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Best things to do in Las Vegas

Once notorious for illicit pursuits, las vegas has cleaned up its act and diversified its appeal to become one of the world’s biggest and best entertainment hubs.

T he self-styled entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas has featured in dozens of blockbuster movies, usually involving heists, wild weekends, or runaway weddings. With 40 million visitors in a good year, and several of the world’s largest hotels (including two with more than 6,000 rooms), this neon-lit extravaganza is a real eye-popper. It is a place of great performers and performances, of high art and of kitsch, of elegant dining and of stroke-inducing levels of cholesterol. It’s an unreal world where you can celebrate, start afresh, come out of the closet, or just try to forget. A mesmerising playground for sinners and for winners, and for everyone in-between, because “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, as the old slogan used to say. Where to start? Read on . . .

Main photo: the famous Las Vegas sign, number eight below (Alamy)

1. Strut the Strip

Las Vegas Boulevard, aka the Strip, is the city’s central nervous system. Most of the big hotels, casinos and entertainment centres are plugged into a key couple of miles. Confusingly this is not downtown; what’s called Downtown, the original centre, lies a short taxi ride north. Nevertheless the Las Vegas Strip is where everyone comes to be seduced by the glitz and the glamour of Sin City . At night the pavements here are a parade of showgirls and muscle men, bachelor parties and just-marrieds, plus touts for cocktail bars and strip shows. In other words, an infectious buzz of people with one thing in mind: having a good time. See it on foot, or even from the back of a limo.

2. See free stuff

You have to be prepared to splash the cash in Vegas, but some things along the Strip are free, most notably the 1,214 magnificent fountains outside the Hotel Bellagio , which cavort to music every 15 minutes, and are best seen after dark. In a similar vein, the volcano outside the Mirage erupts as regular as clockwork, on the hour, with four hot minutes of fireballs, geysers and lava streams. And the Eiffel Tower opposite the Bellagio does a good job of out-twinkling the original, with a choreography of coloured lights and strobes every 30 minutes after sunset. Meanwhile, indoors, lots of the big-name hotels have snippets of shows in their lobby areas.

3. Mosey around Downtown

The original centre of Las Vegas, a 15-minute taxi north, is more intimate and less expensive than the Strip. Downtown Las Vegas is where the city began back in 1905, around the railway station. Its main drag is buzzy, pedestrianised Fremont Street, a destination in itself. Also here are lots of typical wedding chapels, where so many get married on impulse, plus a couple of key museums and vintage casinos. Main Station, with its fancy ironwork and stained glass, no longer welcomes trains: it is now — guess what — a casino, plus a craft brewery and a restaurant.

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4. Revel in the Fremont Street experience

Fremont Street is Downtown’s mostly pedestrianised mile-long entertainment hub. Its most remarkable feature is its 450m-long concave roof canopy, which is also the world’s largest video screen, with a light show of hypnotic, sometimes hallucinatory digital imagery. That show is interrupted regularly by fleeting and whooping silhouettes of zipliners enjoying Slotzilla , which runs the length of the canopy. At the weekend Fremont is packed, has live music stages, street food and a variety of street performers.

5. Ogle the gamblers

If you’re unused to casinos then they’re a show in themselves, a microcosm of human behaviour in all its manifestations. Most are dominated by garish ranks of slot machines, jangling and bleeping in their own private language. Regular tales are told of diehard gamblers having heart attacks and yet refusing to leave their machines. And then there are the higher-rolling card and roulette tables, where inscrutable demeanour is de rigueur and glamorous waiting staff keep the big spenders well lubricated. Hang out and watch, for there’s no obligation whatsoever to play, and some casinos (for example Planet Hollywood ) even have live music and go-go dancers to keep the punters in the mood.

6. Sample showpiece hotels

Many a Las Vegas interior will make your jaw hit the floor. The most innovative has to be the Venetian Hotel ’s set of canals complete with gondolas, up on the second floor, and its imitation St Mark’s Square, with strolling singers and living statues. Then there’s the Luxor , with its pyramid and Sphinx and all the interior Egyptian detailing. Caesar’s Palace , as its name suggests, splurges on pillars and frescos and everything sumptuous about the Italian Renaissance, while the Cosmopolitan has an arty, street cred vibe, using lots of bright colours and digital technology.

7. See a show

More than 100 auditoriums (a lot of them in hotels) take a lot of filling, so billboards and neon signs scream out show titles wherever you look. Celebrity performers from all eras, from Christina Aguilera to Barry Manilow, do what they call “residencies” — lengthy series of concerts at specific venues. Cirque du Soleil ’s two shows are perennial attractions, but there’s every form of live entertainment here, from magic shows to homegrown variety shows, for example in the surreal mix of bawdy comedy and dazzling circus skills of Spiegelworld ’s productions Absinthe and Opium .

8. Take a selfie at the sign

The iconic “Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas” sign has sat at the southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard since the 1950s, since when it has featured in many a movie. It’s an integral part of any city tour and there’s usually an orderly queue waiting to take a selfie. This style of 1950s neon is slowly disappearing from much of Vegas, but has been preserved in Downtown’s Neon Museum on Las Vegas Boulevard North, a couple of blocks north of Fremont. The museum’s “boneyard” is a whimsical archive of now redundant signs from an earlier era, still blaring out their messages.

9. Eat until you burst

Like everything else in Vegas, eating (and drinking) is over the top. For a kaleidoscope of volcanic sweetness try a milkshake at the Black Tap , in the Venetian. Then there’s the unashamedly calorific Heart Attack Grill in Downtown, where waiters are dressed as doctors and customers who weigh over 160kg get to eat for free. And finally there’s Eataly , a restaurant/food hall on a massive scale in a side extension of the MGM Grand , where all the ingredients are shipped in directly from Italy. Here some 10,000 meals are served every day from a variety of specialist stands, mostly collected at the counter, but with two waiter-service sections as well.

10. Meet the mob

The story of how Vegas grew from just a dusty railway station in the middle of the desert is partly told in the Mob Museum in Downtown. Much of the casino business was originally run by mobsters, cashing in on corrupt law enforcement. The museum has the lowdown on key characters, on gangster warfare and the big showpiece trials that took out the big names, in a reconstructed courtroom.

11. Make the earth move

Beyond the big wheels and rollercoasters of Vegas there are all sorts of mountain-busting and desert-driving activities in the immediate vicinity. But one particular novelty just outside town is Dig This, where excavators and loaders lurch around digging holes and filling them in again, under the control of complete novices. If you’ve ever fancied yourself behind the controls of a proper digger then this is your chance to make your mark.

12. Ride a pink Cadillac with Elvis

Stretched limos, presidential SUVs, pink Cadillacs and elongated Hummers have long been the wheels of choice in Vegas, and many of them have on-board bars. Meanwhile there are Elvis footprints everywhere. The singer played a staggering 664 shows in the city, and every other wedding chapel has Elvis impersonators on call. Combine the two on a pink Cadillac tour of the city with your own personal Elvis to sing you on your way.

13. Party by the pool

Once the weather starts to get properly hot in Nevada, from March, Vegas’s famous pool-party season kicks off. Certain hotels with particularly lavish pool areas turn them into adults-only private clubs with names like Wet Republic (MGM Grand) and Tao Beach (the Venetian). There’s cocktail girls, DJs and dancing and cabanas for hire, plus a swimwear dress code. And in case you don’t want to stop gambling, some even have swim-up blackjack tables.

14. Admire art at Palms

Several showpiece hotels make a feature out of significant art on the premises, but none more so than the Palms Casino Resort , which has an entire suite ($100,000 per night) decorated by Damien Hirst, complete with sharks suspended in formaldehyde. There’s work by Jean-Michel Basquiat in the restaurant and Takashi Murakami in the hallway, plus a trompe l’oeil chapel created by the graphic designer Joshua Vides. It’s all from the collection of the owners, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta.

15. Go high at night

The light shows on the Strip are one thing, but the lights of the city as a whole, from above, are something else. You can get a taste of both worlds from the High Roller , a brightly lit big wheel that is more than 100ft taller than the London Eye, towering over the Strip from behind the Flamingo Hotel. But when it comes to towers, the Vegas veteran is the Stratosphere Tower , which rears up north of the Strip en route to Downtown. This observation tower reaches 1,149ft, the tallest in the United States, and it is topped by a pod that includes a revolving restaurant and a couple of jumping-off and rocketing-upwards rides — best not combined.

One of the first things you notice on arriving in Las Vegas is how close the airport is to the Strip. That also means easy access to inexpensive helicopter and flightseeing rides, with most people opting for night-time bright-lights options . For daytime flights you can extend a short extra journey out to the Hoover Dam and even the Grand Canyon . There are plenty of balloon ride offerings too, but given the unpredictability of landing, balloons stay out in the desert.

