A Trip to Las Vegas

[halfling]

I'm going to Sin City for the first time later this year. I've never been. I know The Strip is probably the least Mustachian place in the US, but I can't deny I'm stoked - I love a feast for the senses. What do you like to do in Vegas? We got the airfare and hotel with points, so I don't mind splashing out here and there on food or show tickets if they're worth it. We'll be there for four nights.

My go-to for the first thing to do in a new city is usually FreeToursByFoot.com for a free walking tour to give me more ideas (usually they're really ~$20 tours, since you tip the guides), but Vegas has none :(

I'm not into gambling but I love a good show, weird kitsch, fun cocktails, history, and general Americana. We're going to be staying walking distance to the Bellagio and all that, so I'm thinking we'll only go places we can walk to, but I might want to check out Old Downtown. I think I might spend an afternoon just touring all the over-the-top themed hotel lobbies.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

The following are incredibly non MMM recommendations, so proceed accordingly. I haven't done a MMM version of Las Vegas since I was in my 20s, and I'm *ahem*, quite a bit older than that now:

-Spago's at the Bellagio (go for lunch). Wait for a table on the patio, order a martini if you drink. Watch the fountains. Pretend you're in Ocean's Eleven.
-Buy tickets to "O"
-If you enjoy steak & more of a high profile dining experience, SW at the Wynn is one of my favorites. Ask for a table where you can watch the outdoor (free) show that they have going on right outside of their patio.

Definitely check out the lobby of Bellagio (the garden conservatory) & the Wynn. Both are gorgeous.

[redhead84]

I definitely recommend spending a night on Freemont. The kitsch/people watching is even better than the strip IMHO. They have free music at multiple stages along Freemont Street. You can take The Deuce (bus) for pretty cheap transport.

I do recommend walking through casinos and enjoying the sights on the strip.

If you like live music, I recommend a stop at Carnival Court right outside of Harrahs. They also have free live concerts, and they aren't usually very crowded.

[jeroly]

I definitely recommend spending a night on Freemont. The kitsch/people watching is even better than the strip IMHO. They have free music at multiple stages along Freemont Street. You can take The Deuce (bus) for pretty cheap transport.

I do recommend walking through casinos and enjoying the sights on the strip.

If you like live music, I recommend a stop at Carnival Court right outside of Harrahs. They also have free live concerts, and they aren't usually very crowded.

For me a little spectacle goes a long way. Having said that, the show "The Beatles: Love" by Cirque de Soleil is really good spectacle, so if you enjoy the Beatles it's a no brainer. A bit pricey but memorable.

[NotJen]

Check out the Neon Boneyard.  I think it's changed a little since I visited 14 years ago (expanded), but it was totally worth it.

Since I'm not a gambler, I found just wandering around the strip to be pretty entertaining, and cheap - checking out the shows/attractions at each casino.

[GilesMM]

I'm up and down on Vegas. Hated in the 80s, loved it early this century, hated it a couple years ago.  The entire strip seems to have turned into some sort of low-brow party mess full of dirty-looking tattooed people smoking cigarettes and shouting, sometimes fighting.  There were people dragging styrofoam coolers of Budweiser around the Bellagio lobby and the hotel itself was looking really worn down.


You should see Wayne Newton at the Flamingo while you still can!

[seattlecyclone]

You can definitely fill a day wandering around the hotels gawking at the opulence. No charge for that. Last time I went, there were some places that had pretty good deals for same-day tickets to the slightly-less-popular shows. Worth a look. The pinball museum was a ton of fun, and I thought the atomic testing museum was interesting as well. I've been to the Strip a few times and to be honest I have no real desire to go back again. Seeing so many people wandering around drunk and losing money at the gambling is just depressing after a while. Some of the natural sites near Vegas are nice though.

[jeroly]

[...]Some of the natural sites near Vegas are nice though.

Both Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon NCA, each perhaps a 45 minute drive from the Strip, are awesome, especially if you are agile enough to do some hiking around.

[By the River]

[...]Some of the natural sites near Vegas are nice though.

Both Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon NCA, each perhaps a 45 minute drive from the Strip, are awesome, especially if you are agile enough to do some hiking around.

I loved hiking in Red Rock.  We drove to Hoover dam but the tours were closed due to Covid (Fall 2020).  If I go back, I'll do a tour ($10 self-guided).  Neither of us are gamblers but we budgeted and lost $50 total.   The strip was much rougher/grittier than when I went to a conference there in 2012 so I'm not sure if I'll ever go back. 

