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Top Las Vegas Attractions
The first time you visit Las Vegas, or any new destination,
the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be
scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get
there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice,
and other information about the top tourist attractions in Las Vegas
to help with your itinerary planning.
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Fremont Street Experience
Las Vegas’ famed Fremont Street is a far cry from how it was in the old
days. The pedestrian street is now partially enclosed, along with
its waving cowboy, with a 90-foot steel mesh “celestial vault”.
The 5-block strip was the subject of a $70 million revitalization
project that has breathed new life into the area. During the daytime
you can take a relaxing stroll along the open-air, landscaped strip.
In the evenings, Fremont Street is the center stage for the Sky
Parade-a high tech, musical light show. The Sky Parade occurs 4-time
throughout the night. Attendees can stroll, shop, dine, or even
dance under the brilliant lights along Fremont Street. The Fremont
Experience is fun for the entire family.
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Stratosphere Tower and Trill
Rides
No matter where you are in Las Vegas, it’s hard to miss seeing the 1,149-foot
Stratosphere Tower. However, there is more to the tower then just
its sheer size. At the top of the Stratosphere Tower there are three
thrill rides including the High Roller, the X-Scream, and the Big
Shot each with its own allure. If you are daring enough you can
take a thrilling ride on the High Roller (the world’s highest
roller coaster), blast 160 feet into the air along a 228-foot spire
on the Big Shot, or be propelled off the side of a 100 story tower
on the X-Scream. All of the Stratosphere’s thrill rides offer
thrills, excitement, and spectacular views of Las Vegas; though,
they are certainly not for the weak hearted.
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Bellagio Fountains
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Bellagio’s water show is an enchanting spectacle that shouldn’t
be missed while in Las Vegas. And there are no lines and no fees
for the event. Every 15 minutes in the morning and every half an
hour throughout the rest of the day the Bellagio Water Fountains
come alive. The water’s movements are carefully choreographed
to various ensembles in a commanding yet playful manner. Pedestrians
begin to crowd around the fountain 5-10 minutes prior to the performance
but don’t worry it’s easy to find a good spot. The event
lasts for about 10 minutes. In the evening, the Bellagio water show
is even more dazzling as colorful lights add a splash of mystic
to the performance.
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Liberace Museum
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| Address
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1775 E. Tropicana Ave. |
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| Admissions
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$12 |
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| Hours
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M-S 10am-5pm, Sun. 12-4 pm |
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| Phone
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702-798-5595 |
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| Website
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www.liberace.org |
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The Liberace Museum like everything else in Las Vegas is located in a strip
mall. After entering the museum through the giant jewel doorway,
you can’t help but be enchanted by the dazzling collection
of Liberace’s personal belongings including costumes, pianos,
and even cars decorated with jewels in true Liberace fashion. There’s
also a magnificent 50lb rhinestone, that’s said to be largest
in the world, on display. Everything in the museum is big and gaudy
just the way Liberace would have liked it. Crowds vary throughout
the day.
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Hoover Dam Tour
Touring the Hoover Dam is a must-do for first time visitors to Las Vegas. The
Hoover Dam is only a short drive away from Las Vegas. Alternatively,
shuttle services, to and from the dam, are offered by most of the
casinos in town. A day trip to the Hoover Dam makes for a nice break
from the casinos. Nearly 3,000 people visit the Hoover Dam daily.
And why wouldn’t they? If it weren’t for the Hoover
Dam (originally called the Boulder Dam) there wouldn’t be
a Las Vegas.
Prior to the completion of the Hoover Dam the surrounding areas
were prone to devastating droughts for which there was no relief.
When it did rain the surrounding areas flooded. The federal government
set out to reclaim the southwest by controlling the Colorado River.
The building of the Hoover Dam was a monumental undertaking. Over
5,000 workers were brought in and construction began in 1931. Much
to the credit of the laborers, the Hoover Dam, with its 660-foot
thick curved base, was completed in 1936, 2 years ahead of schedule
and $15 million under budget. Today the Hoover Dam powers much of
Arizona, California, and Nevada. Surprisingly, Las Vegas receives
its electricity elsewhere.
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you first arrive, you’re sure to be overwhelmed by the Dam’s
almost frightening size. It’s mesmerizing to walk across the
Dam’s crest. The Hoover Dam towers 726-feet above bedrock
and even today is engineering masterpiece. Take your time exploring
the site and enjoy the many superb views. When you are ready, make
your way down to the reception area. There you can purchase tickets
for the tour. Tours run every 15 minutes or so and last about 30
minutes. The tour starts off with a brief but interesting presentation
is a small theatre. Afterwards, the real fun begins. Groups of 30
are crammed into an elevator and taken into the Dam’s interior.
While there you’ll have to walk through a cave like passageway
to get to the engine room. Take notice to the water seepage along
the walls, but don’t be alarmed, the Dam didn’t spring
a leak. Seepage is apparently normal. Post 9/11 security measures
do prevent tours from full entering into the engine room. Afterwards,
you can browse the exhibits throughout the Plaza Level or catch
an astonishing view from the Visitor Center’s rooftop overlook.
And of course there is a souvenir shop and a restaurant on site.
The Dam Burger isn’t too bad.
Overall visiting the Hoover Dam is fun, entertaining, and informative
experience that shouldn’t be missed.
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Las Vegas Travel Guides
 Frommer's Las Vegas
Lonely Planet Las Vegas
Let's Go Las Vegas
Fodors Las Vegas
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