By 
Since my first time in Vegas last year in June 2016, I’ve been back a total of 4 times. There’s something about Vegas that makes you want to go back and no, it doesn’t involve drinking, gambling or partying. Did you know that Vegas receives an average of 42 million visitors per year? Many people would be surprised by the wide variety of activities that this city has to offer off the strip.
I went last month with my dad for four days and like always, we had a marvelous time. Here it is! My top things to do and places to eat in Las Vegas:
Pinball Hall Of Fame
1610 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Take a trip down memory lane. Although I didn’t grow up playing pinball machines, my dad did. Inside this dimly lit warehouse, not only will you have the best time choosing from one-of a-kind pinball game machines, but also there are tons of well-known arcade games from the 80’s and 90’s. Be ready to spend all your quarters and not win any of them back.
Dream Racing
7000 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89115
(702) 599-5199 http://www.dreamracing.com/
If you’ve ever wanted to drive and feel the pump of driving a Porsche, Ferrari or Lamborghini, this is the place. Although there’s a wide variety of race car companies in Vegas, I found Dream Car to be the most reliable. This company is run by Italians with the best expertise in race cars. When you pull into the parking lot, you will be welcomed by the most beautiful exotic cars, all perfectly diagonally parked.
Inside, the office space is very modern and sleek. The staff was also very attentive. Before jumping in the car, they talk you through the steps one on one with videos and simulation to get a good grip. The introduction class was very helpful. It’s amazing to feel first-hand the difference between driving on the street and driving on a track at a break-neck speed.
As it happens sometimes, I got very woozy on the simulator. However, once I was on the track I was ready to go all out. My instructor was very knowledgeable and encouraged confidence. Though I didn’t go at a super high-speed, it was enough for me to get a good taste of the car and the overall unforgettable experience.
Neon Museum
770 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101
This was by far my favorite activity and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who visits Vegas. Since the exhibit is outdoors, I highly recommend doing this tour at night where the neon signs will be lit up and the temperatures will be much lower than the day. We came here in August and even at late night it was still really hot so make sure to carry a drink with you. You’re also not allowed to walk freely which is understandable given the fragility of the signs and broken glass from the marquees.
The exhibit was amazing. Our tour guide was very informative and you could tell she really loved the city and embodied an infectious enthusiasm when she spoke. If you know Las Vegas, you know the marquee neon signs played a huge role in the city’s development. Seeing the old signs piled up made you wonder and imagine what it would have been like to live in those glory days. This tour delivers a healthy dose of nostalgia to Las Vegas fans and neon art lovers. In the beginning of the tour, you will get a thorough description of the technology behind the signs.
Note: Tickets sell out pretty quickly so make sure to book your tour at least two days in advance and don’t forget to check out the gift shop!
Downtown Container Park Las Vegas
707 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Located on historic Freemont street, this container park opened in 2013 and is helping Downtown Las Vegas to expand as a shopping and entertainment destination off the strip. It reminds me of Downtown LA. The park offers boutique shops, vegan restaurants, a cute sitting area with synthetic grass and a stage decorated with string lights. Perfect for an al fresco summer night.
Skyline Helicopter Tour
2642 Airport Dr #101, North Las Vegas, NV 89032
I know this would be considered to be an attraction on the strip. But if you’re a sucker for spectacular city night views, you must take this tour. I took it in March and was truly an unforgettable experience. Yes, you can walk through the strip and admire the view from the casinos but the experience you get when you fly over it? You can’t get that anywhere else. I encourage you to take the helicopter tour. It’s 3 people per helicopter. The pickup shuttle is a limousine that takes you to the airport. Once in the airport, after you’re checked-in, they offer you champagne in the airport lounge. Once the helicopter takes off, the magic happens. The view is something I can’t put into words; you must experience it yourself. Our pilot was super friendly and talkative. It’s only a 15-minute ride but is a great value and definitely worth every single cent!!
Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
Famous for the reality show on History Channel, this pawn shop receives an average of 6,000 people per day. It’s a must if you’re in Vegas. The store is a lot smaller than it looks on TV and unfortunately, you won’t see any of the cast members, however during my last visit, while I was waiting for my dad outside, ChumLee happened to be hanging out at his candy shop at the Pawn Plaza. Given the immense show’s popularity, they opened a plaza made of colorful shipping containers with little shops and a nice sitting area where he does meet-and-greets at his candy shop on certain days. After being inside for 10 minutes, he opened the tinted glass door, walked away and didn’t acknowledge the people waiting in line to meet him (umm…rude much?!) I’m not a fan of the show but my dad is so this is a must-stop destination for us whenever we’re in Vegas.
With so many cool things to do, our visit to Sin City wouldn’t be complete without eating at the best-hidden gem restaurants. Now here comes the good stuff!!
Leone Café
400 S Rampart Blvd #10165, Las Vegas, NV 89145
Located in the gorgeous outdoor strip in Summerlin, this café offers exceptional brunch items and terrific service. I was surprised by how nice they were even though the place was packed. They accommodated us as best as they could and the food was just otherworldly. The decoration is beautiful and will make you feel like you’re sipping your coffee in a street of Paris.
Salutte Trattoria Italiana
11011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135
The décor, the food, and the service were fantastic. It’s 20 minutes away from the strip and its located on the Red rock Canyon casino. The food is fairly priced considering the upscale vibe and the service was super attentive. The interior design was decorated with beautiful marble countertops, and an open kitchen space with an adjacent bar area.
If you go there, order the Lobster Ravioli, with black and white pasta, heirloom tomato puree and sweet pea pesto. Words are not enough to describe it: creamy, buttery, super tasty. The ravioli just melts in your mouth.
KOMOL
953 E Sahara Ave E-10, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Whenever I’m in Vegas, I always come here. Komol is a Thai restaurant with plenty of vegan options. Every time I walk in there, it’s like walking into an oasis: peaceful, quiet and the Southeast Asian background music will take you to Thailand. Seriously, it’s like entering into another world away from the hustle and bustle of the strip.
Portions are very generous and prices are fair. The place is located on a strip mall just a few feet away from Lotus of Siam, which is supposedly the best Thai place in the US but honestly, for me, Komol takes the cake.
Order the chicken panang curry. My mouth is watering by just typing this. Best chicken panang curry in the world!
Jamms restaurant
1029 S Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89145
If you want to have a hearty egg breakfast that will rev up your taste buds, this is the place. Established in 1997, Jamms tagline is “enter as strangers, leave as friends”. Indeed, the restaurant’s slogan is aptly named. When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by warm smiles and treated like family.
The pots of bread are spectacular, super tasty and fluffy and the eggs are crispy and perfectly cooked.
There are so many things to see and places to eat in Las Vegas, but I didn’t want to make this blog post too lengthy. I will make a second blog post in the future, mentioning the shows and the best kept hidden gems in Vegas! What are your favorite things to see in Las Vegas off the strip?
