Las Vegas began as a railroad pit stop in 1905, transformed by the Hoover Dam project in the 1930s, and skyrocketed into a glittering entertainment capital by mid-century. Today, it’s a city of superlatives—mega-resorts, record-setting observation wheels, and a desert backdrop that steals the show.

Beyond casinos, Vegas dazzles with culinary heavy-hitters, boundary-pushing shows, immersive attractions like the Bellagio Conservatory, The Sphere, and the Neon Museum, and day trips to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. Fremont Street’s vintage glow and the Arts District’s murals reveal a thriving creative side just minutes from the Strip.

Practical notes: summer heat is real—hydrate, use sunscreen, and plan outdoor time early or late. The Strip is longer than it looks; use rideshares, the Deuce bus, or the Monorail. Expect resort fees at most hotels. Book popular dining and shows in advance, especially on weekends and during major events.

Las Vegas

Welcome to the entertainment capital of the world, where world-class dining, blockbuster shows, and iconic neon meet desert skies. Spend your days discovering Bellagio’s botanical displays, the LINQ Promenade, The Sphere’s spectacular exosphere, and classic Downtown swagger under the Fremont Street canopy.

• Top sights: The Strip (Bellagio Fountains, Conservatory, LINQ Promenade), The Sphere, Fremont Street Experience, Neon Museum, Springs Preserve, Red Rock Canyon scenic loop.
• Dining highlights: Northern Thai at Lotus of Siam; wood-fired Italian at Esther’s Kitchen in the Arts District; Korean-American at Best Friend (Park MGM); soup dumplings and noodles in Chinatown; steakhouse classics at Barry’s Downtown Prime (Circa).
• Coffee & sweets: Vesta Coffee Roasters (single-origin pours), PublicUs (Fremont East, artisan bakes), Pinkbox Doughnuts (whimsical treats).
• Nightlife: The Chandelier Bar (three-story crystal spectacle), Skyfall Lounge (Delano) or Foundation Room (Mandalay Bay) for sunset views, The Underground at the Mob Museum for Prohibition-era cocktails, and Atomic Liquors for Vegas history.

Where to stay (handpicked options):

• The Venetian Resort (all-suite, dining powerhouse): Check rates on Hotels.com
• Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino (tropical pool complex, easy access to Allegiant Stadium/Delano): Check rates on Hotels.com
• The LINQ Hotel + Experience (central Strip, connected to the Promenade and High Roller): Check rates on Hotels.com
• Circus Circus Hotel & Casino (budget-friendly, family-forward with the Adventuredome): Check rates on Hotels.com
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com – Las Vegas | VRBO – Las Vegas

Getting here: Fly into Harry Reid International (LAS). Typical nonstop times: Los Angeles ~1 hour, Denver/Phoenix ~1.5 hours, Chicago ~3.5 hours, New York ~5 hours. One-way fares commonly range ~$80–$350 depending on season and origin. Compare deals on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com. On arrival, taxis and rideshares are abundant; the Deuce bus serves the Strip 24/7.

Day 1: The Strip Icons, Skyline Views, and Neon Nights

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, stretch your legs at the Bellagio Conservatory—its seasonal installation is free and exquisitely designed. Coffee options nearby include Brew at Bellagio or head a few minutes off-Strip later for Vesta Coffee Roasters if you crave specialty pours.

Afternoon: Check in and grab a late lunch: try Secret Pizza (Cosmopolitan) for a New York slice, or Tacos El Gordo for adobada carved from the trompo. Stroll the LINQ Promenade for street performers, shops, and the fountains at the base of the High Roller.

Afternoon Highlight (ticketed): Ride the 550-foot observation wheel for panoramic views of the Strip and desert.

High Roller Wheel Admission Ticket at The LINQ

Evening: Dinner on the south Strip: Best Friend (Roy Choi) serves kimchi fried rice, BBQ short rib, and SoCal-Korean snacks with a bodega vibe; or Din Tai Fung (Aria) for xiao long bao and wok classics. After, toast the skyline at Skyfall Lounge (Delano) or Foundation Room (Mandalay Bay) for sweeping views.

Night Highlight (flightseeing): Cap night one with a glittering helicopter flight over the Strip (8–12 minutes; multiple departures). Hotel transfers are available on many departures—book earlier slots to align with dinner or shows.

Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Night Flight with Optional Transport

Prefer to stay grounded? Settle into The Chandelier Bar’s three levels (try a floral-forward Verbena) or head Downtown to Atomic Liquors, Vegas’ oldest freestanding bar, for a craft brew and a slice of history.

Day 2: Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Views, and a Late-Night Bite

Morning: Fuel up at Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge (retro Vegas portions; perfect for an early start). Your day trip pickup typically begins around 6:30–7:30 a.m.—pack water, a hat, and snacks.

Day Tour Highlight: Journey to the Grand Canyon West Rim with a Hoover Dam photo stop en route. At the canyon, explore Eagle Point, Guano Point, and opt for the glass-bottom Skywalk for heart-thumping views over the chasm. Expect a full day (usually 10–12 hours round-trip depending on traffic and stops).

Grand Canyon West + Hoover Dam Photo Stop + Optional Skywalk Tour

Evening: Back in Vegas, grab a casual late-night feast: Tacos El Gordo (adobada fries, cabeza, lengua), or the cult-favorite Secret Pizza if you missed it Day 1. If you have the energy, stroll Fremont Street’s LED canopy and live music stages; the vintage neon and buskers feel like a different city altogether.

Day 3: Downtown Culture, Hoover Dam Mini Tour, and Farewell Lunch

Morning: Early coffee at PublicUs (Fremont East) for impeccable espresso and thick toast with local honey. History fans can join a concise, award-winning mini tour to Hoover Dam that returns late morning—ideal before an afternoon departure.

Award Winning 3-Hour Hoover Dam Small Group Mini Tour from Vegas

Not into another Dam visit? Swap in the Neon Museum (timed-entry; the boneyard of vintage signs) and then walk to the nearby Arts District for galleries and murals.

Afternoon: Farewell lunch in the Arts District: Esther’s Kitchen (seasonal pastas, house-made breads) or Main St. Provisions (modern American, thoughtful sourcing). If you’re Strip-side, consider Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips (LINQ Promenade) for a quick, crispy sendoff. Head to the airport for your afternoon departure—rideshares are fastest from most hotels.

Evening: Flying later? Fit in a last stroll through the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art or The Sphere’s plaza for photos of the massive LED “exosphere.” If staying an extra night, consider a show: Cirque du Soleil’s “O” (Bellagio) or “Michael Jackson ONE” (Mandalay Bay), or the wonderfully offbeat “Absinthe” (Caesars Palace).

Optional premium upgrade: If you prefer to see the Grand Canyon by air and still keep time in Vegas, trade Day 2 for a half-day helicopter experience with a canyon landing and champagne toast.

Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour with Champagne Toast

Local tips: Book restaurants 1–2 weeks ahead for weekends; arrive 15–20 minutes early for shows. Consider the Deuce bus for Strip-to-Downtown trips, and remember that walking distances on the Strip can be longer than they appear due to resort scale and footbridges.

Recap: In three days, you’ll savor the Strip’s headline attractions, ride the High Roller, fly above the lights, stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon, and explore Downtown’s creative core. Vegas rewards curiosity—venture beyond the casinos and you’ll find artful coffee, unforgettable meals, and desert drama within easy reach.