LAS VEGAS

Whoever said, “You can’t buy happiness, but you can go to Vegas and that’s kind of the same thing,” definitely knew a thing or two. People’s opinions on Las Vegas tend to swing like a wild pendulum. For me, Vegas is a chameleon; it can transform into absolutely anything you want it to be, depending entirely on your mood. Personally, my trips have always left me feeling a tiger or two short of a Hangover-style wild night—and honestly, that’s perfectly fine by me.

There was a time in my life when the unhinged side of Sin City would have appealed to me, but as I get older, I learn to make Vegas exactly what I need it to be. Do I need inspiration for new recipes? I head to Vegas to dine at some of the highest-rated restaurants in the world. Do I need to shop? I visit Vegas to explore everything from massive outlet malls to ultra-high-end boutiques. Do I need to completely relax? I go to Vegas to get my spa on. Whether you prefer to lounge by a world-class pool or simply people-watch along the glittering Strip, the beauty of this city is that you can always tailor your trip to be precisely what you want.

ABOUT LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas sits in the desert basin of the Las Vegas Valley within Clark County, Nevada. The city was named after the Spanish word for "the meadows," serving as a vital oasis and supply point en route to Los Angeles. In the early 20th century, fresh water was piped into the area, turning Vegas into a crucial water stop for the expanding railroad networks.

A massive turning point came in 1930 when the federal appropriation bill for the Boulder Dam—now known as the Hoover Dam—was signed. Construction on the monumental project began in 1931, causing the local population to boom with workers. Gambling was legalized in Nevada that same year to capitalize on the influx of laborers.

In the decades that followed, the city’s identity dramatically shifted. Driven by notorious mob figures like Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky, Las Vegas morphed into a glamorous entertainment mecca. By the 1950s, over 8 million visitors were traveling to the city each year, pumping vast amounts of money into the casino floors. As legendary entertainers began regular headlining residencies, the modern hotel-casino-entertainment blueprint was born.

Starting in the 1970s, the city grew at an exponential rate. The iconic Rat Pack and mob eras gradually faded away, paving the way for the mega-resort boom of the late 1980s and 1990s—ushered in by the opening of The Mirage, followed by Excalibur, the MGM Grand, Luxor, and Treasure Island. Today, these massive mega-resorts line Las Vegas Boulevard, illuminated by towering LED displays. Deceptively massive and exhausting to walk, the Las Vegas Strip truly offers a little something for everyone, whether you are seeking low-key indulgence or over-the-top spectacles.

LAS VEGAS CLIMATE

I vividly remember taking one—and exactly one—trip to Las Vegas in the dead of August. It was in 2020, right after the city initially reopened following the pandemic closures. Even though my flight landed in the early evening, the thermometer still read well over 100 degrees. During the peak summer months, daytime temperatures routinely soar to 110 degrees and beyond. While the humidity remains low, the desert sun beats down relentlessly, creating a suffocating heat. If you choose to visit during the summer, it is crucial to remain mindful of any health conditions that could be exacerbated by extreme temperatures, and you must drink plenty of water to stay safely hydrated.

Conversely, winter in Las Vegas is beautifully mild. While minor snowfall accumulations have occurred on the Strip, they are exceedingly rare. However, the mountains surrounding the Las Vegas Valley regularly catch snow on their peaks, offering a stunning, crisp white contrast against the colorful desert terrain. In my opinion, spring and fall are the absolute best times to experience Vegas. The legendary resort pools typically open between mid-to-late March and remain active through October, provided the desert weather stays warm.

WHERE TO STAY

For the right price, you can make Las Vegas absolutely anything you want it to be. Do you feel like reenacting a medieval fantasy of plundering villages? Then the Excalibur might be the right hotel for you. Have you always wanted to sport a wooden peg leg, don an eye patch, and drop a heavy, rolling "Arrr" when you speak? Then Treasure Island is probably your best bet. Have you ever wanted to sleep inside a giant Egyptian pyramid or walk through a highly stylized recreation of New York City? Then I know just the resorts for you.

