Las Vegas Beyond the Booze: A Sober Traveler’s Guide to Sin City
- Eric Beuning
- Feb 27
- 11 min read
Updated: Feb 28
If you’re someone who’s challenged themselves to a life of sobriety, or you’re in recovery from alcohol addiction, the idea of a trip to Las Vegas might rank right up there with getting an unnecessary prostate exam. Believe me, I get it. Vegas and it’s “Sin City” mystique gives off the impression that it’s just a place you go to get drunk, be dumb and waste your money.
Yet that’s sort of how Vegas was, and while the marketing messages stay that way to keep drawing in massive throngs of people whose money keeps the lights on; Vegas is so much more.
As someone who actively chooses to abstain from alcohol, I can tell you that I’ve had an amazing time in Vegas. Without a single drop of booze ever touching my lips, or a single dollar spent gambling. I’ve seen shows, I’ve eaten world class meals, I’ve made new friends who are my new bestie’s on social-media.
The Honest Angle
So, let’s get all the disclaimers and hard truth talk out of the way before we get deep into the fun of a sober Las Vegas adventure. Yes, there is a lot of booze in Sin City. Yes, there are a bunch of overgrown frat boys deep in their late 30s, hanging out by the pool guzzling down overpriced beer with reckless abandon.
There are some “Triggers” in Las Vegas that you might bump into. If you’ve had a problem, you’re in recovery and you’re in a fragile place with temptation and triggers still. Then you probably aren’t ready for a sober Vegas adventure, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Even if you’re rock solid in your sobriety, or you’re a little on the fence, but you want to give a sober Vegas trip the old college try, understand your resources. Arm yourself with knowledge about your triggers and sharpen your coping skills.
Sobriety Resources
The good news is that Vegas isn’t blind to the rising popularity of sobriety. There are even support resources available. Not the least of which are tons of AA meetings throughout the city, where they welcome out-of-towners with open arms. Many of them are connected to local church or faith-based organization.
If you’ve even got the slightest quiver in your liver about the chance of being triggered when you bump into some accidental drunken behavior, or the incidental offer of a free drink, you need to know where these resources are.
The wise move here is to try to book a hotel or resort that’s close to an AA chapter, or your preferred support network. There’s not a drop of shame in feeling that moment of weakness and stepping up to take advantage of those sobriety resources could even help you confirm your commitment to sobriety.
Las Vegas Alcoholics Anonymous Chapters
The following are some off the most active AA chapters in Las Vegas. Familiarize yourself with them and find the ones closest to where you’ll be staying in case you do feel triggered.
Las Vegas Central Office for Alcoholics Anonymous
(702) 598-1888; Website: lvcentraloffice.org
Location: Central Las Vegas
Serves as a hub for AA meetings and resources throughout the Las Vegas area.
Connect the Dots Group
Various locations in Las Vegas, providing information and support for those seeking AA meetings, with a focus on inclusiveness.
The Meeting Space
(702) 726-9218; Website: themeetingspace.com
Location: Southwest Las Vegas
Alcoholics Together
Near the Las Vegas Strip
Camel Club
2301 E Sunset Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
The 51 Club
4255 S Spencer St, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Triangle Club
4600 S Nellis Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89121
KCB Club
5715 W Alexander Rd #145, Las Vegas, NV 89130
Serenity Club
3990 Schiff Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Primary Purpose Group
1515 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Sobriety Friendly Las Vegas Resorts
You might be surprised to hear that there are several resorts, hotels and casinos in Vegas that support sobriety or are sober-friendly. Booking your stay with one of them might give you some added boost of confidence or at least spare you having to deal with a massive throng of drunks while trying to have an honest, clean good time.
3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109 - (702) 732-5111
Westgate offers a variety of alcohol-free activities and beverages, including the "Sin City Sober," a refreshing blend of strawberries, mint, and citrus.
1 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 - (702) 385-1906
Golden Gate provides numerous alcohol-free activities right outside its doors, allowing guests to enjoy a vibrant Las Vegas experience without the focus on drinking.
2600 West Harmon Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89158 - (866) 745-7767
Vdara is a non-smoking, non-gaming hotel offering a tranquil environment away from the typical casino scene, ideal for guests seeking a serene stay.
Delano Las Vegas
3940 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119 - (877) 632-5400
Delano is a non-smoking, non-gaming luxury hotel providing a peaceful retreat with a focus on wellness and relaxation, away from the casino atmosphere.
