Morning, Noon and Night in Las Vegas
Photo: Ashley Kidder of Urban Safari Photography
Las Vegas sits at the intersection of the wonders of nature and the marvels of invention, which is why Las Vegas knows no end of incredible experiences. So, it is nearly impossible to compile a definitive list of “things to do in Las Vegas.” But, what that ultimately means is, since there is no one way to “do Vegas,” you simply have to come back to Las Vegas, again and again.
For our list of favorite Las Vegas adventures, we are going to invite you on and off the Strip. We are going to share with you high-culture and kitsch; hikes and shopping sprees. We will go behind-the-scenes and make you the scene. And, ultimately, we want you to go make memories of each of these experiences, especially ones that involve your other half.
Off we go…
Photo: The Pepperrmill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge
Breakfast all day: We cannot get enough of The Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge. Trapped in 1972 in all the best ways, this gem on the Strip is most celebrated for its breakfast (don’t miss the French toast ambrosia), cocktails (The Scorpion is not for the faint of heart) and the fact that it is open 24-hours. Make this a place for your first date or even your wedding reception.
Dinner with sharks: The Shark Reef Aquarium at The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino brings you as close as you can be to ocean wildlife without donning scuba gear. And, for about $50, you can assist in feeding the sharks, stingrays and other sea creatures. But, if you want to break out your wetsuit, a dive with the sharks can be arranged!
Photo: Neon Museum
Up in lights: Las Vegas boasts some of the worlds most exceptional art, both high and pop. Make your way to The Shops at Crystals, more specifically, to the Louis Vuitton store. On its fourth floor you’ll find Akhob, a light installation by artist James Turrell. An immersive color experience that is often described as a “spa for the eyes,” this is a great spot to take a break from the sensory overload of some of Las Vegas’s other attractions. Be advised, you need to make an appointment with Louis Vuitton (702-730-3150) to experience Akhob and they book up about 6-8 weeks in advance. But, with enough planning, this might be an ideal spot to pop the question!
And, for a different light experience, make your way to Downtown Las Vegas to the Neon Museum for a snapshot of Las Vegas history told through its iconic neon signs. For the most intrepid, summer visitors can enjoy hot yoga among the signs.
Desert beauty: Beyond the feats of architecture and entertainment up and down the Strip, you will find some of the most extraordinary natural wonders. Take a hike in the Valley of Fire or trek through Red Rock to see that the father of all invention, is actually mother nature. Give yourself a day to enjoy these destinations or, if your budget allows, book a chopper to experience these wonders from up in the air. Think about this as the perfect experiential honeymoon gift.
Photo: Wynn Las Vegas
Party Oasis: You’ve not experienced Las Vegas without sipping a cocktail by one of its iconic pools at one of its epic parties. The Encore Beach Club at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas offers world-class DJs, indulgent cabanas, and poolside blackjack.
A Night Out: Disco nap behind you, head into the night stopping by the iconic Bellagio Fountains. There’s nothing like this aquatic and acoustic show anywhere in the world and there’s not a person in the world who won’t ooh and ahh at the spectacle. Take it in from the Strip or reserve a Strip-view table inside the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris Las Vegas overlooking the lake.
When it comes to dinner, the world is truly your oyster as many of the world’s best chefs have an outpost in Las Vegas, not to mention a host of stand-out restaurants led by chefs who aren't yet international names and classics which have stood the test of time. Make this your chance to dine from CUT and Nobu, to Esther’s Kitchen and Greene Street Kitchen, to Michael’s and Jaleo. But, don’t worry, not everything in Las Vegas is 5-star, suit and tie. Wear a more casual look to any of the many amazingly good (and good value) buffets up and down the Strip. Our favorites include the Wicked Spoon and Studio B Buffet.
And, if choosing a dinner spot is hard, the riches really are absurd when it comes time to pick your evening entertainment. Megastar blockbusters like Cher and Cirque du Soleil (which, after you’ve seen the show KA, go on Tuesday morning to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the sets), crowdpleasers like magician Mat Franco and burlesque act Zombie Burlesque, and Silent Discos, stratospheric rollercoaster rides, and, of course, your turn at the tables, you are going to need to make sure you have more nights than days on your visit(s) to Las Vegas.
Every day and night in Las Vegas will deliver the goods for a raucous bachelor party, a romantic night a deux, an unforgettable wedding reception and, a honeymoon to always remember. No matter what experience you have in Las Vegas there will be infinite stories to tell. We hope that Las Vegas becomes an essential part of your love story.
