The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Las Vegas
Las Vegas probably isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about solo travel. Especially if you’re not a big gambler. But if you’re traveling solo in Las Vegas, it has way more to offer than just slot machines!
I used to go on a solo trip to Vegas every year because of a work conference (who decided ‘Vegas’ and ‘conference’ go together anyway?). Although I was working during the day, most of my nights were free. I also planned to come in a day or two early sometimes, in order to have a day excursion.
Here are my top things to do if you’re traveling solo in Vegas!
1. See a Show
There are tons, and I mean TONS, of great shows in Las Vegas. And the best part is that you can totally see one by yourself. Over the years, the strip has had every type of show imaginable, from Celine Dion to Thunder from Down Under (hehe). Probably the most common and best known shows in Vegas are Cirque Du Soleil. During my visits, I’ve seen The Beatles Love, Ka, and O.
Tip: Check the show discounts at your hotel. The year I saw Ka, I got a 50% discount because I was staying at the hotel where it was showing.
2. Visit the Neon Museum
The Neon Museum preserves the quintessential icon of Las Vegas, the neon sign. It is dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment. Plus, it’s just so darn fun! I went on a night tour, since that was when I was free, but the day tour is a little bit cheaper.
3. Take a Hike
Most people don’t realize that Vegas has great hiking only a few hours away, including national parks in other states like Arizona and Utah. For a short, easy trip to hike, check out Valley of Fire State Park. With its red Aztec Sandstone, it looks like another planet, plus on certain trails you can see petroglyphs from as early as 300 BC.
When I visited, I actually went through Love Hikes, which was an amazing tour group with other hikers visiting Vegas. With my tour price, they provided transportation from my hotel, snacks and water, and a knowledgeable tour guide who took us off the beaten path for some of the best views. And I met some really great people in my group who coincidentally were also from Atlanta.
Next time you find yourself in Las Vegas solo, remember there are some wonderful attractions for you, whether you want to enjoy your alone time or meet some like-minded strangers.
Click here for my tips on how to get started with solo travel.
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When traveling solo, especially in bigger cities, safety should be a top consideration. An inexpensive pepper spray keychain is a good start.
16 Comments
Jordan
Hi Ann,
Hi, fellow solo traveler! I love how big solo travel has gotten lately. I hope you get to hike a bit next time you’re there.
Josy A
Hehehe…I find it mad that most people don’t know about the hiking options near Vagas! If I ever visited i would want to spend a teeny bit of time in the city (for food/shows) but then I’d want to be out on those gorgeous trails for as long as possible!
A hiking tour sounds like a great way to take the stress off from choosing routes and transport!
Jordan
Hi Josy,
I had no idea either at first! But there are tons of great options close by. And I do highly recommend the tour. It was a stress-free way to enjoy myself.
Nitin Singhal
I have never been to Las Vegas but I have heard from multiple people how happening the place is. I would surely keep in mind your list of top things to do in Vegas when I visit there.
Jordan
Hi Nitin,
There is so much going on in Vegas! Even if you don’t like gambling, which I’m not a huge fan of, it’s a fun city. I hope you get to go soon.
Mei and Kerstin
The Valley of Fire State Park is one of our favorite parks in the US, although there are many other parks. Have you also been to the Red Rock Canyon? It’s super closed to Vegas (really just outside of the city), so you might want to check it out too next time you go to Vegas. 🙂
Jordan
Hi Mei and Kerstin,
Yes! I heard good things about Red Rock Canyon too. Next time I visit Vegas, I am definitely making it there.
TravelByMaya
I can’t wait to visit Last Vegas ! It really is high on my bucket list 😂
Great post !
Jordan
Hi Maya,
It is a great place, even for non-gamblers. I hope you get to visit soon!
Natasha
I need to visit Vegas again! I didn’t have a great experience the fist time but I would give it another chance!
Jordan
Hi Natasha,
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that. I wouldn’t enjoy Vegas if I didn’t find other things to do besides gambling. I hope your next visit will be better!
Summer
The first time I drove to Las Vegas from LA I had to pull over right away because the scenery was so stunning. We walked around and took photos for a while! You’re right — it’s a great place for hiking. I also enjoyed seeing the shows and “Love” was my favorite. That’s a great tip to check discounts on tickets at your hotel. We didn’t do that and I wish we would have!
Smita
We loved Cirque Du Soleil when we visited a few years ago, such a fascinating performance. Hiking and Vegas sound like such a surprising combination!
Jordan
Hi Smita,
Which show did you go to? And yes, it’s not what you expect, but definitely worth it!
Catherine
I didn’t realize that there are such great hiking spots near Vegas! That’s definitely more up my alley than the gambling – your pictures are beautiful.
Jordan
Hi Catherine,
Yes I am not a big gambler, but Vegas definitely has other great options!