Craving non-stop entertainment, neon lights, and world-class experiences? I always think of Las Vegas. After 26 years of travel writing, I still get a thrill every time I land here. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love the energy—the glitzy casinos, unforgettable shows, and food that’s as bold as the Strip itself. Whether you’re coming to party all night or relax in style, Vegas always gives you something to talk about.
Best Time to Visit
In my experience, the best times to visit are March through May and September through November. That’s when you’ll get pleasant weather and fewer crowds. I love walking the Strip during those months—it’s not too hot, and you’ll still catch plenty of buzz. If you're into pool parties or nightlife, you might enjoy summer too—even with the heat, the scene is electric.
How to Get There
- By Air: I usually fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)—it’s just minutes from the action. You’ll be on the Strip before you know it.
- By Car: I’ve driven in from L.A. via I-15 and made it in 4–5 hours. You can also reach Vegas easily from Phoenix or Salt Lake City in a day’s drive.
- By Bus: I’ve tried FlixBus before for a budget-friendly option. You’ll find several carriers that’ll get you here from nearby cities without the hassle of driving.
Where to Stay
- The Venetian Resort: I love the all-suite luxury and indoor gondola rides. You’ll enjoy fine dining, upscale shops, and that unmistakable Vegas elegance.
- Bellagio: I always stop here—even if I’m not staying—to see the dancing fountains and stroll the botanical garden. You’ll feel like royalty from check-in to check-out.
- Circa Resort & Casino: If you’re looking for something new and adults-only, I highly recommend this downtown spot. I’ve watched games on the world’s largest sportsbook screen—it’s a wild experience you’ll never forget.
Best Things to Do in Las Vegas
Hit the Strip and Dive Headfirst Into Vegas Glitz
The Las Vegas Strip, or simply The Strip, is quite possibly the most iconic 3.5-mile-long-stretch of boulevard in the world. Located along Las Vegas Boulevard, it is packed with over 20 of the world’s largest resort-casinos with a whopping 70,000 hotel rooms. The boulevard comes alive at night with the vibrant colors of neon signs, the energetic spirit of gamblers and party-goers, and the breathtaking beauty of architectural wonders, such as the 30-story pyramid-shaped Luxor hotel. It also features a barrage of exceptional sights, such as the brilliant water fountain display in front of the Bellagio, an exploding volcano in front of the Mirage, and the pirate-themed Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.
Step Into History’s Depths at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit in Las Vegas gives visitors the opportunity to experience one of the world’s biggest marvels and grandest tragedies, the iconic ocean-liner – Titanic. It is one of the most attended exhibitions in the world, viewed by over 25 million people, and features more than 250 authentic artifacts recovered from the ship’s wreck site. The exhibit also features comprehensive recreations of some of the ship’s most famous rooms, offering an entertaining and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Some of the items that can be viewed include floor tiles from the first-class smoking room, an unopened 1900 vintage bottle of champagne, a full-scale piece of the ship’s hull, luggage, and the ship’s whistles.
Luxor Hotel, 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, Phone: 702-262-4400
Attractions for Couples
Stroll Through Floral Fantasy at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Situated across from the Bellagio Hotel’s front desk is an opening to the magnificent Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio . This massive space features soaring 50-foot-high glass ceilings and green oxidized copper framework and beams set in floral patterns. The uniqueness of this 14,000-square-foot floral oasis lies in its ever-changing seasonal displays. It kicks off with the Chinese New Year exhibit with spring, summer, fall, and winter displays following suit. The massive conservatory team transforms the space with the distinctive colors and sights that would be found in each of the seasons, offering an awe-inspiring beauty every time.
Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at Bellagio, 3600 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV, Phone: 888-987-6667
The Burlesque Hall of Fame
The Burlesque Hall of Fame, formerly known as Exotic World, is one of Las Vegas' most unique attractions, showcasing the history of the art of burlesque in the United States from its 19th-century origins through the present day. The museum, which was originally founded in Helendale as a showcase for the private collections of burlesque dancer Jennie Lee, serves as the official headquarters for the Exotic Dancers League of America and hosts the annual Miss Exotic World Pageant, selection the world's best burlesque dancers. Visitors can view extensive collections of memorabilia and artifacts connected to the art of burlesque dancing, ranging from posters and playbills connected to famed performers to onstage props and burlesque costume pieces. Artifacts on display include pieces worn or owned by famed performers such as Gypsy Rose Lee, Sally Rand, Dita Von Teese, and Miss Sheri Champagne.
