Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the American Southwest: a city in the Mojave Desert built around a 4-mile (6.4 km) boulevard of giant casino resorts, the Strip, where you can see a world-class show, watch the Bellagio fountains dance and ride a 550-ft (168 m) observation wheel in one evening. Downtown, the older Fremont Street keeps the neon spirit of the 1950s alive, and the glowing Sphere has become the city’s newest landmark. Beyond the lights lies some of the best desert scenery in the country, with Red Rock Canyon 17 miles (27 km) from the Strip, Hoover Dam, the Valley of Fire, and Zion, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon within a day’s drive. Plan for summer heat above 100 °F (38 °C), and for resort fees and taxes on top of the room rates you see advertised.
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Las Vegas at a glance
- Best for: shows and concerts, nightlife, food, pools, people-watching, and road trips to the national parks of the Southwest.
- How long: 2–3 nights for the Strip and downtown; 4–5 to add Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam and a day trip to a national park.
- Best time: March–May and October–November, with highs of 70–88 °F (21–31 °C). July averages 104 °F (40 °C).
- Getting there: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is next to the south end of the Strip; taxis to Strip hotels run on fixed zone fares from $22.25.
- Hotel bills: add a nightly resort fee and 13.38% room tax on the Strip.
- Before you go: entry rules for international visitors (ESTA or visa), money, driving and tipping are in our United States travel guide.
Las Vegas areas and who each one suits
South Strip
From the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign north to Tropicana Avenue: Mandalay Bay, Luxor’s glass pyramid, Excalibur, New York-New York and the MGM Grand, the closest resorts to the airport and to the T-Mobile Arena and Allegiant Stadium. Good value and family-friendly by Vegas standards.
Center Strip
The heart of the action, between Tropicana and Spring Mountain Road: ARIA, the Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Paris with its Eiffel Tower, Caesars Palace, the LINQ Promenade and the High Roller, the Venetian and the Palazzo, with the Sphere just behind. Walk everywhere, but pay top prices. Best for first-timers who want to be in the middle of it all.
North Strip
Wynn and Encore, Resorts World, Fontainebleau, the SAHARA and the STRAT tower, plus the Las Vegas Convention Center. Fewer crowds on the sidewalks, longer walks between hotels; the Monorail helps.
Downtown and the Arts District
The original Las Vegas, about 4 miles (6 km) north of the Strip, around Fremont Street, with smaller, cheaper hotels, old-school casinos, the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum and the bars and restaurants of the Fremont East and Arts District areas. Good for nightlife on a budget and a more local feel; it can be gritty a few blocks away from the main streets.
Off-Strip, Summerlin and Henderson
Hotels just off the Strip often cost less and may charge lower resort fees. Summerlin, on the west side near Red Rock Canyon, and Henderson, to the southeast toward Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, suit visitors with a car who prefer quieter resorts and outdoor trips.
Top things to see in Las Vegas
Prices and hours below were checked on official sites in October 2026 where we could; prices exclude sales tax. Check again before you go.
The Strip
Las Vegas Boulevard South is best seen on foot after dark, when the hotel facades light up. Wander through the themed resorts, each a free attraction in itself: the canals and gondolas of the Venetian, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Bellagio Conservatory’s seasonal flower displays, the replica Eiffel Tower at Paris and the skyline of New York-New York. Distances are longer than they look: walking from Mandalay Bay to the Venetian takes well over an hour, and much of the route is through casinos and over pedestrian bridges.
The Fountains of Bellagio
The most famous free show in town: jets of water choreographed to music and lights on the lake in front of the Bellagio, from the afternoon until midnight, roughly every half hour in the afternoon and every 15 minutes in the evening. Watch from the balustrade on the Strip or, for the view from above, from the Eiffel Tower at Paris across the road.
