Las Vegas Travel Guide 2024

2024 Las Vegas Family Vacation Guide

Las Vegas Nevada is one of the most exciting cities in the world. The city is famous for luxury casinos, amazing shows, and magnificent entertainment. The city is also home to five-star hotels and outstanding restaurants. Visiting Las Vegas will be a thrilling experience. Downtown Las Vegas is known for its classic casinos, inexpensive cocktails, and unique nightlife scene. Situated away from the famous Las Vegas Strip, the downtown section is also a perfect place to go to learn more about the city’s illustrious history. Most visitors come to this section of the city to enjoy the activities and excitement found on Fremont Street.

Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada in terms of population. The city hosts numerous conventions and events throughout the year. Even though the city contains numerous activities that are only suitable for adults, Las Vegas is also a destination that families can enjoy. You can find many shows that are suitable for children, and the city contains excellent educational museums. The kids can enjoy thrill rides at the Adventuredome Theme Park, or they can see fascinating sharks at the Shark Reef Aquarium.

Las Vegas Visitor Guide

Las Vegas has activities that you can enjoy at all hours of the day or night. The city is home to some of the best casinos in the world. While visiting a casino, you can eat at one of the all-you-can-eat buffets, or you can enjoy sitting at one of the gambling tables. Some of the most popular casinos in Las Vegas include The Bellagio, the MGM Grand, and Caesars Palace. The world-famous Bellagio fountains offer a spectacular show of lights, music, and water.

Many people choose to get married in Las Vegas as the town is home to numerous wedding chapels. In order to get married in Las Vegas, you only need photo identification. A wedding license will be given to you that day, and no blood test is required.

Around 38 million people visit Las Vegas each year. With its glitz and glamour, The Las Vegas Strip is the second most visited attraction in the country. It possesses a unique culture and exciting atmosphere; therefore, it attracts visitors from all over the world.

You can easily acquire transportation while in the city. Almost 1,000 cabs serve the Las Vegas area, and bus service is available. Many visitors arrive to the city at the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. The airport is located just a mile from the strip, and more than 50 cities offer direct flights to Las Vegas.

Visiting Las Vegas Nevada will be the adventure of a lifetime. You can enjoy the shows, nightlife, restaurants, museums, and casinos. It is a place you can relax and leave your troubles at home. The city has so much to offer; therefore, it is a place that you must visit at least once during your lifetime.

Downtown Las Vegas

Experience the renaissance occurring in Downtown Las Vegas drawing on its vintage Rat Pack past with its more recent family-oriented success. Savor exciting casinos, luxurious hotels, vibrant shops, and first-class dining options that inspire guests to return time and again. Take advantage of the layout of the downtown area that enables a guest to move quickly from their hotel to various attractions. Find on Main Street Station original Pullman train cars and curious antiques from across the globe. Satiate your appetite thoroughly at one of the many tasty restaurants including Hugo’s Cellar at Four Queens or hit the dance floor and boogie at Gold Diggers at the Golden Nugget.

Discover and enjoy renovated hotels, lounges, and restaurants that provide glamorous fun. Find luxurious accommodations that offer amenities suited to both the leisure and business traveler. Whether you are looking to indulge yourself with a weekend of fun or host a business meeting in Downtown Las Vegas, trust that this part of the city has the resources, expertise, and appeal to satisfy all of your needs.

Las Vegas Weather

When planning a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, there is never a bad time to visit. The beautiful weather in this city is one reason that it still stands as one of the top travel destinations in the world. Typically, Las Vegas sees around 300 days of sun per day, making it the ideal spot to enjoy the warm sun outdoors. By knowing the average temperature highs and lows before traveling, you will be better able to plan your trip according to the top weather that you’re looking for. From cool, cloudy days during the winter months to hot, sunny days during the summer, these Las Vegas weather conditions are simply amazing.

Winter Weather

From the months of December to March, visitors can expect to enjoy weather anywhere from a low of 34° F during the cold season to a high of a beautiful 69° F. When you’d rather not visit during the humid months, winter is a great time to enjoy all that Las Vegas, Nevada has to offer. The lowest temperature ever on record in Las Vegas was that of 8° F on January 13, 1963.

