You don't have to (but should) whip through Vegas on a tour of the best coasters—try your hand at more than just the traditional thrills as you work your way through our list of 12 things you must do to make your Vegas adventure as comprehensive as possible.
On your mark!
Watch big cats play
Siegfried & Roy may no longer be performing on the Strip, but their legacy lives on at the Secret Garden, as do white tigers and other large cats. Committed to the preservation of these animals, the duo has created habitats natural to each species; get an up-close and personal look as they lounge, eat and play. The Mirage, 702.791.7188
Turn into a club kid
Las Vegas' mega-clubs are truly something to marvel at, and Marquee is one of the hottest and most fashionable in town. This 60,000-square-foot clubber’s nirvana boasts seven bars, a projection stage surrounded by coliseum-style seating and a library-style lounge with vintage books. You'll also want to check out the equally decadent dayclub, which has bungalows for those who want to stay the night. Cosmopolitan, 702.333.9000
Shoot a machine gun
Experience a new kind of adrenaline rush as you learn how to handle an AK-47, Glock, MP5, Thompson, grease gun and more with aplomb. And for a unique spin on the ultimate plunge, the Gun Store offers shotgun weddings. 2900 E. Tropicana Ave., 702.454.1110
Go toe-to-toe with the mob
Hang out with known associates at the Mob Museum and learn the history behind the underworld's most notorious figures—Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, John Gotti and many more. Hear their stories, then hear from those who stood against them, and even explore the actual courtroom where one of the federal Kefauver Hearings was held in the early 1950s. Then, come to your own conclusions. 300 Stewart Ave., 702.229.2734
Ride a roller coaster
We'd be remiss if screaming through the city on steel tracks wasn't high on our list of adventures. Experience negative Gs as you zip through the replicated Big Apple skyline on New York-New York's coaster, the longest ride in town. Its heartline twist will put your stomach in your knees. NY-NY, 702.740.6616
Get art smart
Vegas' best art galleries are in the shopping centers visitors know and love. Case in point: the AFA Gallery, where you can find new Peanuts works from Tom Everhart, the only artist licensed to carry on the franchise. Other must-view items include works from Maurice Sendak, Dr. Seuss and film cells from movie director Tim Burton. Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian/Palazzo, 702.998.6975
(©AFA Gallery)
Jump out of a plane
There's nothing quite like the sense of serenity you feel floating gently to Earth, taking in the scenery of the Las Vegas Valley—after the rush of free-falling at speeds of up to 120 mph. Skydive Las Vegas delivers up the ultimate rush every time. At the Boulder City Airport; call for a free shuttle. 702.759.3483
Uncover the history of neon
Home to more than 150 neon signs dating back to the 1930s, the two-acre Neon Boneyard features not only iconic signs from the most recognizable properties on the Strip and downtown, but from businesses from a bygone era. It's a true look at the history of Las Vegas. Day and night tours are available. 770 Las Vegas Blvd. N., 702.387.6366
Drift away to a whole new latitude
Sometimes you just have to let it all hang out, and there's no better place to do so than at Margaritaville, where the drinks are always flowing, and fun is always on tap. Crave an alfresco dining experience? Check out the Euphoria deck that overlooks the center of the Strip—the windows open, creating dining nirvana. Flamingo, 702.733.3302
Make your way onto the green
Spring is our favorite time to golf—in addition to the perfect temps, it's a great time to see nature in bloom and keep an eye out for animals who call the valley home. We're always keen to make the acquaintance of a desert tortoise such as this one at TPC Las Vegas. 9851 Canyon Run Drive, 702.256.2500
Float through the air in a balloon
Get beyond the decks and towers and see Vegas the way you never have before—from a hot air balloon. It's the closest you can get to a bird's-eye view. You've never known so much tranquility as when you peacefully glide over the city and countryside and see some of the most spectacular views you could only imagine. The excursion ends with a traditional champagne toast and includes hotel pick-up/drop-off. 702.553.3039
Become a fashionista for a day
Forget to pack a dress for a fancy dinner? Need a gown for an impromptu wedding? Or just want to feel how the models do when they debut the latest designer fashions? Try a Kate Spade, Narciso Rodriguez, Badgley Mischka and many more on for size through Rent the Runway, a designer dress and accessories rental outlet. Same-day service is available. Rentals range from $50-$450; sizes 0-22 available. Cosmopolitan, 702.698.2500
