REVIEW · HOOVER DAM TOURS
Las Vegas Explorer Pass: Top Things To Do including Hoover Dam
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Vegas passes can be magic or a hassle. The Las Vegas Explorer Pass is interesting because you pick 2–7 attractions from 45+ options and then have a 30-day window to use them at your pace. I like the mix of big-sight classics and easy add-ons, especially the bundled skyline views like STRAT SkyPod and High Roller. I also like that the pass is digital, so entry is mostly scan-and-go. One real drawback to plan for: some attractions can require reservations or may be temporarily closed, and a small number of people report ticket scanning or app syncing issues at the door.
At $69 per person, this only feels like a win if you choose attractions that match the time you actually have. If you’re the type who likes to “wing it” day to day, the pass can still work—just keep an eye on the few reservation-heavy picks, because missing one can turn savings into frustration.
In This Review
- Quick takeaways before you buy
- How this Go City pass saves you real money
- The pass in practice: what you’ll actually do
- Price and logistics: when $69 is a smart buy
- Hoover Dam Highlights Tour: a guided half-day anchor
- Getting your bearings fast with Big Bus (daytime + night)
- Fremont Street walking tour: Vegas with texture
- High Roller, STRAT SkyPod, and Eiffel Tower: skyline viewing done right
- High Roller daytime pass
- STRAT SkyPod
- Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
- Madame Tussauds: celebrity photos without the pressure
- The fun side of Vegas: rides, ziplines, coasters, and thrills
- Big Apple Roller Coaster (NYNY)
- Fly LINQ Zipline
- X-Scream at STRAT
- Live shows and museum breaks: culture, weirdness, and comfort
- Real Bodies (Horseshoe)
- The Mob Museum
- Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
- Hollywood Cars Museum & Liberace Garage
- Las Vegas Natural History Museum
- Princess Diana & The Royals: The Exhibition
- Erotic Heritage Museum
- “No need to leave the Strip” attractions: FlyOver and Madame-style entertainment
- FlyOver Las Vegas
- Nathan Burton Comedy Magic
- Escape rooms: pick your brain (and your timing)
- Number One Escape Room
- The Official SAW Escape Las Vegas
- Escape IT (IT Chapter 1)
- Food credit plus family-friendly options
- Favorite Bistro $25 meal credit
- Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix Family Fun Center
- Big-name Vegas entertainment: Piano Man, Bee Gees, and Carpenters
- Piano Man
- Carpenters Legacy
- The Australian Bee Gees Show
- A “party mode” option: Rockstar Bar & Grill limo tour
- Included add-ons that round out your day
- FlyLINQ and X-Scream pair well
- Madame Tussauds pairs well with museums
- Booking strategy that prevents wasted time
- Who should buy this pass (and who should skip)
- Final verdict: should you book?
- FAQ
- How many attractions can I choose with the Las Vegas Explorer Pass?
- How long do I have to use the pass after I start?
- How do I get the pass on my phone?
- Does the pass include transportation between attractions?
- Do I need reservations for included attractions?
- What kind of attractions are included besides tours?
- Can I enter multiple people with one pass?
- Can I visit the same attraction more than once?
- Which included attraction is specifically said to require a reservation?
Quick takeaways before you buy
- Pick 2–7 attractions from 45+ choices: you’re not locked into a rigid plan.
- Use it over 30 days after activation: more breathing room than a single-day ticket.
- A digital guide helps you plan hours and reservations: scan at entry points once you’ve selected your spots.
- STRAT SkyPod is a standout value for skyline views: the pass includes admission and can help you skip waiting.
- Big Bus gives you hop-on freedom with a live guide: useful for getting your bearings quickly.
- Some experiences need reservations or time-slot thinking: Eiffel Tower timing matters; Escape IT requires reservations.
How this Go City pass saves you real money

This pass is built around one idea: trade buying lots of individual tickets for a single digital cost. You choose how many attractions you want—2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7—then you use the pass to enter those experiences within your active window.
