Mother’s Day Magic: A Las Vegas Adventure for Every Mom

Published: March 20, 2026
mother and daughter enjoying mother's day

Las Vegas is so much more than glimmering lights and endless casinos—it’s a playground for those seeking something special. This Mother’s Day, Vegas dishes out a little magic for every type of Mom, from spa lovers and adventure seekers to foodies and showstoppers. Whether you’re planning a relaxing family weekend or looking for new ways to spoil her, our curated list of Vegas experiences promises plenty of laughter, a sprinkle of luxury, and stories that stick long after the dessert plates are cleared. Ready to show Mom the best day ever? Let’s dive into the top ways to make Mother’s Day memorable on the Strip and beyond! 

Want to make sure Mom’s day is extra fabulous? Check out our top picks for celebrating Mother’s Day in Las Vegas: 

High Roller Observation Wheel 

Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe at the LINQ Promenade 

KA by Cirque du Soleil 

Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Daytime Tour 

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art 

Eiffel Tower Experience 

Fremont Street Walking Tour 

A Deluxe Las Vegas Spa Experience 

The Neon Museum 

Afternoon Tea at The Waldorf Astoria 

High Roller Observation Wheel 

There’s nothing quite like starting Mother’s Day with a little sky-high celebration, and the High Roller Observation Wheel delivers just that. Towering 550 feet above the Strip, this giant ferris wheel offers spectacular 360-degree views of Las Vegas. As you rise above the city, each glass pod transforms into your own private lounge—plenty of space for selfies and heartfelt toasts. Daytime rides are bright and lively, while evenings offer panoramic sunset views and the glittering spectacle of the Strip below. 

The experience feels both grand and serene—just perfect for soaking in the sights and sharing a few laughs with Mom. For an extra touch, some pods even come with a bar and bartender, so you can toast to Mom with a signature cocktail in hand. So, whether your mom is a first-time visitor or a Vegas veteran, the High Roller gives her a refreshing, unforgettable perspective on the city she’ll be talking about long after Mother’s Day. 

Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe at the LINQ Promenade

If your mom deserves a sugar rush (and let’s face it, she probably does), Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe is your go-to. This colorful bakery at the LINQ Promenade whips up handmade desserts that double as miniature works of art. Their éclairs are perfectly crisp, macarons come in a rainbow of flavors, and the Nutella croissants are legendary. 

The space is welcoming and cheerful, with windows perfect for people watching while you share a box of goodies and a cozy chat. The coffee? Rich, aromatic and the ideal match for their flaky pastries. If brunch is on your itinerary, try their savory quiches or, for something decadent, order the pistachio Saint-Honoré. The atmosphere is relaxed and stylish—a charming oasis in the middle of all the Strip excitement. 

After your sweet break, take Mom for a stroll around the LINQ Promenade—unique shops, street performers, and even the High Roller await right outside. 

KA by Cirque du Soleil 

When it comes to big Vegas entertainment, nothing says “surprise!” quite like a night at Cirque du Soleil, and KA promises spectacle at every turn. This jaw-dropping show at MGM Grand weaves acrobatics, martial arts-inspired stunts and masterful storytelling into a stage experience you’ll talk about for years. 

From the minute the lights go down, the sheer scale and artistry electrify the room—giant movable stages, dramatic lighting, and aerial feats that leave you and Mom gasping. If your mom loves live theatre but also craves something a little out of the ordinary, KA is a knockout. The cast’s athleticism is matched only by the beauty of the costumes and set design—every detail shimmers, every scene is packed with wonder. 

Sharing a night at KA turns Mother’s Day into a dazzling celebration that’s pure Vegas: imaginative, bold, and totally unforgettable. 

Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Daytime Tour 

Give Mom the ultimate sightseeing adventure with Vegas’s Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour! Whether she’s a first-timer or just loves exploring, this open-top double-decker bus lets you skip the planning and see the city’s biggest highlights in style. 