[uniwelder]

...I thought the atomic testing museum was interesting as well.

My wife and I went to the Atomic Testing Museum, paid with a Groupon 50% discount I found.  At $29/person full price, I don't think it's really worthwhile for what you see.  It's informative, but overall, meh.  I realize they have to pay the staff and keep the lights on, but I wonder (hope) if admission were normally half price, maybe they would get more than 2x the visitors?  It was relatively empty when we were there, and we certainly would not have gone at full price ourselves.

There was nothing in Vegas we really enjoyed, but the highlights nearby were--- 1) Valley of Fire hiking area, 2) Hoover Dam, 3) Ringbolt hot spring just south of the Hoover Dam.  Las Vegas was the starting point of a week long road trip for us, which included Zion national park and the Grand Canyon.

[seattlecyclone]

...I thought the atomic testing museum was interesting as well.

My wife and I went to the Atomic Testing Museum, paid with a Groupon 50% discount I found.  At $29/person full price, I don't think it's really worthwhile for what you see.  It's informative, but overall, meh.  I realize they have to pay the staff and keep the lights on, but I wonder (hope) if admission were normally half price, maybe they would get more than 2x the visitors?  It was relatively empty when we were there, and we certainly would not have gone at full price ourselves.

That's good information. I went probably a decade ago and didn't feel too put off by the price. A $29 admission fee would definitely do that today and I'm a bit less frugal now than I was then. Here's a citation for the price being just $12 in 2011.

[halfling]

Thanks all for the ideas! I've got a running list saved in my phone for game time. We did go ahead and grab some Cirque du Soleil tickets for O. Looks epic, and I'm a circus lover. I think we'll see what day-of tickets we can luck into for everything else.

The atomic testing museum sounds interesting, but I'm not sure if I can stomach the existential dread of standing a few feet from a model of a nuclear weapon...

We aren't renting a car, so I think nature is off the table unfortunately, but maybe I'll enjoy some simulated nature at the Rainforest Cafe. LOL. Actually it looks like there are some Hoover Dam day trips you can book on a bus, we'll look into those!

Anyone know where to look for the best Elvis/Tina/Cher/Dolly impersonators/drag shows?

[Zikoris]

I've been to Vegas a few times and I'd say my absolute favourite things to do have been:

1. The epic hiking and natural beauty within reach - the first time we went to the Grand Canyon on a tour, the second time hiking in the Valley of Fire. Both totally awesome.

2. The spectacular over-the-top shows. The specifics change but I'm sure you can find something great.

3. Hanging out on Fremont street in the evenings.

[LifeHappens]

If you do decide you want to get out of town, you can rent a car for a single day from many hotels in Vegas. Possibly cheaper than a bus tour and definitely cheaper than Uber.

[Dicey]

Batsignaling Hellboy, our favorite expert on this topic. He's also been sick, so I expect he'll love this diversion, right @UnleashHell?

[UnleashHell]

Thanks @Dicey

Vegas!!

Love it - but probably for a lot of different reasons from most people.
I play poker , drink decent beer, gamble and meet up with my friends from England - unlikely any of that interests you so I’ll just do a overall suggestions list that hopefully will be of use to someone!!



The strip.
Walk the hotels that interest you - there is a lot of distance between them and from the strip to the hotels so be prepared for a lot of walking!!
As mentioned some of the lobbies are very visually stimulating and worth a visit.
Bellagio especially. Also check out the canals at Venetian - the wynn and encore are worth a look and the shopping area behind the casino at Planet Hollywood is excellent for cooling down when its hot out!

Shows - As you want Elvis I’d recommend going to see Pete Vallee as Big Elvis in Harrahs http://bigelvis.org/

He’s been doing it for years and is the man.

If you like thrill rides then get to the Strat and do the ones at the top. Also - the restaurant up there is one of the best for views anywhere. Book and table and you won’t have to pay to go to the top - its included. (or it was - things change quickly in Vegas!!)




Arts district

Funky places you knew nothing about:

Check this out:
https://www.thrillist.com/travel/las-vegas/things-to-do-las-vegas-downtown-arts-district

Between Downtown and the strip. Totally worth stopping at. And the one at the top of the list - Esters Kitchen. Theres a reason its top of the list - its excellent.

