Naturally created by water erosion over hundreds of years, the slot canyons that resulted are incredibly smooth and are the result of the water running through sandstone.
The way the sunlight changes against the canyon walls throughout the year is absolutely beautiful, and is one of the reasons why it’s such a big tourist hotspot.
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most breathtaking places in the world, and if you’re going to be in Las Vegas it’s worth taking the trip.
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle from the city. We have the top Antelope Canyon Tours from Las Vegas right here, so keep on reading!
Be sure to see our reviews of Red Rock Canyon tours, Grand Canyon tours and Hoover Dam tours.
Best Tours of Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas
Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour with Pickup From Las Vegas | Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour From Las Vegas | Grand Canyon & Antelope Canyon 2-Day Tour From Las Vegas | |
---|---|---|---|
Departure Point: | Hotel pickup and drop-off included | Hotel pickup and drop-off included | Hotel pickup and drop-off included |
Departure Time: | Early morning | Early morning | Early morning |
Duration: | 14 to 15 hours | 16 hours | 2 days |
Includes: | Entry fee to Antelope Canyon, transport, live tour commentary provided in English / certified Navajo tribal guide, lunch, snacks | Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned minibus, entrance fees, local guide, driver | Breakfast, National Park entrance fees, 1 night in a hotel, WiFi, drinks and snacks |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Antelope Canyon Tours from Las Vegas
- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour with Pickup From Las Vegas
- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour From Las Vegas
- Grand Canyon & Antelope Canyon 2-Day Tour From Las Vegas
- Antelope & Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce & Monument Valley
- Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour
- Las Vegas: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend
- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour From Las Vegas
Antelope Canyon Tour Reviews
1. Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour with Pickup From Las Vegas
- Duration: 14 to 15 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Departure Time: Early morning
- Includes: Entry fee to Antelope Canyon, transport by comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, live tour commentary provided in English / certified Navajo tribal guide, driver-guide, lunch, snacks
Let’s start things off on the right foot with the Las Vegas: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour with pickup tour. Lasting 14 to 15 hours (depending on traffic), it’s the perfect way to see this area in-depth in less than a day. If you are looking for a fascinating trip into Mother Nature, this one never fails to impress!
The tour starts off with you being picked up from your Vegas hotel by a comfy van that is fully air-conditioned. Get all settled in and meet with your guides and the rest of your group while you venture out towards either the famous lower Antelope Canyon or the more secluded Antelope Canyon X.
Your Navajo tribal guide will lead the way, who knows all about the history and traditions of this area. They’ll take you to all of the best places – some of which are “off the beaten path” and are places that most visitors don’t get the chance to see!
Thanks to the small group sizes on this tour, you’ll be able to see more and ask more questions. Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River, and much more are what you can expect to see.
Once you get to Horseshoe Bend, be prepared for a bit of hiking, and to make your way up to an incredible lookout over the river as the sun sets! Lunch, snacks, and plenty of fruit and bottled water will be provided throughout the tour, too!
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
2. Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour From Las Vegas
- Duration: 16 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Departure Time: Early morning
- Includes: Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned minibus, entrance fees, local guide, driver
If you’re looking for another full-day tour option, check out the Las Vegas: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour! This is a 16-hour tour that will take you through the gorgeous landscape of Antelope Canyon, various lookout points, and more.
With a Navajo guide, you’ll have a local who truly knows the area’s history, and the best spots to explore. There’s no need to fret about scheduling and booking transportation, or even driving out there yourself.
Round-trip transportation is included, and you’ll start the tour by being picked up from your hotel by an air-conditioned minibus. These minibuses are very comfy, with large windows perfect for admiring the beautiful desert scenery outside!
Take a stop for some delicious breakfast in St. George, Utah, which holds the oldest continuously-operating Mormon temple on the planet!
After you’ve refueled, you’ll head back out toward the Colorado River and on to Horseshoe Bend. The river bends around the rocks here, creating a “horseshoe” which is where the area got its name from.
Your guides will tell you all about how these places came to be, and historical events that happened here. Next, you’ll get to explore lower Antelope Canyon and these magnificent, smooth rocks created by the elements working together.