Settle in on the top deck for a breezy ride, camera ready as you roll past the Strip's architectural wonders and vibrant neighborhoods. Choose where to hop off—maybe to browse at the Arts District, take in Bellagio’s fountains or pose for a family photo at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. 

The live guides keep things lively with fun Vegas trivia and insider tips, while the flexibility means you can customize Mom’s adventure to her pace. This tour is family-friendly, interactive, and offers that satisfying “we saw it ALL” feeling, making it the perfect choice to showcase the wild, welcoming energy of Las Vegas—without ever needing to call another cab. 

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art 

For a culturally rich Mother’s Day, whisk Mom away from the buzz and into the tranquil setting of the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Exhibits rotate regularly, showcasing masterworks from renowned museums and private collections—expect everything from Impressionist icons to contemporary photography. 

The gallery offers an intimate, thoughtfully lit space that’s perfect for meaningful moments. What sets it apart is the calm atmosphere, allowing you and Mom to linger by a favorite painting or discuss the finer points without ever feeling rushed. Docent chats add extra insight for those curious about art history or the stories behind the pieces. 

And, as a bonus, you’re already at the Bellagio! Pop into their world-famous conservatory next door for a stroll through seasonal floral installations that are as photogenic as they are fragrant. 

Eiffel Tower Experience

Paris in the desert? Oui! The Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas offers stunning views from 46 stories above the Strip, combining classic romance with a dash of Vegas flair. Step into the glass elevator and let anticipation build as you ascend to the observation deck—it’s the perfect spot for sharing those “just us” moments with Mom. 

From up top, the fountains at Bellagio dance right below, the city lights stretch in every direction, and it suddenly feels like you have the world at your feet. The vibe is dreamy, whether you visit in the soft light of afternoon or under the twinkle of evening stars. 

Pair the viewing experience with an early dinner at Eiffel Tower Restaurant (try the Grand Marnier soufflé—trust us), and you have the makings for an elegant, memory-making Mother’s Day. 

Fremont Street Walking Tour 

For Moms who like a little vintage glam with their adventure, take a stroll down Fremont Street on a guided walking tour. Rich with neon, street performers, and stories from Vegas’s Wild West days, this energetic downtown district is all about character. 

The Fremont Street Walking Tour fills your day with local lore—mobsters, movie stars, and colorful casino legends—plus stops inside classic casinos and hidden speakeasies. Local guides ensure plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes nuggets, making the whole experience both educational and totally engaging. 

Stick around for the Fremont Street Experience light show—a sound-and-lights display on the world’s largest video canopy. It’s an electric way to toast Mom and soak in Old Vegas charm. 

A Deluxe Las Vegas Spa Experience 

Sometimes, the best way to say “thanks, Mom” is with a few hours of pure relaxation. Las Vegas boasts some of the most decadent resort spas in the country. From Canyon Ranch at The Venetian to The Spa at Wynn, you’ll find tranquil pools, mineral baths, eucalyptus steam rooms and a menu of head-to-toe treatments. 

Let Mom unwind with a signature aromatherapy massage, facial, or a full-on spa package. Many spas offer serene lounges with fruit-infused water, healthy snacks and plush robes—ideal for a little chatting and a lot of chilling. 

If you’re looking for something extra, book a mother-daughter mani-pedi, or indulge in a private couple’s room for the full wellness experience. With award-winning therapists and dreamy surroundings, a Vegas spa day elevates relaxation to an art form. 

The Neon Museum 

History meets dazzle at The Neon Museum, where Vegas’s storied past glows brightly. This open-air wonderland is packed with vintage neon signs from legendary hotels and casinos, each with a story or two to tell. 

Docent-led tours spill all the secrets—how the signs came to be, which celebrities once glittered under their lights, and what life on the Strip looked like decades ago. Sculptural in the daylight, these signs turn downright magical after dusk during the brilliantly illuminated “Brilliant! Jackpot” show, where projection mapping brings the old neon to vibrant life. 

