Tired of the same old Vegas clichés? Well, this isn’t a guide to Vegas’ most popular casino resorts, celebrity chef restaurants, or the Bellagio fountains.
Instead, we’re diving into a handful of our favorite offbeat attractions in Las Vegas that are anything but touristy.
Think quirky museums, vintage spots, and local hidden gems most visitors overlook.
If you’re looking to skip the crowds and discover a side of Vegas that’s unexpected and refreshingly unique, you’re in the right place. Let’s get off the beaten path!
Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet
The Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet is a quirky, offbeat way to spend your day in Las Vegas, offering rows upon rows of merchants with unique and unusual products.
Spend your time hunting for one-of-a-kind finds, browsing through the more practical items, or just soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Located at the corner of Decatur and Oakey, it’s open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it a perfect weekend stop to explore Vegas beyond the Strip.
Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show
Marriage Can Be Murder is an award-winning comedy and murder mystery dinner experience. If you liked the movie Glass Onion or the game of Clue, then this is an experience that you won’t want to pass up.
This dinner show features a mix of intrigue, shenanigans, and a suspect hidden among the guests, turning the audience into detectives playing alongside the cast.
Seated at banquet tables, you’ll enjoy a chef’s tasting menu with options like smoked bourbon brown sugar tri-tip and grilled lemon butter chicken.
PRO TIP: We like booking Las Vegas shows and attractions through VEGAS.com or GetYourGuide because they periodically offer discounted pricing. For the best deal possible, be sure to compare ticket prices on both platforms before booking. Parking is also FREE at The Orleans, woohoo!
Day trip to Area 51
If you’re obsessed with the idea of aliens, boy has Vegas has got the perfect excursion for you. On this 10-hour day trip to Area 51, you’ll get a wonderful alien-themed day out with an expert guide who’ll provide you with lots of information, UFO stories, and stops at key locations that scream government secrets.
Start by seeing the top-secret Janet Airlines at McCarran International Airport, known for transporting workers to the mysterious Area 51 daily.
Travel along the “Extraterrestrial Highway” to the world-famous Little A’le’ Inn, featured in movies like Independence Day. Here, you can dive into a wealth of information and pick up unique souvenirs while enjoying a tasty Alien Burger. The tour continues to the infamous Black Mailbox, a sacred meeting spot for UFO enthusiasts, before reaching the perimeter of Area 51.
As you approach the base, you’ll pass through an eerie Joshua tree forest and encounter guards—known as the “Camo Dudes”—standing watch with detection devices and cameras.
Miss Behave’s Mavericks Show
If you missed your chance to watch this show when it debuted at Fremont Street’s Cheap Shot, get ready for your second chance this year — as of October 2024, Miss Behave’s Mavericks has found a new home at Plaza Hotel’s historic showroom!
This quirky variety show blends circus, comedy, burlesque, and vaudeville. Because of its always-changing acts and reliance on audience participation, no two shows are ever the same.
“It’s gonna be like the Muppet Show running riot round this beautiful ol’ Dame. We can’t wait,” said Miss Behave (Amy Saunders) in a media release. “It’s a marriage made in heaven. This beautiful showroom has been looking for an excuse to show off, and Mavericks is perfect for that. Let’s make Las Vegas Vegas again!”
Tickets range from $35 to $99 (and there are no pesky ticket fees!).
BLACKOUT Dining In The Dark
BLACKOUT is a dining-in-the-dark experience that takes you on a sensory journey like no other. In total darkness, you’ll savor a seven-course mystery meal that heightens your senses of taste, touch, smell, and hearing.
For something that sounds gimmicky, this place has some pretty stellar reviews on Google.
Guided by staff equipped with night-vision goggles, you’ll be seated and served without any visual distractions. Expect a pre-fixed menu featuring soup, appetizers, entrees, and desserts, all revealed only after your meal.
I’ve always wanted to do something like this, except I have no one to go with because all my friends are convinced they’re going to be fed brains or other crazy things. If this is your idea of fun, experience it for me and report back — please and thanks!
