Did you know that Fremont Street Las Vegas attracts more than 20 million visitors each year? It is the second most popular region in Las Vegas after the Strip which attracts about 42 million visitors according to the Las Vegas Authority.
In case you are wondering what to do on Fremont Street, do not worry, we have curated a list of the top 11 fun attractions on the street. You will not run short of experiences since Fremont is filled with awesome activities such as the Viva Vision Light Show and Slotzilla Ziplining.
There are a couple of free activities at Fremont but bear in mind that you will have to pay for most of them. The region is full of Casinos and gambling joints such as the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino which count as the main attractions in the area.
Casinos at Fremont are not as huge and flashy as those at the Strip by they make up for it by having a longer history and flexible winning opportunities.
Ensure to check in with the management at the listed places since they are subject to closure and change in policy. We have included all the major fun attractions and a few honorable mentions to ensure you have lots of options when having fun at Fremont.
Historical Background of Fremont Street Las Vegas
Fremont Street Experience Details:
- Location – 425 Fremont Street Las Vegas, NV 89101-5609
- Telephone number –702-678-5600 or 800-249-3559
Fremont Street was named after an American politician and explorer called John C. Fremont. The street was named in 1905 around the same time that Las Vegas was founded, making it one of the oldest streets in Sin City. It wasn’t until 1925 when it got paved and later got traffic lights in 1931.
Gambling began in the region prior to its legalization which led to many casinos popping up along the street. Some of them include Eldorado Club, Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, Binion’s Horseshoe, Golden Nugget, Fremont Hotel and Casino, Four Queens, Pioneer Club, and The Mint.
Regardless of the number of casinos, Fremont was earlier famous because of the western end of the Street. This region showed a lot of glittery lights that depicted the numerous neon signs that Las Vegas is famous for.
In fact, the region is dubbed Glitter Gulch because of the many lights that were erected in the area in 1937 due to available electricity from Hoover Dam.
Many television series featured these light shows giving Vegas a unique identity. One of the most featured pieces was the Cowboy Vegas Vic at the Pioneer Club which we will dive deeper into below.
Fremont Street became very popular thanks to several TV shows and movies which depicted the vibrant lifestyle of the region. One can say that Fremont Street is the birth place of Las Vegas.
Fremont Street is located between Main Street and Sahara Avenue in the northwest-southeast direction. It spans five blocks in the heart of Downtown Casino Corridor with several offerings like free live shows and nightly light and sound shows.
11 Things to do on Fremont Street
1. Golden Gate Hotel & Casino
- Address: 1 Fremont St Las Vegas Downtown
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Telephone Number: 426.1906
The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino was once known as the Nevada Hotel. This between 1909 and 1933 when gambling was illegal but the casino still offered gambling games secretly. The casino was renamed in 1955 and saw its rise in the following years as it played a part in creating the gambling culture in Las Vegas.
There is not much to do at the Hotel and Casino apart from gambling. Non-gamblers can enjoy the colorful scenes by taking awesome pictures around the area since it is at the entrance of the Fremont Street Experience. The lights at the entrance are reminiscent of the old age while still giving the energy of the future.
Golden Gate Hotel and Casino has several accommodation options for those who would like to spend a night or two. You can get suites, penthouses, and even standard rooms at the usual Vegas prices.
From time to time, the casino hosts a range of tournaments such as the 5K slot events. Feel free to register in advance for some fun competitions.
2. Viva Vision Light Shows
- Address: Fremont Street Experience (FSE)
- Operation Hours: Each and Every night from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Viva Vision shows are music light shows at Fremont Street Experience that feature lots of shining lights that sync to rhythmic songs from popular artists like Shakira and Imagine Dragons. The Viva Vision is a large video screen (the biggest in the world) that is 1,375 feet long, 90 feet above the street, and 90 feet wide.
The screen features 16.4 million pixels and gets frequent renovation, the latest of which cost $32 million. Viva Vision is so huge that it spans across the pedestrian mall, several hotels, and casinos at the Fremont Street Experience.
The best part about the Viva Vision Light Show is that it is free. In fact, Viva Vision is the best free attraction in the entire Vegas region.
The shows are about 6 to 8 minutes each and come with mind-bending 3D graphics, all syncing to the beats of top songs from iconic artists. The current nightly lineup features artists like The Killers, Shakira, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers, Steve Aoki, and Tiesto.
Viva Vision is the place to be at night when wondering around Downtown Las Vegas. It offers a free experience that is exciting for both adults and kids. You will not want to put you smartphone down since every light show is selfie-worthy.
3. Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino
- Address: 129 E Fremont St Las Vegas
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Telephone Number: 385.7111
The Golden Nugget has a huge 45,000 square-foot casino space that has over 1,000 slot machines and 50 table games.
This is one of the vibrant casinos in Downtown Las Vegas that will give you a similar experience as the casinos at the Strip. You can also enjoy a spa at the spa Tower rooms or enjoy a dip in the outdoor hideout pool with adjacent bar.
Golden Nugget is also known for housing the Hand of Faith – the world’s largest gold nugget (60 pounds). It was found by Kevin Hillier in 1980 using a metal detector and was bought by the casino supposedly for $1 million. The Hand of Faith is on public display at the Hotel, free of charge. This may be your main attraction at the casino in case you do not want to gamble.
If not, you can opt to see the hotel’s signature pool, The Tank. The Tank is a huge pool that houses a 200,000-gallon shark tank aquarium at the center.
There are three-story waterslides in the tank and poolside gaming tables. You will not want to miss this scenic tour where you can get to see some aquatic life in scenic lighting and flourishing waters.
4. Heart Attack Grill
- Address: 450 Fremont St Las Vegas
- Opening Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Monday to Sunday
- Telephone Number: 722.2180
Fremont Street is not short of quality dining places. The few restaurants you can visit to eat some delicious meals include Redwood Steakhouse, Hugo’s Cellar, Project BBQ LV, Vic and Antony’s Steakhouse, Barry’s Downtown Prime, Andiamo Italian Steakhouse, and the infamous Heart Attack Grill.
The Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas is perhaps the most controversial and criticized restaurant concepts ‘of all time. The restaurant is known as Heart Attack because of the ‘heart attack-causing’ foods that are served.
This is the place to be if you want junk food that is definitely not healthy for you. The owner opted for a hospital theme as a marketing strategy to get people to enjoy junk food in a fun way.
The waiters are dressed as doctors and waitresses as nurses. It is like a costume party in this restaurant. The orders are not even called orders, instead the staff refer to the orders as prescriptions and the customers are called patients.
As if that wasn’t enough, every customer (patient) has to dress in a hospital gown and wristband before placing any prescription at the Heart Attack Grill.
This is a special restaurant that you will want to visit even if you do not like junk food. The hospital concept is fun and quite exciting for some giggles with your friends and family.
5. Mob Museum
- Address: 300 Stewart Ave Las Vegas
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Telephone Number: 229.2734
The Mod Museum (National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement) is a few steps away from the Fremont Street. This is a nonprofit organization that is tailored to inform the public about the history of organized crime (the Mob) and the effects it has had on the American people.
There are hundreds of artefacts and exhibits at this museum, all of which are aimed at providing a compelling look at crimes and law enforcement issues. The tickets to the Mob Museum vary depending on your residency and the type of ticket; general admission, deluxe pass, or the premier pass.
Premier pass gets you all-day admission to all exhibits and two interactive experiences. Deluxe pass on the other hand is the most popular with all day admission to all exhibits and one interactive experience. The general pass gives you all day admission to all exhibits alone.
For Nevada residents, general ticket goes for $16.95, deluxe for $29.95, and Premier for $35.95. Non-Nevada residents are charged $48.95 for premier tickets, $44.95 for deluxe, and $29.95 for the general admission tickets.
Some of the most popular attractions at the Mod Museum include the St. Valentine’s Day massacre exhibit and a mobsters’ trial video shown in the courtroom section of the museum.
6. SlotZilla Zipline and Zoomline
- Address: 425 Fremont St Fremont Street Experience Downtown Las Vegas
- Operation Hours: Thursday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Zip-Zilla/Zipline), Thursday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Super-Hero Zoom/Zoomline), and Monday to Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. (Super-Hero Zoom/Zoomline)
- Telephone Number: 678.5780
SlotZilla is the world’s biggest slot machine that comes with a martini glass, coins, a giant arm, two showgirls, pink flamingo, video reels, and an over-sized dice. The experience is an eleven-story zip line site that offers two riding experiences.
The cheapest one is the Zip-Zilla/Zipline package that costs $39 with an extra $3.95 for processing. The more expensive package is the Super-Hero Zoom/Zoomline that costs $59.
The Zipline experience shoots you from a 77-foot-high platform and takes you all the way from to the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian promenade right in the midst of Fremont casinos and Four Queens.
