Home USANevada 31 Epic Things to do in Las Vegas for couples

31 Epic Things to do in Las Vegas for couples

by valentina
13 comments

Looking for fun things to do in Las Vegas for couples? We’ve put together some of the best Las Vegas attractions besides drinking and gambling. We’ll help you find the coolest things to do in Las Vegas. Including unique Vegas activities, you won’t find elsewhere! Let us help you plan the perfect couples trip to Vegas.

Things to do in Las Vegas for couples pin
Things to do in Las Vegas for couples pin

Check out our Las Vegas Attractions Map for walking and driving directions to the top sights in Vegas.

31 Things to do in Las Vegas for couples

couple in pool at Las Vegas Pool Party

31 Things to do in Las Vegas for couples

1. Drive a bulldozer

Have you ever wanted to get behind the wheel of a bulldozer? No kidding. Las Vegas is home to America’s only heavy equipment playground — Dig This.

Bulldozer

Dig This is where big kids come to play with even BIGGER toys. This includes 20-ton Excavators and 10-ton Bulldozers. I’m talking 2,000-pound tires. You can build mounds, dig trenches and, even, play “Bucket Basketball.” Whatever that is…

This is one of the most unique things to do in Vegas! Find out more about this real-life adult sandbox.

2. High Roller Observation Wheel

The High Roller is one of the most iconic Las Vegas strip attractions, and it’s also the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. It brings you 550 feet into the sky above Las Vegas.

The cabins of the High Roller are so large that they can each accommodate 28 guests! It takes 30 minutes to complete one revolution in the High Roller.

High Roller in Las Vegas

We recommend the High Roller Happy Hour experience. You’ll get access to an open bar complete with bartender who’s ready to serve. Check out this incredible experience.

3. Take a helicopter tour

Taking a helicopter tour is one of the most amazing things to do in Las Vegas! The surrounding landscape is jaw-dropping. This is especially perfect if you want to see the Grand Canyon but don’t care for camping, hiking and hours of driving.

Grand Canyon, West Rim

If you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, you’ve absolutely got to see it. Driving to the Grand Canyon can take over 5 hours by car, but it only takes 45 minutes in a helicopter!

Scenic shot of a helicopter parked near the bottom of the Grand Canyon West Rim

This once-in-a-lifetime helicopter experience starts off with a limousine pick up at your hotel. On your way to the Grand Canyon, you’ll get to see a famous modern marvel —the Hoover Dam. Also, stunning Arial views of Lake Mead.

Finally, you’ll land on the West Rim of America’s most revered geological treasure where you’ll enjoy a champagne toast. Check out prices for this unforgettable adventure. 

two helicopters landed at Grand Canyon USA

If the prices of the Grand Canyon tours are too steep for your wallet, consider the more affordable Las Vegas Night Flight. This reasonably priced 15-minute helicopter flight takes you on an areal tour of Sin City. These tours also include luxury transportation and a champagne toast.

Check out this affordable nighttime helicopter ride. 

aerial view of Las Vegas Strip at night

4. Thrill rides at Stratosphere

The most exciting Vegas attractions are thrill rides hanging off of hotels. Where else in the world can you find that? Nowhere.

Head to the Stratosphere Hotel. It’s a great place to visit even if you’re not interested in roller coasters. The Stratosphere Observation Deck is where you’ll find all the fun!

LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 08: The x-stream thrill ride on the top of Stratosphere tower on November 08, 2012 in Las Vegas. Las Vegas in 2012 is projected to break the all-time visitor volume record of 39-plus million visitors

You’ll get 360-degree views of the spectacular Las Vegas Strip.

If you’re seeking adventure, and maybe terror, head outdoors for your turn on one of the rides. In the SkyJump, you’ll plunge off the top of the Stratosphere and drop almost 900 feet in the air!

Other rides include the Big Shot, Insanity, and X-Scream. Grab your unlimited ride pass here. 

5. Balloon ride over the desert

If you like the idea of a helicopter ride, but not the thrill… consider a more gentle hot air balloon ride in the desert. This is one of the most romantic things to do in Vegas!