Spring Weather

In the Spring from April to May, Las Vegas typically sees a high of 88° F and a low of 51° F. This weather allows visitors to enjoy all of the fun outdoor activities that the area has to offer, such as outdoor pools and parties at many of the major resorts. While this is not the hottest season, it is a comfortable warm temperature that all will appreciate.

Summer Weather

Get away from the cooler weather back home and enjoy high temperatures of 106° F and low temperatures of 69° F during June, July, and August. This hottest season of the year is one of the busiest times when Las Vegas sees a wide range of visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the many attractions along with the beautiful weather that can be found here. The record for the hottest day ever in this city was on July 19, 2005, at 117° F.

Fall Weather

From September to November, Las Vegas sees an average high temperature of 95° F and an average low temperature of 54° F. This season typically has less rainfall than any other season, with an average of 0.30 inches. To pack accordingly for your next Las Vegas trip, be sure to check into the current weather conditions before traveling so that you come to the city prepared.

Las Vegas Transportation

Many people choose to drive to the downtown section of Las Vegas, although parking is scarce at times. Taxicab services found along the Las Vegas Strip and throughout other parts of the city are able to transport visitors to the downtown region. Visitors also have the option of taking a double-decker bus.

As the casino capital of the United States, the city of Las Vegas is equally accessible by public and private transportation. The Las Vegas Strip area, which is where most of the city’s hotels and resorts are concentrated, is located along Las Vegas Boulevard South. This beautiful and exciting road is lined with palm trees and offers a truly exciting drive in one of the most glamorous cities in the world. The main highway that serves Las Vegas is Interstate 15. Stretching for more than 1,400 miles, I-15 lures in visitors from several western states such as Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and of course Nevada. Interstate 215 and Interstate 515 are short beltway highways that surround the city of Las Vegas and serve nearby communities such as Henderson and North Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail offers an exciting way to experience the Las Vegas Strip through the city’s public transit system. This 3.9-mile elevated light rail system stops directly near some of the best hotels and casinos in Las Vegas. The Monorail runs between the Sahara Hotel and the MGM Grand Hotel and also stops near the Las Vegas Convention Center along the way. Harrah’s/Imperial Palace and Flamingo/Caesar’s Place are some of the other stations served by the Las Vegas Monorail. Many other hotels and casinos are within walking distance from the Monorail stations. This rapid transit system operates seven days a week from early morning hours until several hours past midnight.

McCarran International Airport

McCarran International Airport is a major gateway to Las Vegas. Serving more than 40 million passengers each year, this airport is one of the busiest airports on the West Coast of the United States. In addition to being a major base for the Nevada-based company Allegiant Air, McCarran International Airport is served by other major domestic airline companies such as Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Several international airlines such as Air Canada and British Airways also serve the main airport in Las Vegas. This busy airport offers direct flights to more than 100 total destinations including dozens of cities throughout all parts of the United States.

Since the terminal buildings at McCarran International Airport are located only a few miles away from the Las Vegas Strip, many hotels offer courtesy shuttle services. Of course, there is also no shortage of limousines, taxis, and other private transportation services near the terminals at the airport. Although several rental car companies operate at McCarran International Airport, renting a car in Las Vegas is not always the best option because there may be parking issues in many of the hotels. Additionally, it’s better to walk and experience the Las Vegas Strip up close rather than drive through the traffic-congested roads.

Las Vegas Attractions

Las Vegas is full of exciting and entertaining things to do for all ages. From shows to museums to national parks, everyone finds something to love about Las Vegas. In fact, over 35 million visitors a year enjoy spending time in Las Vegas, also called the City of Entertainment.

Notable Casinos

Downtown Las Vegas features several of the city’s most iconic casinos. The D Las Vegas Casino Hotel, which was once known as Fitzgeralds’, features a variety of slot machines and gaming tables. Affordability in a luxurious setting can be found inside the Golden Nugget. The Stratosphere, which is also one of the most famous towers in the city, includes all the amenities one would expect to find in a casino along with a series of rides and shops.

