Seven Magic Mountains, an outdoor art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, is about 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and is a favorite attraction of magician Penn Jillette.

"I brought one of the best-known magicians in Spain, Jandro, over there, and he couldn’t believe a restaurant this good is in a strip mall," says Mr. Jillette.

"I think Mac’s the best comedy magician alive in the world," says Mr. Jillette. "He plays in the afternoon at the Excalibur. Whatever else you’re doing, grab a 3 p.m. show with Mac. I guarantee you will thank me."

Historian and author Geoff Schumacher recommends this artsy bookstore-slash-coffee shop downtown, with an outstanding book selection. "It’s part of the city’s growing cultural evolution," he says.

This downtown steakhouse is named for the city’s former mayor Oscar Goodman, a defense attorney for the mob. ”He became the mayor of Las Vegas for three terms and was, in part, responsible for all of this downtown redevelopment,” says Mr. Schumacher, who oversees exhibits and programs for the Mob Museum.

It’s one of the earliest ranches in the Las Vegas area, explains Mr. Schumacher. “Later it became a divorce ranch. Nevada was a place where people would go to get a no-questions-asked divorce in the ‘30s and ‘40s.” It’s now a city park with historic buildings, walking areas, shade trees and large ponds.

It’s become a cultural gathering place, with art-deco-inspired architecture patterned after Hoover Dam.

Sheridan Su, chef of the city’s Fat Choy and Every Grain restaurants, recommends Izakaya Go for quality fish at affordable prices. "I would buy a whole fish on the specials menu. They will cut it up sashimi style. And once you’re done with the plate they’ll take the bones and make a beautiful miso soup out of it, all for under 20 bucks," he says.

Valley of Fire State Park is a favorite outdoor spot of chef Sheridan Su’s. "I love going out there. Once you’re there, the entire scenery is red. It’s almost like you’re on Mars," he says.

This European-style canteen is hip and modern. "Everything is made in-house, and the breads are just amazing," Mr. Su says. "My favorite is the blueberry scone. It’s crazy good."

The Vegas Golden Knights play near the Strip. ”The first time I went to a game I was blown away. I couldn’t believe how much fun I had. The energy is amazing," says chef Sheridan Su.

"Our minor league baseball team under the Oakland A’s, they don’t get enough love," says Brandi Rodgers, a defensive tackle for the Sin City Trojans football team. “They’re just great, and in the summer offseason they have movies on the field for locals.”

This 1930s historic building now houses a museum focused on organized crime and law enforcement, with a hidden speakeasy in the basement. "They make their own moonshine. Get a Bee’s Knees or a Southside," Ms. Rodgers says.

They have pancakes as big as saucers, and their hot chocolate is like Willy Wonka style.

The Trojans’ Brandi Rodgers recommends this timeshare-type hotel, hidden right off the Miracle Mile, central to everything. Rooms are gorgeous, she says, and king suites come with a projector screen.

The vibe at this Arts District cocktail den’s basement lounge—with pink floral patio mural and seasonal cocktails—makes it a mandatory stop for impressive, unique drinks.

Opened in late 2009, this high-end retail complex has colorful and angular architecture, and more than 50 luxury brands, from Tiffany & Co. to Tom Ford.

This 59-story building is the Strip’s newest and one of the most expensive hotel/casinos ever, with more than 3,500 rooms, upscale dining, an 117,000-square-foot casino and a gigantic LED exterior screen display.

Old-school meets new school at this sports-lover’s dream gambling establishment, which contains a stadium-seated betting section with enormous TV monitors, a rooftop casino and 24-hour, year-round heated pools.

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