Value comes from pairing expensive, high-demand items (observation wheels, popular exhibits, major tours) with lower-cost “filler” activities you’d still do anyway. If you’re spending time on the Strip plus doing one or two guided experiences, this pass can shave costs versus paying separately.
The pass also works well for group variety. One person can focus on big views (High Roller, STRAT SkyPod, Eiffel Tower), while others jump to museums or shows without everyone needing the same schedule.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Las Vegas.
The pass in practice: what you’ll actually do

You’ll get a mobile ticket linked to the Go City app. After purchase, the pass is available immediately, and you’ll need to hit Get ticket to sync it to your email and app. On arrival, you scan your pass at designated ticketing areas.
The pass can only be used for each attraction once (so you can’t treat it like unlimited free re-entry). If you want repeats, you should plan which attraction is worth going back to, because the pass won’t automatically cover a second visit to the same one.
Also note a simple reality check: the pass does not include transportation to attractions, unless a specific attraction says it does. For example, Big Bus is the one built-in “move you around” option.
Price and logistics: when $69 is a smart buy
The “math” depends on your chosen picks. If you build your bundle around a few headline attractions—Hoover Dam, a major observation option, and a museum or two—you’re using the pass where it’s strongest.
If, instead, you select only experiences that you could easily swap out last-minute for cheaper options, the pass can start feeling like a gamble.
My rule: treat this like a budget tool, not a novelty. Pick attractions you truly want, then protect your schedule around anything that needs reservations or a timed entry.
Hoover Dam Highlights Tour: a guided half-day anchor

Hoover Dam is the kind of “Vegas-famous” place that’s worth doing with someone who can explain what you’re seeing. This half-day guided tour includes stops at key vantage points plus the Lake Mead Visitor’s Center and the Boulder City–Hoover Dam Museum.
You also get round-trip transportation from a Las Vegas Strip-area hotel, which matters because getting out there on your own can eat up time. Plan for about 5 hours total, and keep expectations realistic: you’re doing a set route with stops, not wandering freely.
Best for: couples, families, and anyone who wants one structured outing outside the Strip.
Watch-outs: this is one of the most important “must-do” candidates—if you’re relying on a specific time slot, don’t leave it as a last-minute choice.
Getting your bearings fast with Big Bus (daytime + night)

Big Bus shows up in two ways: a one-day hop-on hop-off Classic Tour during the day and a separate 3-hour Night Time Tour. Both are double-decker rides with a live guide, plus free onboard WiFi.
The day tour is ideal if you’re still figuring out where things are. You can hop on and off as needed while the ticket is valid. The night tour is ideal if you want the Strip lit up, with narration as you cruise.
Best for: first-timers, anyone who hates walking in heat, and groups that want flexible timing.
Watch-outs: finding the bus stop can be harder than it should be. Give yourself extra buffer time the first day you use it, and don’t assume every stop is obvious on arrival.
Fremont Street walking tour: Vegas with texture

Not all Vegas stories live on the Strip. The Las Vegas Downtown–Fremont St. Walking Tour is a guided 2-hour walk that connects past to present, with a focus on Fremont Street and Downtown.
What I like about a walking tour here is that it turns the chaos into context. You’ll get local background that helps you understand why certain buildings, signs, and streets feel the way they do.
Best for: history-curious visitors and anyone who wants a break from Strip striping.
Watch-outs: it’s a walking tour, so wear shoes you can actually walk in for 2 hours.
High Roller, STRAT SkyPod, and Eiffel Tower: skyline viewing done right

Vegas is about angles and light, and observation experiences are the easiest way to “read” the city quickly.
High Roller daytime pass
High Roller is a 30-minute daytime ride with 360-degree views. You’ll go through interactive displays first, then board your pod with a video that helps connect what you see to Vegas landmarks.
Best for: a quick, family-friendly view with less time commitment than some other towers.
Watch-outs: daytime can be bright; you’ll enjoy it more with sunglasses and a little patience.
STRAT SkyPod
STRAT SkyPod is a 1-hour experience with sweeping views of the Strip and beyond. It’s also highlighted as one of the best ways to get acquainted with the skyline, and the pass experience can help you skip the lines.
