Las Vegas

Shows, dining, and desert canyons within reach

Region

USA · United States

Best time to go

Spring and fall are the most comfortable, with warm days and mild evenings. Summers are very hot, and winters are cool and dry with occasional cold nights.

Getting there

Nonstop flights from most major US cities into Harry Reid International, so connections are rarely needed.

Why go to Las Vegas

Las Vegas packs big shows, serious dining, and resort pools into a few miles of the Strip, with a more local, retro feel downtown. The real surprise is the desert around it, with red rock canyons, Hoover Dam, and lake and mountain escapes all within easy reach.

Golfers Hikers Night owls Wedding couples and groups

Things to do in Las Vegas

NightlifeWalk the Las Vegas Strip at nightThe Strip comes alive after dark, with lit-up resort facades, fountain shows, and street performers along Las Vegas Boulevard. Distances are longer than they look, so wear comfortable shoes and use pedestrian bridges to cross the boulevard.Explore related tours

NightlifeFremont StreetDowntown's covered pedestrian street has a huge LED canopy overhead, light shows after dark, live music, and classic casinos on both sides. It feels more casual than the Strip, and a rideshare from the Strip is the easiest way to get there.Explore related tours

NatureRed Rock Canyon National Conservation AreaJust west of the city, a one-way scenic drive loops past red and cream sandstone cliffs with trailheads and pullouts along the way. A timed-entry reservation is often required for the drive in busier months, so check before you go.Explore related tours

NatureValley of Fire State ParkNevada's oldest state park is known for bright red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and short hikes like the trail to Mouse's Tank. It is about an hour from the Strip, and summer heat can be dangerous, so hike early and carry plenty of water.Explore related tours

CultureHoover DamThis massive concrete dam on the Colorado River sits on the Nevada and Arizona border, about forty-five minutes from the city. Walk across the top, and stop at the bridge walkway beside it for the best view of the dam face.Explore related tours

CultureThe Neon MuseumA collection of retired signs from old casinos and businesses, displayed in an outdoor yard north of downtown. Evening visits show off the restored signs lit up, and guided tours tell the story of the city through its signage.Explore related tours

CultureThe Mob MuseumHoused in a historic downtown courthouse, this museum covers organized crime and the law enforcement efforts against it. Plan a couple of hours, and pair it with an evening on nearby Fremont Street.Explore related tours

FamilyWelcome to Fabulous Las Vegas signThe famous roadside sign stands at the south end of the Strip, with a small parking lot and a line for photos. Go early in the morning to avoid the longest waits and the worst of the heat.Explore related tours

FoodLas Vegas Arts DistrictSouth of downtown, the Arts District has galleries, vintage shops, murals, craft breweries, and casual places to eat. It is liveliest on evenings and weekends, and makes a good break from casino interiors.Explore related tours

AdventureMount CharlestonAbout an hour northwest, the Spring Mountains rise high above the valley, with pine forest, hiking trails, and air that is far cooler than the city. In winter the area can get snow, so check road conditions before driving up.Explore related tours

FamilySprings PreserveA large cultural and nature site on the original water source of the valley, with botanical gardens, walking trails, and museum exhibits. It is a good family stop, with plenty of hands-on displays about the desert.Explore related tours

NightlifeSphere and the Strip skylineThe giant spherical venue just east of the Strip shows changing animations across its outside surface every night. You can see it from many points along the Strip, and an evening walk or ride past is a good way to catch it.Explore related tours

Where to stay in Las Vegas

Center StripIn the middle of everythingThe middle section of Las Vegas Boulevard puts you within walking distance of many major resorts, shows, and restaurants. It is the most convenient base for first-time visitors who want to walk a lot. It can feel busy and loud, especially on weekend nights.First-time visitorsShowsWalking around

South StripBig resorts, near airportThe southern end of the Strip has large resort complexes, arenas, and quick access to the airport. It suits travelers coming for concerts, sporting events, or conventions. Walking to the center of the Strip is possible but long, so plan on rides for some trips.Concerts and eventsPool daysQuick airport access

North StripNewer towers, convention accessThe north end of the Strip sits near the convention center and has a mix of newer resort towers and older properties. It can be calmer than the center. It suits convention travelers and those who want a quieter base while staying on the Strip.Convention travelQuieter nightsBusiness trips

Downtown and Fremont StreetRetro, casual, walkableDowntown is the original heart of the city, built around Fremont Street, with classic casinos, neon, and a growing dining scene. Hotels tend to be smaller and more casual than on the Strip. It suits repeat visitors, budget-minded travelers, and anyone who likes old Vegas.Repeat visitorsOld Vegas feelNightlife

SummerlinSuburban, near Red RockSummerlin is a planned community on the west side, close to Red Rock Canyon. It has parks, golf, an outdoor shopping area, and a more local feel. It suits hikers, golfers, and travelers who want quiet nights and do not mind driving to the Strip.HikingGolfQuiet stays

Henderson and Lake Las VegasRelaxed, residential, lakesideHenderson lies southeast of the city, with residential neighborhoods and the man-made Lake Las Vegas. It is closer to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. It suits families and travelers who want space and water views more than casino buzz.FamiliesLake Mead tripsLonger stays

When to go

Spring

March to May

Weather: Warm, sunny days and mild evenings, with occasional windy days.
Crowds: Busy, especially around spring break and big weekend events.
Value: Rates are often high on weekends and moderate midweek.

Summer

June to September

Weather: Very hot, often well above 100°F in the afternoon, with warm nights.
Crowds: Steady, with pool season in full swing.
Value: Often good value midweek, since the heat keeps some visitors away.

Fall

October to November

Weather: Warm days that cool down through the season, and pleasant evenings.
Crowds: Busy, with many conventions and events.
Value: Rates climb during big conventions and holiday weekends.

