Top 15 Interesting Places to Visit in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip at Day Time
This internationally known resort town bills itself as “The Entertainment
Capital of the World,” and that’s a fairly accurate description of the most
populated area in Nevada. Anything you want can be had here, for a price. If you don’t enjoy yourself, it’s certainly not the
city of Las Vegas that is at fault. Though it
didn’t incorporate until 1911, Las Vegas has more than made up for its shorter
history in comparison to other major metropolitan areas across the U.S. The city’s
history is unique and varied, Starting with the Paiute Indians inhabiting the
area, moving forward to Mormons using it as a fort along their path from Salt
Lake City to San Bernardino. Going forward in time, the rise of the casinos and organized crime
made Vegas a hotspot for using its location for money-laundering. It was a pioneer stop during Westward
Expansion and was heavily involved with the staging of mining operations in
Nevada along with neighboring
states.
Las Vegas Strip at Night Time
Other significant groups include scientists from the Manhattan Project
that settled in Las Vegas for varying lengths of time.
15) The National Atomic Testing Museum
The
Atomic Testing Museum has over 12,000 artifacts of the entrance to the Nuclear
Age designed to teach you about the history of atomic testing, and its science
applications in use even today.
The main themes include the discovery of radiation and its surrounding
science, the story of how the atomic bomb was discovered, education on atomic
testing historically and now, and a slightly tongue in cheek display featuring
advice from the Cold War Era on how to survive a nuclear blast.
Radiation Reading Display Outside of National Atomic
Testing Museum
By Binksternet
via Wikimedia Commons
There is also a theater on site where you can experience a simulated atomic
blast for yourself. Past exhibits have featured the history of Las Vegas, a
commemoration to the World Trade Center, A World War I themed trench art
display, and a display on Area 51 invites visitors to explore its
myths and reality for themselves. The museum hosts many educational events, and
has interactive displays for children that include 12 computer touch screens and
a Geiger counter. There is also a free downloadable mp3 guide you can listen to
as you tour the museum. According to the museum’s website, this guide also
includes vintage PSAs from the Cold War era, related to atomic bombs.
14) Circus Circus
Of all the family oriented places to visit in Vegas, Circus Circus is one of
the few that is equally thrilling for all ages. Themed to be a carnival midway
as well as a big top, Circus Circus boasts a variety of actual circus acts and
shows brought in from all over the world. The midway is filled with classic
carnival and arcade games, prize counters, and traditional carnival and circus
concessions.
By Mikano
via Wikimedia Commons
That isn’t close to all, either. Circus Circus also houses the Adventuredome,
a five acre indoor amusement park that claims 22 thrill rides and other
attractions beneath an insulated pink glass dome. There’s the Canyon Blaster
roller coaster - a nod to the park’s origin as the Grand Slam Canyon - a rock
climbing wall, full 18-hole miniature golf course, clown shows, games, a VR
games area, the Xtreme Zone, and many more attractions for the entire family.
Disk'O Ride Inside Adventuredome
By Christophe Badoux (Own work),
via Wikimedia Commons
If you just need time to sit back
for a while, the Adventuredome offers 4D movie experiences, which are 3D films
with added sensory components like mist, wind, and strobe lights. Circus Circus
really gets into celebration mode in October, when it turns the Aventuredome
into the Frightdome, giving it a temporary Halloween theme.
13) Treasure Island
If you love
pirates,
then hanging out at Treasure Island will sure to please you. One
of the biggest draws of Treasure Island - not surprisingly - is the five
separate on-site bars. Treasure Island takes its alcohol so seriously that they
keep a Tequila goddess on staff, whose job it is to assist you in educating
yourself about your beverages choices and making a satisfying selection. The
casino is action packed, and often runs tournaments that heighten the excitement
of playing - not to mention the Player’s Club that frequent visitors can join
for discounts and perks. For eating, there is the typical buffet, and then a
variety of other eateries including a full service Italian steak house.
By FASTILY (Own work),
via Wikimedia Commons
You’ll be sure to find the perfect room to suit you amid Treasure Island’s
variety of guest rooms and suites, which is perfect because you may be here for awhile. Their current signature show has changed from a mock pirate battle to the
Sirens of Ti, which features beautiful, scantily clad women who dance
choreographed sets on the swaying pirate ship in the courtyard.
Pirate Ship that Sinks and Simulates a Battle Daily
By FASTILY (Own work),
via Wikimedia Commons
And if you
happen to run out of other things to do, the resort’s 1600 seat theater boasts
Cirque de Soleil shows and a variety of famous musicians and comedians. Have
a seat and relax for a night, or even for an entire week.
