Best Tours and Day Trips from Las Vegas
You come to Las Vegas to have fun, but you can always complete your trip with a guided tour or an excursion that shows you the lesser-known side of the city.
Las Vegas entrance sign | ©Sung Shin
Las Vegas is not just about casinos, neon lights and big shows. Given its proximity to numerous natural monuments, many travelers take advantage of their visit to Vegas to explore places like the Grand Canyon, the Valley of Fire, Lake Mead or Red Rock Canyon, among many others. Here are the best options:
1. Nighttime walking tour of downtown Las Vegas
Surely you have seen the streets of Las Vegas in many movies but perhaps there are still many things you don't know about the largest city in the state of Nevada, such as its history and how it became the city of excess that it is today despite being in the middle of nowhere.
The rapid growth of this city brought with it many anecdotes that you would have no way of knowing if it were not for this 2-hour night walking tour presented by a former history professor who knows all the secrets of Las Vegas.
Itinerary
- Fremont Street, the old part of town. This is where the first casinos and hotels were set up when gambling and alcohol attracted many visitors in the 1930's and several gangsters invested money in Las Vegas to create hotels.
- Old Time Casino at the El Cortez Hotel, a place that still preserves several original rooms and old slot machines. With guide Richard Lloyd Evans, a former history professor, you can learn about the secrets of Sin City at the time and anecdotes about the gangsters.
- Fremont East District, a space with a diverse street life and full of charming local restaurants, cocktail lounges and plenty of entertainment that pays homage to the history of Las Vegas.
- Downtown Container Park, an open-air marketplace with art galleries that even hosts live performances. You'll be greeted by a curious giant praying mantis that shoots fire from its antennae. Seeing it at night is even more amazing and looks spectacular in photographs.
- Golden Nugget or Binion's Gambling Hall. The former displays the world's largest gold nugget and the latter is where you can have your picture taken with $1,000,000 in cash.
- Fremont Street Experience: a pedestrian street with one of the most dazzling light and sound shows in Las Vegas. It was created to revive tourism in the old part of the city. In addition, this place also features street artists and live performances so you will have a very entertaining time.
- Viva Vision, the world's largest video screen and its visual shows with music by Imagine Dragons, Steve Aoki, Linkin Park and The Killers, among others.
Why do I like this tour?
Behind all the glitz, gambling and Las Vegas shows that showcase the typical routes through the city are hidden nooks and crannies that tourists would never see if not for tours like Richard Lloyd Evans'. A guide with a great sense of humor that makes the tour very enjoyable and knows all the stories of Las Vegas, both the funny anecdotes and the most mysterious.
A highly recommended tour to learn about the origins of Las Vegas and its history. In addition, being a small group of maximum 8 people, the guide can answer everyone's questions and the experience was very personalized.
2. All-inclusive Las Vegas nightclub party route
Since its origins, Las Vegas has been a paradise for nightlife lovers. In addition to fun shows and casinos, there are hundreds of pubs and bars where you can have a great time, but the best way to party in Las Vegas is to take an all-inclusive night club bus tour.
Why? You'll avoid the high entrance fees, the hassle of finding a cab to get around, VIP access to three of the city's most popular clubs and enjoy premium drinks on the party bus that will take you to the clubs. Sounds good, doesn't it? All at a much more reasonable price compared to planning the night out yourself.
Plus, this tour includes a mini tour of the Las Vegas Strip and a stop at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign with a professional photographer.
What to Expect
The Las Vegas nightclub party tour starts at 9:00 PM at the House of Blues for check in. This place offers 15% off food. If you buy in you will receive a free drink. In case you are going with a large group of 15 people or more and want to make a dinner reservation, you will have to inform in advance so that X can help you organize it.
Around 10:00 PM, the tour host will take the group to the Foundation Room, the first nightclub of the evening. With your Party Tours wristband, Foundation Room offers $5 Ketel One vodka drink specials.
You will continue the night on the party bus stocked with premium liquor as you go from club to club and the host will take photos of the party for you to download later.
Interesting facts
- In Las Vegas you must be 21 years old to drink or enter nightclubs so to participate in this party tour you must carry your passport or a valid government issued photo ID showing that you are of the required age.
- To access the clubs there are usually quite a few restrictions on clothing so it is important to respect the dress code of the nightclub. To avoid problems, it is advisable to choose elegant attire.
- All venues are subject to change.
- Drinks at the meeting point and complimentary drinks on the party bus are included in the tour but not drinks in the clubs.
3. Grand Canyon Bus Tour
For many travelers, the South Rim is the most beautiful part of the Grand Canyon. It is located in the heart of the National Park and the views from any of its overlooks are fascinating as you can contemplate both its grandeur and its height in the best way.
