things you must see and do in las vegas! - Lasvegasweddings.com.au

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Golden Nugget Pool/Shark Tank Slide . .... Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay . ..... Blackjack outside. And, there's more. The Tank also has cabanas available for rent, ...
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THINGS YOU MUST SEE AND DO IN LAS VEGAS! By Diana Edelman

Contents 1.

Visit the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.................................................................................................. 3

2.

Bellagio Fountains ................................................................................................................................. 3

3.

MGM Lion Habitat ................................................................................................................................. 4

4.

Take in the view: Stratosphere, MIX at Mandalay Bay, Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris, Voodoo Lounge at Rio, Ghost Bar at Palms........................................................................................... 4

5.

Go for a thrill ride: Roller coaster at New York – New York, rides on top of Stratosphere, zip lining on Fremont .................................................................................................................................. 5

6.

Circus Circus AdventureDome............................................................................................................... 6

7.

Check out cars: Imperial Palace Auto Collection and Penske-Wynn Ferrari Showroom ...................... 6

8.

See a Cirque show ................................................................................................................................. 7

9.

See a concert: Celine, Barry, Garth, Gladys, Donny & Marie and more............................................... 7

10. Strike a pose with a (wax) celebrity at Madame Tussaud’s .................................................................. 7 11. Eat. And eat some more ....................................................................................................................... 8 12. Secret Garden/Dolphin Habitat at Mirage ............................................................................................ 8 13. Bodies: The Exhibit ................................................................................................................................ 8 14. Titanic Exhibit ........................................................................................................................................ 9 15. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art .................................................................................................................... 9 16. The Mob Experience.............................................................................................................................. 9 17. Fremont Street Experience ................................................................................................................... 9 18. Arts District 18b................................................................................................................................... 10 19. Golden Nugget Pool/Shark Tank Slide ................................................................................................ 10 20. Shop ‘til you drop ................................................................................................................................ 10 21. Mirage Volcano ................................................................................................................................... 11 22. Get out of town: Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, Mt. Charleston and more .................................... 11 23. CSI: The Experience ............................................................................................................................. 11 24. Venetian Gondola Ride ....................................................................................................................... 12 25. Crash a wedding .................................................................................................................................. 12 26. Get Married or Renew Your Vows! ..................................................................................................... 12 27. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat.................................................................................................................... 12 28. Tour the Strip at Night......................................................................................................................... 13 29. Sirens of TI ........................................................................................................................................... 13 30. Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay................................................................................................................ 13 DISCLAIMER: All prices are in USD$ and are subject to change. Whilst every effort is made to keep this list as accurate as possible, the service or tour providers may change the detail without notice.

30 Things You Must See and Do in Las Vegas A Las Vegas holiday can be as inexpensive or as luxurious as you make it. It can also be overwhelming as there is so much to do, but where do you start and how do you make the best of your trip? Because this city is so diverse it can accommodate not only travellers of all ages, but also wallets of all sizes. Simply taking in the sights along Las Vegas Boulevard could provide a trip's worth of free attractions; but if you're looking for more, there are plenty of other things to see that won't cost you a dime. Tigers, flamingos and tropical fish are usually found in zoos, but not in Las Vegas. They're actually some of the main attractions at the MGM Grand, Flamingo and Mirage. Furthermore, they're free for all to see. Take a day trip to some remarkable outdoor areas such as Mt. Charleston or Red Rock Canyon, or stay nearby and enjoy all The Strip has to offer, and make your vacation that much more interesting. There are many attractions to enjoy and discover, some of the best completely free. Following is a list of the most popular Vegas attractions, in no specific order.

1.

Visit the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign It may not be one of the Wonders of the World, but the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign is certainly one of the most recognized. Located en route to The Strip from McCarran International Airport, on South Las Vegas Blvd, the newly renovated sign and surroundings are a must for travellers. Take a group shot, or grab an Elvis standing nearby, and give your best Pure Las Vegas pose. Either way, the photo in front of the Las Vegas sign is a rite of passage for the Vegas visitor. This site is one of the most popular in Las Vegas and often times buses and limos stop here so groups can take their photos. Be prepared to wait your turn to get in front of the sign for the iconic snapshot.