You and Mom get more than pretty photos here—you get a sense of Las Vegas history that’s colorful, playful, and endlessly creative. The outdoor “boneyard” layout invites slow, easy wandering, encouraging stops for reminiscing or finding that perfect angle for your next holiday card shot. If she’s a fan of pop culture and vintage design (or simply loves a good throwback), this museum is an absolute treat. 

Afternoon Tea at The Waldorf Astoria 

Turn Mother’s Day into a plush affair with afternoon tea at the elegant Waldorf Astoria, perched high above the Strip. The famed Tea Lounge on the 23rd floor offers refined comfort with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views that stretch from the mountains to the neon skyline below. 

Settle in for tiers of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of hand-crafted pastries. Each pot of tea is sourced from global blends, allowing you to pair every nibble with something aromatic and soothing. If you want to go a touch extra, order a glass of sparkling rosé for a sophisticated toast. 

The ambiance here shouts luxury—in a relaxed, approachable way that feels as welcoming as it is glamorous. It’s the perfect setting for laughter-filled catch-ups, heartfelt conversations, and a photo or two against those sweeping city views. Whether it’s your first afternoon tea or you’re a seasoned sipper, The Waldorf Astoria makes Mother’s Day feel grand and totally unique to Vegas. 

 

With waterfalls of entertainment, gourmet delights, moments of serenity, and sparkling city lights, there’s no better city to give Mom the royal treatment. Las Vegas may be famous for its buzz, but it’s also a place for memory-making in style—especially when every moment is all about her. So, this Mother’s Day, let Vegas set the scene and celebrate in ways she’ll be raving about for years to come. 

 

Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to the best bits just outside the Strip, and make the most of Vegas’ neon-soaked evenings.  

