Las Vegas is all about the lights, gaming, shows and all night entertainment, right? Well there is more to do than hitting the strip. Take a walk on the calm side and leave the crowds and all night action behind.  Here are five ways to skip the strip and see the historic and adventurous side of Vegas.

1.  Red Rock Canyon – just 17 miles west of Las Vegas, rock formations and the desert come together for a 3,000-foot thrust fault creating a cliff. The canyon is open year-round and visitors can experience the park by coach, hiking or photographing the beauty of nature. Feral horses, bighorn sheep, coyotes and a wide variety of desert plants call this natural conservation area home.

For the dog lovers, Red Rock offers dog friendly guided hikes along the canyon trail. A great opportunity for dogs and people to enjoy nature and the great outdoors.

Download trail maps and bring your hiking shoes – there is a trail for everyone.

The visitor center is open everyday from 8am – 4:30pm

Take a tour around the scenic loop everyday of the year where the scene changes slightly with the season.

Fees are reasonable with 1 day passes available for $7 per vehicle and motorcycles $3 per vehicle.

For more information: www.redrockcanyonlv.org

2. The Mob Museum – No need to wait for throw back Thursday, everyday is a

walk through time. The museum is home to authentic artifacts about organized crime. A host of videos, photos and newspaper clippings chronicle the various areas and timelines of some of America’s most notorious gangsters.

Open from 10am – 7pm each day, the museum is located in the revitized downtown area of Las Vegas. Escape the strip and all the crowds for a day reliving some of our most tumultuous years.

For more information and price of admission: www.themobmuseum.org

3.  Pop Culture Walking Tour – It’s all about the Neon and it’s not on the strip. Take a Pop Culture Walking Tour and stroll the historic heart and the newly revived downtown district – all with an artist eye. A walking tour of the Fremont Street area includes a stop at 12 iconic sites celebrating famous neon signs (many you will recognize), classic hotels, gaming venues and other Vegas sites.

Really it’s more than a tour – it’s a field trip and this time you’ll want to listen to your history teacher!

For more information including times, meeting location and costs visit their website: www.lasvegaspopculturetours.com

4.  Neon Museum – Need more neon? After all you are in Vegas. Take a walk though the Neon museum. It’s a bone yard – of neon memorabilia and icon Las Vegas bright lights and bling bling. It is an outdoor collection, so dress according to the weather.

Opened every day, the guided tours take an hour and you’ll walk away with a bit of awe from your trip. Take the tour during evening hours for a true experience. The signs have not been refurbished, so enjoy the un-restored walk through history.

For admission fees, times and more details, visit their website: www.neonmuseum.org

Review in detail the do’s and don’ts because there is a list – make sure and review them so your trip isn’t interrupted and cancelled.

5.  The High Roller – Go above the crowds and for a true High Roller experience. Snap, sparkle and roll with a ride for 30-minute wheel high above the strip. It is said to be the world’s tallest observation wheel.

Take your buddies for a spectacular ride. Each cabin can hold up to 40 people.

Tickets are $26.95 during the day and $36.95 at night. Head over to the LINQ outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment promenade – at Caesars to hop onboard.

For more information and information about special events, and deals, visit their website: www.caesars.com