12) Imperial Palace Auto Collections
Car collectors and admirers call this heaven, and even those who really
remain neutral about the vehicles will still find something to enjoy here. Located in
the Quad resort and casino, this collection is made of 300 collector’s cars that
are on a rotating display schedule, meaning you can visit here many times and
still find something new. There are classic luxury cars, Volkswagens, Corvettes,
Impalas, and more Rolls Royce vehicles than you will ever see again. There is a
WWII era jeep, and the 1963 Chevy Nova Memorial Racecar, that commemorates the
veteran Marines of the Iraqi War.
President Kennedy's Lincoln Continental
By InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA,
via Wikimedia Commons
Some of the special vehicles aren’t up for sale, but if you have the cash,
this is also the country’s finest car lot as well. Though as most of the price
tags are six figures, you’ll probably only bring home this collection on your
camera. If you’re lucky, the extensive gift shop might be carrying a model of
your coveted toy. But cheer up, because there is a guide video to the collection
voiced by Johnny Carson, and Elvis’s friend Jimmy Velvet still stops in to sign
autographs, among other celebrities.
11) The Wynn
Yes, of course there’ another casino on this list, and this one isn’t here
just for the four Forbes Star dining experiences. The Wynn has the usual
offerings of other casino resort - spa, shopping, elegant and entertaining shows
- and it can’t even claim to have a giant pirate ship out front, despite being
built by the same developer as Treasure Island, Steve Wynn. But of all the
places to see, this one gets points for creativity in its illusions off the
stage and on the grounds. Though it’s situated right on the strip, near the Lake
of Dreams is what appears to be a small hill, but once you’re able to venture
within from the hotel, you realize it’s a clever disguise for two of the
casino’s signature restaurants.
The Wynn Hotel and Casino
BY Almc1217
via Wikimedia Commons
The faux land feature is incorporated in an
interactive multimedia light and water show that runs during dinner. It’s a very
elegant and refined move from Wynn that you’ll agree loses none of its pizzazz in
comparison to his other casinos.
10) Stratosphere
All casino resorts can claim their share of the nightlife, but the
Stratosphere makes an art out of partying until dawn. The iconic towers are
filled with bars, lounges, live entertainment, and full shows geared towards
adult audiences craving glitter, glamour, and excitement. At 1,149 feet, the
Stratosphere towers boast the highest observation deck in the U.S. and the
tallest controlled free fall experience with SkyJump Las Vegas. The tower has 113
stories, and a powerful elevator that can scale them in less than a minute. If
you visit here don't forget to dine at the
Top of the World restaurant high
up in the Stratosphere. It is considered one of the best restaurants in Vegas,
thanks to the fact that the restaurant spins slowly around giving you a
spectacular view of the city as you dine.
By Sahmeditor (Own work),
via Wikimedia Commons
If
that isn’t enough to convince you this place is a thrill-seekers paradise, the
entire top of the tower is covered in a mini amusement park, with a variety of
record-setting, heart-stopping rides that will produces screams from you that
can sometimes be heard on the ground. Of course, if that’s somehow not enough of
an adrenaline rush, there’s always getting married on the observation deck, the
private overlook on floor 112, or even on the coasters themselves. The
Stratosphere’s chapel guarantees you won’t forget this ceremony any time soon.
Check out a video of these rides:
9) Coney Island Emporium
The New York, New York hotel and casino is enough on its own, with luxury East
Coast style suites and the Manhattan Express Roller Coaster that wraps itself
around a replica of the Statue of Liberty. But the site also boasts the Coney
Island Emporium, and if games are your thing, this should on the top of
your list of things to do in Vegas. The Coney Island Emporium is one of Las Vega’s
largest arcades, with over 200 games of skill and chance that never cost more
than a dollar or two to try. The coin operated machines range from the latest in
video gaming splendor to favorite old classics like live action pinball and skeeball.
Courtesy of tripadvisor.com
Carnival-style games abound where you can win plush stuffed animals.
There is also the Daytona Simulator that allows eight players to race each other
on a full virtual track. Family rides for younger children are also available,
like the classic bumper cars. For some real entire family fun, there is also a laser tag
facility.
8) Bodies
So this may not appeal to the broadest audience, but it definitely fits the
bill of interesting. Similar to the unrelated show Body Worlds, Bodies is an
exhibition of preserved human remains prepared so that through the course of the
exhibit, visitors can experience real examples of the many systems of the human
body. The exhibit is located at the
Luxor, Las Vegas.
The Bodies Exhibit is Currently Held at the Luxor
By LockeShocke
via Wikimedia Commons
The bodies were all obtained cadavers for research that were donated
because there was no family to claim the bodies. Dalian University in China did
the dissections and polymer preservations for Premier Exhibitions, who premiered
a similar show to Bodies in Seoul, Korea.
