Vegas costs add up fast. The Las Vegas Explorer Pass is built for people who want to mix big-name sights with a little flexibility, all guided through a phone app and a digital ticket. Two things I like right away are how you can plan on your own schedule (you don’t choose everything up front) and how check-in is straightforward using your pass on your phone. One thing to keep in mind: the attraction lineup can change and some spots may be unavailable, so it pays to confirm in the app before you lock in plans.
In This Review
- Key highlights and things to plan
- The big idea: how the Explorer Pass keeps Vegas from feeling expensive
- Where the value usually comes from
- Activating your pass: the one rule that makes everything work
- Choosing 2 to 7 attractions without overplanning
- A realistic way to choose your mix
- Reservations: the thing you should not ignore
- Eiffel Tower Experience vs. The Tower at the STRAT: getting skyline views fast
- Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
- The Tower at the STRAT
- Which one should you choose?
- Big Bus Tour and Fly LINQ zipline: Vegas on wheels (and then flying)
- Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Daytime Only Tour
- Fly LINQ Zipline
- Madame Tussauds and Paradox Museum: when you want something lighter
- Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
- Paradox Museum
- AREA15 Illuminarium and other signature experiences: plan for your wow factor
- Hoover Dam Highlights Tour: the easiest way to get out of the city
- High Roller, FlyOver, and other big-ticket rides: choose by time of day
- What’s actually included (and what isn’t)
- The reality check: lineup changes and availability issues
- Who this pass suits best
- Should you book the Las Vegas Explorer Pass?
- FAQ
- How do I activate the Las Vegas Explorer Pass?
- Can I choose attractions as I go instead of planning everything upfront?
- How long do I have to use the pass after activation?
- What does the pass include?
- Does the pass cover transportation between attractions?
- Do I need reservations for the popular attractions?
Key highlights and things to plan

Flexible build-your-own day plan with 2 to 7 attractions over a 30-day window after activation
Phone-based pass + digital guide so you’re not juggling printed vouchers
Strip views worth a ticket including the Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas and The Tower at the STRAT
High-demand options may need reservations if you don’t want to gamble on availability
Great for mixing free time with structure since you can rotate between rides, tours, museums, and observation decks
Smart value if you hit a few anchor attractions rather than spreading thin across tiny add-ons
The big idea: how the Explorer Pass keeps Vegas from feeling expensive

For Vegas, the problem is simple. You land with a plan, then every attraction adds a door-price on top of door-price. The Explorer Pass tackles that with a “choose your own combo” model. You pick an option for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions, and you use the pass to cover admission as you go.
The pass is valid for 1 year from purchase, but it only “starts” when you activate it at your first attraction. After that first visit, you have 30 days to use the remaining attractions you bought. That structure is ideal if your travel dates are set and you just want to avoid overspending while you’re there.
What makes it feel smart in practice is the app. You get an interactive smartphone experience and a digital guide for each attraction. You can access your pass on your phone or print it off. That matters because Vegas moves fast. If you’re walking to one stop and then suddenly your feet beg for an indoor option, you can adjust without feeling like you already wasted money.
You can also read our reviews of more museum experiences in Las Vegas
Where the value usually comes from
The stated savings are up to 50%, and the pass is meant to beat paying full price for multiple attractions. You’ll get the best outcome by treating the pass as coverage for a few “anchor” stops—something with a clear wow factor (an observation deck, a major tour, a signature ride), plus one or two extras you’re already curious about.
If you plan to do just small items that you could skip, the math can feel less exciting. The pass shines when you stack a handful of meaningful activities during that 30-day window.
Activating your pass: the one rule that makes everything work

Your pass becomes useful only after activation. The key move is simple: activate your pass at any included attraction.
After that, you’re not locked into a pre-set itinerary. You can choose the next attraction based on time, weather, and energy. The pass also tells you how to access each option, and it’s updated in the Go City app.
A practical tip: once you sync the pass in the app (following your booking confirmation), take a moment to confirm the next reservation or entry instructions. Vegas has a way of making people arrive at the wrong door at the wrong minute. Your goal is to avoid that.
Choosing 2 to 7 attractions without overplanning