The Sphere
Opened in 2023 behind the Venetian, the Sphere is a 366-ft (112 m) high globe covered in LED screens that turns into an eyeball, a planet or a giant emoji at night, visible from all over the city. Inside, a wraparound screen hosts concerts and immersive films; in autumn 2026 the headline experience is The Wizard of Oz at Sphere. Ticket prices vary by date and seat, so book on the venue’s own site. The exterior is free to enjoy from the Strip or the Monorail.
The High Roller and city views
The High Roller at the LINQ Promenade is one of the world’s tallest observation wheels, about 550 ft (168 m) high, with a full rotation in about 30 minutes in glass cabins; go at sunset. Other views: the Eiffel Tower viewing deck at Paris and the STRAT tower on the North Strip, with thrill rides on top.
Fremont Street Experience
Downtown’s five-block pedestrian street is covered by a giant LED canopy with light shows every night, and has free live concerts on three stages each evening. It is open 24 hours. Fly over the crowds on the SlotZilla zip line, then explore the classic casinos such as the Golden Nugget and El Cortez.
The Neon Museum
The Neon Boneyard displays restored signs from demolished casinos and motels, including the Stardust sign, in an outdoor lot north of downtown, with a gallery of animated signs next door. In the week we checked it was open daily from 3 to 11 p.m.; visits are timed, nights sell out, and the museum strongly recommends buying tickets in advance. Guided tours do not run when it is above 100 °F, and bad weather can cancel visits.
Shows, sports and more
- Shows: Cirque du Soleil productions, magicians, comedians, headline concert residencies and big-production revues. Buy from the venue or hotel box office, and beware of resale sites with high fees; by US law, the advertised price must now include mandatory fees.
- Sports: the Raiders (NFL) at Allegiant Stadium and the Golden Knights (NHL) at T-Mobile Arena.
- Museums: the Mob Museum downtown, in a former federal courthouse, tells the story of organized crime in Las Vegas.
- Food: celebrity-chef restaurants, the famous buffets and food halls on the Strip, and cheaper local favorites in Chinatown on Spring Mountain Road.
Other sights
- Fountains of Bellagio
- Fremont Street Experience
- High Roller
- Las Vegas Strip
Museums
- Neon Museum
Viewpoints
- The STRAT SkyPod
Fun and family
- Sphere
Other things to do in Las Vegas
Pools and spas
From spring to early autumn, resort pools are a big part of a Vegas stay, from lazy rivers and wave pools to adults-only day clubs with DJs. Pool access is usually covered by the resort fee for hotel guests; cabanas and day beds cost extra. Some pools close or shorten their hours in winter.
Red Rock Canyon
Just 17 miles (27 km) west of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, has a 13-mile (21 km) one-way scenic drive past swirling red and cream sandstone, with trails from short strolls to full-day climbs, plus world-class rock climbing. From 1 October to 31 May you need a timed-entry reservation on Recreation.gov to enter the Scenic Drive between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., on top of the entrance fee; before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m., and from June to September, no reservation is needed. The drive opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. in October, 5 p.m. from November to February, 7 p.m. in March and 8 p.m. from April to September. There is no public transport, so drive or join a tour. America the Beautiful passes are valid. See our hiking guide.
Getting married, gambling and the classic Vegas
Las Vegas is famous for quick chapel weddings, and for casinos open 24 hours. You must be 21 to gamble, drink alcohol or enter most casino bars and clubs, and staff check ID, so carry your passport or driving license. Set a budget, and remember that casinos are designed to keep you inside: there are no clocks and few windows.
Day trips from Las Vegas
Hoover Dam
About 35 miles (56 km) southeast of the Strip, this 1930s concrete dam on the Colorado River holds back Lake Mead on the Nevada–Arizona border. The dam is open daily 5 a.m.–9 p.m.; the Bureau of Reclamation’s visitor center and tours run 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last tour 4:10 p.m.), except Thanksgiving and Christmas. As of October 2026 the self-guided Visitor Center ticket costs $15, the guided Power Plant Tour $25 for adults and $15 for ages 4–16, and the guided Dam Tour $40, sold only on site; under-4s go free. Since 19 August 2026 the Dam Tour has been suspended for elevator repairs until further notice, while the Power Plant and Visitor Center tours run normally. Parking in the Nevada-side garage costs $10. America the Beautiful passes are not accepted. Expect a vehicle security check. Walk the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for a view down onto the dam, and stop at Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the way (entrance $25 per vehicle).
