Popular Nevada Vacation Cities

What to Know

Las Vegas was just a small settlement in the middle of the desert until the construction of the Hoover Dam in 1938. Nevada’s legalization of gambling in 1931 was what sparked it to become an entertainment center for the dam workers with casinos and speakeasies. In 1941, the luxurious El Rancho Vegas resort opened on what would later become the Vegas "Strip." Today, "the Strip" is home to dozens of major resort casinos, many with lavish decor to evoke fantasy-like atmospheres and most offering extensive dining, shopping and entertainment options within their confines. While Vegas is known for being the "Entertainment Capital of the World", it is also the wedding capital of the world, with most of the local chapels and hotels offering reasonably priced wedding packages.

Many visitors love the extensive buffets offered at various casinos that allow people to gorge on just about anything imaginable for a bargain price. But in recent years, many of the hotels have also opened up four-star restaurants and swanky celebrity-owned eateries, from Jean-Georges’ Prime at the Bellagio to Emeril Lagasse’s Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand.

If traveling around "the Strip", walking is a reasonable option as hotel-casinos are found close to each other, and in many cases, two hotels are connected to each other either by bridge, underground or tram.

Where to Go

Gambling and casinos are, of course, a major draw for most visitors, and the opportunities to gamble are everywhere in "Sin City"--but be aware that gamblers must be 21. Gambling options include blackjack, craps and poker tables, numerous slots, sports betting and much more. Just remember, whether you are gambling on "the Strip" in a high-end hotel or in a small casino downtown, you’re odds of winning are the same. That being said, you never know-it might be you who wins the next big jackpot!

If gambling isn’t your cup of tea, have no fear--there is so much to see and do in Vegas that one could never be bored. Some highlights include the fountains of the Bellagio performing a spectacular display to music every evening, gondola rides at the Venetian, the observation deck at Paris and the Gallery of Fine Art at the Bellagio. The possibilities are endless. And if relaxing is on your agenda, most of the resorts now offer full-service spas, so you can get pampered while everyone else gambles.

Many hotels offer family-friendly nature and animal exhibits. The MGM Grand features a free lion habitat, the Mandalay Bay boasts a Shark Reef and The Flamingo boasts the Wildlife Habitat. Adrenaline junkies should check out XScream at the Stratosphere Hotel, which takes you to the top of the Stratosphere Tower (866 feet), suspending you out over the edge so you're hanging at a 30-degree angle. Yikes!

Live entertainment is another draw for visitors. Popular shows on "the Strip" include a number of Cirque du Soleil shows, Blue Man Group and many others. Popular performers like Barry Manilow and Celine Dion have regular shows in Vegas. Be sure to check a local entertainment calendar before traveling and get your tickets in advance if possible. For more of a local nightlife scene, the Double Down, two blocks from "the Strip", is home to local musicians, artists, photographers and writers.

While most people associate Vegas with "the Strip" and gambling fairly exclusively, there are a few other activities worth considering. Believe it or not, Las Vegas has some of the best rock climbing in the U.S. Red Rock Canyon is located on the western edge of Las Vegas and features hundreds of sport routes. See a reproduction of a real mining town at Bonnie Springs Old Nevada, which sports horseback riding, a petting zoo and historic exhibits.

When to Go

Las Vegas will entertain every season of the year, and since so much of the Vegas experience is indoor (particularly in casinos), it almost doesn’t matter when you visit. However, if you plan on doing most of your traveling to and from casinos on foot, be aware that summer temperatures can be very high (from June through September, temps are frequently over 100). Spring, fall and winter bring comfortable temperatures.

If sunbathing by the pool sounds appealing, planning your visit for spring, summer or fall is the safest bet, as these seasons generally boast warm temperatures. Many of the pools actually close during the winter months. Most of the resorts offer elaborate oasis-style pools, many with private cabanas, topless areas, food and drink service and more. Check out Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace, Wynn and Mirage for some of the best.