Best for: budget-minded skyline seekers who want big views without a full-day time sink.
Watch-outs: this is a popular “I just want to see everything” stop—go with a plan for photos and timing.
Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
The Eiffel Tower viewing deck is a 1-hour experience that takes you through exhibits tied to Paris, then up to observation height. This one is explicitly noted as booking up fast, so timing matters.
The info says you’re in better shape if you visit between 3:00PM and 6:00PM or 9:00PM and 10:00PM.
Best for: classic Strip icons and visitors who want a more themed “getting there” route, not just a tower ride.
Watch-outs: if your schedule is tight, book an allowed time window early rather than hoping for walk-up availability.
Madame Tussauds: celebrity photos without the pressure

Madame Tussauds is included with Gold Ticket anytime admission. Expect lifelike figures and immersive themed rooms with special effects, sounds, and lighting, and interactive photo moments.
This is a solid rainy-day or downtime option because it doesn’t require big physical effort.
Best for: families, groups, and anyone who wants fun photos fast.
Watch-outs: it’s popular, so give yourself time to enjoy rather than rushing toward the exits.
The fun side of Vegas: rides, ziplines, coasters, and thrills
Las Vegas does thrills better than most places, and several included options fit different comfort levels.
Big Apple Roller Coaster (NYNY)
This coaster starts with a slow climb, then drops nearly 80 feet and moves into hills, inversions, loops, and a corkscrew spiral. You’ll also pass by replicas of New York icons like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building.
Best for: adrenaline lovers who want a skyline landmark plus a proper thrill.
Watch-outs: it’s intense. If you’re sensitive to drops or tight inversions, take that seriously.
Fly LINQ Zipline
Fly LINQ is the Strip’s zipline experience with limited capacity. You can ride solo or with friends at the same time.
Best for: a “wow” photo-and-feel moment that still clocks in around 30 minutes.
Watch-outs: limited capacity means you might want to time it earlier in the day rather than waiting for a last slot.
X-Scream at STRAT
X-Scream is The Tower + 1 Thrill Ride at the STRAT. You choose one ride from options that include X-scream, Insanity, or Big Shot, with 1-hour total time.
Best for: people who want to tack on a thrill on top of a tower view.
Watch-outs: you must choose one deck ride, so decide what you’re most interested in instead of treating it like a toss-up.
Live shows and museum breaks: culture, weirdness, and comfort
Vegas isn’t only neon gambling. The included lineup offers real variety, from art to anatomy to organized crime.
Real Bodies (Horseshoe)
Real Bodies is an anatomy exhibit with real specimens and settings designed to teach about the human body. It runs about 1.5 hours.
Best for: visitors who like science exhibits and want something different from the typical Strip day.
Watch-outs: it’s graphic by nature, so it won’t suit everyone.
The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is about how organized crime shaped America, with a focus on the truth being stranger than fiction. It runs around 2 hours.
Best for: history-minded travelers who want less spectacle and more story.
Watch-outs: if you’re expecting a light, funny stop, this one leans serious.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
This is a culture fix on the Strip, housed in a gallery space at Bellagio. It features a rotating selection of exhibits with pieces from famous museums and private collections, at about 1 hour.
Best for: a calmer, slower-paced break that still stays central.
Watch-outs: it’s a rotating exhibit, so what you see depends on what’s on while you’re there.
Hollywood Cars Museum & Liberace Garage
This is for car fans and pop-culture fans. You’ll see iconic cars from more than 100 movies and TV shows, plus the Liberace Garage. The included deal also mentions retro sunglasses and a soft drink.
Best for: action-movie watchers who love the behind-the-scenes vibe.
Watch-outs: if you prefer fine art or history, this one is more pop-culture than academic.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum is a general “life on Earth” stop, with variety from Ancient Egypt treasures to living marine life. It’s about 2 hours.
Best for: families and anyone who wants an indoor activity that feels educational.
Watch-outs: it’s a full museum visit, so don’t treat it like a quick photo stop.