2.

Bellagio Fountains Recognizable the world over, thanks to serving as a stunning focal piece in many popular films, the Bellagio’s fountains are a necessary stop while in town. Located on Las Vegas Blvd. in front of the Bellagio, this free attraction mesmerizes. The fountains, housed within an 8.5-acre lake, combine water, lights and music to create a spectacle of awe as they dance through complex choreography. Set to a variety of music including classical, opera and Broadway numbers, the fountains shoot as high as 140m [460 feet] into the air. This free display is perfect for romance,

entertainment and grace. Performances daily: Mon–Fri 3pm–8pm every 30 minutes; Sat-Sun and holidays 12pm–8pm every 30 minutes, and 8pm- 12am every 15 minutes. Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109; 888-488-7111.

3.

MGM Lion Habitat Ever wanted to get up-close and nearly personal with lions? Visitors can’t touch them, but they sure can look … real close (!) inside the MGM Grand. The Lion Habitat is one-of-a-kind and designed to educate and preserve these majestic beasts. Housed in an indoor facility, this glass-enclosed showcase lets people see them at nearly every angle – from the casino-level or from below. Watch them eat, sleep, play and just be generally fantastic from 11am-7pm daily. The best part? It’s free. MGM Grand, 3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89109; (800) 646-7787; www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/lion-habitat.aspx

4.

Take in the view: Stratosphere, MIX at Mandalay Bay, Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris, Voodoo Lounge at Rio, Ghost Bar at Palms

Las Vegas may translate in English to “the meadows,” but this desert landscape is anything but. However, it doesn’t mean the scenery isn’t stunning. The town is surrounded by mountains, some even snow-capped nearly year-round. While many rooms on The Strip and beyond give visitors a view of one side of the valley, there are a few spots which provide some of the most spectacular photo-worthy panoramic shots of the entire area. For these killer views, there are a few places to hit. The Observation Deck of Stratosphere: Nearly 275 m [900 feet] above the ground, the Stratosphere’s indoor and outdoor Observation Decks provide 360-degrees of scenery. Voted the “Best Place to View the City” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Stratosphere is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the US. Grab a drink, eat a meal or head outside to one of the rides atop the tower for the ultimate soaking in of these stellar views. Adults: $16. Children: $10. Seniors: $12. Stratosphere, 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89104; (800) 998-6937; www.stratospherehotel.com  The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas: This half-scale exact reproduction replica of Paris’ Eiffel Tower may be significantly shorter than the original, measuring in at 140 m [460 feet], but it doesn’t mean the views aren’t fantastic. While en route to the top of the tower via elevator, a guide points out notable Las Vegas landmarks. Along the way up is the Eiffel Tower th Restaurant, situated on the 11 floor, which also provides some pretty amazing views and tasty Continental meals. Adults: $10.50 (day)/$15 (night). Children and seniors: $7.50/$10.50. Paris, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109; 888-2665687; www.parislasvegas.com

 MIX’s balcony at Mandalay Bay: Open for dinner nightly, this posh restaurant is located at THEhotel, a part of Mandalay Bay. Dine on contemporary French and American dishes while taking in the views of the bustling Strip. Once the sun sets, the action heats up at MIX. Open 6pm – 11pm daily. Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89119; 877-632-7800; www.mandalaybay.com  Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Las Vegas’ VooDoo Steak & Lounge: This restaurant and nightclub is situated more than 50 floors up and just off-Strip. Step outside onto one of the large rooftop terraces to see the Strip glowing nearby. Or, sit inside and dine on French Creole fare or steak with the Strip in the background. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, 3700 W. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89103; 800-PLAY-RIO; www.riolasvegas.com  Ghostbar at Palms: Nearby Rio, Ghost Bar overlooks the Strip from a close distance. Relax and unwind with a cocktail at the swanky lounge, or head outside and step onto the thick glass inset that lays 55 floors, directly above the pool. Dress in club attire and head to Ghostbar to start the night, then proceed back down to Rain for some latenight dancing to celeb DJs. Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89103; 866-942-7770; www.palms.com

5.

