What to Explore in the Las Vegas Arts District
When people think of Las Vegas, what most likely comes to mind is the Strip, casinos, and gambling. There’s nothing wrong with that – it’s a big reason people come to visit this city! But if you’re looking for a change of pace, I highly recommend checking out the Las Vegas Arts District.
What is the Arts District?
The Arts District is just south of Downtown Las Vegas. It’s 18 blocks full of of art galleries, shops, restaurants, bars, public art, and more. It’s incredibly walkable, and has a completely different vibe compared to the Strip or other parts of Las Vegas.
What Can You Do in the Arts District?
Admire the Beautiful Murals
One of my favorite parts of the Arts District is all the public art. You can easily spend a a couple of hours walking around enjoying the wonderful murals.
Go Antique Shopping
Even if you don’t collect antiques or vintage items, it’s still fun to browse the various antique malls and shops in the area. You can even find lamps and other items that have been repurposed from old items, such as soda bottles. I personally love looking at the old school toys and movie posters. Check out Antique Alley Mall for all kinds of things!
Check Out First Friday
First Friday is a block party that comes around the first Friday of every month. The streets are closed down and there are various booths where artists and other vendors sell their products. There’s also food trucks, musicians, and performers.
Grab a Bite to Eat and Enjoy Some Drinks
I’m still working on checking out all the spots in the area. Here are some of my favorites so far:
ReBAR: I recently went here with some friends and had a blast. This is a bar where you can actually shop for antiques. They also have an outdoor patio and host various events, like open mic night.
Cornish Pasty Co.: Pastys are turnovers filled with meats and other vegetables. They’re incredibly yummy.
The Artifice: The Artifice is a fun bar and lounge that hosts various events. I love that there’s comfortable places to sit and spread out.
Makers and Finders: This is a coffee shop that also has some delicious Latin-inspired food items!
Hop Nuts Brewing: If you like craft beer, check out some of the local breweries like Hop Nuts. I’m not a huge beer drinker because I’m not a fan of bitter tastes, but I’ve learned there are a few kinds of beers I can enjoy.
If you’re coming to visit Las Vegas, take some time to explore what Vegas has to offer beyond the Strip! I’ve been living in Las Vegas for a little over 4 years and I’m constantly surprised by what this city has to offer.
