Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada and is world-renowned for its numerous casinos. “Las Vegas” is its common name, and it is located in the middle of the vast Mojave Desert, nestled between Death Valley National Park and Lake Mead. The city is one of the newer cities in the United States and experienced significant population growth to accommodate workers building the Hoover Dam. After gambling was legalized in Nevada in 1931, many casinos emerged to entertain the workers, and since then, Nevada has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
How to Get to Las Vegas
By Car
Driving to Las Vegas is very straightforward, as many major highways pass through or near the city. From Los Angeles, it’s a relatively short drive along Interstate 15, taking only five hours. From Phoenix, Arizona, it’s a four-and-a-half-hour drive along US Highway 93. From Salt Lake City, it takes six hours along Interstate 15. The best way to travel is by RV or motorhome. This way, you have everything you need and never have to worry about finding a dull motel for the night!
By Plane
Harry Reid International Airport is the main airport in Las Vegas, with flights to and from all major destinations in the United States. There are also international flights from Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and other countries.
By Train
There are three daily trains departing from Los Angeles, with a journey time of only eight hours and forty-five minutes. Las Vegas also has Amtrak Route 289, which departs from Salt Lake City (2 days 18 hours), Bakersfield (20 hours 24 minutes), and Manchester (2 days 17 hours).
By Bus
Greyhound has daily buses to Las Vegas from many cities, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, and Salt Lake City. Tickets from Los Angeles to Las Vegas start at just $31.
Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is a section of Las Vegas Boulevard filled with hotels, resorts, casinos, and other attractions. The Strip is world-famous for its massive hotels, some of which are among the largest in the world, and its resorts decorated to resemble famous landmarks. You will be able to see replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Egyptian pyramids, Venetian canals, the Roman Colosseum, and the Statue of Liberty.
This is where all the action happens, and many visitors stay on the Strip because it has everything you want/need and more. Besides the famous casinos, there are many other activities on the Strip to keep you entertained from noon to night. There’s the Shark Reef Aquarium, Cirque du Soleil, art exhibits, shows, and even a huge artificial beach for swimming and sunbathing. This street is definitely one of the best places to have fun in Las Vegas, offering endless enjoyment until your senses are maxed out.
Bellagio Fountains
The impressive Bellagio Fountains are located in an 8.5-acre artificial lake at the Bellagio Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. There are free light and water shows, with water jets reaching heights of up to 460 feet. The shows run from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM every 30 minutes and from 8:00 PM to midnight every 15 minutes.
Each show has its unique features, so no matter how many times you watch this spectacle, you will be amazed. Since it’s free and you don’t need to be a guest of the resort, the Bellagio Fountains are one of the best free attractions in Las Vegas. If you want to enjoy a cool view of the water show, head to the Eiffel Tower! From there, you can overlook the fountains.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory
For chocolate lovers and those with a sweet tooth, visiting the Ethel M Chocolate Factory is undoubtedly one of the best experiences in Las Vegas. Learn about one of the world’s most popular chocolate brands under the Mars family.
The factory offers chocolate and wine tasting opportunities, self-guided tours, a three-acre cactus garden, and a gift shop. The Ethel M Factory is not to be missed.
Factory tours are free, allowing you to witness master chocolatiers and machines making your favorite candies and chocolates! The cactus and botanical garden is one of the largest of its kind, featuring over 300 different species of cacti and other desert plants.
We sampled the chocolate and wine, and honestly, it was a very enriching experience where we learned a lot. I think it’s very worth it, with prices at $20 without wine and $30 with wine!
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam (formerly known as Boulder Dam) was built to control flooding, provide irrigation, and generate power. The project took five years to complete, from 1931 to 1936, involving thousands of workers, many of whom died during the process.
Part of the reason for the birth of the city of Las Vegas was to accommodate the workers on the dam, and the city will forever be closely linked to this colossal project.
Located on the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona, the Hoover Dam is a must-visit attraction for visitors to Las Vegas. The simplest way to visit the dam is to take a tour from Las Vegas.
This VIP experience allows you to visit the dam before most tourists arrive and includes access to the dam itself. You can also walk across the top of the dam, and the tour includes lunch. For any visitor, this is definitely one of the best activities in Las Vegas!
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
The stunning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located 15 miles west of Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert and can even be seen from the Las Vegas Strip. It is known for its red sandstone peaks, Native American rock art, and spectacular views.
The canyon boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna, including Joshua trees, yucca, and juniper. The conservation area is also home to the protected desert tortoise.
The park features over 20 different hiking trails and paths, ranging from moderate to difficult. The area is popular with hikers and campers, and other activities include cycling, rock climbing, and horseback riding.