And not on the list but in the same area - especially if you are British - the Cornish pasty shop is the real Deal!!

Downtown.

lots of smaller but great casinos that are worth a look.
The Golden Nugget has the pool slide that goes through a shark tank!!


Check out this site first:
https://vegasexperience.com/
Only tend to update the stuff about 6 weeks out but it will show whats happening.

I’d recommend going in the evening for the light show - pretty spectacular.

Recommended
The mob Museum
Getting Dinner at Whiskey licker up at Binions - food is good but its a rotating bar and is right next to the 1st street stage for the live music.
Main Street Station - just off Fremont street but go to the Reception at the far and and theres a Leaflet about all the antiques they have such as Winston Churchills Snooker table and part of the Berlin wall in the mens room!!
The plaza - the new Carousel bar is fun and behind it they have a non smoking slots section - one of its kind!! They also have single zero roulette - far better odds than the strip.

Then hit up the Golden Gate - the original Las Vegas hotel and casino! Its tiny (especially after the strip)
For cheap gambling head to the Downtown Grand (behind Fremont Casino) they always have $5 blackjack - and normally run a $1 game!!
Right opposite the downtown grand is Pizza Rock. that place is top of my pizza places anyway - and I’ve eaten pizza in NYC, chicago and Italy!  The guy who owns it has wpn the Pizza world cup. In Italy. Multiple times. It cannot be beaten. You will not regret it.

Gambling.
Slots are easy and require no thought. The odds of winning are pretty grim though. But you’ll get free drinks (please tip your cocktail waitress - a buck or 2 a drink is ok - do more and you’ll get great service!!).
Roulette is again easy to learn - make sure of the table minimums and kiss your chips good bye. If in doubt ask the dealer - they will be happy to guide you.
Blackjack - tougher to learn but worth it - you can also check this out
https://www.techopedia.com/gambling-guides/blackjack-strategy
Print the strategy card - as long as you ask the casino will let you use it at the table - that way you can get the odds almost back to 100% if you are making the right call.

Remember - treat gambling as part of your entertainment budget and be prepared to lose it. You might be surprised but you probably won’t that way!!

Anything else - just be aware what you are getting into.

Off strip:
Probably not much for you if you don’t have a car but - if you get tired of the strip then in walking Distance is Ellis Island - very good beer, some excellent food choices at a good price and even karaoke if thats your thing and don’t want to gamble. The BBQ is ok there too. Its a haven from the strip!! Right behind the horseshoe.
For those with a car - Red Rock is worth a trip and the places mentioned above.
Also check out the big dig - this place
https://parks.nv.gov/parks/ice-age-fossils
It only opens today for the first time (january 20th 2024 - weekends only to start) - for those that want to combine history and a walk (or a variety of them)



Also you can do the Extraterrestrial Highway on the way to Little A'Le'Inn. (The one featured in “Paul” for the real nerds out there). The only Alien I saw out there was , er, me!!
Make you you gas your car up - gas stations are a looong way apart up there. Theres also the Black mail box which is as exciting as it sounds.

However on the way to and from Vegas, on highway 93 is the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. Turn off around there and get away from the road and its one of the darkest areas in the country and fantastic for star photography. Assuming there’s no clouds!!!


Also Mt Charlston can be visited if you are too hot and need to cool down - you can even stay there! Between November and April you might even get snow up there.




Walking tours - you can book onto them - do a google search or check this  https://www.gpsmycity.com/gps-tour-guides/las-vegas-569.html

Food-  constantly changing. Pick what you like - casinos - especially on the strip are a huge rip off for fast food but there are some excellent places fo the highest quality as well. Just do your research on what’s around you.

Vegas is a fantastic city with more things to do than you can shake a stick at - what’s above is a small sample that I’d recommend with enough variety for all (I hope). If you plan on doing some gambling then join the players club at the casino - they’ll often offer discounts for members and gifts for newbies! ITs also what you make of it - do what tickles your fancy!
It’s a City build of cash and its excellent at parting you from yours - with a smile! A little research and planning can make your trip and save you a lot of pain (and money).
Have fun!




There you go - theres enough there that even @Warlord1986 would be entertained!! hehe

[Dicey]

As predicted, @UnleashHell delivers in spades...plus hearts, diamonds and clubs. Thank you, HB!

