Las Vegas attractions: what to see and do in summer

Springs Preserve Unearth the past at this multimillion-dollar natural history museum complex, also home to the Nevada State Museum. Exhibits treat Native Americans and railroad pioneers to casino impresarios, mobsters and showgirls. The surrounding nature preserve has walking trails, an eco-living educational center, a green-themed gift shop and a caf. springspreserve.org

Grand Canyon More than just a big hole in the ground, this ethereal wind- and water-sculpted landscape ranks among the USAs top natural attractions. Tip: Skip the gimmicky SkyWalk and visit the national park instead. From Las Vegas, several companies offer bus tours, or take a flight-seeing trip aboard a private helicopter or plane (from $209; maverickhelicopter.com). If you drive, its about 4 hours each way. nps.gov/grca

A pool party in full swing at the Hard Rock Cafe (Getty)

Hoover Dam This art-deco desert masterpiece of engineering towers above the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, backing up onto artificial Lake Mead. Learn all about the history of the dam, built during the 1930s Great Depression, while taking an underground tour that visit the dams massive hydroelectric generators, each of which could power a small city of 10,000 people. Bus tours from Las Vegas are inexpensive and can be booked after arrival. usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam

Mount Charleston Nestled in the Spring Mountains, outdoorsy locals come here to hike during summer The drive northwest of the city takes about an hour.

The Grand Canyon (Alamy)

Las Vegas Motor Speedway Check out some high-octane NASCAR racing at the speedway or put some metal the pedal on the go-karting track at this 1500 acre Las Vegas Boulevard venue. lvms.com

Neon Museum Take a trip through time on a guided walking tour of downtown's vintage "boneyard" of neon signs. Gems such as the Stardust casino's magnificent marquee and Binion's lucky horseshoe sign have found their eternal rest here. Make tour reservations in advance or drop by the museum's visitor center, inside the restored mid-century modern La Concha Motel lobby, to check on last-minute availability. neonmuseum.org

Super Summer Theatre Big productions enjoy an outdoor airing in the picturesque surroundings of the Spring Mountain Ranch state park, about a 30-minute drive from the strip. This year, see Monty Pythons Spamalot or Shrek the Musical. lasvegas.com/supersummertheatre

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Getty)

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Las Vegas attractions: what to see and do in summer