The best way to get to the South Rim from Las Vegas is by road. With this one day bus tour to the Grand Canyon National Park you will have the opportunity to enjoy this natural wonder in person accompanied by a professional guide who will reveal its history and review its flora and fauna.
What will you see?
The tour begins with pick-up from your Las Vegas hotel and departure at 6:00 AM to this rugged gorge carved by the Colorado River over thousands of years. Along the way, you will listen to the guide's commentary on the history of this natural monument to get you into the spirit while you have lunch and the first stop of the tour will be at the Grand Canyon Caverns, which are located along Route 66 just outside of Peach Springs.
These are the largest dry caves in the United States, which are located 60.96 meters deep. On this tour you will have the opportunity to access the caves to explore them on an optional 45-minute tour where you can take pictures for your social media.
You will then resume your journey to the Grand Canyon National Park to enjoy the spectacular scenery of this beautiful landscape of reddish rock formations. This tour allows you to familiarize yourself with the South Rim, the most visited part of the Grand Canyon as it is considered the most beautiful of the three parts of the park and is open all year round.
It also includes two iconic places such as Mather Point, the most popular viewpoint in South Rim, and the Bright Angel Lodge, where you can marvel at the sunsets in a dreamlike environment such as the Grand Canyon. On the way back, you can relax in the comfortable seats of the luxury bus while watching the lights of Las Vegas in the distance, the city that never sleeps.
Why do I like this tour?
The best way to get to the South Rim from Las Vegas is by road. The trip is long but very well organized. To make it more enjoyable, the bus on this tour has all the amenities such as a restroom inside the vehicle, padded seats and panoramic windows to enjoy the scenery along the way, which is especially appreciated on the return trip to rest after a long day visiting the Grand Canyon.
The best tourist attractions of the Grand Canyon are outdoors so to protect yourself from the sun I advise you to bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
4. Grand Canyon West Rim flightseeing tour by light aircraft
If you would like to fulfill your dream of seeing the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas but want to avoid the long road trip there, it is best to take a 70-minute light aircraft tour of the West Rim, the area closest to the city of the three into which this natural monument is divided.
In a 4-hour excursion you will have a bird's eye view of the highlights of the West Rim route: Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. Thanks to the aircraft's oversized windows you will have amazing panoramic views and you can take all the pictures you want for your souvenir album inside the Grand Canyon itself as one of the eagles living in the national park.
What to expect?
This thrilling adventure through the skies of Nevada begins with passengers being picked up at your hotel and taken to the Boulder City airport. Here you will check in for your flight and after buckling up, the group will take off for Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, and the Hoover Dam, a 20th century engineering masterpiece that sits on the course of the Colorado River and gave rise to the famous reservoir.
You will then fly over the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon passing over some of the West Rim attractions such as Eagle Point, Guano Point and the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass-floored observation deck on a 1,300-meter deep cliff. This air tour ends when you return to the airport and hotel in Las Vegas.
Why do I have to give my weight information?
This is so that they can calculate the weight distribution in the aircraft to balance the flight.
Do I have to show any documentation?
Yes, to participate in the activity you must bring a photo ID or passport.
5. Long helicopter tour of the west side of the Grand Canyon
If you're on a tight schedule during your trip to Las Vegas but don't want to miss the opportunity to see a unique natural monument like the Grand Canyon, this 4-hour tour of the West Rim is what you're looking for.
Unlike other Grand Canyon tours, on this one you will be able to see from the heights this grandiose gorge carved out of the rock by the Colorado River more than 1,600 meters deep in a flight of about 70 minutes.
What will you see?
Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon West including the Colorado River.
What to expect
While other Grand Canyon helicopter tours only spend a few minutes flying over the Grand Canyon, this is an extended tour with more flight time over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the west side of the Grand Canyon. No more and no less than 70 minutes approximately.
After selecting your departure time at the time of booking, the Grand Canyon helicopter tour begins when you are picked up at your Las Vegas hotel and taken to the heliport where you will board the aircraft to fly over the West Rim.
This area of the Grand Canyon is the most visited by tourists traveling to Las Vegas, as it is the closest place to the city. It is very popular for its deep and narrow cliffs and because here is located a horseshoe-shaped viewpoint known as Skywalk that has a glass floor on a cliff with thousands of feet deep. The sensation of being suspended in the air is very exciting and gives us another perspective of the Grand Canyon different from the one seen from the sky.
During the flight, you will listen to the pilot explain the origin of the Grand Canyon while you appreciate the amazing views of the tour. At the end of the helicopter tour, you will return to the heliport and then back to the hotel. Refreshments are included to keep your energy level high during the activity.
