You’ve booked the airfare—or maybe you got your car a tune-up to be ready for a road trip with the crew. Hotel reservations—check! Now what? There are so many things to do in Las Vegas—the destination is just waiting for you to explore, discover and even be amazed by.
1. Invite the crew.
This is a city that excels in hospitality and inclusion, and there really is something for everyone here. Your outdoors-loving friends can book a mountain biking tour in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. History and true crime buffs can head to The Mob Museum. For thrill-seekers, there’s the Canyon Blaster roller coaster inside Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas, an indoor theme park boasting all kinds of exhilarating attractions. And Atomic Golf at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower offers a multifaceted experience combining a competitive golf game, exciting nightlife, and fabulous food and drink—something everyone will enjoy.
2. Make reservations and book your show tickets in advance.
You might hit the window right when that coveted table opens up, but Vegas is a culinary destination—and tables are in demand. Popular restaurants like Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino get booked up well in advance. Headliner shows at Sphere and Allegiant Stadium continuously sell out. Among the most important Las Vegas visitor tips, booking your tables and tickets is paramount. Once you know your travel dates, be sure to lock in all the amazing things you want to do while you’re here.
3. Try something new.
There are so many classic things to do in Las Vegas, and they’re always going to be great. There’s a reason people flock to the Fountains of Bellagio or a performance by Cirque du Soleil; it’s because they’re consistently exciting and fun. But Vegas adds new attractions all the time. Whether it’s an immersive entertainment experience at Particle Ink inside Luxor Hotel and Casino, opening in April, or going deep into some interesting music history at the The Punk Rock Museum, mix it up and add a new adventure to your agenda.
4. Check the dress codes.
Part of the fun in Las Vegas is dressing up for those elegant cocktail hours, romantic date nights and fine dining events that are a full night out in and of themselves. When you make your reservations, double-check the dress code and pack accordingly. If it’s huge slices of pizza and a tall frosty pint at Evel Pie (named in homage to Evel Knievel’s attempted jump over the Caesars Palace fountains), you’ll be fine in shorts and a hoodie. But if you’re sitting down for a special menu at Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant inside Resorts World Las Vegas, you’ll want to dress to impress.
Dress codes are typically listed on the reservations page. Don’t worry if you’ve underpacked, though. You can find a place to pick up the perfect look for your night out, sometimes without even leaving your hotel. The Shops at Wynn Las Vegas offer an array of designer shopping options so you can show up in style.
5. There’s more than just the Strip.
Sure, the Strip is the heart of Las Vegas, an essential part of any trip to the destination. But there’s so much more. You’re missing out if you don’t venture beyond Las Vegas Boulevard, and it’s only 20 miles to the stunning natural beauty of the desert surrounding the iconic lights. To see human creativity against the wild landscape, head to Seven Magic Mountains, a monumental sculpture that inserts bright color into the Nevada sky.
There’s also the Las Vegas Arts District, which offers an array of restaurants, bars, breweries and entertainment venues to explore. What’s in this vibrant and flourishing area? Nevada Public Radio named chef James Trees of Esther’s Kitchen, a neighborhood mainstay, its chef of the year, while the award-winning Able Baker Brewing Company will pull you a pint of its beloved Atomic Duck IPA.
You don’t need to over-research, there’s plenty to do!
Now you know what to do in Las Vegas to ensure a memorable trip filled with never-ending fun. For even more Las Vegas visitor tips, here’s a list of top restaurant picks for this year. And to keep you on top of what’s happening right now, here are the newest additions in dining, stays, entertainment and attractions.