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Las Vegas in May

Tucked away in the Nevada desert, surrounded on all sides by sand, rocks and an occasional cactus, is a bright pocket of color, sound and neon lights. It never sleeps, and it’s never stopped, since some plucky miners and their railroad brought wealth to the region more than a hundred years ago. The city, of course, is Las Vegas. Today, no matter the time of day or year, weary travelers and adventure-seekers alike still seek their fortune here – though one of the best times to come, for weather, crowds and partying till the small hours, is the charming spring month of May. All you need to know includes: Weather in May What's on Day trip ideas Pool parties Las Vegas in May Average temperature: 89oF • Average rainfall: 1 day/mth • Average sunshine: 13 hours Things begin to heat up in Vegas in May, as the days get longer and the clouds dissipate, leaving clear blue skies as far as the eye can see. There’s almost no rain – average rainfall for the whole month is 0.12 inches – but it’s not unheard of for an isolated thunderstorm to roll in, so check the forecast before you head out. It gets warmer as the month goes on, with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-90s and potentially ticking over 100 degrees, so be prepared for heat – particularly in the middle of the day. It’s still quite cool in the evenings, averaging a brisk 66oF overnight, so a light jacket or coat is recommended if you’re heading out and about after dark. Keep in mind, also, that many of the hotels and casinos have dress codes and don’t allow shorts – though fortunately they’re all air-conditioned, so you’ll be fine once you get there. What’s on in May There’s no shortage of fun to be had in Vegas in May, though if you’re here on a festival weekend you can expect to pay premium rates for hotels. On the other hand, if you miss them, your chances of getting a great deal are pretty good. Around the middle of the month is the annual Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, when the city fills up with rockstars and people who want to get a glimpse of them. Recent performers and recipients have included Ed Sheeran, Kanye West, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande, to name a few. If that’s not your thing, escape the hoards by whisking yourself up to the Eiffel Tower observation deck, or seek sanctuary on the High Roller Observation Wheel in a soundproofed, climate-controlled pod. The last Monday of the month is Memorial Day and in Vegas this marks the unofficial start of the summer season. Most of the hotels get their festival vibes on with pool parties lasting all weekend; clubs, bars and restaurants will also have special events and offers. Or if you’re looking for a family-friendly event you could attend The Best Dam Barbeque Challenge, a two-day annual event in which teams compete to produce the best ribs, pork, brisket, and chicken. For spectators, as well as the obvious chance to taste a lot of grilled meat, there’s music, a car show and barbequing lessons for the kids. Or if you’re into Punk Rock and bowling, go for the obscure but fun Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival, which is pretty much exactly what it says it is. Day trips from Vegas May is a great time to explore the regions around the city, as the days are getting longer but the heat hasn’t yet become extreme. If it’s your first time in the area make sure you visit the Grand Canyon and tick a natural wonder of the world off your bucket list. The trip begins and ends with a smooth ride in an air-conditioned coach, and in between you’ll enjoy a rejuvenating stop at Lake Mead, cross the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge into Arizona and spend three hours exploring the Canyon’s stunning South Rim on a guided tour. If you prefer wonders of engineering, you could visit Hoover Dam, where you can peer from the dam itself into the depths of the Black Canyon and spend some time exploring Boulder City. Or if you prefer a more elementary escape, why not try a combined trip to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon? Here you can enjoy a scenic drive over mountain passes and red cliffs, see unique rock formations at Chequerboard Mesa and walk the rim of a canyon with stunning natural vistas. Wherever you choose to go, be sure to have your camera fully charged! Vegas Pools When you’ve been out in the desert all day, or hitting the shops of the Vegas Strip, there’s only one way to cool off – in a luxury Vegas hotel pool. This is nothing like your local swim center – these are mind-blowingly lavish and often magnificent bathing resorts, each attempting to outdo the others in theme, extravagance and sheer ingenuity. Choices include 11 acres of beach, tropical island and wave pools at Mandalay Bay, the Mount Olympus-themed Garden of the Gods at Caesar’s Palace, or actual sharks in the titanic-sized tank at the Golden Nugget. Pool season lasts from March to October and most of them stay open from 7am to 7pm. Many of them host pool parties – although you’ll hear them referred to as ‘day clubs’ - because they’re basically an all-day party with music, drinks and crowds of young people letting their hair down. Before you head to your chosen oasis, be aware that many of the hotels have strict rules about who’s allowed in, and in what manner, so make you check before you bathe. One or two – like the LINQ Influence Pool and Planet Hollywood – are free at certain times, but most have to be booked and paid for unless you’re staying at that hotel, and pool parties are strictly adults-only. If you’re not sure which one to pick – or want to try more than one – jump on a Rock Star Pool Party Tour which will take you to two of the best ones on a limo with complimentary drinks. When the pools close, follow it up (if you’ve got the stamina) with a Rockstar Club Tour, which gets you into four of the most exclusive clubs in town. Yes, you ‘May’ have it all! May is the perfect month to visit Sin City. Save money with a Go City Las Vegas Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass, and make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Karleen Stevens
people enjoying a big bus tour
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September in Las Vegas: Your Ultimate Autumn Adventure