By Pattymooney
via Wikimedia Commons
The exhibition begins with visitors examining the skeletal system, and then
slowly moves outward through the muscles, overlaying of the nerves and
circulatory system, the digestive tract, the respiratory system, the urinary
system, and finally the reproductive system. Fetal development is also displayed
in the exhibit, and some of the 20 bodies are also posed to mimic various
activities of living people that help set a context for the educational
background of the information given on the human body.
If the exhibit alone isn’t enough by itself, the controversy surrounding the
exhibition has been something to follow. Ethical concerns have been raised about
the value of viewing dead bodies on display, and rumors about the Chinese black
market cadaver trade have tainted many exhibits like this. There is some concern
that some of the bodies may not have been acquired with any integrity, but
belonged to executed prisoners who did not consent to the treatment of their
cadavers.
7) Neon Museum
We’re going to Fremont Street for this one, right at the end of the line. Classic
Las Vegas comes into full swing here, with the open air collection of restored
neon signs. Soon, you can visit their visitors’ center in the lobby of the
refurbished La Concha Motel. For now, it’s enough to enjoy the mean glitzy
lights rescued from a slow death in storage by the Young Electric Sign Company.
The signs are from a variety of old places around Vegas, including hotels,
casinos, and other businesses that have illuminated the Strip for decades.
By Boston9 (Own work),
via Wikimedia Commons
There are six acres of these dazzlers to view at the museum - the core of
which is the Yesco Boneyard - and that isn’t counting the specimens set up
around Fremont Street itself for display. If you’re interested, private tours
and photo shoots can be arranged for you within the Museum’s main facilities.
6) Wee Kirk o’the Heather
The best part about Sin City is how this place of debauchery and hedonism is
equally known for its cute little chapels. Fine, maybe they’re basically
reserved for poorly judged lightning weddings, but who’s counting? Most people
have the Little White Chapel on their list of places to visit, but Elvis is
plenty busy these days, so you should give some other churches a try.
The Wee Kirk is less than two miles from Stratosphere, and has been around
since 1940, and is sometimes credited with being Las Vegas’s oldest wedding
chapel. The boutique chapel is based on a scaled down replica of traditional
Scottish churches, hence the name. Chapels abound in Las Vegas because of a
quaint old law that all licensed officials must be associated with a church to
perform weddings. The number of members doesn’t matter, nor if there are actual
services going on, just that there must be that connection. This comes from the
beginning of the Vegas wedding boom, where ministers were abandoning their
churches to go strike it rich marrying the reckless and starry-eyed couples on
the Strip, prompting response from the government.
5) M&M’s World
The MGM Grand hotel and casino, M&M’s World features
four stories dedicated to the iconic candy with souvenirs, art, and even a
station to make your own customized M&Ms. There is the M&M’s racing Camry on the
top floor, with NASCAR gear to purchase, and on the third floor, a short 3D
animated film featuring M&M character favorites Red and Yellow. There are bulk
candy dispensers that allow you to purchase any and every variety of M&Ms
available by the pound. The escalators all feature timelines depicting the
evolution of M&Ms candies. Everything from paper clips to beachwear is available
under the M&M’s brand - including a special edition Rolex.
By markhardie ([1]),
via Wikimedia Commons
Opened in 1997, the Las Vegas M&M’s World was the first store of its kind,
and its success spawned stores in New York, Orlando, and a few other cities.
This one will always be the favored child however, as it shares the same state
as Mars Incorporated’s Ethel M chocolate plant in Henderson, Nevada. If you’re
pondering a road trip while in the Vegas area and looking for things to do, that
factory also has a heritage botanical garden on the grounds featuring a number
of native cacti.
4) Titanic: The Exhibition
Asking which came first, the Titanic museum or the rabid Celine Dion fans, is
about like inquiring about the chicken and the egg. Still, this semi-permanent
installation at the Luxor Hotel and Casino has something to appeal to all ages,
with over 3,000 artifacts retrieved from the RMS Titanic. The exhibition shares
with two other locations in the country, so there are new, traveling relics to
see all the time, with only a few hundred artifacts actually on display. The
exhibition is mentioned by the Luxor to be one of the highest attended exhibits
of all time, with 25 million people worldwide stopping in to take a look.
