City Guide

Las Vegas, Nevada

Three places worth the detour in Las Vegas. Start at the Neon Museum, where the city's retired electric soul sits in a three-acre graveyard.

At a glance: 3 place guides, vibes that skew historic.

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Our picks in Las Vegas

Ranked. Start at the top and work down as far as your weekend allows.

  1. 1

    The Neon Museum: A Gleaming Graveyard of Vintage Vegas Lights

    Over 150 retired signs sit in an outdoor collection that defines the city's visual history. Book a slot after the sun goes down to see specific pieces illuminated.

  2. 2

    Pinball Hall of Fame: A Massive Arcade of Vintage Silverball Magic

    Tactile gaming history across hundreds of playable machines, some dating back to the 1940s. Most rounds only cost a quarter, though the newest releases might take a dollar.

  3. 3

    Atomic Museum: Exploring the Explosive Legacy of the Nevada Test Site

    Mushroom clouds were once a local tourist draw, and this museum tracks that scientific spectacle. It sits just east of the Strip near the university campus.

Know before you go

The Pinball Hall of Fame moved to the Strip, right across from Mandalay Bay. If you want to see the Neon Museum, you have to book a guided tour online. Residents of the area can get a discount on their tickets. The Atomic Museum is located on East Flamingo Road.

Common questions about Las Vegas

Which one should we do first?

The Neon Museum is the heavy hitter. It captures the visual identity of the Strip better than any active casino can.

Is it expensive to play the pinball machines?

Not particularly. Most of the older games still run on quarters, and even the modern ones rarely cost more than a dollar.

Can we just walk into the Neon Museum?

No, you need a reservation for a guided tour. These are available daily, but you should handle the booking online before you show up.

What else is inside the Pinball Hall of Fame?

Beyond the silverball machines, you will find classic video arcade games. There are also two Disney Mold-A-Rama machines if you want a plastic souvenir.