Explore the Quirky and Unusual side of Las Vegas!

Ready to explore the quirky side of Las Vegas? Unusual attractions, unique hotels, hidden gems and experiences that hide beyond the Strip - there's more to Las Vegas than meets the eye!

You don't have to look further than Vegas for the glitz and glamor of 24/7 casinos, amazing nightlife, breathtaking shows, entertainment, and attractions, it’s the Entertainment Capital of the World - but there's a side that most people don't know about! 

We're fortunate to have had family close to LV for many years and there's always something new to discover. And, of course, everyone isn't a gambler!

Embrace the unusual: Where to stay

Don’t think that accommodation is just run of the mill in Vegas, you can find plenty of unusual stays and quirky experiences on and off the Strip! Your Las Vegas hotel can be part of your adventure, with quirky themes and out-of-the-ordinary features that set them apart from the more traditional stays in the city. 

Circus Circus, for example, a firm family favourite in Vegas offers daily performances and a carnival inside the hotel itself! If you’ve always fancied visiting Venice but haven't had the opportunity, how about a stay at The Venetian in a suite overlooking indoor canals. Taking a gondola ride without leaving the hotel is quite magical. Or for something truly offbeat, a themed suite at Caesars Palace or Planet Hollywood for movie-inspired décor or even luxury fantasy-themed rooms.

My daughter was married at the Paris Hotel a few years ago. I was afraid it might be a bit cheesy but it was incredibly elegant and we had an amazing time! 

The highly detailed theming of these unconventional hotels is brilliant and will effortless set the tone for your whole trip, making for some great memories and interesting pictures!

Quirky attractions you won't want to miss...

Whether you prefer a traditional stay or something a little more quirky, interesting, and offbeat, attractions in Vegas are everywhere!

So between all those casino flutters and late-night entertainment shows, you’re sure to find something that opens your mind. Here are some top suggestions.

The Neon Museum

Ever wondered where all the neon signs in Vegas go once they’ve been retired? They come here, to the Neon Museum, also known as the Neon Boneyard.

This open-air museum is a dazzling collection of retired neon signs that once lit up the Strip, which makes for some pretty interesting history and great photo opportunities. Each sign has its own story to tell, and at night, you can enjoy guided tours that bring the exhibits to life as some of the retired signs are switched on for a true vintage Vegas vibe. 

Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum

Intrigued by the paranormal? This offbeat museum houses everything from creepy artefacts to haunted dolls and cursed objects from around the world.

You’ll also find strange/creepy objects that are tied to notorious crime cases, so it’s not for the faint-hearted or those of a nervous disposition. It's designed to be part history lesson, part haunted house, with narrow hallways, eerie décor, and chilling stories.

It's not for me but ideal for those who are curious about the darker and more mysterious side of Las Vegas. 

The Pinball Hall of Fame

Are you a gamer or just curious about the history of it all? Another quirky find is the Pinball Hall of Fame, where visitors can step into retro gaming heaven with more than 400 pinball machines, some dating back to the 1950s!

One thing that makes this museum so different is that every machine here is playable; just bring plenty of quarters! From classic vintage tables to current models, there’s something for all ages and skill levels.

A fun and quirky way to spend an afternoon and, as it’s a non-profit museum, it donates all proceeds to charity, so you’re having fun and supporting a good cause at the same time.

Day Trips with a Twist!

If you’re happy to leave the hustle and bustle of the Strip for a few hours, then you’ll find an abundance of other nearby attractions that will leave you with plenty of questions! Here are some top suggestions for entertaining kids and adults alike:

Ghost towns

Nelson Ghost Town is just outside Vegas (a 45-minute drive) and it offers a fascinating glimpse into Nevada’s Wild West past.

Once a bustling gold mining town, it’s now filled with abandoned buildings, rusting cars, and vintage relics that make it a photographer’s dream! You can also enjoy guided tours that share stories of miners, outlaws, and the colorful history of the area.

It’s eerie, atmospheric, and great for explorers old and young. 

The Clown Motel in Tonopah

Do you like clowns? If not, you might want to skip this one. A

bout 3 hours north of Vegas, you’ll find the roadside oddity, which is both incredibly unique and also a little creepy. Famous for its lobby filled with thousands of clown dolls and figurines, it’s become a must-visit for lovers of the weird and unusual. Its location beside an old cemetery only adds to the sense of unease and its eerie reputation.

Whether you want to stay the night or just grab a photo outside, you certainly won't forget this stop! 

The Extraterrestrial Highway

Whether you’re a believer or not, the Nevada State Route 375, also known as The Extraterrestrial Highway, is a long and lonely road that is ideal for UFO enthusiasts or those who just enjoy a traditional road trip feel.

The route passes near the famous Area 51, sparking countless alien-themed stories and conspiracies.

You might also want to stop at the world-famous Little A'Le’Inn, a UFO-themed diner and motel covered in alien memorabilia. As you're in the wide open desert, you can expect perfect conditions for stargazing and UFO spotting! 

Unique landscapes

Many people fail to realize that the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas was created in the Mojave desert. Away from the hustle and bustle of the lavish casinos, extravagant shows and enormous buffets of Vegas lie vast and surreal desert landscapes that have to be seen to be believed! Photos can never do them justice!

Take an unforgettable visit to the breath-taking vistas of the Grand Canyon, widely considered to be one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, formed by millions of years of erosion from wind, rain and the Colorado River. Daughter and husband took the helicopter flight on the eve of their wedding. 

Less than an hour from Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam spanning the Arizona/Nevada border is one of the 7 engineering wonders of the modern world! It was built for multiple purposes including flood control, irrigation, and hydro electric power and transformed the arid South West into a more habitable area.  

There’s so much more to Vegas than meets the eye whatever the ages or size of your party. But whatever you get up to in Vegas, remember to travel safely and enjoy every second!

What are you ready to try in Las Vegas?