Spring is officially here, and with summer just a few months away, those with unfulfilled wanderlust are itching to hit the streets. For those ready to venture beyond their stomping grounds, finding a safe way to travel is something we can all appreciate right now.
Enter Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World. Having to shutter the world-famous Strip last year was a blow to revellers everywhere, but Nevada’s most recognizable city has bounced back in true form: in style. From live performances, outdoor excursions, luxury shopping, and so much more, Las Vegas remains one of the world’s favorite places to get away from it all — and they won’t let you forget it.
For those ready to hit the road, Travel Noire has pulled together a list of worthwhile activities to check out on your summer Vegas escape.
Thrills & Views from the Las Vegas Strip
Just over four miles long, the Strip has become one of Las Vegas’ most recognizable landmarks. Boasting iconic hotels like Caesars Palace, Tropicana Las Vegas, Excalibur Hotel & Casino, the Bellagio Resort & Casino and more, you can stumble into everything from pop-up shops to parties on the Strip. If you’re a rookie, pack a pair of comfortable shoes, and don’t say we didn’t warn you! Here are just a few things you can find on the Las Vegas Strip.
- Climb Vegas
For adventurous souls, Climb Vegas lets you see the city from a different angle as you climb over three levels and 17 different obstacles. At this extreme indoor ropes course, you can go higher than you ever imagined.
- The Adventuredome Theme Park | Circus Circus Hotel
For those bringing family (or just their inner child), The Adventuredome offers thrills for all, complete with family rides, games and roller coasters. The best part? Visitors are able to experience a full theme park experience — including a virtual reality experience and circus acts that soar overhead — all with easy access from the Strip.
- SkyPod Thrill Rides | The STRAT Hotel
For years The STRAT has stood tall at the Strip’s threshold. On top of the world-famous 1,149-foot-tall building — the tallest freestanding observation tower in the country — are adrenaline-rich rides including the SkyJump, the Big Shot, X Scream and Insanity. And if you’re an adventure seeker who’s ever wanted to be suspended from the air, you’ll appreciate this bird’s eye view of the city! Don’t be too scared; I survived to write about it.
- The Big Apple Coaster | New York New York Hotel and Casino
Roller coaster fans reunite! At almost 70 miles per hour, the Big Apple Coaster is the first of its kind to provide an 180-degree “heartline” ride that includes a jaw-dropping 203-foot plunge. Yes, you read that right: 203 feet! It’s an experience that attracts more than 1.4 million new riders each year.
- Fly LINQ Zipline | LINQ Promenade
Fly LINQ is the only zipline experience currently available on the Las Vegas Strip. Standing 12 stories above the LINQ Promenade, Fly LINQ offers two riding options: seated traditionally or spread eagle like Superman. Trust me. For this one, you’ll want to soar.
Vegas Nights (And Days): Entertainment, Action & More
Those who want to keep their feet firmly on the ground are in luck. For an experience that likely won’t involve losing your lunch, Las Vegas can more than accommodate you with tours, comedy shows, celebrity residencies and more. This is why the city reigns supreme as the Entertainment Capital of the World.
- MJ LIVE: Michael Jackson Tribute Concert | The STRAT Hotel
Since returning March 18, MJ LIVE has made up for lost time by getting back to what it does best: honoring the late King of Pop with an electrifying show that features everything from the Thriller era to Dangerous. Since no one can replace MJ, this is a great show to enjoy in his honor.
- Usher: The Las Vegas Residency | Caesars Palace
Usher is back in his bag. Starting in July, the eight-time Grammy award-winning singer and actor will head to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for a world-class performance featuring over two decades of hits and new music.
- OVO Pop Up Store | Wynn Las Vegas
Not only is the Wynn gorgeous, the luxurious hotel boasts everything from spas to an indoor garden to world-class shopping. Nestled inside Wynn Plaza and Shops, you’ll find Drake’s October’s Very Own (OVO) Las Vegas location. We can’t promise you’ll actually see Drake, but hey, it’s close enough.
- The Mob Museum | Downtown Las Vegas
Located near the famed Fremont Street area in Downtown Las Vegas, The Mob Museum is a visitor favorite and gives a unique take on the city’s infamous relationship with the mob by going behind the scenes in a self-guided tour that includes a crime lab and more.
- A Little White Wedding Chapel | Downtown Las Vegas
Getting hitched in Vegas has become a rite of passage for some — or at the very least inspired tons of great films and shows. From the famous pink Cadillac to an official Elvis wedding, A Little White Wedding Chapel is certainly an experience. We just can’t confirm that what happens in Vegas actually stays there.
Off the Beaten Road: Greater Las Vegas Adventures
Beyond the infectious energy and bright lights from the Strip, Las Vegas can take you anywhere — like a Grand Canyon tour or four-wheeling in the desert — which is why it continues to be the ultimate destination for those on the go and looking for a remarkable escapade.
- Comedy on Deck Tours | Grand Canyon & Hoover Dam
With a focus on quality, Comedy on Deck Tours provides daily guided bus tours to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam — complete with a restaurant-prepared meal, professional comedians-turned-tour guides and more.
- Desert Off Road Adventures
Enjoy Southern Nevada at its best with an off-road guided tour designed by professionals. Offering two- and three-hour tour options, Desert Off Road Adventures allows riders to experience the Mojave Desert in a completely new way: from high-performance side-by-side vehicles. Driving skills not included, of course, so please bring your own.
- Dream Racing | Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Have an inner speed demon dying to break free? Dream Racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway features some of the world’s fastest (and most exotic) supercars in the world — everything from Ferraris to Lamborghinis — at the only sanctioned track in Vegas. If you can dream it, you can race it here.
- Lake Mead National Recreation Center
People seem to forget that Nevada boasts some incredible nature. The first and largest national recreation area in the country, Lake Mead offers camping, boating, hiking, swimming and more across over 1.5 million acres of canyons, mountains, valleys and two incredibly large lakes, Lake Mead and Lake Mojave.
- Pink Adventure Tours
Known for their custom pink Jeep Wranglers and Tour Trekker SUVs, Pink Adventure Tours takes travelers everywhere from the Strip to the mountains of Nevada and nearby Arizona and California for guided tours and sightseeing activities.
From world-class entertainment to family fun or solo adventures, Las Vegas is a not-so-hidden gem that truly deserves all of the travel praise. For a taste of the modern Wild West, Las Vegas remains the king of adventure. If you’re ready to go on your own audacious adventure, dive in deeper here.
This editorial is brought to you in partnership with Visit Las Vegas.