REVIEW · HOOVER DAM TOURS FROM LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas Explorer Pass: Top Things To Do including Hoover Dam
A Vegas pass that lets you set your own rhythm.
This Explorer Pass is interesting because you pick 2 to 7 attractions, then use a single mobile pass to enter them over the validity window. I like that the lineup mixes big-ticket classics like the Big Bus tours with memorable stand-alone stops like the STRAT SkyPod and Madame Tussauds. One caution: the value depends on picked attractions actually running that day and scanning smoothly, since some venues can require reservations or occasionally struggle with redemption.
What you’re really buying here is less a fixed “tour day” and more a planning tool. At $69 per person, it works best when you group your activities by area of the Strip, and you treat it like a smart buffet, not a forced itinerary. The pass also expects you to use the Go City app, including updating/syncing your ticket before you head out.
Key things I’d plan around
- 30-day use window after activation, so your schedule needs at least a little breathing room
- Choose 2 to 7 attractions, letting you tailor the pass to your trip length and interests
- Hoover Dam includes round-trip transport from your Las Vegas Strip-area hotel
- Big Bus hop-on hop-off includes onboard Wi‑Fi, plus live narration
- Popular timed reservations can be the make-or-break, especially for the Eiffel Tower Experience
- Some attractions have reservation requirements, so you cannot wing everything
The real deal: a flexible pass for a chaotic city
Las Vegas is built for wandering, but that can burn time and money fast. I like Explorer Pass formats like this because you can combine “easy wins” (observation decks, big museums, famous shows) with “fun breaks” (zipline, roller coaster, escape rooms) without committing to one rigid route.
The biggest practical win is the one mobile pass concept. Instead of juggling paper tickets or separate confirmations, you scan your pass at the attraction’s ticketing area and move on. That sounds small, but in Vegas, fewer steps means less stress, especially if you’re hopping between properties.
The second win is how the lineup matches different travel styles. If you want skyline views, you’ve got STRAT SkyPod and High Roller. If you want a personality tour of the Strip, Big Bus does that. If you want a culture stop, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art and the Mob Museum are there. You can build a day that feels like you, not like a packaged bus tour.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Las Vegas.
Price and value: when $69 feels like a bargain

At $69 per person, you should think in terms of “how many solid admissions am I stacking?” not “one more coupon.” The pass only becomes a good deal when you actually use enough attractions that the included value beats paying full price.
In your best-case scenario, you pick a mix like:
- One major view stop (High Roller or STRAT SkyPod)
- One big sightseeing pass (Big Bus day tour)
- One indoor ticket (Madame Tussauds, Mob Museum, or Real Bodies)
That combo alone turns the pass into a time-saver, not just a discount.
Where people get disappointed is usually not the idea of the pass, it’s the execution risk:
- Some attractions can be down or not available on your specific day.
- Some venues can require reservations, which turns the plan into a scheduling puzzle.
- Digital tickets can be tricky if you do not sync correctly in the Go City app before you go.
My advice is simple: choose at least one “plan B” attraction you can do even if your first choice is a no-go.
The Hoover Dam half-day that actually feels like a trip
Hoover Dam is the kind of Vegas activity that makes the city feel less like a bubble. The Hoover Dam Highlights Tour gives you a half-day guided experience with stops at the best viewpoints, plus Lake Mead Visitor’s Center and the Boulder City – Hoover Dam Museum.
The practical reason this stop is a standout on the pass is the round-trip transportation. You’re not left solving the “how do we get there” problem, which can be the biggest headache for first-timers. The tour runs about 5 hours, and you get admission included.
How to enjoy it:
- Go in with realistic expectations. This is not a five-star scenic cruise, it’s a major landmark tour with strong sightseeing and context.
- Wear shoes you’re comfortable standing in, because viewpoint time can involve a bit of walking and looking.
If Hoover Dam is the main reason you’re buying the pass, I’d treat it as your anchor day. Then build your Strip activities around what you want to recover from after a longer outing.
Big Bus Classic and Night: do Vegas from the best seat

Big Bus is the easiest “Vegas logistics hack” in this pass lineup. You get a one-day hop-on hop-off Big Bus Classic Tour ticket with free onboard Wi‑Fi, and you can hop on and off as long as your ticket is valid. There’s also a live guide providing narration while you cruise around the Strip, Downtown, and beyond.
Then you can add the Big Bus Las Vegas Night Time Tour, which runs about 3 hours and is designed for the view factor. This is the one where the city’s lighting becomes part of the story.
Why this matters for you:
- If you’re staying on the Strip and want to save walking, Big Bus reduces decision fatigue.
- The onboard narration helps you understand what you’re seeing, especially on your first day.
A drawback to keep in mind is that bus stops and routes can take a little figuring out in real life. My best tip is to use your time at the first stop to lock in where you’ll reboard later, instead of wandering and hoping the next bus is obvious.
Fremont Street walking tour: the Strip’s quieter twin