Valley of Fire State Park
Nevada’s oldest state park, about an hour northeast of the city, is a maze of fiery red sandstone with petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock, the Fire Wave and White Domes. The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle, or $15 for vehicles not registered in Nevada; no reservation is needed for day use. It is open from sunrise to sunset, but the whole park closes from 1 to 14 December each year for maintenance, and many trails, including White Domes and the Fire Wave, close from 15 May to 30 September because of the heat.
Zion, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon
- Zion National Park (Utah), about 2.5–3 hours northeast: towering canyon walls and the Narrows. $35 per vehicle, plus $100 per person for non-US residents aged 16 and over unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass, as at the Grand Canyon.
- Death Valley National Park (California), about 2–2.5 hours west: salt flats at Badwater, the lowest point in North America, and Zabriskie Point. $30 per vehicle; no extra non-resident fee. Go from November to March: summer heat there is extreme.
- Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona): the South Rim is 278 miles (447 km) away, a very long day; Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk, on Hualapai land, are about 2.5 hours. See our Grand Canyon National Park guide, and note that in autumn 2026 hotel stays inside the park are suspended.
A non-resident America the Beautiful pass ($250) covers Zion, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon for 12 months, and saves money for international visitors on a Southwest road trip.
Nearby destinations
- Death Valley National Park156 km
- Zion National Park224 km
- Grand Canyon National Park272 km
- Joshua Tree National Park276 km
- Palm Springs289 km
Getting there and getting around
From Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Las Vegas’s airport sits just east of the south end of the Strip, with flights from across the US and some international routes. Allow extra time in late 2026: the airport reports lane closures in the airport connector tunnels through December for repaving.
- Taxi: ranks outside baggage claim (Terminal 1 near doors 1–4; Terminal 3 on Level Zero near door 52). The Nevada Taxicab Authority sets zone fares from the airport: $22.25 to the South Strip (to Tropicana), $26.25 to the Center Strip (Tropicana to Flamingo) and $30.25 to the North Strip (Flamingo to the STRAT). A fuel surcharge of $1–$3 may apply, card payments add $3, and a 3% excise tax is added.
- Uber and Lyft: pick up in the parking garages, on Level 2 at Terminal 1 and on the Valet Level at Terminal 3. Fares vary with demand.
- Bus and shuttles: RTC city buses serve the airport, and shared shuttle vans run to Strip hotels; check routes in the rideRTC app.
The Deuce and RTC buses
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) runs the Deuce, double-decker buses up and down the Strip around the clock, and the faster SDX (Strip and Downtown Express) between the Strip and downtown. According to the RTC’s published fare table, Strip and downtown passes cost $6 for 2 hours, $8 for 24 hours and $20 for 3 days; residential routes are cheaper, and children 5 and under ride free with an adult. Buy passes in the rideRTC app or from ticket machines at stops, not on board. The RTC proposed fare increases in 2026, so check the current prices in the app before you travel.
The Las Vegas Monorail
The elevated Monorail runs behind the east side of the Strip from the MGM Grand to the SAHARA, with seven stations, including the Las Vegas Convention Center, every 4–8 minutes. It runs from 7 a.m. until midnight on Mondays, 2 a.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday to Sunday. As of October 2026 a single ride costs $6.25 ($5.75 online), a 1-day pass $15.50 ($13.95 online) and a 3-day pass $33 ($30.85 online). Stations are at the back of the hotels, so allow time to walk through the casinos. It does not go to the airport or downtown.