Your guide will show you all the best little nooks and crannies, seeing the light shine through the small spaces in the canyon walls. After ample climbing around and exploring, you’ll take a break for lunch and then head to Glenn Canyon viewpoint for some insane panoramas!
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. Grand Canyon & Antelope Canyon 2-Day Tour From Las Vegas
- Duration: 2 days
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Departure Time: Early morning
- Includes: Breakfast, National Park entrance fees, 1 night in a hotel, WiFi, drinks and snacks
Perhaps you’re on the hunt for a tour that really allows you an in-depth experience and exploration of this area. While the full-day tours are comprehensive, there are people who would like to see more. If that’s the case for you, then take a good look at the Las Vegas: Grand Canyon & Antelope Canyon 2-Day Tour.
As the title suggests, this tour lasts for 2 days where you’ll not only get to experience Antelope Canyon, but the world-famous Grand Canyon, as well! Just like with the other tours we’ve covered so far, your tour will start with a pickup at selected Las Vegas hotels.
The transportation is very comfortable, and roomy enough that you won’t be sitting in there cramped. You’ll start first-thing in the morning to make the most of your day.
Of course, no tour in this area would be complete if you didn’t make a stop for some photos at the legendary “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign! Then, enjoy a mouthwatering continental breakfast as you’re driven to Hoover Dam.
Hoover Dam alone is an incredible place, both in appearance and in history. As one of the tallest concrete dams in the world, you can imagine the kinds of views from here.
Constructed during the Great Depression, it is a perfect example of how resilient and hardworking the American people were to create this. You’ll also learn of how crucial it was to the beginning and success of Las Vegas!
Continue on through Arizona’s picturesque desert landscape as you stop on the historic Route 66. You’ll take 3 different stops on the route for photo ops and plenty of history lessons. Here, you’ll also grab some lunch and then head out to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Once here, your guides will show you 3 of the best lookout points: Yavapai, Grandview, and Lipan point. Depending on the season, you’ll be able to watch the brilliant citrus sunset over the canyon, then head to your 3-star hotel.
On the second day, you’ll be picked up at your Arizona hotel and then head over to Horseshoe Bend. Be sure to lace up your hiking shoes, because you’ll be hiking about 2km to experience the best views. After that, you’ll get to rest for a bit in the vehicle as you and your group are driven out to Antelope Canyon!
Here, you’ll join up with a local Navajo guide where they’ll take you through the magnificently smooth rock formations. Afterward, get some lunch in at a local restaurant and it’s time to get some sleep on your drive back to Vegas!
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Antelope & Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce & Monument Valley
- Duration: 3 days
- Departure: The Mirage Hotel and Casino at 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Departure Time: 7:15 am
- Includes: Live commentary in English, downloadable app with tour commentary in French, German, Spanish, and Italian, transportation in modern tour bus/SUV, meals, accommodation camping or lodging, park admission to Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley, all camping equipment is provided including sleeping bags (if camping option selected)
If you’re an adventurous spirit and really want to see as much as possible, then this next tour is the one for you. The Antelope & Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce & Monument Valley tour lasts 3 days!
Taking you by 4×4 through some of the most picturesque natural wonders in the United States, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with this excursion.
You’ll be picked up at one of the hotels in Las Vegas, where you’ll hop aboard a minibus. These buses are quite comfortable, air-conditioned, and the drivers/guides are great and place safety at the forefront.
You’ll start out by heading to Zion and Bryce. Zion Canyon is a great start to the journey. Cut by the Virgin River, it’s renowned for its seamless blend white, pink, and red sandstone.
Oh, and that’s not all!
Petrified sand dunes standing over a whopping 2,000 feet over the canyon floor only add to this stunning landscape! Even if you aren’t into photography, we guarantee you’re going to have to take out your phone and snap some pics.
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Zion National Park is perfect for strolling around or taking some hikes – there’s something for every fitness level here. The Emerald Pools trail is a crowd favorite, with the Temple of Sinawava, the Great White Throne, and more. Oh, make sure to visit the Human History museum and listen to the rangers outside!
Next up is Bryce Canyon, complete with an enormous natural amphitheater which was also made by erosion. This canyon is unique in appearance due to the abundance of “hoodoos”. These are rocks shaped like pillars or columns, and are most highly concentrated in Bryce Canyon than anywhere else in the world!
