Getting Around Town
The Las Vegas Monorail runs seven days a week, 7 a.m.-2 a.m., along the length of the Strip from Sahara Station to MGM Grand Station; a one-day pass costs $12. For a map and more information: lvmonorail.com. The Las Vegas Strip area is also served by several trolley routes; a one-way ticket ($2.50) or one-day pass ($4.25) can be purchased at any hotel front desk.
Lodging, Dining and Entertainment Information
Contact the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority: (877) 847-4858; visitlasvegas.com. Get helpful information for families at vegaskids.info.
Top 5 Things to Do in Las Vegas
1. Explore the Strip
Go ahead and live it up! You’re in Vegas. Extending for 4.2 miles of concrete running north to south on Las Vegas Boulevard, this is the heart of Las Vegas nightlife, gambling and hotels, with a dizzying extravaganza of neon and over-the-top resorts with creative themes like Circus Circus, Caesar’s Palace and MGM Grand. And there is no shortage of hotel rooms: 25 of the world’s largest hotels (in terms of number of rooms) are on or near the Strip. Book your hotel for a weeknight and you are most likely to get a deal.
2. Catch a Show
Nearly every hotel on or near the Strip has a theater (or multiple) built-in to accommodate the house performance, or performances. Shows vary widely in target audience, duration, price and format (ranging from dinner shows, magic shows, Broadway musicals, and acrobat acts). It is most economical to buy tickets in advance. Check out cirquedusoleil.com or blueman.com.
3. Experience Freemont
Situated at the north end of Las Vegas Boulevard, the family-friendly “Freemont Street Experience” is an alternative to the Strip and offers, shopping, dining, and entertainment as well as a decadent array of flashing neon signs along an outdoor walkway. Now fully restored, Freemont was the first Las Vegas street to be paved (in 1925). For more information: vegasexprience.com.
4. Watch the Bellagio’s Fountains
Located in front of the Bellagio hotel at 3600 Las Vegas Blvd., this fantastic explosion of water rockets goes off with a heart-thumping boom and then creates more drama with music and lights. Added bonus: It is free. The fountains explode every half-hour between 3 p.m.-8 p.m. and every 15 minutes between 8 p.m. and midnight.
5. Visit Circus Circus Adventure Dome
The flipping acrobats, magician shows and adrenaline-pumping carnival rides entertain the kid in everyone. Located along the
heart of the Strip, this is the largest indoor theme park in the world. Full day passes
$14.95-$22.95; open daily 10 a.m.-midnight. For more information: circuscircus.com.
On the Way
Hoover Dam
Located 30 miles south of Las Vegas, a tour of this engineering marvel is educational and also a great way to stretch your legs. Built in 1937 as the first major dam on the Colorado River, Hoover and the reservoir Lake Mead provide vital hydropower and water to Western cities and agriculture. The Visitor Center is just off US 93; tours inside the dam are offered daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $8 per person; children under 3 are free. For more information: (702) 494-2517; urbc.gov/lc/hooverdam.
Red Rock Canyon
It’s not all concrete around Las Vegas. Take NV 159 for 15 miles west of the Strip to reach the scenic and popular Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The park features expansive hilltop views, red rock monoliths several thousand feet high, a network of hiking trails and a 13-mile scenic loop drive (also good for biking). Open daily; admission is $7 per car. For more information: redrockcanyonlv.org.
Air Tours
Las Vegas is a hub for air tours over and to Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon West Sky Walk
. Contact Papillon (papillon.com) and Grand Canyon West (grandcanyonwest.com).