17. Have a cocktail with a view

Many of the hotels here have an observation-deck cocktail bar. From the Foundation Room, 63 floors up on the Mandalay Bay , you can see Vegas spread out below like a magic carpet. Or try the Bond-themed Skyfall Lounge on the 64th floor of the Delano , where everyone prefers their drinks . . . well, you know the rest. But if you want to be seen among the cool crowd then order your Old Fashioned in the Cosmopolitan ’s Chandelier bar, whose three floors are welded to a glittering spiral stair and webbed in shimmering drapes of beads, lit by multitudes of crystal chandeliers.

18. Swim with the sharks

The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Downtown is a classic that dates back to 1946. Sections of Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas and the 1971 Bond movie Diamonds are Forever were filmed here, and some of the low-roofed casino sections are original. Mind you, the $30 million pool area, at the centre of the Golden Nugget, was part of a massive renovation and is now the location of a 200,000-gallon aquarium that lies cheek to cheek with the pool, and is threaded through by a waterslide. Swim along eyeballing the sharks without getting eaten.

19. Put your pedal to the metal

There’s so much artificial, digital entertainment in Vegas, sometimes it is good to get real. For example, by hurtling around a race track in a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, trying to wisecrack like a Top Gear superstar. The Speedway, which is 15 miles north of the Strip, hosts Nascar and other racing events on its multiple tracks, but various drive-yourself supercar packages are available. There’s also the option of taking a rally car out into the dust of the desert.

20. Hike in Red Rock Canyon

Las Vegas is so embedded in its own neon cocoon that it’s easy to forget it is plonked in the middle of the harsh, dry Mojave Desert. And yet from almost any observation deck in town you can see the walls of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area rising up, only 17 miles west of the city. In fact, there are multiple canyons here, along with ledges and chimneys, chutes and gullies, plus 26 hiking trails and a 13-mile scenic drive. This was once the bed of a massive inland sea, and the eponymous redness comes from the iron content in the rock.

21. Chill by water

Las Vegas consumes one helluva lot of water, and it all comes from Lake Mead , which when full is the largest reservoir in the US. Mead lies some 40 minutes east of the city and was created in the 1930s when the Hoover Dam was built across the Colorado River. The sprawling giant is a paradise for boaters, swimmers, fishermen and anyone looking for water therapy, while the Hoover Dam, a walkable visitor attraction in itself, is a monument to human endeavour. More than 100 workers died during its construction.

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Side Trips from Las Vegas

The incredibly diverse Southwest region surrounding the bright city bauble of Las Vegas is fast becoming as popular as Vegas itself. Travelers seek the infamous heat and lore of Death Valley and delightedly find horizon-to-horizon flowers, hot springs, nights dark and star-strewn, and the deepest silence they've ever known. They dutifully drive to the Grand Canyon to peer over the edge, and discover a vast record of time in the colorful rock layers. They drive north, only wanting to escape the city for a spell, and end up sitting in a sun-flooded diner talking to a crusty cowpoke.

The only trick is knowing when to get out of the city, and how. In general, go north, or high into the mountains, in summer; and stay low in the deserts in winter (unless, of course, you must see what it's like to be in Death Valley when it's 130°F, or you want to get cold and snowy). As for leaving Las Vegas, it's pretty easy once you get onto the freeways, especially if you're heading north or south.

But be aware that weekend traffic, especially on I-15, can imitate a parking lot both leaving and entering the city. Leave extra early, or travel mid-week, if possible. Conversely, weekday traffic within the city can be murderously slow during morning, noon, and late-afternoon rush hours. Because the city continues to grow, roads are constantly being improved or built; your best bet is to ask locals for new travel options and tips on construction delays.

Southeast of Las Vegas sits Boulder City, prim, languid, and full of historic neighborhoods, small businesses, parks, greenbelts -- and not a single casino. Over the hill from town, enormous Hoover Dam blocks the Colorado River as it enters Black Canyon. Backed up behind the dam is incongruous, deep-blue Lake Mead, the focal point of water-based recreation for southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona and major water supply to seven Southwest states. The lake is ringed by miles of rugged desert country. The breathtaking wonderland known as Valley of Fire, with its red sandstone outcroppings, petrified logs, petroglyphs, and hiking trails, is along the northern reach of the lake. And all of this is an hour or less from Vegas.

240 mi east of Las Vegas; south on U.S. 93 to Kingman, east on I-40 to Williams, north on Rte. 64.

If you only make one side trip from Las Vegas, make it to Grand Canyon National Park . The Colorado River has carved through colorful and often contorted layers of rock, in some places more than 1 mi down, to expose a geologic profile spanning a time between 1.7 billion and 2.5 billion years ago -- one third of the planet's life. There's nothing like standing on the rim and looking down and across at layers of distance, color, and shifting light. Add the music of a canyon wren's merry, descending call echoing off the cliffs and springwater tinkling from the rocks along a trail, and you may sink into a reverie as deep and beautiful as the canyon.

There are two main access points to the canyon: the South Rim and the North Rim, both within the national park, but the hordes of visitors converge mostly on the South Rim during the summer, for good reason. Grand Canyon Village is here, with most of the lodging and camping, restaurants and stores, and museums in the park, along with the airport, railroad depot, rim roads, scenic overlooks, and trailheads into the canyon. The East or North rims, which are less accessible and have fewer, though comparable, tourist services, are less crowded.

The geology and vistas of the East Rim closely resemble what you see from the South Rim, and the entrance is accessible from both the South Rim and Flagstaff. The North Rim, by contrast, stands 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim and has a more alpine climate, with twice as much annual precipitation. Here, in the deep forests of the Kaibab Plateau, the crowds are thinner, the facilities fewer, and the views even more spectacular. PHONE: 928/638-7888. www.nps.gov/grca. COST: $20 per car, $10 per individual. OPEN: North Rim, daily mid-May-mid-Oct.

Mather Point , approximately 4 mi north from the south entrance, gives you the first glimpse of the canyon from one of the most impressive and accessible vista points on the rim; from it, you can see nearly a fourth of the Grand Canyon.

The Canyon View Information Plaza , in Grand Canyon Village at Mather Point, orients you to many facets of the site, and it's an excellent place for gathering information, whether you're interested in escapist treks or group tours. If you'd like a little exercise and great overlooks of the canyon, it's an easy hike from the back of the visitor center to the El Tovar Hotel. Walk through a pretty wooded area for about ½ mi; from there the path runs along the rim for another ½ mi or so.

The East Rim Drive , relatively uncluttered by cars and tour buses, also has beautiful views of the canyon and the river. The 23-mi, 45-minute (one-way) drive along the East Rim takes you past Lipan Point , the widest and perhaps most spectacular part of the canyon, and continues to where you see partially intact ancient rock dwellings. On East Rim Drive, you find Tusayan Ruin and Museum ( OPEN: Daily 9-5), which has exhibits about Native American tribes who have inhabited the region in the past 2,000 years. East Rim Drive ends at the East Rim Entrance Station and the 70-foot-tall Desert View Watchtower , which clings precariously to the lip of the chasm.

The West Rim Drive runs 8 mi west from Grand Canyon Village. Along this tree-lined, two-lane drive are scenic overlooks with panoramic views of the inner canyon -- all popular sunset destinations. The West Rim Drive terminates at Hermit's Rest . Canyon views from here include Hermit's Rapids and the towering cliffs of the Supai and Redwall formations. From March through November, only the free shuttle bus is allowed on West Rim Drive. You can catch it at the West Rim Interchange near Bright Angel Lodge every 10 to 15 minutes 7:30 AM-sunset. The shuttle stops at all eight canyon overlooks on the 8-mi trip out to Hermit's Rest, but only stops at Mojave and Hopi Points on the inbound leg. A round-trip takes 80 minutes.