Go for a thrill ride: Roller coaster at New York – New York, rides on top of Stratosphere, zip lining on Fremont

Thrill-seekers needing a fix have a few options in Sin City. High atop Stratosphere’s Observation Deck are three adrenaline pumping rides. For the ultimate thrill, try the SkyJump (starting at $109.99), the highest controlled free fall in the world. The jumper gets connected to a highspeed “descender” and then steps over the edge, going down more than 100 floors. There’s also Insanity – The Ride ($12) that swings participants more than 19 metres[64 feet] over the edge of the Stratosphere, legs dangling as it spins people around at speeds up to 3Gs. X-Scream ($12), another ride, swings passengers over the ledge where they dangle, weightless, before being pulled back in and then propelled out again. Finally, there’s Big Shot ($13), the ride that takes people up to the top of the Stratosphere, and then drops them back down plummeting lift-style, where they experience 4G. Value passes are available to purchase and start at $34. Stratosphere, 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89104; (800) 998-6937; www.stratospherehotel.com Down at New York-New York, The Roller Coaster takes riders on a thrilling experience that lifts them more than 200 feet up, drops them down 44 m [144 feet] at 108 km per hour [67 miles per hour] and then takes them for a wild, hair-splitting adventure that includes twists and turns. Individual tickets are $14. Day pass is $25. New York- New York, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109; 866.815.4365; www.newyorknewyork.com For a taste of old Vegas mixed with heart-pounding, head north to the Fremont Street Experience and the “Flight Line.” This “flight line” often referred to as a zip line, launches participants 244 m [800 feet], under

the infamous Viva Vision canopy and over the crowds below. Open daily from 2pm. Rides before 6pm cost $15; after 6pm, $20. 425 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101; 800-249-3559; www.fremontstreetflightline.com

6.

Circus Circus AdventureDome This giant five-acre pink dome houses an amusement park complete with indoor roller coaster, an area packed with carnival games and more. AdventureDome Theme Park, located inside Circus Circus Las Vegas, gives guests an indoor, yearround Las Vegas amusement park. Go for a double-loop on the Canyon Blaster roller coaster; experience 4G on the Sling Shot; check out an IMAX Ride Film or a 4D Special FX Theater. Open daily. Adult day pass: $26.95. Kids day pass: $16.95 for kids. Circus Circus, 2880 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109; 877-4349175; www.circuscircus.com

7.

Check out cars: Imperial Palace Auto Collection and PenskeWynn Ferrari Showroom

Whether a car-lover or not, the Auto Collections at Imperial Palace are not to be missed. Here, more than 250 antique automobiles, muscle cars and former celebrityowned rides are on display. The world’s largest and finest classic car showroom has more than $100 million worth of beauties on display, including American icon Johnny Carson’s old 1939 Chrysler Royal Sedan. It’s also home to the 1994 Jaguar XJ220, ex-owner of the “fastest car in the world” title; as well as the 1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Figoni et Pillarless Berline, once owned by the Prince of Nepal. Tickets are $3 - $8.95. Imperial Palace, 3535 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109; 702-794-3174; www.autocollections.com To see some of the fanciest and most expensive cars today, head over to Wynn Las Vegas and the PenskeWynn Ferrari Showroom. This exclusive dealership is the only authorized one in Nevada and features some of Ferrari’s most gorgeous new and used cards. Only 35 people are allowed in the showroom at a time. But, that’s OK. Across the way is a Ferrari store to purchase all of the logoed items and souvenirs. Open Monday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm. Admission: $10. Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV 89109; 702770-2000; www.penskewynnferrari.com

8.