Princess Diana & The Royals: The Exhibition
This exhibition uses artifacts like handwritten letters and gowns, plus a replica of Diana’s wedding dress. It runs about 1 hour.
Best for: visitors interested in modern royal history and items you can see up close.
Watch-outs: it’s a focused exhibition, so if your interest is broad rather than specific, keep expectations aligned.
Erotic Heritage Museum
This museum is described as sex-positive and focused on exploring human sexuality through art, multimedia displays, and exhibitions. It’s about 1 hour and explicitly frames the space as available for people regardless of age/sex/gender concepts, though visitors should gauge personal comfort.
Best for: adults who want a candid art-and-ideas museum stop.
Watch-outs: it’s not subtle in topic, so it may not be the right fit for every group.
“No need to leave the Strip” attractions: FlyOver and Madame-style entertainment
FlyOver Las Vegas
FlyOver is a ride experience that includes dips, dives, and glides over landscapes—designed so you get that travel-through-the-world feeling without stepping off the Strip. It runs about 35 minutes and includes animation-style “swoop and soar” movement.
Best for: people who want spectacle without committing to a long day.
Watch-outs: if you get motion sensitivity, consider how you typically handle similar rides.
Nathan Burton Comedy Magic
Nathan Burton Magic is an 1 hour 10 minute magic show tied to the FlyOver complex.
Best for: families and anyone who wants a lighter mood after a museum or a thrill ride.
Watch-outs: it’s ticket-time based, so build around the show slot rather than squeezing it between other time commitments.
Escape rooms: pick your brain (and your timing)
Escape rooms are included with set durations, and a few have specific reservation notes.
Number One Escape Room
This one is a live escape adventure with 60-minute gameplay. You can choose options including The Cabin, Red Riding Hood, Double Crossed, or Bigfoot Sighting.
Best for: friends and families who like puzzles and teamwork.
Watch-outs: if you’re visiting during busy weeks, you’ll want to plan your slot early.
The Official SAW Escape Las Vegas
This is an immersive SAW-themed escape experience and takes about 1.5 hours. It’s longer than some and leans more into franchise horror style.
Best for: puzzle fans who also like film-franchise intensity.
Watch-outs: it’s not a gentle theme.
Escape IT (IT Chapter 1)
Escape IT is described as one of the largest themed escape experiences, with over 16 interactive rooms, live actors, and state-of-the-art effects. It notes that reservations are required, and it runs about 1 hour.
Best for: fans of the IT theme or anyone who wants the biggest multi-room structure.
Watch-outs: treat reservations as a priority, because this is specifically called out as reservation-dependent.
Food credit plus family-friendly options
Favorite Bistro $25 meal credit
You get $25 USD towards a meal at Favorite Bistro at the LINQ. That’s not just a discount—it’s a built-in way to soften the cost of lunch or dinner without planning a full restaurant hunt.
Best for: visitors who want simple budgeting while staying near the Strip.
Watch-outs: you’ll still pay anything beyond the credit amount.
Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix Family Fun Center
This is classic family-friendly fun: go-karts on tracks plus arcade tokens, plus an individual pizza and a small soft drink. The included time block is about 2 hours.
Best for: kids, teens, and adults who want an active break.
Watch-outs: there can be “more fun than expected” energy here, so keep it from colliding with a reservation later that same day.
Big-name Vegas entertainment: Piano Man, Bee Gees, and Carpenters
Piano Man
A 75-minute show described as a Billy Joel and Elton John mash-up.
Best for: music fans who want a seated show without complicated planning.
Watch-outs: check show timing against your other timed activities.
Carpenters Legacy
This show celebrates Karen and Richard Carpenter and runs about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Best for: classic pop fans and visitors who prefer nostalgic performances.
Watch-outs: if you’re not into that era, it may feel like “nice but not necessary.”
The Australian Bee Gees Show
This tribute show is about 1 hour 10 minutes at Excalibur.
Best for: groups that want a lively singalong vibe.
Watch-outs: tribute shows sell out sometimes, so plan your day accordingly.
