More about: 12 Best Tours and Day Trips in Las Vegas
Las Vegas isn't just casinos, neon lights and big shows. Given its proximity to numerous natural monuments, many travellers take advantage of their visit to Vegas to explore places such as the Grand Canyon, the Valley of Fire, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon, among many others. Here are the best options:
1. Night walking tour of downtown Las Vegas
You've probably seen the streets of Las Vegas in countless films, but there's still a lot you may not know about Nevada's largest city, such as its history and how it became the city of excess that it is today, despite being in the middle of nowhere.
The rapid growth of this city has given rise to numerous anecdotes that you would have no way of knowing about if it weren't for this 2-hour night walking tour led by a former history teacher who knows all the secrets of Las Vegas.
Itinerary
- Fremont Street, the old part of town. This is where the first casinos and hotels were built when, in the 1930s, gambling and alcohol attracted many visitors and several gangsters invested money in Las Vegas to build hotels.
- Old Time Casino at the El Cortez Hotel, a place that still retains several original rooms and old slot machines. Led by guide Richard Lloyd Evans, a former history teacher, you'll learn the secrets of Sin City during this era and hear anecdotes about the gangsters.
- Fremont East District, an area with a diverse street life and full of charming local restaurants, cocktail bars and plenty of entertainment that pays tribute to the history of Las Vegas.
- Downtown Container Park, an open-air market with art galleries where live shows are even held. You will be welcomed by a curious giant praying mantis that shoots fire from its antennae. Seeing it at night is even more amazing and it looks spectacular in photographs.
- Golden Nugget or Binion's Gambling Hall. The former displays the world's largest gold nugget, and at the latter, you can take a photo with £1,000,000 in cash.
- Fremont Street Experience: a pedestrian street with one of the most dazzling light and sound shows in Las Vegas. It was created to revive tourism in the old part of the city. There are also street performers and live acts here, so you'll have a great time.
- Viva Vision, the world's largest video screen, and its visual shows with music by Imagine Dragons, Steve Aoki, Linkin Park and The Killers, among others.
Why do I like this tour?
Behind all the glitz, gambling and shows of Las Vegas that typical city tours show, there are hidden corners that tourists would never see if it weren't for tours like Richard Lloyd Evans'. A guide with a great sense of humour who makes the tour very enjoyable and knows all the stories of Las Vegas, both the funny anecdotes and the more mysterious ones.
A highly recommended tour to learn about the origins of Las Vegas and its history. In addition, as it is a small group of no more than eight people, the guide can answer everyone's questions and the experience is very personalised.
2. All-inclusive Las Vegas nightclub party tour
Since its inception, Las Vegas has been a paradise for nightlife lovers. In addition to entertaining shows and casinos, there are hundreds of pubs and bars where you can have a great time, but the best way to party in Las Vegas is to take an all-inclusive night bus tour of the nightclubs.
Why? You'll avoid high cover charges and the hassle of finding a taxi to get you there, you'll have VIP access to three of the city's most popular nightclubs, and you'll enjoy premium drinks on the party bus that will take you to the clubs. Sounds good, right? All at a much more reasonable price than if you were to plan your night out yourself.
In addition, this tour includes a mini tour of the Las Vegas Strip and a stop at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign with a professional photographer.
What to expect?
The Las Vegas club crawl starts at 9:00 PM at the House of Blues for check-in. This venue offers a 15% discount on food. If you purchase food, you will receive a free drink. If you are travelling with a large group of 15 or more people and would like to make a dinner reservation, you will need to inform X in advance so that they can help you organise it.
At around 10:00 PM, the tour host will take the group to Foundation Room, the first nightclub of the night. With your Party Tours wristband, Foundation Room offers special Ketel One vodka drinks for £5.
You will continue the night on the party bus stocked with premium liquor as you go from club to club, and the host will take photos of the party for you to download later.
Important information
- In Las Vegas, you must be 21 years old to drink or enter nightclubs, so to participate in this party tour, you must carry your passport or valid government-issued photo ID showing that you are of legal age.
