Las Vegas is home to one of the most recognizable skylines in the United States. Situated in a sprawling valley, the Strip can often be seen almost in its entirety if one finds the right vantage point. Don’t settle for just Strip views, though.
Whether on the famous Las Vegas Strip or off, the Vegas Valley has some best views to dazzle locals and visitors alike–all for free.
Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas
Location: The Showcase Mall on Las Vegas Blvd
Hours: 8:00a.m. – 11:00p.m., Monday – Friday
The Hard Rock Cafe, one of a global chain of restaurants, offers casual dining with an unobstructed view of the Las Vegas Strip from the cafe’s outdoor patio. At only three stories tall, this is a perfect option for those who want to avoid excessive heights.
The cafe also features a stage where guests may be entertained with live music from locally and nationally recognized performers.
Sunrise Mountain
Location: Henderson, Lake Mead Blvd, East Side
Hours: Open 24 hours
Aptly named as the sun often appears from behind its summit in the morning, Sunrise Mountain is one of the peaks bordering Las Vegas on the east side of the valley.
Driving down Lake Mead Boulevard and turning left towards the mountain will lead visitors to a lot where they can park and enjoy a great view of the Las Vegas and Henderson valley.
If you feel adventurous, a four-and-a-half-mile hike leads up the mountain, offering even more spectacular views at the summit. While labeled as difficult and requires quite a bit of scrambling, the trail is rarely crowded and, as several hikers recommended, “so worth it.”
Hoover Dam
Location: Boulder City, NV
Hours: 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Everyday
The Hoover Dam, located on the Nevada-Arizona border 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, is one of the seven wonders of the industrial world. It is the largest concrete structure in existence and provides water and power for many cities in Nevada, Arizona, and California.
The view of the Colorado River and Lake Mead from the top of the dam is spectacular. Driving and walking across the dam is free, though visitors will have to pay for parking unless they park in a free lot on the Arizona side of the dam.
Tickets for guided tours are also available for purchase.
Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub
Location: The Cromwell Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
Hours: 10:00p.m.-3:00a.m. Friday and Saturday, “After hours” 11:30p.m.-6:00a.m. Thursday – Sunday
While Drai’s Beachclub at the Cromwell is closed for the season, the adult “day club” and its eight pools usually open in April. The nightclub, which shares its location with the Beach Club, is open year-round.
Both clubs are located eleven stories in the air on the roof of the Cromwell and offer great views of the Las Vegas Strip. Both clubs can be accessed for free if patrons sign up for the Vegas VIP guest list in advance.
Lone Mountain
Location: Northwest Las Vegas, off the I-215 Beltway
Hours: Open 24 hours
When looking for more adventures off the Strip and a little physical activity, look no further than Lone Mountain Regional Park. The park features a hiking trail that takes visitors up a steep, 1.1-mile slope to the summit of Lone Mountain and offers panoramic views of the Las Vegas valley.
There are several different ways up the mountain, some more difficult than others, but the entrance to the main trail is on the hill’s backside.
At the top of the trail, adventurers can spot the Strip in the distance. The park and hiking trail can also be accessed at night for those brave enough to scale the summit in the dark and glimpse the twinkling Vegas city lights.
Skyfall Lounge
Location: Delano Las Vegas
Hours: 5:00p.m.-12:00a.m., Friday – Sunday
The Skyfall Lounge on the 64th floor of the Delano offers a laid-back atmosphere and 180-degree views of the Las Vegas skyline through its floor-to-ceiling windows. There is no cover charge for entry before 10 p.m. Because it’s only open on weekends, reservations are highly recommended, with limited space on the deck.
For those who would prefer a more upbeat environment, Skyfall’s cousin, the Foundation Room, is located on the 63rd floor of the adjoining Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. The Foundation Room is open 6:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and has no cover charge before 9:00 p.m.
