Las Vegas Attractions

Atomic Testing Museum - Nevada has been known around the world as the test site for nuclear bombs. Many years ago, mushroom clouds loomed over the valley and celebrities came from miles around to watch. Today, nuclear testing has ceased but the memories of those scientific achievements, incredible experiments, and public displays can be revisited at this state-of-the-art museum. From walking through the re-creation of the test site entrance to watching actual video footage of a nuclear test and feeling the ground rumble beneath your seat makes this a place one of a kind. You'll learn about nuclear testing, the bombs, and the political parties that were involved. You'll see authentic test site artifacts including an engineering office. And a large display of all things "atomic" will bring back memories of the "duck and cover" days of the 1960's. Open Monday thru Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm. Admission $12 Adults, $9 Seniors over 65, Military with proper ID and Children age 7-17, Children 6 and under FREE. 755 East Flamingo Rd 702-794-5151.

Bodies - The Exhibition - Ever wondered what's beneath your skin? A visit to this Exhibition, will amaze you. This Exhibition showcases 13 whole-body specimens and more than 260 organs and partial body specimens. These real human bodies have been meticulously dissected, preserved through an innovative process and respectfully presented, giving visitors the opportunity to view the beauty and complexity of their own organs and bodies. Authentic human specimens also illustrate the damage caused to organs by over-eating and lack of exercise. A healthy lung is featured next to a black lung ravaged by smoking in a vivid comparison more powerful than any textbook image. The human body specimens in the Exhibition, which can take over a year each to prepare, are preserved through a technique called polymer preservation. In this process, human tissue is permanently preserved using liquid silicone rubber that is treated and hardened. The end result is a rubberized specimen, preserved down to the cellular level, showcasing the complexity of the body's many bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and organs. It is recommended that children 12 and under attend the Exhibition with a teacher or parent as an adult guide. Located inside The Luxor Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Admission $31 adults, $29 Seniors (65 and over), $23 Children (4-12yr), $28 for Nevada residents, 4 years old and under FREE. Open daily 10am-10pm (last admission at 9 pm.) Call 702-262-4400 or 800-557-7428.

Bonnie Springs Petting Zoo / Old Nevada - Less than half an hour west of Las Vegas in Blue Diamond is a pretty close to authentic re-creation of the old Nevada West. There's a large petting zoo for the kids with a quaint restaurant and bar on premises for Mom and Dad to relax from the heat. For a small admission fee, visit an old western mining town that's both educational and entertaining complete with periodic interactive gunfights, stage shows and hangings. The melodrama is not-to-be missed. Deputized children help the sheriff capture the villains. Adults can stroll and shop the many vintage stores lining the town. A miniature locomotive offers free rides from the parking lot to the entrance. It's a fun treat for the whole family. New admission rates to the Petting Zoo, dining area, parking and Old Nevada varies slightly by season and is generally about $20 per carload and may include seasonal discount coupons. Take the scenic route by heading West on Charleston Blvd, which turns into route 159, to a few miles past the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, watch for wild horses and borros in this area, and watch for signs on right for Bonnie Springs. Or you can take the southern route, bypassing Red Rock, by heading south on I-15 to Rt-160 West (Blue Diamond Rd) to Rt-159 and a few miles further to Blue Diamond and Bonnie Springs on left, 702-875-4191.

CCSN Planetarium - The Community College of Southern Nevada offers "Sky Watch" which is a live feature showing the sky and space with events as they currently happen, as well as a rotating program which changes every few months. They also include satellite transmissions and celestial bodies in their discussions and viewings. An open public telescope is available for viewing the heavens after the last show during good weather. Shows times: Fri 6pm & 7:30pm, Sat 3:30pm & 7:30pm. Admission Adults: $6.00 Children under 12, college students, military & seniors over 55 $4.00. 3200 East Cheyenne Ave 702-651-4759.

Colorado River & Grand Canyon Bottom - - The Colorado River is famous for producing the massive and gorgeous Grand Canyon. But the river itself is a wonder to visit. Starting high in the mountains this long tributary bring waters from winter snowfall and carries it into the desert valleys. The region just below Las Vegas was regularly flooded each spring so it was decided in the 1930's to harbor the water behind the man-made wonder of Hoover Dam. This created the largest man-made recreational lake in the northern hemisphere, Lake Mead. Below the Dam the mighty Colorado River follows quickly yet gently through Black Canyon, know for its steep patinaed canyon walls and flourish of wildlife. Hidden hot springs and secluded beaches dot the river's edge all the way to Willow Beach. The Colorado also offers a side for the adventurous, white water, rapids, and swift currents may take the explorer on an exhilarating ride. There are only three ways to get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Start at Hoover Dam or Willow Beach and take a river tour, canoeing or kayaking adventure, book an off-road tour or take the mule trail down. The mule trail rides are usually booked several years in advance. Visit our Grand Canyon Detail Section.
The following are links to tours to Colorado River & Grand Canyon Bottom