The super-secret magic show at 1923 Prohibition Bar
Just when you thought the 1923 Prohibition Bar at The Venetian couldn’t get any cooler, it does. Not only is this speakeasy a great spot for drinks and live music, but it’s also a venue for super intimate parlor shows.
Right now, you can experience the magic of Legerdemain, where close-up magic meets comedy and storytelling. This immersive show allows just 45 guests per performance, blending audience interaction with masterful sleight of hand and custom cocktails woven into the act.
Running Friday through Sunday with showtimes between 6 PM and 9 PM, each ticket includes handcrafted libations, making this a truly unique evening. It’s one of the most exclusive and engaging magic experiences in Las Vegas and it’s only available for a limited time.
If you’re put off by large, overly polished productions (like those of Criss Angel and David Copperfield), this intimate magic show is a great one to catch.
The Magic of Jen Kramer
While we’re on the topic of magic… we’ve got another one for you. There’s a lot to love about Jen Kramer. And we’re not the only ones who think so!
As the city’s only headlining female magician, we’re so excited about the fact that she was voted Best Magician in Las Vegas Weekly’s Best of Vegas 2024.
Whether she’s turning $1 bills into $100s or creating a larger-than-life social media page on stage, Jen brings a next-generation exuberance into the tradition-based magic world.
Her show, The Magic of Jen Kramer, is a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Winner. You’ve probably never heard of it because it takes place off-Strip at The Westgate. Despite that, it’s truly one of the most family-friendly productions, both on or off the Strip!
Catch Ghost Stories at the other 1923 Prohibition Bar
In a secret chamber hidden behind Mandalay Bay’s 1923 Prohibition Bar, you’ll find a hidden gem of a show called Ghost Stories. In this show, Kent Axell performs feats of mind reading and magic, immersing the audience in the creation of a live ghost story.
Taking place every Friday and Saturday, this eerie, dark, yet somehow still fun magic show blends dreams and nightmares into a chillingly immersive experience.
Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy scary stories and mind games in this swanky venue — this intimate parlor show is for a limited time only.
Princess Diana & The Royals: The Exhibition
Calling all The Crown and Princess Diana lovers! Did you know there’s an exhibit dedicated entirely to Princess Diana and the rest of the royal family? It’s hiding in plain sight right on the Strip too.
At the Princess Diana Exhibition (located at The Shops at Crystals), you’ll be transported through 10,000 square feet of space, featuring 12 themed rooms and over 700 personal artifacts of Princess Diana.
Highlights include the largest on-display collection of Diana’s evening gowns, a life-size artistic recreation of her iconic wedding dress, and engagement dresses crafted by a world-renowned paper artist. You’ll also find handwritten notes from Diana to Charles, showcases on her humanitarian efforts, and an extensive collection of royal family memorabilia.
Read Next:
20 Quirky Museums You’ll Only Find In Vegas
Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum
Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum is a quirky hidden gem located just outside Las Vegas, offering a creepy yet fun escape for horror movie fans.
This offbeat museum showcases an impressive collection of movie monsters, screen-used props, and special makeup effects, all created by professional artist Tom Devlin.
For those of you unfamiliar with his work — through his company 1313FX, Tom has provided creatures and special makeup effects on over 100 feature films. At the museum, you can explore the art and history behind iconic horror characters and even take home a couple of monstrous souvenirs.
Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum is located in the historic Boulder City, between Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam. All ages are welcome! Buy your admission tickets here.
Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum
Looking for a disgustingly spooky activity near Downtown Las Vegas? Horror lovers will feel right at home at Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum.
Zak Bagans is the guy that hosts the popular paranormal TV show Ghost Adventures. Yeah, you’ve probably seen it on TV at one point in your life. Known for his fascination with the supernatural, Bagans curated this museum to house his extensive collection of haunted objects and oddities.
There are over 30 rooms filled with haunted artifacts, creepy memorabilia, and spine-chilling exhibits. You can expect to see items like the Dybbuk Box, a supposedly cursed wine cabinet, and Dr. Kevorkian’s death van, among other unsettling relics.
