Suggestions on things to do in and around Las Vegas

(beyond the obvious)

Las Vegas is now billing itself not only as the "Entertainment Capital of the World" but also the "Greatest Arena on Earth" emphsizing the live sports that call Las Vegas home.

Nevada is the 7th largest state in the US. The population of Nevada is about 3.1 million (which is about 35th in the US); Clark County (where Las Vegas is located) has a population of about 2.9 million (2023). 2023 had 40.8 million visitors.

The main airport serving Las Vegas is Harry Reid (formerly McCarron), code LAS. (Planning underway to create a new airport south of Las Vegas to serve the area; accessible to Las Vegas via Brightline spur.)

Brightline high speed rail is under construction to bring folks from LA/California to Las Vegas. Estimated completion 2028. Terminus south of Strip.

ST = Strip; DT = Downtown; NS = Near Strip; CH = Centennial Hills; NLV = North Las Vegas; H = Henderson; S = Summerlin

Backgroud. Fun history of Las Vegas on YouTube (playlist by the city of LV); the origins of a lot of locations that can be visited.. And a great podcast, Mobbed Up, on the history of the Mob in Las Vegas (from the local newspaper and the Mob Museum; very explicit). CNN Special Vegas: The Story of Sin City (4 part show released in 2024); available via Max streaming app.

Eating: Depends on how thick your wallet is, how far you want to travel, how much time you want to spend, and what you want to eat. Casinos usually have multiple eating establishments on casino property. Some have lavish buffets available. Many "chain"/franchise restaurants have representation in Las Vegas valley. There are also some fast food options around (including In-and-Out Burger, Sonic Drive-In, Smash Burger, Shake Shack). Vegas.com listings. Trip Advisor listings. Yelp listings. Thrillist listings. Eater.com 38 essential LV restaurants. Forbes best restaurants where locals eat. Top 10 restaurants with views. Top five James Beard winners. Or check out Freed's Bakery, home of "Vegas Cakes" on Food Network (including cake decorating classes). Least expensive buffets include: Circus Circus, Excalibur, Luxor, Palms, The Strat.

2022: New curated eating guide in app "Neon Feasts" on Google Play or the Apple Store.

Shows/Concerts: Many casinos have "resident" shows (e.g., music, comedy, theatre, magic), plus visiting shows that last one day to many months. Some Las Vegas valley venues listed below. Not all shows are family friendly. Some are 21+. Others 8+. Check restrictions. Most venues do not allow for refunds on tickets.

Calendars of upcoming events: Visit Las Vegas. Las Vegas Events. Vegas.com. Las Vegas Weekly. Vegas Experience (free events). Las Vegas Entertainment Guide.

Sports (spectator):

Parks, recreation areas: within 4 hours or so of Las Vegas (be aware of weather - heat/cold, wind, rain; activities/access may be closed/canceled due to weather; take proper precautions. FLASH FLOODING: If you come up to moving water, turn around don't drown). NP = National Park. NCA = National Conservation Area. NRA = National Recreation Area. NWR = National Wildlife Refuge. NNL = National Natural Landmark. NM = National Monument. SP = State Park

Be prepared with water, food, sun screen, and appropriate clothing, including footwear and headgear, when participating in outdoor activities. There are touring companies (such as Pink Jeep) that will take you to some of these locations. There are helicopter companies in Las Vegas that overfly some of these.

Realize that Las Vegas has an elevation of 2,000 feet, but some of the mountains around the Las Vegas valley can get up to 8,000 feet.

For fall colors, you might consider:

Sports (participation), outdoor activities (be aware of weather - heat/cold, wind, rain; activities/access may be closed/canceled due to weather; take proper precautions. FLASH FLOODING: If you come up to moving water, turn around don't drown)

Be prepared with water, food, sun screen, and appropriate clothing when participating in outdoor activities.

Indoor activities:

Museums/History: Las Vegas has a very eclectic collection of museums; many casinos have museum areas with changing collections; just a subset listed here.

Shopping: Almost every luxury brand name you've ever heard of seems to have a shop in Las Vegas. Many casinos have shopping centers. Even tour Gold & Silver Pawn Shop (Home of History Channel's Pawn Stars). Even outlet shopping near DTLV and south of the Strip.

Holiday events