More than 37.5 million people visit Las Vegas each year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition to gaming, Vegas offers fine dining, a shopping arcades with everything from souvenirs to fine art, and a collection of varied attractions--some of which may be viewed for free.
Chocolate lovers visiting Vegas can indulge their sweet tooth without spending a dime. Luxury chocolate manufacturer Ethel's Chocolate has a factory in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson and welcomes visitors to tour the facility and stroll through their cactus garden, one of the largest in Nevada. Visitors are given a sample of the chocolate after the tour as well as the opportunity to buy additional pieces. Ethel's Chocolate Factory is open seven days a week.
Ethel's Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden
1 Sunset Way
Henderson, NV 89014
800-471-0352
ethelschocolate.com
One of the most popular--and free--attractions in Las Vegas is the choreographed water and music display at the lake in front of the Bellagio. The fountains dance to a variety of classical and popular music every 15 minutes after 8 p.m. and every half hour after 3 p.m. on weekdays and after noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free, but the sidewalks get crowded so visitors should get there early.
Bellagio Las Vegas
3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
888-987-6667
bellagio.com
Each evening, beginning at 8:30 p.m., the canopy over Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas erupts in a spectacular sound-and-light display that uses 12.5 million LED lamps all synchronized to music. The six-minute show repeats every hour on the hour through midnight. Admission is free.
Fremont Street Experience
425 Fremont St.
Las Vegas, NV 89101-5639
702-678-5777
vegasexperience.com
Located within the massive MGM Grand resort complex, the Lion Habitat lets visitors view a selection of the resorts 31 lions as they sleep, eat and interact, behind an inch and a half of glass. The lions spend just six hours at a time on display. Their permanent home is an 8.5-acre ranch, located 12 miles outside of Las Vegas. The Lion Habitat is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free.
MGM Grand Lion Habitat
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-891-7777
mgmgrand.com
