There’s a chill in the air, but winter is still a great time to visit Las Vegas. With vaccinations taking hold, the Strip is expected to remain busy as we emerge from the pandemic. Just remember — having fun doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Here are a few inexpensive attractions that will help boost any Sin City vacation.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is a free attraction in the Bellagio lobby that changes with the season at least five times a year. The winter exhibit is one of the most colorful with holiday decor, floral polar bears and a towering Christmas tree. If you only pick one spot to snap a selfie this winter, make it this place.
The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool rooftop deck transforms into The Ice Rink with fire pits for roasting marshmallows, seasonal decorations and themed cocktails. Admission is free, but you’ll have to cough up a few dollars to take a spin on the 4,200-square-foot skating rink. Holiday movie classics like “Elf” and “The Polar Express” are shown Mondays and Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on the Cosmopolitan’s 65-foot digital marquee. The Ice Rink welcomes guests between Nov. 16 and Jan. 2.
iLuminate
Bud Light Beer Garden
If you can’t afford tickets to Allegiant Stadium to see the Raiders, the Bud Light Beer Garden is the next-best thing. The outdoor tailgate zone is in between Mandalay Bay and the Luxor, making it the perfect pre-game party with food and drinks from the likes of Beerhaus and Diablo’s Cantina. NFL games are shown on large video walls, allowing you to catch the action without stepping foot inside the stadium (which is about a 10 minute walk away).
Tournament of Kings: “‘Twas the Knight”
Fly LINQ Zipline
Take flight in Las Vegas with the only zipline on the Strip. Fly LINQ allows guests to soar above The LINQ Promenade (a long outdoor shopping, retail and dining plaza between The LINQ Hotel and Flamingo). Sit vertical or lie horizontal (like a superhero) and enjoy the rush of traveling up to 35 miles per hour more than 1,100 feet in the air. The trip begins at a 12-story tower near Las Vegas Boulevard and ends near the base of the High Roller observation wheel. Don’t forget to bundle up!
AREA15
AREA15 is one of the most compelling destinations in Las Vegas. Located just west of the Strip near Chinatown, the mixed-use entertainment space won’t break the bank. Admission for the venue’s marquee attraction, Omega Mart (an expansive art installation that resembles a grocery store) is $49 with discounts for kids, seniors and military. Tickets for Birdly — a flight simulator that sends users soaring over cityscapes — begin at $10.25 for kids and $13.50 for adults. Haley’s Comet is a hang-gliding-style motorized zipline ride that begins at $12 for kids and $18 for adults. Anyone 21 and over can also order a drink at Oddwood, a bar with a 24-foot LED tree at the center. Specialty cocktails are $12.
Museum of Dream Space
Ready to snap the perfect selfie? The Museum of Dream Space is a series of colorful rooms, each designed to make your Instagram feed come alive. Pose in front of a projection of the moon or in between floating orbs on a string that frequently change color. Regular tickets are officially $48, but there’s usually a 2-for-1 deal listed on the website.
An Evening with Whitney
Bus Tours
Touring Las Vegas doesn’t have to result in sore feet. Visit the Strip, Fremont Street, the “Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas” sign and the city’s very best museums back to back. With the hop on/hop off format of the Big Bus Tours, you’ll customize your own adventure and spend as much time as you like at each stop without missing a beat. Choose between a daytime or nighttime tour.
Shark Reef Aquarium
Imagine being under the sea, without any scuba gear to worry about. That’s almost what it’s like to walk through an enchanting tunnel-like hallway at the Shark Reef Aquarium. You’ll enjoy an up-close look at all sorts of sea life in hundred of forms. There’s a collection of exotic sharks, colorful fish, turtles, sting rays and even a Komodo dragon. Upgrade to the Undersea Explorer virtual reality experience, and the price is still well below $41.
Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck Experience
For a high-rise escape from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, take a trip to the top of Paris Las Vegas’ Eiffel Tower for an unforgettable romantic getaway. A half-scale replica of the real thing, the Vegas version of the Eiffel Tower has an observation deck with stunning 360-degree views. You won’t want to miss the Bellagio Fountains from this angle! To add to the magic, book a dinner reservation at the elegant Eiffel Tower Restaurant.
High Roller
Eager to take your Vegas vacation to new heights? Board the High Roller and enjoy an incredible 360-degree view of the Las Vegas Valley. Located at the east end of the The LINQ Promenade, the world’s tallest observation wheel even provides an in-cabin open bar (with personal bartender) for an extra fee. The entire ride usually takes about 30 minutes and peaks at around 550 feet in the air.
Gondola Ride
If you’re looking for a slice of Italy during your time on the Strip, there’s nothing quite as relaxing and engaging as a gondola ride. For just under $30, you can move along The Venetian’s water canals, which travel indoors throughout the Grand Canal Shoppes and outdoors near Las Vegas Boulevard. For an extra special couple’s retreat, book a private gondola for you and your beloved for $116. Don’t forget to kiss beneath the bridge for good luck!
The Big Apple Coaster
Thrill-seekers, rejoice! For just $15, you can hop aboard The Big Apple Coaster, zip your way past hotel skyscrapers and take in unmatched views of the Strip. With speeds up to 67 miles per hour, this “taxi” twists and dips for an exhilarating adventure. Upgrade to virtual reality googles, which add a touch of computer-generated animation to the ride. Looking for even more fun? Head back inside the property and spend some time at the Big Apple Arcade.
Skypod Viewing Deck
Standing at 1,149 feet, The Strat is one of the tallest freestanding structures in the United States. Ride the elevator to the Skypod observation deck on the 108th floor, where you can walk around the perimeter for full views of the surrounding area (and grab a cocktail at 108 Drinks). An outdoor viewing area is on the 109th floor, where you can enjoy the rush of thrill rides that dangle over the edge.
Bodies…The Exhibition
For an intriguing, educational experience, visit Bodies…The Exhibition. The attraction features real, dissected human bodies, allowing you to see organs, bone, muscles and other parts usually hidden beneath the skin. Compare damaged tissue to undamaged tissue and gain a better understanding of the human body’s different systems. In a topical twist, a new exhibit is dedicated to the science and health effects of the coronavirus.
Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage is home to not only dolphins, but a few big cats, offering a unique, intimate look at some of the most beautiful creatures in the world. You can even paint or perform yoga alongside the dolphins. Those who want to splurge should consider the “Trainer for a Day” package. The unforgettable five-hour experience allows you to swim, play and train with the dolphins.
