Las Vegas tips

[WiseUpJanetWeiss]

We’re spending 5 days (6 nights) in Vegas soon - me, DH and DSS(17), staying near the outlets south past the airport. It’s the end of a road trip, and we’ll be taking day trips out from Vegas to Death Valley, Valley of Fire and maybe the Hoover Dam, but want to see the madness of the strip in the afternoons/early evenings.

DH and I have been before, together and separately, some time ago, but aren’t sure what the best things are to see. We know about the casino rules for minors - this is not an issue as neither of us intend to put a single cent in a slot anyway. And we know about the horrible flyer distributors in some areas.

We’re not interested in drinking or seeing shows. We won’t be going to Fremont Street or riding the Stratosphere rides.

We are interested in eating, seeing the Bellagio fountains, riding the NYNY coaster, some light shopping (not high end), exhibitions, themed hotels etc.

What mustn’t we miss? Thx.

Well it sounds like you know exactly what you want and don't want. I wouldn't miss Big Elvis and Fremont Street but you don't want either of those. Also wouldn't waste any time in NYNY or shopping but you do.

Have a drink at the Wynn hotel (I know you said no drinking but it’s more for the view) - one of the bars overlooks a lake that has a free show that is a giant animatronic frog singing country music. It’s bonkers but fun.

We also enjoyed the aquarium if that’s your thing.

I was going to suggest Fremont St as they have outdoor concerts, so open to minors.

Tbh I think 5 afternoon/evenings sounds like a lot in Vegas even if you were interested in doing everything there. But maybe that's a personal preference.

Why not Freemont street?

I was there very recently and it was the best thing about Vegas, IMO.

I was lucky enough to stay at the Wynn, definitely worth a visit

The main strip has really cleaned up recently. I loved the place.

This is the kind of thing. We can have a Pepsi Max. 🤣

I think it will be more like 3 afternoons - definitely going to Death Valley and doing the outdoorsy stuff in the mornings - and so maybe 15 hours over the 5 days.

I was originally thinking Fremont street but then read that it’s full of half naked people in the evenings when the light shows are on. I went many years ago and hated every bit of it except the light shows. But I was with my ex so…😂

That reply was supposed to quote a pp but I failed…

You're staying not far from the pinball hall of fame which might be fun for an hour or two.

You've said you're not fussed by Fremont, totally understand. But I wouldn't rule out the mob museum or the neon boneyard. Neon boneyard you could drive/Uber straight there and miss downtown altogether.

The Area15, omega mart etc is popular, it's not my kind of thing (expensive for some attractions) but there are good options there.

Don't bother with the king tut exhibit at Luxor, or hunger games at mgm both are utter shite.

Brewdog is opposite park mgm and has a rooftop bar and even though it's a bar it allows kids as it has food. It's a great view of the strip and the food is good. Beer is insanely expensive though.

I also like sitting outside Eataly with a coffee for people watching.

There are half naked people all over Vegas I’m afraid!

it’s hot, 37c hot and I saw plenty of women wearing bikinis walking around.

You know I’m not talking about people in swimwear. Maybe the sites I’ve been reading are wrong or way more prudish than I am?

We went to the Grand Canyon by helicopter and then landed in it and had a picnic. On the way back we flew at sunset which was gorgeous and then when it was dark flew above the strip to see all of the neon lights. It obviously wasn't cheap but it was absolutely fabulous and we still talk about it. I hate the " making memories " crap but it is a very good memory which still makes me smile.

On the food front,
If you like meat gen Korean bbq in planet hollywood(it's round the side past nacho daddy, also a good place for happy hour) is really good.
Though as you have a car you might prefer to go to cheaper off strip places.

If you like bbq I'd head to the arts district, have a coffee at digit (inclusive hire coffee shop), walk around and look at the street art then head to Soul Belly for bbq.

Palms has lobster buffet on Wednesday but the queue is hours and hours long. Crab night is Thursday and less packed.

Random recommendations momafuku in Cosmo, La La noodle in Park, Libertine social at Mandalay bay.

We’ll have already been to the Grand Canyon South Rim, but a helicopter trip is somewhat appealing. I remember watching them all come in down the strip from a rooftop bar many years ago.

I don’t eat meat but I do eat fish and shrimp. DH doesn’t eat fish or seafood but he likes a steak. DSS eats anything as long as there are no hazelnuts! So we usually end up at an American diner. But I do like the sound of some of these places.

We have a full kitchen so we don’t need to eat out, but we will definitely want the experiences and food with a view is high on the list.

If you'll still have your car at the end of the road trip, and don't have enough driving done, then day trip to/from Zion National Park is a nice day trip there and back. Nice/easy hike up the canyon from the parking lot. Bruce Canyon an option too, but much further for day trip.

Red Rock Canyon is much closer to Vegas, but lots of options there to with respect to tours, hikes, etc.

We are already staying at Bryce on the road trip, and are hoping to visit Zion or at least the Colob Canyon part on the way down to Las Vegas. I’ve never been to Red Rock - we will definitely go there one morning to get a hike in and earn the massive brunch we’ll undoubtedly eat later that day.

Sorry, but sounds like Vegas is the wrong place for you. Why go to Vegas of all places just so you can avoid doing everything that Vegas stands for? 🤷‍♀️

That’s really helpful thank you.

This year is our 10th trip , I agree about Freemont I think it’s awful last visit there in the casinos they had women obviously off their tits on drugs to cope dancing in lingerie on the tables - they looked abused

I went to Bryce and Zion in feb and it was all stunning, freezing and snowy but stunning. Jealous you'll be there soon.

At Town square, which is near where you'll be staying is Crust and Roux, grab a slice of pie, the pizza is okay (I prefer pizza rock) but the pie is excellent.

And Blueberry Hill is a chain of diners that are good.

If you do drive to Hoover dam it's worth doing the art trail in Boulder City too. Lots of quirky sculptures.

We went last year and surprising hits for us were the Linq high roller (ferris wheel) and the mob museum. In NYNY the arcade was fun too - skeeball etc. And a gondola ride at the Venetian (indoors or outdoors, in true Vegas ridiculousness!).

Are you against all shows or just the more lewd ones? We went to Ka by cirque du soleil and it was fantastic and not at all seedy.

Absolutely try to get to Zion - one of my favourite places in the world. Just stunning. Bryce is amazing too.

Meant to say, we did the Linq high roller at night so we could see the strip lit up and could also see the Bellagio fountains and the Mirage volcano although I’m not sure if the latter is still there as they’re knocking the Mirage down.

Ferris wheel sounds great! And I fancy a gondola ride. We enjoyed watching them last time we went. As you say - ridiculous but fun. That’s the Vegas I like.

We’re not totally against shows - a gig would be great but there are none we fancy. But I will look into Cirque.

DH and I have been to Bryce and Zion twice before but we’re trying to pack everything in for DSS. I suspect if we don’t have time to do Zion on the travel day we might go back up from Vegas.

If you haven’t been for a while you might be surprised at how much the ‘theme’ aspect to hotels has been dialled down. A lot of it is more about luxury now, so less fun to look at than it used to be. The Bellagio fountains are obviously great, and the Venetian canal remains fun, but it’s nothing compared to the cheesy themes of 15 years ago.

Check out KISS mini golf in Rio, it's great fun. There's also top golf at MGM.