See a Cirque show

Las Vegas is home to seven different Cirque du Soleil productions. Recognized for its high-quality, artistic entertainment, a night spent at any Cirque Show is guaranteed to be memorable. “Zumanity,” located at New York-New York, is a sensual cabaret performance that explores sensuality (and is not appropriate for kids); illusionist Criss Angel treats spectators to some of his best magic in “BeLIEve” at Luxor; “KA” at MGM Grand is a journey of love and conflict is gravity-defying; “The Beatles LOVE” at Mirage is a Cirque-style tribute to one of the most famous bands of all-time; Treasure Island’s “Mystere” is a classic, highlighting what the company is known for – acrobatics, athleticism and imagery; “O” at Bellagio is a water-centric production featuring synchronized swimmers and artistry; and the newest Cirque production inside ARIA, “Viva Elvis,” pays tribute to The King’s music. It’s a good idea to book ahead of time for the more popular shows but if you’re not fussed on which Cirque show to see there’s always plenty of discounted tickets from the ticket booths that are found everywhere in Las Vegas.

9.

See a concert: Celine, Barry, Garth, Gladys, Donny & Marie and more

Big names come through Las Vegas a lot. Even better – some big names are always in town. Headliners on The Strip include Celine Dion an Shania Twain, at Caesars Palace; Barry Manilow for all of the “Fanilows” at Paris Las Vegas; country crooner Garth Brooks at Wynn; Gladys Knight and her new show “A Mic and a Light” at The Tropicana; brother and sister duo Donny and Marie at Flamingo and more. Whether someone is a little bit country or rock’n’roll, the often intimate performances will have visitors humming their favorite tunes well after the final bow. If the price point for these shows is a little high, never fear: there are plenty of ticket brokers in town that may have some discounted tickets. For the big names, it’s best to purchase the tickets before you leave home but for the everyday headliners purchase your discounted tickets on the day or the day before from the many discounted ticket booths.

10. Strike a pose with a (wax) celebrity at Madame Tussauds The Venetian is home to Madame Tussauds including the life-like wax figures of Lady Gaga, George Clooney, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Gwen Stefani, Oprah and hundreds more, taking pics with wax has never been more frame-worthy. Aside from the meticulously crafted and eerily accurate wax figures, guests can enjoy interactive displays that let them select celebrity attendees to have at their wedding (and take pics).

Aside from the celebs, there are also wax characters to cuddle up next to for the perfect Facebook shot. The Chamber of Horrors features movie villains and other creatures. Board the Black Pearl and hang with Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew of pirates (aaargh) and more. The museum even has classic icons like Elvis and Liz Taylor. Madame Tussauds is open daily at 10am. Adults: $25. Seniors 60 and up: $18. Children 7 – 12: $$15. Children under 6: free. Venetian, 3377 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109; 702-862-7800; www.madametussauds.com/lasvegas/

11. Eat. And eat some more Las Vegas has become a mecca for dining. Home to Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Mario Batali, Tom Colicchio, Charlie Palmer, Kerry Simon and other big names, going out to a restaurant is an exciting event. Whatever the craving, it can be found on The Strip. And, there’s more. There are buffets at nearly every resort and even all-day buffet passes within some sister properties. Got a craving? The buffets are decadent, scrumptious and offer value for money not to be missed (at least once or twice is a must). Nearly every casino has at least one restaurant that is open 24 hours.

12. Secret Garden/Dolphin Habitat at Mirage Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, located at the Mirage, bring wide-eyed visitors face-toface some of the most remarkable mammals on the planet. Within this specially-created environment, there are white lions, white tigers, leopards and panthers, along with a family of Atlantic Bottle-Nosed Dolphins. What’s more? For those whom have dreamed of hanging with dolphins, the Dolphin Habitat offers the opportunity to be a dolphin Trainer for a Day. It will cost around $600 or so, but is well worth it for the experience. Open daily at 10am. Adults: $17. Children 4 – 12: $12. Children 3 and under: free with an adult. Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109; 702-791-7111; www.mirage.com

