OK – everyone doesn’t have to love Vegas but don’t decide that its not for you without giving it a chance. I think its a place that should be visited at least once – just go and experience it for the fantastic oddity that it is!
For those of you outside the USA, its best enjoyed as part of an extended trip. Its ideally located, within distance of the Grand Canyon, California and the National Parks of southern Utah. There are plenty of flight options and while the good old days of $3.95 buffets (for 2 people if you had a coupon!!) are long gone, there’s still good value to be found in food and accommodation.
So what to do if you find yourself in town for a few days and you have absolutely no interest in spending 6-8 hours per day on the slot machines! Its not about trying to find things to just occupy your time. You embrace it like any other destination – open your mind – and enjoy.
1.Walk the Strip
There is so much to just look at – The gondolas at the Venetian, the Bellagio fountains, the pyramids and sphinx at the Luxor, the NYC skyline…. it all looks fantastic whether its night or day.
2.Check out the Hotels
Just walk through these places and gape. Apart from the opulent displays of flowers and statues everywhere, you can see flamingos and other birds in Flamingo’s Wildlife Habitat, admire the fine art collections in Aria and Cosmopolitan and watch the mermaid in Silverton aquarium… the list is endless!
3.Indulge in a bit of Nostalgia
The Neon Museum is a graveyard for vintage Vegas signs. The staff members are fantastic and full of info and stories.
4. Hunt down some Pawn Stars!
Visit Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, home of the TV show! You can pick up pieces of jewelry, collectibles, art pieces, etc., or just grab a selfie!
5.Check out the Fremont Street Experience
Head downtown to Fremont Street which has been covered and is delightfully air-conditioned. You can ride the zip-lines or just enjoy the light and music show in the evenings. Walk a few blocks and admire the street art and old signs.
6.Go for a Drive
If its all too much for you then hop in the car and head just 16 miles to Red Rock Canyon National Park. The 13 mile scenic drive offers scenic overlooks, day hikes, petroglyphs, Joshua trees, etc., while the Visitors Centre presents the usual programmes of events.
7.Catch a Show
Big name performers, magicians, circus acts, comedy ….. There is so much to choose from. Tickets don’t come cheap but you might be lucky and pick up a discounted ticket on the day.
8. Visit Hoover Dam
About a 40 minute drive gets you to this engineering marvel. You can take a tour from Vegas if you don’t have your own transport.
9.Shop ’til you drop!
Its OK – you don’t have to restrict yourself to the high end stores in the hotels (unless you want to! But if you’re in that league then I’ve a feeling you won’t be reading this!!) There are 2 outlet malls in Vegas and the Miracle Mile Mall opposite the Bellagio has 170 stores and 15 restaurants ( handy place for breakfast or lunch).
10.Make use of the Leisure Facilities
There are public aquatic centres available but its worth considering accommodation with facilities – at least a pool. Whatever you want you can get – this IS Vegas! So you can have sandy beaches, waves, lazy rivers, waterfalls, rafts…..
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Photo on <a href=”https://visualhunt.com/re5/026c1434″>VisualHunt.com</a>