Las Vegas Feature

Spectacular Spectaculars

Will it be an acrobatic Cirque du Soleil extravaganza? A standing act by a musical legend? An afternoon comedy show, or Broadway-lite (90-minute cut-downs of the original productions from the Great White Way)? A classic feather revue, or a spooky hypnotist show? Maybe you're just in the mood for a plain old lounge show where the microphones squeal, the singer is slightly out of tune, and a great time is all but guaranteed. It's practically against the law to be bored in Vegas.

World-Class Restaurants

The $2.95 lobster dinner has gone into hiding, but those cheap chow deals of yesteryear are hardly missed; Las Vegas has become a foodie's dream destination. Every major resort offers a half dozen fine-dining options in addition to the ubiquitous snack bars and fast-food places. If you stayed in Vegas for a year, you'd never have to eat at the same place twice—or leave the Strip.

Rolling the Dice

Never mind those buffets, swimming pools, spas, traffic jams, dancing girls (and boys, and water), wedding chapels, and circus acts. It's Vegas, baby, and you're here to roll the bones and go all in.

Nature versus Nurture

Consider heading out of the casino and taking in one of the many natural wonderlands surrounding Las Vegas. Explore Lake Mead or Red Rock Canyon. During the winter months, hit the ski slopes at Mt. Charleston. There's more to this town than neon.

The Stratosphere Thrill Rides

If you're an adrenaline fiend, you can't miss the incredibly scary (and fun) rides perched atop the 112-floor Stratosphere tower. The Big Shot fires you 160 feet up the Stratosphere needle, and both the X Scream and Insanity dangle you over the edge of the Stratosphere tower. These aren't for the faint of heart.

Shopping at Crystals at CityCenter

This chichi shopping and dining mall designed by Daniel Liebskind has taken the retail and culinary scene in Vegas to an even higher level. In addition to stellar restaurants like Mastro's Ocean Club and Social House, this austere space contains dozens of fine stores, including Gucci, Fendi, and Tom Ford, as well as dozens of pieces of public art.

Legendary Nightlife

Sky-high bars with valley-wide views. Thumping bass lines and flashing lights. Semiclothed Adonises and Venuses swinging overhead. Whether you're looking for a wild dance club or a sophisticated lounge scene, Vegas comes alive after dark. So dress to the nines, grab a cosmo, and join the 24-hour party.

Over-the-Top Pools

The tanning booth is now a ubiquitous feature in the Anytown strip mall, but it still can't compare with the old-fashioned poolside sun soak—especially if that soak is in Las Vegas, land of toned bodies, cocktails, cabanas, Euro-style bathing, man-made beaches, and swim-up blackjack.

Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

If you have time for just one trip outside of town, make it to this Depression-era concrete monstrosity, considered one of the seven wonders of the industrial world. You'll see why when you tour the interior and see the massive turbines that make the lights go on in Pasadena. Combine the trip with a visit to nearby Lake Mead, where you'll enjoy numerous watery activities.