Did you know that Fremont Street Las Vegas attracts millions of visitors each year? It is the second most popular tourist region in Las Vegas after the Strip, and for many visitors, it is the best place to experience the city’s old-school energy, free entertainment, neon history, and classic casino atmosphere.
In case you are wondering what to do on Fremont Street, do not worry, we have curated a list of the top fun attractions on and around 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, but they make up for it by having a longer history, old-Vegas personality, 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 birthplace of Las Vegas.
Fremont Street is located between Main Street and Sahara Avenue in the northwest-southeast direction. The main Fremont Street Experience spans five blocks in the heart of Downtown Casino Corridor with several offerings like free live shows and nightly light and sound shows.
13 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: 702.385.1906 or 800.426.1906
The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino was once known as the Nevada Hotel. This was 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 slot events. Feel free to register in advance for some fun competitions.
2. Viva Vision Light Shows
- Address: Fremont Street Experience (FSE)
- Operation Hours: Music reels and light shows run nightly starting at 6 p.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 The Killers, Shakira, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers, Tiesto and Steve Aoki. Viva Vision is a huge video canopy that stretches over the pedestrian mall.
The screen features millions of pixels and has undergone major 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 one of the best free attractions in the entire Vegas region.
The shows are short, loud, colorful, and built for quick downtown entertainment. They come with mind-bending graphics, all syncing to the beats of top songs from iconic artists.
Viva Vision is the place to be at night when wandering around Downtown Las Vegas. It offers a free experience that is exciting for adults and older kids. You will not want to put your smartphone down since every light show is selfie-worthy.
3. Free Live Music and Downtown Rocks
- Address: Fremont Street Experience stages
- Operation Hours: Varies by season and event schedule
One of the best reasons to visit Fremont Street is the free live music. Fremont Street Experience hosts local performers, cover bands, DJs, special events and larger concert series throughout the year.
The biggest seasonal series is Downtown Rocks, which brings free concerts to the Fremont Street Experience stages during the warmer months. The lineup changes every year, but the concept is the same: all summer, free live shows under the canopy.
This is one of the best free things to do on Fremont Street because you can combine the music with the Viva Vision light show, casino hopping, street performers, outdoor bars and late-night people-watching.
4. Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino
- Address: 129 E Fremont St Las Vegas
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Telephone Number: 702.385.7111
The Golden Nugget has a huge casino space that has slot machines, table games, restaurants, hotel rooms, and classic downtown Vegas energy.
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 the spa, lounges, restaurants, and pool areas if you are staying on property.
Golden Nugget is also known for housing the Hand of Faith – the biggest golden nugget in existence, the second-biggest ever discovered, and the biggest ever found with a metal detector. It was found by Kevin Hillier in 1980 using a metal detector and was bought by the casino for over $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 and Hideout pool complex features a 200,000-gallon shark tank aquarium, 17 private cabanas over three separate floors, a Jacuzzi, and poolside extras.
There is also a waterslide through the tank. You will not want to miss this scenic tour where you can get to see some aquatic life in scenic lighting and flourishing waters.
5. Heart Attack Grill
- Address: 450 Fremont St Las Vegas
- Opening Hours: Hours vary by day; typically open late morning through evening or late night
- Telephone Number: 702.722.2180
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 Anthony’s Steakhouse, Barry’s Downtown Prime, Andiamo Italian Steakhouse, and the infamous Heart Attack Grill.
The Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas is perhaps one of 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 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.
6. Mob Museum
- Address: 300 Stewart Ave Las Vegas
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; The Underground speakeasy usually opens later and may stay open later on weekends
- Telephone Number: 702.229.2734
The Mob Museum (National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement) is a few steps away from Fremont Street. This is a nonprofit organization that is tailored to inform the public about the history of organized crime and law enforcement.
There are hundreds of artifacts 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, age, promotions, 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.
Some of the most popular attractions at the Mob Museum include the St. Valentine’s Day massacre exhibit, the courtroom section, interactive law-enforcement experiences, the Crime Lab, Firearm Training Simulator, and The Underground speakeasy and distillery.
7. SlotZilla Zipline and Zoomline
- Address: 425 Fremont St Fremont Street Experience Downtown Las Vegas
- Operation Hours: Hours vary by day; evening and late-night rides are the most popular
- Telephone Number: 702.678.5780
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 oversized dice. The experience is an eleven-story zip line site that offers two riding experiences.
The cheaper option is the seated Zip-Zilla/Zipline ride, while the more expensive package is the Super-Hero Zoom/Zoomline. Prices can vary by day, demand, time, and online promotions, so check the official ticket page before booking.