Alcohol-Free Nightlife & Social Hangouts
If you’re tired of the “Kiddie Cooler” options of apple juice and sport drinks, but you’d still like to enjoy a elegant alcohol-free cocktail, a sober Vegas vacation can be an eye-opening revelation. There are tons of sober-friendly bars offering mocktails and alcohol-free drinks that will blow your mind. The bar tenders might even be willing to share their secrets, giving you a mocktail recipe to take home as a refreshing souvenir.
Vegas Mocktail Lounges & Sober-Friendly Bars
You can step away from the kiddie cooler to enjoy some non-alcoholic “Mocktail” cocktails at one of the following Las Vegas lounges.
2535 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 - (702) 761-7000 - saharalasvegas.com
CASBAR Lounge offers a vibrant atmosphere with an extensive and thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic menu, featuring mocktails made with Lyre's non-alcoholic spirits to replicate classic cocktail flavors.
3655 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109 - (702) 489-2129 - alexxaslasvegas.com
Alexxa's provides a lively ambiance with a dedicated zero-proof drink menu, including creations like the "Pioggia Viola," blending Prime Hydration Ice Pop with Lyre’s Italian Orange, cranberry, and lemon juice.
1300 S Main St, Suite 140, Las Vegas, NV 89104 - (702) 555-1234 - scsbev.com
Specializing in non-alcoholic beverages, Sin City Saints offers a cozy setting with a range of handcrafted mocktails and zero-proof spirits, catering to those seeking a sober-friendly environment.
3131 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 - (702) 770-7000 - wynnlasvegas.com
Bar Parasol offers an elegant atmosphere where skilled mixologists craft bespoke mocktails upon request, ensuring guests who prefer non-alcoholic options have a delightful experience.
3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109 - (702) 698-7000 - cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
This multi-story visual wonder offers a sophisticated setting where bartenders are known for their friendly hospitality and will gladly mix up a gorgeous glass full of flavor, without alcohol.
3713 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102 - (702) 982-8036 - herbsandrye.com
Known for its classic cocktail menu, Herbs & Rye also caters to non-drinkers by offering expertly crafted mocktails in a speakeasy-style ambiance.
3930 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119 - (702) 740-5800 - 1923lv.com
Description: This speakeasy-themed bar offers a unique atmosphere with a selection of classic mocktails, allowing guests to enjoy the Prohibition-era vibe without alcohol.
3121 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109 - (702) 770-7000 - wynnlasvegas.com
Description: Aft Cocktail Deck provides a luxurious outdoor setting overlooking the Lake of Dreams, where guests can enjoy custom-made mocktails crafted to their preferences.
Fun Sober Activities in Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers a variety of unique, activities and late-night adventures that have nothing to do with alcohol or recreational drugs. If you’re on a sober living path, or you just want to get away from all the drunks, the following are some of my top recommendations:
600 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Explore over 30 rooms filled with haunted artifacts and oddities in a historic mansion. The museum offers a Late-Night Flashlight Ghost Tour for thrill-seekers.
14200 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054
Drive high-performance supercars on a professional racetrack. An adrenaline-pumping experience that doesn't involve substances.
Enjoy a serene gondola ride through the canals of The Venetian hotel. A peaceful and alcohol-free activity. This is the obligatory chic thing to do at least once if you’re staying at the Venetian.
Witness the mesmerizing water show at the Bellagio. A free and enchanting experience suitable for all ages. The show starts at Noon each day and goes off every half hour. However, it’s most spectacular in the evening when everything is lit.
3215 S Rancho Dr, Las Vegas, NV 8910
An immersive entertainment complex featuring late-night arcade games, art installations, and unique experiences. A creative and substance-free environment.
4925 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119
A museum housing a vast collection of pinball machines and classic arcade games. Enjoy nostalgic gaming in an alcohol-free setting.
Engage in challenging escape room adventures with friends or family. A fun, team-building activity without the need for substances.
Experience cutting-edge virtual reality games and simulations. An exciting and immersive activity that's completely sober-friendly.
Sober-Friendly Entertainment & Activities
One of the greatest alcohol-free things to do in Vegas is attend the shows. There are more going on than you can see in a single lifetime. They’ve certainly evolved from the half-naked dancing girls of yesteryear. To the point, that I would argue that Las Vegas entertainment matches or exceeds anything you’ll find on Broadway.
The following are just some of my top recommendations.
Cirque du Soleil
If you have a bucket list, seeing at least one Cirque du Soleil show should be on it. The artistry of acrobatics is nothing short of breath taking. It’s vivid, enthralling and answers the question “What happens to all the athletes who don’t get on the Olympic gymnastics team?”