13. Bodies: The Exhibit Ever wondered what the inside of the body looked like? Bodies: The Exhibit, located at Luxor, is a fascinating look into the intricacies of the human body. It features 130 whole-body specimens and 260 specially-preserved organs. Marvel at the actual real-life examples of the body’s systems; learn about the workings of the body, and how to stay healthy. One of the most popular exhibits in the world, this attraction provides a “behind-the-scenes” insight into the human body. Open daily 10am – 10pm. Admission starts at $32. Luxor, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89119; 702-262-4000. www.luxor.com

14. Titanic Exhibit Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor takes visitors through the story of the Titanic, complete with actual findings from the shipwreck and replicas. The experience starts with the ticket, which features the name of an actual passenger and details about that person. As people proceed through the exhibit they view more than 300 artifacts, some of them neverbefore-seen, as well as hear re-tellings of personal stories of some off the ship’s passengers. A massive piece of the ship’s actual hull is even on display. Open daily 10am – 10pm. Adults: $28. Seniors 65 and up: $26. Children 4 – 12: $21. Children 3 and under: free. Luxor, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89119; 702-262-4000. www.luxor.com

15. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Las Vegas’ premier exhibition space, the Gallery of Fine Art at Bellagio, offers rotating exhibitions of some of the world’s most well-known artists. Warhol and Monet have been on display here, as have the Faberge treasures and more. On exhibit through January 2012, “A Sense of Place: Landscapes from Monet to Hockney,” includes more than 30 pieces of art by Monet, Hockney, Chagall, Christo and more. The gallery is open daily at 10am. Adults: $15. Seniors 65 and up: $12. Students, teachers and military: $10. Children 12 and under: free. Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109; 888-987-6667; www.bellagio.com

16. The Mob Experience Take a trip to the newly remodeled Tropicana Las Vegas and take a step back in time at the Las Vegas Mob Experience – an interactive exhibit that recreates mob life for the guests. Line-up at the docks, and then proceed to immigration where each person’s photo is snapped, and then the adventure begins. Visitors move through the 793 metre [26,000 square-feet], 33-room, three-act experience in groups, complete with mobsters nudging them along as they take part in a crime. The exhibit combines holograms, scenting technology, thousands of artifacts and more to make it a unique and exciting (and interesting) hands-on experience. Plus, there’s a museum within the Experience to provide even more insight. Adults: $39.95. Children 5 – 12: $29.96. Seniors: $29.96. Tropicana, 3801 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109; 702-7392662; www.lvme.com

17. Fremont Street Experience There’s nothing like vintage Vegas, and the Fremont Street Experience is the place to take in the flavor of what Las Vegas used to look like. Glitter, neon and casinos opening into the multi-block Fremont Street Experience lure millions of visitors from The Strip each year. Be sure to hit the Experience between 8:30 pm and midnight for the stop-in-your-footsteps Viva Vision light display. The 457 metre [1,500 foot-long] display utilizes 12 million

synchronized LED lamps to create an engaging experience complete with music and lights. Shows include a tribute to Don McLean’s “American Pie,” all set to amazing graphics. Then, cross Las Vegas Blvd. and head to Fremont East where the locals hang out. Grab a pint at one of the bars lining the street or go through some coins into the newly opened Insert Coin(s) where vintage arcade games and popular DJs keep the entertainment level high. Viva Vision is free. 425 Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89101; www.vegasexperience.com

18. Arts District 18b Set in a quickly redeveloping neighborhood just south of Downtown Las Vegas, 18b Arts District offers a change of scenery from the resorts and casinos. Here, art galleries featuring up-and-comers, local and nationally known artists, display their works in an urban setting. Aside from art, there are antique and other unique shops to peruse, along with hip bars and restaurants. While in 18b, hit up Artifice for a cocktail, and then move over to Chicago Joe’s for some authentic Italiano in a cozy 1920s house. If in town for the first Friday of the month, be sure to visit the neighborhood for First Friday, where vendors line the streets, galleries open their doors, food trucks serve up little morsels of deliciousness and the wine and beer flow whilst revelers listen to live music and watch entertainment including fire dancers and more. www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Government/7550.htm

