Top 10 FREE Things to Do on the Las Vegas Strip

I never thought I would be a city girl and living in Las Vegas is still a challenge for me some times, but the weather is unbeatable and the list of things to do is nearly endless; no matter what your interests are.

My list of the Top 10 FREE Things To Do in Las Vegas is far from all inclusive, but are all spots not to miss and spots I love to frequent,  even as a resident.

10. It seems simple, but just take a walk.  The massive hotels, lights and hoards of people are always a sight to see and take in.  Put on you pedometer and start walking; from street performers to some crazy tourists you will hit 30,000 steps before you know it!

Hint: Be sure to walk by the Wynn; all the casinos are amazing to walk by but don't skip this one just because of how far of a walk it is, there is a waterfall that makes it worth it!

9. Take the trek to the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign for a photo op.  The sign is a good trek from the heart of the strip, but having that photo when you return home will make it worth it!

The sign just recently added additional parking spots and a pedestrian crossing light to make the area easier to traverse.

8. Walk the Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood; from entertainment, to shopping and amazing food there is something for everyone.  The Miracle Mile has two free shows; an indoor rain storm and a fountain show.  With the painted sky and life-like rainstorm it is easy to forget you are indoors!

The Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood; all the best of the outdoors without the Vegas heat.

7. Trek to the "older" end of the strip and catch some FREE circus acts at the Circus Circus.  Shows start at 11am daily.

6. Head to Fremont Street, where the casinos still use bulb lights and there is no telling what you might see.  I will do an entire post on The Fremont Street Experience later but just know, the sights and maybe even smells are worth the trip!

5. Half way through the list, so by now you have probably realized your going to be getting in a ton of walking time, be sure to walk into as many of the most notable casinos possible, as they all have something to offer once inside.

One of the many notable places to stop; Paris!

4. Stroll the Brooklyn Bridge by the New York City skyline; with a photo op at the Statue of Liberty.
Fun Fact:  The Las Vegas Statue of Liberty looks so identical to the actual statue the postal service was using a picture of the Las Vegas statue by accident for many years!

3. Check out the Volcano show at the Mirage, only a few blocks from the Bellagio.  The show starts at 7pm nightly and runs every half our until 11pm (Except for some reason there is NOT a 7:30pm show).  If you arrive early, or want to waste sometime before the next show, walk inside, you wont be disappointed.

2. Before or after your Bellagio Fountain experience, take a stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory, its totally FREE and open 24/7.  The display changes with the season so be sure to check the website to insure the Conservatory is not in a transition between displays.  While you are there, check out the amazing Fiori Di Como glass sculpture in the lobby.

1. Catch a FREE show at the Bellagio Fountains.  Show times vary but are no less than every 1/2 hour in the afternoon.  The show is free, so arrive early to get a good view.  It may be a free attraction but the show is nothing short of breath taking.

Photos really don't do it justice, trust me and make this part of your trip!

Las Vegas is full of things to do; check back for my top picks on the strip, off the strip and on Fremont Street!

All Photos by: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaTeresePhotography?fref=ts
Check out her blog here: http://kristinateresephotography.blogspot.com/

Evening Hike: Lone Mountain, Las Vegas

Unless you are a resident of Las Vegas, there is a good chance when you think of Las Vegas all that comes to mind is bright lights, slots and the Strip.

Well, it time to change that frame of mind and get outdoors!

A good evening hike, without even leaving the city limits is Lone Mountain.  Lone Mountain is located on the west end of Lone Mountain road just inside the 215.

This hike is short but steep and will probably require taking some breaks even for a seasoned hiker.

Amazing View From the Top! A wonderful place to watch the city turn on!

Weekend Wanderer: Hiking Valley of Fire

A visit to Valley of Fire only requires about an hour drive from Las Vegas and lots of water. Especially in the warmer months, Valley of Fire, gets very warm, even early in the day.  Plus, you may be out of Las Vegas, but you are still in the desert!

On a recent weekend trip to Valley of Fire, I was able to catch an awesome Ranger Led Program and get a few short hikes in before the afternoon hit and temperatures started to reach close to 100 degrees.

