While Las Vegas attracts many vacationers with its casinos, Sin City is also convention central. If you are a business traveler, chances are you may end up in Las Vegas on your own at one time or another. This 24-hour city offers many things you can do on your own besides gambling, shopping and golf excursions.
Events
There's almost always a sporting event to watch in Las Vegas, whether it's live or on television. The city also hosts several running races throughout the year.The Las Vegas Running Team puts on several 5K and 10K races. Some special races to note are the Fourth of July 5K Blast, a mid-August Police & Fire Department 5K and 10K run, November 10K and 5K Turkey Trot and a mid-December Run with Santa 5K. Las Vegas is home to the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half-Marathon in December. The races shut down the Las Vegas Strip to automobile traffic and feature different rock and roll bands at each mile. And then there's the Las Vegas Triathlon, which takes place in late September at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Competitors can choose from Sprint, Olympic or Half triathlon distances, or be part of a relay team in one of the three distances.
Activities
You could walk the strip and enjoy the nightly light shows, but if you want to avoid the crowds, you can leave the strip for a variety of different hikes. Fall, winter and spring are the best times to hike, due to the extreme temperatures in Las Vegas in the summer. From a steep 4.5-mile hike up Frenchman Mountain to an easy hike in Fletcher Canyon or a challenging 8.5 mile trek up Mummy Mountain, there are many hiking options around Las Vegas. If you are going alone, be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Attractions
From the beauty of the Bellagio's gardens to the thrilling rides and exciting shows and tours at the casino hotels, nearly all of Las Vegas' attractions are solo traveler-friendly. And because you only need a single seat, you can occasionally score an ideal seat or squeeze on the one remaining seat. Your hotel concierge can help steer you in the direction of an attraction that fits your interests, whether it's art, entertainment or excitement.
Dining
Being on your own in Las Vegas doesn't mean you're restricted to dining via room service or sitting in a dark corner of a restaurant. More and more restaurants in Las Vegas cater to the solo diner---ask your hotel concierge for recommendations. Consider a sushi bar or an interactive restaurant where you can watch your meal being prepared. Make dining reservations when recommended and ask for what you want when it comes to seating preferences.
Tours
If you have a vehicle in Las Vegas, consider taking a day trip out of the city. Several companies in Las Vegas also offer transportation to parks and scenic sights outside the city. Two destinations include the Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon. Lake Mead Recreation Area is only 30 miles from Las Vegas and visitors can hike, bird watch, canoe, swim and scuba dive. November through March is the best time to hike in this desert park, while October through April offers the best scuba diving visibility because the lake's algae is reduced. Red Rock Canyon, which is 19 miles west of Las Vegas, offers rock climbing on its sandstone and limestone cliffs, plus biking and hiking opportunities. Maps are available at the Visitor's Center at the canyon entrance.
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