Super-Hero Zoom on the other hand shoots you from a 114-foot-high platform all the way down to a landing station at the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino. There is an upper Zoomline that is thrilling for the superhero lovers who want to ‘fly’ like Superman.
The SlotZilla experience a thrilling attraction that gives you the view of Freemont Street Experience from a vintage point that is special and unique. You will get to have a speedy look at the vibrant Downtown Vegas lifestyle in a whole new light while feeling like a superhero at the same time. It is a must try!
Related Read: 4 Best Zip Lining in Las Vegas: Speed, Prices, Tips
7. Downtown Container Park
- Address: 707 Fremont St, Las Vegas NV89101
- Phone number: 359.9982
- Operation Hours: Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Downtown Container Park in Las Vegas is the pace to be if you are looking for an exciting and free family friendly place to relax. The Container Park features shopping, dining, and entertainment attractions that will make your stay worthwhile.
There is a 30-foot slide for kids to play in and a water area at the center of the park. Every destination in the park is outdoors and made from shipping containers.
The playing zone for kids is free but most of the other activities for adults like casual bar dining will cost a few bucks. The main attraction in Downtown Container Park is the awakening of The Mantis. The Giant Mantis is a sculpture that is ‘awakened’ with a drum circle and fire shows to create a rhythmic ambience.
8. Axehole
- Address: 450 Fremont St Ste 163 Downtown Las Vegas
- Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday
- Telephone Number: 776.7640
Axehole Vegas is where you want to be to unleash your inner Viking. This is the only indoor axe throwing venue in Las Vegas. It also offers other options apart from axe throwing like throwing ninja stars, shovels, jacks, arrows, spears, and much more.
There is a private smash room where you can let off steam and just smash everything in your way. This is complimented by the option to have private events for bonding sessions and such.
Moreover, you will enjoy Axehole activities more if you are competitive since they include Ultimate Axe throwing tournaments and events. This is your place to shine and outdo your mates.
Vegas is wild for gambling and partying but you rarely hear of Viking-related activities such as the ones offered at Axehole. The venue is kid-friendly and very welcoming for large groups which makes the entire activities more enjoyable for family and friends’ hangouts.
9. Whiskey Licker Up
- Address: 128 Fremont St Downtown Las Vegas in Binion’s Gambling Hall
- Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. all week
- Telephone Number: 382.1600
Whiskey Licker Up Saloon is located inside Binion’s second floor. It is famous for having an open-air rotating bar with ceiling to floor retractable windows which give you a view of Fremont Street Experience.
The rotating bar accommodates a maximum of 25 guests who can enjoy some drinks as they overlook the lovely entertainment on the street. You will have a good view of the Viva Vision Music light show from the bar and the drinks are top notch from expert mixologists.
10. Don’t Tell Mama – New York Style Piano Bar
- Address: 450 Fremont St Ste 167 Downtown Las Vegas
- Opening Hours: Sunday and Tuesday to Thursday from 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
- Telephone Number: 207.0788
Don’t Tell Mama is New York Style Piano Bar with an open mic that is ranked as the best piano bar in Las Vegas. It is a lively bar to be at especially because of every night open mic session that starts at 8 pm. This is fun place to be with your friends and family for some music enjoyment and drunk karaoke singing if you so wish.
The music fare every night includes Country, Rock and Roll, Jazz, Broadway, and the lost goes on. The best pianists in Las Vegas can be found at Don’t Tell Mama which makes it a great place for requesting acoustic covers to your favorite songs.
11. Stadium Swim at Circa
- Address: 8 Fremont St, Las Vegas at Circa Resort and Casino
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Circa Las Vegas is home to the Stadium Swim venue where you can get to view a massive 40-foot-tall HD screen from six pools on various levels. The Stadium Swim is an out of this world concept that was implemented at Circa to give visitors the opportunity to watch TV events while basking in the pool.
The massive venue has a maximum capacity of 4,000 people who come to watch championship games and other events on the 337 Chaise lounges, 30 cabanas, and 30-day beds.
Stadium Swim is an extraordinary experience that is suitable for the game loving individual who also enjoys chilling in the pool with a drink and a good meal.
Honorable Mentions
- Free Live Music and Concerts: Several locations including the Freemont Street Experience provide free live music on the street where anyone can come and see. This includes the light shows, live concerts featuring local artists, and performances from known musicians along the street.
- Street Performers: The Fremont Street Experience is always packed with street performers from magicians, to dancers, and guitarists. You will not miss to see groups of people dressed up for particular events or performers doing incredible stunts for the pedestrians.