There is a visitor center with interesting indoor and outdoor exhibits, making it a great starting point for your canyon adventure. If you plan to hike into the desert, stick to the trails and bring a map and compass. Ensure you carry enough water as the desert sun is very harsh, and inform someone (hotel, visitor center) of your expected return time.
There is a $10 fee for vehicles entering the park, which goes towards conservation efforts.
Fremont Street
Fremont Street is the second most famous street in Las Vegas after the Las Vegas Strip, located downtown. Due to its numerous neon lights, it is affectionately known as the “Glitter Gulch.” When you see Las Vegas on TV or in movies, Fremont Street is often used as a backdrop because of its casinos, neon lights, and dazzling illuminations.
Fremont Street has been used as the backdrop for several films, including “Viva Las Vegas,” James Bond’s “Diamonds Are Forever,” and recently The Weeknd’s music video “Blinding Lights.” Here, you’ll find many famous casinos such as Binion’s, Golden Nugget, Golden Gate Hotel, and Fremont Hotel & Casino.
The street is filled with various entertainment options, including zip lines, live performances, a shark tank, and the famous Mob Museum. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes offering food and drinks throughout the day.
Seven Magic Mountains
Seven Magic Mountains is an art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, consisting of seven colorful totem poles made of giant boulders, each up to 35 feet tall, located in the desert. Seven Magic Mountains, a slightly kitschy version of Stonehenge, attracts visitors from all over the world. Visiting the installation is free, with the only request being not to leave any trace.
Due to an overwhelming number of visitors, the “mountains” were closed but have since been reopened after cleaning the site. Seven Magic Mountains is located south of the I-5 S highway, 10 miles from downtown. Check the official website for directions. One of the best ways to visit Seven Magic Mountains is by joining a tour from Las Vegas, which includes hotel pickup.
Death Valley
Death Valley is the driest, hottest, and lowest elevation area in the continental United States, known for its desolate terrain. It is located in the northern Mojave Desert of eastern California, 130 miles northwest of Las Vegas, and is one of the hottest places on earth during summer. This extreme place is a must-visit for anyone coming to Las Vegas, including Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
The beautiful Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes will make you feel like you are in the Sahara Desert, with an endless vista of sand dunes. For those wanting to hike in Death Valley, proper planning is essential as the terrain is inhospitable. These useful guides are a good starting point. Death Valley National Park is easily accessible from Las Vegas, and one of the best ways to get there is by taking a tour like this.
Caesars Palace
What happens in the Senate stays in the Senate—just ask Brutus! Caesars Palace is a hotel resort themed around ancient Rome, featuring a casino, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. It first opened in 1966 and is one of the most famous attractions in Las Vegas. The onsite casino has 185 gaming tables, 1,324 slot machines, and 18 screens showing the latest sports events.
You’ll find “Caesars-style entertainment” at one of the resort’s most iconic landmarks, the Colosseum. Here, you can see top performers like Adele, Rod Stewart, and Van Morrison take the stage. You can enjoy imperial dining at one of the many restaurants in Caesars Palace. The resort features over 18 restaurants, offering everything from steakhouses and Italian cuisine to Cantonese dishes, with signature dishes from Michelin-starred chefs like Gordon Ramsey and Guy Savoy.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy day and night, from pools to cocktail bars, gin palaces, and nightclubs.
Explore Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
Antelope Canyon is a sight you have to see to believe. This series of unique “slot canyons” located on ancient Navajo land was formed by the erosion of the surrounding sandstone by water. The resulting smooth, undulating rock canyons look more like Mars than the Nevada desert.
Nearby Horseshoe Bend is an impressive part of the Colorado River and canyon (but not part of the nearby Grand Canyon), forming a massive bend under towering cliff walls. There are many ways to experience Horseshoe Bend, including kayaking, hiking, or horseback riding. This excellent tour includes both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, with hotel pickup from Las Vegas, making it the easiest way to reach these extraordinary landmarks from downtown.
When is the Best Time to Visit Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, open year-round. Since the city is located in the middle of the Mojave Desert, those who don’t like hot weather should avoid the summer. The shoulder seasons and winter are the best times to visit Las Vegas and Nevada, as the temperatures are less stifling.
How Long Should You Stay in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is an excellent weekend getaway, but with many activities to see and do in the surrounding desert and national parks, a week is better. Two weeks is the ideal duration if you want to visit Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and spend some time in the Grand Canyon.
What is the Suitable Budget for a Trip to Las Vegas?
A suggested budget for Las Vegas is around $250 per day, but this can be reduced by opting for budget accommodations and participating in many free activities. If you plan to visit the casinos (let’s face it, who goes to Las Vegas without hitting the casinos?), then plan a budget in advance and don’t exceed it, no matter how tempting it looks.
