.aspx
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-632-4555
sharkreef.com
If you are still harboring resentment from your night of bad luck on the roulette wheel, take out your aggression at The Gun Store. Open daily, The Gun Store gives you the opportunity to fire a real machine gun in their indoor range. Choose from a variety of hand guns, shot guns, semi-automatic rifles and the real monsters, the fully automatic machine guns. Imagine what it would feel like to fire an M16, an Uzi or an AK 47. For the ultimate experience, indulge in one of the three VIP packages which include complimentary drinks, t-shirt and gift bag in addition to hundreds of rounds with different guns; sure to be a blast. If you plan to stick around for awhile, you can take classes and even receive your concealed carry permit at this one-stop firearms shop.
The Gun Store
2900 E. Tropicana Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89121
702-454-1110
thegunstorelasvegas.com
