5 Things That Totally Surprised Me About Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

This past weekend Audrey and I had the opportunity to explore Las Vegas. Personally, it was my first time to visit and I had serious reservations as to whether or not I would actually enjoy the experience. In many ways, I’ve always assumed Vegas was unabashedly cheesy and equally parts sleazy; essentially, nothing more than a Disneyland for adults.

What shocked me is that it didn’t take me long to change my mind about the place. Yes, it is a bit tacky and sleazy in some regards; however, it is an undeniably fun place to be. The energy and excitement swept me up and believe me when I say I don’t exactly need an excuse to get over-the-moon thrilled about temporarily escaping the shackles of teacher’s college.

I desperately needed a temporary escape from reality and Las Vegas provided that in spades. There are many aspects of Las Vegas that totally surprised me. Here are the top five:

1) Las Vegas is an Adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts

I had absolutely no idea how many day trip opportunities exist for those seeking outdoor adventures. Red Rock Canyon, a national park that seems lifted straight from Northern Argentina, is within short driving distance. Lake Mead is only a few minutes’ drive from The Strip. If you’ve got a few more hours to spare, the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon are quite accessible. In theory, one could come to Las Vegas and engage in absolutely none of the nightlife, gambling, eating, shopping, and entertainment and still not even scratch the surface of rugged outdoors adventures over the course of a weekend (or even a full week in the city). When I return to Vegas in the future, I’m definitely hoping to stay longer and use the city as a launchpad for escaping it all.

Exploring Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon offers a stark contrast to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. The conservation area features a 13-mile scenic drive, numerous hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, and picnic areas. The sandstone peaks and walls, some reaching up to 3,000 feet, are a haven for climbers and hikers alike.

Hiking Trails: Trails range from easy walks like the Moenkopi Loop to challenging hikes like the La Madre Springs.
Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for desert tortoises, wild burros, and bighorn sheep.
Photography Opportunities: The vibrant red rocks provide a stunning backdrop, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Lake Mead and Water Activities

Just a short drive east of the city, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers a plethora of water-based activities.

Boating and Fishing: Rent a boat or join a fishing tour to catch striped bass and catfish.
Kayaking and Canoeing: Explore the serene coves and take in the rugged desert scenery.
Swimming and Sunbathing: Boulder Beach is a popular spot for relaxing by the water.

The Majestic Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel completed in 1935, is a must-visit.

Guided Tours: Learn about the dam’s history and operation through guided tours that take you deep inside.
Observation Decks: Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Mead and the Colorado River.
Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge: Walk across the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for incredible photo opportunities.

Day Trips to the Grand Canyon

While the Grand Canyon is a bit farther away, it’s still feasible as a day trip.

Helicopter Tours: For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider a helicopter tour that departs from Las Vegas.
Bus Tours: Budget-friendly options that include stops at the West Rim and Skywalk.
Self-Drive: Rent a car and explore at your own pace, perhaps stopping at the historic town of Kingman along Route 66.

2) Las Vegas offers Value for all budgets

Las Vegas is a destination for people of all budgets. You can live it up like an A-lister by gormandizing at only the most posh restaurants, drinking at the most exclusive nightclubs, and sipping on nothing but the finest of drinks; however, if you’re not filthy rich and/or famous, it’s a place where value is everywhere. There are plenty of free shows and entertainment (the Bellagio water show being one of my favorites), and most hotels and casinos welcome you with open arms even if you’re merely people-watching. You can go for a $10 buffet or gobble down a burger with single-digit greenbacks. Personally, I had the opportunity to do both. I ate the $50 steak and watched the Cirque du Soleil performance, and I also indulged in many free attractions and wolfed down the otherworldly tasty Shake Shack burger.

Affordable Dining Options

Las Vegas is famous for its extravagant dining, but there are plenty of wallet-friendly options:

Buffets: Places like Excalibur’s Buffet offer all-you-can-eat meals at reasonable prices.
Food Courts: The Miracle Mile Shops have a variety of fast-food and casual dining spots.
Happy Hours: Many restaurants and bars offer discounted drinks and appetizers during happy hour.

Free Attractions and Entertainment

Fremont Street Experience: A dazzling light show under a massive canopy, complete with live music and street performers.
The Volcano at The Mirage: Witness erupting volcanoes with fireballs and waterfalls.
Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo: A serene area featuring Chilean flamingos, turtles, and koi fish.

Budget-Friendly Shows

While some shows can be pricey, there are affordable options:

Comedy Clubs: Laugh Factory and Comedy Cellar offer tickets at lower prices.
Half-Price Ticket Booths: Tix4Tonight sells same-day show tickets at discounted rates.
Street Performers: Enjoy magicians, musicians, and acrobats performing along The Strip.

Transportation Savings

Monorail and Buses: The Las Vegas Monorail and Deuce bus offer economical ways to navigate The Strip.
Walking: Despite the deceptive distances, walking is free and allows you to soak in the sights.
Rideshares: Services like Uber and Lyft can be more affordable than taxis, especially during off-peak hours.

3) Distances are not what they seem in Las Vegas

“It’s only five minutes on foot,” I proclaimed to Audrey, gauging the distance of the hotel we wanted to visit. Five minutes later, it didn’t appear to be any closer. Ten minutes later, it still looked just about the same: “Okay, maybe it’ll take us over a half an hour.” This is a frequent conversation we had numerous times during our weekend in Vegas. The desert plays tricks on your eyes; nothing is what it seems. We learned, given the extreme time scarcity we had, that taking a cab wasn’t a bad idea when we wanted to jam activities into a few hours.

