Viva Las Vegas! That’s the longtime saying, and rightfully so. For years, Vegas has been one of the world’s go-to destinations for a little fun and a whole lot of debauchery.
“What happens in vegas stays in vegas” didn’t come from just anywhere! People love to visit Sin City and overindulge their senses—sex, food, alcohol, you name it—in a way that they really can’t do back at home.
However, this scene isn’t for everybody! And because Vegas has a massive reputation for partying hard, people who aren’t big fans of that type of lifestyle tend to steer clear of vacationing there. I’m here to tell you—that’s a huge mistake!
Like many other tourist destinations, Las Vegas is pretty diverse in their offerings. So if you’re somebody who wants good clean fun or needs a break from chaos with some in-between moments of peace, Vegas is still a great place to go.
Step away from the wild partying and try one of these 3 nature-loving things to do in Las Vegas for peace and wellness, instead.
Get some mental clarity at Lake Las Vegas
Just 30 minutes out from the strip, Lake Las Vegas is a cross between a desert oasis and residential resort that most Vegas locals know about but tourists don’t!
This is partially because it’s an incredibly peaceful place that doesn’t have the excitement and thrill that the strip carries, but also because the pandemic has created a few obstacles for Lake Las Vegas to keep its place as a continuously fruitful tourist destination.
However, Lake Las Vegas is still a scenic beauty. Cobblestone paths, green grass, a gorgeous lake, and architecture that is reminiscent of something straight out of Little Italy.
With no casinos or nightclubs, Lake Las Vegas isn’t exactly the place to go for extreme socializing and party-going. But it has one benefit that other places in the area don’t have—peace and quiet!
You can travel one of their six nature trails, play some serious golf at Reflection Bay or SouthShore country clubs, get into water sports like boating and wakeboarding, or just have a luxury dining experience on the lake.
Hike, bike, and sunset watch at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Located 17 miles out from the strip, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is your gorgeously scenic reminder that Vegas is indeed a desert full of natural wonder.
Characterized by spectacularly formed desert cliffs and rock formations, this conservation area welcomes safe camping, educational hikes about geology and geography, and let’s not forget Tabletop Tuesday—an interesting presentation to learn about different types of animals native to the area.
While the conversation gives big field trip vibes because it’s mostly based around family-friendly activities, it’s still a great opportunity to unlike your inner child and reconnect with nature in a more mature, tuned-in way.
There are programs like Red Rock Canyon Artist in Residence (AiR) that use art forms like pottery, writing, and pastels to connect participants with cultural history and the importance of nature preservation; or potentially participate in state animal rescue by learning more about their Tortoise Habitat.
And hey, if all else fails, pick up some sunscreen and a nice, wide-brim sun hat from their Elements Gift Shop—even if you end up heading back to the strip, you’ll probably still need it!
Explore the wonderful sights of Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden
When you think of botanical gardens, your first idea is that it’s just a huge place full of pretty flowers. And while this is true for the most part, I can almost guarantee you haven’t seen it down quite like the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden in Las Vegas.
This garden conservatory is nothing short of fun, whimsical, and fantastical. Every season, the very talented horticulture and engineering teams dedicate the 14,000 square foot to various themes brought to life by a myriad of lights, colors, patterns, and of course, flowers!
You would think that such intricate and specific designs mean that some of those flowers are wasted, but it’s a conservatory, remember? So sustainability is always the goal! The beautiful flowers and plants are replanted and repurposed for different installations and showcases.
The best part about the botanical garden is that it’s fully indoors and in a controlled environment so you don’t have to worry about any bug-related chaos. Isn’t that great?