After, you’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ and hang out around the campfire with everyone. You can choose to lodge in the Bryce Valley Inn or at the campsite!
The next day, you’ll wake up early and head out to Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon (if you choose this option). Later, you can check out Monument Valley for a 4×4 Jeep adventure! At night, you’ll camp along the rim of Monument Valley or lodge in the Historic Gouldings Lodge.
The third day, you’ll make a brief stop at the Navajo Trading Post, where you can choose to take a helicopter tour for insane aerial views of the Grand Canyon!
If you prefer, you can also take a less adrenaline-filled stroll around the rim or hike into the canyon. The guides will tell you all about the geology and history of the area.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour
- Duration: 1 day
- Departure: Paris Hotel North Door Tour Lobby
- Departure Time: 7 am
- Includes: Round-trip transportation by minibus with Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, entry fees, picnic lunch, bottled water, snacks
Check out some of the most breathtaking locations the Southwest United States has to offer on this tour. The Las Vegas: Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour is a 1-day excursion with a small group size perfect for exploring more places and getting a more personalized experience.
With a local Navajo guide, you’ll be able to see spots that are off the beaten path that most people won’t even know about!
You’ll meet up with the rest of your group at the Paris Hotel, departing right after 7 am. Start things off right with a continental breakfast as you’re all driven through the beautiful, ominous Nevada desert landscapes. Once you enter Arizona, you’ll head to the Virgin River Gorge.
This gorge is a favorite of photographers with the pink cliffs, smooth sand dunes, and picturesque desert flora and fauna.
You’ll make a stop in Kanab, which is renowned among filmmakers due to its prime location for filming. So much so, that it’s often referred to as “Little Hollywood” in the industry! After some photo ops, you’ll head to Page where you’ll get to see Lower Antelope Canyon.
Your guide will take you into the actual canyon at the perfect time for the light to pass through these wavy, colorful walls.
After you get to explore the canyon, you’ll all go to Horseshoe Bend where it’s time to enjoy a satisfying picnic lunch consisting of local, fresh sandwiches.
As you eat, take in the emerald waters below which bend around the layers of red rock walls to create the “Horseshoe” we refer to today. Then, head back to Page and see Lake Powell’s marvelous vistas!
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
6. Las Vegas: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend
- Duration: 17 hours
- Departure: Either Bellagio or Circus Circus hotels
- Departure Time: Morning
- Includes: Guide and driver, lunch, entrance fees for Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, and Horseshoe Bend, pickup and drop off from the Bellagio or Circus Circus Hotels (to be selected at check out)
Lots of people like the full-day tours because you can stay at the same Las Vegas hotel as the night before, while still being able to get away from the city.
The Las Vegas: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend tour is very well-organized and easily one of the most convenient ways to see all of these amazing sites. If you are into US history, geology, the outdoors, or simply beautiful places, this is a must-do!
Lasting 17 hours, this tour really does cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time! Roundtrip transportation is included, and you’ll meet at one of the Las Vegas Strip hotels. The transportation is very comfortable, smooth, and spacious and the drivers are attentive and place safety at the forefront.
You’ll first make a stop at Antelope Canyon, famous for its smooth waves of different-colored rock walls and interesting formations.
Follow your experienced Navajo guide through here, where they’ll tell you all about how this canyon came to be and why the walls look this way. It’s a great opportunity for taking some photos as well, as everywhere you turn there are jaw-dropping sights!
Next, you’ll head over to Horseshoe Bend, which gets its name from the horseshoe-shaped turn in the Colorado River. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the views here, with a 1.2km hike on a sandy trail! This is a pretty easy trail, so you don’t have to be in excellent physical shape by any means.
Last but certainly not least, you’ll stop at the Grand Canyon! Not only is it massive, it represents millions of years of geological history with its countless red rock bands!
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
7. Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour From Las Vegas
- Duration: 13 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: Morning
- Includes: Admission to Antelope Canyon, granola bar, bottled water
Perhaps you’re on the other end of the spectrum and are looking for a shorter tour! That’s no problem either, with the Las Vegas: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour! Clocking in at 13 hours, this tour is just the right amount of time to get a taste of this gorgeous area without tiring yourself out and you’ll be back in time for dinner!
