SEMA Survival Guide: Top Things to Do in Las Vegas for Auto Enthusiasts
Las Vegas has earned its reputation for flashy casinos, themed resorts, and relentless fees that empty your pockets faster than a stripped transmission, often leaving you with regrets before you've had your first cold one.
But Vegas offers way more than the stereotypes. There are tons of hidden treasures and killer experiences for gearheads looking to maximize their time during convention week.
This guide is your curated menu of high-octane experiences. We're not listing convention center snack bars, if that's what you're after, look elsewhere.
Below, you'll find 13+ handpicked recommendations plus 11 bonus options worth checking out.
The Vegas Tradition: Steakhouse Excellence
If you want a taste of classic Vegas, its legendary steakhouses deliver. Many of the servers have been slinging steaks for decades and have killer stories to share.
Classic / Heritage Steakhouses (old-school-era)
The Steakhouse (Circus Circus) - a hidden gem that stays true to old-Vegas steakhouse roots.
Golden Steer - one of the last remaining classic steakhouses from the Rat Pack days. Don't skip the Caesar Salad.
Oscars Steakhouse - This newer spot honors Oscar Goodman, former Las Vegas Mayor who previously represented numerous (alleged) mob figures and their associates.
Contemporary & Premium Steakhouse Options
SW Steakhouse at Wynn - waterfront setting, synchronized fountains, modern elegance, signature Wynn style.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés - creative, adventurous, theatrical.
Jean Georges Steakhouse at ARIA - refined, polished, contemporary.
STK - stylish, energetic, with real social buzz.
For Gearheads: The Shelby Heritage Center
The Shelby Heritage Center delivers an incredible and engaging look into American muscle car history. From genuine prototypes to the Ford v Ferrari replica, this massive exhibition showcases Carroll Shelby's legendary contributions across decades.
Admission: Free for self-guided tours
VIP Tours: $50 per person for behind-the-scenes access to the production facility
Duration: ~1-2 hours
It's automotive culture with attitude - compelling, authentic, and rooted in the kind of horsepower obsession that built legends.
For Entertainment Seekers
If you want to catch a "Vegas production" but aren't sure which one, we've done the research.
For something timeless, Mystère at Treasure Island remains one of the Strip's most celebrated and iconic shows. Classic Cirque, surreal, fun and unconventional.
At Wynn, Awakening combines cutting-edge stage technology with Cirque-inspired storytelling. It's a sensory assault of acrobatics, music, and light that only Vegas could pull off.
Tickets: $75–$200
Duration: ~90 minutes
You can't go wrong with either.
If you're in the mood for comedy:
Carrot Top - incredibly funny with endless props, every show is different but always excellent.
Blue Man Group - absurdity, visual comedy, and rhythm - you can't go wrong at the Luxor.
Mad Apple - another Cirque show, based at New York New York, this adult comedy comes complete with acrobatics and performance.
A Revolutionary Experience: The Sphere
The newest icon on the Strip, The Sphere redefines what entertainment means. The LED exterior is mind-blowing on its own, but inside, immersive presentations set a new standard for the big-screen experience. Environmental concerns aside, we've only heard rave reviews about the Sphere.
Tickets: $79–$249
VIP Suites: Private service and catering available
Duration: ~90–120 minutes
The Billion Dollar View: Maverick Helicopters
Want to see the city from a different perspective? Maverick Helicopters runs 15-minute night flights over Las Vegas, cruising past the Bellagio fountains, the Eiffel Tower, Allegiant Stadium, and the Sphere.
Price: from $149 per person
Private Charters: $1,500+ depending on route
Duration: ~30–60 minutes total
For an escape from the city, Maverick's Grand Canyon tours are bucket-list worthy.
300 Million Dollar Views: Spearmint Rhino Las Vegas
What's Sin City without a little indulgence? For years, Spearmint Rhino Las Vegas has been the gold standard for premium gentlemen's clubs. With over 35,000 square feet, this high-end establishment balances exclusivity with top-tier talent while serving premium drinks, killer food and unforgettable companionship.
Cover: $20–$50
Bottle Service: Packages start around $500
Hours: 24/7
Insider tip: Register for free VIP entry and a complimentary drink.
Pro tip: bring cash when visiting (or any similar venue) because those ATM fees are brutal.
Looking for something more wild and unrestrained? Chicas Bonitas might be your speed.
Behind the Wheel: Performance Driving Experiences
Vegas has world-class driving experiences that'll put your skills to the test.
Exotics Racing at SpeedVegas - Drive supercars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, and Porsches on a purpose-built 1.3-mile racetrack. Multiple packages available from single laps to full-day experiences.
Dream Racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Get behind the wheel of GT race cars on a real race track inside the famous speedway. Features over 50 supercars and race cars.
SpeedVegas Off-Road Experience - Take a Baja truck on an exclusive 1-mile off-road track with massive jumps that launch you 6 feet in the air.
Packages: $200–$1,000+
Duration: 30 minutes to full-day experiences
If you're at SEMA, this is mandatory.
Throttle Therapy: Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix is more than just go-karts, it's a full motorsports playground that's been a local favorite for decades. This place features four different tracks including an adult Grand Prix track with high-speed karts, a sprint kart track, and even a drift track.
The facility also has a massive arcade, mini golf, and kiddie rides if you're bringing the family. But the real draw is the competition-level karting that'll remind you why you fell in love with racing in the first place. It's authentic, affordable, and way more fun than the tourist traps on the Strip.