3 hot air baloons in the sky above the Nevada desert

During winter months, choose between sunrise or sunset. There are no wrong choices here! Soar high into the sky. Coast over Red Rock Canyon and the surrounding mountains.

Enjoy remarkable birds-eye views of the Las Vegas Strip. Finally, you’ll enjoy a scenic picnic with champagne and light snacks. Click here to find out more. 

6. Area 51 Tours

If you haven’t heard about Area 51, you’re missing out! It’s a top-secret government research facility in the middle of the Nevada Desert.

While the true purpose of this base is largely unknown, conspiracy theorists have made some wild speculations about UFOs, aliens and experimental spacecraft.

green building that reads "area 51: alien center."

If you find these theories fascinating, you might enjoy an Area 51 tour. Unfortunately, you can’t actually visit Area 51. The tours take you to strange sites like the mutant Joshua Tree Forest and the mysterious Dry Lake.

You’ll see supposed alien petroglyphs and learn about the infamous history of Area 51. Click here to learn more.

7. Gondola Ride at the Venetian

This is one of the most romantic things to do in Las Vegas for adults! You can book a private gondola ride for two.

gondola rides at the Venetian Hotel in las Vegas

The Venetian Hotel is one of the most famous places on the Strip. It’s a monstrosity of a hotel that offers shopping, dining and entertainment. Real canals wind through this commercial wonderland under a painted sky of white clouds.

When you’re at the Venetian Hotel, make sure to check out CHICA for brunch & Black Tap for incredible milkshakes.

8. Meet the Pawn Stars

If you’re a fan of the History Channel, you can’t miss the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop! It’s the real-life pawn shop from the TV show Pawn Stars. It’s located in downtown Las Vegas, just a few minutes away from the Strip.

Gold and Silver Pawn Shop from Pawn Stars

The Pawn Stars (Rick, Chumlee, and Corey) often come down to the shop floors to sign autographs and take pictures. Rick and Chumlee can also be found at Pawn Plaza on Friday and Saturday nights.

If you are a HUGE fan, I’d recommend booking the exclusive tour. You’ll get a meet and greet with the stars. Plus, a behind the scenes tour of the shop and set! Find out more about the Pawn Stars Tour

9. Ride around in a Limo

If you want the true luxury experience while you explore the streets of Vegas, you’ve got to book a limo. Since Las Vegas is the party capital of America, the limo rides aren’t overpriced. You can rent one for less than $100 per hour. You probably don’t need more than an hour.

VIP Woman and man getting out of limousine with door being open

With your limo, you’ll get a bottle of champagne to enjoy. You’ll have the whole cabin to yourselves for intimate and stylish fun. It’s one of the best things to do in Vegas for couples!

10. Escape to Mt. Charleston

You wouldn’t expect to find snowcapped mountains right in the middle of the Nevada desert…but Mount Charleston offers skiing opportunities every winter! At Lee Canyon, you can find gear rentals, lift tickets and ski or snowboard lessons. There’s also tubing and snowshoeing!

Mount Charleston in winter, overcast skies

In the non-winter months, Mount Charleston offers hiking trails at all skill levels. The Mt Charleston recreation area is a little less than an hour out from the Las Vegas Strip. You’ll find hiking trails, campsites, and picnic areas.

11. Horseback Riding at Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is one of Nevada’s premier hiking destinations (more on this later). If you aren’t the biggest fan of hiking… this can be an excellent alternative.😉

Red Rock Canyon

Have an authentic southwestern experience. Explore dramatically colorful desert landscapes at Red Rock Canyon from the comfort and convenience of a horse. Horses are also known for their therapeutic qualities. Perfect, for your vacation.

We also recommend Wild West Horseback Adventures.

12. Drive an Exotic Car

If you’re looking for a lavish experience, Vegas is the right place to be. Luxury doesn’t stop at shopping, limousines or helicopters. The Las Vegas motor speedway offers a driving experience unlike any other.

supercar Lamborghini

You’ll get to choose from 13 different supercars including models by Porsche and Lamborghini. Find more information here.

13. Visit an Outdoor Shooting Range

I’m not a huge gun fan… but I would be remiss if I were not to include one of the most popular activities in Las Vegas. Yes, it involves hitting the shooting range!