This one does include a hotel pickup and drop-off in Vegas, but you’ll agree upon a central hotel in advance where everyone can meet. Hop on board an air-conditioned, luxury coach with your guides and the rest of your group.
To be honest, if the guides hadn’t been so entertaining in their history lessons, we would’ve fallen asleep easily due to how smooth and comfortable this coach was!
You’ll first head to Page, where you’ll take in stunning views of the Virgin River Gorge and rock formations at the Escalante/Grand Staircase.
The rugged landscape here is quite special, as it covers 5 different life-zones, from the desert to coniferous forest! The sandstone walls here look like a real-life psytrance festival with its loops and holes in the walls and kaleidoscope-like colors!
Here, your local Navajo guide will provide valuable pieces of information and stories about the history, culture, and geology of the area. By this point, your stomach has probably started growling, so enjoy a granola bar and some water.
Once you’re refueled, continue on to Horseshoe Bend, with an overlook towering over a 1,000-foot drop! The Colorado River’s bend creates the “horseshoe”, and is always quite a sight to see. Here, you’ll hike for about 1.5 miles to reach this viewpoint so be prepared for a bit of a sweat.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Las Vegas Travel Guide
Getting There –
As Las Vegas is such a popular spot for tourists, it’s really convenient getting there (in most cases). It seems like a lot of major airlines offer direct flights to Vegas! American Airlines, Spirit, United, Delta, Southwest, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and many more.
As you can probably imagine, there are certain times throughout the year where flights are more expensive, such as New Year’s. If you can stand the heat, summer usually has the cheapest flights.
If you live in Southern California or Arizona, for example, you may prefer driving. The roads there are usually worth it alone, whether you like natural beauty or are itching to explore some of the various art displays in the middle of the desert.
Getting Around
While it’s very likely you’re going to spend the vast majority of your stay on the Strip, it’s not always as easy as just walking from one end to the other. Not to mention, if you’re going in the summer, that sun is going to be beaming on down on you, hard! Let’s talk about the most convenient ways to get around.
Monorail – Did you know that Las Vegas has a monorail? It sure does! This makes it so much easier for people to get around, from business travelers to tourists. This way, you can get around the Strip in less than 15 minutes! You have different types of fares, depending on how long you’re going to be there and how often you’ll need to move around. The mobile tickets are a breeze to use, too. We recommend the unlimited ride pass!
This system operates at trains every 4-8 minutes, including: MGM Grand, Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo/Caesar’s Palace, Harrah’s/The LINQ, Convention Center, Westgate, and SAHARA.
Taxi – Taxis are still heavily used in Vegas, and have been an iconic part of the city’s history. There are various companies operating in the city, and this is one place you never have to worry about it being “too late” to hail a cab.
Rideshare – If you’re not very keen on taxis, that’s okay. Lyft and Uber do operate here as well, though we feel like Lyft has been more reliable and a bit more affordable in our experience.
Rental Cars – If you didn’t drive to Vegas but you still want to drive, we recommend you grab a rental at the Harry Reid International Airport Rental Car Center. Here, there are a whopping 10 car rental companies in one convenient spot. Not to mention, it literally never closes, and has non-stop shuttle service to and from the airport terminals.
Limos – When in Vegas, right? If you want to go all out and get really flashy, limousines are a fun way to go about getting from point A to point B. There are plenty available at McCarran International Airport, though as they’re more limited than a rental car or taxi, it’s best to make a reservation ahead of time. There are also party limos and those that do Strip tours, too!
Bus – It’s available, but it’s not always the most desirable. The Deuce is Vegas’ public transportation that runs on 2 routes that can take you to the Strip or downtown. Deuce on the Strip makes stops at pretty much every resort located on the Strip, and DVX goes a bit through downtown/Fremont Street area.
Where to Stay –
One of the reasons why Vegas is so appealing, is because there really is something for every budget. From the budget-friendly to ultra-luxury, you’ll find it all here. This can make it difficult to choose where to stay, though, as there is just so much to choose from!
