Las Vegas Free Attractions – The Classic Must-See Shows
The Mirage Volcano is a simulated volcanic eruption just outside The Mirage hotel. The first outdoor complimentary show in Las Vegas, it was amazing for its time, but by today’s standards not that impressive. It was remodeled at the end of 2008, so it is worth another visit. What used to be little more than spraying water accompanied by flashing red and yellow lights is now a fiery spectacle accompanied by a soundtrack from Mickey Hart and Zakir Hussain.
The first eruption is typically at 6pm, so getting there earlier will give you a better view when the show starts.
Fountains of Bellagio is the dominating free show on the Las Vegas Strip, partly because of how spectacular it is, and partly because it is right outside the hotel, easily visible from across Las Vegas Boulevard. Dozens of nozzles spray variously powered streams of wavy water up into the sky, coordinated to the supporting lighting and musical selection.
During the afternoon, the show usually runs every half hour; at night, every fifteen minutes. High winds will cancel scheduled showings until they calm. If the wind is howling, don’t wait around.
If it is too crowded and you have a few extra minutes, watch the show from wherever you can, and then move up to the rail after the crowd disperses. Then you will have an excellent view for the following show; at night this wait is no more than ten minutes.
Alternatively, wait inside the Bellagio entrance at the Flamingo-Las Vegas Boulevard intersection right next to the lake, buy some gelato, and wait for the show to finish. Then go outside as the crowd disperses and get yourself a great spot for the next show.
Either way, a good way to get a good view when you do watch.
Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a gorgeous display of nature via various flower plantings, sculptures, and other artistic creations, exclusively from living flower, tree, and plant material. The Bellagio Conservatory is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except when the exhibit is being changed. Bellagio’s web site indicates the current exhibit and when it is changing so you aren’t caught off guard.
Visit the Conservatory during the morning or early afternoon if you can. The sun shines through the skylights above the exhibit, enhancing your experience.
The Fremont Experience covers four blocks of Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, closed to road traffic and covered by the largest LCD television in the world. That television displays a loud, bright, animated spectacle that varies with each showing.
I strongly recommend earplugs, especially if you have sensitive hearing. You will hear the show just fine and won’t go deaf in the process. If the show is too bright or loud for you, you can easily step inside the nearest casino to give your eyes or ears a rest.
Those interested in the history of Las Vegas may wish to stroll through some of the hotels on Fremont Street while they are downtown. The Golden Nugget is one of the most luxurious in Downtown (though not necessarily in Las Vegas). Binion’s Gambling Hall (formerly Binion’s Horseshoe) is one of the most historic, especially for fans of poker or Las Vegas history (if you’re curious now, search the web for Benny Binion and Jack Binion).
Downtown parking can be difficult because Las Vegas was built in the early 1900s, originally designed for much smaller, and many fewer, vehicles. Consider taking a cab downtown or buying a ticket for The Deuce; the former is much faster, the latter far cheaper.
There are hundreds of entertainment options, many of which are free, but these are the iconic ones you don’t want to miss while you are here.
Learn more about Las Vegas attractions and activities: http://www.squidoo.com/in-las-vegas-what-to-do
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