When it comes to Sin City, there are so many different ways to plan your trip. Maybe you want to stay and experience everything that the resort has to offer, or catch every show on the strip. Whether it’s your first time there or your twentieth, here are just some of the great things to do with our weekend getaway guide to Las Vegas!
Where to Stay
Planet Hollywood
Centrally located on the strip with delicious restaurants, the hottest shows, and attached to Miracle Mile shops featuring over 170 stores, Planet Hollywood is my FAVORITE place to stay on the strip. If you’re looking for incredible views of the Vegas strip and a spacious room with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, you’ll definitely want to book your stay here IMMEDIATELY. Want to save a little money on your stay? Use the code NYS19 at checkout when booking your room! (This code will expire 2/18/19).
The Venetian Las Vegas
Perfect for those of you who secretly wish you could head to Italy, the Venetian is absolutely stunning! The Venetian is filled with beautiful, Italian decor that makes you feel like you’re in another world. It’s also home to the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, one of the largest spas in the world! This resort not only has large rooms with plush and classic decorations, but a casino, great dining, shopping and gondola rides over man-made canals that travel in and outside of the hotel.
Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino
Looking to save some major dollars without being terribly far from The Strip? The Rio is perfect. Not only are the prices better, but there’s a free shuttle that takes you to different parts of the strip. It runs every 30 minutes from 10 am-1 am – just remember to tip the driver. Not to mention the rooms are ginormous!
Bellagio Luxury Resort and Casino
One of the original luxurious hotels happens to be right in heart of the action. This gigantic Strip casino resort is housed in an Italian-inspired, 36-story tower with an 8-acre lake and dancing fountains, lavish suites, a botanical conservatory and spa. Many of the Las Vegas’ Cirque du Soleil shows happen to be held here as well!
Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Strip Hotel and Casino
Walk past the Bellagio and you’ll find the newer and luxurious Cosmopolitan. Cosmo focuses on modern and large suites (including kitchenettes and dining areas) with spectacular views. But my favorite part about this hotel, aside from the location, is the Chandelier Bar set inside a 3-story crystal chandelier.
Encore Resort
Looking for an elevated Vegas experience? Head straight to Encore Resort. Sure the posh suites with views of the Strip, luxe bedding, and grand bathrooms help. But the Encore is home to Vegas’ prime nightclubs, nicest casinos, and the best restaurants.
Where to Eat
Sinatra
Remember the “best restaurant” at the Encore I mentioned above? That would be the award-winning Sinatra restaurant. I come to Sinatra every time I’m in Las Vegas and fall in love with it all over again. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by Frank’s legacy of awards, signed letters and large, profile painting hanging in the restaurant. The fine dining Italian food is exquisite, but nothing compared to the spectacular service you will receive EVERY SINGLE TIME.
Gordon Ramsay Steak
Inside Paris Las Vegas Hotel, you’ll actually find a little bit of London! Chef Gordon Ramsay opened Gordon Ramsay Steak in 2012 and brought some of the best food in all of Las Vegas. Enjoy the best cut steaks under the Union Jack Flag as you sip delicious wine ordered from your table’s iPad!
Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar
Feel like gettin’ a little weird? Guy Fieri’s located on The Strip inside The LINQ Hotel is an extreme, American exploding, culinary experience. Sure it’s probably a filled with fat on sugar on fat, but isn’t that what the US of A is all about? Try the Motley Que Sandwich or the Bacon Mac-N-Cheese Burger, and don’t forget to finish off with a s’mores monte cristo!
Culinary Dropout
Of course no restaurant list would be complete without an amazing brunch spot. Probably the most decadent brunch in town along with the greatest hangover cure is off The Strip at Culinary Dropout. Your drunk self will thank you with foods like Bread Pudding French Toast, Monkey Bread, and Buttermilk Pie.
What to Do
Chill (or Rage) at the Pool
You might be the type of person who loves to casually soak some rays by the pool, with a cocktail in hand and slowly drift off to sleep. Maybe you’re the type who gets dressed up to dress down and dance all afternoon at the biggest day club in town. Whatever your M.O., it’s definitely time you hit some pool time.
Shop Till you Drop
Las Vegas is home to some of the biggest designer names in the world. The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace will make you feel like you’re shopping for Louis Vuitton on the streets of Ancient Rome, or head to the Miracle Mile shops for a huge variety of shops and entertainment venues. The best part of Las Vegas is the lower sales tax (compared to the state of California), so save all of your shopping for Vegas!
Fremont Street Experience
Check out downtown if you feel like getting away from the hustle and bustle of The Strip! Fremont Street is the second most famous street in Vegas home to the Golden Nugget and scenes of many movies. Slotzilla Zipline through Fremont, 80’s video games with bottle service and the Mob Museum are just some of the attractions at Fremont.
Ride the New York, New York Roller Coaster
You might not want to be too hungover for this one. This roller coaster is BOMB if you need an escape from the nightlife or want to treat your kids to an adventure.
Go Skydiving
One of the greatest thrills you can experience takes place 13,000 ft. in the sky! Make this trip to Las Vegas a memorable one by literally plummeting from the sky. Another one you’ll have to avoid hungover as you can’t drink 24 hours before dropping.
Wander The Strip
Las Vegas is only as good as the stories you tell (or maybe, keep to yourself). And most of the stories are made on The Strip! There’s plenty to see and experience like the dancing buskers, $5 blackjack tables, 4 ft. high margaritas and those guys that hand out the hooker cards. Just don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!
What to See
Bellagio Fountains
If you’ve ever watched a LV montage or any major movie within Vegas, than you’ve probably seen the Bellagio Fountains. The fountains are right in front of the Bellagio Hotel and right in the center of The Strip! Watch as more than a thousand fountains dance enhanced by music and light. The fountains stretch 1,000 feet long with water soaring as high as 460 feet into the air. The perfect spectacle to watch while meandering on The Strip.
Seven Magic Mountains
This newer addition to Nevada is located just 20 minutes outside of Las Vegas. It seems to be the trendiest spot to visit these days! This art installation includes 7 towers of colorful boulders standing more than 25 ft. high located in the Ivanpah Valley.
The Grand Canyon
Did you know the Grand Canyon isn’t that far away from Vegas? The drive can take 2-4 hours depending on which rim of the Grand Canyon you want to visit. Personally, I’m a big fan of the South Rim, located 4 hours away. The legendary skywalk is 2.5 hours away, or you could take a helicopter for an unforgettable view from above!
Visit the Stratosphere
Another amazing view of Las Vegas is located on the most northern end of The Strip! The Stratosphere has rides, jumps and shops, but the observation deck is what most people go to see. At 1,149 ft., this is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States! Come at night to see the amazing, twinkly lights of the Las Vegas skyline.
Featured Image Credit: Paul Brady, Shutterstock
