Valentine’s Day is coming up on Friday, February 14 — and the pressure’s on to plan the perfect date with someone special. But you don’t have to break the bank to express your love. We have a lineup of great date ideas that are absolutely free — and so good, they won’t make you look like a cheapskate 👍
🚂 Tour Historic Railroad Tunnels
The Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail follows the same 3.7-mile route that trains took to deliver supplies to Hoover Dam workers. It’s a gorgeous walk, overlooking Lake Mead and passing through five tunnels carved from volcanic rock. You can park at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area parking lot, just outside the main gate — so no entrance fee. There’s also an entrance and trailhead from the Hoover Dam Casino parking lot. The hike ends at Hoover Dam, where you can snap awesome photos. No tour required.
🐏 Mingle With Bighorn Sheep
This is a good one to pair with the above suggestion, since both are in the Boulder City area. Hemenway Park is right next to foothills, attracting Desert Bighorn Sheep who love to munch on the grass. The animals get surprisingly close. Don’t try to pet or feed them. Just enjoy the atmosphere, companionship, and views of Lake Mead.
🚘 Drive the Pioneer Trail
The Las Vegas Pioneer Trail is a map of 16 historical sites within the Downtown area. Go for a drive and you’ll see the old home of casino mogul Benny Binion, Harrison’s Guest House (which hosted Black entertainers in the ‘40s and ‘50s), Biltmore Village (military housing from the ‘40s hiding in plain sight), and more. If you want to pull over and explore, the Springs Preserve and the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort require a small entrance fee.
⛲ Unwind by the Bellagio Fountains
The Fountains at Bellagio never get old, especially at night when shows take place every 15 minutes, weather permitting. Step inside the resort and snap photos at another free attraction, the Conservatory and Botanicals Gardens, which is currently hosting a Lunar New Year exhibit.
🪩 Visit a Pinball Museum
The Pinball Hall of Fame is a nonprofit museum with free admission. Walking the aisles is like a trip through pop-culture history. Bring a few quarters if you want to actually play the machines — and shift your date into “almost free” territory. Bonus: The Pinball Hall of Fame is steps away from the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, giving you a chance to “play tourist” and take some pics while pretending to be spontaneous (and not at all cheap) about it.
🏜️ Hike Red Rock Canyon
Usually, you’d pay an entrance fee to visit Red Rock Canyon — but just like Microsoft Office, there’s a free version available. Follow Calico Basin Road to the Red Springs picnic area for an easy, half-mile hike with plenty of gorgeous scenery. Don’t forget the picnic basket.
🚔 Mob Museum
This one only applies to Valentine’s Day. The Mob Museum celebrates its 13th anniversary on February 14, which also happens to mark 96 years since the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Locals get free admission.
- If you want to actually spend some cash, go ahead and book a reservation at one of the most romantic restaurants in Las Vegas. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