- There are usually quite a few restrictions on clothing to enter clubs, so it is important to respect the nightclub's dress code. To avoid any problems, it is best to choose elegant attire.
- All venues are subject to change.
- The tour includes drinks at the meeting point and complimentary drinks on the party bus, but not drinks in the clubs.
3. Helicopter tour of the Valley of Fire
Enjoy a unique experience with this helicopter tour of the Valley of Fire and discover one of Nevada's most spectacular landscapes from the air.
Fly over the Valley of Fire, famous for its bright red rock formations and unique geology, sculpted by millions of years of erosion. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views as you explore this natural treasure from above. In addition, some tours include a landing at an exclusive spot, where you can admire the landscape in complete tranquillity.
Details of interest
- Price: from €364 per person.
- Duration: approximately 1.5 hours.
- What you need to know: ideal for those looking for an exclusive and different experience in Las Vegas. Includes hotel transfers and live commentary from the pilot.
- What the tour may include: helicopter flight, landing in the Valley of Fire and a glass of champagne.
4. Buggy tour of the desert dunes
If you're looking for adrenaline and adventure, this buggy tour of the desert dunes will allow you to race across the arid landscape of the Nevada desert at full speed.
Get behind the wheel of an off-road buggy and challenge the impressive dunes as you traverse thrilling trails. Enjoy the experience alone or with a group, following an expert guide who will take you along the best routes for a safe and adrenaline-filled adventure.
Details of interest
- Price: from £170 per person.
- Duration: between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the route chosen.
- What you need to know: a perfect activity for those who love speed and adventure. No previous experience is required, but there is a minimum age for driving.
- What the tour may include: single or double buggy, safety equipment and professional guide.
5. Night tour of the Las Vegas Strip
Discover the magic of Las Vegas with this night tour of the Strip, a tour that will take you to the city's most iconic landmarks under a dazzling light show.
Tour the famous Las Vegas Strip, home to some of the world's most famous hotels and casinos, such as the Bellagio, Caesars Palace and The Venetian. Enjoy stops at iconic landmarks such as the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, the dancing fountains at the Bellagio, and the incredible Fremont Street, where the city comes alive with shows and neon lights.
Details of interest
- Price: from £45 per person.
- Duration: approximately 3 hours.
- What you need to know: an essential experience for first-time visitors to Las Vegas. Includes transport with a guide and stops at the most notable sights.
- What the tour may include: luxury vehicle transfer, English-speaking guide and visits to the main tourist attractions.
6. Bus tour to the Grand Canyon
For many travellers, the South Rim is the most beautiful part of the Grand Canyon. It is located in the heart of the National Park and the views from any of its viewpoints are fascinating, as you can contemplate both its grandeur and its height in the best possible way.
The best way to get to the South Rim from Las Vegas is by road. With this day trip by bus to Grand Canyon National Park, you will have the opportunity to enjoy this natural wonder in person, accompanied by a professional guide who will reveal its history and give you an overview of its fauna and flora.
What will you see?
The tour begins with pick-up at hotels in Las Vegas to depart at 6:00 AM for this rugged gorge carved out by the Colorado River over thousands of years. During the journey, you can listen to the guide's commentary on the history of this natural monument to get you up to speed while you have lunch. The first stop on the tour will be at the Grand Canyon Caverns, located along Route 66 on the outskirts of Peach Springs.
These are the largest dry caves in the United States, located 60.96 metres below ground. On this excursion, you will have the opportunity to access the caverns and explore them on an optional 45-minute tour where you can take photographs for your social media.
Afterwards, you will continue your journey to Grand Canyon National Park to enjoy the spectacular beauty of this landscape of red rock formations. This tour allows you to familiarise yourself with South Rim, the most visited part of the Grand Canyon, as it is considered the most beautiful of the three parts into which the park is divided and is open all year round.