1027 S Main St #110, Las Vegas, NV 89101, Phone: 888-661-6465
Lounge in Neon Nostalgia at The Peppermill Fireside Lounge
The Peppermill Fireside Lounge is a must-visit spot on your trip to Vegas. In business since 1972, the restaurant is a Las Vegas icon, offering some of the original menu items, including the famous Peppermill burger. You may spot a celebrity while you socialize sipping one of their delicious cocktails. The lounge and restaurant have both been the backdrop for classic films and TV shows over the years.
Plan a romantic evening out, a special celebration or a Las Vegas proposal in one of the plush romantic neon-lit booths. Enjoying an easily acessible location on the Strip, The Peppermill Fireside Lounge serves great food 24 hours a day so you can easily plan a fun breakfast, lunch or dinner during your stay.
2985 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Drive Heavy Machinery and Crush It at Dig This
Dig This is a fun addition to the vibrant Las Vegas Strip, but it sure isn’t a hotel. Instead of another glamorous hotel, New Zealand-born Ed Mumm decided to create an adult theme park unlike any other. His inspiration for this exhilarating yet unusual park came after he rented an excavator to begin building his home in Colorado. Once he was behind the wheel, he realized how fun it was to play around with these massive tools and set out to bring the experience to others. Visitors can now come to his 5-acre theme park to try their hand at operating machinery, including three Caterpillar 315CL hydraulic excavators and two Caterpillar D5 track-style bulldozers.
800 W Roban Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89044, Phone: 702-222-4344
Soak Up Sun and Sound at Encore Beach Club
Encore Beach Club is an award-winning luxury resort, hotel, and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. The resort has a massive 80,000-square-foot casino, 60,000 square feet of super modern convention space, 27,000 square feet of shopping space known as The Esplanade, five restaurants, seven bars, a nightclub, a spa, and a salon. There is also a beautifully landscaped, lush three-level pool complex with pagoda showers, cabanas, “lily pad” water lounges, and eight luxury bungalows. The whimsical design of the resort decor has both Asian and European influences, with a lot of red and butterfly motifs everywhere. The large windows in the public places and generous greenery allow natural light to brighten more areas of the resort than is common in Las Vegas.
3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 702-770-7300
Date Ideas
Eat.
Serving classics with a modern twist, everything on Eat’s menu is made with fresh, locally sourced, ingredients, opting for organic whenever possible. Order dishes like the Huevos Motulenos, Truffled Egg Sandwich, Black Bean Veggie Chili, or a good ol’ Shrimp Po’Boy.
Go on a delicious culinary adventure and check out this friendly neighborhood eatery located in Downtown Las Vegas.
707 Carson Street, Las Vegas, Nevada, Phone: 702-534-1515
Get Dazzled Under the Lights of Fremont Street Experience
The Fremont Street Experience is located in downtown Las Vegas, a five-block entertainment district that is both vibrant and energetic. One of the district’s biggest draws and its centerpiece is Viva Vision, the largest video screen in the world. It is suspended 90 feet above the pedestrian mall with the staggering dimensions of 90 feet wide and 1,500 feet long, featuring a 550,000-watt sound system and 12.5 million LED lights. Each night, Viva Vision showcases free light shows that last 6 minutes at the top of each hour. Visitors can also take their experience to new heights with a ride on the ShotZilla zipline, which spans the entire length of the street.
425 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV, Phone: 702-678-5600
Strike Gold with the Hand of Faith at the Golden Nugget
The Golden Nugget Hand of Faith is the world’s second-largest gold nugget, displayed in the aptly named Golden Nugget casino. This incredibly rare piece of history was discovered in 1980 by Kevin Hillier in the small town of Wedderburn, Australia. He ventured out on a beautiful spring day to do some exploring with his trusty metal detector and to his utter shock he managed to find this 875-troy-ounce, 61-pound mass of gold just six inches below the ground. After a thrilling press conference and an array of accolades, Hillier sold the gold nugget to the Golden Nugget casino, where it still resides today in a hallway near the lobby.
129 E. Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV, Phone: 702-385-7111
Jump to a Spot...
- • Hit the Strip and Dive Headfirst Into Vegas Glitz
- • Step Into History’s Depths at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit
- • Stroll Through Floral Fantasy at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
- • The Burlesque Hall of Fame
- • Lounge in Neon Nostalgia at The Peppermill Fireside Lounge
- • Drive Heavy Machinery and Crush It at Dig This
- • Soak Up Sun and Sound at Encore Beach Club
- • Eat.
- • Get Dazzled Under the Lights of Fremont Street Experience
- • Strike Gold with the Hand of Faith at the Golden Nugget