I'd add Craps, to the list, especially the "Don't Pass" strategy with full odds, where the house has the slimmest advantage, unless you can count cards, lol.

Add Lake Mead and Hoover Dam to the list of nearby outdoor opportunities.

[UnleashHell]

@Dicey
my post was definitely not meant to be all inclusive so thanks for mentioning craps - it a very good bet  - if you like craps!! I don't lay it so its just not on my radar!!!

I'll post it again for those hard of reading (not you @Dicey !!)

a little research goes a lot way in Vegas (as anyone can see - even I miss out stuff!!)

[Dicey]

@Dicey
my post was definitely not meant to be all inclusive so thanks for mentioning craps - it a very good bet  - if you like craps!! I don't lay it so its just not on my radar!!!

I'll post it again for those hard of reading (not you @Dicey !!)

a little research goes a lot way in Vegas (as anyone can see - even I miss out stuff!!)

Your list was so comprehensive, I was surprised I had something to add.

I spent a fair amount of time playing there when I was in college, and again when I dated someone who lived there, but in pre-FIRE times, my Vegas trips became business trips, which were way less fun. Have only driven through twice since I retired in 2012 and didn't stop the car either trip.

[halfling]

Holy crap, thanks @UnleashHell ! (and @Dicey for the page) Hey, you don't know - maybe I would like to meet up with your friends from England and drink beer, too.

Maybe I'll see if I can get some $2 and $5 bills from the bank for easy tipping, I didn't know that about the free cocktails so thank you! And, note to self: find comfy walking shoes that will look good with sequin mini dresses? Haha. I would love to have a more Bond-esque experience at some of the staffed tables but I'll have to learn the rules first. Last time I played poker with friends, I had to keep pulling up visual guides on my phone, which I imagine isn't a great look in a casino, LOL. Someone tried to explain craps to me once and it was like word salad. Maybe I can practice with a video game.

My only experience with casinos so far has been in Atlantic City NJ, which is charming in its own way, but I only played $20 computer Blackjack because there were so few staffed tables and their minimums were higher than I wanted to mess around with.

[Telecaster]

I find all the games except blackjack to be painfully boring.    For example, with slots you're not actually playing a game like Frogger or something.  You're just pushing a button and watching your money disappear.  And that's true with most of the table games too.   There is no skill involved.   That's a personal preference, of course.  Blackjack does require some skill so I find it more entertaining.  However, you're making the same types of decisions over and over, so it gets boring for me too, eventually.   

That said, I think playing the tables is worth doing just for the experience.   Why not?   I also found the tables intimidating.  It seemed like something sophisticated adults did, and I didn't know the code.    I finally screwed up my courage and sat down at a table and told the dealer I was a noob.   She was very accommodating and the other players were very friendly and helpful too.  Same thing first time I played craps.   Everyone is there to have fun and nobody cares if you are noob.   One tip:  The casino will let you play with a Blackjack odds chart.  In fact, they sell them at the casino.   You just have to keep it in your lap.

One thing we really like to do in Vegas is go out to eat.   Vegas has a huge of number of quality restaurants.   Too many to list.   I would for sure try to pick a couple and go there.   Two we've enjoyed are Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris and Bouchon in the Venetian.   Although you can lose your MMM membership at places like that, we often try to go for lunch, which the prices are more reasonable. 

[dang1]

"Vegas Relics That Somehow Escaped Being Imploded" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_k1GQK2_ks&ab_channel=WonderhussyAdventures

"Gold, Chocolate & Strippers" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UftWAK3qHHE&ab_channel=WonderhussyAdventures

[Dicey]

I haven't played Craps for years, but I learned the game because it has the best odds, unless you're a card-counting Blackjack player.
(See: Bringing Down the House)

Here's what got me over the word salad feeling: the center of the Craps table bets are where the house has the best odds, so ignore those bets. The two ends are identical. The table is simply designed to accommodate more players. Once you know you only have to follow one third of the table, it's far less confusing. Basically, once a point is made, everyone at the table is betting whether or not the player (aka shooter) can throw that number again.

Stand near the croupier, because they're bored out of their minds and happy to help, because they want your tips.

Once I was playing at a table by myself, standing next to a croupier I'd played with before. During play, it became obvious that an observer (not another player) was staring at me. I asked the croupier if he was seeing what I was seeing. He responded that he had already notified Security. Sure enough, the starer was swiftly and unobtrusively swept away. None of the other players had any idea what was going on, because no one missed a beat.

