Activities
Travel to Las Vegas: 9 Relaxing Activities For Every Kind Of LGBTQ Traveler
Travel to Las Vegas and discover all the activities the city has to offer.
After all the stress and chaos of 2020, we’re pretty sure everyone could use a little rest and relaxation in 2021. And while travel to Vegas may not be at the top of your “most relaxing” list, the city has plenty of hidden gems if you know where to look.
No matter which kinds of activities help you relax, we have one just for you. Read on to discover 9 relaxing activities for every type of LGBTQ traveler.
1. Sit Back And Relax Poolside
Best for: Sun worshippers
Pools in Las Vegas are a great place to tan, have a drink, and relax.
If you’ve been to Vegas before, you probably know all about the booze-soaked dayclubs throughout the city—not the most relaxing atmosphere to say the least.
But that all changed in 2020. Because of COVID, these once-debaucherous parties have transformed into tranquil outdoor lounges and restaurants. The music is quieter, the crowds are thinner, and the service is faster.
So reserve a cabana or a lounge chair and enjoy great cocktails, tasty eats, and plenty of sun. Some of our favorite Las Vegas gay resorts with awesome poolside lounges include:
2. Visit The Seven Magic Mountains Art Exhibit
Best for: Art lover
Admire The Seven Magic Mountains exhibit and take a selfie with these colorful pillars.
While Las Vegas proper offers all kinds of relaxing activities, sometimes you’ve got to travel a bit further to truly escape it all.
Located about 10 miles south of the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway in Henderson, Nevada, The Seven Magic Mountains is an outdoor art exhibit you shouldn’t miss.
Constructed by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, the exhibit features seven colorful boulder towers reaching more than thirty feet high. The goal of the installation is to show human presence in the desert and to give the Mojave a burst of form and color.
We at Travel Gay Vegas can’t get enough of these rainbow monoliths. They might just be the best place for an LGBTQ-friendly photo op in Vegas.
For directions and information, click here.
3. Swing Your Troubles Away At Top Golf
Best for: Athletes
Hit some balls and enjoy some food at Top Golf in Las Vegas.
If a few rounds of golf help you unwind, Top Golf is the place to go in Vegas. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be escorted to your own private, climate-controlled bay. Once there, choose from a variety of games and snacks to get the fun times started. In between turns, catch updates from the latest games on your personal HDTV.
The best part? Top Golf uses high-tech balls with microchips that keep score for you. No more mini pencils or messy sheets to worry about. So take a swing, grab some appetizers, and feel your stress melt away at Las Vegas’ premier indoor golf venue.
4. Step Into Nature at The Wildlife Habitat
Best for: Animal lovers
Reconnect with nature at the (aptly-named) Flamingo Hotel & Casino.
If nature and wildlife calm you down, look no further than The Wildlife Habitat at The Flamingo Hotel & Casino. Hidden behind the hotel’s flashy pink Flamingo sign and the Art Deco exterior lies The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat. It’s so well hidden that most locals don’t even know about it.
As you stroll through the lush 15-acre grounds, you’ll pass waterfalls and animals like Chilean flamingos, swans, koi fish, and turtles.
Even better, The Wildlife Habitat is owned by Caesars Entertainment, a corporation that’s shown its commitment to the LGBTQ community time and again.
In addition to partnering with The Trevor Project, Caesars just received another perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality” category. Needless to say, it’s one of the best gay-friendly resorts in Las Vegas.
The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is open daily from dawn to dusk and open to the public free of charge. For more information, check out the official website here.
5. Admire The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden
Best for: Gardeners/ nature lovers
A spring tulip display at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden.
The Bellagio is best known for its massive fountain shows, but those tightly-packed crowds don’t exactly spell relaxation. But there’s more to the Bellagio than meets the eye.
To catch a break from the crowds, head inside the hotel and check out The Conservatory and Botanical Garden. No matter the time of year, Bellagio’s team of horticulturists and designers select the freshest seasonal flowers and plants to create over-the-top displays.
And as a travel site dedicated to LGBTQ travelers, we’re proud to note that both World Rainbow Hotels and Gay Cities endorsed The Bellagio as an LGBTQ-friendly hotel.
The Conservatory and Botanical Garden is open to the public and free. For information about current and future installations, head to the Bellagio’s site here.
6. Take A Romantic Gondola Ride At The Venetian
Best for: Romantics at heart/ couples
Enjoy a Gondola ride around the Venetian Resort with your special someone.
The Gondola Rides at the Venetian are a must-do for couples looking for romance and relaxation in Vegas.
During your ride, you’ll travel through the hotel’s canals while admiring a reconstructed version of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. In addition, your personal gondolier will serenade you with traditional Italian songs throughout your ride.
For more information about hours and availability, check out the official site here.
7. Savor High Tea At The Waldorf Astoria
Best for: Foodies
Take in beautiful views of The Strip as you enjoy traditional high tea.
Located on the 23rd floor of the iconic Waldorf Hotel (formerly the Mandarin Oriental), The Waldorf Astoria Tea House is a top relaxing Vegas attraction for LGBTQ travelers. This is a great option for enjoying Vegas, while also taking a break from the crazier aspects of the city.
The tea room offers all kinds of treats in a 5-star setting. Full afternoon tea is accompanied by an assortment of scones, tea sandwiches, and desserts. Gluten free and vegan options are also available. If tea isn’t your thing, opt for a cocktail, coffee, or some freshly-squeezed juice.
As you enjoy your food, you’ll also enjoy breathtaking views of The Strip thanks to the Waldorf’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
What’s more, our friends at Gay Cities gave the Waldorf Astoria a 100% LGBTQ-friendly score.
Reservations are required. To find out more, check out the Tea Lounge webpage.
8. Enjoy A Calm Gay Bar Experience At FLEX
Best for: Party animals
FLEX Cocktail Lounge is one of the most laid-back gay bars in Vegas.
If your brand of relaxation involves cheap drinks, comfort food, good music, and fun games, check out the scene at FLEX Cocktail Lounge.
Unlike most LGBTQ bars, FLEX provides the bar experience without all the crazy dancing and debauchery. The team at FLEX prides themselves on creating a small-town bar atmosphere in the middle of Vegas. To that end, you can expect low-key DJ sets, generous happy hours, a curated tasting menu, and plenty of gaming (it’s still Vegas after all).
9. Unwind At Drift Spa
Best for: Everyone
Drift Spa has excellent amenities, reasonable prices, and small crowds.
Las Vegas has no shortage of fantastic spas. In fact, practically every hotel on The Strip has one. Many are fancy and some have even won awards. But that also means they come with steep price tags and long wait times. So not relaxing.
Luckily, the Drift Spa at The Palms Place Resort is the best of everything—an elegant spa with top amenities at a reasonable price. Here you’ll find a co-ed steam bath, soaking pools, and an outdoor garden. Plus, it's rarely crowded like most well-known spas.
The Palms Place has been recommended as a great option for LGBTQ travelers by our friends at Out Traveler and Gay Cities.
For more information, check out Drift’s webpage.
Plan A Relaxing Trip To Las Vegas Now
If rest and relaxation are what you’re after, think about traveling to Las Vegas in 2021. While the city will always be best known for its over-the-top parties, spectacular shows, and plentiful casinos, it still has plenty to offer travelers seeking a more low-key experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your relaxing 2021 Las Vegas trip today.