In all seriousness, there is a little bit of everything for every conceivable budget. And I am going to let everyone in on a little secret: once you get past the external themes, most standard hotel rooms are remarkably similar within a certain tier of luxury. When I am trying to narrow down exactly where I want to lay my head at night, there are four key questions I always ask myself:

1. Where? The vast majority of major resorts and attractions sit directly on the Las Vegas Strip (which is technically in Paradise, Nevada). But you need to dive deeper: where on the Strip do you want to be? Proximity is everything when you are walking. Alternatively, there are some spectacular off-Strip properties—like Durango Casino & Resort, Circa, Red Rock Resort, and Green Valley Ranch—that might perfectly fit your vibe if you prefer to escape the central chaos.

2. Price? While I love a gorgeous room with a massive soaking tub, that luxury isn't in everyone’s budget. Make sure you thoroughly research nightly rates—always factoring in those mandatory, pesky resort fees—and find the best rates for your specific dates. Consider how much time you will actually spend inside your room before blowing your entire budget on a view.

3. Activities? If seeing the Tournament of Kings dinner show is the primary reason you are coming to Vegas, that's great! But does that mean you are forced to stay at the Excalibur? Not at all. You can easily access any resort’s casino floor, restaurants, and public amenities, so do not assume that just because you are excited to see the Eiffel Tower, you are obligated to book a room at Paris Las Vegas.

4. Be Practical. I am lucky enough to visit Vegas once or twice a year, so it is a common occurrence for me. However, for many people, a trip to Sin City is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone adventure. Regardless of your financial flexibility, clearly identify your expectations before you book.

Vegas is expensive, y'all. The absolute worst thing you can do is arrive unprepared for the compounding costs of resort fees, high-end food, and ticketed activities. Plan thoroughly and be practical about what you want out of your vacation so that you can ultimately exceed your own expectations and have the best trip possible.

LAS VEGAS FOOD

I could easily dedicate an entire website to just the restaurants in Las Vegas. In fact, the Vegas food scene deserves its own dedicated section because there are so many incredible places I’ve been and a whole bunch I still want to try. These are some of my all-time favorites—spots so spectacular that they will absolutely remain on my must-visit list the next time I return.

Mon Ami Gabi.  Located inside Paris Las Vegas, this bistro is one of the absolute best spots to enjoy the energy of the Strip. Securing a seat on the outdoor patio rewards you with direct, unobstructed views of the dancing Bellagio fountains as you watch waves of tourists pass by. Yet, even with that million-dollar view, I wouldn’t send you here unless the food backed it up—and it does. Mon Ami Gabi boasts a delightful French menu that has never once disappointed. Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you want to snag one of those coveted patio tables.

Amalfi by Bobby Flay.  Amalfi is the coastal Italian concept from celebrity chef Bobby Flay. The restaurant is a beautiful homage to his extensive travels along the Amalfi Coast. Nestled inside Caesars Palace right near another of Flay's spots, Brasserie B, the entire establishment is an unexpected delight. While the menu features a few excellent Italian standards, the real heroes here are the seafood dishes. Order the octopus. Trust me on this one.

Jaleo.  Chef José Andrés has several excellent restaurants scattered across Vegas, and honestly, you cannot go wrong with any of his concepts. If your budget allows for the ultra-glamorous tasting menu at é by José Andrés or the theatrical cuts at Bazaar Meat, I highly encourage you to go. China Poblano is a fantastic, more affordable option featuring a completely unique menu that fuses Mexican and Chinese cuisines.

But Jaleo, located inside The Cosmopolitan, is like a comforting security blanket for me; I stop in every single time I'm in town. In my eyes, this Spanish tapas restaurant is the true "OG" and remains the most authentic representation of Chef Andrés’ culinary roots. Go for the pan de cristal con tomate (crispy tomato bread) and stay for the rest. I love that tomato bread so much that I once told one of my dearest friends that I love her more than tomato bread. And that, my friends, is true love.

