If there are two things I know about Las Vegas it’s this: 1.) It’s truly unlike any other city 2.) It’s a place everyone should experience at least once in their life. Vegas is exciting, colorful, eclectic, and absolutely crazy! But in a good way. And although the strip is obviously the crown jewel, there’s definitely more to Vegas than just that.
More than 41 million people visit Vegas each year and the city holds over 22,000 conventions. Vegas is home to the tallest observation tower in the United States- the Stratosphere, which reaches 1,149 feet. And with its millions of lights, Las Vegas is considered the brightest spot on Earth! How crazy is that?!
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In November 2021 I visited Vegas for the third time and it was a fantastic trip. Each time I’ve visited has been very different and unique. I’ve gotten to have tons of great experiences over my three times being there and with these experiences, I’ve managed to compile a perfect list of what people should not miss when visiting Las Vegas for the very first time. I hope my past experiences will make your first experience the absolute best! Let’s get to it:
1. Visit the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
It wasn’t until my most recent visit to Vegas that I finally visited the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. It’s obviously all about the photo op, but it’s just something you have to do! I personally find it interesting to visit a place in person that you’ve seen a million photos of online or on social media. To actually be there and see it in person is a fun experience. It will also be one of the few things you can do in Vegas for free, so take advantage of it.
I highly recommend going early in the day as the line to take photos gets extremely long! People are mostly respectful though and take their turn so you’re able to get your photo without random people in the background.
2. Watch The Fountains of Bellagio Show
The Fountains of Bellagio is a spectacular performance combining music, water, and light. It’s located right outside of the Bellagio Hotel and can’t be missed when walking down the strip. This show is so magical and captivating, I promise you won’t be disappointed. And I’d actually recommend going to see it twice, as it feels very different during the day verse once the sun goes down.
The show is daily and can be experienced every 30 minutes from 3 pm to 7 pm Monday through Friday and every 15 minutes from 70 pm to midnight. On weekends and holidays, you can catch the show every 30 minutes from noon to 7 pm and every 15 minutes from 7 pm to midnight.
3. Have At Least One Really Lavish, Expensive Meal
Vegas is known for many things, but great food isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. Little do most people know Las Vegas was rated one of the top 10 locations in the country for amazing food. It’s also filled with some of the most lavish, well-known, top-rated restaurants in the country. Even if you’re on a budget or if spending money on expensive meals isn’t really your thing, it’s an experience worth having just once while you’re in Vegas. Here are some top recommended Las Vegas restaurants:
4. Ride the Roller Coaster at New York- New York
Just ask yourself this- how many times will you have the opportunity to ride a rollercoaster that’s not in an amusement park? Although the roller coaster at New York-New York isn’t the fastest or the tallest, it’s still an absolute blast and such a fun experience. Named the “Big Apple Coaster” you can take a single ride for just $14 or buy an all-day pass for $30 and ride as many times as you’d like.
5. Hotel Hop Along the Las Vegas Strip
You can’t visit Las Vegas and not spend time on the strip. Regardless of where you’re staying, there are so many amazing, unique hotels and I recommend walking through as many as you can. Vegas is home to some of the glitziest, opulent, and luxurious hotels you’ll ever step foot in and they’re truly worth experiencing. Here are some of my favorite Vegas hotels and top recommendations for hotel hopping:
6. Explore Red Rock Caynon
Red Rock Canyon is an incredible national conservation area located just half an hour outside of Las Vegas. Featuring a 13-mile one-way scenic drive, Red Rock Canyon is a perfect day trip and a great opportunity to experience something outside of the city. There are 26 numbered hikes and trails, really cool plants and wildlife, and views that will literally blow you away!
Some important things to know about visiting Red Rock Canyon: Through May 1st, vehicles are required to make a timed reservation, which is available to do online. The cost is $15 per vehicle. The visitor center is open from 9 am- 4:30 pm and this is a great place to start and read up on some history or buy something from the gift shop. Bathrooms are also located here. Parking is only permitted in the designated parking lots- not along the scenic drive. Lastly, make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, proper footwear, and lots of water.
7. Go To A Las Vegas Show
Vegas is known for its incredible entertainment and when visiting for the first time, it’s definitely worth taking some time to go see a show. There are always new, exciting acts coming to Vegas so whether you like comedy, magic, or something more “adult”, you’ll be able to find the right show to make your experience worth it. Here are some of the top shows to see in Las Vegas:
8. Have A Night Out on Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas
The strip is without a doubt an incredible place to go out in Vegas. With the amazing hotels and casinos, restaurants, bars, and entertainment, everything you could ever need is easily in this one area. However, I think you’re shorting yourself from an amazing experience if you don’t leave the strip at least once and have a night out on Fremont street located in Downtown Vegas. Fremont Street has all of the fun and excitement of the strip, but with a different vibe. There are tons of cool bars, live music every night, and a walk-through pedestrian mall, which was unlike anything I’d ever seen before! It’s definitely worth experiencing for yourself.
9. Check Out The Art Displays At The Bellagio
The Bellagio is probably one of my favorite Las Vegas hotels. Besides the fantastic fountain show, the inside of the Bellagio is just as impressive. Located right past the lobby is the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which is redesigned each season as well a for the holidays. These displays are so incredibly well-done and truly just a magical experience. Regardless of what time of the year you visit, make sure you go and check out whatever unique display is up for viewing.
10. Go To Planet 13
Planet 13 is the world’s largest cannabis dispensary. I do not personally smoke or ingest cannabis. However, this place is beyond impressive regardless of whether you’re a marijuana lover or not. Planet 13 is more like an entertainment complex than a weed shop. It’s housed in a 112,000 square foot building so you can stroll around for ages without seeing the same thing twice. There are cool art displays throughout the building and extremely helpful staff that will help you find whatever you’re looking for when it comes to your cannabis needs. And with over 70+ cannabis strains and over 50+ vendors to choose from, they’re also happy to make recommendations.
Las Vegas truly is a city unlike any other. It’s one of those places I personally could never live in but I’ll always enjoy visiting and I hope to do so more in the future. I hope you found this post helpful, informative, and gave you some great ideas for your very first Las Vegas visit. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below and as always, happy travels!
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