Last Updated on April 8, 2022
Newsflash! Las Vegas is not just about gambling, partying, and the entertainment. Okay, yes, that is the main draw to this town, but there are many other places to visit in Las Vegas that are off-the-Strip. Go beyond the tourist trap and give the local life a try on your next visit to Sin City.
Fremont Street
Fremont Street is one of the coolest places to visit in Las Vegas if you’re just kinda looking to get off the Strip but still wanting to stay close to all the action.
This local’s hangout is a way less glitzy and touristy version of the Vegas Strip. You’ll still find great casinos for gambling, delicious food, entertainment, hotels, and much more – just on a much more casual level.
Where to eat on Fremont Street:
Eureka! Discover American Craft
This American joint has the best burgers and refreshing drinks. Try the Fresno Fig Burger and upgrade to a side of sweet potato or truffle fries. Also order their signature lavender iced tea or Rosemary’s Ruby Red.
Downtown Container Park
This open-air park has a variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and more within its gates. There’s even a playscape in the middle for the kiddos. Be sure to stick around for the fire-breathing praying mantis, and check out the line-up of live entertainment.
Where to drink on Fremont Street:
Commonwealth
This spot has a rooftop and a speakeasy hidden in the back. The drinks can be pricey, but worth the ambiance.
Gold Spike
If you’re with a group of friends, head to Gold Spike for [slightly] more affordable sips and a big backyard with oversized games to play. Think Twister, Jenga, Four Square, and more!
Entertainment on Fremont Street:
Live Music
Fremont Street offers free, live music every single night starting at 6pm on three different stages.
Light Shows
Under the ginormous video screen (it’s the largest in the world!), you can experience nightly light shows from 6pm-2am playing to hit songs.
Zipline
Take the whole Fremont Street Experience in from above with a ride on Fremont‘ s zip line! The “SlotZilla” allows you to either ride seated or Superman-style.
Downtown Summerlin
Looking to really disconnect from the Strip? Downtown Summerlin is essentially a nice outdoor mall with tons of shopping, hip restaurants and bars, entertainment, and more.
This is primarily the local’s place to go in Las Vegas if going out for an off-the-strip date night or just a nice area to wander around away from the chaos of downtown.
You’ll even find the RedRock Casino nearby if you need your gambling fix.
Where to eat in Downtown Summerlin:
Public School 702
Great place to meet up with a group. Has good food and a large selection of drinks with both indoor and outdoor seating.
True Food Kitchen
Delicious healthier options for those wanting something lighter. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as brunch on the weekends.
Cafés in Downtown Summerlin:
Makers & Finders
A good spot to meet up with a friend for a fancy drip cup o’ Joe or handcrafted matcha latte. They also have a large selection of food!
MTO Café
This no-frills coffee shop and eatery is great to drop-in and get a few emails sent while you sip your coffee.
Where to drink in Downtown Summerlin:
Grape Street Café & Wine Bar
Head here for date night to share tapas and a few glasses of wine. Full disclosure, the food is not fantastic, but the ambiance and wine is worth the stop.
JING Las Vegas
This snazzy Asian fusion spot has just the right amount of Vegas vibes with just the right amount of distance between you and the tourists on the Strip.
Entertainment in Downtown Summerlin:
Las Vegas Aviators
Get ready for some peanuts and crackerjacks because this minor-league baseball team is all the rage in Downtown Summerlin. Check their schedule and get your Aviator tickets here.
Dave & Busters
Who doesn’t love some good old-fashioned fun?
Farmers Market & Events
Every Saturday morning, downtown Summerlin sets up their weekly Farmer’s Market. You can find fresh produce and goods from local vendors. Occasionally, there are events on the lawn, such as picnics or vintage art fairs.
Arts District
Didn’t know Las Vegas had an Arts District? Well they do! Between the Strip and Fremont Street, you’ll stumble upon this hipster territory where you’ll find art galleries, vintage shops, breweries, restaurants, performance spaces, and more!
The Arts District is one of the lesser-known places to visit in Las Vegas (even for the locals!).
Where to eat in the Arts District:
Esther’s Kitchen
Come here for brunch on the weekend, but be sure to make reservations in advance! Don’t forget to order the house-made sourdough bread (oh, and one of everything else).
Cafés in the Arts District:
Vesta Coffee Roasters
Looking to get some work done off-the-Strip? Hang out at Vesta Coffee Roasters for a few hours while you sip one of their many specialty caffeinated beverages and/or grab a bite to eat.
Where to drink in the Arts District:
CraftHaus Brewery
Although this spot may look like a fast-food chain as you walk past or peek inside, it’s a great place to grab a beverage and catch up with friends. They also have hard kombucha if beer isn’t your thing!
Tivoli Village
A bit smaller but more upscale than Downtown Summerlin, Tivoli Village is a perfect date spot for couples looking for more local places to visit in Las Vegas. The village is still growing but has some great restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment.
Where to eat in Tivoli Village:
Al Solito Posto
This new addition to Tivoli Village is a must-try! Not only delicious Italian food, but wonderful service as well.
Echo & Rig
Perfect for a celebratory dinner. A little pricey, but if you’re looking for a good steak to celebrate an important date, this is your place.
Cafés in Tivoli Village:
Café Leone
A French-inspired café with good food and a wide variety of drinks. Great for a coffee date with the girls.
Where to drink in Tivoli Village:
El Dorado
This swanky Mexican spot has all the vibes and even better guac! Stop here for a marg or just the chips and salsa (no judgement here).
Ada’s Wine Bar
Wine and dine at this classy Italian wine bar. With knowledgeable staff and a cozy environment, “maybe one more” will be your saying for the night.
Entertainment in Tivoli Village:
Farmers Market
Stroll through the streets of Tivoli Village every Saturday as you peruse the fresh produce and handmade trinkets from local vendors.
Town Square
This shopping, dining, and entertainment hub is just a stone’s throw from the Strip (you’ll even pass the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign if you’re looking for a nonchalant reason to see it).
Unlike on the Strip, in Town Square, you’ll find some “more-practical” shopping options that don’t require you to win big at the casino the night before. Think everything from TJ Maxx to H&M, Whole Foods to the Container Store, as well as a mix of boutiques and restaurants in between.
This is a quick and easy place to go in Las Vegas if needing a little breather from the chaos.
Where to eat in Town Square:
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Bring your pup and sit on the relaxing outdoor patio (or oo and ah at everyone else’s furry friends). This place has a bit of everything, perfect for dining with that picky eater. Go for the weekend brunch!
Where to drink in Town Square:
Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Bar
Get classy with the locals while you sip on a glass of wine (over 50 options!), a unique handcrafted cocktail, or one of the many options of whiskey (240 to choose from!).
Entertainment in Town Square:
Baobab Stage & Café
Enjoy nightly entertainment, see local artists perform, take yoga classes, dance classes, and more! Remember, just because you’re off the Strip, you’re still in Las Vegas – there’s definitely local talent.
Military Spouse Tip
Las Vegas is a big military hub with both Nellis Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base being within close proximity. Many local restaurants, shops, and entertainment offer not only a military discount but also a Las Vegas/Nevada resident discount. Don’t forget to take advantage of it and save that moolah!
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