El Tovar Hotel . Built in 1905 of native stone and heavy pine logs, El Tovar is reminiscent of a grand European hunting lodge. For decades the hotel's restaurant ($-$$$) has served fine food in a classic 19th-century room of hand-hewn logs and wood-beam ceilings. Grand Canyon Village, Boulder City, AZ, USA. PHONE: 303/297-2757; 888/297-2757; 928/638-2631 hotel switchboard. FAX: 303/297-3175. www.grandcanyonlodges.com. 70 rooms, 8 suites. Restaurant, room service, some in-room hot tubs, some refrigerators, cable TV, bar; no smoking. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Bright Angel Lodge . Built in 1935, this log-and-stone structure a few yards from the canyon rim has rooms in the main lodge or in rustic cabins (some with fireplaces) scattered among the pines. The Arizona Room restaurant overlooks the abyss. Grand Canyon Village, Boulder City, AZ, USA. PHONE: 303/297-2757; 888/297-2757; 928/638-2631 hotel switchboard. FAX: 303/297-3175. www.grandcanyonlodges.com. 30 rooms, 6 with shared bath; 42 cabins. Restaurant, coffee shop, bar, shop; no a/c, no TV in some rooms. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Phantom Ranch . Popular with hikers and mule riders going to the bottom of the canyon, Phantom Ranch is the only lodging below the canyon's rim. These primitive quarters, built in 1922 along Bright Angel Creek, consist of cabins and dorm spaces. Cabins are included with the two-day mule trips (run only November through March), while segregated, dormitory-style lodging is available to backpackers. The Canteen has breakfast, sack lunches, and dinners served at two seatings. The early seating serves steak and vegetarian meals while the second seating serves hiker's stew. The rooms don't have TVs -- there's plenty to see outside. On the canyon floor, Boulder City, AZ, USA. PHONE: 888/297-2757. www.grandcanyonlodges.com. 4 dormitories and 2 cabins for hikers, 7 cabins with outside showers for mule riders. Dining room; no a/c, no room phones, no room TVs. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Historic Route 66 . If you are driving to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, an easterly diversion at the Andy Devine turnoff in Kingman puts you on the "old highway," known as U.S. Route 66 -- the longest remaining uninterrupted stretch of the "Main Street of America." Before taking off from Kingman, though, you'll want to start your adventure by exploring the Route 66 Museum and the Mohave Museum of History and Arts -- two cultural centers that put into perspective the area's history, including the life of gravelly voiced actor Andy Devine, who grew up in Kingman. Taking I-40 may be 18 miles shorter and 15 minutes quicker, but you'll miss the road made famous by John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath and the old Hackberry store with an exterior reminiscent of the 1950s and an interior filled with nostalgic goodies, not to mention snacks, pop, and water. Farther down the road are the Peach Springs headquarters for the Hualapai Tribe, one of several Native American tribes living in Northern Arizona, and the Grand Canyon Caverns, limestone caves found more than 200 feet below. Visit the Powerhouse Visitor Center and Route 66 Museum (120 W. Andy Devine Ave., Kingman, AZ, 86402, USA, PHONE: 928/753-6106; COST: $3; OPEN: Daily, Mar.-Nov. 9-6; Dec. -Feb. 9-5) and the Mohave Museum of History and Arts (400 W. Beale St., Kingman, AZ, 86401, USA, PHONE: 520/753-3195; OPEN: Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat.-Sun. 1-5)

Bright Angel Point , on the North Rim, is one of the most awe-inspiring overlooks on either rim. The trail leading to it begins on the grounds of the Grand Canyon Lodge and proceeds along the crest of a point of rocks that juts into the canyon for several hundred yards. The walk is only 1 mi round-trip, but it's an exciting trek because there are sheer drops just a few feet away on each side of the trail.

For spectacular sunrise views of the eastern canyon and Painted Desert, head to Point Imperial . The road to Point Imperial and Cape Royal intersects Route 67 about 3 mi north of Grand Canyon Lodge. The picture-perfect road winds 8 mi through stands of quaking aspen into a forest of conifers. When the road forks, continue 3 mi north to the overlook.

Grand Canyon Lodge . The 1937 stone structure has comfortable, though not luxurious, rooms and is the only in-park lodging facility on the North Rim. The lounge area, with hardwood floors and high, beam ceilings, has a spectacular view of the canyon through massive plate-glass windows. Surprisingly sophisticated fare is served in the huge dining room ($-$$). There are two ADA-compliant cabins. North Rim, Boulder City, AZ, USA. PHONE: 303/297-2757; 888/297-2757; 928/638-2631 hotel switchboard. FAX: 303/297-3175. www.grandcanyonlodges.com. 40 rooms, 161 cabins. Cafeteria, dining room, cable TV, bar, shop, laundry facilities, no-smoking rooms; no a/c. AE, D, MC, V.

Kaibab Lodge . Rustic cabins with simple furnishings are in a wooded area just 5 mi from the park's entrance. When you're not lolling in the fine, big meadow outside, you can sit around a stone fireplace (it can be chilly up here even in the summer). The 1920s-era, pine-beam-supported lodge is open mid-May to mid-October. Mailing address: Box 2997, Flagstaff, AZ, 86003, USA. PHONE: 928/638-2389 reservations for summer; 928/526-0924 reservations for winter; 800/525-0924. www.canyoneers.com. 29 cabin-style units; limited group quarters available. Restaurant, shop; no a/c, no room TVs. D, MC, V.

It's a little less than 300 mi to the South Rim from Las Vegas. Take U.S. 93 to Kingman, Arizona; I-40 east from Kingman to Williams; then Route 64 and U.S. 180 to the edge of the abyss. The North Rim is about 282 mi from Las Vegas. Take I-15 east to Hurricane, Utah; Routes 59 and 389 to Fredonia; and U.S. 89 and Route 67 to the North Rim. The North Rim is closed to automobiles after the first heavy snowfall of the season (usually in late October or early November) through mid-May. All North Rim facilities close between October 15 and May 15, though the park itself stays open for day use from October 15 through December 1, if heavy snows don't close the roads before then.

North Rim road conditions PHONE: 928/638-7888.

Lodging reservations at all Grand Canyon National Park facilities are made through a master concessionaire, Xanterra Parks and Resorts. Occasionally, reservations can be made at individual properties on the day of arrival, but arranging for that once-in-a-lifetime room far in advance -- up to 23 months -- is more likely to result in fewer disappointments. Contact Xanterra for dining information as well.

Xanterra Parks and Resorts (14001 E. Illiff, Suite 600, Aurora, CO, 80014, USA. PHONE: 303/297-2757; 888/297-2757 lodging; 928/638-2631 dining, FAX: 303/297-3175, www.grandcanyonlodges.com)

Hours of operation listed for the Grand Canyon use Arizona time.

The state of Nevada is in the Pacific Time Zone, while Arizona is in the Mountain Time Zone. Arizona does not use Daylight Savings Time, however, and as a result, during the summer, Nevada and Arizona observe the same hours.

Air Vegas, Scenic Airlines, and Grand Canyon Tour Company offer air tours of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas; each provides ground transportation around the South Rim, stopping at spectacular scenic overlooks and Grand Canyon Village. You can also take a helicopter tour with any of the four Las Vegas-based companies that take you out over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead for a thrilling trip that can last from two to four hours.

Air Vegas ( PHONE: 702/736-3599 or 800/255-7474, www.airvegas.com). Grand Canyon Tour Company ( PHONE: 702/655-6060 or 800/222-6966, www.grandcanyontourcompany.com). HeliUSA ( PHONE: 702/736-8787 or 800/359-8727, www.heliusa.net). Maverick Helicopter Tours ( PHONE: 702/261-0007 or 888/261-4414, www.maverickhelicopter.com). Papillon ( PHONE: 702/736-7243 or 888/635-7272, www.papillon.com). Scenic Airlines ( PHONE: 702/638-3300 or 800/634-6801, www.scenic.com). Sundance Helicopter ( PHONE: 702/736-0606 or 800/653-1881, www.helicoptour.com).

Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce . Mailing address: Box 3007, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023, USA. PHONE: 928/638-2901, www.grandcanyonchamber.org. Grand Canyon National Park Visitors Services . Mailing address: Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023, USA. PHONE: 928/638-7888 recorded information, FAX: 928/638-7797, www.nps.gov/grca. Kane County Office of Tourism (78 S. 100 E, Kanab, UT, 84741, USA. PHONE: 435/644-5033 or 800/733-5263, www.kaneutah.com).

90 mi south of Las Vegas.

Laughlin is a unique state-line city, separated from Arizona by the Colorado River. Its founder, Don Laughlin, bought an eight-room motel here in 1966 and basically built the town from scratch. By the early 1980s Laughlin's Riverside Hotel-Casino was drawing gamblers and river rats from northwestern Arizona, southeastern California, and even southern Nevada, and his success attracted other casino operators.

Today Laughlin is the state's third major resort area, attracting more than 5 million visitors annually. The city fills up, especially in winter, with retired travelers who spend at least part of the winter in Arizona and a younger resort-loving crowd. The big picture windows overlooking the Colorado River lend a bright, airy, and open feeling particular to Laughlin casinos. Take a stroll along the river walk, then make the return trip by water taxi ($3 round trip; $2 one way). Boating, Jet Skis, fishing, and plain old wading are other options for enjoying the water.

Across the Laughlin Bridge, ¼ mi to the north, the Colorado River Museum displays the rich past of the tristate region where Nevada, Arizona, and California converge. There are artifacts from the Mojave Indian tribe, models and photographs of steamboats that once plied the river, rock and fossil specimens, and the first telephone switchboard used in neighboring Bullhead City. 2201 Rte. 68, Laughlin, NV, USA. PHONE: 928/754-3399. www.bullheadcity.com/tourism/Hismuseum.asp. COST: $1. OPEN: Sept.-June, Tues.-Sun. 10 AM-4 PM.