It also includes two iconic locations: Mather Point, the most popular viewpoint on the South Rim, and Bright Angel Lodge, where you can marvel at the sunsets in the dreamlike setting of the Grand Canyon. On the way back, you can relax in the comfortable seats of the luxury coach while watching the lights of Las Vegas in the distance, the city that never sleeps.
Why do I like this tour?
The best way to get to the South Rim from Las Vegas is by road. The journey is long but very well organised. To make it more enjoyable, the bus on this excursion has all the amenities you could need, such as an on-board toilet, padded seats and panoramic windows to enjoy the scenery along the way, which is especially welcome on the return journey when you want to rest after a long day visiting the Grand Canyon.
The best tourist attractions in the Grand Canyon are outdoors, so to protect yourself from the sun, I recommend that you bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
7. Light aircraft tour of the West Rim of the Grand Canyon
If you would like to fulfil your dream of visiting the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas but want to avoid the long road trip there, the best option is to take a 70-minute light aircraft tour of the West Rim, the closest of the three areas into which this natural monument is divided.
On a 4-hour excursion, you will see the highlights of the West Rim route from a bird's eye view: Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. Thanks to the aircraft's large windows, you'll have amazing panoramic views and can take all the photos you want for your souvenir album inside the Grand Canyon itself, just like one of the eagles that live in the national park.
What to expect?
This exciting adventure through the skies of Nevada begins with passengers being picked up at their hotel and taken to Boulder City Airport. Here you will check in for the flight and, after fastening your seatbelts, the group will take off for Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, and the Hoover Dam, a 20th-century engineering masterpiece located on the Colorado River that gave rise to the famous reservoir.
You will then fly over the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon, passing over some of the West Rim's attractions such as Eagle Point, Guano Point and the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass-bottomed viewing platform on a cliff 1,300 metres above the canyon floor. This flight tour ends with a return to the airport and your hotel in Las Vegas.
Why do I need to provide information about my weight?
This is so that they can calculate the weight distribution in the aircraft and thus balance the flight.
Do I need to show any documentation?
Yes, to participate in the activity you must bring photo identification, such as your national identity card or passport.
8. Long helicopter tour of the west side of the Grand Canyon
If you have a busy schedule during your trip to Las Vegas but don't want to miss the opportunity to see a natural monument as unique as the Grand Canyon, this 4-hour tour of the West Rim is what you're looking for.
Unlike other Grand Canyon tours, this one allows you to see this magnificent gorge carved into the rock by the Colorado River, which is over 1,600 metres deep, from above during a flight lasting around 70 minutes.
What will you see?
Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, including the River Colorado.
What to expect?
While other Grand Canyon helicopter tours only spend a few minutes flying over it, this is an extended tour with more flight time over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the western part of the Grand Canyon. No less than approximately 70 minutes.
After selecting your departure time when making your reservation, the Grand Canyon helicopter tour begins with pick-up at your Las Vegas hotel and transfer to the heliport, where you will board the aircraft to fly over the West Rim.
This area of the Grand Canyon is the most visited by tourists travelling to Las Vegas, as it is the closest to the city. It is very popular for its deep, narrow cliffs and because it is home to a horseshoe-shaped viewpoint known as the Skywalk, which has a glass floor over a cliff thousands of metres deep. The feeling of being suspended in the air is very exciting and gives us a different perspective of the Grand Canyon than the one seen from the sky.
During the flight, you will hear the pilot explain the origin of the Grand Canyon while you enjoy the amazing views of the tour. At the end of the helicopter tour, you will return to the heliport and then to the hotel. Refreshments are included to keep your energy levels up during the activity.
Check availability
A maximum of 30 people can participate in this Grand Canyon tour, so it is advisable to contact the tour operator to check availability on your chosen date, as there may be prior bookings.
Why do I need to provide my weight?
To calculate the weight distribution in the helicopter and thus balance the flight.
Do I need to bring any documentation?
Yes, travellers must bring photo ID, national identity card or passport to participate in the activity.
