Sin City Surprises: Unique & Exciting Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day

Wondering what to do in Las Vegas during the day? With its vibrant history, exhilarating attractions, and stunning landscapes, the city has no shortage of daytime activities both on and off the Strip.

Looking for unique and exciting things to do in Vegas during the day? From the iconic neon lights of Freemont Street to the natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon and the thrill ride at The STRAT’s SkyPod, Las Vegas truly is a city that never sleeps.

Excitement is found not only in the city’s buzzing nightlife but also in the wealth of daytime activities it offers. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an adventurer, or someone who simply enjoys the extraordinary, read on for a list of all the Sin City surprises awaiting you under the Nevada sun.

Best Things to Do in Vegas During the Day

Uncover America’s History with Crime at the Mob Museum

Open in Maps: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Immerse yourself in the rich, captivating history of organized crime in America. At the Mob Museum, you’ll be treated to fascinating exhibits that unravel the truth behind some of Sin City’s most notorious criminal figures.

Stroll through the engagingly designed space, where authentic artifacts, interactive displays, and high-tech theater presentations transport you back to the era of mobsters. Don’t miss the thrilling Prohibition History exhibit and the captivating Crime Lab experience!

Don’t forget to visit the Underground speakeasy after visiting the Mob Museum! Located in the museum’s basement, The Underground evokes the illicit yet captivating atmosphere of the Prohibition era.

Behind a nondescript door, you’ll be greeted with the tantalizing scent of moonshine from the distillery and the sound of jazz on a vintage radio.

Related Post: Las Vegas Spring Break – Where to Go & Where to Party

Settle onto a barstool and peruse a menu of Prohibition-era cocktails expertly crafted by skilled mixologists, all while soaking up the historic ambiance.

You’ll feel like a member of the mob in this captivating, clandestinely cool speakeasy, a must-visit during your Vegas daytime activities.

View from the ground of the front and side of The Mob Museum in the evening in Las Vegas, Nevada
photo credit: The Mob Museum via Facebook

Beat the Vegas Heat: Watch an Indoor Show

If you’re searching for fun and unique things to do in, catching an indoor show is a must! From magic performances that’ll leave you mystified to exhilarating displays of acrobatics, Las Vegas shows never fail to entertain and amaze.

Check out some of the most popular Vegas shows:

So when you ask what to do in Las Vegas during the day, mark indoor shows as a top priority on your Las Vegas itinerary. It’s the perfect way to escape the Sin City heat while enjoying world-class entertainment.

Man holding a turtle egg looking in the face of a giant turtle standing on two legs

Can’t Miss Vegas Photos: Las Vegas Sign

Open in Maps: 5100 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Wondering what to do in Vegas during the day? No visit to Sin City would be complete without a photo souvenir in front of the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.

This 25-foot-tall landmark, gleaming like a beacon at the southern end of the Strip, has been capturing the essence of Vegas glamour since 1959.

Related Post: Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign – Guide to this Classic Sin City Locale

You’ll find plenty of space to compose the perfect shot during the day, as the lighting can really make your photos pop against the bright blue Nevada sky.

Remember to respect the other visitors and use the designated parking area so you can safely cross the road for your picture-perfect Vegas moment.

The iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada" sign during the day in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Get an Eagle’s Eye of Vegas Aboard a Helicopter Tour

If unparalleled views and pure excitement characterize your ideal daytime activity, a helicopter tour is one of the most thrilling things to do in Vegas during the day.

It not only gives you an exclusive bird’s eye view of the pulsating Las Vegas Strip, historic Fremont Street, and Red Rock Canyon but also takes you on a heart-pounding journey over the expansive Nevada desert.

For a truly grand experience and one of the most fun things to do in Las Vegas, you could opt for a helicopter tour flying over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and, ultimately, landing inside the majestic Grand Canyon for a champagne toast.

With different tour packages that typically last around 15 to 30 minutes on air and rise to altitudes of about 2000 feet, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable day in Las Vegas.

