When most people think of Las Vegas, the Strip is what comes to mind. Home to dancing water fountains, pirate battles and erupting volcanoes, the Strip (officially Las Vegas Boulevard) is the center of attention in the U.S.'s top gambling destination. There are still plenty of places to explore off the Strip, however. Rent a car and head away from the beaten path.
The Strip may be the focal point of Las Vegas, but the better deals can be found Downtown on Fremont Street. In general, gamblers can find better odds on games of chance Downtown, the rooms are cheaper (if also less luxurious) and the food prices are lower. This is also home to the popular nightly Fremont Street Experience, a sound and light show held hourly under a 90-foot tall canopy over the street.
This scenic treasure about 15 to 20 minutes west of the city was a popular watering hole for travelers through the region in the 19th century for the many springs that come out of the mountains here. The canyon of beautiful red rocks now features a paved road for visitors to drive, as well as stopping points for short hikes through the landscape.
There are some fun and interesting exhibitions off the beaten path. Perhaps the most glamorous is the Liberace Museum on Tropicana Avenue, about a mile off the Strip. This tribute to the legendary showman includes displays of his heavily bejeweled costumes, his bejeweled pianos, the world's largest rhinestone and more displays of Liberace's lavish excess. Also about a mile away from Las Vegas Boulevard on Flamingo Avenue is the Atomic Testing Museum. This facility tells the story of atomic testing in the desert north of the city from 1951 to 1992.
Hoover Dam is about half an hour southeast of Las Vegas, and is a popular side trip from the hustle and bustle of the Strip. The dam includes a visitor's center with tours of the mammoth structure and displays on its history and construction. Lake Mead is the local water source created by the dam and features plenty of activities for water lovers.