Driving, walking and Brightline West
You do not need a car on the Strip, where traffic is slow and many resorts charge for parking, but it is the easiest way to reach Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire and the national parks. Many visitors drive from Los Angeles, about 4–5 hours on Interstate 15, which gets very busy on Friday and Sunday afternoons. Brightline West, a planned 218-mile (351 km) electric high-speed railway between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga in Southern California, is under construction; there is no passenger service yet. Long-distance buses link Las Vegas with Los Angeles and other cities. For driving rules and car rental, see our United States travel guide.
When to go and how long to stay
Las Vegas has a hot desert climate with sunshine almost every day and very little rain. Spring and autumn are ideal; summer is brutally hot, though pools and air-conditioned resorts make it bearable, and hotel prices can be lower midweek; winter days are mild and sunny but nights are chilly. Prices rise sharply at weekends and during big conventions, sports events and holidays such as New Year’s Eve, so check the event calendar before you book.
| Season | Average high | Average low | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 71–88 °F (22–31 °C) | 50–66 °F (10–19 °C) | Warm and dry, sometimes windy; pool season starts. Best for hiking. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 99–104 °F (37–40 °C) | 76–82 °F (24–28 °C) | Extreme heat day and night; brief monsoon storms in July and August. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 95 °F (35 °C) falling to 67 °F (19 °C) | 72 °F (22 °C) falling to 47 °F (8 °C) | Hot September, perfect October and November. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 57–63 °F (14–17 °C) | 40–44 °F (4–7 °C) | Mild, sunny days, cold nights; the wettest months, though still dry. |
Figures are NOAA 1991–2020 normals for Harry Reid International Airport. The city gets just 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain a year.
Weather month by month
Staying safe in the summer heat
From June to September, daytime temperatures above 100 °F (38 °C) are normal and nights stay warm. Walking between Strip resorts in the afternoon sun can be exhausting: carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and use the Monorail, the Deuce or a taxi. Pavements, car seats and metal rails can burn skin. On desert trips, start at dawn, carry far more water than you think you need (at least a gallon, about 4 liters, per person per day), keep the car’s tank full, tell someone your plans, and never leave children or pets in a parked car. Many trails at Valley of Fire close in summer, and Death Valley is dangerous in the heat.
How long to stay: 3, 4 and 5 days
3 days: walk the Center Strip, see the Bellagio fountains and a show on day one; ride the High Roller and visit the Sphere on day two; spend day three downtown at the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum and Fremont Street. 4 days: add a morning at Red Rock Canyon (book a timed entry) and an afternoon at the pool. 5 days: add Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire, or a long day trip to Zion or Death Valley, or continue on a road trip to the Grand Canyon.
Where to stay in Las Vegas: resort fees and room tax
Hotel prices in Las Vegas swing enormously: a room that costs little on a Tuesday can cost several times more on a Saturday or during a big convention. First-timers usually stay on the Center Strip; downtown and off-Strip hotels are cheaper.
Resort fees: most Strip resorts add a mandatory daily “resort” or “destination” fee for things like Wi-Fi, the gym and pool access, whether you use them or not. On the big Strip resorts these are commonly around $35–$65 a night before tax, while some downtown and off-Strip hotels charge less. Since 12 May 2025, the Federal Trade Commission’s rule on unfair or deceptive fees requires hotels and booking sites to show the total price, including mandatory fees such as resort fees, upfront; taxes can still be added later. Compare the total price, not the room rate.
Room tax: Clark County’s combined transient lodging tax is 13.38% for resort hotels on the Strip and in the Primary Gaming Corridor, and between 10.5% and 13.38% elsewhere in the county. It applies to the room rate and to the resort fee. Many resorts also charge for parking.
Practical tips for Las Vegas
- Age 21: the legal age to gamble and drink alcohol; carry photo ID.
- Tipping: 18–22% in restaurants, and small tips for bartenders, housekeeping, valets and taxi drivers are expected. More in our United States travel guide.