Battlefield Las Vegas offers an indoor and outdoor shooting range. They promise to offer the ultimate experience in weaponry. Including sniper rifles, grenade launchers, and machine guns. Seriously. 

man takes aim at outdoor shooting range with sniper

As if that wasn’t enough, they offer an experience where you can crush a car with a tank. This crazy adventure will set you back over $2,000! Yikes. 😲

Please use responsibly!

14. Off-Road ATV in the Desert

If you want to experience the Las Vegas desert, but you aren’t into hiking or horseback riding… don’t worry… there are more ways to explore! Can you say ATVs, please?

Beautiful couple is watching the sunset from the mountain sitting on ATV

Check out this exciting ATV tour. It’s an epic adventure through Primm Valley and Hidden Valley that spans mountain and desert terrain. You’ll pass by many scenic lookouts. Each ATV seats 2, so it’s perfect for couples!

15. Mountain Biking

There’s no shortage of fun activities at Red Rock Canyon. This one is sure to get your heart pumping & your legs burning. Check out this rugged adventure!

16. Boat Ride on Lake Mead

You can get to Lake Mead in an hour from Las Vegas. There are a bunch of different cruises along Lake Mead to choose from. From tiny paddleboats to romantic dinner cruise ships, there’s a lot of things to do on Lake Mead. The scenery is absolutely stunning!

Lake Mead at sunset with many beautiful colors

17. Spend the day hiking

Some of the best places to see in Las Vegas need to be reached on foot. Just outside Vegas, you’ll find mountains, canyons, lakes, and valleys. The Nevada desert has it all!

Winter is the perfect time to hike in Nevada. On average, temperatures around Vegas will range from 40 to 65 degrees from December to February. The sun shines bright as always. This guarantees a refreshing and ideal climate.

man hiking in Las Vegas desert at Red Rock State Park

If you’re planning to visit in summer months, make sure to bring plenty of water and plan your hikes in the very early morning.

Some of the best places to hike near Vegas are:

  • Red Rock
  • Death Valley National Park
  • Valley of the Fire State Park
  • Sloan Canyon
Red Rock National Park

Located just northwest of Las Vegas, Red Rock National Park is a hiker’s desert paradise. It only takes 30 minutes driving to get to Red Rocks from the Las Vegas Strip. The park features a 13-mile loop with a variety of scenic lookouts and branching trails.

couple at Red Rock state park

We especially loved the Calico Tanks trail because it allowed us to climb up and around the rocks like little kids. The rocks were so numerous and all-encompassing that any semblance of a path had shorty disappeared.

You could follow the trail markers or go off in a unique direction. Another one that we loved was Ice Box Canyon. These trails were rated difficult, but the park has trails for every skill level.

couple at red rock state park in Nevada, panoramic views

Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to explore this park. You could easily spend half of a day or an entire day hiking here. For bonus points bring a picnic blanket and some food. Find a secluded spot to have lunch.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is in California, but it’s only a 3.5-hour drive from Las Vegas. This park is massive! You could spend more than an entire day here, but don’t leave yourself any less than half a day. The views are spectacular even from inside your car.

man at Death Valley National Park, blue mountains in the background

It’s a great day trip from Las Vegas!

Valley of the Fire State Park

Valley of the Fire State Park is located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas. It boasts unique, colorful and rugged landscapes. Our favorite trail was Fire Wave. We also enjoyed White Dones. This park provides half a day to a full day’s worth of adventures.

Valley of the Fire State Park, Fire Wave

Sloan Canyon

The Sloan Canyon national conservation area offers a couple of scenic hiking trails. The Petroglyph Canyon Trail is a local favorite that’s good for all skill levels and features wildflowers on route. Sloan Canyon is only 20 minutes south of the Las Vegas strip! You don’t need a whole day to check out this place, you could stop by for a quick few hours of hiking.

Ancient petroglyphs in Sloan Canyon near Las Vegas, Nevada

18. Have a romantic dinner

One of the best things for couples to do in Las Vegas is dining out. Las Vegas has some of the best restaurants in the country! Many restaurants are owned by celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsey, Guy Fieri and Bobby Flay. You can have an excellent culinary experience on and off the strip.

couple at Chandelier Bar at Cosmo Hotel in Las Vegas

Dinner on the Strip

The most iconic restaurant on the Las Vegas strip is Eiffel Tower Restaurant. It’s famous for romantic panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and the Bellagio Fountains. They offer a sophisticated French menu with an extensive wine list. This is also a great place for brunch!

