Las Vegas, Nevada is a city packed full of fun and exciting adventures but, despite popular belief, your entire trip does not have to revolve around casinos and gambling. Outside the gaming rooms you’ll find dozens of opportunities for pampering, exploring, entertainment and pure relaxation. You simply need to know where to look.
The Best Time to Visit Las Vegas
There’s really no time of year we would recommend you avoid Las Vegas. The temperatures in Sin City are completely bearable almost all year long. While the summers are hot compared to tons of other destinations, you must remember that there is no humidity and that almost every attraction is air conditioned. That said, the 106 degree days in July and August are still very hot, so you may wish to avoid the area during the peak of the season.
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Those who really don’t want to expose themselves to what they believe are unbearably warmer temperatures should consider visiting between October and April. The temperatures are moderate during the day and cool in the evening.
Navigating Las Vegas
Traffic in Las Vegas is, in short, somewhat insane – especially on the weekends. We don’t usually give transportation tips, but this place can be a bit tricky, so here’s the deal. Don’t waste your money on a rental car unless you plan to venture outside of the city.
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Take a look at your itinerary and determine whether or not you plan to spend any time off of the Strip or away from the Downtown area. If not, you’re better off parking your car in one of the hotel parking lots, which are mostly free, and walking from destination to destination.
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Anyone traveling from one end of the Strip to the other may want to hire a cab but they are a bit expensive if you’re not traveling with a group. They’re still better than attempting to fight Vegas traffic and then finding a new parking spot. The monorail, buses, and trolleys are great options as well – just not during rush hour.
Free Las Vegas Attractions
Hopefully you didn’t blow all of your cash in the casinos but those on a budget (or who managed to make a financial miscalculation while on the gaming floor) will appreciate knowing there are some really cool attractions throughout the city – and they’re free!
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Take, for example, the Fountains at the Bellagio. Each evening the lagoon near this astounding hotel comes to life in a display of lights, water, and music like you thought you might only ever see in movies. Truth be told, all you really have to do is stand outside on the sidewalk!
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Head on over to the MGM Grand and take a stroll through the lion habitat. Behind the glass walls of the tunnel you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful lions in the area living in a well-loved habitat.
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Make sure you take a trip over to Fremont Street while you’re in town, too. It’s a strangely competitive response to the insanity of the Strip. This Downtown attraction called the Fremont Experience is actually a 90-foot arched canopy that lights up with music, graphics, and videos every hour throughout the evening. It’s entertaining and makes a great attraction for families traveling with children and teens.
Other Hot Las Vegas Attractions
As we said before, the casinos are far from the only entertainment opportunity you’ll find in Vegas. Incredible performance troupes such as the Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil have permanent stages in Las Vegas. There are dozens of other local revue, burlesque, and lounge shows to take in as well.
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No trip to Vegas is complete without a trip to the buffet, either. Which buffet? Take your pick. Almost every casino has at least one for you to choose from. You’ll have some of the best gourmet food you’ve ever had at incredibly reasonable prices. Our favorite is the Wynn Buffet, but it can be a bit pricey!
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Looking for a little more adventure? Head on over to the Stratosphere and check out the rides on top of the tower. The Big Shot and X Scream will both leave you hanging more than 120-stories above the city – an experience for the brave at heart only!
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Anyone looking to venture outside the city a bit should include a ride to the Hoover Dam on his itinerary. The dam itself was built in the 1930’s and is considered one of the most incredible industrial feats in history. The views here are both breathtaking and unforgettable.
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Of course, you are in Vegas, so you really should check out at least a few casinos – if you’re of age, that is. Make sure you start at the intersection where Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo meet. From there you’ll be within easy walking distance of several spectacular casinos, including the Bellagio, Paris, and Caesars Palace. Start here and you’ll find you’re only a short walk from some of the Strip’s other hot attractions.
There’s certainly more to Las Vegas than meets the eye. Take your time, explore, and make sure you step out of the dark casinos and absorb a little sunlight. Your trip to Vegas will be an experience you’ll never forget!
We’ve been to the hoover dam a few years back and I have to agree with you the views are one in a million.
Anna
We are planning to make a trip to Las Vegas this summer, I think the work you’ve done with this guide is both attractive and interesting! I’m considering very thoroughly the advice that you’ve given here, especially the car rental issue, since we plan to tandem our trip with an L.A. experience.