Welcome to “Glitter Gulch.” Several blocks of neon lights, gambling, over sized dice and unadulterated fun. The Las Vegas Strip is full of secrets and very fun, but Fremont Street is where you go to walk on the wild side.
From wannabe Ninja Turtles and a whole ‘lotta tassels to a geriatric Cupid, you will see things you can never unsee (not that you’d ever want to). The heart of downtown Las Vegas, The Fremont Street Experience is the side of Sin City where spectacle doesn’t come at a premium. Aside from the Strip itself, this is the most popular destination for many travelers as soon as they come through Harry Reid Airport.
Fremont Street was built in 1905 and named after John C. Fremont a local politician and explorer. Twenty years later it would become the first paved street in the city and eventually Vegas’s first traffic light. It wasn’t until 1994 that a portion of the road was closed to vehicular traffic to make way for an entertainment experience like the world had never seen.
The famous roadway would gradually lose popularity due to the developing Las Vegas Strip but has more recently become a can’t miss tourist destination with a number of premium photo ops. Fremont Street is continually being revitalized, updating attractions and bringing world class acts to their stages. They cater to just about anyone with a wide range of hotels from one-star (we’re talking $19 per night) on up to highly rated properties like Plaza Hotel & Casino, Golden Nugget and the Fremont Hotel. They have even welcomed new resorts like Circa Resort & Casino, the only adults only property downtown.
Today, there is never a shortage of things to do for tourists who opt to spend a day (or days) on Fremont Street or the downtown Las Vegas. Unless you have challenges with mobility, there is little need for a car. Pack some comfy walking shoes and your pedometer – it’s always fun to see just how many steps you take in Vegas. If you’re only getting in 20k a day, you can do better.
During your time you can find great Las Vegas shopping experiences, explore, swim with sharks, throw some axes, hit the gift shop and more. Here are some suggestions to make the most out of your trip.
The Tank at Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Located at the Golden Nugget is one of most unique attractions of the many things to do in Vegas – the 200,000-gallon shark tank aquarium surrounded by a heated swimming pool with a water slide jetting directly through it. Both hotel guests and the general public are welcome to use the year-round pool with a day pass, but only those 48” or taller are allowed to take advantage of the slide. You can see it all at the Golden Nugget Hotel.
The Tank at Golden Nugget Las Vegas
129 Fremont St
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Downtown Container Park
On Fremont Street, just blocks away from the hustle and bustle of the entertainment district, sits Container Park, a pedestrian mall made up of shipping containers. There are boutique retails shops, art installations, children’s play area, and delicious dining and drinking experiences. Kids are welcome until 9pm, but after that it’s adult only.
Downtown Container Park
707 Fremont St
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:30am-8:00pm; Friday to Saturday, 11:00am-9:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-8:00pm (extended hours for restaurants and bars)
The Mob Museum & The Neon Museum
There are numerous museums in the vicinity of Fremont Street. Most notable to tourists are The Mob Museum and The Neon Museum, both located nearby. The Mob Museum highlights Las Vegas’s connection to organized crime in 20,000+ square feet of exhibits and The Underground Speakeasy and Distillery in the basement. The Neon Museum also examines Vegas’s rich history with guided tours of their Neon Boneyard where you can view discarded and refurbished neon signage up close and personal.
The Mob Museum
300 Stewart Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours: 9:00am-9:00pm
The Underground Speakeasy and Distillery
300 Stewart Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Thursday to Sunday, 12:00pm-12:00am
The Neon Museum
770 Las Vegas Boulevard North
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours: 4:00pm-12:00am, reservations should be made in advance
SlotZilla Zipline
For the adventure seekers, you can get an aerial view of Fremont Street care of the SlotZilla Zipline. The iconic attraction is an 11-story zipline spans five blocks long where you superman yourself above the crowds at up to 40-miles per hour. For the lesser daredevils, you can opt for the shorter, seated version that spans two-blocks instead. Tickets start at $39 and reservations should be made in advance, online.
SlotZilla Zipline at Fremont Street Experience
425 East Fremont St #160
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 4:00pm-1:00am; Thursday to Sunday, 12:00pm-2:00am
Axehole
About five years ago axe throwing became the fad we never knew we needed. People adorned in flannel flocked to embrace their inner Paul Bunyon. What we didn’t know is that years later, this trend would still be going strong. And what better place to pair beer and bulls-eyes than Las Vegas’s Fremont Street? In addition to axes you can opt for a less trendy throwing apparatus. Choose from tomahawks, shovels, ninja stars, and more.
Axehole Vegas
450 Fremont St
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00am-12:00am; Friday to Saturday, 10:00am-1:00am; Sunday, 12:00pm-12:00am
Street Performers
No visit to the Fremont Street Experience is complete without an encounter with a street performer. These range from talented (and not so talented) musicians, street artists, knock-off versions of your favorite superheroes and cartoon characters, and some individuals who have gained notoriety with their insane costuming choices. In an effort to create a safe and enjoyable experience for guests, these performers, also known as buskers, are required to register with the city of Las Vegas and reserve a timeslot. While these main street performers aren’t allowed to charge a fee or require a tip for their performances, they might work a little harder if you hand them a bill.
The Street Performers are truly one of the best things about Fremont Street.
There are so many incredible things to see and do that won’t fit in one short article, but take the time to explore and you’ll surely discover something wonderful.
FAQ
Any special events or live music shows coming up on Fremont Street?
While there is regularly live music on the Fremont Street Stage, here are some upcoming, recognizable names sure to draw a crowd.June 11 – Luau WOW! Featuring Shaggy
June 25 – 10,000 Maniacs, Dishwalla, The Calling
July 30 – Alien Ant Farm, Hoobastank, Soul Asylum
August 20 – Simple Plan
November 19 – Stone Temple Pilots
Click here for the complete calendar of events.
Any recommendations on where to eat?
Similar to the great restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, Fremont Street offers some of the most delicious cuisine in the world. From trendy pizza joints like Evel Pie who gained recent popularity by auctioning off Russian bottles of vodka to destroy to iconic fine dining experiences like Oscar’s Steakhouse at the Plaza Hotel named after former Mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman.Other favorites include:
Heart Attack Grill where unhealthy is the norm and plus size patrons (350+ pound) receive their food for free. The hospital themed restaurant boasts having the highest calorie burger in the world, The Quadruple Bypass.
Le Thai features Chef Dan Coughlin’s delicious curry creations. The dining room is small, but an outdoor patio is available for additional seating. Due to its small size and popular fare, reservations are recommended.
Triple George Grill is the perfect place to enjoy power lunches and happy hour cocktails. The menu is filled with classic favorites in an upscale yet casual environment. Reservations are recommended.