The Zipline experience shoots you from a 77-foot-high platform and takes you across part of 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 and sends you farther down the Fremont Street Experience in a superhero-style flying position. There is an upper Zoomline that is thrilling for the superhero lovers who want to “fly” like Superman.
The SlotZilla experience is a thrilling attraction that gives you the view of Fremont Street Experience from a vantage 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
8. Downtown Container Park
- Address: 707 Fremont St, Las Vegas NV 89101
- Phone number: 702.359.9982
- Operation Hours: Retail hours are generally 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday; restaurant and event hours can vary
Downtown Container Park in Las Vegas is the place 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 play zone for kids and an open-air design that makes the attraction feel different from the covered Fremont Street Experience. Every destination in the park is outdoors and made from shipping containers or similar modular structures.
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 Mantis. The Giant Mantis is a sculpture that is “awakened” with music, fire effects, and special evening events to create a rhythmic ambience.
9. Axehole
- Address: 450 Fremont St Ste 163 Downtown Las Vegas
- Opening Hours: Weekdays 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Telephone Number: 702.776.7640 or 888.876.9293
Axehole Vegas is where you want to be to unleash your inner Viking. This is an 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 complemented 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 axe throwing sessions, VIP upgrades, and private group 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 welcoming for large groups which makes the entire activities more enjoyable for friends, family, and team hangouts.
10. Whiskey Licker Up
- Address: 128 Fremont St Downtown Las Vegas in Binion’s Gambling Hall
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m.
- Telephone Number: 702.382.1600
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 limited number of 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.
11. Neon Museum
- Address: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Opening Hours: Generally open in the afternoon and evening; hours vary by season and date
- Telephone Number: 702.387.6366
The Neon Museum is not directly under the Fremont Street canopy, but it is close enough to count as one of the best downtown Las Vegas attractions to combine with a Fremont Street visit.
This outdoor museum preserves and displays classic Las Vegas signs, giving you a deeper look at the city’s neon history. It is especially memorable after dark when the signs and lighting create the full vintage Vegas effect.
If you are already interested in Glitter Gulch, Vegas Vic, old casino signs, and the visual history of Las Vegas, this is one of the most worthwhile add-ons near Fremont Street.
12. Stadium Swim at Circa
- Address: 8 Fremont St, Las Vegas at Circa Resort and Casino
- Opening Hours: Generally daily; hours and admission can vary by season and event
Circa Las Vegas is home to the Stadium Swim venue where you can get to view a massive high-definition 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, with cabanas, daybeds, lounge chairs, swim-up bars, and a sports-focused energy that feels unlike a normal hotel pool.
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. Keep in mind that Circa is a 21+ resort, so Stadium Swim is not a family attraction.
13. Toy Shack
- Address: 450 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Opening Hours: Hours vary by day
Toy Shack is owned by one of the Pawn Stars show cast members, 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 or seeing collectibles that feel like a small museum of pop-culture nostalgia. It is not a giant attraction, but it is a fun quick stop when you are already inside Neonopolis or walking near the Heart Attack Grill and Axehole.
Honorable Mentions
- 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.
- 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? Binion’s Gambling Hall has long been known for its million-dollar cash display, but hours and availability can change, so check with the casino before planning around it.
- Main Street Station Antiques and Berlin Wall: Main Street Station is known for its antiques, historic décor, and a piece of the Berlin Wall. It is worth a quick walk-through if you enjoy old-Vegas details.
- Vegas Vic: Cowboy Vegas Vic is one of the most recognizable classic neon signs downtown. It is worth finding if you are interested in Fremont Street’s Glitter Gulch history.
You may also want to check out other amazing attractions at FSE and nearby downtown like the Slab of Berlin Wall at Main Street Station, Cowboy Vic, El Portal Movie Theatre, and Rub the Laughing Buddha’s Belly.
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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 or the Neon Museum nearby.
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 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 Binion’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 light 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 closer to the north Strip than it is to the south Strip.
Regardless of the distance, the route you will have to take is not the safest or most pleasant in Las Vegas, especially at night. A walk from the Strip to Downtown passes through less touristy areas and you may easily get lost if you are new in the area.
It is recommended you take a bus, rideshare, or taxi 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.
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4. 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, 24-hour ticket, and 3-day ticket options. Head over to the Deuce bus stop and get the tickets from the electronic ticket vending machines or use the current transit app/payment option.
5. Can you drink alcohol on Fremont Street?
Drinking alcohol on Fremont Street has a few regulations. Adults 21 and over can generally walk with alcohol in the Fremont Street area, but you are required to have drinks in approved non-glass containers.
According to local rules, you cannot drink from glass bottles or glass containers while on Fremont Street. Bars and casinos are usually prepared to give alcoholic drinks in plastic or other approved 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.