6 Best Sights in Nevada, USA

There are two reasons to ride the Coney Island–style coaster: first, as the world's first roller coaster to have a 180-degree twist-and-dive maneuver (like a jet doing a barrel roll), plus a 360-degree somersault, it's a real scream; and second, it whisks you around the amazing replica of the New York City skyline, giving you fabulous views of the Statue of Liberty and Chrysler Building (well, facsimiles, anyway) as you climb to peak heights more than 200 feet above the Strip. Get ready to go 67 mph over a dizzying succession of high-banked turns and camelback hills and finally rocket along a 540-degree spiral before pulling back into the station. The Big Apple Arcade has classics such as Skee-Ball, air hockey, and NBA Fever, up to the latest video games. 

This attraction, just north of Encore Las Vegas, provides the thrill of skydiving without a plane. After 20 minutes of training you enter a vertical wind tunnel that produces a powerful stream of air. You'll float, hover, and fly, simulating up to five minutes of free fall, with more time for large parties. Airspeeds reach 120 mph. Plan to reserve at least two hours in advance, making payment in full. The place closes for private parties from time to time, so it's wise to call ahead.

High above the Strip at the tip of the Strat are some major thrill rides that will scare the bejeezus out of you, especially if you have even the slightest fear of heights. The Big Shot starts from the 112th floor and shoots 160 feet into the air at 45 mph. The X Scream tips passengers 27 feet over the edge of the tower like a giant seesaw, dangles them there, and then repeats the process. From the very front, you get an unobstructed view of the Strip, straight down. On the world record–holding SkyJump, riders take a free-fall leap from more than 800 feet in the air (and all-you-can-jump packages are available). If you are of the less adventurous sort, you can visit the Observation Decks on Levels 108 and 109, 108 Eats and 108 Drinks on Level 108, or the Top of the World restaurant on Level 106.

Let a gondolier "o sole mio" you down Vegas's rendition of Venice's Grand Canal. We love this attraction because it's done so well—the late owner Sheldon Adelson was obsessed with getting the canals just right: he had them drained and repainted three times before he was satisfied with the hue, and the colossal reproduction of St. Mark's Square at the end of the canal is authentic right down to the colors of the facades. The gondoliers who ply the waterway are professional entertainers and train for two weeks to maneuver the canals. It all makes for a rather entertaining way to while away an hour on the Strip. Outdoor gondola rides along the resort's exterior waterway are also available, weather permitting. Photo packages are available with all rides. Whether or not you ride, keep your eyes peeled for The Gondolier March at 9:45 am and 4:20 pm, as they begin or end the day in song.

Formerly known as Pole Position, this electric miniature race car track is now part of a chain with locations all over the country. If it's no longer a uniquely Las Vegas experience, it's still likely the only location next door to a casino (The Palms). And the appeal of souped-up carts that reach up to 45 mph is undeniable on a hot summer day. You and up to 12 competitors zip around the ¼-mile indoor track full of twists and turns. Computers track your overall performance from race to race, and over multiple visits. You'll get a score sheet giving a detailed score breakdown to compare with your friends. There's a pizza lounge with beer and wine for spectators.

It wouldn't be Vegas enough to build the world's largest slot machine and just leave it there. Now thrill-seekers can take off from a platform atop the 11-story slot machine and soar over Fremont Street. There are two options to zip: one line that averages 70 feet above the ground and a second that averages 110 feet. If you'd rather just play the big slot machine, you can do that, too. It is Vegas, after all.