Original Plates Rescued During Titanic Expedition
By InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA,
via Wikimedia Commons
Besides the artifacts, there are also several recreations of various rooms
aboard the Titanic, allowing visitors to truly experience the splendor of this
ill-fated ship. The awe of being able to experience the floating palace first
hand - after a manner of speaking - is well balanced by the attention given to
emotional impact of the displays. Many of the items shown are personal effects
of passengers who did not survive, and will give you a very intimate connection
with these people from another place and time. Las Vegas might not be the first
place you think of as history coming to life, but it works its magic here, too,
just as potently as in its more contemporary displays of human grandeur.
3) Shark Reef
This isn’t the kind of swimming with the sharks you’ll be looking for if
you’ve lost all your betting money, but it might be healthier for you in the
end. Remember, fortunes always change, as do coral reefs. Make friends in
strange places at the 1.3 million gallon Shipwreck Exhibit tank at Mandalay Bay.
Mandalay Bay Tram
By doppelmayr cable car
via Wikimedia Commons
Shark Reef Aquarium claims to hold over 2,000 animals divided among 14 displays,
with over 15 species of sharks. The largest exhibit - the Shipwreck tank - has
two acrylic tunnels where visitors can walk underneath to get a nearly 360
degree view of the aquatic animals.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
The aquarium takes itself very seriously, and makes a pledge to uphold the
highest standards of animal care. Shark Reef hosts a variety of education
programs, including an aquatic medicine seminar. They have "Ask a Biologist"
sessions on site as well as online, and participate in greening programs and
environmental projects.
One of the most popular things to do there is visit the Touch Pool, where
visitors of all ages can pet real live sharks, getting a more intimate
understanding of these animals. Of course, they’re no Great Whites, but part of
the purpose of Shark Reef is to show that sharks as giant, vicious man-eaters is
a stereotype, and not a just reality for these varied, sometimes shy creatures
who are intricately connected to the food web of any marine ecosystem - and some
fresh water ones as well.
2) Caesar’s Palace
If you’re looking for places to visit in Vegas, you absolutely have to stop here. You’re in
Vegas and you have to hit a casino sometime, why not make it one as dripping in
glitz and fame as Caesar’s Palace? Poker, slots, books, and table games, you
name it, they have it. Combine that with the luxury hotel, the on-site shopping,
the luxurious pool of the gods, the live shows, and the nightclubs full of
celebrities. If you do stop here, you may never get to the rest of Vegas.
By Cygnusloop99
via Wikimedia Commons
Visitors and guests can enjoy headlining performances by names like Celine
Dion and Shania Twain, and hear comedians like Jerry Seinfeld. Among the many
dining choices is the featured restaurant of Caesar’s, Restaurant Guy Savoy.
This is the only place in America where you can eat the famed food of this
award-winning and much loved French chef. Accommodations at the casino are
provided by the Nobu hotel, which features a variety of luxury rooms and suites
themed to Caesar’s Palace with fresh, contemporary looks that still evoke a
glitzy, romanticized version of Ancient Rome.
Inside the Lobby of Caesar's Palace
By Dirk
via Wikimedia Commons
Other suites are modeled after the
famous Nobu design aesthetic, while a few take the unusual route, like the
Absolut flavor suites, designed around various Absolut vodkas. If your partying
gets a little out of hand, there is even a premier spa on-site as well, with a
variety of specialized treatments from all over the world designed to release
stress and re-energize the body.
1) Fremont Street Experience
This one is just wild. A giant canopy-like screen lights up nightly with 12.5
million lights and 55,000 watts of sound. There are
multiple nightly shows, surrounded by a vast number of establishments covering
gambling, eating, and shopping needs for the visitors, who are encouraged to
park in the plaza and walk around the downtown area. Bars and clubs abound over the
four blocks covered by the LED screen.
By Antoine Taveneaux (Own work),
via Wikimedia Commons
The show is constantly changing,
featuring the work of many classically popular bands such as Kiss, Queen, the
Doors, and Don McLean. Concerts are often held in this area as well, and though
it’s only been around since 1995, continual improvements to the Viva Vision show
over Fremont Street have already made this technical wonder as an established
marvel of the city’s tourism industry.
Freemont Experience at Night
By John Phelan (Own work),
via Wikimedia Commons
Many have touted it as the return of
“old” Las Vegas, full of reckless excitement and dazzling spectacles.
Final Words
The lure of Las Vegas is pure, unapologetic decadence, and after all these
years, it still flourishes in that role. Some have claimed the Las Vegas
atmosphere is all show and no substance, but as its inhabitants and visitors
don’t seem to mind, does it really matter? Sometimes you just need an escape
from reality, a single experience that just blows you away, and even in its very
real and checkered history, Las Vegas delivers on that promise every time. The
Entertainment Capital of the World has learned something everyone could stand to
know, and that is that enthusiastic fun and moments of abandon are just as
integral to the human experience as anything else.
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Photos of the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas
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