Other romantic restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip include:

Dinner Off the Strip

The Las Vegas Strip may be the only place in the world where you can find such a dense collection of “hot” $$$$ + restaurants that are almost always entirely empty.

While there are numerous of these empty $$$$ restaurants and endless options for fast food, the Strip is somehow lacking in bustling, unique restaurants with good quality food offered at $$- $$$ prices. Basically, what I’m looking for.

Here’s a list of some hot Las Vegas restaurants off the strip.

19. Hit the strip for dessert

The Strip is the perfect spot in Vegas to find scrumptious desserts. Get lost in the enormous hotels and casinos. Stop and waste a few bucks at a slot machine.

Recommended Desserts:

  • Momofuku Milk Bar
  • milkshakes at Black Tap (in the Venetian) pictured below
  • Sprinkles Cupcake ATM
  • Macaroons at the Bouchon Bakery

20. See a show

Whatever your taste in music and entertainment, Las Vegas has something you’ll love. If you’ve never been to a Cirque du Soleil show, I highly recommend it.

There are a few regular ones and they’re each unique and incredible. The most popular Cirque de Soleil performance is O at the Bellagio. Although, Zumanity is considered one of the best Vegas shows for couples. It’s more sensual and intimate.

Another popular show is Absinthe at Caesars Palace. It’s a part burlesque, part circus and somewhat comedy show with some old-world charm and racy entertainers.

Consider Le Reve – The Dream at the Wynn if you are looking for more traditional dancing, gymnastics and aerial dance. It’s one of the best shows to see in Vegas!

Also, make sure to see what singers are in town. My boyfriend and I saw the Backstreet Boys last time we were in Vegas! It was such a fun throwback performance, and we got great general admission tickets for dirt cheap.

21. Watch the sunset at a rooftop bar

Head to Skybar at the Waldorf Astoria (previously the Mandarin Oriental). Skybar is indoors, but it offers fantastic and flashy views of the Las Vegas Strip. Watch the sunset with a drink in your hand.

Skybar, las vegas

Other great bars to watch the sunset:

Beer Park is cheaper and casual than the others! You can also make reservations online. Make sure to request a table outside on the patio.

22. Shop for gems and minerals

Jewelry and Minerals of Las Vegas have been a community staple for decades. It’s a family operated depot for semi-precious stones, gemstones, and handmade jewelry. They have a huge selection and sell at reasonable prices!

collection of gemstones in various colors

This is one of the coolest most authentic places to visit in Las Vegas. It’s an especially great place for couples because you’ll be able to find that rare, uniquely beautiful piece of decor for your home or apartment.

Imagine a glimmering geode on your living room coffee table. It will not only be a conversation starter, but it will also be a life-long sentiment and memory of your couples trip to Las Vegas.

If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, even better! Get your partner a jewelry item that they won’t find anywhere else. Of course, let them pick it out.

23. Visit the Pahrump Valley Winery

Just an hour outside Vegas is the Pahrump Valley Winery. It’s considered the best winery in Nevada and one of the most awarded wineries in America. In Nevada, Pahrump grows Zinfandel and Syrah varietals on site.

wine glass with small portion being poured inside for tasting

Pahrump Winery offers daily tours and tastings. They also have a top-rated restaurant on site. Make your reservations in advance for dinner.

24. Stroll through the Springs Preserve

The Springs Preserve is one of the lesser-known Las Vegas tourist attractions. It’s a 180 acre nature preserve just 10 minutes away from the Strip. In the Springs Preserve, there’s beautiful botanical gardens, walking trails and a butterfly habitat.

You can also rent bikes here to explore the park. Bike rentals are only $8 per hour! There are 4 miles of trails total, so it’s also totally doable to explore on foot.