9. 3-day excursion to Las Vegas national parks: Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon
Las Vegas is not just about shows, casinos and neon lights. It is also the starting point for many excursions to the desert and several national parks. If during your stay in the city you want to breathe some fresh air and discover the unique nature of states such as Arizona and Utah, this 3-day excursion to Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon National Parks accompanied by a professional guide is the one for you.
All ground transportation, two nights' accommodation with breakfast, and entrance fees to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and Zion Park are included.
What to expect?
The adventure begins at 7:00 a.m. when you board the bus or minivan on Las Vegas Boulevard that will take you and the group to explore the desert landscapes of the western United States.
- The first stop on the tour will be the Grand Canyon, where you will visit the area known as South Rim, considered the most beautiful of the three areas into which the national park is divided.
- Afterwards, you will head to Lake Powell for a cruise on one of the most beautiful lakes in America. You will feel like you have found an oasis of crystal clear waters in the middle of an arid area.
- At the end of the cruise, it's time to head west to Bryce Canyon, home to the most amazing natural rock and sand sculptures on the planet. A landscape that could well be from Mars, formed by thousands of years of erosion from rain, wind and sun.
- Finally, you will visit Zion National Park, the oldest of the five national parks in Utah. The Mormon community that settled in the area in the 19th century gave it this name, which comes from an ancient Hebrew word meaning "sanctuary". And the truth is that when you set foot in this place, you understand why: impressive cliffs and mountains, viewpoints with spectacular views and emerald-coloured natural pools. A mystical landscape that is the dream of any photographer or traveller.
- You will have the opportunity to hike along the Virgin River and breathe in the tranquillity of Zion National Park, so different from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. At dusk, you will return to the city to end the excursion.
Duration
The duration of the Las Vegas National Parks Tour: Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon is 3 days. It is available in Spanish, French, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Italian, English, Japanese, Portuguese and German.
Day 1: Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Lake Powell
Accommodation: Clarion Inn Page
Meals: Not included
Day 2: Lake Powell - Bryce Canyon
Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kanab or, on certain departures, overnight stay at the Comfort Inn Hotel, Cedar City.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Zion National Park - Las Vegas
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Important information
- This tour accommodates a maximum of three people per room. If you are travelling with a group of four or more people or would like separate rooms, we recommend that you make separate reservations.
- Children under 2 years old are free. At the time of booking, please let us know if a baby is travelling with you. Child seats or high chairs are available and the tour is accessible for pushchairs.
- Luggage is limited to one suitcase and one small carry-on bag per person.
- Participants in the activity must be in average physical condition.
10. 3-day tour: Sedona, Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas
If you are passionate about photography and want to explore the natural environment of the western United States, this 3-day excursion to Sedona, Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon, accompanied by a professional guide, will allow you to discover some of the most photogenic landscapes of the Arizona desert. Here is a brief overview of the itinerary:
Day 1 Vegas - Sedona
To visit Arizona by car, you will travel through the Mojave Desert, which, due to its unique appearance, has attracted travellers and artists from all over the world in search of a different experience on their journey along the west coast of the United States. The first stop on the tour will be Oak Creek Canyon, a beautiful, narrow canyon surrounded by lush pine forests and red rocky mountains that are somewhat reminiscent of the Grand Canyon.
On this tour, you will also visit Slide Rock State Park, located in Oak Creek Canyon, 7 km north of Sedona.
Afterwards, there will be a lunch break in Sedona, a city of natural beauty where thick vegetation blends with reddish rocky mountains and whose landscape is reminiscent of Wild West films. Perhaps this is because it was the setting for many westerns. In Sedona, you can visit galleries, shops and Native American craft stores.
From Sedona, the group will take a route east called Red Rock Scenic Byway to see Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, the two most famous large rocky mountains in the region. They will also see Courthouse Butte and Holy Cross Chapel, a Catholic church dating from 1956 that is at its most beautiful at sunset.
Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites Flagstaff
Meals: Not included
Day 2 Sedona- Monument Valley - Horseshoe Bend
The next stop on this excursion is Monument Valley, a valley located within the Navajo Indian Reservation which, due to its enormous beauty, is one of the most photographed places in America. Accompanied by Native American guides, the group will take a jeep tour of the valley to enjoy the amazing views of the area.
