Aside from the usual glitz and glamor visitors expect when visiting the two cities, some of the top things to see and do in both LA and Las Vegas that are a departure from the norm. When traveling, to or between the cities, book flights to Los Angeles and Las Vegas during midweek to save on airfare.
Las Vegas
1) Dig This
A total take-control experience, “Dig This” offers the opportunity to operate a full-size earth mover or bulldozer. After a brief training session neophyte operators are turned lose in a gravel pit to dig to their heart’s content. Visit digthisvegas.com for more details.
2) Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Home to wildlife, a visitor center and a bookstore, Red Rock Canyon offers visitors 30 miles of trails covering almost 200,000 acres for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. For directions visit blm.gov.
3) Discount Firearms Shooting Range
One of the few places in the U.S. where private citizens can safely fire a fully-automatic machine gun, the shooting range at Discount Firearms is so state-of-the-art that federal law enforcement uses the range for training exercises. For details visit discountfirearmsinc.com.
4) Richard Petty Driving Experience
Circling a track in a 600 horsepower NASCAR racecar at speeds over 150 MPH, the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Las Vegas Motor Speedway lets non-racecar drivers experience the thrill of the NASCAR oval. For info visit drivepetty.com.
5) Shades of Sinatra
Paying tribute to “Ole’ Blue Eyes,” Shades of Sinatra is performed nightly at the Wolf Theater. For show times visit wolftheaterlasvegas.com.
Los Angeles
1) Getty Center
A museum on par with any in the world, the Getty Center claims a remarkable collection of world-famous art dating back to the middle ages. Home to the Getty Research Institute and its amazing research library, the Getty Center is free of charge. To plan a visit go to getty.edu.
2) Griffith Observatory
An iconic landmark in Southern California, the Griffith Planetarium and Observatory is one of Los Angeles’ favorite attractions. Offering the chance to explore the vastness of the universe free of charge, the Griffith Observatory is a nationally renowned leader in astronomical opportunities. For directions visit griffithobs.org.
3) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Three museums in one, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases exhibits dating back over 4 billion years. To see all the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has to offer visit nhm.org.
4) California Science Center
Named by Forbes as the most popular museum in Southern California, The California Science Center offers multiple galleries with educational displays and exhibits on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, all free of charge. Visit californiasciencecenter.org for more details.
5) Topanga State Park
Set high in the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park has over 35 miles of trails along with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. A great escape for hikers and mountain bikers, Topanga State Park does not allow dogs on the trails. See parks.ca.gov for info.