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Best Activities Near Las Vegas for Seniors

Date: November 18, 2017
Category: Blog

While some senior citizens are contented playing the slots and seeing shows all day, many older adults want to get out and explore Las Vegas. Luckily, there’s a surplus of all-ages active pursuits in and around the city. If you (or your older family members) don’t want to stay seated in the casinos, here are five Vegas-area hotspots for active seniors.

1. Black Canyon Raft Tour

When the Hoover Dam was completed in 1935, it was the tallest dam in the Unites States. Now the second-tallest, this massive concrete gravity-arch structure still stands as a testament to the creativity and engineering of the American people. Catch a rare glimpse of the dam and the newly constructed Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge from below on a raft tour with Black Canyon River Adventures. Our three-hour motorized raft tour takes guests on a leisurely ride down the cool, placid waters of the Colorado River – with no major rapids or dangerous rocks in the way. Here, you can snap a picture of a majestic Bighorn sheep on the canyon cliffs 2,000 feet above the river or relax and listen to the tour guide’s informative tidbits.

2. Tandem Kayaking or Canoeing

In 2014, the area of the Colorado River that flows through Black Canyon near Lake Mead was officially designated a National Water Trail. The 30-mile stretch includes several sandy beaches, rocky alcoves and a naturally heated sauna cave. Located about an hour southeast of Las Vegas, Willow Beach Marina offers canoe and kayak rentals throughout the year. Seniors can opt to paddle alone or choose a tandem watercraft that allows a spouse, friend or family member to float in the same boat. Pickup and return times vary with the season. Click here for schedule and details.

3. Ride a Steam Train

Do you know what a Pullman car is? Seniors will appreciate the history and elegance of the Nevada State Railroad, a vintage train originally used to transport supplies to and from Hoover Dam. Located just 30 minutes south of Las Vegas, the train takes a 7-mile round trip past the Boulder City Airport, golf courses and otherworldly desert scenery. “During one point, the train comes so close to the side of the mountain you can almost touch it,” says Vegas.com description of the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Volunteer guides dressed in vintage railway clothing offer fun facts and historical tidbits during the 45-minute ride.

4. Tee Off at Durango Hills

About 15 minutes from The Strip, Durango Hills is an executive length golf course designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curly. The course is rigorous, with fourteen par three holes and varied desert terrain that should challenge any golfing regular. Whether you’re a casual golfer or a seasoned pro, the views of nearby Red Rock, Snow and Sheep mountains from the greens are not to be missed. Finish up with a lunch stop at Durango Grill, which offers American favorites in a scenic setting. Book a tee time online, or call to ask about available senior discounts during your stay.

5. Bellagio Conservatory and Fine Art Gallery

The Bellagio hotel is one of the most senior-friendly stops along the Las Vegas Strip. Its world-famous Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features amazing flower sculptures crafted by visual artists from around the world – some with up to 100,000 individual blooms. It’s also open to the public 24/7 daily (dark November 26-December 1 for new exhibit installation) throughout the year, so you can enjoy a spectacular early morning stroll here. “Holiday Glamour” is the next seasonal theme for 2017. Afterwards, check out the nearby Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, an elegant display of renowned masters currently showcasing a collection of authentic Japanese samurai armor. View their website for hours and details.

If you’re over 55, there’s still plenty of opportunity for adventure in or near Las Vegas. From Hoover Dam to the Colorado River and back to the Strip, there’s something to do any time of day. Call 800-455-3490 to add the Black Canyon Raft Tour to your next Vegas vacay, or visit our website for more information.