During the visit, there will be a break to enjoy an outdoor barbecue, and then the excursion will continue to the Colorado River and, in the afternoon, to the famous Horseshoe Bend, the horseshoe-shaped meander that we have seen on countless postcards.
Accommodation: Clarion Inn Page
Meals: Breakfast Lunch
Day 3 Antelope Canyon - Valley of Fire - Las Vegas
Finally, the group will head to Antelope Canyon, a sacred site for the Navajo tribe, to admire the dunes and the canyon created by the action of water. Finally, on the way back to Las Vegas, there will be a stop for lunch and a visit to Valley of Fire, Nevada's oldest state park, whose rock formations date back to the time of the dinosaurs.
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Important information
- This tour allows a maximum of three people per room. If you are travelling with a group of four or more people or wish to have separate rooms, we recommend that you make separate reservations.
- Children under 2 years old are free. At the time of booking, please let us know if a baby is travelling with you. Child seats or high chairs are available and the tour is accessible for pushchairs.
- Luggage is limited to one suitcase and one small carry-on bag per person.
- Participants in the activity must be in average physical condition.
11. Small group tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Of the three areas into which the Grand Canyon is divided, the South Rim is considered the most beautiful. The views from any of its viewpoints are captivating, as you can admire the magnitude of the place in all its splendour. However, anything I can tell you about its charms cannot compare to the feeling of seeing this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your own eyes.
The best way to get to South Rim from Las Vegas is by road, as you can travel along historic Route 66 while enjoying the desert landscape of red rock formations that look like something from another planet. What's more, with this excursion to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, you can visit it on a private trip with just your own group accompanied by a guide. You will enjoy a totally personalised experience.
What to expect?
The tour begins at 6:00 a.m. and departs for the Grand Canyon caves via the famous Route 66, the first highway connecting the east and west coasts of the United States. Much of the success of these caves is due to their location along this road.
These are the largest dry caves in the United States, located 60.96 metres underground. This excursion includes a stop to explore the interior on an optional 45-minute tour to complete your visit to the Grand Canyon.
The group will then arrive at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, where a guide will accompany you on a walk between Mather's Point and Bright Angel Lodge to enjoy the breathtaking views and find the best angles for taking photographs. On the return journey, through the windows of the coach, you can admire the night-time views of the Las Vegas skyline with its twinkling lights before returning to the hotel.
Useful information
This small group tour to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon lasts approximately 15 hours and is available in Spanish and English.
12. Helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas with skip-the-line entry to the Skywalk
Although the South Rim is considered the most beautiful part of the Grand Canyon, the west side also has a lot to offer. Combine this with a helicopter tour and VIP access to the Skywalk, a glass-bottomed viewing platform over a deep cliff, and the experience here is truly amazing.
What to expect?
The excursion begins with limousine pick-up at your hotel and transfer to the heliport, where you will board a helicopter to fly over the Grand Wash Cliffs desert, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam while admiring the landscape from the aircraft's wraparound windows.
The next attraction on the tour is Grand Canyon West, and upon landing, you will experience the thrill of skip-the-line access to the Skywalk, one of the most popular spots on the West Rim. The feeling of walking on this glass-bottomed structure located on the edge of a cliff is absolutely breathtaking.
Why do I have to report my weight?
Most tour operators ask for your weight in order to calculate the weight distribution in the helicopter and thus balance the flight.
Do I need to bring any documentation?
Yes, all passengers over the age of 18 must carry photo ID, national identity card or passport to participate in the activity.
Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Infants are considered to be under two years of age and proof of age must be provided, such as a passport or a copy of their birth certificate.
Important information
- Backpacks, bags and cameras are not permitted on the Skywalk. Complimentary lockers are available to store personal belongings.
- For comfort and balance reasons, passengers weighing 300 pounds or more must purchase an additional seat. This is paid directly to the tour operator on the day of the tour.