Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located just a few miles west of Las Vegas, is named after the deep red 3,000-foot (914.4 meters) high sandstone cliffs that are perched above the dusty wastelands of the mighty Mojave Desert that encompasses it. The site has served as ancestral homes for the tribes of Paiute, Patayan, Anasazi, San Dieguito and Pinto since 11,000 BCE and thus features a diverse and rich network of vivid petroglyphs that can be been scattered all along its canyons, making the conservation area a popular destination for admirers of Native Indian culture and traditions. An ecosystem rich in flora and fauna, the Utah desert-parsley, the Mojave yucca, the ponderosa pine, the desert bighorn sheep and the endangered desert tortoise is some of its most notable inhabitants.
A beautiful visual water symphony choreographed to music provides an unforgettable welcome to the Bellagio Hotel Casino. The water jets span more than 1000 feet (304 meters) and can shoot up to 250 feet (76 meters) in the air while seeming to dance to choreographed lights and romantic classical music. It is a spectacular sight and one worth taking the time to view while strolling along the boulevard. As evening sets in, the lit-up fountain is a sight to behold. Be sure to bring a camera as this is one of Vegas' best attractions - and it's for free! The magic happens every 30 minutes until 8 PM, after which shows are every 15 minutes. Please note that shows may stray from this schedule due to the weather.
Are you in Paris or Las Vegas? Ride to the peak of the 46-story replica of the Eiffel Tower in the glass elevators and you'll find you're in both places at once! At the observation deck on top, you will behold a breathtaking view of the Las Vegas Strip from 540 feet (165 meters) up. The 11th-floor Eiffel Tower Restaurant is formal dining at its finest; reservations are necessary. Tickets are available at the Tower.
A city famous for being full of lights, it is nice to honour to the old neon signs. The Neon Museum is located in downtown Las Vegas and though it is open all day, it is best viewed at night. See the Caesar's Palace sign in its fully-colored splendor, and catch a glimpse of the horse and rider from the old Hacienda Hotel. The museum often adds new items to this marvelous collection. Entrance is available as part of a guided tour only. Purchase tickets early for the later tours as they fill up quickly.
The Mob Museum is located in what used to be a courthouse. Built in 1933, it was one of the 14 courthouses in the nation to hold the Kefauver Committee hearings on organized crime. This makes it a perfect backdrop for The Mob Museum, an authentic view of the mob's impact on Las Vegas history. The Mob Museum presents the story from the perspective of both the organized crime syndicate and law enforcement. Visitors get to be part of the action through theater presentations and interactive environments. Visitors can shoot a simulated Tommy gun, listen to real FBI surveillance tapes, and take part in FBI weapons training. The museum can also be booked for private events.
Nestled within close proximity to Downtown Las Vegas, Springs Preserve is a natural park and cultural center devoted to commemorating the history of Las Vegas and promoting sustainability. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the preserve is a rich repository of desert botanical gardens, museums, and galleries. It is home to several life-sized displays, exhibits, and entities centered around building a green environment. this insightful preserve also hosts classes, lectures, and workshops built around the disciplines of cooking, archaeology, sustainability, arts, crafts, cultural studies and more. Serpentine trails cleave many wetlands and lush desert terrains at this sprawling preserve which is also home to an indoor theater and a historic photo gallery. A seamless synergy of nature, education, and conservation, Springs Reserve is a noble step towards replenishing the global environment.
If you have an eye for photography, the Peter Lik Gallery in Las Vegas the place to go. Peter Lik's vision and his passion for photography make him one of the best photographers in the world. His amazing snapshots lay at your behest at the Peter Lik Gallery, located within the shops at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Peter Lik's photography takes you through the bounties of nature with splendid views of vast landscapes and lovely terrains which will leave you feeling a lot closer to nature. From capturing modest moments for postcards to opening his personal art gallery, Peter has achieved a lot for himself and the world of art, which is apparent in his photographs. Peter Lik Gallery is a must visit for all art and nature lovers.
For a fun day out in the sun with the family, look no further than Madeira Canyon Park. This 20-acre (8-hectare) park is brimming with picnic spots and activities. Here you will find lighted baseball fields and basketball and tennis courts, covered and uncovered picnic areas and tables, and barbecues a plenty. Locals frequent the walking path that runs around the park and kids will love the Splash Pad, watery fun-zones filled with fun water toys like water cannons, water trees, and waterfalls. Be sure the kids bring their bathing suits!
Inspired by the marvel of Cirque du Soleil dancers, Richard MacDonald has taken a bold step in displaying their artistry in his sculptures. He has accurately captured the essence in the movements of these dancers and performers and successfully recreated them in the bronze statues present at the venue. Due to the poise and elegance of these sculptures, some may have to tilt their heads to marvel in the true beauty of them.
This stunning architectural marvel was built by the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as a place where members go to perform sacred ordinances. While admittance to the interior of the temple is reserved for members in good standing, the grounds are spectacular and the view of the city is one of the best available. Information on the church is available from their Web site or from any temple worker.