ROSE FAMILY JOURNAL

There is so much to see in Las Vegas out there beyond the Strip. If you are looking for a day to see all that the Las Vegas area has to offer, this guide is for you.

If you are from Las Vegas and looking for an idea of where to take out-of-town guests, this guide is for you as well.

If you are new to Las Vegas or have lived here for years, this guide is for you too.

Have kids in strollers or traveling with a wheelchair? Check out our ultimate stroller and wheelchair friendly 1-day guide to see Las Vegas!

Hike Calico Tanks or La Madre Springs in Red Rock

Starting the day out with a little workout always leads to a great, productive day! These are two trails with amazing views to provide a WOW factor, and they both are a good workout. That said, they are trails that won’t burn you out for the rest of the day, but they will energize you to take on the city! TIP: If you have a national parks pass, remember to bring it! This will get you into the Red Rock Scenic Loop. If you are coming during the months of May-October, however, you do need to make a $2 reservation on recreation.gov before you go.

Descriptions of both of these hikes are found here on the guide to trails with shade in Las Vegas. Calico Tanks is highlighted also here on the guide to trails with views of the Strip.

Eat Brunch or Lunch at Leone Cafe in Tivoli Village

One of our favorite places to bring out of town guests, and it is such a highlight for everyone we bring. It is the perfect combination of ambience: sitting outside at a cute cafe; in a charming area with fountains, views of mountains, and brick streets; and beautifully plated food that tastes amazing. They also serve coffee and pastries, so that is a bonus! More about Leone Cafe is shared here on our guide to restaurants with luxurious patio seating.

Enjoy Ice Cream at Sorry not Sorry Creamery

We are big ice cream fans, and we search high and low for ice cream shops whenever we go on vacation. That said, we also seek out places that have non-dairy ice cream options beyond sorbets. Sorry not Sorry Creamery checks all of the boxes – great oat milk cream base, tasty add-ins (think strawberry shortcake, rocky road!), and multiple options.

This is showing up on our guide after lunch for two reasons: it would be out of the way to come back here later, and the line is not very long during the day compared to night time. Sorry not Sorry Creamery shows up on our guide to best vegan desserts/treats in Las Vegas.

Head to Springs Preserve

Such a beautiful place to see gardens, exhibits, the Nevada State Museum (if it is a hot day!), and learning experiences. If you have a membership card from the American Horticultural Society or from a garden participating in the Reciprocal Admissions Program, you can get into the Springs Preserve for free. Checking out botanical gardens on vacations is one of our top choices, and we love our local one!

Explore the Mob Museum

This was the first museums we ever visited in Las Vegas, and it is our favorite! You get to learn so much about the history of the Mob and law enforcement in the country (and internationally). Also, in the process, you learn a lot about how Las Vegas came to be what it is today — from the mob and gambling laws > to divorce/marriage laws > to being a natural water spring located between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.

Dinner at VegeNation or Evel Pie near Fremont Street

Once you’re done with the Mob Museum, you are right in the area of downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street. There are so many restaurants to try out here and so much to do! We recommend eating at VegeNation for comfort/American style veganized meals OR Evel Pie for an Evel Knievel themed restaurant that serves pizza by the slice (including vegan options) or plenty to order from a full menu.

Stroll around Fremont Street until you’re tired

Similar to the Strip, but a little shorter and full of surprises! The entire area allows you to walk under a covered area full of colorful screens and lights atop. This will give you the feeling of being in Vegas without walking around in the sun and easy to walk back to your car whenever you’re ready to go.

Looking for more ideas to explore in Las Vegas that’s not on the Strip? Find all of our Vegas posts including our favorite hikes and vegan restaurants here!