I've flown out of North Las Vegas a few times, initially doing much the same as you plan to.
North Las Vegas airport is easily accessible from the strip. You can even get a bus via Downtown if you are without a car when there.
All the airport info you need is here
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KVGT
You will notice form the air that there is a huge air force base which doesn't feature on the chart!!!
Its a bit like flying over Mars at first!! Great terrain but without many options for putting her down.
Take a trip up the Colorado river towards the Grand Canyon.
I'll second Floppy Link's recommendation for the Hoover Dam.
When you call up ground ask for "a code for the Dam" and ATC will get you through Mccarran Intl airports airspace and let you low over the dam. You'll still be at about 5000' amsl.
Another classic is a night run of the strip.
I would have a good chat with an instructor and he'll know the ropes - there is a lot to be distracted by!
If you want a used VFR chart to plan with, I have some somewhere.