The volcano of mirage It’s a simulated volcanic eruption just outside The Mirage hotel. The first free outdoor show in Las Vegas, it was incredible for its time. Remodeled in 2008, it deserves one more visit. What used to be a spray of water and flashing red and yellow lights is now a fire show accompanied by a soundtrack by Mickey Hart and Zakir Hussain.

The volcano erupts every hour from 8 pm to midnight. The earlier you arrive before the show, the better your view will be when the show starts.

fountains of bellagio it’s the dominant free show on the Las Vegas Strip, partly because of how spectacular it is and partly because it’s easily visible from almost anywhere near the Las Vegas Boulevard/Flamingo Road intersection, the city’s busiest. Dozens of nozzles spray rippling jets of water of varying strengths skyward, choreographed with supporting lighting and musical selection.

During the afternoon, the show runs every half hour; at night, every fifteen minutes. The fountains do not work during high winds. If the wind is howling, don’t wait; Come back later when it’s quiet.

If there are too many people and you have a few extra minutes, watch the show from wherever you can and then climb onto the railing after the crowd disperses. Then you’ll have a great view for the next show; at night this wait does not exceed ten minutes. Each show is choreographed to a different musical number, so you’ll see two different shows this way.

Alternatively, wait inside the entrance to Bellagio at the intersection of Flamingo-Las Vegas Boulevard right next to Lake Bellagio (the big pool where the fountains are), buy some ice cream and wait for the show to end. Then head out as the crowd disperses and grab a good spot for the next show.

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens it is a beautiful display of nature with various flower plantations, sculptures and other artistic creations, made almost exclusively from live flowers, trees and plants. The Bellagio Conservatory is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except when the exhibit changes. The Bellagio website lists the current exhibit and when it’s changing to make sure your visit doesn’t coincide with the garden crew.

Visit the Conservatory in the morning or early afternoon if you can. The sun shines through skylights over the exhibit, enhancing your experience and providing better light if you want to take pictures.

The Fremont Experience it covers four blocks of Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, closed to vehicular traffic and covered by the world’s largest LCD television. That TV shows a bright, loud, animated show that varies with each broadcast.

I highly recommend ear plugs., especially if you have sensitive hearing. You will hear the program very well and you will not go deaf in the process. If the show is too bright or loud for you, you can easily walk into the nearest casino to rest your eyes or ears.

Those interested in Las Vegas history may wish to wander through some of the hotels on Fremont Street while downtown. The Golden Nugget is one of the most luxurious in downtown (although not necessarily in Las Vegas). Binion’s Gambling Hall (formerly Binion’s Horseshoe) is one of the most historic, especially for fans of poker or Las Vegas history (if you’re curious now, search the web for Benny Binion and Jack Binion).

Parking downtown can be difficult because Las Vegas was built in the early 20th century, originally designed for much smaller vehicles and far fewer. Consider taking a cab downtown or buying a ticket to The Deuce; the former is much faster, the latter much cheaper.

There are hundreds of entertainment options, many of which are free, but these are the iconic ones you won’t want to miss while you’re here.