Las Vegas Attractions

Back to Las VegasLas Vegas Attractions: What to See & Do

You aren't going to lack for things to do in Las Vegas. More than likely, you've come here for the gambling, which should keep you pretty busy (we say that with some understatement). But you can't sit at a slot machine forever. (Or maybe you can.) In any event, it shouldn't be too hard to find ways to fill your time between poker hands.

Just walking on the Strip and gazing at the gaudy, garish, absurd wonder of it all can occupy quite a lot of time. This is the number-one activity we recommend in Vegas; at night, it is a mind-boggling sight. And, of course, there are shows and plenty of other nighttime entertainment. But if you need something else to do beyond resting up at your hotel's pool, or if you are trying to amuse yourself while the rest of your party gambles away, this chapter will guide you. Having said that, Vegas is going in such an "adult" entertainment direction that many attractions, particularly those with kid appeal, have closed lately, and though new, equally expensive options may come along to take their place, the emphasis right now seems to be on mature fun -- drinking, gambling, and the like -- and spas to help you recover from the effects of same. Put it that way, and it doesn't sound all that bad.

Don't forget to check out the free hotel attractions, such as Bellagio's water-fountain ballet, The Mirage's volcano and white-tiger exhibit, and the masquerade show at the Rio. Oh, yeah, and the utter piece of hooey that replaced the pirate show at TI at the Mirage. (The pirates now battle scantily clad women. Except it's even worse than that.) You can probably give that a miss.

You could also consider using a spa at a major hotel; they seem too pricey (as high as $30 a day) to fill in for your daily gym visit if you are just going to use a few machines, but spending a couple of hours working out, sweating out Vegas toxins in the steam room, and generally pampering yourself will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to go all night again.

There are also plenty of out-of-town sightseeing options, like Hoover Dam (a major tourist destination), Red Rock Canyon, and nexus-of-all-conspiracy-theories Area 51, along with excursions to the Grand Canyon.

Mayor Oscar B. Goodman's Top 10 Places to Recapture Old Las Vegas

1. The proposed "Mob" Museum in the old U.S. Courthouse and Post Office (300 E. Stewart Ave.)

2. The "Bugsy" Suite at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino

3. Bob Taylor's Ranch House at 6250 Rio Vista (where the old-timers went)

4. Fellini's Restaurant at 5555 W. Charleston (ambience of yore)

5. Piero's Italian Cuisine at 355 Convention Center Dr. (characters eating pasta)

6. 200 feet at bottom of Lake Mead

7. 6 feet in desert near the state line

8. Howard Hughes's bungalow behind Channel 8

9. The WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS sign south of the Strip

10. The Huntridge Theater at 1208 E. Charleston

Oscar B. Goodman is the Mayor of Las Vegas through 2007.