Most likely if you are heading to Southern Nevada, you have one destination in mind, Las Vegas. The main strip located in Las Vegas is home to top-notch entertainment including dinner shows, concerts and over-the-top casinos.
The city's hundreds of hotels and casinos all offer something different. Toward the north end of the strip, the Stratosphere Hotel is located. On the edge of the strip, it offers a place to stay for close proximity to downtown. At 1,200 feet, this tower resembling the space needle in Seattle, offers views of Las Vegas and has an observation deck as well. You will find prices reasonable here.
If you are looking for something closer to the middle of the strip, consider The Bellagio Hotel and Casino, created by Steve Wynn. It offers the ultimate in luxury. It was Wynn's goal when building the Bellagio to make it the most luxurious hotel on the Earth. Prices at the Bellagio often range in the mid-hundreds for a night's stay. With its marble floors, dining and pools, the price reflects its luxury.
The famous Vegas show Cirque du Soleil is located in six of the biggest hotels in Las Vegas. An amazing combination of art, acrobats and music, this is one show that is a "must see." Get your tickets in advance, as they often sell out.
Just off U.S. 93, southeast of Boulder City lies Lake Mead National Recreation Area. With two mountain lakes, Lake Mead and Lake Mojave, and more than 1.5 million areas of wilderness, the outdoor enthusiast will enjoy a visit. Both lakes provide sport fishing, boating, kayaking and desert trails to hike. Small entrance fees must be paid to get into the area, however. Most people visit this area to camp, which makes staying in the area affordable.
West of Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon in the Mojave Desert. If you are looking for a good day trip away from the Strip, this is your place. The beautiful Red Rocks that surround the desert are home to wildflowers, lizards and geological history. Stop by the interpretative center to learn about the history of the Red Rocks. If you enjoy climbing, the Red Rocks offer world-class climbing and hiking. If you prefer air-conditioning, choose to take a scenic drive in your vehicle to view the desert scenery.
If you want to beat the Las Vegas heat, visit Mount Charleston. Located about 35 miles from Las Vegas, it is significantly cooler. Many vacationers enjoy Mount Charleston for a day of horseback riding, hiking or skiing in the winter. Mount Charleston Lodge is the main establishment for lodging and dining atop the mountain.
Las Vegas provides world-class entertainment. It also provides great shopping. For an afternoon of shopping, head into the heart of Las Vegas to Town Square shopping center. Town Square offers a beautiful southwest setting with hundreds of shops and dining places.
Perhaps the nicest thing about Las Vegas is its weather. For those who love to golf, golfers will be pleased with the many golf resorts the city offers year-round. While many are private, most in the Henderson and Vegas areas are public and cater to the area's many tourists.
