When you live in Las Vegas, you may sometimes want to avoid all of the high-traffic tourist spots that Vegas is known for - which is entirely understandable. But sometimes it’s fun to go explore your hometown like a tourist. And it’s especially fun when you seek out places that are a bit unusual. If you’re looking for a new place to explore maybe you can try one of these!

The Neon Museum

When you think of Vegas you can’t help but think of the big neon signs that line the Strip. But what happens to them when they’re done or replaced? Many of them head to the Neon Museum or, as it’s affectionately known, the Neon Boneyard. This museum is a cool place to see some of the more iconic pieces of Vegas’s neon history. They have tours and other special exhibits throughout the year, and it’s a fabulous place to take photos.

Pinball Hall of Fame

Over 10,000 square feet of classic pinball machines - what fun! The Pinball Hall of Fame has more than 200 pinball machines that can be played for a quarter or 50 cents each. It’s a great place to bring kids and show them some of the very first arcade games. And, once the Pinball Hall of Fame covers its expenses each month they donate the profit to the Salvation Army - so your quarters are going for a good cause.

Dig This

When you were young, you may have been fascinated by construction equipment like excavators and bulldozers. Now as an adult you can drive one of these pieces of heavy machinery and have fun digging up sand and moving it to someplace new. Dig This is one of Las Vegas’s newest attractions, and the kids will be jealous when they see pictures of you behind the wheel.

National Atomic Testing Museum

This museum shares the history, science, and education behind America’s nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site. This museum has over 12,000 artifacts and a Ground Zero Theater Simulator. The museum often installs new exhibits so be sure to check their website to see what is happening.

The Mob Museum

Las Vegas has a long history of mob activity so, naturally, there’s a Mob Museum. Here you can learn about speakeasies, organized crime, law enforcement and more. There is a speakeasy and a distillery in the basement of the museum, making it a fun place to grab a drink or take a tour.

Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden

Who was Ethel M? That’s Ethel Mars of the famous chocolate family. There is a chocolate factory tour that you can do, but don’t bypass the gorgeous cactus garden. This is the largest cactus garden in Nevada and home to many species of cacti. The garden is incredibly gorgeous, and you can take some stunning photos here.

Seven Magic Mountains

This art installation will have you heading to the desert.  Located near Jean Dry Lake, you will see seven large towers of boulders brightly painted that you just can’t miss. The stones stand more than 30 feet high and will continue to be on display through 2021. This is another great place for photographers.

Playing tourist in your own city can be fun! The next time you have a free day head out and explore some of these places that you may not have visited. And be sure to share any hidden treasures you know about!