What happens in Vegas
Vegas is a shimmering party scene at the edge of the Mojave Desert. A-list entertainment, glitzy casinos, and celebrity-chef restaurants are the games in town, but spectacular scenic beauty is not far from the Strip—Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon are less than an hour away.
When to visit
There’s so many things to do and see in Vegas that it’s easy to visit no matter the season, but there are some things to keep in mind.
Late spring and early fall bring mild weather and thinner crowds, ideal for exploring outdoor parties at the Fremont Street Experience. These are the best times to visit, but it’s smart to plan your trip after spring break and conference season, when Vegas is packed.
Summer temperatures easily reach the 100s—beat the heat with pool parties, waterparks, and rolling the dice until sunrise. The hottest days are also perfect for staying indoors at the Neon Museum or the Mob Museum.
Winter brings desert chill, and discounts on hotels, attractions, and other things to do. The mood heats up on New Year’s, and again during conference season and Chinese New Year in February.
Getting around
Bus: Buses are excellent for getting around the roughly 4-mile Strip. RTC buses and Deuce double-deckers run 24/7 along the Strip and downtown. If you’re staying at an off-Strip casino or hotel, chances are they offer limited shuttle buses there, too.
Rail: The monorail runs limited, expensive routes next to the east side of the Strip roughly every five to eight minutes. Separate trams operate between casinos; they’re free but slow and are designed for passengers to get off at the casinos that run them.
Rideshare and cab: Uber and Lyft rides along the strip are sometimes half the price of taxis, and even cheaper when riding with other passengers. Cab drivers expect a tip, and will only pick up at taxi stands as it’s illegal to hail from the street.
Traveler tips
Vegas is full of surprises, and offers much more than a trip along the Strip. For something different, try shopping for antiques downtown or rubbing elbows with locals at Fremont East (away from the LED canopy and zipline at the Fremont Street Experience). Also, culture hounds can explore gourmet restaurants, art venues, and newer hotels that have taken the focus away from gambling and put it on stylish design. Whatever your desires, there’s a good chance Vegas can dish it up.