Check availability
A maximum of 30 people can participate in this Grand Canyon tour, so it is advisable to contact the tour operator to check availability on the chosen date, as there may be prior reservations.
Why should I report my weight?
To calculate the weight distribution in the helicopter and thus balance the flight.
Do I have to carry any kind of documentation?
Yes, travelers must carry a photo ID or passport to participate in the activity.
6. 3-day tour to Las Vegas National Parks: Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon
Las Vegas is not only about entertainment, casinos and neon lights. It is also the starting point for many excursions to the desert and several national parks. If during your stay in the city you want to breathe some fresh air and get to know the unique nature of states like Arizona and Utah, this 3-day excursion to Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon National Parks with a professional guide is the one for you.
All ground transportation, two nights lodging with breakfast and entrance fees to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon and Zion Park are included.
What to expect
The adventure begins at 7:00 AM when you board the bus or minivan on Las Vegas Boulevard that will take you and the group to explore the desert landscapes of the western part of the country.
- The first stop on the tour will be the Grand Canyon, where you will visit the area known as the South Rim, which is considered the most beautiful of the three areas into which the national park is divided.
- Afterwards, you will head to Lake Powell for a cruise on one of the most beautiful lakes in America. You will have the impression of having found an oasis of crystalline waters in the middle of an arid area.
- At the end of the cruise it is time to head west to Bryce Canyon, where you will find the most amazing natural rock and sand sculptures on the planet. A landscape that might as well look like Mars and was formed by the erosion of rain, wind and sun over thousands of years.
- Finally you will visit Zion National Park, the oldest of Utah's five national parks. The Mormon community that settled in the area in the 19th century gave it this name, which comes from an ancient Hebrew word meaning "sanctuary". And the truth is that when you set foot in this place you understand why: impressive cliffs and mountains, viewpoints with spectacular views and natural pools of emerald color. A mystical landscape that is the dream of any photographer or traveler.
- You will have the opportunity to hike along the Virgin River and breathe in the tranquility of Zion National Park, so different from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. In the evening you will return to this city to end the excursion.
Duration
The duration of the tour to Las Vegas National Parks: Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon is 3 days. It is available in Spanish, French, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Italian, English, Japanese, Portuguese and German.
Day 1: Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Powell Lake
Lodging: Clarion Inn PageMeals: Not included
Day 2: Lake Powell - Bryce Canyon
Lodging: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kanab or on certain departures overnight at the Comfort Inn Hotel, Cedar CityMeals: Breakfast
Day 3: Zion National Park - Las Vegas
Lodging: Not includedMeals: Breakfast
Facts of Interest
- This tour admits a maximum of three people per room. If you are traveling with a group of 4 people or more or wish to have separate rooms, we recommend that you make separate reservations.
- Children under 2 years old are free of charge. At the time of booking, please advise if an infant is traveling with you. Child seats are available and stroller accessible.
- Luggage is limited to one suitcase and one small carry-on bag per person.
- Activity participants must be in average physical condition.
7. 3-Day Tour: Sedona, Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas
If you are passionate about photography and want to get to know the natural environment of the western United States, on this 3-day tour to Sedona, Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon accompanied by a professional guide you will discover some of the most photogenic landscapes of the Arizona desert. I'll tell you a little about the itinerary:
Day 1 Vegas - Sedona
To visit Arizona by car you will travel along the Mojave Desert, whose unique appearance has attracted travelers and artists from all over the world in search of a different experience as they pass through the west coast of the United States. The first stop on the tour will be Oak Creek Canyon, a beautiful narrow canyon surrounded by lush pine forests and reddish rocky mountains somewhat reminiscent of the Grand Canyon.
On this tour you will also visit the Slide Rock State Park located in Oak Creek Canyon 7 km north of Sedona.
Then there will be a lunch break in Sedona, a city that has a natural beauty where thick vegetation is mixed with rocky mountains of reddish tones and whose landscape is reminiscent of the Far West movies. Perhaps because it was the setting for many westerns. In Sedona you can see galleries, stores and Native American crafts.
From Sedona the group will take a route to the east called Red Rock Scenic Byway to see Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, the two great rocky mountains that are most renowned in the region. Also the Courthouse Butte hill and the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a Catholic temple dating from 1956 and that at sunset shows its greatest splendor.
Lodging: Country Inn & Suites FlagstaffMeals: Not included
Day 2 Sedona - Monument Valley - Horseshoe Bend
The next stop on this excursion is Monument Valley, a valley located within the Navajo Indian Reservation that because of its enormous beauty is one of the most photographed places in America. Accompanied by Native American guides, the group will take a jeep tour through the valley to enjoy the amazing views.
During the visit we will pause to enjoy an outdoor barbecue and we will resume the excursion to go to the Colorado River and visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, the horseshoe-shaped meander that we have seen in countless postcards in the afternoon.
