Explore Las Vegas As a Local

Vegas Natural Landscape By Locals

Some locals were asked: What is the most surprising thing that you learned about Las Vegas after you moved here? Here are a few answers:

“I was prepared for the heat, but how can you not be, we live in a desert. But I was not prepared for the cold in winter. You can leave your hefty winter coat, and trench coat behind. But do bring lighter coats and maybe one heavier coat just in case.”

Another answer was about how windy it gets in Las Vegas.

“I was pleasantly surprised to see the flowers and the forest in Mount Charleston. Lots of parks and hiking. Different types of hiking trails and outdoor experiences.”

Right now, we are in the middle of the summer, dead of heat. Lots and lots of really cool things are happening. Really great events coming to town.

Local Businesses To Check Out

With most of Las Vegas being owned by huge corporate conglomerates, it feels right to support locally-owned businesses in the way we can: spending our money with them. Here you will find a short list of exciting local businesses worth checking out.

• Lea Lana’s Bananas – this is not only a great shop that you can walk into, they also deliver their goodness to your doorstep. It is a woman-owned, family-operated business. Their handmade candy-coated bananas are sure to Bring smiles to everyone’s faces. And that is because bananas are the only dessert that smiles back.
• Sorry, Not Sorry Creamery – this amazing ice cream shop is the newest kid on the block, as of mid-2022. And it has been fast becoming a favorite in the Las Vegas community.  They offer high-quality ice cream with vegan-friendly options and the most incredible flavors.
• The Paleta Bar at Chinatown – here are fresh gourmet Mexican paletas made to order. You tell them how you want it, and they turn it into reality. Chocolate, sprinkles, or nuts, you name it, they make it.
• Neon Cactus – carefully crafted stained glass and vintage-inspired clothing in Downtown Las Vegas. Owners aim to create a place for diversity and for celebrating the heritage of people of color.
• Hexx Chocolate – this is not only a restaurant but also a candy store and the only place producing single-origin chocolate in the state of Nevada. The products are made with simple ingredients to spotlight the natural flavor of the cocoa beans
• Cigarbox – Cigarbox is both a happy place and safe refuge for cigar lovers in Las Vegas. In addition to a constant following of regulars, a lot of visitors find this place a great option to relax in a cool and welcoming environment.

Experiencing Las Vegas With Locals

What does Las Vegas feel like for people who actually live there? Corporation-owned hotel-casinos on Las Vegas Boulevard are the symbols of the town nowadays. For locals, however, the monoliths on Strip may represent opportunities for work more than for entertainment.

Some favorite things to do in Las Vegas according to locals are sure to spice up your Vegas experience.

Being Outdoor In Vegas Locals Do

When in Vegas, make sure to check out the great parks all around town. Those are like green oases in the middle of the desert. Las Vegas Wet Lands is an outstanding option for great hikes and observing nature. It features a lot of little creeks and ponds and 3 miles of paved trails for walking, running, or biking. They are pet friendly so a great option to bring your dog along. Another coolest feature is that some of the hikes in this park actually connect with other parks in the city.

At Mount Charleston, during the summer months, you can enjoy beautiful hikes and really good food. It is important to remember that because it is up in the mountains, temperatures are always 30 degrees cooler than in the city. This is the best relief for the hot summer months.

If you want to have a cool vintage-inspired local Vegas experience, then give it a shot at The Westwind Drive-In. If you are traveling with family, you can enjoy family Tuesdays, but every night is great at Westwind as you can watch two movies for only 7 dollars. That is of course cheaper than what you would pay at a normal movie theater and you will be at a much cooler location. During the movies, you are able to control the sound, and if you choose to sit inside your car you can talk during the movie. There is a lovely concession stand but you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks from home.

Seasonal Fun Option

During the summer months, there is an extra option to enjoy the outdoors in Vegas as a local and that is Super Summer Theater. From late April to late September, you can bring your picnic blanket and sit in the meadow under the stars. There are usually 4 shows per season and you can see pretty good talents.

Experience Great Local Cuisine

On the Las Vegas Strip, you will find restaurants of virtually all celebrity chefs. However, the “off-Strip world” offers amazing food options as well. You may use Yelp to guide you through food options in the local Vegas scene. The Oyster Bar at Palace Station is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even though it runs nonstop, there is always a line for a table. So what you need to do is go before you are really hungry, have someone on the line and go get a Bloody Mary while you wait. Some patience may be required, but the incredible food is worth your time.

Exploring Sin City

In Chinatown, apart from great inexpensive food like sushi and ramen, you can relax at one of the numerous foot spas. For only 40 dollars you get a 90-minute massage, hot stones, etc. They will always offer something different so it’s a new experience every time you go.

Another great tip from locals is to go see local casinos. These offer traditional entertainment like movie theaters and bowling alleys. You can find late-night graveyard specials and have bowling and drinks for 1 dollar. There are also always specials on different days of the week.

Make sure to book luxury ground transportation along your exploring journey in Vegas.

Which local Vegas favorite would you pick? Let us know in the comments.