Top Rated Attractions in Las Vegas

Just wait until you walk into the Double Down Saloon. The walls are covered in weird drawings and vulgar murals. It is located close to the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and has a loyal following. It is a very interesting place if you want to meet a lot of different kinds of people. The drinks here comically named and include a bacon martini. Live bands play here and there are plenty of fun events going on, such as punk rock bingo. It's open 24-hours, so you can come escape from the giltz and glamour of The Strip any time.

Coney Island Emporium, located at New York-New York Hotel Casino, was voted "Best Arcade" for three years running by the Las Vegas Review Journal. Once inside, find 32,000 square feet (2,973 square meters) of super games and prizes to win. There are more than 200 classic and new games and attractions including Dance Dance Revolution, a roller coaster, and Doodle Jump. There are also plenty of snacks, including cotton candy and popcorn.

Sprawled over 30 acres (12.14 hectares), the Clark County Museum is an open-air museum that allows you to experience the history of South Nevada first hand. An entire ghost town has been recreated, along with a nature and mining trail where you can see fascinating mineral exhibits. Walk along the museum's Heritage Street exploring a simulated newspaper printing company from the 1900s, historic houses from the early 20th Century, an old barn and wedding chapel, and an original Union Pacific steam engine and caboose. Of course, any exhibit on the culture of South Nevada is incomplete without mentioning its burgeoning entertainment industry. Clark County Museum also showcases memorabilia from Las Vegas resorts and casinos, along with retro fashions from the 1960s. At the end of an interactive guided tour, stop by at the souvenir shop to purchase traditional hand-crafted dolls and other keepsakes.

By far the most famous attraction at the Mirage Hotel is its Volcano. It's the closest it could be to a real volcano. Amidst three acres (1.2 hectares) of water, the volcano comes to life several times every night. It shoots up 54 feet (16.4 meters), spraying smoke and fire. The water below is transformed into streams of "molten lava" as tribal music rounds out the whole experience. Admission is free of charge.

The past is alive in this museum. You'll find everything from fossils to an animated 35-foot (10.6-meter) Tyrannosaurus Rex. As for more modern monsters, there is a 3000-gallon (11,356-liter) aquarium with sharks that seem to be waiting for dinner. The learning process is enhanced with multimedia and hands-on displays, as well as live and mounted animals. One of the most popular displays contains live insects, including giant cockroaches.

Before Bugsy Siegel made it to town, the Mormon Church created this tiny settlement in 1855. It boasts the oldest European-American building in Nevada. The site was purchased by the State of Nevada in 1990 and restored as a state park. Tours are available that outline the harsh life that the first settlers endured. The old fort was once a rest stop for those heading to California to seek their fortune during the gold rush. This section is also a part of the Cultural Corridor that lies close to the University area. No credit cards are accepted.