10
Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat (at the Mirage)

This is the open-air home of the animals that made the Siegfried & Roy show famous. Its primary goal is to educate guests about the animals living there. From rare tigers to dolphins, this tropical paradise inside the Mirage has something for everyone.

9
The Liberace Museum

The Liberace Museum is a flamboyant tribute to the over-the-top pianist who was known as much for his ability to put on a show as his musical skill. Among this incredible collection are a rhinestone-encrusted piano, a rhinestone-lined black diamond mink cape, and a rhinestone-encrusted Roadster.

8
Gondola rides at the Venetian

For romantics who can't afford a trip to Venice, a ride on the gondolas at the Venetian is the next-best thing. Gondoliers sing to the passengers in Italian as the boats glide smoothly through the canals that run under bridges and alongside cafés.

7
Dancing Fountains at the Bellagio

The Bellagio's primary attraction isn't actually inside the casino. It's outside, where thousands gather daily to watch fountains dance to the music of Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Johnny Mathis, and others. In fact, you've never really been to Vegas unless you've seen fountains dance to “Luck Be a Lady.”

6
Paddlewheel Cruise on Lake Mead

Lake Mead cruises are a nice way to get outdoors and away from the Las Vegas Strip. The scenery is spectacular: Passengers get to see an extinct volcano, the Arizona Paint Pots, and the Hoover Dam.

5
Gamblers General Store

You've never seen such an array of gambling paraphernalia for sale, from roulette wheels to blackjack tables to personalized poker chips. It's billed as the world's largest gambling superstore and is worth a visit just for the novelty of the experience.

4
Golf at Shadow Creek

“Golf Las Vegas” author Ken Van Vechten calls Shadow Creek one of the best golf courses in the world. And that might be an understatement. If you want to golf the 18 postcard-worthy holes, be sure to stay at the Mirage; that's the only way to get on the course.

3
Hoover Dam

This engineering and architectural marvel harnessed the mighty Colorado and helped the Southwest desert bloom, providing electricity for millions and irrigation for even more. It's located just 30 miles from Vegas.

2
Red Rock Canyon

The red sandstone peaks 15 miles outside of Vegas are popular with hikers and bikers in search of natural beauty. The highest point is La Madre Mountain, at 8,154 feet above sea level.

1
The Stratosphere Tower

At 1,149 feet tall, this hotel has the tallest free-standing observation deck in the U.S. Top of the World Restaurant sits atop the Stratosphere and revolves 360 degrees to provide panoramic views of Las Vegas.

Reprinted with permission of Casino City Times, www.casinocitytimes.com