Seven Sober-Friendly Ways to Have Fun in Vegas – Travel Noire

Commonly known as the “Sin City,” Vegas is often associated with drinking, partying, and similar activities. However, there are lots of options not centered around alcohol that are equally exciting.

Whether you’re planning an entirely sober trip, or just looking for a day or two without drinks, here are seven things to consider the next time you’re in Las Vegas.

1. Check Out a Residency

Artist residencies are a major part of the Vegas experience. Artists typically choose a venue and play several shows a week over a few months or even years.

In the past, huge names like Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Adele, Janet Jackson and more have all hosted residencies in Vegas. More recently, Usher’s Vegas residency became a trending topic for his choreography, the songs performed, and even the appearances of other celebrities.

2. See a Famous Show

colorful lights on stage for Michael Jackson musical in Las Vegas
Photo Credit: MJ Live

Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group or MJ Live, long-standing comedy shows, magic shows, and more all line the Vegas strip. 

Famous hotels like the MGM Grand, Caesar’s Palace, Aria, Wynn, and others often have shows inside their respective theaters.

Some shows, like Blue Man Group, are some of the most famous playing in the city. The Blue Man Group is a family-fun show that involves music, comedy and, according to its website, “lots of audience interaction” that’s worth a visit.

3. Go Zip-Lining

There’s no shortage of zip-lining available in Las Vegas for thrill-seekers, like SlotZilla, a zip-line that follows along Vegas’s famous Freemont Street, an area associated with the city’s old glamour.

Another popular zipline is FlyLINQ, a 12-story-high thrill that goes along Las Vegas Boulevard at up to 35 miles per hour.

4. Have a Rotating Dinner

Vegas has lots of iconic restaurants, but few are as interesting as the Top of the World restaurants. Located inside The STRAT Tower, the restaurant slowly rotates and offers 360 views of the city. 

The restaurant is 106 floors high and is known for its 80-minute rotating schedule as well as its menu. The menu offers steaks, seafood, and more.

5. Go on a Walking Tour

Vegas - Labor Day Deals
Photo credit: RebeccaAng

Book an actual walking tour, or simply walk Las Vegas Boulevard during the day for blocks of exciting things to see. 

A casual walk down the strip will lead you to any number of Vegas attractions, like larger-than-normal chain restaurants, huge doughnuts, and many famous hotels with icon details. A few stops to make on your trip include the famous fountain show at Bellagio, the architecture of Caesar’s Palace, and the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.

6. Take a Trip Within a Trip

A staple of Vegas is its ability to replicate famous places around the world, like the New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Outside the hotel, there’s a replica of the Statue of Liberty, and inside, it feels like being transported to New York

On the first floor of the hotel, guests can expect pizzerias, shops, and mini-blocks that are made to look and feel like the real streets of New York from years ago.

Buy an extra large, foldable slice of pizza and feel transported there.

7. See Seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic Mountains is a free art installation about a thirty-minute drive from the Las Vegas strip. 

The piece depicts what looks like large multi-colored boulders on top of one another. It has become a famous spot to take photos. It’s also a good way to change the pace in Vegas. 

Set amid the red-orange of the desert, Seven Magic Mountains stands out and is worth checking out.