If you didn’t know already, The Strip is basically the very center or heart of Las Vegas. While it’s just 4 miles long, there’s a lot packed in, including endless different resorts. However, as you may imagine, it’s generally more expensive to stay on the Strip. Also, you probably want a hotel that’s located more in the center of the Strip so you aren’t having to make a trek every time just to see other things on the other end.
Budget-Friendly – If you’re really on a tight budget, we recommend taking a look at a hotel off the Strip. The Westgate is a great choice. However, there are also some other options like the STRAT which is located on the north end of the Strip. While certainly impressive in appearance and spacious rooms, it’s not a solid option. However, it’s a bit barren around the hotel, and you’ll have to travel a couple miles to get to the center of the Strip or Fremont Street.
The Luxor, Excalibur, and Circus Circus are a few other notorious hotels on the strip that are more affordable! Speaking of impressive in appearance, the Luxor is literally an enormous pyramid, and the Excalibur, a castle.
Middle Options – If you have a bit more budget, give The Tropicana a try. It has a kind of old-school Miami feel to it, and even houses one of the few original 1950’s casinos inside! We love the Paris Las Vegas, which is just a classic. It’s in a prime location and close to most of the main attractions. With their own versions of the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe, it’s kind of like being in Paris! The rooms are a tiny bit dated, but are in good shape. The hotel also has the Chateau nightclub and over a dozen restaurants.
Caesar’s Palace and the Mirage are a couple of other nice selections in this price range.
Higher-End – The Bellagio is always a fine choice when you’re in Vegas. It’s one of the largest on the Strip, and is located right in the center of it. Thanks to the massive fountains in front of it, however, you are still set a bit away from the noisiness of the streets.
The Skylofts at MGM Grand are one of our favorites, and are absolutely impressive. With rooms starting at 1,400 square feet up to 3-bedroom lofts, you can imagine the magnificent vistas of the Strip when you look out your floor-to-ceiling windows!
The Waldorf Astoria (formerly the Mandarin Oriental), is a bit more of a peaceful form of luxury. You can rest assured that whatever you experience in this hotel – from the rooms, to the spas, to the restaurants – will be the ultimate in luxury.
Restaurants and Eating Out –
Oh boy, where to begin? If you’re a foodie (and even if you aren’t), you’re going to love Vegas! Literally everything you can imagine (and things you could never fathom) are here for the eating, at all hours of the day. Just like with hotels, you have options for all budgets. However, we highly recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible (if the restaurant accepts reservations).
Celeb Chef Restaurants – Did you know that Vegas houses the most celebrity chefs in the world (per mile)? That’s right, over 40 of them work on the Strip, offering tourists and locals prime, unique dishes and fun places to dine.
If you’re a sushi fiend, do not miss Nobu Matsuhisa at Caesars Palace and Virgin Hotels. Famous for fusing traditional Japanese with Peruvian ingredients, his dishes are fresh and flavorful. Another great Caesars Palace eat is Guy Savoy’s namesake restaurant.
Serving posh French Cuisine, it’s often dubbed the best restaurant in all of Las Vegas. Who doesn’t love some good Italian food? Paying homage to the Italian-American restaurants of the mid-20th century, you can expect opulence and unmatched tableside service at Carbone.
Buffets – Did you know that the earliest version of what we currently know as the “buffet” started in Vegas? It makes sense, then, that they’re still masters at the craft. Buffets keep gamblers in the casinos, while still keeping things more affordable than it’d be to keep a full restaurant open all the time.
Garden Court Buffet is located inside Main Street Station, and is one of the best bang for your buck if you’re in Fremont Street. The Buffet at the Golden Nugget is another budget option, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends. Not only that, they have a full bar! The Buffet at Wynn is probably the most beautiful buffet in the city, with a whopping 15 live-action cooking stations! You can expect delicious steaks, seafood, and if we may say – fine dining?
First-Time Musts – There are places that you just have to eat at if it’s your first time in Vegas. One of them, is the Golden Steer. This steakhouse originally opened in the late-50’s, with serious legends having dined here, like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, actress Natalie Wood, Nat King Cole, Muhammad Ali, and more.