[LifeHappens]

Many of the casinos do lessons on the various table games - usually during the morning when things are slow.

[Warlord1986]

The outdoors of LV are jaw-dropping. The rest of it is a cesspit. Stick with the parks.

[jrhampt]

The outdoors of LV are jaw-dropping. The rest of it is a cesspit. Stick with the parks.

Haha.  Having been to Vegas a few times - once for work and a couple of times with friends, I tend to agree with this, but YMMV.  Once in Vegas was really enough for me - I thought it was worth seeing once just for the bizarre spectacle of it, but Nevada itself outside Vegas has such a stunning landscape that it's a shame to spend all of your time in the city.  I have friends who go there to gamble, but gambling's not really my thing, even though the food and shows are enjoyable.  I have been able to sneak in side trips to the Hoover Dam on past excursions to Vegas, but I would love to be able to explore the parks more.  4 National Parks!!!  We've only got one in all of New England.

[GuitarStv]

The outdoors of LV are jaw-dropping. The rest of it is a cesspit. Stick with the parks.

Yep.

Vegas sucks, and is an incredibly boring place if you're not into wasting money, prostitutes, drugs, or binge drinking.  But there's some really lovely nature surrounding the city.

[halfling]

The outdoors of LV are jaw-dropping. The rest of it is a cesspit. Stick with the parks.

Yep.

Vegas sucks, and is an incredibly boring place if you're not into wasting money, prostitutes, drugs, or binge drinking.  But there's some really lovely nature surrounding the city.

I'll have to see for myself I guess, haha. We're going to work at the hotel during most of the days, which is the real reason for the lack of hiking plans. But I love theater, costumes, set design, and interesting signage with big bright lights, so I remain optimistic. I have a feeling Atlantic City was worse in a lot of ways, but I still enjoyed taking it all in, even without the gambling, hookers, or blow.

[LifeHappens]

But I love theater, costumes, set design, and interesting signage with big bright lights, so I remain optimistic.

Definitely, yes. With your love of shiny things, you will find sooooo many sights to enjoy in Vegas. Really, just walking the hotels, taking in a tacky show and people watching will keep you entertained.

[Dicey]

But I love theater, costumes, set design, and interesting signage with big bright lights, so I remain optimistic.

Definitely, yes. With your love of shiny things, you will find sooooo many sights to enjoy in Vegas. Really, just walking the hotels, taking in a tacky show and people watching will keep you entertained.

Pretty sure I forgot to mention Cirque du Soleil. Worth it. Also, magic shows.

[Askel]

So kind of a weird thing, but my favorite thing to do on the strip is hike down to the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd ('the strip') and Sunset Rd. just south of the airport for some... 

AWESOME PLANE WATCHING! 

It's right at the end of the runway so the jets are passing right above your head.  There's an old go-kart track just to the east on Sunset Rd. where a bunch of other plane nerds hang out in the parking lot to spectate. Usually at least a couple will have radio scanners going and can keep you up to date on anything interesting happening.   

[UnleashHell]

So kind of a weird thing, but my favorite thing to do on the strip is hike down to the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd ('the strip') and Sunset Rd. just south of the airport for some... 

AWESOME PLANE WATCHING! 

It's right at the end of the runway so the jets are passing right above your head.  There's an old go-kart track just to the east on Sunset Rd. where a bunch of other plane nerds hang out in the parking lot to spectate. Usually at least a couple will have radio scanners going and can keep you up to date on anything interesting happening.

Thats also very close to the pinball hall of fame for those that really want to dig into a bit of nostalgia

http://pinballmuseum.org/

[jeroly]

So kind of a weird thing, but my favorite thing to do on the strip is hike down to the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd ('the strip') and Sunset Rd. just south of the airport for some... 

AWESOME PLANE WATCHING! 

It's right at the end of the runway so the jets are passing right above your head.  There's an old go-kart track just to the east on Sunset Rd. where a bunch of other plane nerds hang out in the parking lot to spectate. Usually at least a couple will have radio scanners going and can keep you up to date on anything interesting happening.

Thats also very close to the pinball hall of fame for those that really want to dig into a bit of nostalgia

http://pinballmuseum.org/

Thanks for sharing that! It's definitely going on the list of things to do in Vegas next time I'm there!