45 mi northwest of Las Vegas on U.S. 95.

In winter Las Vegans crowd the upper elevations of the Spring Mountains to throw snowballs, sled, cross-country ski, and even slide downhill at a little ski area. In summer they return to wander the high trails and escape the valley's 115°F heat (temperatures are at least 20°F cooler than in the city), and maybe even make the difficult hike to Mt. Charleston , the range's high point. Easier trails lead to seasonal waterfalls or rare, dripping springs where dainty columbine and stunted aspens spill down ravines and hummingbirds zoom. Or they might lead onto high, dry ridges where ancient bristlecone trees have become twisted and burnished with age. For camping information, contact the U.S. Forest Service ( PHONE: 702/515-5400). For snow reports and winter road conditions, call the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort ( PHONE: 702/593-9500).

At the intersection of U.S. 95 and Route 157, turn left to Kyle Canyon. The first stop on Kyle Canyon Road (about 17 mi up) is the Mt. Charleston Hotel , built in 1984. The large, lodgelike lobby has a big hearth, bar, and spacious restaurant with a mountain view. 2 Kyle Canyon Rd., Laughlin, NV, USA. PHONE: 702/872-5500 or 800/794-3456. www.mtcharlestonhotel.com.

If you take Route 157 to its end you reach the Mt. Charleston Lodge . At 7,717 feet above sea level, the lodge overlooks Kyle Canyon; it has a fireside cocktail lounge and log cabin rentals and is close to hiking trails. 1200 Old Park Rd., Laughlin, NV, USA. PHONE: 702/872-5408 or 800/955-1314. FAX: 702/872-5403. www.mtcharlestonlodge.com.

The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort in Lee Canyon has two campgrounds (at around 8,500 feet), the Bristlecone Trail, and a ski area with 10 runs on 40 acres. Depending on snowfall, ski season can last from Thanksgiving to Easter. PHONE: 702/645-2754. www.skilasvegas.com.

16 mi west of Las Vegas on W. Charleston Blvd. (Rte. 159).

From any vantage point in Las Vegas, your gaze is inevitably drawn to the Spring Mountains, that big limestone and sandstone wall hemming in the west side of the Las Vegas Valley. The range's centerpiece is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area , whose red-and-cream, water-carved canyons, jutting gray massifs, and fey, polka-dot boulders bring solace to many a city-fried Las Vegan. A 13-mi loop road winds past world-famous climbing areas and rolls up through the Mojave Desert shrubscape to a high viewing perch before rambling back down through the hills. A 30-minute drive west on West Charleston Boulevard (Route 159) delivers you there.

The first stops on the one-way loop road are the easy Calico Vistas 1 and 2 trails, where you can walk along the pretty path or grab a handful of sandstone and hoist yourself high (well, not too high, unless you have the gear and training). Red Rock's BLM Visitors Center exhibits the flora and fauna of the Mojave Desert and the history of past inhabitants. A turnoff for Willow Springs-Lost Creek is 6 ½ mi past the vista pullouts. Take this road to reach Lost Creek Discovery Trail (www.redrockcanyon.blm.gov; COST: $5 per car; OPEN: Visitor Center daily 8-6; loop road daily 6 AM-8 PM), an easy ¾-mi loop trail with Native American pictographs and a seasonal waterfall. There are 20 tables and a partly shaded picnic site next to the rocks. Arrive early to get a table. W. Charleston Blvd., Laughlin, NV, USA. PHONE: 702/515-5350. www.redrockcanyon.blm.gov. COST: $5 per car. OPEN: Visitor Center Nov.-Mar., daily 8-4:30; Apr.-Oct., daily 8-5:30. Loop road Nov.-Feb., daily 6 AM-5 PM; Mar. and Oct., daily 6 AM-7 PM; Apr.-Sept., daily 6 AM-8 PM.

Some of the buildings at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park date to 1860, but for centuries groups as varied as the Paiute Indians, Spanish Trail travelers, and cattle-raiding mountain men used the spring-fed meadows flourishing at the base of the colorful Wilson Range. The ranch has passed through many hands, including those of German actress Vera Krupp and millionaire Howard Hughes. The red ranch house, white picket fences, and long green lawns make this a perfect place for a picnic. Super Summer Theater, from June through August, transforms the sprawling grassy grounds into a playhouse under the stars. Rte. 159, 2½ mi past Red Rock Canyon scenic loop exit, Laughlin, NV, USA. PHONE: 702/875-4141 ranch; 702/594-7529 theater. parks.nv.gov/smr.htm. COST: Ranch, $6 per car; theater, prices vary, advanced purchase required. OPEN: Daily 8 AM-dusk. Ranch house 10-4, walking tours of old ranch weekdays at noon, 1, and 2, also at 3 on weekends and holidays.

At Bonnie Springs Ranch/Old Nevada , Old West kitsch meets a petting zoo (with a noisy duck pond) and a cozily eccentric restaurant and bar (note the artful floor embedded with tree stumps and the dance-hall costumes on the bathroom-stall doors). There's also a 50-unit motel. You can rent horses from the stable and take a one-hour guided trail ride through cacti, yucca, and Joshua trees. The theme park includes an opera house, two museums, a cemetery, a stamp mill, several stores, and a wedding chapel. Three times a day actors stage gunfights and hangings in the street. On weekends you can ride a miniature train that chugs its way between the parking lot and the entrance. The free train runs from 10:30 to 5. 1 Bonnie Springs Ranch Rd., Laughlin, NV, USA. PHONE: 702/875-4191. FAX: 702/875-4424. www.bonniesprings.com. COST: $7 per car weekdays, $10 per car weekends; horseback riding $25. OPEN: Labor Day-Memorial Day, daily 10:30-5; Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 10:30-6.

Tip: As with travel in all desert areas, be on the lookout for stormy weather any time of year. A winter storm can drop snow on the higher elevations, and a sudden summer rain can turn normally dry washes into deadly torrents.

Jean is 30 mi south of Las Vegas on I-15; Primm is another 12 mi south.

Las Vegas has optimum shopping and gawking, but those looking for a less-crowded alternative to the Strip's shops and sights can head out to Primm, Nevada, a 30-minute drive south on I-15 to the California border. Jean, Nevada, 12 mi before Primm, is a good place to watch wide-winged gliders soaring on desert thermals. Two casinos, the Gold Strike and Nevada Landing, flank the highway.

In Primm, stop at the Nevada Welcome Center ( PHONE: 702/874-1360, OPEN: Daily 9-6) for information and brochures about the state.

Then shop for bargains at Fashion Outlets Las Vegas or take a heart-pounding ride on Desperado, one of the world's tallest and fastest roller coasters. If you're in the mood to gamble or hungry for an inexpensive meal, stop by one of three casinos: Primm Valley Resort, Buffalo Bill's, or Whiskey Pete's. Two challenging Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole championship golf courses are just across the state line in California.

Fashion Outlets Las Vegas is a circular building connected to the Primm Valley Resort & Casino. Designed like a cartoon city, complete with car kiosks and streetlights, the 360,000-square-foot mall is anchored by famous-name outlet stores. Take time to see Bonnie and Clyde's shot-up car (yep, the real one) and the last shirt (bloodstains and all) worn by Clyde. This minimuseum is up the escalators, just before you enter the casino. Catch a $13 round-trip shuttle at New York-New York or MGM Grand. Shuttles leave six times each day (three times each from MGM and New York-New York); the first shuttle leaves the New York-New York at 9:15 AM and the last leaves the MGM at 3:15 PM. I-15, at Exit 1, Primm, NV, USA. PHONE: 702/874-1400; 888/424-6898 shuttle reservations. FAX: 702/874-1560. www.fashionoutletlasvegas.com. OPEN: Daily 10 AM-8 PM.

Once you've shopped, you can drop, literally, by riding one of Buffalo Bill's Rides . The Desperado roller coaster promises G-forces of 4.0, near-zero gravity, and speeds of 90 mph in less than three minutes -- two steep drops add even more thrills. Passengers board inside Buffalo Bill's Casino. Buffalo Bill's also has the Venture Canyon Log Flume Ride (go splash, then travel the indoor river), the Turbo Drop (a 170-foot drop at 45 mph), a virtual roller coaster, and motion-simulator rides. 31900 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Primm, NV, USA. PHONE: 702/386-7867 or 800/386-7867. www.primadonna.com. COST: Rides $3-$6; half-day wristband $22, all-day wristband $30. OPEN: Mon. through Thurs. 11-9 PM, Fri. 11 AM-midnight, Sat. 10 AM-midnight, Sun. 10 AM-10 PM.