Tao Asian Bistro is certainly an impressive place, both in taste and appearance. I mean, where else are you going to enjoy flavorful Pan-Asian food in the midst of an enormous Buddha floating over a Japanese Koi pond?
The Paris has a lot to offer, including the Mon Ami Gabi. Located right at the base of their Eiffel Tower, you can grab some yummy breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. It’s a prime people-watching spot, and also has some nice views of the Bellagio fountains.
Tacos are always a good idea, but not every taco is good. Tacos El Gordo offers delicious ones, and if you’re just coming out of the club or casino you have to fill up on these delicious ones!
Nightlife and Entertainment –
We simply won’t be able to cover every single excellent option Vegas has in terms of nightlife and entertainment, as it’s what it’s known for and has something new seemingly every month. However, we’re going to do our best to recommend you what we feel is worth your money, along with what’s simply the most popular.
Nightclubs – There are a ton of world-class nightclubs in Vegas. If you’re into electronic music, you’re in for a real treat. Zouk Nightclub is the newest and most high-tech in Vegas, with multiple rooms. You’ll see the biggest artists, like Tiesto, Disclosure, and so on here. XS Las Vegas in the Wynn is maybe the most “elegant” on the Strip, and has different areas that each time is a bit different. Top-notch, mainstream DJs are always here, and it’s always packed.
Omnia inside Caesars Palace is another luxury option, with world-famous DJs, bands, and other musical acts. Hakkasan in the MGM Grand is another great option, with various floors all offering a different genre. However, it’s most well-known for the mainstage area with electronic acts.
Here are some other great options: Drai’s, Drenched at Marquee, Tao, Chateau, Jewel, and Marquee.
Bars and Speakeasys – Vegas is definitely a drinking city, and with that comes a ton of supreme bars and speakeasys.
Downtown Cocktail Room is a swanky speakeasy oozing with elegance. The front door is a bit difficult to find, but it’s absolutely worth it once you’re enjoying a smooth craft cocktail in a velvet chair. The Laundry Roominside Commonwealth is an intimate, small little place marked with a laundry pin outside! With images of iconic Hollywood women such as Rita Hayworth and Marlene Dietrich hanging on the walls, make sure to check the red light outside or text the number to see if space is available.
Frankie’s Tiki Room is a must-see! It’ll transport you to another world, with its kitschy bar decorated with complete tiki vibes. Their cocktails are simply iconic, and the staff is so much fun. If you’re a craft beer buff, you have to check out The Silver Stamp: a 1970s den complete with wood paneling and vintage beer memorabilia.
Shows – We couldn’t leave out one of the biggest entertainment offerings in Las Vegas! Cirque du Soleil is a classic, with 6 different shows in Vegas. “O” by Cirque du Soleil is an aquatic show with the famous acrobats you probably equate with the Cirque du Soleil name. “Michael Jackson ONE” is a must-see for MJ fans, as well as “The Beatles Love” for Beatles fans. “Mystere”, “KA”, and “Mad Apple” are also great options.
David Copperfield is a legendary Vegas show that never fails to wow audiences. Even if you aren’t particularly into magic tricks, it’ll leave you scratching your head over how he pulls some of these illusions off. Other solid magic show options are Criss Angel’s Mindfreak and Mat Franco at The LINQ.
Blue Man Group has been impressing Vegas audiences for years. Their playful miming, use of music, and invented instruments is a blast! Jabbawockeez offers a kind of similar experience, and became famous from winning America’s Best Dance Crew over 10 years ago. If you’re into humor, try checking out Terry Fator’s funny ventriloquist talents.
Casinos – If you’re on the hunt for the biggest, most upscale casinos with the newest games, we recommend heading to The Venetian is a smart move. Not only that, but it has a race and sports book, a very popular poker room, and tons of slots.
If you’re looking for a certain game, then it’s worth searching around online first. Lots of newbie gamblers want to go with a low limit table. You’re not as likely to find these on the Strip, but El Cortez on Fremont Street is an excellent option with many low-limit games and blackjack from a single or double-deck shoe. It’s always fun to play around on the penny and nickel machines here, too. South Point is at the end of Las Vegas Boulevard is a great alternative.