A lot of pass systems feel like a scavenger hunt. This one is more “build-your-own schedule” because you can combine experiences and keep your days flexible.
A realistic way to choose your mix
Here’s a setup that tends to work well:
- 1 observation deck (to orient you and get a big view)
- 1 major attraction (a signature ride, museum, or big indoor show)
- 1 tour or “get out of the Strip” activity (so your trip doesn’t feel like only hotels and crowds)
- 1 bonus pick (something you’re curious about, like an experience at AREA15 or a quirky museum)
That approach helps you avoid the trap of trying to do too many things in a single day and ending up exhausted.
Reservations: the thing you should not ignore
The pass includes entry, but some popular activities require reservations. The up-to-date list and reservation notes are in the Go City app. If you’re traveling during a busy period or on weekends, reservations can make or break your plan.
One simple habit that helps: pick your “must-do” attraction early and book/reserve as soon as you can, then fill the rest as your schedule allows.
Eiffel Tower Experience vs. The Tower at the STRAT: getting skyline views fast

Las Vegas is a city of angles. A tower view turns the whole trip into something you can map in your head.
Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
The Eiffel Tower Experience gives you views from up high, and you also ride a glass elevator. It’s a strong choice if you want the classic Strip photo moment plus a clear look across hotels and landmarks.
I like it as a first-stop observation option because it helps you mentally sort out the geography right away. After you see the layout, your walking routes and day pacing feel easier.
The Tower at the STRAT
If you want a more Vegas-feeling view, The Tower at the STRAT is a great alternative. It’s another observation deck option from your pass lineup, and it gives you that “where am I” perspective without having to commit to a multi-stop tour.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the one that best fits your mood and your route:
- If you want the Eiffel Tower theme and the iconic Paris backdrop, go for Paris Las Vegas
- If you want a different vibe and don’t mind heading toward the STRAT area, go for The Tower at the STRAT
Either way, treat it like a time-saver. One tower visit often gives you more orientation than multiple smaller stops.
Big Bus Tour and Fly LINQ zipline: Vegas on wheels (and then flying)

Not every Vegas day should be an “only-walk” day. These two options help you cover distance and add a hit of fun.
Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Daytime Only Tour
The Big Bus is a smart match for pass holders because it buys you mobility without needing to plan every turn. You can hop on and hop off as you go, which makes it ideal for a day when you’re balancing shopping stops, hotel hopping, and quick photo breaks.
The daytime-only note matters. If your schedule is mostly nights, double-check the tour timing before you build a plan around it.
Fly LINQ Zipline
The Fly LINQ zipline is the kind of attraction that changes your day from sightseeing to doing something. It’s also a great “midday energy” option when you want a break from indoor lines but you still want a built-in start and finish.
Zipline-style attractions often have a check-in process. Give yourself extra buffer time so you’re not rushing.
Madame Tussauds and Paradox Museum: when you want something lighter

Vegas isn’t only about towers and tours. Sometimes you need something a bit different that keeps things moving.
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
Madame Tussauds is where wax figures give you a photo-friendly break from the usual casino setting. One of the best parts for many people is how instantly recognizable the celebrity cast can feel once you’re standing next to it. It’s also a flexible choice because you can move at your own pace inside.
If you’re traveling with mixed interests—someone who loves photos and someone who wants a calmer activity—this works as a compromise.
Paradox Museum
The Paradox Museum is a fun alternative if you want something you can actually “do,” not just look at. It tends to fit well into a half-day block because it’s interactive and you can pace it to your group.
AREA15 Illuminarium and other signature experiences: plan for your wow factor

The Explorer Pass lineup includes things like Illuminarium Experiences at AREA15 Las Vegas and other immersive-style attractions (the exact options can shift, so check the Go City app).
Why this category matters: Vegas has a lot of classic sights, but the experiences that use lights, effects, and controlled environments often feel more “trip-worthy” because you can’t recreate them back home.
If you’re the type who likes one big show-like moment, choose one of these immersive experiences as your centerpiece for a day.
Hoover Dam Highlights Tour: the easiest way to get out of the city