So why not amp up your Las Vegas itinerary with a daytime activity that guarantees fun, adventure, and a host of unparalleled views?

A grey red and white helicopter flying through the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon West Rim Ground & Helicopter Tour near Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Hop Aboard the Big Bus Sightseeing Tours Las Vegas

As one of the most enjoyable things to do in Vegas during the day, the Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tours offer a flexible and fun way to explore the city.

With the Big Bus Tours Red Route, you will pass by iconic landmarks including the Las Vegas Strip, bustling Fremont Street, and the historic Golden Nugget.

Unlike traditional guided tours, this hop-on, hop-off bus tour allows you to roam the city at your own pace, making it possible for you to stop and appreciate the captivating street art or visit the Neon Museum.

As you gaze at the city views from the open-top bus, you’ll be treated to a well-narrated history of Las Vegas, enhancing your Sin City experience.

Tour bus full of people going through a intersection with a bright blue and cloudy sky above them in Las Vegas, Nevada

Brave the Thrill: Experience SkyPod and SkyJump at The STRAT

For those seeking daytime activities in Vegas that truly challenge your fear of heights, The STRAT Hotel offers two Las Vegas activities that will give you an adrenaline rush like no other.

The SkyPod is an observation deck situated more than 800 feet above the Las Vegas Strip, offering unparalleled views of Sin City. It’s one of the best things to do in Vegas for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the city.

For the more adventurous, the SkyJump provides a heart-pumping leap from the 108th floor, reaching speeds up to 40 mph for a freefall experience. It’s an exhilarating thing to do in Vegas during the day, guaranteed to create a memory you won’t forget!

View of someone in the air after the have jumped the SkyJump at The Strat with the city of Las Vegas under them in the back ground at twilight in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
photo credit: The Strat via Facebook

Join a Mouthwatering Vegas Food Tour

Embark on a culinary adventure as you participate in a scrumptious food tour during the day in Sin City. Las Vegas, known for its enormous all-you-can-eat buffets, late-night food pavement stands, Michelin-starred restaurants, and exquisite steakhouses, offers food tours that walk you through iconic neighborhoods.

Stroll through vibrant lanes of Chinatown, the buzzing Vegas Strip, and the historic downtown Fremont Street. Not only will you get to sample local delicacies and craft beers, but you’ll also gain insights into Las Vegas’s rich history and culture.

These tours are more than just about food, they are an immersive cultural experience that lets you taste the heart of Vegas.

Two hands pulling apart a nacho stack
Photo Credit: Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas via Facebook

Grand Canyon Tour

A Grand Canyon tour is the perfect all-day excursion for those who crave a break from the city lights and incessant party atmosphere of Vegas.

Enjoy a peaceful, scenic bus ride as you trek from the heart of Sin City to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon. Whether you choose to explore the South Rim or West Rim, you’ll find a wealth of activities waiting for you.

Immerse in nature, take in breathtaking sights and learn more about the geological history of this marvel. This journey will give you a different perspective on your Vegas trip.

Alternatively, for the more adventurous and thrill-seeking persons, a helicopter tour offers an unmatched, exhilarating bird’s eye view of the Canyon’s sprawling, rugged terrains.

man and woman hiking through the grand canyon national park pointing in the distance in Arizona, USA
A trip to the Grand Canyon is the perfect way to spend the day.

Death Valley National Parks Tour

Experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Death Valley National Park during your day in Las Vegas. As the largest national park in the contiguous United States, it offers a plethora of outdoor activities.

Strap on your hiking boots and navigate craggy canyons, glide on top of dunes that seem otherworldly, and visit Badwater Basin—the lowest point in North America.

This unique desert landscape, less than two hours from the Vegas Strip, is renowned for its extreme temperatures and mesmerizing landscapes.