There’s usually several in town, with the most popular being O, Mystère, and The Beatles LOVE. Honestly, it’s impossible to follow whatever the story line is supposed to be but that doesn’t matter, as the artistry of acrobatics alone will blow you away.
Tip for the guys: This is the place to take your date on a special evening!
Magic Shows
Vegas is festooned with amazing magic shows all through the spectrum. From close-up magic, sleight of hand, mentalism and comedy magic. There’s everything from adult magic shows to the kind of things that will make your kids giggle with glee. David Copperfield, Penn & Teller, and Cris Angel are just a few of the big names you’ll find on and off the strip.
Fantasy
A sultry female topless revue at the Luxor, featuring high-energy dance numbers and a charismatic host, offering a classy atmosphere without alcohol.
Absinthe
An adults-only variety show at Caesars Palace, combining burlesque-inspired acts with acrobatics and comedy, performed in an intimate, alcohol-free setting.
Thunder From Down Under
A world-famous male revue at Excalibur, showcasing chiseled performers and interactive routines, providing an electrifying experience without the need for alcohol.
Magic Mike Live
Inspired by the hit movie, this show at SAHARA Las Vegas features talented dancers in a high-energy performance, creating a thrilling atmosphere sans alcohol.
Atomic Saloon Show
A wild western-themed extravaganza at The Venetian, blending comedy, dance, and circus acts in an immersive, alcohol-free environment.
X Burlesque
A provocative topless revue at Flamingo Las Vegas, featuring beautiful dancers performing contemporary routines in a sophisticated, alcohol-free setting.
Las Vegas Live Comedy Club
Located at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, this club features a lineup of stand-up comedians, providing laughter-filled evenings in an alcohol-free environment.
Outdoor Adventures & Day Trips
One of the things I love most about Las Vegas is that it’s reasonably close to tons of amazing outdoor adventure spots. Many are within a 2–3-hour drive of the Vegas Strip. Some casinos have tour packages you can sign up for, but I find it’s more convenient to rent a car and drive yourself.
Death Valley
Just 2 hours away, this Death Valley National Park deserves to be on your bucket list. Most of the top highlights like Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Dante’s Overlook and Mosaic Canyon can be seen in a single day. It’s better to do this with a rental car in November through Early February. Not only are the temps nice, but you can also enjoy an awesome Death Valley sunset and star gazing experience.
Red Rock Canyon
Just outside the city Red Rock Cayon is one of the most visited outdoor attractions in Vegas. There are tons of tour company options, it’s easiest to get an open seat in the early tour busses as most people are still struggling with a hangover. When you’re sober, you get a half-empty bus, fewer crowds, and the chance to absorb the quiet morning vibe of the canyon.
Hoover Dam & Lake Mead
There are several tour companies that offer day trips to see Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Many have a light lunch of snack service worked into them. However, I think the real secret here is to look for one of the Hoover Dam tours that includes free tickets to see a show or catch a comedy act. It’s a great way to get out during the day and have some alcohol-free entertainment at night.
Valley of Fire State Park
This is only 45 minutes east of Vegas and the geology here will blow your mind. The entire area is festooned with unique rock formations like The Wave and petroglyphs. There are one or two tour companies that offer special trips to the Valley of Fire, but they tend to be more popular later in the week.
If you’re going to go on Monday through Wednesday, it might be better to rent a car. The drive is short, and you can take your time exploring the features you want to see.
Zion National Park
Located two-and-a-half hours east of Las Vegas, Zion National Park is at the very fringe of what’s feasible to visit from Las Vegas. It all depends on the time of year and the time of the week. While there are tour companies from Vegas that visit Zion, it’s best to rent a car.
Zion’s high season is long, and it draws a lot of tourists. So it’s best to visit in the colder months of the year, or early in the week, when local tourists are less likely to be crowding the park.
Conclusion: The Real Vegas Experience
Las Vegas is so much more than just its nightlife, and people behaving badly. It's a truly
international city bursting with world-class entertainment, vibrant culture, incredible food, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're enjoying an enthralling show, exploring stunning natural landscapes, or indulging in gourmet food, the real Vegas experience is about enjoying the city on your own terms.
You don’t need a drink in your hand to make the most of it. So, embrace the excitement, explore freely, and discover just how amazing a sober Vegas experience can be. If you're in recovery and you're concerned that Vegas might bring up some old triggers, make sure you avail yourself of the many support resources the city has to offer. Bring a sober friend or family member with you and be strategic with your choices of where you stay and what you do.
You can follow more of my articles about sobriety, personal growth and travel at Eric Beuning's Author Page.
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