- Toy Shack: Toy Shack is owned by one of Pawn Star show cast member, Johnny Jimenez. The toy shop sells historic toys that are rare and quite limited in terms of availability. You will find unique gifts for your kids and also older friends to reminisce about the old times. You may also have the privilege of interacting with the famous Pawn Stars personalities.
- Sigma Derby at the D: This is a mechanical horse racing game which lets gamblers bet on which mechanical horses are going to win. It is considered a less harmful form of gambling and can be extremely fun for those who do not want to bet on real horses at the real horse championships.
- Million Dollar Photo at Binion’s: Have you ever wanted to see what $1 million cash looks like? Not only that, have you ever wanted to take a picture with $1 million in cash? Well, Binion’s Gambling Hall has exactly what you have been looking for. You will find a $1 million cash pyramid on display at Binion from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
You may also want to check out other amazing attractions at FSE like the Neon Museum, Slab of Berlin Wall at Main Street Station, Cowboy Vic, El Portal Movie Theatre, and Rub the Laughing Buddha’s Belly.
Also Read: 8 Best Las Vegas Live Cameras
FAQs
1. Is Fremont Street Worth Visiting?
From vibrant casinos to beautiful light shows and street performances, Fremont Street is not short of fun activities that will leave you with eventful memories. You are not limited to gambling on Fremont, you can even opt for Historical Museums like the Mob Museum.
If you do not fancy that, you can choose to go to the Downtown Container Park for some artistic views and refreshing take on the Las Vegas culture.
2. What Is Fremont Street Famous For?
Fremont Street is currently famous for the extraordinary Fremont Street Experience (FSE). This is a pedestrian mall and attraction in Fremont that is located in the westernmost blocks of the Fremont Street.
The major features in the Fremont Street Experience are the Viva Vision, Slotzilla Zip Line, Neonopolis, Parking Plaza, and the pedestrian mall. FSE also houses several casinos including Binino’s Gambling Hall and Hotel, Circa Resort and Casino, The D Las Vegas, Four Queens, Fremont Hotel and Casino, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, and the Golden Nugget.
The street was earlier famous for its glittery lights and neon signs like Cowboy Vic. Glitter Gulch was what Fremont Street was known as since the area’s whole persona was embedded in the numerous lights shows in the area.
3. Can You Walk from The Strip to Fremont Street?
You can walk from the Strip to Fremont Street but know it is a significant distance that would be easier with a bus, shuttle, taxi, or rental car.
However, you can narrow down the distance depending on where you are at the Strip. For example, Fremont Street is 3.2 miles away from the Wynn but it is 5.5 miles away from the MGM Grand at the Strip.
Regardless of the distance, the route you will have to take is not the safest in Las Vegas, especially at night. A walk from the Strip to Downtown passes you through sketchy areas and you may easily get lost if you are new in the area.
It is recommended you take a bus or shuttle from the Strip to Fremont Street since it is safer and faster. You can opt to use a taxi but they are more expensive in the area which is why it is the least economical mode of transportation in Las Vegas.
Related Read:
- Hotels on Fremont Street Las Vegas
- Top 11 Parking Places in Downtown Las Vegas
- Cheap Drinks & Happy Hours on Fremont Street
- Old Las Vegas: Places Where Vegas’ History Still Lives
- Best Fremont Street Restaurants
- Las Vegas Bachelor Party Ideas
- Cool Things To Do in Las Vegas
- Things To Do Outside Las Vegas
3. Is there a shuttle from the Strip to Fremont Street?
You will take the Deuce bus route if you want to get to Fremont Street from the Strip by bus. The route stretches up and down the Strip and all the way to Downtown Las Vegas. The bus route is not the fastest since it stops on several stations on its way, so bear that in mind in case you will be in a hurry.
Tickets are cheap with varying prices including: 2-hour ticket for $6, 24-hour ticket for $8, and 3-day ticket for $20. Head over to the Deuce bus stop and get the tickets from the electronic ticket vending machines but make sure you have exact change in case you want to use cash.
3. Can you drink alcohol on Fremont Street?
Drinking alcohol on Fremont Street has a few regulations. You are not prohibited from taking any alcoholic drinks but you are required to have them in plastic containers. According to the city law, you cannot drink from glass bottles or cans while on Fremont Street.
Bars and casinos are permitted to give alcoholic drinks in plastic containers so that you can drink some while on the street. Those that don’t serve drinks in the containers will usually place plastic cups at the exits for you to transfer your drinks into as you leave the premises.