I can’t think of anyone saying, “I’m bored” when they are in Las Vegas. From the minute you get off the plane to the minute to board to go home, you are sensationalized by all Vegas has to offer. I mean, c’mon – what airport do you know aside from McCarran International Airport that has slot machines centrally located at the boarding gates?! I can’t wait to share with you my rendition of what to do in Las Vegas – on and off the strip.
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The flight into Vegas was smooth sailing and beautiful as I was able to see the mountains from my window!
WHAT TO DO IN LAS VEGAS – OFF THE STRIP
We did some research on local street art and took a cab over to Downtown Las Vegas. The street art there was amazing. It was all within a 10 block radius. We were like kids in a candy shop wondering what art we would discover as we turned each corner. Here are some of my favorite pieces:
We stumbled upon the Container Park, a retail and restaurant section made entirely out of refurbished/recycled shipping containers. It was amazing! There were restaurants with roof top dining, the cutest toy store (we had to get the boys something!), and a play area for the kids. The tree house was by far the coolest part!
WHAT TO DO IN LAS VEGAS – ON THE STRIP
I can’t imagine anyone saying that they are bored or that there is nothing to do when they are on the strip in Vegas. People watching alone is amazing. As you walk along, you will notice life-size characters offering to take a photo with you (for a nominal fee, of course). The excitement goes away when they are standing there with their costume head propped against the light pole, talking to the other headless Elmo.
Don’t forget about the magicians, dancers, balloon character creators, show girls, and the people flapping small cards advertising the latest in adult entertainment.
GAMBLING
Go into any of the hotels on the strip and you will be welcomed by the sound of chirping machines. Depending on the hotel, you’ll find everything from penny slot machines to high roller tables. My favorite – in Cosmopolitan they have a War card table. I wanted to play so badly!
SHOWS
We love Cirque du Soleil and Zarkana (at Aria) is up there as one of our favorites. I was so excited because one of the cast members hit my on the head and said hello! You can be starstruck by a Cirque actor, right?! Their acrobatics and talent amaze me – and the clowns are so funny! My absolute favorite was O in Bellagio. I sat at the end of my seat in awe the entire show. I didn’t want it to end. Other Cirque shows to look into are
- Ka at MGM Grand
- Zumanity (18+) at New York, New York
- Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay
- The Beatles LOVE at Mirage
- Mystere at Treasure Island
- Criss Angel BELIEVE at Luxor
A show similar in genre to Cirque’s is La RevE at the Wynn. We saw that last year and it was truly amazing!
Absinthe is similar and outrageous at the same time. Located in a tent outside of Caesar’s Palace, this is a show not to miss – its talent and risqué all mashed together. You’ll love the Gazillionnaire – I promise.
Magic shows are always fun for any age group. The first time I went to Vegas was with my family, in celebration of my dad’s birthday. We saw David Copperfield – I think my jaw was dropped the entire time. Amazing!
MUSIC
Famous singers set up shop here for months (or years) at a time. Currently Celine Dion, Bruno Mars, Britney Spears, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Terry Fator (the puppeteer) and Boys II Men are headlining.
5 TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SEEING A SHOW
- Confirm if your ticket is general admission or assigned seats. If they are general admission, keep in mind that it will be first-come-first-serve, so you may want to arrive earlier rather than later to secure a good seat.
- Most shows offer some form of concessions – drinks (of course) and small snacks. Either eat before or after!
- There is no smoking allowed inside any show.
- If your tickets are at Will Call, don’t forget your I.D. It’s happened – lesson learned.
- If you are always chilly, I’d recommend bringing a light sweater because it may be chilly inside the show.
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Have you visited Las Vegas? If so, what was your favorite thing to do?
Leah says
We adore Vegas, and go at least 1 time a year! Off the strip we LOVE the Neon Museum, Hoover Dam, the Atomic Museum. If you go really off the strip, there is the Valley of Fire, Joshua Tree/Death Valley or taking a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon! On the Strip we always enjoy the Bellagio water show and going on the Eiffel Tower! We have been to most of the Cirque shows as well!
Sorry to write a novel, but you can tell my love of Vegas! 🙂
Dana says
Great additions of things to do off the strip! I can’t wait to take my boys so we can all see the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. The Neon Museum sounds very interesting – I need to check that out!!!
alexandra @ my urban family says
I had no idea there was so much art around there! I’ll have to check that out next time 🙂 Thanks!
Dana says
Alexandra, we didn’t either until we started to really get into street art. On the way to LV, my husband searched around on Instagram and found the basic whereabouts. Such amazing installations!
The Southern Thing says
I want to go to Vegas soon, so I’ll definitely be keeping this in mind!
Dana says
I highly recommend going at least once!
Tayler Morrell says
I also like the water show ….I can’t remember what hotel it is, but it’s outside and it’s a big water and light show!
Dana says
Bellagio! YES – that is an awesome show Tayler! They synchronize the music and the water. Good one to add to the list!
Heather @ Simply Save says
Great tips! Thanks for including some “off the strip” ones too. Vegas is on my list someday but I’m not a big partier so the strip will get old fast for me.
Dana says
Thanks Heather! There are a lot of other fun things to do off the strip that I didn’t mention – I am so glad you liked the post!
Sarah says
This is perfect! My best friend and I are going to Vegas this year for our birthdays so we will for sure reference this!
Dana says
Sarah, what an amazing place to celebrate your birthdays! Have an awesome time!
Jenn Peters says
We’ve been thinking about going to Vegas for our anniversary this year. I’m leaning more towards it now after reading this post. Just the murals alone would keep me busy!
Dana says
You should definitely go there Jenn!!
Jessica says
ahh I love Vegas. It’s like my backyard ( I live in San Diego) so many great and fun things to do for all ages.
Dana says
So jealous that you live close to Vegas!
Shann Eva says
That park and the artwork looks awesome. I’ve been to Vegas a number of times, but never got off the strip. Now, I have to go to those places…especially since we’d be bringing the kids. Great pictures!
Dana says
I never went off the strip either, so it was a nice surprise to see such fun things to aside from the hustle and bustle! We are planning on taking the kids in the next year or so, and when I found the Container Park I was SO excited – they are really going to love that “tree house”.
Molly says
These are great tips and that street art is so awesome! Can’t wait to got there and gp to some of these places
Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com
Dana says
Thanks Molly! Vegas is definitely a place I recommend checking out at least once.
Victoria Stacey says
Thanks for the tips! I’d like to go to Vegas one day 🙂
Dana says
Victoria, Vegas is definitely that one place you have to experience. My pictures don’t do it justice!
Mimi Rose says
Such a great post! I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Vegas but it was during my college days and I rarely left the strip and the pool parties, haha. I’m heading back this summer though for the first time in years, I’ll definitely be taking some of these suggestions to heart.
Dana says
Thanks Mimi! I’ve heard about those awesome pool parties 😉 I hope you have a blast when you go back in the summer!