From the moment you step off the airplane in Las Vegas, you are immersed in the ringing of slot machines and the blinking of lights. But if you’re willing to put up with a walk through the airport (and perhaps your hotel’s casino), there are many other ways to enjoy the city and surrounding areas.

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Entertainment And Nightlife

Las Vegas is the city that embraced Elvis, so it’s only natural that performers are abundant. And there’s more than concerts. Visit Harrah’s for improvisational comedy, or New York, New York for Cirque du Soleil’s “Zumanity.” David Copperfield performs weekly at MGM Grand. These are just a few of the hundreds of options available.

Las Vegas’ clubs have made the news for decades. From Britney Spears’ appearances at the Palms’ Ghost Bar to the always-busy Studio 54, you’ll never be bored of the Las Vegas nightclub scene.

Relaxation

OK, so the idea of Las Vegas might not conjure up images of serenity, with all that partying going on. But all it takes to find peace is a 30-minute drive from the Strip to Lake Las Vegas, which is quickly becoming Nevada’s answer to Palm Springs or Scottsdale. Here, you’ll find the Hyatt Regency, Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, and the flagship Green Valley Ranch, all with multiple pools, sand beaches, dozens of restaurants, shopping, beautiful views of the desert, golf, and of course, spa services.

And while we’re on the subject of relaxation, we should mention that hotels throughout Las Vegas have recently added spas to their ever-expanding lists of client services. Services include the usual pedicures, manicures, facials and massages, but also have new treatments such as stone therapy and body wraps.

Golf

There are dozens of golf courses in Las Vegas. Many have been designed by names such as Nicklaus, Palmer, Dye, Jones and Fazio. Courses are on the Strip and up to 30 miles away. Golf has become very convenient, too. You can buy a round of golf when you purchase your vacation.

The Great Outdoors

Use Las Vegas as home base for a variety of outdoors adventures. Remember, however, that you will be in the desert, and you should bring sunscreen, hats, and appropriate amounts of water whether you’re visiting in the summer or the winter.

If you have just a morning or afternoon open: Drive to Red Rock Canyon Scenic Byway -- a few miles west of the city, where you’ll see multi-colored sandstone formations, wild animals such as bighorn sheep, bobcats, gray fox.

If you have the better part of a day: Visit Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. It’s 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas. You can rent a car, or your hotel will probably be able to direct you to a reputable tour company that will bring you there. Hoover Dam is one of the top 10 construction achievements of the 20th century (in the company of the Chunnel, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Panama Canal)

Or, take a 3-hour ATV tour, where you can see several movie filming locations, Native American petroglyphs, and enjoy the desert landscape.

In a long day (or two): Visit the Grand Canyon by way of motorcoach, helicopter, or airplane. Grand Canyon National Park is about a three-and-a-half hour drive from Las Vegas. Guided tours are great options, as you can enjoy the scenery and leave the driving to someone else.