On the other end of the spectrum lies Caesars Palace. High rollers love this place, and the fact that it often shows up in Hollywood movies is just another reason why. Be prepared to spend some serious cash here. The Bellagio is a nice alternative, with luxury and a massive 7,000 square-foot poker room.
Weather
Between March to May and September to November are commonly known as the best times of year for Vegas weather. It is a desert, so you can absolutely count on summers being above 100 degrees. Spring and fall are pretty nice – not too hot, not too cold. Wintertime tends to be pretty cold, so dress accordingly!
Attractions
What else is there to do in Vegas that isn’t gambling, eating, or seeing a show? Let’s take a look!
Fremont Street – Fremont Street is a blast! It’s a little kooky, but reminds us of “old-school” Las Vegas. Located right in downtown, it’s pedestrian-only and comes with a ton of live entertainment, the ultra-fun zipline that goes right over the center of the street, and a light show. Container Park is here, too, with all kinds of little boutique shops and live entertainment.
Statosphere Tower/The STRAT Observation Deck – The tallest freestanding observation deck in the US is located here, too! If you’re already staying at The STRAT, make sure to check out the observation deck! Even if you aren’t staying there, it’s a pretty interesting way to see a 360-view of Vegas.
The Neon Museum – Often a go-to spot for local photographers, The 2.25-acre Neon Museum or Neon Boneyard, keeps old neon signs from the city, making for a fascinating cultural spot to take a stroll away from the crowds.
Drive Your Dream Car – Ever wanted to drive a Lambo, Ferrari, or Aston Martin? You can at Exotics Racing! You can drive up to 130 mph on their race track – don’t forget to take some pics or photos! At the Richard Petty Driving Experience you can join a pro driver on the Las Vegas Speedway, too!
Indoor Skydiving – Are you an adrenaline junkie? Perhaps you want the thrill of skydiving without having to jump out of a sketchy old plane? Then head over to Vegas Indoor Skydiving!
Atomic Testing Museum – The US has quite the history of nuclear testing, especially in the Nevada deserts. This museum is educational, entertaining, and even includes an exact replica of the control point where the countdown for each nuclear bomb detonation occurred.
High Roller Observation Wheel – Located at The LINQ, this is the world’s tallest observation wheel! You know Vegas has to do things big! At 550 feet above ground, this is another great way to see the city, 360 degrees.
Roller Coaster – Head over to Adventure Dome for some indoor roller coasters, laser tag, the swinging ship, bumper cars, and more. If you’re bringing kids along, you’re going to score big points with them if you go here.
Helicopter Ride – Until you see the Las Vegas strip with a helicopter tour, you don’t appreciate the beauty of the bright lights on the casinos and the surrounding desert.
Grand Canyon – If you have an extra day be sure to take a tour of the Grand Canyon. It’s well worth the drive to see this spectacular natural attraction.
ATV Tours – Explore the beauty of the the surrounding desert with an ATV tour. These guided trips will be the adventure of a lifetime!
Hoover Dam – Don’t miss the incomparable Hoover Dam. Take a tour of the Hoover Dam to learn it’s history and how it was built!
Balloon Ride – There is no better way to see the surrounding desert and the strip then floating above it with a hot air balloon ride.
Red Rock Canyon – The fiery red rocks are stunningly beautiful. Be sure to take a guided tour of Red Rock Canyon is great way to see it, you can get lost in there pretty easily.
Tips
- Walking from end-to-end of the Strip is not as easy as it may look. Especially if it’s the middle of the sweltering summer heat. The Strip is filled with people basically at all times, so take your time and try to plan.
- If you end up getting lost on the Strip (it happens, especially when alcohol is involved!), try to spot the STRAT tower on the north end.
- Plan for resort fees. These can vary from around $25 to $40 per night, which can add up quickly! These usually are not included in the fees when booking so make sure to read the fine print.
- Bring comfortable shoes. Yes, we know there’s a lot of glitz and glamour, but at least bring the most comfy heels you have! You’re likely to do a lot of standing and walking, and if you get blisters it can put a bit of a damper on things.
- Bring sunscreen – even if you don’t think you’ll need it! With the tall, reflective buildings and being in the middle of the desert, the sun can really blast down on you.
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The Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour is our Editor's Choice for the best Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas.