Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) has been generating a lot of interest recently as a legitimate alternative or add-on to a stay in Las Vegas. Those staying at the Strip might be looking for a change of scenery. Others are choosing to stay at the many hotels in downtown Las Vegas. So if you have a day or two for exploring, let’s have a look at a few options around DTLV for you.
Fremont Street Experience – probably on the top of your list and hard to miss, this section of Fremont St is packed with options especially during the evening. If you’re anywhere close to it, you’ll probably hear it before you see it though the lights are definitely bright! Walking through the mall can be an eye-opener in itself with bands, a semi-covered roof with lights, individuals spruiking their services including musicians, magicians and photo taking opportunities with interestingly decorated individuals. Get a caricature drawing, or just grab a drink of your choosing and stroll around, it’s a fun atmosphere so embrace it! After you’ve strolled, perhaps run into a casino to throw in a couple of bets, heard some music from the many live acts available, check on the zipline SlotZilla which can offer you a whole different perspective as you fly 7 stories above the street under the canopy.
Downtown Container Park – keep wandering along Fremont St a couple of blocks and you’ll come across an open-air shopping center filled with boutique offerings, food, live music and even a playground for the kids. Check out the fire-breathing Mantis or perhaps a Yoga class before continuing your exploring.
Gold & Silver Pawn Shop – you’ve probably seen the show Pawn Stars and about a 10-15 minute walk from Fremont is the actual store. It’s a real shop so you can check out some of their interesting items, maybe even bump into one of the stars of the show but if not, there’s a life-size cardboard cutout of Rick that you can take a photo with. They will sometimes have events in the carpark next door or there’s a bar you can grab a bite and a drink before continuing your exploring.
Downtown Cinemas – just a block from the pawn shop is a local cinema showing a selection of current popular movies as well as some select independent films in their 8 theaters all with luxury recliners. Grab some popcorn and a drink and take a break from your exploring to enjoy their current offerings.
Las Vegas Healing Garden – after enjoying your movie, you’re ready to continue strolling around and fortunately you’re at the edge of the Arts District where you can see some pretty impressive murals, art galleries but definitely visit the Healing Garden, a space that was created in memory of those who lost their lives in the October 2017 sniper attack. Peaceful, heartfelt and beautiful this area is a great tribute.
Arts District – also referred to as 18b, you’ll find an area that feels far more local than tourist which should be a nice reprieve. There are a few great options around here.
Arts District Food – available at all times of day, the food scene is great around this area. Mornings have several strong options like Vesta Coffee Roasters. Not only is their coffee great but their brunch and lunch options are excellent. If you’re here early on a weekend, seating might get a bit tight. Cruise down to Dig It! Coffee Co and you’ll also be able to get a good coffee fix as well as plenty of other options. Makers & Finders also has a delicious and incredibly extensive menu. Cornish Pasty is more of a lunch and dinner option but worth checking out as well. Speaking of lunch and dinner, make sure to check out Soulbelly BBQ.
Arts District Drinks – for the thirsty travelers, this area has some excellent beverage options with several breweries, cocktail joints and wine bars. If you’ve been dining at Soulbelly BBQ, you’ll want to check out HUDL Brewing Company. Get a flight of your fancy, these guys have a great selection of beers but also excellent quality. Sidle up to the bar or grab a table outside and enjoy. Around the corner is Nevada Brew Works, also with great beer and food options, Voodoo Brewing is nearby, tucked a little off Commerce with a fun outside area. Able Baker Brewing is another that does not disappoint. Back towards downtown and you’ll have to check out CraftHaus Brewery and Hop Nut Brewing, both comfortable and fun settings with excellent beer options. Beer lovers rejoice! Wine lovers also have some great options. Garagiste offers flights an a huge selection. Cork and Thorn has a great, laid-back vibe for wines and cocktails. Liquid Diet will see you loving cocktails as will Stray Pirate and Velveteen Rabbit. Honestly, you could drink and eat your way around for several days!
Vintage Shopping – something you’ll notice as you wander down Main and Commerce Streets is the number of vintage clothing stores. Something you may not notice unless you go in, is the quality of clothing at these stores! Start at Alt Rebel, check out Off the Threads, The Good Wolf Lifestyle Co., then just keep going. The Red Kat Vintage, Buffalo Exchange, Antique Alley and For the Love and you may be loaded up with great threads for great prices.
Art Galleries – much like the neighborhood name implies, there are some great art options. The Arts Factory is a place that features local artists where you can buy and talk to them directly. Visit during first Friday of the month and you’ll stumble across a block party with food, drink and music. JRNY Gallery is an interesting concept where you can view and purchase NFT art, art lovers can wander around this area for quite a while.
Weddings – this area is home to Wedding Row, with a large number of wedding chapels with all sorts of options for the lovebirds. Viva Las Vegas Chapel can get you set up with Elvis or the Blue Brothers to officiate. At Little White Wedding Chapel you don’t even have to leave your car. Graceland Wedding Chapel, if you can guess by the name, features Elvis. The Little Neon Chapel is small but cute and close to Fremont. One Love Wedding Chapel is 24 hours in case you’re feeling spontaneous. Stained Glass Wedding Chapel, Cupid’s Wedding Chapel, Vegas Wedding Chapel and The Wedding Chapel will all accommodate your needs depending on the number of friends you’ve brought with you. For those who need to accommodate a larger crowd for your reception, District North offers wedding packages and services and can accommodate up to 400 guests.
For those looking to get off the beaten track and enjoy some other offerings that Las Vegas has to offer, the area surrounding downtown Las Vegas is sure to satisfy. For those who love to walk, this is also a great area to do that and with plenty of places to stop off along the way, the feet will have plenty of time to rest in between.