Las Vegas, SEP 7: Exterior of a gift shop in Springs Preserve on SEP 7, 2019 at Las Vegas, Nevada

Enjoy the Joshua trees, desert wetlands and tortoise habitats. This is the perfect place to go if you need a break from the commercialism, flash and glam of the strip!

25. Go to a chocolate factory

Ethel M Chocolate Factory offers a brief self-guided tour as well as samples of their famous chocolate. On-site, you can also indulge in chocolate tasting workshops as well as Chocolate and Wine tasting classes. Click here for times and scheduling information. After you’ve had a sweet experience inside, make sure to walk through the cactus botanical garden on site.

26. Marvel at the Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is a modern marvel of engineering. It takes just under an hour from the Strip to reach the Hoover Dam visitor center. The observation deck at the top of the dam is damn impressive!

Hoover Dam seen from above

27. Fremont Street

Fremont Street is the historic Las Vegas Strip. It lacks the stature and glamour of the new Strip, but it offers a vintage charm and a traditional Vegas feels.

Some of the best attractions in Las Vegas are on Fremont Street. That includes the famous shark tank, the zipline and the world’s largest video screen.

the Fremont street at night

The Tank at the Golden Nugget is a 200,000 gallon shark habitat. You’ve got to check it out. For more thrills, zipline over Fremont Street at SlotZilla.

Finally, make sure to see Viva Vision. It’s the world’s largest video screen displaying dramatic and dazzling light shows at the start of every hour after 6 PM.

28. Soak in Hot Springs

There are a few great places near Las Vegas to enjoy natural hot springs. The most popular place to go is Gold Strike Hot Springs. It’s about an hour away from the Las Vegas strip, but totally worth the trip!

You’ll hike and repel down into a canyon, enjoy spectacular views and temperate thermal pools. Hiking to these hot springs is challenging! Plan ahead and be prepared.

Other great hot springs near Las Vegas are the Arizona Hot Springs and Rogers Spring. It will take some hiking to get to the Arizona Hot Springs, but the trail is not nearly as challenging as at Gold Strike.

Rogers Spring is even more easily accessible and requires no hiking. You can drive right up to the springs!

29. Find the 7 Magic Mountains

These beautiful and colorful rocks are about 20 minutes drive from the Las Vegas strip. The Seven Magic Mountains are an art exhibition of enormous dayglow totems.

The totems were sourced from local boulders. They are meant to symbolize a state in between artificial and natural. Read more about their artist and creation here.

even Magic Mountains art installation near Las Vegas city. Pillars made of neon colored boulders stand against barren desert background and blue sky

30. Go to a pool party

You’ve probably heard of nighclubs, but have you ever been to a dayclub? Las Vegas pool party season starts mid-March and goes through mid-October.

Vegas dayclubs host the world’s hottest EDM artists like Tiesto, Steve Aoki and Calvin Harris. They offer luxury poolside cabanas, ridiculously overpriced drinks and endless sunshine.

Girl at an Encore Bach Club pool party, in the pool

The best places to go in Las Vegas for pool parties are the MGM Grand’s Wet Republic and the Encore Beach Club. These parties have the best headliners, so it will always get packed! Get there earlier in the day to secure your space.

31. Visit a museum

If you’re looking for conventional Las Vegas sightseeing, visit a museum. Las Vegas has a few interesting museums to visit, and one that may test your boundaries

  • Neon Museum
  • National Atomic Testing Museum
  • Mob Museum
  • Erotic Heritage Museum
Neon Museum

The Neon Museum has an impressive collection of historic Las Vegas signs. This outdoor “Neon Boneyard” is overflowing with rescued signs, vintage bulbs and beautiful colors. It’s one of the must-see Vegas tourist attractions!

Throughout, you’ll find many instagrammable backdrops. You can also book a photoshoot in the Neon Boneyard. For more information visit their website here.

National Atomic Testing Museum

This museum documents America’s 70-year history with nuclear weapons testing specifically at the Nevada Test Site. The Nevada Test site was located about 65 miles north of the city.

During detonations in the 1950s, mushroom clouds could be seen from within the city of Las Vegas. The explosions became a tourist attraction and Americans lined up to watch.

Learn about radiation, how nuclear weapons were developed and how the atomic age influenced American Culture. Visit their website for more information.

