Las Vegas is a bustling city with a thriving nightlife and plenty to see and do during the day. With all it offers, it’s no surprise the city attracts over 40 million visitors annually. While the Las Vegas Strip is a focal point for many, there are plenty of intriguing and exciting activities in Las Vegas located off the Strip. Exploring attractions in Las Vegas beyond the Strip can be the perfect way to have a one-of-a-kind Vegas experience.
It takes years to become a fighter pilot, but after a short introduction and safety briefing, you’re ready to sit in the pilot’s seat and fly a fighter jet. Sky Combat Ace’s Las Vegas flying experience delivers unforgettable flight experiences for those who’ve always wondered what being a Top Gun fighter pilot was like.
Experience aerial combat when you choose the Sky Combat option or fly like a Top Gun fighter pilot and perform maneuvers during your air combat experience. The "Fly Like a Top Gun" option is perfect for groups, but solo flyers can also enjoy incredible experiences like "The Afterburner," which gives participants the chance to perform acrobatic maneuvers in the skies above Las Vegas. You can also sit back and enjoy a thrilling ride with a professional pilot at the helm by choosing "Operation Recon."
Nevada generated $15.5 billion in gaming revenue in 2023. While gambling on the Strip accounted for $8.9 billion of that total, gambling off the Strip generated another $6.6 billion, highlighting the fact that several hotels and casinos throughout Las Vegas and Nevada offer superb gaming experiences. Some casinos off the Strip include the following:
There are many things to see and do near Vegas, and short day trips deliver unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Valley of Fire State Park is just 45 minutes from Vegas, making it a perfect day trip option that gives you a chance to see some of Nevada without traveling a great distance. Valley of Fire State Park is to the northeast of Vegas, and you’ll pass through Dry Lake Valley en route.
Visiting Valley of Fire State Park gives you an opportunity to see unique stone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and petrified trees. You can also plan a camping trip to the park if you want to stay overnight, head out for a picnic, or go hiking. There are several hiking trails to choose from.
It takes about 20 minutes to get to Red Rock Canyon from downtown Las Vegas, making this a fantastic option if you want to see what’s west of the city.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (RRCNCA) is an excellent destination for those who want to explore the desert in a relaxing way or take a more active approach. Located in the Mojave Desert, RRCNCA offers opportunities to go hiking, camp, and stay overnight, or stick to your vehicle and enjoy a scenic drive. Follow trails to see a petroglyph wall, explore a lost creek, or visit a canyon. With over 30 trails, Red Rock Canyon is perfect for those who love outdoor adventure.
Spend some time discovering some unique features in Vegas.
The history of atomic weapons is intricately tied to Nevada, with over 900 atomic tests conducted at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS).
Exhibits include the following:
Pop culture: How has atomic weaponry influenced pop culture? Discover how the atomic bomb influenced books, films, shows, and toys throughout the decades.
Spy: Learn how to collect intelligence about weapons and spacecraft.
You can even see nuclear weapons on display.
Ever wonder where neon signs go when a business shuts down or upgrades? In Nevada, many find their way to the Neon Museum, a unique museum displaying hundreds of neon signs. You can take a tour or explore on your own and visit during the afternoon or evening.
Check out hundreds of Pinball machines at the Pinball Hall of Fame. Some games onsite include classics, such as Atari Road Runner, Eight Ball Deluxe, and more. Plus, many feature popular franchises, including Star Wars, Star Trek, The Simpsons, and Jurassic Park. Test your skills against games from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, or try popular contemporary games, such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Deadpool, and Stranger Things pinball games.
Las Vegas boasts countless exciting attractions in Las Vegas off the Strip, including some outside city limits. Whether you’re a thrill seeker who wants to see Vegas from the skies, curious about Nevada’s atomic history, or a land lover who wants to explore the Mojave Desert, there’s something for everyone outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Las Vegas and the Strip.
Nevada National Security Site: Nuclear Timeline. (2013).
Szydelko, P. (2024). Vegas 2023: Strength in Numbers.
Vermont Air National Guard: Become a Fighter Pilot. (2024).
Yakowicz, W. (2024). Nevada Sets a Gaming Revenue Record For 2023 With $15.5 Billion.
Fly A Real Stunt Plane!
Sky Combat Ace was created by a U.S. Air Force veteran fighter pilot who wanted to make the thrill of flying fighter jets available to anyone who feels the need for speed.
Learn to fly a stunt plane under the supervision of our highly trained, FAA certified flight instructors. No experience necessary and YOU get to fly the plane!
OPERATIONAL AUTHORITY
All SCA flights are instructional in nature conducted by certified flight instructors in accordance with federal aviation regulations under 14 CFR Part 61 of the United States Code. Instruction will be provided during ground and flight portions for all flights.