Voted the all time best Photographic / Sightseeing tours in Las Vegas by Insider Viewpoint Magazine - (702) 889-8687 Free Kodak Gold 24 exp film with online booking - Every tour imaginable around Las Vegas, Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon. Exciting & Fun! Lowest price guaranteed. - 702-233-1627 or 1-800-LOOKTOUR (1 800 566 5868) Save up to $50 per person on tours when you book online. - (702) 384-1234

For more see our Tours Category.

The Desperado - One of the United State's tallest (209 ft) and fastest roller coasters and with the largest drop, of 225 feet, at the time it was built. Top speed has been reported variously as from 80 to 90 miles per hour. With the promise of a unique thrill, people from all over the world are getting on for the ride of their lives. If you like the thrill of high, fast roller coasters, don't miss your opportunity to ride this one. The boarding and unboarding is INSIDE the casino with the remainder of the 6,000 feet of steel track around the outside of Buffalo Bill's Resort & Casino in Primm, Nevada 40 miles south of Las Vegas. 1-800-367-7383.

Dolphin Habitat - Located behind the Mirage Hotel, this beautiful waterscape is home to dolphins. Yes, there are dolphins in the desert! This exhibit is basically for animal appreciation and is next door to Siegfred & Roy's Secret Garden. Admission Adults: $15 Children: $10 which includes admission to the Secret Garden also. Children under 3 FREE. Open Memorial day to Labor day: 10am-7pm, Labor day to Memorial day: 11am-5:30pm weekdays & 10am-5:30pm weekends. (800) 627-6667.

Eiffel Tower - Parlez-vous francais? Take your French to the top of Paris Las Vegas' 1/2 size replica of the famous Eiffel Tower. Glass elevators provide a spectacular view all the way to the oberservation deck overlooking the renown Las Vegas Strip! Open daily 9am-1am, $8

Gameworks - Steven Spielberg is the brains behind this video arcade of the future. It's NOT JUST for kids either! A playhouse for the whole family, with over 300 interactive video games, some beta test games are only found in this location. Try your rock climbing skills on the only 75 foot indoor climbing structure in the world. And when you get to the top, don't forget to smile...your picture can be picked up at the bottom. From unique games to virtual reality, you find it all here. Game cards can be purchased in various amounts and they are rechargable in case the kids need more time on the machines. You can get a bite to eat or watch the action from their full-service bar. If you're looking for a different office training venue or office party site, these options are also available. Open Sun-Thurs 10am-12am, Fri-Sat 10am-1am. 702-432-4263.

Grand Slam Canyon Adventuredome - Behind the Big Top of Circus Circus and under the huge pink dome you can find adventure for the whole family. On 5 acres, in a climate-controlled park, kids of all ages will find rides to meet all their expectations. The only indoor double-loop double corkscrew roller coaster in the world will take you on a thrill ride through the dome. Or take the 60 foot plunge down the water flume ride. Visit robotic dinosaurs or just hang out in the midway or arcade game area. Clown shows and a carousel as well as other rides entertain the smaller children. Tickets are sold as single rides or an all-day ride passes. Open Sun-Thurs 10-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-12am. 702-794-3939.

Madame Tussaud's Celebrity Encounter - - Want to get a picture of yourself hugging Jennifer Lopez? How about singing along with Wayne Newton? You can meet these and over 100 other famous Las Vegas legends at this most unique attraction. From sports stars and musicians, to actors and actresses, Madame Tussaud has perfected the art of designing wax figures! Adding over 6 hours of posing, actual stars's clothing and each hair meticulously placed, they've created an experience among the stars like none other in the world! See for yourself in America's first Madame Tussaud attraction. Special effects and interactive venues provide a backdrop for the spectacular "Elvis" presentation and many others. Don't miss this opportunity to spend time with the stars. Open 10am-10pm daily. Admission $24. 702-733-5000.

NASCAR Cafe - Racing fans, this is a MUST-STOP on your Las Vegas vacation plans. Located just inside the Sahara Hotel, the NASCAR Cafe offers museum quality memorabilia from your favorite drivers. Two floors of hot NASCAR articles incluing jumpsuits, helmets and even the cars themsleves. Grab a table on the top floor to overlook the fans wandering below. This place also offer great food and libations for those thirsty souls after the last lap.

