The heart of Vegas excitement, featuring iconic mega-resorts, world-class shows, and endless dining options. Perfect for first-time visitors and those wanting to be in the center of the action.

Best for: First-time visitors and those wanting to be in the absolute center of the action, featuring iconic mega-resorts, world-class shows, and endless dining options.
Noteworthy hotels: ARIA Resort & Casino, Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Wynn Las Vegas.

Historic Vegas with vintage charm, the famous Fremont Street Experience, and more affordable accommodations while still offering classic Vegas atmosphere.

Best for: Travelers seeking historic Vegas with vintage charm, the famous Fremont Street Experience (a pedestrian mall with a massive LED canopy), more affordable accommodations, and a classic Vegas atmosphere.

Note worthy hotels: Sahara Las Vegas and Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino.

Quieter alternatives offering value and local experiences, ideal for longer stays or those seeking respite from Strip intensity.

Best for: Longer stays, repeat visitors, or those seeking quieter alternatives, better value, and a more local experience while still being a short drive to the Strip.

Note worthy hotels: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, Rio Hotel and Casino, The Westin Las Vegas Hotel, Casino and Spa.

Las Vegas is served by Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), located just 5 miles south of the Strip. JetBlue offers frequent direct flights from major cities including New York, Boston and Fort Lauderdale.

• Hotel shuttles: Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to registered guests. Check with your hotel when booking, as some require advance reservation and schedules vary by property.
• Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft operate from designated pickup areas on Terminal 1 and 3 of Harry Reid Intl. Airport. Expect 10-15 minute rides to Strip hotels, with costs ranging $12-20 depending on demand and traffic.
• Taxis: Licensed taxis use a regulated flat-rate system to Strip destinations, typically $15-25 depending on your hotel's location. Taxis queue outside baggage claim areas and don't require advance booking.
• Rental cars: All major rental car companies operate from a consolidated facility connected by free shuttle from baggage claim. Cars are useful for exploring beyond the Strip but often unnecessary for Strip-focused stays due to parking fees. You can save up to 35% on your car rental when you book with JetBlue Vacations.

• Walking: The Strip spans about 4 miles from Mandalay Bay to the Sahara, though indoor casino routing and crowds make distances longer than they appear. Moving walkways connect some properties, and pedestrian bridges cross major intersections safely.
• Monorail: The Las Vegas Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip, connecting seven stations from MGM Grand to the Sahara. Single rides cost $5, with day passes available for $12. It's particularly useful for avoiding Strip traffic and weather.
• Hotel shuttles: Many hotel groups operate free shuttles between their properties. Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts offer regular shuttle service among their Strip hotels.
• Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft provide convenient transportation throughout the valley, though pickup can be challenging during peak times. Designated pickup areas at major hotels help streamline the process.

• Mega-resorts: Full-service properties with everything on-site
• Boutique hotels: Unique, smaller-scale luxury experiences
• All-Suite hotels: Extended stay and family-friendly options
• Off-Strip hotels: Value options with shuttle service to main attractions

• Budget ($50-150/night): Off-Strip hotels, downtown properties, older casinos. Includes basic amenities but may lack pools or modern facilities. Examples: Downtown Grand, Ellis Island.
• Mid-range ($150-300/night): Strip properties during weekdays or off-season, newer off-Strip resorts with full amenities. Examples: Park MGM, Luxor, Red Rock Resort.
• Luxury ($300-700+/night): Premium Strip locations, suites, and high-end properties. Examples: Bellagio, Aria, Wynn, Four Seasons (non-gaming luxury option).
• Resort fees: Add $25-45 per night to all rates - these cover WiFi, gym, pool access, and local calls. Fees are mandatory and charged at checkout.

• Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates and availability, especially for major events or conventions.
• Sunday-Thursday stays cost significantly less than Friday-Saturday.
• Avoid convention dates like CES (January), NAB (April), and major trade shows when rates spike.
• Package deals through JetBlue Vacations often include show tickets, dining credits or room upgrades.
• Player's club membership before booking can unlock room discounts and perks.
• Consider off-Strip luxury like Red Rock Resort for better value with resort amenities.

• Cirque du Soleil Productions: Long-running shows like "O" at Bellagio and "Blue Man Group" at Luxor. Tickets range $75-250, with discounted same-day options at hotel box offices.
• Headliner concerts: Residencies by major artists at venues like Dolby Live (Park MGM), Colosseum (Caesars) and MSG Sphere. Book early for A-list performers.
• Magic shows: Penn & Teller at Rio offers classic Vegas entertainment, while David Copperfield at MGM delivers grand illusions. Most shows run 75-90 minutes.
• Comedy clubs: Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club at Linq and Brad Garrett's venue at MGM offer nightly performances with varying headliners.