Overnight: Clarion Inn PageMeals: Breakfast Lunch
Day 3 Antelope Canyon - Valley of Fire - Las Vegas
Finally, the group will head to Antelope Canyon, a sacred site for the Navajo tribe, to admire the dunes and the canyon created by the action of the water. Finally on the way back to Las Vegas, you will stop for lunch and a visit to the Valley of Fire, Nevada's oldest state park whose rock formations date back to the time of the dinosaurs.
Lodging: Not includedMeals: Breakfast
Facts of Interest
- This tour allows a maximum of three people per room. If you are traveling with a group of 4 people or more or wish to have separate rooms, we recommend that you make separate reservations.
- Children under 2 years old are free of charge. At the time of booking, please advise if an infant is traveling with you. Child seats are available and stroller accessible.
- Luggage is limited to one suitcase and one small carry-on bag per person.
- Participants in the activity must be in average physical condition.
8. Small group tour of the south rim of the Grand Canyon
Of the three areas into which the Grand Canyon is divided, the South Rim is considered the most beautiful. The views from any of its viewpoints are captivating, as you can admire the magnitude of the place in all its splendor. However, everything I can tell you about its charms does not compare to the sensation of seeing with your own eyes this marvel declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The best way to get to the South Rim from Las Vegas is by road, as you can travel along historic Route 66 while appreciating the desert landscape of reddish rock formations that seem to be from another planet. Plus, with this Grand Canyon South Rim tour you can visit the Grand Canyon on a private tour with just your own group accompanied by a guide. You will live a totally personalized experience.
What to expect?
The tour begins at 6:00 AM to depart for the Grand Canyon Caverns via the famous Route 66, the first highway connecting the east and west coasts of the United States. Much of the success of these caves is due to the fact that they are located along this highway.
These are the largest dry caves in the United States, which are located 60.96 meters deep. On this tour there is a stop to explore the interior in an optional 45-minute tour to complete the visit to the Grand Canyon.
The group will then arrive at the South Rim in Grand Canyon National Park, where you will be accompanied by a guide to walk between Mather's Point and Bright Angel Lodge and enjoy the breathtaking views, with the best angles for taking pictures. On the return trip, through the van windows you can take in the nighttime views of the Las Vegas skyline with its twinkling lights before returning to the hotel.
Facts of Interest
This small group Grand Canyon South Rim tour lasts 15 hours (approx.) and is available in English and Spanish.
9. Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas with skip-the-line entry to the Skywalk
Although it is the South Rim that is considered the most beautiful part of the Grand Canyon, the west side also has a lot to offer. Combine that with a helicopter tour and VIP access to the Skywalk, a glass-floored observation deck over a deep cliff, and the experience here is totally amazing.
What to expect?
The tour begins with a limousine pick-up from your hotel to the heliport where you'll board the helicopter to fly over the Grand Wash Cliffs desert, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam while admiring the scenery from the aircraft's wrap-around windows.
The next attraction on the tour you will see is Grand Canyon West and upon landing you will experience the thrill of queue-free access to the Skywalk observation deck, one of the West Rim's most popular landmarks. The sensation of walking on this glass-floored structure located on the edge of a cliff is absolutely breathtaking.
Why should I report my weight?
Most tour operators ask for your weight to calculate the weight distribution in the helicopter to balance the flight.
Do I have to carry any kind of documentation?
Yes, all passengers over 18 years of age must carry a photo ID or passport to participate in the activity.
Infants must be seated on an adult's lap. Babies are considered infants if they are under two years old and proof of age such as a passport or a copy of their birth certificate is provided.
Information of interest
- Backpacks, bags and cameras are not allowed on the Skywalk. Complimentary lockers are available to store personal belongings.
- For reasons of comfort and helicopter balance, passengers weighing 300 pounds or more must purchase an additional seat. This is paid directly to the tour operator on the day of the tour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get around Las Vegas?
The most efficient way to travel across the Strip is to ride the monorail, which runs from 7:00 to 2:00 during the week and from 7:00 to 3:00 on weekends. Alternatively, you can take the Deuce, a double-decker bus that will allow you to sightsee and get around at the same time. In addition, Uber and Lyft operate quite well in Las Vegas and are a popular choice among commuters and locals.
What is there to do off the Vegas Strip?
In addition to the many day trips to Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, Death Valley and Hoover Dam, you can go for a stroll down Fremont Street, visit the Mob Museum to go back in time to Las Vegas' past, discover the Neon Cemetery or participate in First Friday for an art experience.
How long does a Las Vegas tour last?
Although it depends on the experience you choose, most tours of the city last between 2 and 3 hours.