Destination Spotlight: Las Vegas
Sin City. The Marriage Capital of the World. The City of Lost Wages.
Las Vegas is known for many things and by many names. It has something to offer everyone, whether for a quick couples getaway or a weekend away with friends. It is one of my favorite destinations, and I find myself returning there over and over again. Last October, Chris & I celebrated our wedding there and just returned to celebrate our anniversary. Here are some highlights of what Las Vegas has to offer.
Sights
The lights and architecture in Las Vegas are iconic. Whether you’re staying near the strip or downtown, the views and street entertainment are plentiful. If you’re out walking the strip, stop at the Bellagio, where you can watch the fountain show, or check out their stunning seasonal garden in the Conservatory. A 20-minute drive off the strip is the Fremont Street Experience, with live music, outdoor bars, and affordable dining options.
Shows
A great way to spend an evening in Las Vegas is at a live show. Check out which celebrity residencies are in town; you’ll likely need to grab tickets far in advance. Or head to a comedy club or Cirque du Soleil shows where you can grab tickets the same day. Whether you’re there as a couple or a group of friends, I recommend the Tournament of Kings dinner theater at Excalibur; you’re sure to laugh while cheering for your favorite Knight and eating a giant turkey leg. Pro Tip: Tour providers offer many ways to get discounted show tickets, so ask your Travel Advisor!
Gaming
Of course, the minute you step off the plane in Las Vegas, you’ll be greeted with infinite options for gambling if that’s your thing. Most resort casinos are open 24 hours, and if you’re looking for lower minimums, I recommend venturing off the strip. If you want to learn how to play, check out Casino Quest inside Fashion Show Mall, where real dealers will teach you how to play without risking your money.
Pools
Did you know that you can access many of the resort pools in Las Vegas without being a guest? Most hotels offer day passes to their pools. You could level up your experience at a day club like Marquee at the Cosmopolitan. For a unique sports viewing experience, head to Circa in Downtown Las Vegas for Stadium Swim, a collection of pools facing a giant 40-foot high-definition screen where you can catch the game. Note most Las Vegas pools are open from March through October.
Sports
Las Vegas is now home to NFL, NHL, and WNBA teams and will soon add an MLB team. Catching a professional sporting event in Las Vegas is unlike anywhere else. My personal goal is to attend the Las Vegas Grand Prix at some point. Imagine an F1 race down the Strip!
Spa
One of my favorite things to do between late nights is treat myself to a spa day. My favorite spa is Canyon Ranch at The Venetian Resort, the largest day spa in North America. Before and after your treatment, you can indulge in its amenities, such as saunas and steam rooms, a salt cave, meditation rooms, and more, to keep your zen going.
Luxury Shopping
Las Vegas is filled with high-end retail, mainly on the strip within the resorts. Stroll the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, The Forum Shops at Cesar’s Palace, The Galleria at Aria, and many more options featuring luxury brands.
Nightlife
New York may be the city that never sleeps, but Las Vegas knows how to hang. If you want to take advantage of the incredible nightlife in Las Vegas, find a club promoter who can help hook you and your group up with free entry. For a full-service experience for a group, rent a party bus through a company like Discreet Transportation Party Bus. These buses have a club atmosphere with lighting and sound systems and will keep the party going between venues.
Nature
If you need to sweat it out a little, there is some beautiful hiking within an hour of the strip. I don’t recommend hiking in the summer heat, but it is a great way to see the nearby nature, like Red Rock Canyon or the Valley of Fire, when the temperature is milder. A day trip to the Grand Canyon is a popular option from Las Vegas for a complete change of scenery. It's under a five-hour drive from the strip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and many tour operators offer round-trip transportation from your hotel.
Las Vegas is home to some of the best restaurants, entertainment, and nightlife in the US. Even if you’re not a big partier or into gambling, there’s something for you to enjoy. As a Las Vegas Insider, I can ensure you maximize your trip with the best options and pricing.
Are you considering a trip to Las Vegas? Contact me to book and get my pro recommendations!
