Best For: Luxury, Nightlife, Culinary Scene, Shopping
Best Time to Visit: Year-Round
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| Retro Vegas Welcome Sign |
A few years back, my company sent me to Salt Lake City for training. I had always wanted to see Las Vegas, and its proximity to Utah made it the obvious trip add-on. I invited my mom, who would never say no to a free hotel stay and some mother-daughter bonding time. We were expecting to be fish out of water in the flashy city and were treating the trip as sort of an anthropological study; “Let’s go observe all the wild, garish people thrive in their natural habitat” we thought. Upon exploring, we realized that the city has evolved into so much more than just a playground for debauchery. We enjoyed first-rate meals, a comedy show, and great shopping. Neither of us put so much as a nickel into a slot machine, though we did partake in more than a few adult beverages. There was so much we wanted to cram into our weekend that we called the airline to inquire about pushing back our flight date. Steep change fees cut our fun short, but we’ve vowed to go back and experience more of this vacation crowd-pleaser.
Luxury: Those who live in the lap of luxury (or who want to pretend like they do for a few days), will be very comfortable in Las Vegas. Each hotel tries to outclass the next with its over-the-top suites and high-end amenities. The city’s five-star restaurants, trendy nightclubs, chic shopping, high-stakes gambling tables, and relaxing spas provide A-list elites with a wealth of opportunities for blowing excess cash.
Nightlife/Entertainment: Between the windowless casinos and alcohol-induced hazes, it can be difficult to distinguish between night and day on a trip to Vegas. During whichever hour you prefer to play, there are entertainment options galore. Daytime activities range from thrill rides to zoos and botanical gardens. The city’s after dark scene is unparalleled – each establishment pulls out all the stops to lure you through their doors, creating spectacles around every corner. Partygoers will have their choice of bars, nightclubs, lounges, and strip clubs. Those looking for tamer options can have a classic night at the casino or check out one of the many spectacular shows. For a more offbeat experience, try downtown in all its vintage, old school Vegas glory. If you feel overwhelmed by all the entertainment options, leave the planning to the experts at the Vegas travel site; their travel tips section gives suggestions tailored to your personality and trip needs.
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| The Bellagio Lobby Ceiling |
Culinary Scene: All of the big shot chefs have restaurants in Las Vegas, which means you don’t have to city hop to try out gourmet dishes from Guy Savoy, Thomas Keller, Joel Robuchon, and Mario Batali. For those who want to get more grub for their buck, try one of the ubiquitous all you can eat buffets (the Aria, Bellagio, and Wynn have the best spreads), or one of the many burger joints popping up throughout the city. Or, venture off the strip and discover one of the hidden culinary gems found in the surrounding shopping plazas.
Shopping: Vegas has risen to be one of the premier shopping cities in the world. High-end designers, such as Versace and Louis Vuitton, have set up shop throughout the big casinos. The most luxe galleries are the Forum Shops (Ceasars), Miracle Mile (Planet Hollywood), and the Grand Canal Shops (the Venetian). Budget conscious shopaholics will also find standard mall stores scattered throughout the casinos, but aggressive bargain hunters can head off the strip to one of the city’s three outlet malls.
If you're feeling over-stimulated after your stint in Vegas and are looking for some relief from the madness, visit one of the many nearby National Parks. Popular ones include Zion and, of course, the Grand Canyon.
