Las Vegas is the Entertainment Capital of the World, it is located in the Mojave Desert of Southern Nevada.
Las Vegas is the Entertainment Capital of the World, it is located in the Mojave Desert of Southern Nevada. The city features many mega-hotel/casino complexes decorated with lavish care and attention to detail creating a fantasy-like environment. The casinos often have names and themes that evoke romance, mystery, and exotic destinations.
Las Vegas, in Nevada's Mojave Desert, is a resort city famed for its vibrant nightlife, centered around 24-hour casinos and other entertainment options. It's Main Street and focal point is the Strip, just over 4 miles long. This boulevard is home to themed hotels with elaborate displays such as fountains synchronized to music as well as replicas of an Egyptian pyramid, the Venetian Grand Canal, and the Eiffel Tower.
Officially the City of Las Vegas and often known simply as Vegas, is the 28th-most populated city in the United States, the most populated city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas Valley metropolitan area and is the largest city within the greater Mojave Desert. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city, known primarily for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife. The Las Vegas Valley as a whole serves as the leading financial, commercial, and cultural center for Nevada.
10:00am-1:30pm : Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area are a series of canyons noted for their sandstone peaks and steep rock walls. The rugged rock formations rise up to 910 m (3,000 ft), making them a popular hiking and rock-climbing destination. You can explore most of this area via the 21 km (13 mi) one-way loop road, from which you can access numerous parking areas, picnic zones, and hiking and mountain-biking trails. Begin with a stop at the visitor center at the start of the loop road. Keep in mind that the trails usually start with an easy to moderate climb and become increasingly difficult as you progress to the top.
2:30pm-6:00pm - The Strip
The city's center of gravity, The Strip is internationally known for its high concentration of resort hotels and casinos. Just under 7 km (4 mi) long, this stretch of road features some of the largest hotels in the world, totaling over 60,000 rooms. The strip attracts visitors with its neon lights, rapidly evolving architecture, and a range of nightclub options. Clubs host top music performers, comedians, and impersonators. Explore the areas east and west of the strip to discover a world of award-winning local restaurants and bars. You can travel this road on foot, but oppressive heat during the daylight hours may make walking very uncomfortable.
10:30am-12:00pm : Hoover Dam Bypass
Drive the 5.6 km (3.5 m) Hoover Dam Bypass to see a massive concrete dam, travel the longest single-arch bridge in North America, and cross state lines. The highlight of the bypass is the Mike O’Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Standing 260 m (840 ft) above the Colorado River, the bridge is the second highest in the United States. It offers fantastic views of the Hoover Dam, a Depression-era engineering wonder, and Lake Mead. If you are interested in learning about the dam’s history, stop and take a tour. Park in one of the nearby lots if you would like to walk the bridge and take photos. Continue to the middle to see the state line marker. For free parking, cross to the Arizona side.
1:00pm-2:00pm : Pinball Hall of Fame
At Pinball Hall of Fame, not only do you get to see about 400 games, including some very rare classic ones, but you also get to play them. Created in 2006 by Las Vegas Pinball Collectors Club, this museum is staffed and operated by volunteers and pinball enthusiasts. Some of the games you'll play are from 1940s; others are modern. One particular set was a prototype that never got out on the market, so it's the only one of its kind that is finished.
2:30pm-3:30pm : Bodies The Exhibition
View the human body in a completely different light at Bodies The Exhibition. Preserved human forms give unfettered access to the internal machinery of the body. The exhibits cover the skeletal system, musculature, the fetal cycle, and digestion. These body parts are preserved with a process perfected by Gunther von Hagens that replaces liquids and fats with acetone and plastic. The attraction is not to be confused with Body Worlds, a similar exhibit. It is so popular that copycats have appeared. Save money by purchasing a ticket online before your arrival.
4:00pm-5:00pm : Titanic
An unopened bottle of vintage 1900 champagne is on display at Titanic, as are hundreds of other artifacts salvaged from the wreckage of the ship. The interactive exhibits tell the personal stories of the people on board the ill-fated vessel. Tour the recreated first- and third-class rooms, then marvel at the luxury of the recreated grand staircase. You'll save money on the exhibition by purchasing a joint pass to the attraction along with the Bodies: The Exhibition exhibit next door.
5:30pm-6:00pm : Fountains of Bellagio
Whether you're seeking romance or awe, check out Fountains of Bellagio, a massive water feature with choreographed performances set to light and music. Located in front of the Bellagio hotel, the display is visible from numerous vantage points around the city. See a different show every half hour, with varied lighting effects and original music from renowned artists, including classical and popular tunes. The fountains, set in an artificial lake and modeled after a similar venue in Italy, feature an enormous network of pipes with more than 1,200 nozzles that can shoot water as high as 140 m (460 ft). Shows may be canceled due to adverse winds.