Sandy Valley . Maybe your cowboy hat looked out of place in the fine new joints of Vegas, but in Sandy Valley it's a given. Here you can don the hat, climb onto a trusty steed, and round up some cows in the wide open mesquite scrub of a classic mountain-ringed, big-sky Nevada valley. Then eat campfire grub out under the stars and curl up in a tepee. Or, stay in the quirky, Victorian-decorated covered wagon for a romantic evening. Sandy Valley Rd., 6 mi west of Jean on Rte. 161, Primm, NV, 89019, USA. PHONE: 702/631-0463 or 877/726-3998. www.sandyvalleyranch.com.

Gold Strike Hotel and Gambling Hall . The Gold Strike has spacious rooms -- with either two queen-size beds or one king and a pull-out sofa -- that look out over the Nevada desert. On the inside, the casino has a predictable Old West design, but the weird white, red, and bright-blue facade outside is at odds with the brownish desert hues. 1 Main St., Jean, NV, 89019, USA. PHONE: 702/477-5000 or 800/634-1359. FAX: 702/671-1655. www.stopatjean.com. 812 rooms. 3 restaurants, cable TV, pool, lounge, casino, no-smoking rooms. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Buffalo Bill's Hotel and Casino . The towering barn-red structure encircled by a roller coaster is one of the three hotel-casinos right at the California border. Owned by the parent company of MGM-Mirage, the trio are a little world all their own, connected by a free monorail. To get people out here from Las Vegas, Bill's has to make it worth their while, and does so with inexpensive rooms and food and coupon funbooks thrown in. Rooms feel like the inside of a cabin, with log wallpaper and rustic furniture, and have great views of the surrounding mountains. Check out the buffalo-shape swimming pool. I-15 at state line, Primm, NV, 89019, USA. PHONE: 702/386-7867 or 800/386-7867. FAX: 702/679-5424. www.primadonna.com. 1,242 rooms. 4 restaurants, cable TV, pool, spa, casino, cinema, showroom, meeting room, no-smoking floors. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Nevada Landing Hotel and Casino . Right across I-15 from the Gold Strike (on the westbound side), Nevada Landing closely resembles its neighbor, except it's smaller and looks like a stranded riverboat. Both the Gold Strike and Nevada Landing are owned by Mandalay Resort Group. 2 Goodsprings Rd., Jean, NV, 89019, USA. PHONE: 702/387-5000 or 800/628-6682. FAX: 702/671-1407. www.primadonna.com. 303 rooms. 3 restaurants, pool, lounge, casino, no-smoking rooms. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Primm Valley Resort & Casino . Faux ivy, latticework, and the green-and-white interior approximate a country-club theme. Top-notch lounge entertainment complements Buffalo Bill's 6,000-seat Star of the Desert Arena and Whiskey Pete's 700-seat showroom. The outlet mall is accessible from the resort's casino. I-15 at state line, Primm, NV, 89019, USA. PHONE: 702/386-7867 or 800/386-7867. FAX: 702/679-5424. www.primadonna.com. 624 rooms. 3 restaurants, cable TV, pool, piano bar, casino, convention center, no-smoking floors. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Whiskey Pete's Casino and Hotel . It's a noisy, surprisingly busy, state-line hotel-casino, with lounge bands, cheap food, and large, inexpensive rooms with king-size beds. When you're headed for Las Vegas from the west, an overnight stop at Pete's will leave you with just a short drive to those lavish Vegas breakfast buffets. I-15 at state line, Primm, NV, 89019, USA. PHONE: 702/386-7867 or 800/386-7867. FAX: 702/679-5424. www.primadonna.com. 777 rooms. 3 restaurants, cable TV, pool, casino, showroom, no-smoking floors. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

At 3.4 million acres, Death Valley National Park is the largest national park outside Alaska. The topography of Death Valley is a mini geology lesson. Two hundred million years ago, seas covered the area, depositing layers of sediment and fossils. Between 35 million and 5 million years ago, faults in the Earth's crust and volcanic activity pushed and folded the ground, causing mountain ranges to rise and the valley floor to drop. The valley was then filled periodically by lakes, which eroded the surrounding rocks into fantastic formations and deposited the salts that now cover the floor of the basin.

Today the area has 14 square mi of sand dunes, 200 square mi of crusty salt flats, hills, 11,000-foot-high mountains, and canyons of many colors. The lowest point in the Western Hemisphere is here. There are more than 1,000 species of plants and trees -- 21 of which are unique to the valley, such as the yellow Panamint daisy and the blue-flowered Death Valley sage. Distances are deceiving, and mirages trick your eyes so that seeming bodies of water appear, shift, expand, and then disappear as you drive by. As with any desert travel, you should always carry plenty of water, sunblock, a hat, a mirror, and other potentially lifesaving items. In summer avoid extended activity during the day. www.nps.gov/deva. COST: $10 per vehicle, $5 per motorcycle; valid for 7 consecutive days from purchase date. OPEN: Daily.

Lodging facilities at Furnace Creek Ranch and Inn and Stovepipe Wells Village are managed by a master concessionaire, Xanterra Parks and Resorts . During the cooler period, October through May, accommodations sell out early, especially over holiday weekends. 14001 E. Illiff, Suite 600, Aurora, CO, 80014, USA. PHONE: 303/297-2757 or 888/297-2757. FAX: 303/297-3175. www.xanterra.com.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide To Las Vegas: Knowing Sin City's Best Tips & Tricks

Prep for a visit to Las Vegas with this all-inclusive travel guide, complete with tips on getting the most out of a Sin City trip.

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What to know when visiting las vegas, best time to visit las vegas, best ways to get around sin city, where to stay on the strip, where to eat in las vegas, top vegas attractions, costs in las vegas to know about, tips for visiting vegas.

Las Vegas is the gambling and vice capital of the United States, and it has an interesting history . There is plenty to see and do in this city (and plenty to know about visiting in advance). Las Vegas is nicknamed "Sin City" for good reason and its catchphrase "What Happens In Vegas, Stays In Vegas" epitomizes what Vegas is all about (or at least how it markets itself), although it has changed over the years .

Vegas is also one of those destinations that can be very affordable — and even family-friendly — or as expensive as one can imagine. It all comes down to what visitors want to do, what their expectations are when they go, and how well they plan.

Las Vegas can be a family-friendly destination, but that is not its primary focus. Vegas is a top destination for bachelorette parties and for the ultimate nightlife and vice. There are many adult advertisements that parents may not want their children to see.

Vegas gets expensive if one visits at the wrong times, but is affordable during the week (especially in the off-season).

Vegas is not all about Vegas and The Strip. Vegas is also about visiting the Hoover Dam , The Grand Canyon, and the Mojave Desert .

That being said, the main attractions are gambling, shows, nightlife, and adult-related attractions.

Las Vegas is situated in a hot desert, and so during the summer, it can be sweltering hot, although it can be visited throughout the year.

The best time to visit Vegas is before and after the sweltering heat of summer — March to May and from September to November.

• Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to November
• Busiest Times: Around New Year's Eve, the Super Bowl, and Valentine's Day

Related: See Las Vegas In A Unique Way On These Thrilling Tours

By going in the shoulder seasons of the year, visitors get to enjoy some of the most moderate weather. The winter months are also a great time to visit weather-wise, but it also receives large influxes of visitors (especially around New Year's Eve, the Super Bowl, and Valentine's Day).

Summer doesn't need to be off the books either; visitors are just likely to spend more time in their casino hotels and the swimming pools and less time on an excursion in the desert.

As with all American cities (apart from perhaps New York City), the best way to get around the wider city is by car, especially for jaunts over to (relatively) nearby Reno . However, parking can be a problem on The Strip.

The major hotels offer shuttle services — they may be for an extra fee or complimentary.

If one is planning to just stay in The Strip for a few days and if one is flying into Sin City, it may not be worth hiring a car.

Vegas also has plenty of public transportation options to get around. It boasts a monorail, trams (they are free in Las Vegas), and a bus transportation network.

Monorail Fees:

• One-Ride: $5
• 1-Day Pass: $13

Without a car, perhaps the most convenient way to get around is with ride-sharing; Uber and Lyft work really well, and often the cost of a trip will be only around $10.00.

Related: Is Las Vegas Really Overrated? Here's What First-Time Visitors Shouldn't Waste Their Time On

The Strip is full of some of the most famous casinos in the world, like The Venetian Las Vegas, The Palazzo at the Venetian, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Resorts World, Paris Las Vegas, and many more. These are all on — or near — the famous Strip.

• Accommodation: The Venetian Las Vegas
• Address: 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109-8941
• Amenities: Free Parking, Free Internet, Pool

Staying on the Strip means that people can enjoy being right in the heart of the neon-light attractions of Vegas. Many things are also within walking distance, and so visitors don't need to worry about getting taxis or public transportation.