Price: $10-30 per activity
Location: Just minutes from the Strip
Duration: As long as your wallet holds out
Perfect for settling bets or just blowing off steam after a long day at the convention.
Buffets Worth Your Time
Vegas has incredible buffet options that won't disappoint. Here are the top picks for stuffing your face properly.
Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace - The largest buffet in Vegas with over 250 dishes across nine show kitchens. Everything from fresh oysters to wagyu beef. The gold standard.
The Buffet at Wynn - Sixteen live-action cooking stations with made-to-order dishes. Small-batch preparation means everything stays fresh. Top-shelf experience.
Wicked Spoon at Cosmopolitan - Individual plated portions instead of communal trays, plus creative dishes you won't find elsewhere. Modern approach to the buffet concept.
Prices: $40-85 per person depending on meal time
Pro tip: Make reservations or get priority seating to skip the lines
Exceptional Dining
The challenge with Vegas is there's so much great food. It's hard to make a bad choice. From epic smash burgers to Nashville hot chicken to unlimited sushi, you could build an entire website about the food scene in this city.
For simplicity we're giving you a few options. But wherever you eat, mistakes are rare. Just check the reviews.
Delilah at Wynn - supper-club atmosphere, vintage Hollywood energy.
Carbone at ARIA - Italian classics with swagger and style.
Wally's at Resorts World - half wine bar, half fine-dining destination.
Private dining rooms and curated pairings make each ideal for business dinners. Expect $250–$500 per head for the full experience.
For the Gamblers:
Poker:
Poker in Las Vegas is as much about reading people as it is about cards.
The Bellagio Poker Room remains legendary - a destination for pros and industry folks alike. The ARIA Poker Room, newer and more sophisticated, hosts tournaments starting around $140 and offers comfortable buy-ins for casual play.
A few hands at a $2/$5 table can teach you as much about risk as any business seminar.
For serious players looking to mix it up with locals and tourists, South Point (off the Strip) is essential.
Blackjack
El Cortez - consistently voted one of the best low-limit blackjack spots in town. Real single-deck tables, favorable rules, and a nostalgic vibe that's pure old Vegas.
Ellis Island Casino & Brewery - local favorite with player-friendly rules, low minimums, and some of the best drink comps near the Strip. Perfect for those who like their blackjack with authentic Vegas character.
Treasure Island - fair odds, good energy, and dealers that keep things fun instead of frantic.
If you’re looking for high-limit action with celebrities like Dana White and Steve SteveWillDoIt, Caesars Palace is the correct choice.
Slots
Paris Las Vegas - With over 1,700 slot machines set in a replica Parisian streetscape, Paris Las Vegas offers an engaging gaming experience. Its central location makes it a convenient starting point for a wild night.
Circus Circus - Loosest Slots: Older casinos like Circus Circus tend to have higher Return to Player (RTP) rates. It's rumored to have some of the loosest slots in Vegas, appealing to players focused on favorable odds.
Bellagio: Boasting over 2,300 slot machines, Bellagio offers a massive selection for players. While some machines have lower RTPs, several older machines provide higher returns. A notable win includes a Florida woman who won $1 million playing the Wheel of Fortune machine here.
Guns & Ammo
If you prefer the smell of gunpowder in the desert, Vegas has you covered.
Machine Guns Vegas and Battlefield Vegas offer private VIP packages that include transportation, dedicated instructors, and the opportunity to fire everything from your favorite handguns to full automatics.
Packages: $100–$1,000+
Duration: 1–2 hours
If you want something more destructive, there are packages that let you crush cars with tanks, shoot a 50cal from a helicopter and even blow stuff up. One of the many perks of playing in the desert.
After Hours: Where to Party
If you're looking to blow off steam after the show floor closes, Vegas nightlife is unmatched.
XS Nightclub at Encore - Consistently ranked the #1 nightclub in Vegas. This opulent indoor/outdoor venue features world-class DJs like Diplo and Alesso, plus the legendary Night Swim pool parties.
Drai's at The Cromwell - The premier hip-hop club in Vegas, hands down. This rooftop venue features live performances from artists like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chainz with unbeatable Strip views.
Zouk at Resorts World - The newest mega-club with cutting-edge LED ceiling, state-of-the-art design, and top-tier talent like Zedd and Tiësto. Modern technology meets classic Vegas energy.
Cover: $20-75 depending on night and talent
Bottle Service: Starting around $500+
Hours: Usually 10:30pm - 4am
Pro tip: Get on guest lists early or book bottle service to skip the lines.
Sidequests & Hidden Gems
If you're still looking for something, here's a collection of interesting attractions that'll give you bang for your buck - all capturing the essence of Las Vegas.
Neon Museum
Atomic Testing Museum
Meow Wolf Omega Mart
Fremont Street Experience
The Golden Tiki Bar
Punk Rock Museum
High Roller Observation Wheel
Perception Las Vegas
Count's Kustoms
Live it Up Vegas Style
The secret to Las Vegas isn't doing everything. It's about having fun your way.
For SEMA attendees, that means choosing experiences that maximize your time rather than waste it. A supercar on a track instead of sitting in traffic. Perfectly cooked steaks instead of fighting endless lines at mediocre spots. Drinks and companionship at the Rhino instead of dealing with crowded casino bars on the Strip.