[seattlecyclone]

So kind of a weird thing, but my favorite thing to do on the strip is hike down to the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd ('the strip') and Sunset Rd. just south of the airport for some... 

AWESOME PLANE WATCHING! 

It's right at the end of the runway so the jets are passing right above your head.  There's an old go-kart track just to the east on Sunset Rd. where a bunch of other plane nerds hang out in the parking lot to spectate. Usually at least a couple will have radio scanners going and can keep you up to date on anything interesting happening.

Thats also very close to the pinball hall of fame for those that really want to dig into a bit of nostalgia

http://pinballmuseum.org/

Thanks for sharing that! It's definitely going on the list of things to do in Vegas next time I'm there!

Yeah that place is great, I mentioned it earlier. Basically a big room full of working pinball machines of different vintages that you can play for 25-50¢ apiece. We have something similar around here, but it's much smaller and more expensive.

[Askel]

Thats also very close to the pinball hall of fame for those that really want to dig into a bit of nostalgia

http://pinballmuseum.org/

I really should go there sometime.  But Tim Arnold already got plenty of my quarters at Pinball Pete's in my youth. 

I may have personally paid for a machine or two in there. :D 

[Fru-Gal]

Post to follow!

[UnleashHell]

Thats also very close to the pinball hall of fame for those that really want to dig into a bit of nostalgia

http://pinballmuseum.org/

I really should go there sometime.  But Tim Arnold already got plenty of my quarters at Pinball Pete's in my youth. 

I may have personally paid for a machine or two in there. :D

I may have spend an afternoon or two at the old pinball hof in Vegas. great way to spend time when you are on a limited budget.

[Taran Wanderer]

Lots of good suggestions. Vegas is a crazy spectacle. It’s gross and amazing at the same time.  Old Vegas was fun - a lot of the cheap fun is gone. My personal Vegas favorites are:

1. Cirque du Soleil
2. Hoover Dam
3. Cirque du Soleil

I’ve seen 3 different Cirque shows in Vegas. They were all amazing. Ka was incredible, MJ great, and Mystere way exceeded my (lower) expectations. Haven’t seen O. That’s on a future list.

Other future list items:

A. U2 in the Sphere
B. Rent a super car for the afternoon
C. Shoot a bazooka or M-60 something

In the end, though, what makes Vegas fun is the people you’re with. Find a bar in a prime spot, nurse your overpriced drink for a while, and enjoy the people watching.  And dress in style… any style will do, just go big and be part of the spectacle.

[dang1]

Waking Up In Vegas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-pUaogoX5o&ab_channel=KatyPerryVEVO

[Taran Wanderer]

Perhaps my strangest moment in Vegas was in the morning after an all-nighter of innocent, under-age, college fun. We were walking through the casino on our way to our cars. Sad, faded people who had been up all night slumped over the slot machines, cigarettes hanging out of their mouths, hoping for salvation after a night of losses. Meanwhile, the early birds were fluttering in with their pastels and fanny packs, their optimism for a big score fresh and ready to take on the world. It was surreal. We loaded up in the cars and headed for home.

[elaine amj]

We went to Vegas a few times for “cheap” long weekends maybe 10 years ago. Cheap flights, cheap hotels, warm in the winter/spring, so why not? All my info is old though as we haven’t been back in a while.

Was blown away by “Ka” (no other cirque-type show I have seen since have compared) and would absolutely love to see “O” if I ever return. Having the permanent stage in Vegas makes a massive difference in the spectacle they can create.

Found shows in general ridiculously expensive. We have a local Caesars casino and the exact same shows are wayyyyy cheaper here. But still - we never left Vegas without seeing a show (back then the MyVegas Facebook game was starting out and giving really good prizes - shows, fancy buffets, and hotels).

To tour the casinos, we signed up for each players club and played the penny slots with whatever free tokens they gave us (at that time it was usually $5). After a bunch of these, I made about $20+…enough to pay for our bus tickets to Fremont St.

We found it took 2-3 sessions to tour all the casinos. I made a list of all the various free shows and their times which helped to craft my itinerary. My feet were dead at the end. It’s a LOT of walking.

Dunno if they still do it, but we had fun with the 24hr buffet pass - timed it carefully to cover 4 meals + dessert + late night snack and it gave us a reason to casino hop.

