When most people think of Las Vegas, they think of the Strip. While no trip to Vegas is complete without visiting the spectacular casinos and eccentricity of Las Vegas Boulevard, there is so much more to this desert hot spot. As mentioned in my original installment, A Local’s Guide: New York City, this series highlights the best places to experience the city as a local would.

Meet the Locals

My mother, Kerry, moved to Las Vegas with my father in 2018. Before the pandemic, they frequently went to concerts and shows at the many venues in the city. When the city quieted down in 2020, they started to spend more of their free time wandering around the Arts District and visiting the parks and mountains on the outskirts of the city.

Las Vegas Guide: To Do

Beer Crawl in Downtown Las Vegas Arts District

When we have people visiting from out of town, we love taking them for a beer crawl in the Arts District. Not only is it an enjoyable low-key activity during the day, but you can also escape from the crowded Strip just a few miles away. There are a ton of independent breweries throughout the Arts District: Beer District Brewing, Hop Nuts Brewing, Crafthaus Brewery, Hudl Brewing Company, Nevada Brew Works, and Able Baker are our favorites.

  • Neighborhood:
    • Downtown Las Vegas Arts District
  • Recommended transportation:
    • The Loop free shuttle
    • Walking
    • Uber or Taxi
    • Rental car if you have a designated driver

downtown las vegas arts districtFirst Friday Las Vegas

If you happen to be in Las Vegas on the First Friday of the month, you should head up to the Arts District for the monthly festival. Experience a showcase of local artists, musicians, food trucks, restaurants, and more. Part of the First Friday Foundation, the event supports local creators and community programs throughout Downtown Las Vegas. Learn more about the organization’s mission and efforts here.

  • Neighborhood:
    • Downtown Las Vegas Arts District
  • Recommended transportation:
    • The Loop free shuttle
    • Uber or Taxi
    • Rental car

Las Vegas Guide: To See

Street art and installations

Las Vegas has a phenomenal mix of world-class art and creations from local artists. There are many hotels and casinos on the Strip that showcase art, like the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, but there is also so much to see outside of Las Vegas Boulevard. The Arts District features street art from local painters and multiple shops and galleries dedicated to local artists. 

If you want to venture a bit south of the city, Seven Magic Mountains is still on display, currently through 2021. I had been wanting to visit this installation for years and finally saw it when my kids were visiting. It was worth the wait but I would recommend going in the morning or going during the week when it is less busy. 

  • Neighborhood/Area:
    • Downtown Las Vegas Arts District for Local art
    • 20 miles south of the Las Vegas Strip for Seven Magic Mountains
  • Recommended transportation:
    • Rental car

las vegas seven magic mountains

Valley of Fire State Park

On cooler days when we need an escape from the city, we like to drive to the Valley of Fire State Park. The State Park is about 50 miles northeast of downtown Las Vegas and boasts 40,000 acres of red Aztec sandstone. There are plenty of trails for hiking and exploring the beautiful terrain. Petroglyphs can be seen in different parts of the park. Petroglyph Canyon Trail is one of the best trails to see many of these prehistoric carvings. 

Things to Keep in mind: there is a $10 entrance fee per vehicle. Bring water and be careful during the summer months when temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees F.

  • Area:
    • Overton, NV
  • Recommended transportation:
    • Rental car

Red Rock Canyon

When we want to escape from the city without driving too far, we head to Red Rock Canyon. It is less than 15 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and a great way to see the local desert landscape. There are over 20 trails throughout the conservation area as well as a 13-mile scenic drive that we love to do when it’s too hot out. Click here for more information.

  • Area:
    • 15 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip
  • Recommended transportation:
    • Rental car

Las Vegas Guide: To Eat

vegas food_toast society and tacotarian

Although Las Vegas has tons of world-class restaurants within the Strip, there are countless other spectacular spots throughout the city. Depending on your preference or dietary restrictions, there are options for everyone. Here are some of my favorites:

Tacotarian

Tacotarian has a delicious menu of over 15 types of tacos along with tons of other Mexican staples. The inside of the restaurant has a relaxing vibe and is a great choice for a low-key meal. What’s even more interesting about this restaurant is that it is 100% plant-based, but carnivores and vegans alike are sure to enjoy the amazing food here. We go here almost every week and it never disappoints.

  • Neighborhood:
    • Downtown Las Vegas Arts District
  • Recommended transportation:
    • The Loop free shuttle
    • Uber or Taxi
    • Rental car

Esther’s Kitchen

If you are looking for Italian food with a modern flair, Esther’s Kitchen is a noteworthy choice. The menu is seasonal and offers a variety of pasta dishes and creative entrees. I highly recommend starting your meal with the bread. The sourdough is homemade and you can get it served with different types of cheese, veggies, and meats. One thing to keep in mind, the locals truly love Esther’s, and if you visit you will need a reservation!

  • Neighborhood:
    • Downtown Las Vegas Arts District
  • Recommended transportation:
    • The Loop free shuttle
    • Uber or Taxi
    • Rental car

Letty’s de Leticia’s Cocina

Letty’s is another one of our favorite Mexican eateries. They have a huge menu with delicious food available for any time of the day. Our favorite is the chilaquiles with tomatillo sauce. They also deliver to Beer District Brewing if you get hungry during a beer crawl!

  • Neighborhood:
    • Downtown Las Vegas Arts District
  • Recommended transportation:
    • The Loop free shuttle
    • Uber or Taxi
    • Rental car

Toast Society Cafe

If you are staying west of the Strip, or don’t mind a little drive, Toast Society is a great spot for a light breakfast. It is women-owned and is my favorite place to go for a healthy start to my day. The interior is also very relaxing and a great space to catch up on work or read a book.

  • Neighborhood:
    • Spring Valley
  • Recommended transportation:
    • Rental car

Las Vegas Guide: To Shop

Las Vegas has just about every chain or designer store you can think of. Most of those stores are located on the Strip or in one of the many malls throughout the city. If you want to shop for unique items or great sales, here are my favorite places to go:

Antique stores and flea markets

Las Vegas has many great spots for vintage and antique shopping. The Arts District has several stores including Retro Vegas, Vintage Vegas, Main Street Peddlers Antique Mall, and Modern Mantiques. You can find retro Las Vegas memorabilia as well as great vintage clothing at most of these shops.

  • Neighborhood:
    • Downtown Las Vegas Arts District
  • Recommended transportation:
    • The Loop free shuttle
    • Uber or Taxi
    • Rental car

Las Vegas North Premium Outlets

While this is a tourist destination, there are always great sales at the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets that are hard to pass up. From luxury brands to athletic wear stores, there is something for everyone here.

  • Area:
    • North of Las Vegas Strip, right off of I-15
  • Recommended transportation:
    • The Loop free shuttle
    • Uber or Taxi
    • Rental car

 

We hope this Las Vegas Guide gives you some ideas for your next visit! If you are also a local, what are some of your favorite things to do, see, eat, and shop in Las Vegas?

Interested in other Local guides? Check out New York City.