• Accommodation: The Palazzo at the Venetian
• Address: 3325 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109-1414

All of these casinos are great options offering some excellent deals. Some hotels offer up to 30% off for longer stays when booking three or more nights.

• Accommodation: Caesars Palace
• Address: 3570 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Amenities: EV Charging Station, Free WiFi, Pool
• Accommodation: Bellagio Las Vegas
• Address: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109-4303
• Amenities: EV Charging Station, Fitness Center, Pool

There are plenty of excellent accommodation options as well off the Strip in quieter places in Las Vegas.

One great option is the Las Vegas Pool and Lazy River Complex (part of the stunning Tahiti Village) — it is arguably worth booking just for its lazy river.

Vegas has just about every type of restaurant and dining option ( including themed restaurants ) one can think of - there are far too many great dining options to list out in detail here.

Perhaps the most unusual (and cringe) place to eat is at the Heart Attack Grill — not recommended for those on a diet.

Some of the top places to eat in Vegas are:

• Primal Steakhouse
• Edge Steakhouse
• Fresco Italiano
• Weera Thai Restaurant
• Omelet House
• Esther's Kitchen
• Italian American Club
• Arawan Thai Bistro and Dessert

Vegas also has plenty of great places to grab an adult beverage .

Vegas is full of attractions; it has some of the world's premier shopping destinations, many of the world's most famous casinos, innumerable excursions in the desert around Vegas, and Neon lights galore.

But must-dos in Vegas include the Vegas shows and a day trip to the Grand Canyon.

Top Attractions In And Around Vegas:

• The Strip: Walk the strip at night (but be aware of the surroundings) — adults only
• Recommended Tour: Las Vegas Strip by Limo with Personal Photographer
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: From $499.99 USD per group ( Up to 8)

Book this tour

• Helicopter Rides Over Las Vegas & The Grand Canyon: Great day tour option
• Recommended Tour: Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight with Optional VIP Transportation
• Cost: From $89.99 USD per adult
• The High Roller Observation Wheel: One of the largest Ferris wheels in the world
• Recommended Tour: The High Roller at The LINQ Ticket
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Cost: From $28.12 USD per adult
• The Mob Museum: Learn about the history of crime in the US
• Recommended Tour: Las Vegas Mob Museum Admission Ticket
• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: From $32.5 USD per adult

Additionally, many casinos have their own iconic attractions. The Venetian Hotel has its gondola rides, the Paris hotel has a reconstruction of the Eiffel Tower, and the Bellagio Resort has the (free to watch) Fountain Show.

Related: Learn America's Gangster History At This Vegas Mob Museum

Vegas is almost unique in how affordable (or even cheap) some of the accommodations can be. Great rooms in some massive casino hotels can be found for $50.00 or less a night for two.

To enjoy the great deals, look on the hotel's websites for upcoming deals (as well as various Vegas-dedicated websites).

The casinos can offer rooms at great rates because they are planning to make more money through their casinos, restaurants, and in-house shopping malls.

Related: From Family-Friendly To Adult Entertainment, Vegas Has It All

One of the key things to plan around is to try to visit Vegas during the midweek. Vegas is a very popular destination for Americans over the weekend, so prices shoot up on the weekend.

If possible, plan to visit Las Vegas between Tuesday and Thursday.

The best thing one can do in Vegas is to plan ahead and look for great hotel deals.

But there are also exceptions for planning ahead. If one is traveling with an eye on the budget and is happy to be flexible with what show to watch, then book show tickets at the last minute .

• Car Hire: Don't bother
• Download: Lyft & Uber
• Stay Hydrated: It gets super hot in Las Vegas; drink plenty of water!

Vegas is a city that never sleeps, with some of its businesses not closing through the night. Learn more about current events and offerings at Las Vegas' dedicated tourism website .

Q: How much does it cost to visit Las Vegas?

How much a Las Vegas trip is going to cost depends on a range of factors . It depends on when one goes (some seasons are much more expensive as are the weekends). Gambling is a large variable for folks visiting Las Vegas as well.

As a rough guide, reckon on spending around $2,700 for a week for a couple or $1,500 for a solo traveler. Hotels range from as low as around $30 per night to well into the hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Q: How long should a trip to Las Vegas be?

How much time a first-timer needs to visit Las Vegas really depends on the person and what they want to get out of their trip to Sin City.

A single night is enough time to walk The Strip , visit a few casinos, go to a show, and perhaps do a little gambling on the side.

It is very common to spend a long weekend there, but the best to spend around five days — that's enough time for multiple shows, day tours of the Grand Canyon, and to get the feel of the city much more.

Q: What is the best month to travel to Las Vegas?

The best months to visit Las Vegas are the more affordable shoulder seasons — March, April, October, and November (the summer is very hot).

But really the "best" month really depends on what the "best" means for each individual person (some like it hot, some like it cold, some like it...).

For most folks, spring and autumn are perhaps the best months to visit.

Q: Is it worth it to visit Las Vegas?

A trip to Las Vegas is a must for almost every traveler, whether they're interested in gambling, the lights and sounds of the Strip, or simply want to get out and enjoy the nightlife and great food.

In terms of comparisons, there are none; even Atlantic City can't stack up to what Vegas offers .

Las Vegas Guide

Vegas Guide: October 2023

An ‘American’ Success Story – Carrie Underwood’s Fabulous Las Vegas Residency Continues

It feels like just yesterday that Carrie Underwood was the Oklahoma farm girl tantalizing the nation while winning American Idol. But as she continues her REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency at Resorts World Las Vegas, Underwood is a bona fide country music superstar whose signature marriage of down-home charm and larger-than-life glam is stunning.

The Hot List: Holiday Magic (x3!) in Las Vegas

Oct. 19, 2023

‘Sin City’ With the Family Can Work – There is Fun for All Ages on The Strip

The Sporting Event(s) of the Century

The Legend Continues: Cirque du Soleil Turns 30

Winter Wonder at Resorts World

Resorts World Theatre welcomes top-tier talent from the worlds of comedy and music delivering only-in-Vegas performances this fall and winter.

Encore Theater: Wynn Las Vegas’ Spectacular Venue Shines Brightly This Fall

Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas is a world-class entertainment venue.

International Import LPM Brings Its ‘Joie De Vivre’ and Modern Cuisine to Hip Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Open All Night – Ease Your After-Hours Hunger in Las Vegas

Famous Food, and Fast!

Here’s Why The Sphere in Las Vegas Has Everybody Talking (And Gawking)

Two Iconic Las Vegas Properties Are Undergoing a ‘Resort Refresh’

At Their New Flagship Location, the Museum Of Illusions Offers Magic in the Air

‘Lido’ Shuffle: The Showgirl Show May Be History, But the Signage Shines Bright at the Neon Museum

Read the print edition of October’s Vegas Guide

Vegas guide: spring 2023.

Las Vegas Legend Donny Osmond Extends his Exciting, Unprecedented Solo Residency

A household name to generations and one of Las Vegas’ most prolific and beloved headliners, Donny Osmond recently extended his award-winning “Donny” residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas Showroom through the end of this year.

Need for Speed: Vegas Gets Its Own GP During November’s F1 Main Event

Crooners and Sin City legends all cruised the Las Vegas Strip. Soon, so will Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. Because Formula One motor racing is returning to Sin City, November 16-18, at the Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix.

A ‘Grand’ Adventure: Go Out Without Roughing it at Grand Canyon Glamping Resort

Love the great outdoors but don’t want to sacrifice the creature comforts of home? A new “glamping” experience just minutes from the Grand Canyon has you covered.

The Hot List: Ancient Egyptian Mummies, Immersive Disney, Real Mermaids

Vegas spotlight.

‘Sein’ of the Times – Jerry Seinfeld Returns to Make Merry at Caesars

Organic ‘Chemistry’ Combines Kelly Clarkson at Planet Hollywood’s Bakkt Theater, an Exclusive Show Experience

Encore Theater: Spring has Sprung for Wynn Las Vegas’ Venue

Resorts World Theatre: The Hits Keep Coming at Vegas’ Newest Venue

A ‘Suite’ View: The Palms’ Villas and Suites are The Best Lookout in Vegas

El Cortez: Home of Original Vegas Sports Action

Spring 2023 Las Vegas Guide: Read the Print Edition

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Make it a One-Stop Evening at Vegas’ ‘Rock ‘n’ Bowl’ Venue, The Brooklyn Bowl

Rediscover a SAHARA Las Vegas That’s Better Than Ever

A Shoe In: This Vegas Legend is Back, and It’s Now Center Strip

Punk’s Not Dead – It’s ‘Anarchy in the L.V.’ at Vegas’ Newest Museum

Strip Views and Tasty Brews at BrewDog Las Vegas, a ‘Heightened’ New Pub

Extend Your Zen: Get a Healing and Relaxing CBD Massage At Your Next Vegas Spa Day

Game Time! The Vegas Social Sports Scene Continues to Grow with Flight Club

Vegas guide: fall 2022.