We like spectacles too so found Vegas reasonably fun. Our 2nd and 3rd trip we spent 3/4 of our time hiking though. Much more fun.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dang1]

last out-of-town trip with my mom before she passed was to vegas; we watched Folies Bergere. it was january, cold. she passed later that year. As we drove on the 15, passing joshua trees, reminded me of the many times camping with my parents at the then monument, when was in high school

[halfling]

Thank you all, great stuff! I’ll be breaking in some walking shoes and really looking forward to wearing my most out there wardrobe items.

We're going to spend a lot of time just touring around the casinos, and now we’ve got a pretty solid list of shows to check for same day discounts for. O is the only one that seemed to warrant advanced purchase and rarely goes on discount. Quite expensive, nearly $500 for two seats!

We may just go to O and The Spirit of the King and/or Big Elvis. One of our companions used an app called discotech.me to get us on “the list” at a few clubs, lol, we’ll see if that comes in handy. Otherwise… if tickets get cheap, maybe Penn & Teller, Excalibur dinner theater, one of the comedy burlesques... I think I’m in about the lowest common denominator you can get when it comes to amusement haha

[Taran Wanderer]

I haven’t seen O, and it’s on my list. If that doesn’t work out, Ka truly is spectacular.

[Chris Pascale]

Back in 2017 we flew out there on a Mon-Thurs because it was so cheap. We swam in a rooftop pool, took a Grand Canyon tour, met up with a cousin, and hit up the spa.

Not a bad time, but as we were flying home we didn't feel like it was so great we'd want to rush back.

[fuzzy math]

Just got back from Vegas.

Things I like - indoors at Bellagio there's always a giant floral display. Previously when I went it was Xmas time and there was a white floral polar bear. Its currently done up for Chinese new year and equally spectacular. If you walk to the back of the Bellagio there's a chocolate fountain at the Patisserie and some of the fanciest looking and tasting treats you'll find anywhere.

The Wynn has the best buffet on the strip but its up to $75 now for dinner. They had 3 kinds of crab legs(!) and a billion other foods. The Wynn also has cool indoor floral display stuff to look at.

Meow Wolf is a psychadelic / fantastical / steampunk-ish museum in an area off the strip called Area 15. The rest is a cash suck, as is most of Vegas but if you like weird mystery stuff its worth a visit. You don't need to buy the whole Area 15 experience pass (ax throwing, VR, zip lining etc)

Comedians frequently come through. A number of years back I saw Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz in a single session. It was fabulous. There are some comedy clubs with big names but if you read the fine print they say the hosts aren't really there. Costs are high now to just go to a generic event - $50-75 and there aren't any named comics.


Things I've found overrated:
- The giant ferris wheel
- The Bellagio fountain show

[TheGrimSqueaker]

I've always enjoyed the free water show at the Bellagio. Couples often get their photo taken in front of it. The floral display is usually good, and it's free. A friend of mine from work, who has a travel style similar to mine and who likes to "introvert hard in the evenings", suggested I splurge sometime and get a fountain-view room for an evening to just relax and watch the water shows. I've never done it but it's on my bucket list now. There's said to be a sound and light display at the Mirage, but I haven't seen it. The new "Sphere Experience" looks like fun but I doubt it's free.

A tour out to the Hoover Dam with the power room add-on is always good if you're an engineering geek like me, and it's service dog friendly. Not free, though. Several of the casinos have free displays like circus acts or an aquarium. The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is worth the entrance fee, but what I really want to do is to kayak out to the Emerald Cave.

[reeshau]

Meow Wolf now has a place in Vegas.  Features "Omega Mart," a twisted grocery store.

https://meowwolf.com/visit/las-vegas

You can also hail an autonomous cab through Uber and Lyft.

[halfling]

Meow Wolf now has a place in Vegas.  Features "Omega Mart," a twisted grocery store.

https://meowwolf.com/visit/las-vegas

You can also hail an autonomous cab through Uber and Lyft.

Meow Wolf I knew about, but the self-driving cabs are a surprise. Am I ready for a taste of the future to carry me to Big Elvis?!

[reeshau]

Meow Wolf now has a place in Vegas.  Features "Omega Mart," a twisted grocery store.

https://meowwolf.com/visit/las-vegas

You can also hail an autonomous cab through Uber and Lyft.

Meow Wolf I knew about, but the self-driving cabs are a surprise. Am I ready for a taste of the future to carry me to Big Elvis?!

The autonomous cabs are run by Motional, but booked through Uber and Lyft.