A “party mode” option: Rockstar Bar & Grill limo tour
The Rockstar Nightclub Tour is a 5-hour limo party bus experience with a VIP host, open bar, and transportation between clubs. It also includes VIP club entrance and skip-the-lines privileges plus cover charges at each club.
Best for: adults who want an organized night out with fewer lines and fewer decisions.
Watch-outs: open bar + clubs = plan your next day like you’re already accounting for a late night.
Included add-ons that round out your day
FlyLINQ and X-Scream pair well
If you’re doing a tower view anyway, it’s smart to add one thrill so you’re not paying for the same commute twice. Pick one “adrenaline story” and let the rest of the day stay flexible.
Madame Tussauds pairs well with museums
A photo-heavy indoor activity works well before or after an exhibit, since both share a “cool down and slow down” vibe.
Booking strategy that prevents wasted time
Here’s how I’d use this pass so it stays fun, not stressful.
- Lock your reservation-requiring picks first. Escape IT is specifically noted as requiring reservation. Also treat the Eiffel Tower viewing deck as a time-slot situation that books up quickly.
- Limit yourself to one major time-sensitive thing per day. Vegas lines and walking distance can stack up faster than you expect.
- Arrive early the first time you use Big Bus. The system is hop-on hop-off, but your first stop can be confusing if you arrive late.
- Keep your pass synced in advance. If you wait until the last minute, you’re adding time pressure at ticket counters.
- Have Plan B attractions picked. The set of included experiences can shift, and some attractions may be temporarily down, so you want backups.
That last point is the biggest practical lesson from the digital-pass world: you’re planning for real-life schedules, not just ideal ones.
Who should buy this pass (and who should skip)
This pass is a good fit if you:
- want to mix one or two guided hits (like Hoover Dam) with independent Strip time
- like skyline viewing options and want multiple ways to do it
- enjoy a variety of attractions, from museums to thrill rides to live shows
- are visiting long enough to use 3–5 attractions without feeling rushed
I’d be more cautious if you:
- have a very short trip and only care about one “big must-do” that’s reservation-dependent
- hate the idea of managing digital tickets and syncing in the app
- prefer fully flexible walk-up entertainment with no time-slot planning
Final verdict: should you book?
If you’re building a Vegas week around a handful of high-value sights—Hoover Dam, one or two major views, plus a museum or show—this is the kind of pass that can save you money and simplify decisions.
If your plan hinges on a single timed experience or you’re traveling with zero tolerance for ticket-scanning problems, you may want to book individual tickets for your must-dos and use the pass only for the easier, flexible attractions. Either way, plan your picks with intention, not hope, and you’ll get the best of what Las Vegas does best: big experiences, fast.
FAQ
How many attractions can I choose with the Las Vegas Explorer Pass?
You can choose between 2 and 7 attractions from a list of 45+ included options.
How long do I have to use the pass after I start?
The pass is described as valid for 30 days after your first attraction visit, once it is activated by scanning.
How do I get the pass on my phone?
After booking, you’ll receive confirmation and the pass is available immediately. You’ll need to use the Go City app by hitting Get ticket to sync your pass with your email.
Does the pass include transportation between attractions?
Transportation is not included, but you can select the included Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour, which takes you around the Strip and Downtown for that day.
Do I need reservations for included attractions?
Some attractions may require reservations. You’ll be able to see which ones need reservations in the digital guide or Go City app, and you’re advised to plan ahead.
What kind of attractions are included besides tours?
The included list includes skyline viewing (High Roller, STRAT SkyPod, Eiffel Tower Experience), museums (Mob Museum, Natural History Museum, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art), shows (Piano Man, Carpenters Legacy, Bee Gees tribute), thrill rides (Fly LINQ zipline, Big Apple Roller Coaster), and escape rooms.
Can I enter multiple people with one pass?
No. The pass is specific to one person and cannot be shared.
Can I visit the same attraction more than once?
You may visit the same attraction more than once, but each visit counts as a separate attraction use.
Which included attraction is specifically said to require a reservation?
Escape IT is explicitly noted as requiring a reservation.






