Las Vegas is famous for the Strip, but Downtown is where the city’s old-school energy shows up. The Las Vegas Downtown – Fremont St. Walking Tour is a 2-hour guided walk that moves you from past to present, with stops and context for the area.
This works especially well if:
- You want photos but do not want the mega-crowd vibe of the center-Strip casinos.
- You like a guided story more than a “just point and shoot” approach.
Wear comfortable shoes. Walking tours can sound gentle until you’re stepping from sidewalk to sidewalk in the heat or after dark.
Skyline day and skyline night: High Roller and STRAT SkyPod

If you like viewpoints, this pass hits the mark. For daytime, you’ve got the High Roller Observation Wheel Daytime Pass. It includes about a 30-minute ride, and you also pass through interactive displays before you board. The ride includes a video that helps connect the landmarks you see.
For a different vibe, the STRAT SkyPod is a standout. You’ll get sweeping views of the Strip and Las Vegas Valley, and the Tower at the STRAT is listed as 1,149 feet, the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. The pass experience is designed to make entry easier, and you can skip the line at the STRAT SkyPod according to the pass details.
How to choose between them:
- Pick High Roller if you want the big-deck wheel experience with a short ride.
- Pick STRAT if you want a more dramatic, out-on-the-edge perspective and a strong sense of distance.
If you only do one, I’d base the choice on where you’ll be when you’re ready for the view. In Vegas, location beats theory.
Eiffel Tower viewing deck: timed popularity, big payoff

The Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas gives you access to the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck, with a built-in route through exhibits leading up to the observation level about 46 stories above ground. The pass is described as an anytime ticket, but there’s an important practical hint: it’s a popular attraction that books up fast, and the recommended visit windows are 3:00PM to 6:00PM or 9:00PM to 10:00PM.
This is one of the stops I would not treat casually. If you go at the wrong time, you may lose your day to a line or capacity limits.
My practical strategy:
- Plan a buffer around it, and have a second attraction ready nearby in case timing is tight.
Also, keep your ticket details handy and make sure your Go City pass is synced. A few redemption problems are the kind that disappear when you show up prepared and synced.
Madame Tussauds and the celebrity photo loop

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is a classic Vegas “I have to do it once” attraction, and the pass includes a Gold Ticket for any time admission. You can expect immersive exhibits across multiple themed rooms, with lifelike celebrity figures and special effects, sound, and lighting.
The practical win here is that it’s indoors and relatively straightforward. If you hit it when you want a break from heat, it’s a good reset.
One small drawback is that it’s easy to rush it for photos. Take a moment to slow down, because the full effect comes from how they stage the rooms, not just from the wax faces.
Museums with actual bite: The Mob, Real Bodies, and More