September in Las Vegas is the city’s best-kept secret. The temperatures mellow just enough to explore outdoor adventures, poolside lounging is still going strong, and the event calendar packs in entertainment of every kind. Whether you want to see legendary stars on stage, chase adrenaline at attractions, or snack on creative bites from world-class kitchens, Vegas never slows down. Ready to plan a September trip you’ll be bragging about long after you leave? Here are our top recommendations for things to do next month in Las Vegas.  Our favorite things to do in Las Vegas in September include:  High Roller Observation Wheel  The Mob Museum  The Neon Museum  Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Daytime Tour  The Big Apple Roller Coaster  Las Vegas Hiking Adventures by Love Hikes  Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe at the LINQ Promenade  Strip Highlights Night Flight on Papillon Helicopter  Pool Parties on The Strip  Exploring Fremont Street  High Roller Observation Wheel: See the Strip in Style  Kick off your September adventure high above the action on the High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ. Why do we love it? It’s like being in your own private sky lounge. Picture yourself 550 feet above dazzling neon lights, with a 360-degree view that sweeps from the glimmering Strip to desert peaks far beyond the city’s edge. Gleaming glass pods mean the ride feels cool and comfortable no matter how warm the September afternoon gets. Whether you time it for sunset and the whole valley glows gold, or hop on after dark for a riot of city lights, the High Roller is equally spectacular. It’s the ultimate group selfie spot, too—grab your friends, snap those panoramic shots, and toast your Vegas adventure with a drink from the full bar pod if you’re feeling festive.  The Mob Museum: Discover Vegas’ Sinful Side  Step off the famous Fremont Street and dive deep into the stories that made Vegas famous—the ones with a little extra grit. The Mob Museum takes you straight into the heart of organized crime history. The former courthouse setting, complete with Prohibition-era artifacts, interactive exhibits, and dramatic true tales, makes you feel like you’re living in the thick of it all. Special highlights include a speakeasy hidden in the basement (yes, you’re encouraged to try their housemade spirits!) and an authentic crime lab experience. The ambience is a mix of intrigue and old-school Vegas glamour. Every visit brings new discoveries, whether you want to geek out over forensic science or hear whispered legends of casino moguls and mobsters.  Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Daytime Tour: Stress-Free Exploring  Why choose just one highlight when you can zip around to all of them? The Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Daytime Tour lets you curate your perfect September day, with open-air double-decker rides and lively narration. The fresh breeze and shaded seating make sightseeing easy, even when the sun is shining. Stop where you want—maybe a quick stroll down the Strip, lunch at a celebrity chef spot, or a vintage shopping detour downtown. With buses running smoothly between major hotels, must-see casinos, and local gems, you can cover lots of ground without breaking a sweat or your step count.  The Big Apple Roller Coaster: Adrenaline with a View  When you need a break from table games, switch up your routine with a few corkscrews and a view of the Las Vegas skyline. The Big Apple Roller Coaster at New York-New York delivers big thrills and a surprising sense of nostalgia. Board your red train outside a replica of Lady Liberty, then hang on tight as you loop, twist, and drop at speeds over 60mph. The backdrop? Replica skyscrapers, buzzing crowds, and overhead glimpses of the Strip. It’s equal parts exhilarating and hilarious—especially if you convince your travel buddies to do a group shot coming down the first drop. Go at dusk for sparkly city lights as you race by.  Las Vegas Hiking Adventures by Love Hikes: Epic Trails Close to the Action  September brings ideal hiking conditions—warm, sunny mornings, but not the midsummer scorch. Love Hikes offers guided excursions just minutes from the city, but worlds away in vibe. Picture sculpted red rock canyons, wild Joshua trees, and wide-open desert horizons. Your guide will handle the logistics, share fun local lore, and point out hidden photo ops along the trails. It’s a refreshing contrast to Vegas’ manmade thrills. If you want to see a side of Southern Nevada most visitors never discover, Lace up and get out there—don’t forget water, sunscreen, and a charged camera.  Strip Highlights Night Flight on Papillon Helicopter: Vegas From Above  Nothing compares to seeing Las Vegas as the sun dips and the Strip snaps to neon life. Papillon’s helicopter flight whisks you high above the casinos, fountains and legendary nightclubs. The ride is smooth, the pilots narrate, and the views include everything from the Bellagio Fountains to towering hotels twinkling against the night. If you’re looking for that unforgettable “only in Vegas” experience for a special September trip, this is it. The whole thing feels cinematic—from check-in to touchdown—and creates lifelong memories in less than half an hour.  Pool Parties on The Strip: Endless Summer Vibes  September is prime time to soak up Vegas’ legendary pool parties. The weather’s perfect—warm but no longer sweltering—and DJs keep the energy up all day long. Spots like Encore Beach Club, Wet Republic, and Daylight Beach pop off every weekend, with shimmering pools, plush cabanas, and craft cocktails galore. Whether you want to go all out with bottle service or rock your sun hat on a lounger just steps from the water, you’ll find your perfect spot. Pro tip: check each venue’s calendar for special guest performers and themed events all month long. Swimwear required, inhibitions optional.  Exploring Fremont Street: Old School Vegas With a Modern Twist  End your September adventure where Las Vegas first found its sparkle—downtown’s Fremont Street. This pedestrian wonderland is part free entertainment, part visual spectacle. Live bands blare from open-air stages, dazzling LED canopies overhead light up with hourly shows, and classic casinos showcase Vegas history at every turn. Street performers, zip lines zooming overhead, and the electric buzz of the crowd make every night a little different. Pop into a funky bar for a craft cocktail, grab a late-night taco, and stroll past neon signs glowing with stories from the city’s early days. Just minutes away, you’ll also find The Mob Museum and The Neon Museum if you want to keep the fun rolling.    Ready to fill your September in Las Vegas with energy, excitement, and a dash of glam? This city always has one more surprise around each corner—and this month it’s all yours to discover!    Enjoyed this? Check out our picks of the best casino hotels to call home on your Vegas adventure, and   Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 
The Seven Magic Mountains art installation in the Mojave Desert south of Las Vegas
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5 Days in Las Vegas

