10 Ways to Do the Desert City Differently

When Wildsam hits Las Vegas, yes, we embrace the over-the-top glitz. We’ll see a show or two. Wander the Strip. Lose a little money–well, hopefully just a little. But we also seek out the city’s other side: the killer meal from a strip mall hole-in-the wall, the low-key dive bar, the under-the-radar art gallery.

Below, a look at some of the slightly off-beat Vegas experiences we love. Check out our new city guide for more.

UNUSUAL ART

Akhob / jamesturrell.com

AREA15

Meow Wolf ’s mind-bendy Omega Mart anchors this psychedelic art and amusement complex. Featuring virtual reality, an open-air balloon ride, axe throwing and interactive exhibits. 3215 S Rancho Dr

COSMOPOLITAN’S ART COLLECTION

The nonprofit Art Production Fund turned this hip resort into an unexpected art museum. You’ll find street art in the parking garage, video installations in the lobby, and painting and sculpture everywhere you look. 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S

AKHOB BY JAMES TURRELL

A sublime oasis of light and color from the MacArthur genius artist, hidden inside a Louis Vuitton store on the Strip. Really. Appointments by phone: (702) 730-3150. 720 S Las Vegas Blvd

Seven Magic Mountains by Alan Kahler

EPIC DESERT ART ROAD TRIP

For some artists, the desert itself is a canvas. Head into Nevada’s wide, wild open spaces to visit Michael Heizer’s City [Lincoln County] and Double Negative [near Overton], Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains [S Las Vegas Blvd] and the Goldwell Open Air Museum [Beatty].

ROCKS WITH A DOSE OF HISTORY

Petroglyph Canyon by Mike McGrew

PETROGLYPH CANYON

Created by Native peoples with deep history here, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area’s 300-plus rock-art panels provide a portal to the past. 2998 Nawghaw Poa Rd, Henderson

ELDORADO CANYON MINE TOURS

Explore the oldest gold mine in Southern Nevada and the surrounding historical miners’ camp, Nelson Ghost Town. Oh, and you can get married here–it’s Vegas, baby! 16880 State Highway 165, Nelson

DESERT VIEW OVERLOOK

Once the best place to watch the Nevada Test Site’s atomic explosions. Now the best place to view the nuclear craters left behind. (And a great excuse to visit snowy Mount Charleston.) Deer Creek Road, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

QUESTIONABLE DECISIONS … BUT THE FUN KIND

DOUBLE DOWN SALOON

Emptied your pockets at the casino? Drown your sorrows at a truly divey dive. If you’ve got any cash left, maybe invest in the $20 “puke insurance.” 4640 Paradise Rd

Cheapshot / cheapshotdtlv.com

CHEAPSHOT

Keep the drinks flowing at Miss Behave’s Mavericks, a fun and bawdy (read: adults-only) variety show: comedy, burlesque, circus acts and more. Post-show, the venue turns into a discotheque. 517 E Fremont St

A LITTLE WHITE WEDDING CHAPEL

If forever (or the next little while; Britney’s 55-hour marriage started here) can’t wait another moment, opt for the drive-thru Tunnel of Love ceremony. Open 24 hours, just like your heart. 1301 S Las Vegas Blvd