Understanding the Scale of The Strip

The Las Vegas Strip is approximately 4.2 miles long, stretching from the Mandalay Bay in the south to the Stratosphere in the north.

Visual Illusions: The massive size of the hotels and the clear desert air can make distances appear shorter than they are.
Connected Casinos: Many casinos are linked via indoor walkways or pedestrian bridges, which can help but also add to the walking distance.

Tips for Navigating Distances

Plan Your Route: Use maps to understand actual distances and plan accordingly.
Utilize Public Transport: The Deuce bus runs 24/7 along The Strip and downtown.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: If you choose to walk, comfortable footwear is a must.
Time Management: Allocate more time than you think you need to get from one place to another.

Alternative Transportation Options

Monorail: Stops at seven points along The Strip, from the MGM Grand to the SLS.
Trams: Free trams connect certain hotels like the Mirage-Treasure Island and Mandalay Bay-Luxor-Excalibur.
Bike Rentals: For a more active approach, consider renting a bike.

4) You can enjoy Las Vegas without Gambling

I remember reading recently that over 80% of people who visit Las Vegas gamble during their visit. This is obviously understandable. Vegas without gambling is like a tuna fish sandwich sans the tuna. For those averse to gambling—or simply disinterested—it is totally feasible to enjoy your experience in Sin City without rolling dice, pulling the lever on a slot machine, or placing a bet. There is simply so much one can do both on and off The Strip that gambling is entirely optional; however, you will notice people in hotels/casinos that are ONLY in Vegas to do just that. If you’re observant enough, you start to spot familiar faces in familiar places at all hours of the day.

World-Class Entertainment

Shows and Concerts: From magic shows by Penn & Teller to concerts by top artists, the entertainment options are endless.
Cirque du Soleil: Multiple shows like “O” at Bellagio and “KA” at MGM Grand offer breathtaking performances.
Comedy Acts: Catch famous comedians like Jerry Seinfeld or emerging talents at local clubs.

Museums and Exhibits

The Mob Museum: Dive into the history of organized crime and law enforcement in downtown Las Vegas.
Neon Museum: Explore the iconic neon signs that once lit up the city.
Bodies: The Exhibition: A fascinating look at human anatomy located at the Luxor.

Thrill Rides and Experiences

High Roller Observation Wheel: Soar 550 feet above The Strip for panoramic views.
Stratosphere Thrill Rides: Experience heart-pounding rides like SkyJump, Insanity, and Big Shot.
Indoor Skydiving: Feel the rush of freefall without jumping from a plane.

Shopping and Dining

Shopping Centers: Visit Fashion Show Mall, The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, or Grand Canal Shoppes for retail therapy.
Culinary Scene: Las Vegas is a foodie’s paradise with celebrity chef restaurants and diverse cuisine.

Relaxation and Wellness

Spa Treatments: Indulge in luxury spas like Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars or The Spa at Encore.
Pool Parties: Daytime pool clubs like Wet Republic and Encore Beach Club offer a vibrant atmosphere.

5) You can rock any style and get away with it Las Vegas

Are you up to date with the latest fashion from New York City? Total hipster? Cowboy? Retro? Redneck? Regular? Or anything in between? Whatever it is that you do (or don’t) sport, you’ll fit right in when you come to Vegas. I saw everything from staggering cowboys from Texas to pasty white sun deprived Canadians looking like they belonged here. It doesn’t matter if you’re dressed to the nines or looking like you just went on a hunting expedition. It’s all just fine and dandy over here.

The unofficial sixth surprise is that I’d be more than willing to come back. I had a grand old time in Vegas and I tried my best to sample as many different aspects of the city and the surrounding nearby areas as I possibly could. I left wishing I had a few more days to linger when I thought initially I’d be thrilled to eventually leave. Vegas, I’m hooked – the biggest surprise of all.

The Melting Pot of Styles

Las Vegas is a crossroads where people from all walks of life converge.

Diverse Attire: From casual shorts and flip-flops to elegant evening gowns and tuxedos.
Themed Outfits: Bachelor and bachelorette parties often dress in matching or themed attire.
Cultural Attire: International visitors bring their own fashion flavors, adding to the eclectic mix.

Dress Codes in Venues

While The Strip is generally accepting of all styles, some venues have specific dress codes:

Nightclubs and Upscale Restaurants: May require smart casual or formal attire. Men might need collared shirts and dress shoes.
Casinos and Shows: Typically more relaxed, but it’s always good to check ahead.
Pool Parties: Swimwear is acceptable, but some clubs have restrictions on certain types of attire.

Express Yourself

Las Vegas encourages individuality:

Cosplay and Costumes: Events like Comic-Con and EDC see attendees in elaborate outfits.
Personal Expression: Feel free to showcase tattoos, piercings, and unique hairstyles.
Comfort is Key: With so much walking and activity, comfort often takes precedence.

Fashion Shopping

If you’re inspired to update your wardrobe:

Designer Boutiques: Find high-end fashion at Crystals at CityCenter.
Outlet Malls: Las Vegas North Premium Outlets offer discounts on popular brands.
Vintage Stores: Explore shops in the Arts District for unique finds.

Final Thoughts: Las Vegas

The unofficial sixth surprise is that I’d be more than willing to come back. I had a grand old time in Vegas, and I tried my best to sample as many different aspects of the city and the surrounding nearby areas as I possibly could. I left wishing I had a few more days to linger when I thought initially I’d be thrilled to eventually leave. Vegas, I’m hooked—the biggest surprise of all.