Metropolises the world over dub themselves ‘the city that never sleeps’ on a near-daily basis. But none have turned that tired old cliché into a neon-lit reality with quite the show-stopping aplomb of Las Vegas, where the entertainment – regardless of what time of year you visit – stays turned up to eleven 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Five days in Las Vegas is just about enough time to get a taste of this unique desert city’s hedonistic lifestyle and visit some of its most memorable attractions: the Strip’s mega-hotels, the laidback downtown neighborhood and the Grand Canyon being among the most essential. We’ve put together a suggested 5-day itinerary to help guide and inspire you on your Sin City adventure. So put on your best poker face, cram your pockets full of dollar bills and dive in! Viva Las Vegas! And may lady luck smile upon you... Day 1: Vegas in a Nutshell Kick off your Vegas experience with a spin aboard the hop-on hop-off bus tour. It’s a great introduction to the city’s many pleasures and, best of all, requires minimal effort from you. The tour calls at iconic landmarks along the Strip and Downtown, including the famous ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign, the Strat’s skyscraping SkyPod observation tower and Fremont Street. You can hop off anywhere you like to start filling your Instagram feed with classic Vegas selfies, or stay on for the full two-hour loop to get a proper introduction to Sin City – there’s no better way for a newbie to experience the Strip than from the comfort of an open-top bus, as the supersize hotels and neon-lit casinos roll past. Book a private pod with a decadent glass of bubbles aboard the High Roller Observation Wheel at the LINQ Hotel and watch the sun go down over the Strip and surrounding desert from a sweaty-palmed 550 feet up. Then, suitably emboldened, it’s time to hit the blackjack and roulette tables and one-armed bandits in your first (of what will no doubt be many) Vegas casino experiences. We favor the old-school glitz of Caesars Palace for first-timers – movie mavens may even recognize its cavernous interiors from the likes of The Hangover and Dream Girls. Stick around for a show at its Colosseum theater, which has hosted megastars including Madonna, Elton and Sinatra in its time, or head to the Bellagio, Mirage or MGM Grand for one of Vegas’s ever-popular Cirque du Soleil spectaculars. Day 2: A Spot of Culture Anyone who tells you Vegas is purely about high rolling and horrific hangovers is missing a trick. Did you know, for example, that Sin City also boasts some pretty great galleries and museums? Fill your pockets with quarters and get down to the Pinball Hall of Fame, where you can try your luck on over 150 antique machines. Or don a fedora, pinstripe and your best Al Capone face and get yourself made at The Mob Museum, a fascinating journey into the US’s history of organized crime, with interactive exhibits that include a rogues’ gallery of gangsters and a shooting range simulator. There’s even a working distillery and Prohibition-style speakeasy tucked away in the basement. Meanwhile, the National Atomic Testing Museum explores Nevada’s explosive past when, in the 1950s, atomic weapons were detonated out in the desert here with alarming frequency. Check out the ever-changing program at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, which has hosted exhibitions focusing on the work of Warhol, Picasso, Lichtenstein and others. And step inside the mind of a Dutch master at The Immersive Van Gogh experience, where spectacular set designs by Tony-nominated David Korins of Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton fame make you feel like you’re walking through his best-loved paintings, including