While challenging, this outdoor venture gives visitors a refreshing break from the city’s glitz and glamor and offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences.

rock formation Zabriskie Point during the daytime with blue sky and clouds in Death Valley, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
photo credit: Shane O via Unsplash

Downtown and Fremont Street History Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant past of Sin City with a professionally guided walking tour of Fremont Street and Downtown Las Vegas. This riveting journey takes you on a stroll to historic casinos and iconic hotels, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Las Vegas.

From quirky attractions like the world’s second-largest golden nugget at the Golden Nugget and the adrenaline-pumping SlotZilla zipline that launches from an enormous slot machine, Fremont Street screams excitement and surprises.

As you wander, you’ll be treated to local insights, fun facts, and captivating tales of the city, making it an essential daytime activity for any Las Vegas itinerary.

Ground distant view of shops and people at Fremont Street during the day in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

What are the Best Things to Do in Vegas in the Morning?

Start the day early by taking a serene hot-air balloon ride over the Las Vegas Valley to capture breathtaking views of the sunrise. Next, join a comprehensive tour of the Las Vegas Strip, visiting famous attractions and landmarks to learn more about the city’s dynamic history.

Related Post: Bellagio Restaurants Las Vegas – From Michelin-Starred to Casual Bites

Don’t miss the chance to join a Street Art tour, a unique experience where you can appreciate an array of colorful murals and graffiti that reflect the vibrant soul of Sin City.

What are the Best Things to Do in Vegas During the Day on the Strip?

Exploring the stunning architecture, shopping in high-end boutiques, and dining in world-class restaurants are phenomenal daytime activities on the Vegas Strip. The breathtaking Bellagio Fountains is a popular attraction that can’t be missed.

Related Post: Las Vegas Day Trips – 16 Worth the Drive

Additionally, thrilling rides at The Adventuredome, visiting the Eiffel Tower at Paris Resort & Casino, or plunging into the refreshing Boulevard Pool in The Cosmopolitan guarantee a daytime packed with fun and excitement.

aerial view of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA in the evening with lights planet hollywood

How Do You Spend an Afternoon in Las Vegas?

Spending an afternoon in Las Vegas can be thrill-packed or laidback, depending on your preference. You might choose to relax by the Cosmopolitan Boulevard Pool or try your luck at the renowned Paris Resort and Casino.

Alternatively, you could embark on an unparalleled shopping and dining experience at Circa Las Vegas, a resort that well encapsulates the vibrant spirit of this neon city.

Is it Worth Going to Vegas for a Day?

A day can provide an utterly unique and exhilarating experience. Despite its reputation as a nocturnal paradise, Sin City boasts numerous daytime activities, from high-energy thrill rides to informative museum tours and breathtaking landscapes.

Related Post: Rio Hotel Las Vegas – What You Need to Know Before You Go

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for fun things to do in Vegas during the day, a trip to Las Vegas, even if it’s just for a day, is sure to leave you with wonderful memories.

What is a Good Daily Budget When Visiting Las Vegas?

Plan for a daily budget of approximately $150-$200 per person to cover meals, transportation, and a couple of attractions in Las Vegas.

However, this amount can vary based on your preferences and pursuits, as deluxe Las Vegas day activities like helicopter tours or top-tier shows will inflate your budget.

Cost-saving strategies like pre-booking airport transfers, utilizing happy hour specials, and visiting complimentary attractions can help manage expenses.

Plan a Budget-Friendly Vegas Adventure

Consider adding an extra layer of excitement–and value–to your trip with a Las Vegas vacation package.

These convenient bundles can combine your hotel-casino stay with discounted tickets to some of Las Vegas’s top attractions, giving you more bang for your buck and simplifying your travel planning. Exploring Sin City has never been so easy or affordable!

Book your Las Vegas vacation package today and start planning your ultimate Sin City adventure!

What Did We Miss?

Do you have any additional tips or insights to share? Leave us a comment below!


close up of Erin smiling on a sunny day

Written by Erin Poche

Erin Poche` is a Utah-based writer and editor for Tripster and contributing writer for BeyondType1. She also writes and edits for an indie...


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