Your Guide to Las Vegas Off the Strip
Are you ready to trade the neon sensory overload and $25 cocktails of the Strip for the real Las Vegas? Don’t get us wrong, we love a good show, but if you want to see where the magic really happens (and save some cash while you’re at it), you’ll find it away from the madness. The Arts District and Chinatown are currently serving up the best vibes in Nevada, and we’ve got the insider scoop here for you!
Fun Fact: Technically, most of the Strip isn’t even in the city of Las Vegas; it’s in an unincorporated township called Paradise.
The “Vegas Compass” for your trip:
- North: The Arts District & Fremont Street (The “Old” centers).
- West: Chinatown (The Foodie center).
- South: The Airport and the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.
- East: The residential side and the UNLV campus.
Las Vegas 101
Price sensitivity is affecting many travelers at the moment, and Vegas is no exception. The average price for a mainstream show on the Strip right now falls between $80 and $180 for standard seating. However, for “bucket list” headliners, those numbers can easily triple.
But fear not, you can still make your dollars stretch by dodging the over-hyped tourist traps. To help you navigate, we’ve combined the local wisdom of our friend Josh – a Las Vegas native – with the power of our NowAI travel assistant. While you can use NowAI to build a custom off-the-Strip itinerary in minutes, Josh is here to give those plans some serious local soul.
From hidden Tiki bars to the best chicken and waffles in the desert, here is Josh’s ultimate off-Strip playbook.
The “Real Vegas” Foodie Tour
1. A Perfectly-Paired Italian Feast. If you want incredible Italian food and wine, Josh swears by Monzú. Ask for the sommelier, Gabe. He’s a legend who can pair a glass with literally anything on the menu.
Pro-Tip: Order the Chef’s Table. It’s a ridiculous amount of food for a very reasonable price. And whatever you do, don’t skip the bread!
2. Chinatown’s Hidden Gem For something super fresh you won’t find at a buffet, head to Raku in Chinatown. This cozy Japanese spot features table-side grills and incredible hot pots. The quality of the meats here is on another level.
Pro Tip: It gets packed, so make a reservation.
3. The Casino Brunch Hero The Durango is one of the newer spots off the Strip. Its restaurant, The George Sportsmen’s Lounge, is changing the game. (Josh swears their chicken and waffles are some of the best he’s ever had.)
The Vibe: It’s a massive sports bar with indoor and outdoor screens, so you can catch the game while you eat.
4. The “Disneyland” Drink Experience You can’t leave Vegas without hitting a Tiki bar. The Golden Tiki in Chinatown is a total institution. From the moment you walk in, the smells and the decor make you feel like you’ve been transported to a theme park – but with way better drinks!
5. Crush Pad Wine Bar Nestled in a suburban strip mall (Sahara Palm Plaza), you’ll find a perfect escape from the Nevada heat. The owners of Crush Pad, Jessica and Brian, have intentionally created a chill, non-pretentious vibe here. They often have live music and a local food truck outside, all reasonably priced.
The Vibe: Crush Pad is the type of place where you can get to know more about wine and ask questions or just joke around with the laid-back staff.
Exploring the neighborhoods around the city offers a refreshing contrast to the overpriced tourist restaurants. Whether you’re hitting up the vibrant Chinatown or the trendy downtown Main Street, your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!
Best Time to Travel to Las Vegas
We’ll keep this short and simple! Skip July and August unless you want to melt in 110-degree heat. September and April are the sweet spots – fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures.
Be Aware! Common Las Vegas Scams
Like all great travel destinations, Vegas has some tourist scams you should be aware of before you arrive, especially if you’re staying on the Strip.
CBD Stores
In Nevada, it’s illegal for a real cannabis dispensary (selling products with THC above 0.3%) to operate within 1,500 feet of a casino. Since the Strip is essentially one giant casino, there are no legitimate weed shops there! However, the salespeople working in CBD shops are very vague, often misleading shoppers into thinking their hemp-derived products are something more.
If you want the real deal, follow Josh’s advice and head off-strip to places like The Cannabis Co. Green Dispensary, or Planet 13. You’ll know a place is legitimate if they scan your ID. Real shops have a secure reception where they scan your ID into a state system before you ever see the product.
The “Found” Jewelry Scam
It’s not uncommon for someone looking distressed to approach you, claiming they found a valuable gold ring or piece of jewelry. They’ll often tell you they need cash for gas or a bus ticket and offer to sell you the item for “a steal” (like $40 or $100). In reality, the jewelry is cheap brass or plastic.
The Fix: Just keep walking. Nobody in Vegas is giving away real gold to strangers for bus fare!
On the Strip, there are a plethora of scammers to be aware of – from picture-taking with a surprise fee to fake club promoters. Be cautious of anyone eagerly approaching you there. A bonus of touring Vegas off the Strip is that you’ll rarely encounter scammers!
Best Places to Stretch Your Legs
After all that fabulous eating and drinking, you’re likely going to want to burn some of those calories off! Few travelers explore the natural beauty that surrounds the limelight of Las Vegas. Here are top spots for getting your blood circulating and taking in some scenic views.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is a must-see for hikers, offering everything from easy boardwalks to strenuous climbs. If you only have time for one trek, Josh recommends the Calico Tanks Trail. It’s a 2.5-mile round trip that involves a bit of rock scrambling, then rewards you with a killer view of the Las Vegas Strip in the distance. The 13-mile scenic drive is worth the entry fee alone for the photo ops.
The Springs Preserve
If you want to see something unique, the Springs Preserve has beautiful gardens and a “museum” of what Vegas looked like when it first started. You can wander through Boomtown 1905, a re-created historical streetscape. Then catch the Flash Flood exhibit to see the power of 5,000 gallons of recycled water rushing through a simulated canyon. It’s 180 acres of desert wetlands and wildlife that’ll make you forget you’re just a few miles from the neon lights!
Plan Your Las Vegas Adventure with NowAI
Ready to stop scrolling through “Top 10” lists that only show you the Bellagio fountains? The real Vegas is waiting for you in the neighborhoods, but planning a trip that balances sports, speakeasies, and the best hiking trails is a lot of work! If you’re traveling with a group, there’s even more wishes to balance in your itinerary.
That’s where NowAI comes in.
Use our smart travel companion to build your custom Vegas itinerary in minutes. NowAI will find the best hotels off the Strip, like the brand new Durango Casino & Resort, and weave in all of your groups’ preferences so you can experience the city like a local.
Your desert getaway is calling.