Starry Night and Sunflowers. Spend your evening in the neon boneyard at the excellent Neon Museum. Here, retired Vegas signs of yore including iconic examples from the Stardust and Lucky Cuss Motel are given a second lease of life. Day 3: Downtown! Often overlooked by visitors here for the higher octane thrills and spills of the Strip, Vegas’s laidback Downtown has many charms of its own. Get yourself down to the Fremont Street Experience, where an arched canopy over the mall area doubles as a giant video screen. And when we say giant we mean length-of-five-football-pitches giant. Expect spectacular hourly light shows as you browse the shops and sip cocktails in the bars below. Stick around for live music across three stages, kicking off at 6pm every evening. Downtown is also where you’ll find the Las Vegas Arts District aka the 18b. Soak up the boho vibe and shop 18 blocks of art galleries, unique independent stores, vintage clothing boutiques and craft breweries. An arts walk on the first Friday of every month showcases eclectic local art and features live music, fire breathers, fortune tellers and other such Vegas entertainments. Afterwards head over to the nearby Strat, where the Skypod and its utterly terrifying 108th floor thrill rides await nearly 1,000 feet above the Strip. Day 4: Get Outta Town! We get it: the constant noise, bright lights and general chaos of the Strip can get a little overwhelming. We recommend a relatively soothing day out to the Grand Canyon. Charter a helicopter to the South Rim in the afternoon. You’ll soar over the epic Hoover Dam en route and get the opportunity to take a short hike among the wildflowers and rust-red rocks before returning along the Strip at sundown, as the desert skies turn a bruised purple and the Neon City is at its picture-perfect best. Or rent a Cadillac, put the top down and cruise south along Interstate 15 to the wildly incongruous Mojave Desert art installation that is Swiss sculptor Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains. These gravity-defying tall stacks of boulders – some as high as 35 feet – are painted in a rainbow of trippy colors. Then make for the nearby Red Rock Canyon, the Grand Canyon’s diminutive sibling which, at a mere 200,000 acres, still offers plenty of hiking opportunities. Look out for hidden waterfalls and ancient Native American petroglyphs among its towering sandstone crags and deep, cacti-filled valleys. Day 5: Go Hotel-Hopping Vegas’s mega resorts are attractions all of their own, and no Vegas vacation would be complete without spending a day wandering the Strip and taking in essential attractions like the dancing fountains outside the Bellagio, or the Mirage’s exploding volcano. If you’re here during pool party season (March to October), get yourself along to Mandalay Bay’s sprawling Daylight Beach Club with its enormo 4,400 square foot pool, massive man-made beach and winding lazy river. Dive in, or grab a cabana and pina colada and people-watch the day away. Major exhibitions at the Luxor are always worth a couple of hours of anyone’s time and the Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are a horticultural marvel, with exhibits that change with the seasons and culminate in a hugely over-the-top festive display at year’s end. You’ll also want to ride the gondolas at the Venetian, with its faithful replica of Venice’s Grand Canal, and ride the glass elevator in the Paris hotel’s glitzy half-size Eiffel Tower facsimile. While you’re there you might as well stop to gorge on caviar, steak tartare and escargots in the panoramic restaurant 100 feet above the Strip. Bon appetit! Save on attractions in Las Vegas Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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