While we would personally never set foot in this place (we are chickens), we think it’s perfect for people who love the idea of ghosts — if these kinds of people are even out there! Well, given how many stellar reviews this museum has, we’ve determined that these people are definitely out there.
Showgirl Museum
Perhaps the most “uniquely Vegas” of all on this list is the Showgirl Museum, where you can explore the glamorous world of Las Vegas showgirls.
This museum features actual wardrobe pieces, sets, props, film footage, historical documents, and costume designs from the world of showgirls both locally and around the world.
You may even catch live re-enactments of some of Vegas’ most famous production numbers and specialty acts from Hallelujah Hollywood, Splash, Enter the Night, Jubilee!, Les Folies Bergere, and Liberace Show, in addition to famous movies and revues from around the world.
Shelby Heritage Center
Ever heard of Caroll Shelby? As one of the most legendary American automotive designers and drivers, one of his most longstanding legacies is his contributions to Ford Motor Company’s development of the AC Cobra and Mustang.
Experience a piece of his legacy at the Shelby Heritage Center, which is a 2-in-1 facility that’s both a Heritage Center and a 150,000-square-foot production facility.
Among the vehicles on display are the Shelby Cobras, Shelby Mustangs, and even the rare GT40, vehicles known for their raw power and timeless appeal. Alongside 25+ Shelby vehicles, the museum also tells a comprehensive history of his automotive designs, racing experiences, and entrepreneurship.
The Shelby Heritage Center is free and open to the public 7 days a week. For a more in-depth experience, you can opt for the VIP Behind-The-Scenes tours that can be purchased on their site.
Mystic Falls Park at Sam’s Town
Who else first heard the name “Sam’s Town” in a song by The Killers before realizing it’s also the name of a hotel in Vegas?
Well, Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall is more than just a song title—it’s a real hotel located just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. And it’s home to the quirky yet captivating Mystic Falls Park.
Mystic Falls Park is a true hidden gem among free attractions in Las Vegas, outlasting even some of the iconic Strip attractions that inspired it. Opened in 1994, this 25,000-square-foot atrium, surrounded by guest rooms, shops, and restaurants, offers tree-shaded paths and a multi-story waterfall to enjoy.
But the real magic happens after dark — when the park is transformed by music, theatrical lighting, animatronic forest creatures, and lasers.
The show runs three times daily Monday through Thursday, at 6 pm, 8 pm and 10 pm. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they hold an additional 4 pm show.
Ice Age Fossils State Park
Did you know that one of the most spectacular records of Ice Age fossils on the entire planet sits only 20 minutes north of The Strip?
The all-new Ice Age Fossils State Park in North Las Vegas has proven to be a jackpot of fossil remains, brimming with one of the largest and most varied collections of Ice Age-era prehistoric fossils ever discovered.
More than 100,000 years ago, this part of Las Vegas, known as the Upper Las Vegas Wash, was once home to herds of Columbian mammoths, American lions, dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, and prehistoric camels, bison, and horses.
Adjacent to Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, the 315-acre Ice Age Fossils State Park opened in 2024 with a state-of-the-art visitor center and three trails. One of the trails takes you through the history of the Big Dig, a large-scale archaeology project that took place in 1962.
Planning Your Trip To Vegas?
Here are some of our other Vegas travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip:
- How To Snag Discounts On Las Vegas Attractions And Shows
- Here Are All The Absolute Must-Do’s In Las Vegas For First Timers
- 25+ Unique And Totally FREE Things To Do In Vegas
- Top Las Vegas Magic Shows That Will Knock Your Socks Off
- 15 Fun Places To Eat On The Las Vegas Strip
- 15 Kid-Friendly Shows In Las Vegas Perfect For Families
- 5 Cheaper Alternatives To Cirque du Soleil Shows In Las Vegas
- 10 Fun Rides and Roller Coasters In Las Vegas For Thrill Seekers
- 10 Secret Bars And Speakeasies On The Las Vegas Strip (+ Where To Find Them!)
- 20 Quirky And Fun Museums You’ll Only Find In Las Vegas
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Blackout Dining In The Dark
