I love Las Vegas, but not for the reason you would think.
I love Las Vegas because I grew up there. I went to high school there, I know the city as more than just the strip, which is why I can give you guide that only a local could.
Las Vegas is a city that you can’t fully see in three days, but I’m going to give you some of my most memorable favorites.
Day 1
Drive the famous Las Vegas Blvd. at night. It’s why you came to Vegas right?! So do it. Indulge in the touristy part! Drive the whole strip and start with the famous ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign.
After your drive there are a few things on the strip that are totally worth seeing.
-
The fountains at Bellagio
-
The atrium at the Bellagio (and make sure to note the multimillion dollar light fixture in the main lobby)
-
The canals at the Venetian
-
The Forum Shops at Ceasar’s Palace
Day 2
Get off the strip. Go out and see some or all of these, but at least see one. Las Vegas has too much natural beauty to spend all your time right on the strip.
-
Red Rocks
-
The Valley of Fire
-
The Hoover Dam
-
The Grand Canyon (yes, I know this isn’t technically IN Vegas, but it’s a short helicopter ride away and helicopters go out every hour or so!)
Day 2: Night
Option 1
Go down to Fremont Street Experience. It is crazy, and you will see the whole gamut of what Vegas can be. But it’s also where Vegas started, and although it’s not the glitz of uptown, it used to be and it’s worth seeing. It’s also had a revival in the past few years with a lot of historic elements restored.
Option 2
See a show. Almost every single resort/casino has a show inside. The big casinos have Cirque De Soleil shows, and the smaller casinos have their own smaller shows. Several musical artists have residency at one of the casinos as well, so make sure to see who is playing during your trip!
Clubbing
Vegas is full of nightclubs. While it’s not my favorite part of Las Vegas, if you like clubbing this is the place to do it. Especially for ladies, who typically get in free AND drink free.
Day 3
Shopping. If you like to shop, this is the day to do it. You have seen everything and you know what you want so you don’t have to tote it around with you all day. Here are my shopping recommendations:
-
The outlet mall – it has all the usual stores and then it has some high end stores as well
-
For designers shop at the big resorts. Vegas has so many designer stores that you’re bound to find that bag or pair of shoes that you couldn’t find anywhere else
Day 3: Night
Go to one of the restaurants overlooking the strip. The view is amazing especially at night, and the atmosphere in most of these restaurants is electric.
There is so much to do in Las Vegas that you really couldn’t do it all even in a week. There’s natural beauty, museums, history, shopping, RESTAURANTS (so much good food!), and sights to behold. The important thing is to try and pick a few really memorable experiences and if you do that, you’ll have a great time!
I have been to Vegas more times than I can remember. And as much as I love the strip, I also love the “other” part of the city – the schools, the churches , the libraries, and even the fast food restaurants that every other city has. But Vegas has a special heart – the high end shopping is second to none, I recently became aware of exactly how many Louis Vuitton store there are! The dining is second to none and as you mentioned, the entertainment! Love her or not, Vegas is like no other city on earth!
I wish I had seen this a few weeks ago! I was in Las Vegas for a convention and didn’t get off the strip. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my visit but it was more work than play and I wish I got to see more of the part away from the strip and convention hall……but it was great for business! ???