For your day trip from Las Vegas, leave early, preferably before 9am in order to be headed home before the heat of the day sets in.  Valley of Fire is a State Park, so National Park Passes DO NOT gain you free entry.  Entry into the park is based on car; a car is $10/$8 for locals (Be sure to show your Nevada ID!)

Once you pass through the entrance gate, Valley of Fire is waiting to grace you with its vibrant colors and awesome views.

The first stop you come across is the Beehives.  This is a nice short stop to get out, stretch your legs and get a good look at the awesome rock formations that are Valley of Fire.

Just a tiny view of what Valley of Fire has to offer; taken from the Petrified Logs Turn-Off.

From there, head down the road a bit more to the left will be a turn off for Atlatl Rock.  There are two campgrounds down this road (addition fee) but at Atlatl Rock there are some Petroglyph's that are worth the trek up the stairs.

A glimpse of the Atlatl Rock Petroglyphs 

Check the State Park Website for events; while visiting they were hosting a session on how to throw Alatl Spears, and I got a chance to try it out!  Good thing we didn't have to rely on me for dinner, my skills need some work!

Working on my spear throwing skills!

From here, you can skip the Petrified Logs (west) and continue down the road to the Visitors Center.  Inside there is a really nice museum complete with petrified wood, live snakes, lizards and spiders, and tons of well displayed information.  Here you can refill you water bottles and take a restroom break before heading up White Domes Road.  If it is already starting to get warm, opt to stop at Rainbow Vista.  The red sand here is worth the stop alone.  There is a mile long trail here, with warning posted to avoid in hot weather, even if it is hot take a short walk out and return to the car, it is well worth it!

What animal does this rock remind you of?

From here you can head home, or continue down the main park road.  If you are lucky, you might come across some big horn sheep, I did!

Can you see them?

As always, check the state park website for additional information before you go and ALWAYS pack water!

DISCLAIMER: Prices, locations, tours, policies and attractions may have changed.  Please use websites listed for the most up to date information.

Side Trip: Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monument

While we were staying in Williams, AZ we took a day-long side trip to take in Wupatki
National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.

9:00am: Head to Wupatki National Monument(1hr 22min Drive)

10:30am: Arrive at Wupatki : Stop at Wupatiki National Monument(tour time 30mins – 2 hours):

4 free with the National Parks pass, others $5 per person

http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm

12:00: Picnic Lunch at Wupatki National Monument

We visited on a rainy day; but it was still awe-inspiring!

1:00pm: Head To Sunset Crater Volcano NM (40mins drive time, tour time 1 hour):

4 of us will be free with the National Parks pass, others $5 per person

                http://www.nps.gov/sucr/planyourvisit/directions.htm

A View from the road of Sunset Crater

3:00pm: Head back to Williams for Dinner (1 Hour Drive)

Getting the Most Out of 2 Days at the Grand Canyon

Let me start by saying, this was a family trip so we did not get in much hiking and instead tried to get a glimpse of the Grand Canyon from every angle possible.  I recommend staying in Williams, AZ.  The town is adorable and has some nice attractions as well, but feel free to look for lodging in the park as well.  There are some hotels in Williams, but if you prefer a more home-like feel check out some of the VRBO options in the area!

Day 1:
Early AM: Head to Grand Canyon from Williams, AZ (<1 hour drive)

Once you arrive at Mathers Point Visitors Center, take your time to look around and take “first look” of Grand Canyon.

Walk(other options to drive or ride YELLOW shuttle) approx. 1 mile to the Yavapao Geology Museum.

From there, either walk approx. 2 miles to Verkamps Visitors Center and Hopi house or take YELLOW shuttle back to Mathers Point and catch BLUE shuttle to Verkamp and Hopi House.

Walk along Rim Trail from Verkmap to view Bright Angel Lodge, Trailhead, Lookout Studio and on to RED shuttle bus stop.

Lunch on the Rim Trail before heading down Hermits Rest Road (We packed a lunch)

Take RED bus to Trail Overlook(0.7m walk), Maricopa Point (0.7m walk), Powell Point (0.5m Walk) and Hopi Point (0.3m walk)

Continue on RED shuttle to Mohave Point (0.8m walk from Hopi), The Abys (1.1m walk), Monument Creek Vista (0.9m walk), Pima Point(1.7m walk) and ending at Hermits Rest(1.1m walk).

