Las Vegas is a city that immediately conjures up images of glittering casinos, sprawling resorts, and world-class entertainment. But, peel back the curtain and you’ll find a city full of eccentricities, hidden histories, and peculiar adventures. If you’re willing to venture off the Strip, you’ll discover a truly unique side of the famous Sin City that will make your trip unforgettable.
Let’s get started!
Unique Accommodation
Planning your weird and wonderful trip to Las Vegas begins with finding the right accommodation. For a unique experience, move away from the sleek luxury of a traditional hotel and opt for an immersive themed experience that will transport you to another world.
Make sure to factor in the location and your budget when choosing where to stay. You’ll also want to shop around to save on hotel rooms and get the best price.
Some of the best themed resorts are:
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas: Have you ever wanted to be serenaded by a gondolier as you soak up the views of St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge? Well, in the Venetian Resort you can do just that. It offers elaborate replicas and stunning frescoes that will transport you to Venice as soon as you step through the door.
Excalibur Hotel and Casino: If medieval fantasy is your thing, then the Excalibur Hotel and Casino is the place for you. It has a castle-like facade, battlements, and jousting knights during the “Tournament of Kings” dinner show. It’s also really family-friendly.
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino: This resort has a wide range of year-round themed suites to choose from. From Christmas and Halloween, to their cowboy and flower themed suites. You can have a different experience every time you stay!
Cabinets of Curiosity
While many cities boast museums dedicated to fine art or natural history, Las Vegas moves away from the traditional. Instead, you’ll find quirky collections that offer alternative perspectives into the city’s rich history.
If you’re interested to learn more about the darker side of Las Vegas history, head to The Mob Museum. Spread over multiple floors, this fascinating museum explores the origin of the Mafia, the Prohibition era, infamous mob figures, and law enforcement efforts to tackle corruption. There’s even a 1920s-themed speakeasy in the basement that you can only gain access to by knowing the weekly password (found on their website or social media).
For a fun retro experience, you can’t do better than the Pinball Hall of Fame. It houses a collection of hundreds of pinball machines from the 1950s to the present day and the best thing? This isn’t a typical “look, don’t touch” museum. All the machines are meant to be played with and cost just quarters to use.
Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum is another unique Las Vegas attraction, but one leaning more towards the paranormal and the macabre. Located in a historic mansion it includes objects like the infamous Dybbuk Box (dubbed the “world’s most haunted object”) and the allegedly cursed Peggy the Doll. Just expect to sign a waiver before taking the tour.
Unexpected Activities
Las Vegas doesn’t just offer weird and wonderful museums, it also has a wide range of interactive activities to immerse yourself in. They’ll take you far from the typical casino resorts and provide a potent dose of the unexpected.
If your kids (or you) have ever dreamt of playing with giant Tonka trucks, then you need to pay Dig This Las Vegas a visit. You can demolish cars, navigate obstacle courses, and dig trenches from behind the controls of full-sized caterpillar bulldozers, excavators, skid steers, and backhoes. Safety is paramount and breathalysers are administered before you’re let loose on the machinery.
Feel the need for speed? Speedvegas has you covered! It provides the opportunity to get behind the wheel of supercars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches for high-octane thrills. If you don’t want to drive, you can ride shotgun alongside a professional driver, making it a fantastic alternative activity to gambling in Las Vegas.
And, if you’re not exhausted after that, head to AREA15. Just a short distance west of the Strip, it’s a 200,000-square-foot experiential retail and entertainment complex. Full of large-scale interactive art installations, VR experiences, unique retail outlets, and eateries. Just make sure to pay a visit to Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart for surreal products like “Tattoo Chicken” and “Whale Song Deodorant”.
Strange Sips and Curious Cuisine
When it comes to unusual dining experiences, Las Vegas does not disappoint. For cocktails you’ll want to head to The Golden Tiki. Soak up the kitschy atmosphere while enjoying some free entertainment. It’s the ultimate Polynesian escape!
Another bar that should be on your list is Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails. Hidden behind an unassuming janitor’s door you’ll find a swanky bar with nightly live music and themed nights. Or, if you want a break from the desert heat, then Minus 5° Ice Bar is the place for you. They’ll provide the parkas and gloves, all you need to do is enjoy the unique experience of being a bar almost completely made of ice.
After bar hopping and a day packed full of exploring the alternative side of Las Vegas, you’ll probably be looking for somewhere to grab a bite. To continue the theme of the weird and wonderful opt for the sensory experience of eating in complete darkness. BLACKOUT Dining in the Dark aims to enhance your other senses – smell, taste, and texture, providing an unusual way to dine.
But if you enjoy seeing your food while you eat there are plenty of other options available. Try Secret Pizza for a budget-friendly option or Evel Pie. The latter being a homage to legendary daredevil Evel Knievel.
The Wrap Up
Yes, Las Vegas is a city of luxury casinos and world-class entertainment, but it’s also so much more than that. If you’re traveling to Las Vegas and are prepared to dig a little deeper, a wonderful world of the weird and unexpected awaits. So, get exploring and see how Las Vegas can surprise you!
