It'd be easy to find virtually anything on the Internet about Las Vegas. Probably the most relatable vacation spot no matter who you ask, it'd be difficult to contribute something truly unique. However, I will provide what made my trip unique.
I went for the perfect amount of time, 4 days. If I can ever give you honest advice it is this - DO NOT GO IN JULY. You will melt.
I flew into Vegas early on July 16th and flew out early July 20th. During this time, the temperatures were steadily 110-117 degrees for most of the day. To those who claim "it's not that bad, it's a dry heat," please never talk to me again. 110 degrees is 110 degrees no matter where you are in the world. Other than the timing of my trip, it was a great time. Now I will give you advice on what to do on your trip.
July 16th:
The first day that I arrived I went to the Miracle Mile Mall, which is right by where I stayed. It is hands down this is the coolest mall I've been to. The ceiling of the mall is painted like a sky. Somewhere in the middle of this giant mall there is a fountain that "rains" every fifteen minutes with lightning (strobe lights), thunder (speakers that emulate the sound) and rain (an intricate sprinkler system). In the mall you will find many stores that you're accustomed to and unfamiliar stores that'll be a pleasant surprise.
I then strolled the strip, being a regular tourist posing with Chewbacca. Being a huge fan of Marky Mark, I went to Wahlburgers, which I also went to the next day. I'm not a food expert, but this burger was one of a kind.
I decided to not waste any time and see Criss Angel. If you do anything in this short life that we live, 1. Don't go to Vegas in July, 2. GO SEE CRISS ANGEL. His show is AMAZING. I cannot find one single thing to complain about. You will be lost in the moment for the full hour and half. I'm not going to describe the show so that you're so curious that you go.
July 17th:
The next day I walked the strip a bit further (you have to do it in chunks or you will die a horrible sweaty death in July). I went to the key casinos: Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Bally's, Luxor, Bellagio, MGM Grand, etc. (not in that order). I went to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, which my first experience at one. It's fun to see a lifelike versions of the biggest stars and fairly inexpensive, plus it's air-conditioned (okay I think you get not to go to Vegas in July).
I closed the night with a show of "The Mentalist" in the V Theatre. The show consists of a guy, Gerry McCambridge, basically reading your and the audience's mind. He averages 4.9/5 stars on reputable websites, hence why I went. The show was neat and he really does get EVERYTHING right. You start by writing random things about you on an index card at the beginning of the show. His assistants collect them and he calls out random people. This is where I got called out and he got everything right. Now you say it might be easy. Nah. I wrote my birthday, career, future career plans, pet's names and 8-digit safe code on the index card and he got it right. How?! Never trust a guy that spells Jerry as Gerry.
That night on my walk back from the show I went and watched the fountain outside of the Bellagio where the water dances to the music. It is totally free and very cool. It plays like every 15-30 minutes, so don't forget to go watch it!
July 18th:
The next day I got a rental car and went to Henderson to go golfing at Revere Golf Club. I chose this one strictly due to an open tee time and I'm glad I did. This course had some amazing views, even some where you look over the strip.
After golfing I drove to the Hoover Dam. Please go see the Hoover Dam. Pay the $15 for the tour and go a couple hundred feet underground to see how it works. I never thought I'd care about the dam, but it's so interesting. You will learn things you never knew and will not regret it. The immensity of the dam is truly astounding. You're also a stone's throw away from the Arizona border if you want to check the state off of your bucket list.
I then drove back to Vegas to Freemont Street, which is the old strip of Las Vegas. Other than Venice Beach, this place is probably the most crazy thing you will experience. I don't like to be stereotypical, but this is where the crazies (and druggies) hang out. You will see a ton of street performers that range from some real talent to a guy playing a guitar with a fur strip over his goods. I watched a drunk guy dance by himself for about 15 minutes of pure entertainment.
A short walk away is Container Park. It's a shopping plaza made strictly out of big metal shipping containers. It's a neat place that definitely required some out of the box creativity (lol).
July 19th:
I started the day with a meal at Greens & Proteins. It was time for a clean meal.
I then went to see Mac King. Mac is a 57 year old magician that performs a comedy/magic show. The show was entertaining and through our concierge it was actually free to get in with the purchase of a drink. He's not Criss Angel, but he's still good. It's definitely a family show where there are more kids in the audience. It was all good fun. Go see Mac Attack (a nickname I literally just gave him).
It was somewhere around here that I contemplated going to see Criss Angel again. Yes, he's that good.
I closed the day with some shopping on the strip and gambling a bit. Overall I'd say don't gamble, it's a waste of money. Spend your money on shows that you can't find anywhere else.
So here's what to take from this blog:
Do's:
Miracle Mile Mall
Wahlburgers
Criss Angel
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Bellagio's Fountain
Revere Golf Club (if you golf)
Hoover Dam
Freemont Street
Container Park
Greens & Proteins
Mac King
Gamble a max of $1
Don'ts:
Go in July
Just as a heads up, these suggestions pertain to my interests and what I found enjoyable. If you're looking for some different stuff to do, here's a good start. Enjoy!
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