Refill water at Hermits Rest. Then a short hike from Hermits Rest (Also be sure to check out the Ranger Programs!)

Prepare for Sunset viewing at Hopi Point (If crowded, Pima point).               

RED shuttle only stops at Pima, Mohave and Powell Points on the return trip.

                http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/grca_sunrise-sunset.pdf.pdf

Sunset: Be sure to check the time so you arn't late and miss the show!!

Shuttle back to parking area

Day 2:

Head to Yaki Point to view Sunrise.  See Sunrise-Sunset PDF above to check the correct time! Dress warm if visiting in the off-season sun-rise can be COLD!!!

Desert View 25-mile driving tour to Desert View Watchtower

                Stops at Grandview Point, Moran Point, Tusayan Museum and Ruin, Lipan Point, Navajo point, ending at Desert View Watchtower, point and visitors center.

Tour Desert View Visitors Center and Watch Tower.  Lunch then short afternoon hike.

This was a great way for us to get in the Grand Canyon, take in the view and make plans of what we wanted to do on our next trip.  The Grand Canyon is so vast I feel like I need to return over and over again just to make sure I can take it all in.

As always, before you go, check the National Park Website for updates, closures and special events!

All Photos by: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaTeresePhotography?fref=ts
Check out her blog here: http://kristinateresephotography.blogspot.com/

Side Trip: The Hoover Dam

Making a trip to Las Vegas? Spending a few days at the Grand Canyon? No matter your situation be sure to make a stop at the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.

Lake Mead from the top of the Hoover Dam

We recently took a family trip to the Grand Canyon.  Since we were all flying into Las Vegas we made our stop at the Hoover Dam part of our trek from Las Vegas to Williams, AZ.

Some members of our group had an early morning flight into Las Vegas, so we met them with the rental car at the airport around 9am to head to the Hoover Dam.

The dam is a easy 40 minute drive from Las Vegas, so even with a stop for coffee and a quick breakfast, we were at the dam by 10am.  One of the KEYS to this trip is arriving early, even in the off season.  This is a major tourist attraction and with its proximity to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon it stays busy!  Also, on your way to the dam you will pass through a security checkpoint, be sure to read this document so you are aware of the Hoover Dam Policies!

When you arrive the parking deck will be on your left, just before the dam.  Its $7 to park here or you can continue on for other parking options.  Just pay to park here, its easy and gives you direct access to the dam.
The dam offers a few tour options, listed on the website.  However, when we arrived taking the Power-Plant Tour ($11) was our only option. We were a little disappointed as we really wanted to take the Dam Tour ($30).  After buying your tickets, you are filtered through a line where they take the groups photo in front of a green screen then load you into a theater with everyone else on your tour.

After the movie is over, you are broken up into two groups for the tour.  Tours take an elevator down into the dam, so the second group will have to wait a bit, just a few minutes nothing intolerable.  From there, you follow your tour guide through the tour of the powerplant before they drop you off at the dam overlook.

Here you can take your time and start doing the tour at your own pace.  They will be selling photos. (remember posing in front of the green screen) we found them to be pretty affordable for a tourist attraction.

When your group is finished at the overlook, make sure to head across the street to an older building.  There is a short program on all the dams on the Colorado River.  I always think it is interesting to see the view of dams at the facility, verses the view of dams at National Parks and environmental organizations.

From here take some time and walk across the dam, snap some photos and continue on your way.
Back on the road be sure to stop at the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge access.  It gives great view of the Hoover Dam and the bridge is pretty cool itself.

NOTE: They are VERY strict about the speed limit on the dam road, so watch that lead foot!

 

The Memorial Bridge from the Hoover Dam (Sorry for the poor quality, this photo was taken on my phone)

 

From here, if heading back to Las Vegas be sure to stop by the Lake Mead Visitors Center and take the short trip down to the water.  If you are continuing onto the Grand Canyon and other attractions; check back for the rest of our trip!