Las Vegas might be internationally famous for its neon lights, giant casinos, and round-the-clock entertainment along the Strip—but for those willing to stray off the tourist track, the city has another side: one replete with offbeat attractions, local haunts, and best-kept secrets that most visitors overlook.Maybe you're a regular traveler or a curious newcomer stepping into the lesser-known side of the city for the first time; either way, this insider's guide has given you a glimpse into the Las Vegas secrets that only locals know.
From offbeat museums and secret restaurants to serene desert oases and retro sites of delight, there are plenty of unusual Las Vegas hidden gems that provide a welcome respite from the clichéd and overhyped. Read on to learn about the city's best-kept secrets—places that best embody what Las Vegas is all about.
For offbeat Vegas attractions, the Neon Boneyard at the Neon Museum is top-notch. This wacky outdoor exhibit gallery features retired casino and other old businesses' neon signs—each with a story behind it.Each sign offers a journey through time and illustrates aspects of the cultural heritage of the city in brightly lit technicolor.
Not only do locals love it for the nostalgia, but it shows Las Vegas becoming more than a glamazon exterior. Consider booking a guided evening tour to see the signs at night, so you will have a greater understanding of the artistic underpinnings of this desert city.
Some of the best ways to find Las Vegas's hidden treasures is through its cuisine. Bye-bye, celebrity chef restaurants and buffets—locals prefer non-touristy, hole-in-the-wall restaurants that serve unforgettable tastes without the fray.
This humble Thai restaurant in a plain strip mall is a local favorite for a reason. Famous for its Northern Thai specialties and hot spice levels, Lotus of Siam is a favorite among residents who demand authenticity and quality.
A small, unassuming sandwich shop hidden within the Arts District, The Goodwich dishes up gourmet handhelds with fresh fare and creative flavor combinations. A local favorite often under the radar for tourists, it is among the best top secret destinations in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Arts District, or 18b, is full of artistic energy and quirky charm. In contrast to the Strip, the Arts District is where actual community happens. Imagine murals, alternative galleries, coffeehouses, and vintage boutiques—all under the radar.
Art Square and The Arts Factory are two locations where you’ll encounter everything from local photography to experimental sculpture. Don’t miss First Friday, a monthly art festival that turns the district into a bustling celebration of local talent.
Local Favorite Insight: Stop by Makers & Finders, a Latin café, for a great cup of coffee and empanadas while soaking in the neighborhood vibe.
Although not a hidden gem, Red Rock Canyon is frequently overlooked by visitors with only an interest in urban sites. Only 30 minutes outside of downtown, this desert paradise is a favorite among locals for hiking, biking, and even climbing.
For a non-touristy vibe, bypass the Scenic Drive and hike the Calico Tanks Trail or Ice Box Canyon. Both of these trails provide amazing vistas without the tourists. Better still? They're completely free with access from off-the-beaten-path entrances.
More Nature Hidden Gems:
Want nightlife without the tourist mess? Las Vegas has an increasing number of secret places and speakeasy-type bars where you can drink in style.
Behind a fake wall within Commonwealth bar on Fremont Street, The Laundry Room is an intimate speakeasy with bespoke cocktails, vintage flair, and a firm no-phone policy. Reservations are needed—and well worth it.
This one lurks within Mandalay Bay, its Gatsby-era atmosphere and whiskey-based menu keeping it off the radar. It's a secret gem where live jazz and burlesque transport you to another time.
For a shot of nostalgia, find out about the vestiges of "Old Vegas" that remain today, keeping quietly to themselves the city's eccentric personality.
A far cry from the average arcade, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a locally operated nonprofit with shelves of playable old pinball games. It's fun, family-oriented, and charmingly quirky.
A vintage tiki bar mixing up tough rum cocktails and Polynesian tackiness since 1953, Frankie's is among the finest non-touristy evening venues in the city. The locals adore it for its original dive bar vibe and liberal pours.
Need a memento that isn't a plastic model of the Eiffel Tower? Avoid Skip the Strip's pricey souvenir booths and look to local favorites for shopping.
This intimate indie bookstore in Downtown Las Vegas is also a coffee shop and creative space. It's the place to go for quirky books, one-of-a-kind gifts, and even live performances.
A retro furniture shop with its shelves full of mid-century furniture, neon signs, and wacky decor, Retro Vegas is a shopping experience you won't find in tourist areas.
While visitors flock to Cirque du Soleil and pop star residencies, there is a thriving underground performance scene that you don't want to overlook.
This unconventional theater company hosts original works and interactive experiences in the heart of the Arts District.It's gritty, sharp, and absolutely unconventional.
This hybrid cocktail bar and event space is famous for mixology magic, seasonal menus, and helping local artists thrive through frequent live music nights.
If you desire to explore the off-the-beaten-path hidden treasures Las Vegas has to share, your choice of accommodation makes a difference. Opt for boutique hotels or vacation rentals in such neighborhoods as Downtown Las Vegas, the Arts District, or Spring Valley. These neighborhoods bring you closer to the local hotspots and off-the-beaten-path side of the city.
Ask bartenders and Uber drivers – They tend to know the best hidden gems.
If you are feeling weary for a rehashed touristic path, these hidden spots will get you back on track. They show a city with character, stories and surprises aside from the bright lights and gaming. Off the wall art places, secret cocktail spots, or local favorites that will satisfy your foodie side, Las Vegas is hiding some nice surprises, you just have to find them.
So next time you're here, don't do something cliché, do something new. Let this insider's guide be your guiding light to find non-touristy, authentic Las Vegas..
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