Museums Teach Valuable Lessons

Those who love visiting museums find that the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas provides a fascinating glimpse into the storied history of the city. Stories are told from the point of view of mob members and law enforcement officers. The Neon Museum offers a trip back in time to the early days of Las Vegas. Historical retired Neon signs are the main attraction, although visitors also love hearing stories told by knowledgeable tour guides.

Sights For Nature Lovers

Those who are thrilled by nature’s bountiful beauty will love visiting Red Rock Canyon National Park about thirty minutes west of the city. Gorgeous majestic red rock mountains soar up to the dark blue sky. Wildlife is abundant, along with pretty desert plants.

Nature lovers appreciate the Dolphin Habitat and Secret Garden attraction at the Mirage Hotel on the strip. Ocean lovers enjoy the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Springs Preserve located near the freeway also features many interesting attractions for animal lovers.

The Strip Features Many Attractions

On the north end of the strip, visitors notice the famous Stratosphere. The observation deck here offers spectacular aerial views of the city and many like the thrilling rides there. New York New York hotel also offers a roller coaster for the daring.

Many strip hotels feature interesting attractions. Visitors enjoy the daily volcano show at the Mirage Hotel, along with the pirate-themed show at Treasure Island called the Sirens Of TI. People also love the interesting Eiffel Tower Experience at the Paris Hotel and taking a fun and relaxing Gondola ride at the Venetian Hotel. Also at the Venetian is the famous Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum attraction.

Many people love to stop and watch the world-famous Fountains of Bellagio, water fountains that move in a show choreographed to music. Another popular attraction at the Bellagio Hotel is the Bellagio Conservatory. Floral displays are changed five times a year, depending on the current season.

History aficionados appreciate the famous Titanic Artifact Exhibit at the Luxor Hotel on the south end of the strip. While on the south end, a trip to the renowned Welcome to Las Vegas sign is a must-see attraction. Many people love to take pictures in front of the famous sign.

Las Vegas Dining

Top Vegas Buffets

When most people think about dining in Las Vegas, it is the incredible buffets that first come to mind. Las Vegas is a city of excess, and the culinary landscape is no exception. Unlike some American buffets, where an emphasis is placed on quantity instead of quality, many of the buffets in Las Vegas are proud to offer both. The buffet at the Bellagio Hotel is often considered the best in the city, as it boasts luxury food items like Kobe beef, crab legs, beef Wellington, and fresh sushi flown in directly from Japan. Other hotels like the Wynn and Rio also have amazing buffets that are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Upscale Dining Options

Whether for a romantic anniversary dinner or a business lunch aiming to impress a client, Las Vegas is home to a number of amazing upscale dining options. Travelers in Las Vegas are here to live large, and eating in some of the world’s best restaurants is the perfect way to do just that. At Bartolotta Ristorante Di Mare in the Wynn Hotel, diners can feast on beautifully prepared seafood that is shipped directly from the Mediterranean. At Craftsteak, the steak selection is impressive, and guests can choose from more than a dozen sauces and preparation methods. For truly decadent French cuisine, head to L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in the MGM Grand.

Affordable Restaurants

While dining in Las Vegas can sometimes be pricey, there are plenty of ways to reduce costs and find a bargain. Anyone who wants to save their money for the poker tables might want to investigate where the locals go to eat. For a quick sandwich made with incredible ingredients, head to the Carnegie Deli in the Mirage Hotel. For staggeringly low food prices on the Strip, order some delicious hot dogs from Pink’s Hot Dogs, conveniently located just next door to Planet Hollywood. Many of the major hotels and casinos also have food courts for fast dining, and they typically offer chains like Burger King, Starbucks or Taco Bell. While it may not be upscale dining, it is an affordable way to refuel and head to the next activity on the Las Vegas Itinerary.

Dining Off the Strip

The vast majority of publicized restaurants in Las Vegas are right on the main strip, close to the hotels and casinos. However, escaping this touristy area can lead to some great dining finds and cheaper prices. Ellis Island Casino Restaurant has nightly outdoor barbecues for great prices, and H2(EAU) lets you dine poolside on contemporary American cuisine.

Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas is known as the “City of Sin” for a reason: it has become the ultimate playground for adults of all ages. The Las Vegas Strip, lined with impressive casinos and fantastic hotels, is the hub of the city. Special events exist outside of the regular daily hum of slot machines and low bass beats of the nightclubs and draw audiences from all over the world.

Some of the best special performances and events in Las Vegas happen over holiday weekends. Specifically, holidays in Las Vegas are usually an incredible spectacle of light and music. The casinos typically hire between 5 and 10 performers each year, including Cirque du Soleil, Aerosmith, and even current pop stars like Justin Beiber and Taylor Swift. Nightclubs rock all night on holidays, with many of them offering open bar packages and even VIP entrances to regular customers. If the crowded and loud streets of the Strip are not your speed, make a trek up to the M casino in the southern foothills of the city. The view from the elegant martini bar at the top of the 50-story hotel is majestic, especially when each hotel on the Strip sends off a massive volley of fireworks when the clock strikes 12 on holiday nights.

Aside from holidays in Las Vegas, conferences and concerts are the other main draw of the city. The Las Vegas Convention Center, located under a mile from the Strip itself, is a hub of activity that hosts over 1,000 different conferences every year. Some of these include E3, the video game and entertainment expo, and the Sin City Auto Show. Each hotel also offers an impressive list of indoor and outdoor concerts each year. This past year’s lineup included Elton John, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Kanye West. That is just a sample of the hundreds of world-famous artists that draw crowds every year to Las Vegas.

One of the best features of events in Las Vegas is the ease of travel and the impressive lodgings the city provides for every guest, regardless of income or sensibility. If you like it, Las Vegas has it. From the moment you arrive at McCarran International Airport, the whole city is open to you. The Las Vegas Strip is only a quick ten-minute drive away and there are 24-hour taxi drivers waiting outside to take you to your hotel. There are over 200 hotels in the city, ranging from the most opulent Wynn, with crystal chandeliers in each of its 5 lobbies, to the off-strip Cancun, with the single largest pool in all of Las Vegas. If you are coming to Las Vegas for an event, you might just stay for everything else too.

Shopping near Downtown Las Vegas

If you are looking for great places to shop, then it does not get much better than Las Vegas. There will be a great place to shop on the Las Vegas Strip no matter how much money you have to spend. While there are hundreds of shopping locations in Las Vegas, these are the five best that the city has to offer. A variety of unique shops can be found throughout the downtown region. Neonopolis, a notable entertainment complex, features several different jewelers. Cowtown Guitars carries an enormous selection of vintage guitars. Las Vegas Premium Outlets North is a huge shopping complex where stores like Calvin Klein, Columbia Sportswear, and Jones New York can be found.

Bonanza Gift Shop

If you love buying items at gift shops when you are in Las Vegas, then you must visit the Bonanza Gift Shop. The Bonanza Gift Shop claims to be the largest gift shop in the world, and it is the best place in the city to get a cheap gift to remember your trip.

The Forum Shops

The Forum Shops is a high-scale mall that is located inside Caesars Palace. There are currently over 150 different shops and 11 restaurants located in the mall. The Forum Shops first opened in 1992, and it has quickly become the most successful mall in the country. Celebrities visiting Las Vegas have been known to shop at The Forum Shops due to the large number of luxury boutiques located in the mall.

Fashion Show Mall

If you are looking for a more modestly priced mall, then the Fashion Show Mall may be your best bet in Las Vegas. The Fashion Show Mall first opened its doors in 1981, and it currently has over 250 different shops on the three floors of the mall. The mall receives its unique name because there are fashion shows held in the mall every weekend. This is a great place to go even if you have no desire to purchase anything in the mall.