19. Golden Nugget Pool/Shark Tank Slide Swim with the sharks … or at least near them at the Golden Nugget’s recently revamped pool, The Tank. The $30 million pool comes complete with a huge shark tank housing more than 300 animals, including six species of sharks and rays, along with bony fish. Climb to the top of the multi-decked pool and enjoy the large slide that takes riders through the tank (note: not IN the tank), for an up-close and pretty personal look at these magnificent sea creatures. Enjoy the desert heat near a waterfall or playing some live Blackjack outside. And, there’s more. The Tank also has cabanas available for rent, along with chaise lounges and a poolside bar. This pool offers The Hideout for guests 16 and older to enjoy a kid-free day of sun and water. Admission is free for hotel guests. Adults: $20. Children 11 and under: $15. Children 2 and under: free. Golden Nugget, 129 E. Fremont Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89101; 702-385-7111.

20. Shop ‘til you drop Yes. Visitors come to Vegas to shop. In fact, it is entirely possible to end up shipping items back home because of all of the shopping opportunities that await travellers in Las Vegas. There’s the Esplanade Shops at Wynn and Encore that houses the only US boutique outside of NYC for shoe designer Manolo Blahnik, as well as the only Rolex branded store in the country. There’s also a bevy of fashion designers with stores including Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Dior. Across the street even more shops await at The Shoppes at The Palazzo (hello, Barneys New York, Jimmy Choo and Burberry) and Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes which includes Dooney & Burke, as well as Swarovski. For even more variety, head over to Fashion Show Mall with department stores, Zara and smaller boutiques; The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace which houses one of the largest H & M locations in the world; or the more mainstream Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood with GAP and American Apparel. For those on a

budget, the Strip is flanked by two premium outlet malls, one indoor and one outdoor, both offering some of the best well-known retailers goods at discounted prices.

21. Mirage Volcano Revamped in 2008 to the tune of $28 million, the Mirage’s realistic volcano lures visitors nightly with the promise of a primal and grand spectacle. In fact, it is one of the Strip’s most popular (and well-known free attractions). Head out for a twilight stroll down Las Vegas Blvd. and stop at this volcano when it is set to erupt. It won’t disappoint. Hourly spewing of fireballs shooting from the crater 3.7 metres [ 12 feet] high into the air and streams of lava flowing down the manmade volcano captivate. Set to a soundtrack composed by Grateful Dead drummer/Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Mickey Hart and the talented Indian table player Zakir Hussain, this attraction will wow with its never-before-seen fire effects. Named “Best Manmade Wonder” by Las Vegas Weekly, it truly is a wonder. The volcano erupts nightly from 8pm to midnight, on the hour. Mirage, 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV, 89101; 702-791-7111.

22. Get out of town: Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, Mt. Charleston and more Just because Las Vegas is known for its resorts doesn’t mean there aren’t outdoor activities to enjoy. Rent a car and head North, South, East or West and explore the nature surrounding the city. East of Las Vegas is the famous Hoover/Boulder Dam; West of the city is Red Rock Canyon with numerous hiking trails and stunning scenery; Northwest is Mt. Charleston, the highest peak in Southern Nevada. In the winter, the mountain offers skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, people head up to cool off and enjoy biking and hiking. In the mood for water? Just past Hoover Dam and Boulder City is Lake Mead. Rent a boat and take some time to soak up the sun on the water.