- Prices: menus and shop prices exclude sales tax, which is added at the till.
- Smoking: still allowed on many casino floors; ask for a non-smoking room and look for smoke-free casinos if it bothers you.
- Street sellers: ignore timeshare pitches and “free show” offers, and buy tickets only from official box offices or sites.
- Time zone: Pacific Time; in winter Arizona (and the Grand Canyon) is one hour ahead.
- Emergencies: call 911.
What to pack for Las Vegas
Bring comfortable shoes: you will walk miles through casinos and along the Strip. Add swimwear, sunglasses, a hat and strong sunscreen from spring to autumn, a refillable water bottle, and a light jacket or sweater for the fierce air conditioning indoors and for cool desert nights. Pack one smarter outfit for shows, fine dining and clubs, many of which have dress codes. In winter, bring a warm layer for the evenings. For desert day trips, take hiking shoes and plenty of water.
Las Vegas travel FAQ
How much are resort fees in Las Vegas?
On the big Strip resorts they are commonly around $35–$65 a night before tax; some downtown and off-Strip hotels charge less. Under the FTC rule in force since May 2025, the total price including mandatory fees must be shown upfront.
What is the hotel tax in Las Vegas?
13.38% for resort hotels on the Strip, according to Clark County; between 10.5% and 13.38% elsewhere in the county. It is charged on the room rate and the resort fee.
How much is a taxi from Las Vegas airport to the Strip?
The official zone fares are $22.25 to the South Strip, $26.25 to the Center Strip and $30.25 to the North Strip, plus any fuel surcharge, a $3 card fee and 3% excise tax.
How much is the Deuce bus in Las Vegas?
The RTC’s published Strip fares are $6 for a 2-hour pass, $8 for 24 hours and $20 for 3 days. Fare increases were proposed in 2026, so check the rideRTC app.
How much is the Las Vegas Monorail?
$6.25 for a single ride ($5.75 online) and $15.50 for a 1-day pass ($13.95 online), as of October 2026.
Do I need a reservation for Red Rock Canyon?
Yes, from 1 October to 31 May, for entry to the Scenic Drive between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Book a timed entry on Recreation.gov; the entrance fee is extra.
How much is a Hoover Dam tour?
$15 for the self-guided Visitor Center, $25 for the Power Plant Tour (adults) and $40 for the Dam Tour, which has been suspended since August 2026 for elevator repairs. Parking is $10.
Can you do the Grand Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas?
Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk, about 2.5 hours away, are an easy day trip. The national park’s South Rim is 278 miles (447 km) away, so it is better with an overnight stay.
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
March to May and October to November, for warm, dry days. Summer highs average 99–104 °F (37–40 °C).
Is there a train from Los Angeles to Las Vegas?
Not yet. Brightline West’s high-speed line to Rancho Cucamonga is under construction. Drive, fly or take a long-distance bus.
Plan your trip
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Sources · last reviewed 4 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Taxi fares: Nevada Taxicab Authority; airport transport: Harry Reid International Airport; bus fares: RTC of Southern Nevada; Monorail fares and hours: Las Vegas Monorail; room tax: Clark County Department of Business License; resort-fee rule: Federal Trade Commission; Hoover Dam: Bureau of Reclamation; Red Rock Canyon: Bureau of Land Management and Recreation.gov; Valley of Fire: Nevada State Parks; Zion, Death Valley and Lake Mead fees: National Park Service; Neon Museum, Fremont Street Experience, Sphere and Brightline West: their own sites; climate: NOAA 1991–2020 normals. Typical resort-fee amounts, fountain show times and journey times are general references and flagged for checking. Prices change, so check official sites before you go. For entry rules and tipping, see our United States travel guide.
Also: NOAA NCEI normals 1991–2020, Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (climate)
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Rates: ECB · Holidays: Nager.Date · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODBL) · Wikidata (CC0)