Not her First ‘Rodeo’: Country Superstar Miranda Lambert hits the stage at Zappos Theater

Miranda Lambert is one of those rare artists who has consistently enjoyed both vast critical acclaim and chart-topping commercial success.

El Cortez Hotel & Casino Celebrates 80 Years With Stunning Renovations – And One Very Adult Change

A Modern Legend in Vegas, Spiegelworld’s Ross Mollison Looks Back on 10+ Years in Sin City and What’s Next

Vegas Hot List: Brunch; A Theatrical Spa; Yacht Rock!

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Encore Theater

Visit Omega Mart: The No. 1 Shopping Destination in the Worlds

Las Vegas Guide: Read The Print Edition

Game On! Find out if You’re ‘Major League Gamer’ Material at HyperX Arena Las Vegas

Sky-High Sips: Ghostbar Returns to the Top of The Palms Casino

...Just a Little Nibble: ‘Fish Spas’ Are a Very Vegas Attraction

A Show That Never Sleeps: Cirque Du Soleil’s Newest Spectacle Wows Audiences

A Star is Reborn: Plaza Hotel & Casino Undergoes an Eye-Catching Transformation

The Games Vegas Plays: The City is a Professional Sports Mecca and Also has Great Local Teams

Forget the Food Court and Kiss the Cafeteria Goodbye: Aria’s Proper Eats has Elevated the Concept

The Big Day: A Wedding in Vegas is Big on Options, Low on Pressure

Gone to the Dogs! Bring Your Pup to Vegas for a ‘Pet-Cation’

A Classic Arrives: Peter Luger Steakhouse to Debut in Las Vegas in 2023

Season’s Greetings from Sin City: Skip the Flight Home and Hit the Strip Instead

Soothing With Souvenirs: Bring Back a Fun Piece of Vegas, Even if You’re Down a Bit

Vegas guide: summer 2022.

Omega Mart – The No. 1 Shopping Destination in the Worlds

When you visit Las Vegas, you expect some escapism, wonder, and a lot of fun.

Pool Day! – Six Sensational Pool Scenes In Las Vegas

Every Season is BBQ Season at These Las Vegas Barbecue Joints

The Hot List: ‘Rarely Seen’ Worlds; An American Vanderpump in Paris; Hot Dudes!

Photo-Worthy Moments Visitors to the Strip can now view photographs of some of the world’s most astounding phenomena at the all-new National Geographic Society exhibition, “Rarely Seen.”

Vegas Guide: Spring 2022

True ‘Love’: Multi-Hyphenate Artist John Legend Brings his Unique Sound and Style to Vegas

Singer-songwriter John Legend has checked off almost every imaginable career achievement and accolade.

‘Mad’ World: Cirque du Soleil’s 2022 Premiere Captures the Spirit of New York City

Secrets, Revealed: ‘David Copperfield’s History of Magic’ Takes Readers Inside Illusionist’s Museum

Master of Ceremonies: Douglas Kim, Master Sommelier, Now Helms MGM’s Vegas Wine Program

The Fremont Street Experience’s Huge Video Board Receives a Serious Upgrade

Vegas Hot List

Inspiring Art; Palms’ New Owner; MARTHA!

Visit Omega Mart – The No. 1 Shopping Destination in the Worlds

The World’s Largest Sportsbook The World’s (and so Much More) at Circa Las Vegas

Party City: Las Vegas has a Celebration for Every Spring Occasion

Although some cities have become synonymous with certain events over the years, there’s no greater place to celebrate any occasion than Las Vegas.

The Humble Happy Hour, Refined

Happy hour in Las Vegas isn’t like happy hour at your local watering hole.

Vaunted Vegas Celeb Chef Todd English is Creating a Hotel Experience in the Arts District

The already cool Vegas Arts District is going to get just a little cooler this spring – visitors can stay and play in a new boutique hotel right in the middle of the action.

Criss Angel and Franco Dragone Team Up to Create Something Special with ‘AMYSTIKA’

Resale Therapy: Shop ‘Til You Drop at These Local Treasures

Nellie’s Southern Kitchen Infuses Traditional Favorites with Some Jonas Brothers Magic

Going ‘Mad’ in Vegas: College Basketball Superfans can Catch all the Action on the Strip

‘Sky’ High: ARIA, Already an Ultra-Luxe Destination, Soars Even Higher with Redesigned Suites

New Year – New Bar: Mandalay Bay’s S Bar Delights with Sips and Sups

Vegas Guide Spring 2022: Read the Print Edition

Las vegas guide: fall 2021.

Global superstar Celine Dion brings her residency back to the Las Vegas Strip

A-list music residencies and Vegas: Name a better duo.

Paint the Town Silver and Black: Las Vegas Adds Pro Football to its Lineup of World-Class Experiences

Getting some Air: Soar Over the West Without Ever Leaving the Strip

Private Spa Experiences Perfect for a Day of Pampering

Celebrating 100-plus Years of a Vegas Original: Golden Gate Hotel and Casino

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Singing in the Season; Ice Skating on the Strip; Holidays at the Ballpark

Vegas Guide: Spotlight

Visit Omega Mart - The No. 1 Shopping Destination in all the Worlds

John Fogerty Returns to Wynn Las Vegas

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Iconic Tropicana Las Vegas resort closing to make room for new stadium

One of Las Vegas’ longest-standing Strip casinos is shuttering its doors for good .

Tropicana Las Vegas is set to close Tuesday, just two days shy of its 67th anniversary. Once a crown jewel on the Strip, the aging property has struggled to stand out in recent decades amid a sea of megaresorts.  

A demolition is set to take place later this year to make room for a new Major League Baseball stadium . Once the Tropicana is gone, the only standing Strip resort from the 1950s will be the Sahara . 

While the Tropicana's demise is “sad for historians,” according to University of Nevada, Las Vegas, history professor Michael Green , it’s not an unusual move from a city known for tearing down its history to make way for future projects.

“Hotels built in the 1950s were not designed for the 2020s,” Green told USA TODAY. The Tropicana’s closing “reflects Las Vegas changing to keep up with and get ahead of everyone else. … The times have changed.”  

‘The city is transforming’

The teardown is bittersweet for Antioco Carrillo, a 56-year-old Las Vegas local who worked in the property’s kitchen when he was 20. It was his first job in the states after immigrating from Mexico in 1987.

While the property has undergone renovations since his time as an employee, Carrillo said walking through the property with his husband this past weekend hit him with a sense of nostalgia. 

He snapped photos of the stained glass dome above the casino, the conference center, the pool. He recalled feeling small his first time inside the resort, which felt like a “city within a city.” He thought back to all of his former coworkers, a melting pot of employees from all corners of the world, he said. 

“It’s the property that gave me the opportunity to live here,” he said. “But I think it is a positive move, at the end of the day, because the city is transforming.”

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‘One of the elites,’ once upon a time

With a $15 million price tag, the Tropicana was the most expensive Las Vegas resort built to date when it opened in April 1957. Dubbed “the Tiffany of the Strip" as a reference to the famous jeweler, the 300-room property was considered a luxurious retreat.

It received high praise from local media at the time, with the Las Vegas Sun gushing over the “fantastically beautiful” resort with its "colorful, mosaic-tiled entrance" and spacious rooms, while the Las Vegas Review-Journal described the Tropicana as having a “quiet dignity.” 

The resort would go on to become well-known for its entertainment. It was the first Las Vegas stage to showcase the magicians Siegfried & Roy as part of the Folies Bergère show – a cabaret show imported from Paris that would go on to entertain tourists with its topless showgirls for nearly 50 years. The property’s Blue Room was another big attraction, hosting big-name jazz performers like Louis Armstrong . 

In its early years, the Tropicana was “one of the elites of the Strip,” said Green, who said that in addition to its entertainment offerings, “it was also known as having been opened by the mob.”

While ties to organized crime weren't unusual for Las Vegas casinos, Green said the mob did a poor job of hiding its involvement at the Tropicana. Just one month after the property’s grand opening, the mobster Frank Costello was shot in New York City . A paper in his pocket showed gross win figures from the Tropicana’s casino, connecting him to a skimming operation at the property.

Management changed hands a number of times since then, with the most recent buyers – Bally's Corp. – purchasing the property for $148 million in 2022 . 

“I think part of (the property’s decline) is it that it went through several ownership changes when the other hotels were not – which meant different approaches, different plans,” Green said. “Then it was surrounded by these megaresorts. And in a sense, it tried to have its own niche by not being one of them and having amenities – but not the amenities to the degree the others did.”