10:00am-11:00am : Bellagio Hotel and Casino
Among the gaudy kitsch of the Las Vegas Strip, Bellagio Hotel and Casino stands out with its elegant style. Before entering the combined hotel, casino, and resort, pause to admire the main 36 story tower, and watch a fountain show featuring 1,200 jets blasting water as high as 140 m (460 ft ), synchronized to music. As you enter the lobby, look up and admire the more than 2,000 colorful blown-glass flowers, designed by Dale Chihuly. Points of interest include a conservatory and botanical gardens featuring seasonal displays of lush plants and vibrant flowers, and an onsite gallery, where exhibitions have ranged from Hockney to Picasso. Of course, no Vegas attraction would be complete without games of chance--try your luck at the whole range of dice, cards, and slots. The hotel offers dining experiences to match the stylish decor, and you can cap off your visit with a glitzy Vegas show or aquatic circus performance.
11:30am-12:30pm : The National Atomic Testing Museum
An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, The National Atomic Testing Museum presents chronicles and artifacts of nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site near Las Vegas performed from 1951 until the present day. You'll see over 12,000 photographs, videos, and reports on-site and have an opportunity to experience a simulated nuclear test. Discover the events that triggered the creation of the atomic bomb and the methods that scientists use to monitor radiation. The museum offers an audio tour to guide you through each gallery; you can download it from the official website.
1:00pm-2:00pm : Clark County Heritage Museum
Stroll through the collection of historical homes on Heritage Street, restored to recreate lifestyles of important periods in local history from 1910 to the 1970s, at Clark County Heritage Museum. Other outdoor exhibits include Paiute Indian shelters, replicated 1900s newspaper print shops, the 1932 Boulder City Train Depot, a restored 1918 Union Pacific steam engine, and an antique caboose. The indoor portion of the museum features exhibits focusing on prehistoric times, mining, and the city's recent development of the Strip in the "age of entertainment." Check online for special events.
2:30pm-5:00pm : Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona. It was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and was dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its construction was the result of a massive effort involving thousands of workers, and cost over one hundred lives. Originally known as Boulder Dam from 1933, it was officially renamed Hoover Dam for President Herbert Hoover by a joint resolution of Congress in 1947. Since about 1900, the Black Canyon and nearby Boulder Canyon had been investigated for their potential to support a dam that would control floods, provide irrigation water and produce hydroelectric power. In 1928, Congress authorized the project. The winning bid to build the dam was submitted by a consortium called Six Companies, Inc., which began construction of the dam in early 1931. Such a large concrete structure had never been built before, and some of the techniques were unproven. The torrid summer weather and lack of facilities near the site also presented difficulties. Nevertheless, Six Companies turned the dam over to the federal government on March 1, 1936, more than two years ahead of schedule. Hoover Dam impounds Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by volume (when it is full). The dam is located near Boulder City, Nevada, a municipality originally constructed for workers on the construction project, about 30 mi (48 km) southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. The dam's generators provide power for public and private utilities in Nevada, Arizona, and California. Hoover Dam is a major tourist attraction; nearly a million people tour the dam each year. The heavily traveled U.S. Route 93 (US 93) ran along the dam's crest until October 2010, when the Hoover Dam Bypass opened.
10:00am-10:30am : Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Located at one of Las Vegas' glamorous resorts, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art houses a collection of 19th- and 20th-century paintings. This exhibit space is known for displaying important works on loan from different museums, and has, in the past, shown pivotal art of such luminaries as Monet, Warhol, Van Gogh, and Picasso. Initially, this site held only the personal collection of Steve Wynn, the original owner of the hotel, but now exclusively hosts visiting exhibits. Stop by to experience the power of painting and photography at their best.
11:00am-12:30pm : Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
An adrenaline/extreme tour in Las Vegas allows you to decide for yourself if this city rightfully bears the title the "Entertainment Capital of the World." Whether you're a car-racing fan, a closeted fighter pilot, or a hidden gun enthusiast, you'll easily find a tour to your liking. With a range of options available in and around the city, you'll be able to do everything from driving a race car, to flying on a stunt plane or emptying a few rounds from full-automatic weapons at a military shooting range. Other options include tandem skydiving, playing with real heavy-duty machinery, kart racing, and zombie-themed paintball experiences. These tours are extremely flexible, but most last between 1 and 7 hours.
2:00pm-5:00pm : Valley of Fire State Park
Red sandstone rock formations more than 150 million years old lend the name to Valley of Fire State Park. Established in 1935, Nevada's oldest park spans nearly 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) and includes ample hiking and camping opportunities. You’ll have the chance to explore different geological formations, such as limestone and shale. Because the sandstone is so soft, you’ll see petroglyphs (rock art carved into the sandstone), dating as far back as 300 BCE created by the ancient Anasazi Pueblo people. The visitor center details the geologic and archaeological roots of the region. If you keep a sharp eye out, you may even spot the rare desert tortoise.
10:00am-10:30am : The Cosmopolitan Casino
The Cosmopolitan is a unique luxury resort and casino offering a decidedly different perspective from its commitment to integrating art into every experience to a world-renowned Restaurant Collection and distinct entertainment venues. Located in the heart of The Strip, its unique vertical multi-tower design offers spectacular views of the vibrant city. The 3,027-room resort features oversized residential-style living spaces with expansive, one-of-a-kind private terraces.