Secret Garden of Siegfred & Roy - A 2.5 acre natural habitat located behind the Mirage Hotel offers a rare view of 6 almost extinct animal breeds. This is also home to the White Lions of Timbavati and Siegfred & Roy's famous Royal White Tigers. Siegfred & Roy's breeding program for these endangered species has been very successful and this Secret Garden is only a small part. Besides the beautiful white lions and white tigers, you will see Bengal tigers, panthers, snow leopards and an Asian elephant. Open Memorial day to Labor day: 10am-7pm, Labor day to Memorial day: 11am-5:30pm weekdays & 10am-5:30pm weekends. Admission Adults: $15 Children: $10 includes admission into the Dolphin Habitat too, children under 3 FREE. (800) 627-6667.

Shark Reef - - Sharks and alligators in the desert? You bet. This new exhibit will entertain the entire family for hours. A huge walk-through aquarium filled with great white sharks, hammer head sharks and dog sharks. Included in this unique wildlife habitat is an alligator dwelling with albino alligators. Don't miss the beautiful jellyfish exhibit. For those adventurous types, you'll find the petting pool an excellent opportunity to touch real sea urchins, horseshoe crabs and other interesting sea critters. Located inside Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. Hours 10am-11pm daily. Admission $15.95. 702-632-7777.

Speed The Ride & Speedworld at the Sahara - Looking for a little loop-to-loop or race car action? Try out "Speed The Ride" or the "virtual reality" Indy simulated racing at the Sahara Hotel. The rollercoaster travels through the hotel on its way to a sky-high dead end track, then you're going backwards! Or climb abourd 3/4 scale Indy cars drive like the real thing in this interactive ride. Test your driving skills against your friends. Everyone comes home with a ranking sheet. Other interactive games and 3-D theaters are available also. Open Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm, Indy Racing $8, 3-D Theater $3. 702-737-2471.

Stratosphere Big Shot, X Scream & Insanity The Ride - - True adventure lovers will get excited about this ride. Take the elevator to the top of the Stratosphere Tower, a mere 900 feet above earth, and then board the world's highest thrill rides for a thrill of a life time. X-Scream repeatedly propels riders 27 feet over the edge like a massive Teeter-totter. Insanity The Ride consists of swings mounted in a large mechanical arm extending 64 feet over the edge of the platform. Spinning with a force of up to 3G's the seats swing out the passengers up to 70 degrees face down over downtown Las Vegas. Finally, on the Big Shot, climb into the harness and the Big Shot will propel you into the air another 160 feet above the rooftop platform and then let you freefall back to the launch pad. Not rides for people with a fear of heights. Open daily weather permitting. 702-380-7777.

Stratosphere Observation Deck - Want the best view of Las Vegas with all its sparkling neon? Take a ride up the elevator to the Observation Deck at the Stratophere Tower. This vantage point provides a 360 degree look at the Entertainment Capitol of the World. Excellent for photo taking. A restaurant and cocktail lounge are located just a floor below for those who want to take a longer relaxing view. Small adm. fee. 702-380-7777.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition - Everyone knows the story of the "practically unsinkable" Titanic. Now see incredible real-life artifacts and learn the stories behind the passengers of this ill-fated cruise. In this 25,000 square foot exhibit, you'll see over 300 authentic items which were recovered from the 2 1/2 mile deep watery grave of this huge luxury oceanliner. The exhibit displays delicate personal objects like a diamond ring and shaving razor blades to extraordinary pieces such as the ship's organ whistles, a ship's bollard and even a 15 ton section of the ship's side complete with portholes. Walk the gangplank to view recreated first-class passenger rooms, hallways and even the boiler room. You'll be rivetted by the detailed and ofttimes ironic personal histories of the crew, passengers and their families who survived as well as those who lost their lives. This limited engagement presentation has everything to do with the Titanic, even a frozen iceberg, making it a must-see for the whole family! Located inside The Luxor Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Hours: 10am-10pm daily (last admission at 9 pm.) Admission: Adults $27, Children (age 4-12) $20, Seniors (age 65 and up) $25, Nevada Residents $24. Audio Tour wand $6.Call 702-262-4400 or 800-557-7428.

Venetian Gondola Rides - Close your eyes and envision Italy, the canals of Venice, a soft ride under the stars on your private gondola. But wait, this is Las Vegas, and the gondola ride is at the Venetian Hotel & Casino! And then your gondolier begins to sing... and you're in Europe again. Open 10:30 am-10:30 pm daily. Admission $12.50-$15.00 for 10-12 minute ride. 702-733-5000.