Bouchon.  You have to know exactly where you’re going to find Bouchon. Hidden deep inside the Venetian—up an elevator and down a grand hallway—Thomas Keller’s white-tablecloth masterpiece sparkles in the morning sunlight filtering through the space's towering windows. The service is impeccable, the pastries are impossibly flaky, and they serve what is probably the best chicken and waffles dish I have ever tasted. The Poulet et Gaufres, served with a decadent sauce Chasseur, is so incredible that it actually forced me to go home, search for, and master copycat recipes.

Lotus of Siam.  This off-Strip institution is legendary for its vast, award-winning Northern Thai menu. With locations operating inside the Red Rock Resort out west, on Flamingo Road, and back in its historically restored original home on East Sahara Avenue, the food here is so addictive that it is often a visitor's very first stop after leaving the tarmac.

Casa di Amore.  Another off-Strip local treasure. This spot delivers moody, old-school Vegas Italian vibes paired with some of the best Italian food I have ever eaten in my life. If you get a chance to break away from the Strip, or if you want a perfect, comforting meal on your way back out to the airport, do yourself a huge favor and give Casa di Amore a visit.

VEGAS TRANSPORTATION

Harry Reid International Airport is located just a short distance from the Las Vegas Strip. Depending on traffic and exactly where your resort is located, you can comfortably be checking into your hotel within 15 to 30 minutes of leaving the terminal. While taxis are always available, I highly recommend using rideshares as the most efficient way to get to and from the airport. However, be warned: surge prices and wait times fluctuate wildly depending on the time of day and city-wide events. I once made the mistake of flying in on a Friday night at 9:00 PM—and wow, it took forever just to secure an Uber. Lesson learned.

To save yourself time and money, keep these five essential Las Vegas transportation tips in mind:

1. Plan Flights to Maximize Your Time: I always try to book early morning flights so I can enjoy the entirety of my first day. Flying out of Nashville allows me to gain two hours, so a 6:00 AM flight lands me in Vegas at 8:00 AM. This gives me plenty of time for an early hotel check-in or a quick luggage drop-off. As an added bonus, navigating the airport is significantly easier in the morning when crowds are thin.

2. Pre-Plan Your Rideshare: The moment you step off the plane, take a quick peek at the ride-hailing apps to gauge current wait times. If you see waits exceeding 30 minutes and you only traveled with a carry-on, lock in your ride right away as you walk toward the exit. If you are picking up checked baggage, time your request carefully while waiting at the luggage carousel. Once you arrive at the designated airport rideshare garage, prepare for organized chaos. The pickup zones feature specific barriers and numbered slots; do not walk up to the front of the line until your specific Uber or Lyft has actually pulled in. Trust me, I’ve been fussed at by parking attendants before, and I'm trying to save you the hassle!

3. Evaluate Your Need for a Rental Car: The short answer is no, you do not need one. If you plan to stick to the Strip or head downtown to experience Fremont Street, rideshares, taxis, and public transit are perfectly fine. Parking fees at Strip resorts are incredibly expensive, and you have much better things to spend your money on. The only caveat is if you plan to venture past the city limits to explore stunning nearby landscapes like Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, or the Hoover Dam. While customized bus tours exist, renting a car makes perfect sense if you want to explore the desert at your own pace.

4. Follow the Rules of the Road: Whether you are walking or driving, remember that thousands of people are crammed into a tight space trying to do the exact same thing as you: have a good time. The number one rule for pedestrians is absolutely no jaywalking. Las Vegas Boulevard features massive pedestrian bridges and dedicated crosswalks for a reason. Drivers must remain highly alert and always yield to pedestrians.