Grand Canal Shoppes

The Grand Canal Shoppes is another high-end mall that is a great place to shop while in Las Vegas. The Grand Canal Shoppes is located inside The Venetian hotel and Casino. The Grand Canal Shoppes was first opened in 1999, and it currently receives over 20 million visitors each year. The main draw of the Grand Canal Shoppes is the canals located inside the mall that require shoppers to take gondolas to each store.

Miracle Mile Shops

Miracle Mile Shops is another shopping location in Las Vegas that everyone can afford to shop at. There are nearly 150 different stores in Miracle Mile Shops, and it is currently located inside the Planet Hollywood hotel. The entire mall features a Los Angeles theme to match the theme of the hotel. Miracle Mile Shops was first opened in 2007, which makes it one of the newest shopping destinations in Las Vegas.

Family Fun near Downtown Las Vegas

While many first think of the casinos and adult-oriented nightlife in Las Vegas, there are actually many great attractions and activities in the area for the whole family to enjoy. Take the kids on a getaway to the city of lights and find lots of fun hiding around every corner. From amusement park rides to go-kart tracks, you’ll find it all during a stay in Las Vegas, Nevada. A variety of unique shops can be found throughout the downtown region. Neonopolis, a notable entertainment complex, features several different jewelers. Cowtown Guitars carries an enormous selection of vintage guitars. Las Vegas Premium Outlets North is a huge shopping complex where stores like Calvin Klein, Columbia Sportswear, and Jones New York can be found.

Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix

Head to the Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix for 4 tracks of thrilling fun for adults and children of all ages. Hope aboard sprint go-karts, go-karts for kids, and adult-only go-karts for an exciting adventure in the heart of Las Vegas. Zip along the tracks and then enjoy other amusement attractions located at the Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix such as the Dragon Roller Coaster, Dive Bomber, Super Fun Slide, and Tornado Twister. Arcade games and delicious food are all waiting for you at this outstanding entertainment complex.

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay

Get up close and personal with a variety of marine life at the famous Shark Reef located at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Sharks, freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and giant sea turtles are just a few exhibits that guests will experience here. Make your way through an enclosed shark tunnel, feel different aquatic life in the touch tanks, and even watch professional scuba diving performances.

Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

Located at The Mirage is the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Meet some of Las Vegas’ most wild residents such as lions, tigers, and panthers. The dolphin habitat brings bottlenose dolphins right to the resort in their own underwater oasis. Educational dolphin shows and performances are held on a regularly scheduled basis.

The World’s Largest Permanent Circus

The World’s Largest Permanent Circus can be found at the Circus Resort. Watch daily circus shows aimed at visitors of all ages. Watch as trapeze artists, jugglers, acrobats and clowns amaze you through death-defying performances and stunts. This popular performance only offers about 60 seats at each show, so it is best to arrive early to ensure seating.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is a true one-of-a-kind attraction within Las Vegas. Learn about the famous ship, the Titanic in a whole new way. Make your way through real replicas of the ship and view authentic artifacts found deep beneath the ocean water after the sinking. Learn about passengers and staff members aboard the ship through personal belongings, stories, and fun interactive exhibits.

Map of Hotels in Las Vegas

1. Las Vegas Downtown – Find hotels near Wynn Country Club & The Crystals
2. McCarran Airport – Find hotels near Paradise & Town Square
3. University of Nevada – Find hotels near Thomas & Mack Center & Marjorie Barrick Museum
4. Las Vegas Paradise Park – Find hotels near Paradise & Paradise Country Valley
5. Las Vegas Sunset Park – Find hotels near Wildhorse Golf Club & Paradise Valley
6. Las Vegas Spring Valley – Find hotels near Paul Meyer Park & Ravenwood Park
7. Las Vegas Lake Sahara – Find hotels near Canyon Gate & Summerlin South
8. Las Vegas Tudor Park – Find hotels near Summerlin & Peccole Ranch
9. Lions Memorial Park – Find hotels near Woodlawn Cemetery & Heritage Park Park
10. Las Vegas Freedom Park – Find hotels near Desert Pines Golf Club & Bonanza East Shopping Center