Las Vegas
SouthLas Vegas Boulevard South, universally known as 'The Strip,' runs 4.2 miles through the Nevada desert and concentrates more entertainment, dining, and hospitality capacity than any comparable stretch of land on earth. The megacasino hotels — Bellagio, MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, the Venetian, Wynn — are individually larger than many city centers, containing thousands of hotel rooms, dozens of restaurants, nightclubs, theaters, shopping malls, and of course their casinos. Yet Las Vegas has evolved far beyond gambling to become one of the world's leading conference cities, a sports destination (Golden Knights NHL, Raiders NFL, F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix), and a culinary destination with more celebrity chef restaurants than anywhere outside New York or Tokyo.
Highlights
Must-Do Experiences
Watch the Bellagio Fountains
The free choreographed fountain show at the Bellagio — 1,200 water jets shooting water 460 feet in the air synchronized to music — is arguably the best free show on earth and performs every 30 minutes afternoons and every 15 minutes evenings. Watch from the sidewalk or from a table at Spago overlooking the fountains. Approximately 15 minutes per show.
See a World-Class Show
Las Vegas's live entertainment scene is extraordinary. Cirque du Soleil has multiple permanent shows (O at Bellagio, Mystere at Treasure Island). Major artists hold residencies at Dolby Live and Allegiant Stadium. Blue Man Group, Penn & Teller, and David Copperfield perform regularly. The sphere (MSG Sphere) opened in 2023 for immersive concert experiences. Book shows in advance.
Hike Red Rock Canyon
Just 17 miles west of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers stunning red sandstone formations, excellent hiking from easy walks to strenuous climbs, and a complete contrast to the urban spectacle. The 13-mile scenic loop drive is beautiful. Start early to avoid heat and parking competition. Best from October to April.
Day Trip to the Grand Canyon
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is 280 miles from Las Vegas (4.5 hours by car or bus tour). A helicopter tour from Las Vegas to the canyon floor is one of the world's great aerial experiences ($200-500). The West Rim (120 miles away) is closer and has the Grand Canyon Skywalk glass bridge over the canyon edge.
Best Time to Visit
March to May, September to November
spring
March-May: 70-90°F (21-32°C). Comfortable for outdoor pool activities. Spring break crowds in March. Excellent hiking in Red Rock Canyon.
summer
June-August: 100-115°F (38-46°C). Extreme heat. The Strip is air-conditioned throughout. Outdoor pools are pleasant but daytime walking is brutal. Lower prices during peak heat.
autumn
September-November: 70-90°F (21-32°C). Similar to spring. F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix in November. Excellent weather for hiking and outdoor activities.
winter
December-February: 45-60°F (7-16°C). Cold by desert standards but mild by national standards. Quieter January-February. New Year's Eve is the biggest, most crowded and expensive night of the year.
Getting There
By Air
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is 5 miles from the Strip and served by virtually all major US carriers plus international flights. The airport is one of the busiest in the US for leisure travel. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to the Strip costs $15-25 and is the most convenient option. Airport shuttles run to major hotels for $8-15. Taxi service is metered.
By Train
No direct Amtrak service to Las Vegas. The nearest Amtrak station is in Needles, California or Kingman, Arizona. Brightline is developing a Las Vegas-Los Angeles high-speed rail line expected to open in 2026.
By Bus
Greyhound and FlixBus connect Las Vegas to Los Angeles (4-5 hours, $15-40), Phoenix (5 hours), Salt Lake City (7 hours), and San Diego (5.5 hours). The bus terminal is downtown.
Budget Guide
Budget
$60-100/day
Mid-Range
$150-350/day
Luxury
$400-3000+/day
Neighborhoods
The Strip (South & Center)
The southern Strip from Mandalay Bay to the Bellagio contains the most iconic properties and is the best area for first-time visitors. The Bellagio fountains, Caesars Palace Forum Shops, the High Roller observation wheel, and the Venetian's Grand Canal all cluster in this zone. Most major shows — Cirque du Soleil, residencies, magic shows — perform here.
Downtown Las Vegas & Fremont Street
The original Las Vegas — Old Las Vegas before the modern Strip was built — offers a different experience: lower minimums at the casinos, the free Fremont Street Experience light canopy show (a 1,500-foot LED ceiling with sound shows every hour after dark), and the container park with indie restaurants and boutiques. Cheaper accommodation in the area.
Arts District
Las Vegas has a surprising and growing arts community centered on the 18b Arts District just south of downtown. First Friday arts events draw thousands monthly. The Arts Factory and dozens of galleries make this the city's creative neighborhood. Also home to excellent independent restaurants and bars far from the Strip.
Top Activities in Las Vegas
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Where to Stay in Las Vegas
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