• Advance reservations: Book popular shows 2-4 weeks ahead, especially weekends and holidays.
• Dress codes: Fine dining requires business casual minimum - no shorts, flip-flops, or athletic wear. Upscale venues like Joel Robuchon require jackets. Cirque du Soleil shows are business casual, while magic shows can be more relaxed.
• Timing: Show times are typically 7pm and 9:30pm, with dinner reservations clustered at 5-7pm and 9-11pm. Plan 30+ minutes between venues due to walking distances and crowds.

• Forum Shops at Caesars: Indoor mall with moving and talking statues, Atlantis show every hour, and luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
• High Roller: 550-foot observation wheel with 30-minute rotations. Standard cabins $25-35, premium experiences with open bar $75+.
• Bellagio Fountains: Free 15-minute shows every afternoon/evening, set to music ranging from Frank Sinatra to Celine Dion.
• Fremont Street Experience: Downtown's LED canopy hosts free light shows nightly, with zip-lining and street performers.

• Slot machines: Start with penny slots to learn, but note that max bets can reach $3+ per spin. High-limit slots require $5-100+ per pull.
• Table games: $10-25 minimums during off-peak, $25-50+ on weekends. Learn basic strategy before playing blackjack to improve your odds.
• Sports betting: Caesars and MGM offer extensive sportsbooks with live odds. Mobile betting available throughout Nevada with geolocation verification.
• Poker rooms: Aria and Bellagio host major tournaments. Cash games start at $1/$2 no-limit hold'em, with higher stakes available.

• Tipping dealers: $1-5 per hand when winning at table games, or place a bet for the dealer. For slot machines, $1-2 per jackpot or when cashing out big wins. Poker dealers typically get $1-2 per pot you win.
• Dress codes: Daytime gaming is very casual (shorts and t-shirts are fine); evening gaming allows smart casual. High-limit rooms may require collared shirts and closed-toe shoes. No tank tops, flip-flops, or overly revealing clothing at most casinos.
• Alcohol policies: Free drinks while actively gaming, but expect 15-20 minute waits between rounds. Tip cocktail servers $1-2 per drink. Pace yourself - casino drinks can be strong, and impaired judgment affects gaming decisions.
• Gaming budgets: Set a daily loss limit before you start and stick to it. Consider it an entertainment expense, not investment. Cash out winnings periodically rather than letting them ride.

Hoover Dam

Just 30 minutes southeast of Vegas, this engineering marvel offers guided tours of the massive concrete arch dam that created Lake Mead. The visitor center provides stunning views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead, while dam tours explore the inner workings of this Depression-era achievement. Lake Mead itself offers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities, making it a perfect escape from casino floors.

Red Rock Canyon

Nevada's oldest state park, located 50 minutes northeast of Vegas, showcases brilliant red Aztec sandstone formations dating back 150 million years. Ancient petroglyphs, natural arches, and unique rock formations like Elephant Rock make this a photographer's paradise. The cooler months (October-April) offer the best hiking conditions.

Grand Canyon South Rim

While a long day trip (4.5 hours each way), many visitors combine bus tours or helicopter flights to experience this natural wonder. Day tours typically include multiple viewpoints and lunch, returning to Vegas by evening.

Valley of Fire

Nevada's oldest state park, located 50 minutes northeast of Vegas, showcases brilliant red Aztec sandstone formations dating back 150 million years. Ancient petroglyphs, natural arches, and unique rock formations like Elephant Rock make this a photographer's paradise. The cooler months (October-April) offer the best hiking conditions.

Seven Magic Mountains

Often referred to as the “colorful rocks in Las Vegas,” the Seven Magic Mountains’ striking saturation serves as an artistic expression just as much as an amazing photo opportunity. The rocks are lined on a desert landscape and are visible along Interstate 15, about 10 miles south of the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway in Henderson.

Mount Charleston

During summer months, this mountain retreat 45 minutes northwest of Vegas offers temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler than the valley floor. Hiking trails, picnic areas, and the Mount Charleston Lodge provide alpine relief from desert heat, with winter offering skiing and snow play opportunities.

Food courts, chains like In-N-Out and Earl of Sandwich, and hotel coffee shops where casual dress is fine and reservations aren't needed. Perfect for fueling up between activities.

The majority of Vegas restaurants - steakhouses, bistros, and spots like Hash House A Go Go and Mon Ami Gabi. Business casual dress required, reservations recommended for dinner. Many offer excellent lunch deals at lower prices.

Celebrity chef establishments like Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen, Joël Robuchon, and Cut by Wolfgang Puck. Reservations required weeks ahead, strict dress codes (jackets often required), and $150-300+ per person, but world-class experiences.

Evolved from quantity to quality with places like Bacchanal at Caesars offering everything from sushi to prime rib. Range from $30 weekend brunches to $80 dinner spreads, reservations recommended.