Winter

December to February

Weather: Cool, dry days and cold nights, with occasional freezing temperatures.
Crowds: Quieter outside New Year's Eve and major event weekends.
Value: Usually the best value, apart from the holidays and big events.

Getting the best value

Sunday through Thursday nights are usually cheaper than Friday and Saturday. Winter outside the holidays and the hottest summer weeks often offer the best value, while big conventions, major sporting events, and holiday weekends push rates up sharply.

Check tour dates

Getting there and around

Getting there

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) sits just a few miles from the south end of the Strip.
Nonstop flights reach Las Vegas from most major US cities, and from the West Coast the flight is usually about one to two hours.
US citizens do not need a passport for domestic flights, but you do need a REAL ID compliant license or another accepted ID; check current TSA rules before you fly.
From the airport, taxis and rideshares use marked pickup zones, and many travelers also drive in from Southern California via Interstate 15.

Getting around

You do not need a car to stay on the Strip, since walking, rideshares, and taxis cover most trips.
Rent a car for Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam, and Mount Charleston, and check hotel parking policies before you book.
The Las Vegas Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip, and public buses run along Las Vegas Boulevard and to downtown.
Rideshare pickups at resorts happen in designated zones, which can be a long walk through the casino, so allow extra time.

Eat and drink

BuffetsThe all-you-can-eat buffet is a Las Vegas tradition, and many resorts still run large spreads with stations for carving, seafood, and desserts. Weekend brunch is especially popular.Chef-driven dining on the StripMany well-known chefs run restaurants inside the big resorts, from steakhouses to French and Japanese tasting menus. Popular rooms book up, so reserve ahead for weekend nights.Chinatown on Spring Mountain RoadWest of the Strip, Spring Mountain Road is lined with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese restaurants. It is where many locals and chefs go to eat.SteakhousesA classic Vegas night out often means a steakhouse dinner, from old-school rooms downtown to modern places on the Strip.Pool clubs and cocktail loungesDaytime pool parties run in the warm months, and the Strip has a wide range of cocktail bars, from quiet lounges with a view to lively bars near the casino floor.Late-night diner foodVegas is a 24-hour city, and some cafes and diners serve breakfast and comfort food at any hour, which is handy after a late show.

Day trips from Las Vegas

Grand CanyonThe West Rim is the closest part of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, and the South Rim is a much longer drive with the classic national park views. Many visitors take a full-day road tour or a flight instead of driving themselves.Explore related tours

Lake Mead National Recreation AreaClose to Hoover Dam, Lake Mead offers scenic drives, boating, and shoreline viewpoints. It pairs well with a morning at the dam.Explore related tours

Zion National ParkZion in southern Utah has towering canyon walls, river walks, and famous hikes like the Riverside Walk. It is a long day from Las Vegas, so many people stay overnight.Explore related tours

Death Valley National ParkDeath Valley in California has salt flats at Badwater Basin, colorful hills, and wide desert views. Visit in the cooler months, since summer heat there is extreme.Explore related tours

Sample itineraries

5 days: the Strip and the desert

Day 1Arrive, check in, and walk the Center Strip at night to see the fountain shows and lights.
Day 2Drive the Red Rock Canyon scenic loop in the morning, rest at the pool, and see a show in the evening.
Day 3Visit Hoover Dam in the morning and stop at Lake Mead on the way back.
Day 4Spend the afternoon at the Mob Museum, then take the evening Neon Museum tour and finish on Fremont Street.
Day 5Take photos at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign early, then have brunch before your flight.

Browse activities for this itinerary

7 days: Vegas, canyons, and parks

Day 1Arrive, settle in, and take an easy evening walk along the Strip.
Day 2Drive out early to Valley of Fire State Park for the red rock formations and petroglyphs, and return for dinner.
Day 3Spend a lazy pool day, then have dinner in Chinatown on Spring Mountain Road.
Day 4Take a full-day trip to the Grand Canyon West Rim or the South Rim by road or air.
Day 5Hike in Red Rock Canyon in the morning, then catch a headline show at night.
Day 6Head up to Mount Charleston for cooler air and forest trails, then explore the Arts District in the evening.
Day 7See Hoover Dam in the morning on the way to the airport, or enjoy a final brunch on the Strip.

Browse activities for this itinerary

Good to know

Drink more water than you think you need. The desert air is very dry, and dehydration sneaks up on you, especially when walking the Strip.
Many Strip hotels add a daily resort fee on top of the room rate, so compare the full total when booking.
US tipping norms apply: tip restaurant servers, bartenders, housekeeping, valet, and taxi or rideshare drivers.
You must be 21 to gamble or drink alcohol, and casinos check ID often, so carry yours.
Hike in the early morning from May to September, and carry extra water in the car when driving to parks.
Book popular shows and weekend dinner reservations ahead, since the best seats and times go first.

Questions people ask

What is the best month to visit Las Vegas?

March to May and October to November usually have the most comfortable weather. Summer is very hot, and winter is cool but often good value.

How many days do I need in Las Vegas?

Three or four days is enough for the Strip and a show or two. Plan five to seven if you want day trips to Red Rock, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, or the Grand Canyon.

Is Las Vegas kid friendly?

It can be. Many resorts have big pools, and places like Springs Preserve and the desert parks suit families, but minors cannot linger on casino floors.

Do I need a car in Las Vegas?

Not for the Strip or downtown. A car is the easiest way to reach Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and Hoover Dam on your own schedule.

Is Las Vegas safe?

The main tourist areas are busy and well patrolled. Use normal city sense, watch your belongings in crowds, and use official taxi and rideshare zones.

How hot does it get in summer?

Summer afternoons are often above 100°F and can be much hotter. Plan outdoor time for early morning or evening.

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