No, really. What do you enjoy doing when you visit Las Vegas beyond going to see your favorite live band in the world’s newest and coolest new venue?
Early next month, my sweetie and I are heading to Vegas to watch the lads play the Sphere and I’m trying to get a sense of what else I might enjoy while in Sin City for what is essentially the first time.*
A few things to keep in mind – we’re staying with friends within walking distance of the Strip and have no plans to rent a car, nor is gambling my jam at all. I work hard for my money and want something to show for it, even if it’s just a fun memory or photo. Dining out is certainly an option I’m open to and that I know is readily available in a city that has no shortage of fine restaurants and you know I like to keep moving, so there definitely needs to be some component of physical activity involved. That being said, I also love a few hours of relaxation at a resort or spa and would very happily spend some time flowing between sauna, steam room, pool and hot tub, if I could find one accessible to non guests.
I’ve been watching the forecast for Las Vegas and it looks temperatures should range between lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s. I’m being conservative here – there are swings +/- of about 10°.
We’re obviously flying carry on only, but wondering what the vibe is there in terms of style… Would you say it’s more ostrich feathers and sequins or polyester and velour?
You know I’ll be doing me, but I’m just curious.
Going back to dining, where have you enjoyed a fantastic meal? Cocktails? A great place for happy hour? And, my active friends, are there any hikes or particularly cool walks you’ve taken while in Vegas? Maybe a yoga class or some other experience you might recommend?
Tell me everything I need to know!
*A 3 hour layover 20 years ago doesn’t really count.
DelSo 
Never been. It’s on the to-list. We almost went to bring the kids for a vacation/see someone at some show trip. Mever happened though.
I’d like to see those fountains at Bellagio. They sound really cool. The engineer in me is interested in seeing them. Bourdain went twice, might be interesting to see what he did and compare then to now. One place he went is a Thai place called Lotus of Siam. It is well known enough for me to have heard of it before he went. My brother is a poker player and makes a point to go to the Joe’s Stone Crab when he is out there. And both Brad Garrett and Jimmy Kimmel have comedy clubs.
And we’ll since it is me, John Arena is a pizza legend. His shop Metro Pizza is in Vegas. He’s supposed to have a square slice that takes 5 days to make. I want to try it someday. There’s also a place called Good Pie that I have only heard good things about.
The fountains sound like an excellent thing – I need to look into it more to see what the schedule is on those. As always, I accept your pizza suggestions and will see if we can make it happen. I’d like to think we’re going at a time of year that isn’t too busy, but I guess there’s some upcoming football game or something?
I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but I follow the website of J. Eric Smith and he has many posts about his trips to Las Vegas and he always mentions places to eat and cool things to do, many of them involving hiking. Check him out at https://jericsmith.com/ and type Las Vegas into the search section of the website. I’m sure you will find good guidance there.
Anonymous above is llcwine…sorry I didn’t put that above!
I am a huge fan of the show Top Chef….if I was going to Vegas, I would want to eat at Black Sheep, owned by Jamie Tran. I haven’t been to Vegas (other than sitting in the airport waiting for my flight to or from Tucson) in a couple of decades…so it’s sure to have changed…I do recommend if you do get to use a car….a ride out to Red Rock Canyon….absolutely gorgeous!!!
Thank you for this – there are some terrific ideas! As of now, we have our U2 tickets for Saturday and I booked myself a 3 hour pass for the spa at Caesar’s Palace for Monday afternoon. I’d love to check out either Red Rocks, the Punk Rock Museum or the Neon Museum. As for meals, still no clue but Lenny to consider.