23. CSI: The Experience Ever wonder what it is like to be a part of a murder investigation? At CSI: The Experience, visitors do just that. This attraction thrusts participants into a world of murder, investigations, suspects and more. Based on the popular American television series of the same name, each person works through this interactive investigation which includes three murders, 15 lab stations which feature state-of-the-art forensic tools, 15 suspects and three killers. Guided by videos from some of the series’ popular cast members, at the end the person who solves the murder receives a CSI diploma. This experience is not recommended for children under 12. Open daily: 10am – 10pm. Adults: $30; Children 4 – 11: $23. MGM Grand at Studio Walk, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV, 89109; 877-660-0660

24. Venetian Gondola Ride Las Vegas re-creates many things … blue skies indoors, the Sphinx, a rain storm inside the Miracle Mile Shops, the Eiffel Tower and Venice’s famed canals. At the Venetian, guests can board a replica of the infamous gondolas that float in Italy. A sweet romantic ride, these boats seat four people with a singing gondolier navigating the smooth waters. The indoor ride is 14 minutes and winds passengers through the Grand Canal Shoppes. The outdoor experience is 12 minutes (and seasonal), and glides through a lagoon, affording views of The Strip. Open daily at 10am (outdoor open at noon). Cost: $16 per person; $64 for a private gondola. Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109; 702-607-3982.

25. Crash a wedding Cute and kitschy chapels line the Strip. It’s nearly a guarantee that during a visit to Las Vegas, a blushing bride will be spotted. Don’t have an invite to a wedding? No worries. Pick a chapel and give them a ring. They are keen on getting prospective weddings booked at their chapel, so often times will go ahead and invite the prospect down to see a Las Vegas wedding experience. For super fun weddings, check out chapels that offer Elvis or other impersonators. Or …

26. Get Married or Renew Your Vows! Why not? Each year, hundreds of thousands of people say their “I do’s” here. From an upscale affair at one of the city’s country clubs, to a planned event at a hotel, to a drive-through chapel, getting married in Las Vegas is a story to tell over and over again.

27. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat Like its namesake, Flamingo Las Vegas houses these birds, as well as other exotic creatures in its Wildlife Habitat. Head over and explore the lush outdoor surroundings which are home to not only a large collection of Chilean flamingos, but other exotics as well, including hundreds of birds, ducks, koi, swans and turtles. These gorgeous creatures can’t be touched, but visitors can come close to them and snap photos with a backdrop of waterfalls, tropical plants, streams and more. Check out this free experience from 8am to dusk daily. Flamingo, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV, 89109; 702-7333111; www.flamingolasvegas.com

28. Tour the Strip at Night The Strip at night is a stunning thing. A sea of lights, twinkling, flashing and glowing, greet travellers as they step onto the sidewalks. Sure, walking The Strip is one way to take in this spectacle. However, for a more comprehensive experience, try a helicopter tour or an open-top bus tour. The heli tour whisks its passengers on a loop normally from Downtown and down The Strip. There’s even a few that take off at twilight and fly near the Hoover Dam and then to The Strip to catch better views of the valley. Helicopter tours last around 15 minutes and can cost anywhere from $90 to upwards of $200 depending on the package. For a less expensive option, try a bus tour. A Double Decker bus rolls down The Strip in 75 minutes, affording riders with an up-close look at the lights and magnificence of the city. These tours costs around $40. Check out the tours online.

29. Sirens of TI th

Be lured (along with the pirates) in this 17 century outdoor show set in Treasure Island’s Siren’s Cove. Watch as pirates and temptresses battle it out on huge ships, all set to song and dance. Not appropriate for kids, this performance features excitement, death-defying dives, sword fights, a sinking ship and even fireworks. This free show performs nightly at 5:30pm, 7pm, 8:30pm and 10pm. Treasure Island, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109; 702-894-7111; www.treasureisland.com

30. Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Located inside Mandalay Bar, the Shark Reef Aquarium puts visitors face-to-face with some of the sea’s most vicious predators. In fact, it’s the continent’s only predator-based aquarium. Spy a variety of sharks, rays, sawfish, piranhas, jellies, endangered golden sea turtles and golden crocs. There’s more than a whopping 2,000 animals floating in these waters. Open at 10am daily. Adults: $18; Children 5 – 12: $12. Children 4 and under: free. Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89119; 877-632-7800; www.mandalaybay.com

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