A Strip vacation can blur together fast. A tour outside the city gives your trip a second chapter.
The pass includes a Hoover Dam Highlights Tour option. What I like about this kind of add-on is that it gives structure. You get a guided experience instead of trying to solve transport and route puzzles on the fly.
Also, the guide style can make a difference. With this Hoover Dam option, you’ll likely get a lively guide experience, and that can turn an otherwise “I’ll just see it” stop into something you remember later.
Important note: the pass does not include transportation to and from attractions unless stated otherwise. If your chosen Hoover Dam option includes a transfer, it should say so clearly in your attraction details in the app. If it doesn’t, you’ll want to plan getting there on your own.
High Roller, FlyOver, and other big-ticket rides: choose by time of day

Your pass lineup may include major name attractions such as:
- High Roller Observation Wheel
- FlyOver – The Ultimate Flying Ride
- and several other major experiences
To pick smartly, think about timing:
- If you’re doing something skyline-based, you might prefer a slot that gives you the light and view you want.
- If you’re doing a motion-based ride, you might choose the time when you can handle it without rushing to your next stop.
Your best friend here is the Go City app. It shows opening times and access instructions so you can fit these rides around your day.
What’s actually included (and what isn’t)
Included with the pass:
- Entry to 2 to 7 attractions depending on the option you selected
- A digital guide for each attraction
Not included:
- Transportation to and from attractions, unless an attraction specifically states otherwise
That last line is the one that can catch people. Vegas is spread out. If your plan mixes far-flung stops (like a tour outside the city plus a Strip observation deck), you’ll want a simple transportation plan.
Also, attractions and tours can change. The Go City app is where you should rely for the most up-to-date lineup and access steps.
The reality check: lineup changes and availability issues
This is the one downside that can sting. Some activities can be unavailable, including options that are listed at purchase time but later close or disappear from the lineup. When that happens, you’ll need to swap with something else from what’s still active.
So here’s what I recommend:
- After you activate your pass, check the app right away
- Confirm your top choices have availability and aren’t restricted by timing (some options can be harder on weekends)
- Build one “backup” attraction you’d be happy to use if your first pick is gone
Think of it like Vegas planning: assume your first idea might need a replacement. Have a second choice ready so you don’t lose a day.
Who this pass suits best
This pass is a strong fit if you:
- Want to build your own itinerary instead of joining one fixed tour
- Like mixing major attractions with a few flexible extras
- Want to avoid door-price surprises by bundling admission
- Are okay checking the app for updates and possibly reserving popular options
It’s also a decent option for couples and friends who like structure for the big sights but freedom for the rest.
If you prefer a “show up and everything is booked for you” trip, then a pass like this may feel like extra work. You can still do it, but you’ll want to be organized and flexible.
Should you book the Las Vegas Explorer Pass?
Book it if your plan includes at least a couple of serious hitters—like an observation deck (Eiffel Tower Experience or The Tower at the STRAT), a major attraction (Madame Tussauds, FlyOver, High Roller), and ideally one tour or signature experience. The pass is built for that kind of stacking.
Skip it or reconsider if your trip is very short, or if you’re trying to squeeze in several attractions with no backup plan. Also, if you only want one or two casual stops, the pass might not feel like a bargain compared with buying individual tickets.
My practical take: if you’re the type to check the app, reserve what you care about, and keep one backup attraction ready, this pass can make your Vegas days feel less expensive and more under your control.
FAQ
How do I activate the Las Vegas Explorer Pass?
You activate it by using the pass at one of the attractions included in the Las Vegas Explorer Pass. After your first attraction visit, the pass becomes active and you can use it for the remaining attractions you purchased.
Can I choose attractions as I go instead of planning everything upfront?
Yes. You don’t need to pick the attractions in advance. You can choose and visit based on your schedule, as long as the attractions are included and available for the pass option you selected.
How long do I have to use the pass after activation?
Once activated, you have 30 days to visit the remaining number of attractions you bought.
What does the pass include?
It includes entry to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 Las Vegas attractions depending on your selected option, plus a digital guide for each attraction.
Does the pass cover transportation between attractions?
No. Transportation to and from attractions is not included unless an attraction specifically states otherwise.
Do I need reservations for the popular attractions?
Some of the most popular activities require reservations. To avoid disappointment, reserve well in advance, and use the Go City app for up-to-date instructions and opening times.


