11:00am-12:00pm : Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck
Take in 360-degree views of Las Vegas' dazzling strip at Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck. This half-scale replica of the famous French structure is an iconic part of the American city’s skyline. Ride the glass elevator 140 m (460 ft) up to the observation deck. Do not hesitate to approach the attraction's ambassadors, who are on hand to help you locate various sites. You can stop for some French cuisine at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant on the 11th floor. Look for discounted entrance coupons in fliers and guides around town.
12:30pm-3:30pm : Helicopter Tours
See the bright lights of a world-famous entertainment capital on a thrilling helicopter ride from Las Vegas. Flying over the Nevada landscape, you'll see more than the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Your skillful pilot will take you gliding past extinct volcanoes and the massive Hoover Dam, while providing informative commentary on the geology and history of the area. Different combo tours allow you to upgrade the flight with a range of additional activities, like landing on the canyon floor, Colorado River floating, or a gourmet breakfast at Grand Canyon West Rim. The duration of the tour depends on the combination of activities you choose--from 90 minutes to 15 hours.
4:00pm-4:30pm : Stratosphere Tower
Dine with a view at Stratosphere Tower, the signature attraction of one of the most popular hotels and casinos in Las Vegas. The tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States, the structure reaches a height of 350 m (1,150 ft). The top of the tower offers 360-degree views of the city, perhaps best appreciated at night, when thousands of lights illuminate the famous Strip. Unless you crave a good dose of adrenaline, provided by the tower's two roller coasters and a controlled free-fall attraction, enjoy the panoramic views over a gourmet dinner and cocktails served by the tower's award-winning restaurant.
5:00pm-6:00pm : The Neon Museum
Las Vegas is the world capital of neon art, and The Neon Museum is there to preserve and display some of it. The museum refurbishes old and discarded neon signs and tells the history of the city through them. Some of the restored signs are displayed in various locations in downtown Las Vegas, but most are located in the museum’s outdoor exhibition area, known as the Boneyard. Here you can take a tour of iconic signs, such as the signs for Caesar's Palace and Stardust casinos. All the tours are guided and should be booked in advance. Bad weather could cause tours to be canceled. Be careful of rusty metal and broken glass in the Boneyard area.
10:00am-6:00pm : Waterskiing & Jetskiing
10:00am-12:00pm : The Mob Museum
Experience the grisly world of organized crime at The Mob Museum. Artifacts and displays outline the history and shocking stories of mob crime in the United States, as well as the law enforcement initiatives designed to combat it. Begin your self-guided tour on the third floor by watching a short film about the history of organized crime. Learn about the mob's involvement in drugs, gambling, prostitution, and bootlegging. Interactive displays allow you to hold Tommy gun and listen to genuine FBI surveillance tapes. Be aware that some visitors may find a number of items disturbing, such as the bloodstained wall where the St. Valentine's Day Massacre took place and photos of corpses.
12:30pm-1:30pm : Casino At The Venetian
Feel the adrenaline rush at spinning wheels and reels, cast dice, and flipped cards at Casino At The Venetian. Check out the famous poker room or Imperial Baccarat--an exciting new addition to the table games. Swanky bars and restaurants offer plenty of refreshments. Note that table limits are a bit higher than elsewhere, so be ready to splurge.
1:30pm-2:30pm : The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort
Take a ride in a gondola with a singing gondolier and soak in the atmosphere of Venice at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort. Designed to make you feel like a movie star, this replica of Venice’s Grand Canal is surrounded by more than 140 luxury shops and upscale restaurants. After some shopping, treat yourself to an Italian espresso in a romantic cafe with a view of the fountains.
3:00pm-4:00pm : Madame Tussauds - Las Vegas
Get up close and personal with the powerful and famous at Madame Tussauds - Las Vegas, part of a chain of world-famous wax museums. Let loose in Club Tussauds, the museum's version of a Vegas club, complete with music and replicas of celebrities, such as Leonardo Di Caprio, Jennifer Lopez, and Ben Affleck. See history's greatest sporting stars at the sports arena, jam with chart-topping legends in the music room, and step into a television set at the TV studio. Be sure to get a photo of with your favorite "celebrity." Purchase tickets online for significant savings.
4:30pm-5:00pm : High Roller
Towering over 158 m (520 ft) above the Las Vegas Strip stands High Roller. As one of the world’s tallest observation wheels, it offers one of the most impressive views of the city. A ride in one of the air-conditioned pods takes around 30 minutes and is accompanied by audio commentary. You also have the opportunity to include an open bar inside your cabin. Rides during the day are considerably cheaper. However, riding at night is very popular as passengers can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the city lights.
5:30pm-6:00pm : Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are redesigned five times a year to reflect seasonal themes: Chinese New Year, spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each seasonal display is dominated by fragrant flowers that celebrate the colors, themes, and blossoming of the season, like red, white, and blue in summer or poinsettias in winter. You'll notice that the flowers and plants are complemented by fountains and sculptures created by commissioned artists. The gardens are adjacent to the hotel's lobby and are open to the public.