5. Utilize Free Trams and the Monorail: You can cut down on walking by using the free, independent tram systems operating on the west side of the Strip. One free tram line directly connects Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur. A second free line—the Aria Express Tram—runs between Park MGM and the Bellagio, with intermediate stops at the Crystals shopping center (servicing Aria and Vdara). If you need to navigate the opposite side of the Boulevard, you can utilize the paid Las Vegas Monorail system. This route runs entirely along the eastern backside of the resorts, hitting seven major stations from the MGM Grand all the way north to the SAHARA Las Vegas. You can view route maps and purchase discount passes in advance directly at lvmonorail.com.

WHAT TO DO IN VEGAS?

It is practically impossible to run out of things to do in Las Vegas. There are incredible free attractions like the stunning Bellagio Fountains and the ever-changing Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. There are free animatronic shows inside the Forum Shops at Caesars, and honestly, you can just walk down the street and get an absolute eyeful just by people-watching the characters roaming the Strip.

Beyond the free spectacles, here are my personal favorite ways to experience the city:

• Go to a Show: If you haven't heard of Cirque du Soleil before your trip, you certainly will after landing in Vegas because their breathtaking productions are everywhere. And that is by no means a bad thing—the sheer beauty, artistry, and athleticism of the performers are worth every penny of the admission price. If epic grandeur isn't your vibe, opt for a production like Absinthe or Atomic Saloon Show for something wonderfully bawdy, hilarious, and adult-oriented.

• Go to a Concert: Las Vegas is the undisputed capital of the music residency. Legendary performers across every genre—from Carrie Underwood, Bruno Mars, and Donny Osmond to iconic rock groups like The Eagles—frequently call the city home. It is a fantastic idea to check the entertainment calendars early so you can plan your entire trip around specific performance dates.

• Go to The Sphere: Yes, it looks like a giant, futuristic LED eyeball dominating the Vegas skyline from the outside, but it is so much more. The interior atrium features interactive robots and state-of-the-art tech displays, and the immersive wrap-around shows inside are unparalleled. All I can say is a resounding yes—you absolutely must go.

• Go to a Museum: This is my primary objective for my next visit. I have never been to The Mob Museum or The Neon Museum, and I am almost ashamed to admit it! Taking the time to learn about the raw, fascinating history of Las Vegas adds a whole new layer to your trip.

• Go Downtown: Even if you only do it once, head downtown to walk the Fremont Street Experience. It is vintage "Old Vegas" at its absolute best. While you are down there, check out Circa Resort & Casino, a stunning modern property whose rooftop lounge, Legacy Club, features an outdoor observation deck with a panoramic view of the entire Strip in the distance.

• Eat a Phenomenal Meal: As a self-proclaimed foodie, I am obsessed with trying new, interesting culinary concepts. Whether you are splurging on a world-class Wagyu steak at Gordon Ramsay Steak or tackling the legendary Bacchanal Buffet for the first time, find a reason to indulge your palate, no matter your overall budget.

• Gamble: It is Sin City, after all, and it would feel a bit silly to travel all the way to the desert without tempting Lady Luck at least once. However, here is the golden secret about casino gaming: THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS. It truly does. If you are sitting at a slot machine solely because you want to score a "free" drink from the cocktail servers, you are better off just walking up to the bar and buying it directly—that is the only guaranteed value for your money. Yes, people do hit jackpots, and you absolutely could be the next lucky winner. But those life-changing moments happen against outrageous statistical odds. Am I discouraging you from playing? Absolutely not. Am I asking you to gamble responsibly? Yes, I am. Set a strict budget, be realistic, stay firmly within your boundaries, and never gamble a single dollar you cannot comfortably afford to lose. If you follow that rule, then may the odds be ever in your favor, my friends.

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?

With thousands upon thousands of events, attractions, activities, and world-class restaurants at your fingertips, it is virtually impossible to be bored in this city. The ultimate takeaway for an unforgettable trip is simple: have a clear plan, stick to a realistic budget, and give yourself permission to have the absolute best time possible.

Now, it's your turn! Drop us a message in the comment section below if you have your own favorite things to do in Vegas, or if you have any secret tips to share with first-time travelers. Safe travels, everyone!