Demolition planned for fall

The Tropicana’s gaming floor is set to close at 3 a.m. Tuesday, and food and beverage departments are set to close by noon, according to the property’s website . Preparations to tear down the resort will begin “shortly after,” with a tentative demolition date slated for October.

“What they say is, is true. (Las Vegas is) not a sentimental town. When they think they can do something better with the land, they will do that,” said David Schwartz , a history professor at UNLV. 

Once the property is torn down, approximately 9 acres are set to go to the Athletics for their new stadium. The MLB team – which currently plays at the Oakland Coliseum – recently released renderings of a 33,000-seat stadium .

But memories of the property will live on. The Tropicana said on social media that it will be collaborating with UNLV, the Neon Museum and the Showgirl Museum to “preserve the heritage and items of sentimental value within the Tropicana.” Additionally, fans of the property can purchase items like guest room furniture, gaming stools and linens at the property’s pre-demolition liquidation sale.  

“I think I’ve made peace with the fact that we live in a city where we’re pushing forward with new things,” Carrillo said. “It’s sad to see the hotel go, the whole property go, but it’s exciting to look at the new opportunities this city is going to have.”  

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COMMENTARY: New bill bleeds Las Vegas tourism dry

Elimination of reward programs would hinder visitation.

Las Vegas and tourism go hand in hand. Millions of visitors travel here each year to experience all that our city has to offer — from the casinos on the Strip, to concerts at the Sphere, to major events such as the Super Bowl. More than 40 million people visited Las Vegas in 2022, spending nearly $45 billion — a record. That level of spending is critical for our region’s economic health, but it is also in jeopardy due to a new bill in Congress.

Millions of visitors to Las Vegas rely on credit card rewards to fund their travel. It’s a simple concept: Use a credit card to make purchases, earn airline miles, hotel points and cash back, and use those rewards to save money when booking a trip. A new survey from the U.S. Tourism Economy Alliance shows just how critical these rewards are for travelers. The survey finds that of the 80 percent of Americans using credit cards with rewards, seven in 10 say they would cut travel spending if those rewards were to be reduced or eliminated.

The impact would be especially acute for middle-class families that use credit card rewards to pay for vacations and visits to loved ones. The survey found that of households making under $75,000, nearly one-third said they would take fewer trips.

Despite these impacts, the Senate is currently considering the Durbin-Marshall credit card bill, which would change how credit card transactions are processed. In doing so, it would eliminate credit card rewards. Currently, whenever someone makes a purchase by using a credit card, the retailer pays a small fee — usually 1 percent to 3 percent — that is used to ensure the security of the transaction and protect both the credit card user and retailer from fraud. Banks also use this fee to fund popular rewards programs that make travel to Las Vegas possible.

The Durbin-Marshall bill would allow retailers to choose cheaper, less secure networks, potentially further exposing consumers to fraud and eliminating the funding used for rewards. And while retailers say they will pass this savings on to consumers, does anyone expect big box stores to cut prices by up to 3 percent? No, they will pocket the savings — all while consumers lose access to critical rewards.

Eliminating credit card rewards would not just impact travelers, it would impact tourism in Nevada. Cutting travel spending or taking fewer trips would have major negative effects on our state’s businesses, employees in the hospitality industry and municipalities that need tax revenue. Even a small percentage cut in visitation would send shock waves through the economy.

Consider the restaurant industry, which has notoriously thin profit margins and faces challenges, from the cost of food to labor shortages. If a restaurant were to see a dip in revenue, that would mean they may need to hire fewer employees, lay off current employees or even close. On top of that, with less spending from tourists, the local municipality would collect less tax revenue. That adds pressure on the budget and forces leaders to consider either raising taxes or cutting services.

Nevada’s economy is so closely tied to tourism that any changes to the credit card reward system would have lasting, negative impacts. While Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto have not indicated if they support the bill, I hope that before they cast a vote they consider what it would mean for workers in the industry and our communities.

Colleen Birch is former COO of Fontainebleau Las Vegas and spent more than two decades as an executive in Las Vegas casinos.

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Last call for the ultimate Pinehurst trip

Heading to Las Vegas? Here’s what to know about Wynn Golf Club

What happens in Las Vegas includes the 8AM Invitational, which takes place this week on the only course that sits directly on the Strip, Wynn Golf Club.

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Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake are getting together this week, but not for a late-night talk-show interview. The occasion is the 2024 8AM Invitational , a charity event, orchestrated by Timberlake, featuring 28 celebrity golfers in a team-oriented competition at Wynn Las Vegas.

If this were People Magazine, we’d dish on the participants. But this is GOLF.com, so let’s delve into the course. Here are six things you should know about the Wynn.

1. It’s got a Rat Pack past

Before it was the Wynn, the property was the Desert Inn, a resort and casino with a course of the same name, which hosted PGA Tour, Champions and LPGA events. It was also the regular stomping grounds of Frank, Dino and the gang. You know, the golf and gimlet-loving Rat Pack.

2. It’s the only course directly on the Strip

There are other options near the Strip. But only at the Wynn can you spend all night at the tables then walk directly with your winnings to the pro shop, which in turn gives way to the first tee.

3. You’ll pay a premium

It’s not Shadow Creek-spendy (green fees there recently jumped to $1,250), but it’s a high-roller’s course — $800 is what a round will cost you, but that includes a caddie, who can help keep you away from all the water hazards, not to mention all the other trouble you avoid by spending four-plus hours on the course.

4. It’s a Fazio design

Tom Fazio, that is. The same man who did Shadow Creek. He cut the ribbon at the Wynn in 2005 and returned 14 years later with his son, Logan, to freshen up 10 holes and build eight new ones.

5. It’s next door to the Sphere

Odds are you’ve seen pictures. Maybe you’ve been to the venue yourself. That humongous globe-shaped structure, which opened last year, rehabbing the Vegas skyline? That would be the Sphere, and it looms just beyond the boundaries of the course, sometimes gawking at you when its video screen-covered exterior transforms into a giant blinking eye.

6. The final hole is rinse/reward

The Wynn has water, not quite everywhere, but plentiful enough to be a factor on a number of holes, nowhere more dramatically than on the par-3 18th, which plays over a lake and is backed by an enormous waterfall. There are lots of ways to make bogey on this dramatic finisher. But make an ace, and the Wynn gives you $10,000 as a reward.

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A golf, food and travel writer, Josh Sens has been a GOLF Magazine contributor since 2004 and now contributes across all of GOLF’s platforms. His work has been anthologized in The Best American Sportswriting. He is also the co-author, with Sammy Hagar, of Are We Having Any Fun Yet: the Cooking and Partying Handbook.

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Busiest year ever for Las Vegas airport, but where does it rank worldwide?

L AS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Harry Reid International Airport was ranked as the fifth-busiest airport in the world in 2023, according to a new survey released by Airports Council International (ACI).

That is, if we’re talking about takeoffs and landings. The ACI report, released on Monday in Montreal, provided a variety of rankings: aircraft movements (takeoffs and landings), passengers, international passengers and cargo.

In terms of total passengers, Las Vegas was ranked No. 12 in the world. And that’s the stat that’s generally accepted in ordering the busiest airports.

So how is it that Las Vegas is so much higher on the list of takeoffs and landings? The reason is fairly simple. Recall what happened the week the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix lit up the Strip. There were reports that airplane parking was maxed out. Social media posts by jet-setters complained that their pilots had to drop them off and then fly elsewhere to park.

Joe Rajchel, Public Information Administrator at Reid Airport and the Clark County Department of Aviation, said Las Vegas is unique because of the variety of operations. In 2023, Las Vegas climbed from No. 8 to No. 5, with 611,806 takeoffs and landings. That’s a 5.3% increase over 2022, and a 10.6% increase compared to 2019, the last full year before the pandemic.

And F1 isn’t the only attraction that brings private planes to Las Vegas.

Add to that: Helicopter tour operators working on the west side of the airport provide a steady stream of activity.

Those private planes and tour helicopters produce a lot of takeoffs and landings, but they don’t add as much to the passenger counts. We reached out to Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation, but neither company has replied to our inquiries.

Harry Reid International Airport established a new high for passenger traffic in 2023 , a record 57.6 million passengers — a 9.4% increase over 2022.

The list of the world’s busiest airports and the number of passengers:

• Atlanta, USA (ATL): 104,653,451
• Dubai, UAE (DXB): 86,994,365
• Dallas/Fort Worth, USA (DFW): 81,755,538
• London, UK (LHR): 79,183,364
• Tokyo, Japan (HND): 78,719,302
• Denver, USA (DEN): 77,837,917
• Istanbul, Turkey (IST): 76,027,321
• Los Angeles, USA (LAX): 75,050,875
• Chicago, USA (ORD): 73,894,226
• New Delhi, India (DEL): 72,214,841

Las Vegas came in at No. 12 on the list.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.