Mob Museum

The Mob Museum is situated in downtown Las Vegas, right in front of the Old Strip. The museum is housed in a former Las Vegas Courthouse.

The courthouse was sold by the federal government to the city of Las Vegas for $1! The city agreed to develop the courthouse as a historic site and use it for cultural purposes.

As you walk through the museum, you’ll travel through time, revisiting the history of the Mob in American society. After you’re done with your tour, stop by the basement speakeasy for a drink.

Erotic Heritage Museum

This risque museum in Vegas is dedicated to documenting the history of erotica with a focus on America’s sexual revolution. It’s the largest museum for erotic artifacts in the world! With many immersive exhibits, it’s one of the most provocative places in Vegas for couples.

Their most advertised exhibit is the “World’s Largest Erotic Bicycle.” Other works span the artistic spectrum from video to sculpture, photography and painting.

Things to do in Las Vegas for couples pinThings to do in las vegas for couples pin

Things to do in las vegas for couples pin

This post may contain compensated links. Please read our disclaimer for more info.

You may also like

13 comments

krista February 12, 2019 - 11:14 pm

if i ever make it back to Las Vegas, I would love to explore outside the strip! I can only imagine how much nature and adventure there is out there and your photos prove that! Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Daniel February 13, 2019 - 7:05 am

I never really liked Vegas as a city but I really enjoyed the Red Rock and the Death Valley National Park and I’m glad you mentioned them here. I didn’t get the chance to visit the Valley of the Fire but it sure looks fascinating

Reply
Shane Prather February 13, 2019 - 7:47 pm

I honestly loved hiking the national parks more than the gambling and nightlife of the city. This is a really great round up of ideas that will surely save a lot of money too!

Reply
Milijana February 14, 2019 - 10:10 pm

I have already explored some of your suggestions like the Death Valley and Hoover Dam and they were spectacular. But I would like to do some hikes you have recommended. Red Rocks NP and Valley of the Fire State Park sound great.
And, I agree with the Strip lacks unique restaurants with an impressive setting and good quality food!

Reply
Jean February 19, 2019 - 4:07 am

Oh I love the idea of getting off the Strip, hiring a car and finding some happiness in a hike or two. Is it expensive to hire a car in Vegas?

Reply
valentina February 19, 2019 - 5:06 pm

Hi Jean, It was pretty affordable and convenient to rent a car at the Las Vegas Airport. You could get a rental for 3 days for about $100 depending on what insurance package you get/ what kind of car you want.

Reply
blair villanueva February 20, 2019 - 5:06 am

The aerial view of Hoover Dam is magnificent! Never been to Las Vegas but maybe in the future. As for Las Vegas entertainment, we have similar destination here in Asia and the Philippines.

Reply
Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions February 20, 2019 - 7:36 am

I still haven’t even made it to Vegas yet, but the activities you mention here are making me want to go! Those hikes look gorgeous and the Hoover Dam looks stunning. I was curious about whether it would simply be too hot for outdoor activities, so I like how you mention that it’s really not too bad in the winter months.

Reply
valentina February 20, 2019 - 3:25 pm

I think winter is a great time to visit if your primary goal is hiking. The benefit of a summer visit would be sunbathing and pool parties. Although, there are still hikes that would be reasonable in the summer (Specifically it is a lot cooler in the Mt Charleston or Lake Mead). Spring and fall months may also provide a happy medium of temperatures. Luckily, Vegas is a great year round destination! 🙂

Reply
Ryan Gray December 31, 2019 - 11:13 am

That’s a great list. Looks like you guys had a great time. I visited Las Vegas with my family last year and we had a great time. Vegas has so much to offer other than casinos. Me and my partner are super into cars and Vegas has some of the best race tracks and exotic sports cars. We even rented McLaren from LVC Exotic Rentals and it was one of the best experience of our lives.

Reply
valentina January 2, 2020 - 3:51 pm

Wow Ryan, that sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience 🙂

Reply
avalon July 10, 2020 - 11:02 am

I want to go to Las Vegas, but it’s expensive!

Reply
valentina July 10, 2020 - 12:56 pm

It can be done on a budget. Although, it takes some planning 🙂

Reply

Leave a Comment