If you’re tired of only neon and buffets, the pass offers several museum-style stops that add depth without becoming homework.
The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum gives you a 2-hour look at organized crime and how it shaped real American history. It’s an engaging choice if you want something less silly than casino comedy, but still very Vegas in its stories.
REAL BODIES
Real Bodies at Horseshoe Las Vegas is a 1.5-hour anatomy exhibition with real specimens and settings focused on how the human body works. This one is not for everyone, but if you’re curious and comfortable with the subject, it’s memorable because it’s so different from the Strip’s usual entertainment.
Erotic Heritage Museum
The Erotic Heritage Museum is a sex-positive space built around art and multimedia exhibits about sexuality. It’s described as aiming for a welcoming environment where people can explore through art and exhibitions.
This stop is best when you’re traveling with open-minded curiosity, and you know what kind of tone you want for the day.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
If you want a lighter culture pause, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is an included 1-hour visit with a rotating set of exhibits from famous museums and private collections.
This is a good option for a “fall back from the energy” moment, especially in the middle of an action-heavy itinerary.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum covers everything from Ancient Egypt treasures to living marine life, with a 2-hour block to move through it. If you’re traveling with kids or you just like animals and artifacts, it’s a strong break from the casino corridor.
Hollywood Cars and Liberace Garage: fun without the performer pressure
The Hollywood Cars Museum and Liberace Garage is a great pick if you like pop culture objects and movie-world details. The pass includes a 1-hour visit, with iconic cars from more than 100 movies and TV shows. You even get a soft drink and a free souvenir pair of retro sunglasses included with the experience.
This is a good choice when you want something entertaining that still feels like a real collection, not a show that depends on timing.
Thrills at the STRAT and NYNY: roller coaster, zipline, tower rides
This pass includes several action stops that make it feel less like a checklist and more like a Vegas experience menu.
- The Big Apple Roller Coaster at NY, NY: a 20-minute included ride. It starts with a slow climb, then drops nearly 80 feet, and includes inversions, loops, and a corkscrew spiral. If you want a fast hit of adrenaline with a classic Vegas skyline setting, this delivers.
- Fly LINQ Zipline: about a 30-minute experience, described as limited capacity, over the LINQ Promenade. You can ride solo or ride at the same time as friends.
- X-Scream at the STRAT: a tower experience with one included thrill ride from the top deck options (X-scream, Insanity, or Big Shot). The pass includes about 1 hour total.
These are the kind of stops where lines can happen. Your payoff is that these rides feel distinctly Vegas and not like something you do back home.
Escape rooms and theatrical Vegas: when you want something different
Not every included item is “go stand in line, then leave.” Some are straight-up time-based experiences.
- Number One Escape Room: a 60-minute escape adventure with multiple theme choices.
- The Official SAW Escape Las Vegas: an about 1.5-hour immersive escape experience based on the film franchise.
- Escape IT: an IT Chapter 1 themed escape with multiple interactive rooms, live actors, and special effects, and it specifically notes that you’ll need a reservation.
For shows:
- Piano Man: a 75-minute show described as a Billy Joel and Elton John mash-up.
- Carpenters Legacy: a 1 hour 15 minutes tribute show.
- The Australian Bee Gees Show: about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Princess Diana and The Royals: The Exhibition: about 1 hour for the exhibition format.
For a Vegas-only blend:
- FlyOver is a 35-minute ride that uses motion and visuals to make you dip, dive, and glide over inspiring landscapes without leaving the Strip.
- Nathan Burton Comedy Magic is included inside FlyOver, adding a live entertainment element.
Tip for escape rooms and shows: plan them earlier in your day if you get tired or if you have multiple timed things. If you’re doing a big travel day, you do not want your evening swallowed by delays.
Food credit and family-friendly time: keep one practical stop in the mix
Two pass inclusions help make this work as a real vacation, not just entertainment math.
Favorite Bistro credit
You get $25 toward a meal at Favorite Bistro at the LINQ. This is useful because food costs in Vegas add up fast, and the pass otherwise focuses on admissions.
Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
If you’re traveling with kids or you want a low-pressure activity, Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix is included for about 2 hours. You can ride tracks, and the pass includes individual pizza and a small soft drink plus four arcade tokens. The adult track requires an additional purchase, so check before you choose.
Having one family-friendly stop can keep your day balanced, especially if the rest of your picks are high-energy.
A practical strategy for using this pass without losing a day
Here’s how I’d build a plan so you actually get the savings:
- Cluster by area. Strip hotels stay walkable in chunks. You’ll save time and avoid that “where do we go next” scramble.
- Pick one timed spotlight. Eiffel Tower Experience is the obvious one, and it books up fast. High Roller is simpler, STRAT is another easy viewpoint.
- Keep a flexible indoor option. Madame Tussauds or one of the museums gives you stability if it’s too hot, too late, or your first choice goes sideways.
- Do the app sync before you leave. Make sure you hit get ticket and have your pass synced in the Go City app. Redemption problems are often just timing and setup issues.
- Do not stack three reservation-heavy stops in a single day. Some attractions require reservations, and if one slot fails you can feel it.
Also note: some pass experiences include transportation only when explicitly stated, like the Hoover Dam tour. For the Strip and Downtown stops, assume you’re handling your own movement.
Should you book the Go City Las Vegas Explorer Pass?
I’d book this pass if:
- You want freedom more than a guided itinerary.
- You plan to use at least 3 attractions, ideally mixing one or two big highlights with a museum or two.
- Hoover Dam matters to you, because the included round-trip transportation makes that stop significantly more convenient than trying to arrange it solo.
I’d think twice if:
- You have only one day and you need everything to go perfectly, because the pass experience can depend on availability and reservations.
- You hate digital ticket setup. If syncing and scanning gives you anxiety, you may want to manage expectations and confirm your pass works before you rely on it.
If you approach it like a flexible menu, not a guaranteed schedule, this pass can make a Las Vegas trip feel easier and better paced for the money. Just plan with buffers, especially around the popular timed attractions.
FAQ
How many attractions can I choose with this pass?
You can choose between two and seven attractions, depending on the option you purchase.
How long do I have to use the pass after I start?
The pass is activated when you scan it at your first attraction. The information provided says you then have about 30 days to use it, and the FAQ also mentions a validity period of 60 days after activation, so check what your app shows on your specific ticket.
Do I need reservations for the attractions included in the pass?
Some attractions may require reservations. The guidance is to use the Go City app or digital guidebook to find out which ones need reservations, then reserve when necessary.
Is transportation included between attractions?
Transportation is not generally included. One exception listed is the Hoover Dam Highlights Tour, which includes round-trip transportation from your Las Vegas Strip-area hotel.
Can I skip lines at the STRAT SkyPod?
The pass details specifically mention that you can skip the line at the STRAT SkyPod when using your pass.
Does the Big Bus tour include Wi-Fi?
Yes. The included Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Classic Tour includes free onboard Wi-Fi.
Can I use one pass for more than one person?
No. Each pass is specific to one person and cannot be shared.
Can I visit the same attraction more than once?
The materials include mixed guidance: the overview says each attraction can only be visited once, while the FAQ says repeated visits may count as separate attractions. Check the rules shown in your Go City app for your ticket.
Is the Eiffel Tower Experience ticket timed?
It’s described as an anytime ticket, but it notes that the attraction books up fast and recommends visiting within specific time windows (3:00PM to 6:00PM or 9:00PM to 10:00PM).
Is this pass refundable or changeable?
This experience is listed as non-refundable and cannot be changed.
Does the pass include food?
Food is not included unless specified. There is a $25 credit toward a meal at Favorite Bistro, and some attractions include small food items as part of the activity.
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