By J.D. Chi
Las Vegas offers a variety of activities for those in town to gamble, people watch, take in a show, golf, enjoy a show or get off the beaten path. There is no shortage of things to do in "Sin City," which has grown exponentially in recent years. As hotel competition is quite stiff, every new hotel seems to try to find a way to outdo the current crop of hotels.
On the Strip alone, it is possible to spend an entire evening watching myriad free "shows" -- including the fountains at Bellagio, the pirate show at Treasure Island or the volcano at the Mirage.
Following is some information about navigating Las Vegas and finding the things you'd most like to do.
McCarron International Airport
While those in many parts of California or Arizona may find driving to Las Vegas suitable, visitors from points further away may choose to fly. The main airport in Las Vegas is McCarron International, which is located about a 10-minute drive from the Strip and about 15 minutes from the downtown area. Rental cars and limo and taxi service are available. If you're staying at a hotel in Las Vegas, make sure to check to see if the hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from and to the airport.
The Strip
Likely the most well-known part of Las Vegas, the so-called Strip, is Las Vegas Boulevard South between Sahara and Russell Road. Most of the major hotels--including Bellagio, Caesars, Monte Carlo, New York New York and the Venetian--are located on the Strip. This is the heart of the tourist area. Most Strip hotels are full-service hotels with casinos, 24-hour dining, pools, and live entertainment. Many of the high-end hotels also have luxury spas. Navigating the Strip is best done on foot, if possible. There are wide sidewalks and overpasses to get you across streets, and there are also several monorail options provided by hotels. There is a bus that runs up and down the Strip as well as cabs. However, on a crowded night, staying off the road is the best bet.
Downtown
Also referred to as the "Fremont Street Experience," downtown Las Vegas is old Las Vegas. The hotels in this are are not as fancy or outrageous as those on the Strip. While the area has undergone a renaissance designed to appeal to tourists, it is still more about gambling and glitzy shows. There are 12 hotels downtown, including the famed Golden Nugget. The Fremont Street Experience is a covered area of Fremont Street that combines vintage Las Vegas with high tech, including nightly light shows.
Golf
Las Vegas is a terrific golf destination. You can choose from traditional courses like the Las Vegas Golf Club (opened in 1945) or TPC Las Vegas (opened in 1996). Whatever your pleasure--a traditional, parkland course, a target-golf desert course or a championship layout--you'll have multiple options. Golf in Las Vegas is best enjoyed from about October to May. The summer months are scorching. While prices are then low, the weather will be a deciding factor.
Outdoors
Las Vegas is a great jumping off point for Bryce, Death Valley or Zion national parks. All are three hours or more away by car, but well worth the trip. Bryce features stunning red-rock formations. Death Valley has plenty of hiking, and Zion has spectacular cliffs aside a lush forest. If you want to get out of town without the long drive, check out Red Rock Canyon, just 15 miles west of Las Vegas.
Off the Beaten Path
Whether you're interested in Liberace, car racing or seeing the stars, Las Vegas has a little something for everyone. The Liberace Museum (1775 E. Tropicana Ave.) houses an impressive collection of the star's costumes and jewelry. The Richard Petty Driving School and Pole Position Raceway are among the places you can ride in or drive a race car. Las Vegas also has a planetarium, botanical park and ice arena.
Gambling
The main event in Las Vegas, gambling is available, literally, on every corner of the Strip as well as downtown and various other locations around town. Most of the big-name hotels have full-service casinos with table games, poker rooms, slot machines, and sports books. Casinos are open 24/7.
Resources
About the Author:
J.D.Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the U.S. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as writing about travel, health and other issues. Chi received her bachelor's degree in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward her master's in journalism.
