Las Vegas Must-Sees
A list of Las Vegas must-sees will furnish perspective
to any curious Las Vegas visitor. It's a daunting task to pick from the
huge variety of shows, casinos, and attractions in Sin City. This list
presents only the most iconic, enjoyable, and stunning attractions in
Southern Nevada.
On Strip Entertainment.
The Las Vegas
Strip is a part of Las Vegas Boulevard cluttered with world-class
entertainment options. It runs North-South in the approximate center of
the Las Vegas Valley. While the literal ends of the Strip vary from
person to person, it is normal to begin with Mandalay Bay at Russel
Road, which is what drivers from California see first, and end with the
Sahara and Stratosphere casinos at Sahara Avenue, in the North. Buses,
taxis, and walking areas abound on the Strip, so generally a car is easy
to go without. Attractions like the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Rio, and the Palms are not actually on the Strip, but are close enough to be thought of as pieces of it.
For Everyone:
The Bellagio Fountains
The
most spectacular water and light extravaganza anywhere is at the
Bellagio resort, and it won't cost you a dime easy cards tricks. The show happens every
night and day, and provides ample viewing space on the street in front
of the 4-acre, man-made lake Bellagio. Show Begins:
Monday-Friday
3:00pm-8:00pm
Show every 1/2 hour
8:00pm-12:00am
Show every 15 minutes
Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays
12:pm-8:00pm
Show every 1/2 hour
8:00pm-12:00am
Show every 15 minutes
The Stratosphere Tower.
The tallest tower in the West is also a hotel, casino,
and a destination for thrill seekers. The outdoor observation deck on
level 109 brings the horizon right to you, as well as a great view of
some of the daring riders 800 feet over the Strip. The Tower is a great
place to be when the city lights are coming on, but any time of day
brings a worthwhile view. TIMES:
Sunday-Thursday: 10am-1am
Friday-Saturday: 10am-2am
TOWER TICKETS:
Adult - $15.95
Child - $10.00
Senior - $12.00
Hotel Guest - $12.00
Nevada Resident - $12.00
A Fantastic Swimming Pool.
In
July and August, when temperatures can explode your thermometor, a
swimming pool becomes a lifesaver. Las Vegas is the best place for pool.
Select from this shortlist:
For the biologist: The Tank, at the
Fremont Street Experience, is the most original and special swimming
pool currently in Sin City. A two-story aquarium sits in the middle ,
filled with sharks, a waterslide, and other ocean life. Swimmers and
water sliders can stare at sharks from in the water or out, through a
plexiglass separator. Above the main level, a separate pool for adults
only provides a resting place for European sunbathers. And drinks and
cards surround the area
For the beautiful partygoer: Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
was the first pool party in Vegas, and is still the champion of crazy,
poolside action. Don't go to relax, save money, or lay out. Do go to be a
part of the wild side of daylife.
For the beach lover: The
Beach at Mandalay bay is huge: A sandy beach, a wave pool, a lazy river,
a separate topless area, restaurants, bars, and cabanas. It contains
four pools total spread out over11 acres, in addition to a running track
and jetted hot tubs. Overall the best place to get sun in Sin City, but
busy on Saturday and Sunday.
For Consumers:
The
Forum Shops at CaesarsSee for yourself what the mall with the most
earnings per square foot in America looks like. The Forum Shops was The
original reason people came
to Las Vegas to shop, and is still the best.
For Children:
The
Adventuredome at Circus Circus has been where kids want to go in Las
Vegas since the '90s. The 5 acre theme park is filled with rides and
food. Admission is free, and groups of ride tickets are available to
suit every need.
Off the Strip:
Some
Las Vegas attractions are far enough away to require a car, and at least one is not even in Nevada.
For Everyone:
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign:
While technically the Strip, the attraction is about half a mile of dull city street away from the closest casino,
Mandalay Bay. The hotel The Four Seasons is a little closer
marked cards. Hardy
pedestrians can take the hike South to the sign, but be warned that it
is just a walk, with none of the excitement that make strolling the
heart of the Strip so enjoyable.It's better to drive to the sign, but
even that has its hazards. The sign is right in the center of Las Vegas
Boulevard, a very active road. The parking lot connected to the sign has
ten parking spaces for cars, two for buses or limousines, and two
handicapped spaces. On busy days, more spaces are needed.. The amount of
people entering this parking lot can grow long and untidy.
Those
who want to see the Sign, but don't really need to take their picture
under it, should have their copilot take the photo from the car as they
drive by. This will be an easier way to get the shot. Those who
absolutely need to get their picture by it should consider the
alternative: a "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" replica, erected on
Boulder Highway just north of Tropicana Avenue. This optional sign sees
far less traffic than the original.
Fremont Street
Also going by the names Downtown, Old Las Vegas, and the Fremont
Street Experience, the section of Fremont Street between Main Street and
Las Vegas Boulevard is the original home of Las Vegas gambling. The
most historic , the Golden Gate (Est. 1906!), is still open on Fremont.
Fremont Street is about two miles North of Sahara Avenue, so walking
from the active part of the Strip will wear your feet out.
The
Fremont Street experience is a 10-story tall, 4-block long curved
ceiling embedded with 2.1 million lights. After dark, the light pulsate
to the sounds of classic rock or country. The shops, casinos, hotels,
and carts that share this space all combine to create a totally unique
entertainment space. This is the most excellent place to get a picture
taken with a showgirl, enjoy a cheap and unhealthy meal, and see the
strangest mix of people in the world.
The Hoover Dam
The most popular dam in America is free every day for the curious.
About 45 minutes from the heart of the city, the Dam is accessible via
highway 95. Drivers will go East from central Las Vegas, on any major
street or highway, then South on the 95 through Henderson and Boulder
City. Go left onto Highway 93 in Boulder City, and continue to the Dam.
The
Hoover Dam is the biggest dam many travelers will ever see. Since 1936,
guests have stared 726 feet down into the Colorado River where it comes
out of the spillways.
The Grand Canyon
Actually in Arizona, the Grand Canyon sees more visitors from Las
Vegas than anywhere else. Tourists often use Vegas as the jumping-off
point to see the West, traveling to Death Valley, the Canyon, and Zion
nation park from this one city.
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is
half a morning's drive away by car, making it a great day trip.
Helicopter tours to the Canyon require only a few hours to view the
scenery. The South Rim, six hours away by car, is more of a commitment.
The North Rim, also six hours away, is the deepest part,, closed during
the winter. Facts:
Tourist vists/year: 38 million
Public Transportation Costs: The Deuce bus: $7/day pass, $3/two-hour pass.
Monorail: $12/day pass, $5/one way.
Average Temperature: Summer 103 F (39 C)
Winter 61 F (15 C)
Hotel Room Rates: $50 - $10,000
Cost of a lightbulb
in the Luxors' apex: $1,200