las vegas Archives - scenicroutetravelers.com https://scenicroutetravelers.com/tag/las-vegas/ Sat, 13 Dec 2025 22:31:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas: Ultimate Guide https://scenicroutetravelers.com/free-things-to-do-in-las-vegas-ultimate-guide/ https://scenicroutetravelers.com/free-things-to-do-in-las-vegas-ultimate-guide/#respond Sun, 16 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/?p=3654 Explore Las Vegas Without Breaking the Bank Las Vegas is filled with neon lights, lots of gambling and glitzy shows that lead people to believe that you must save lots of money to be able to enjoy a trip here. Not true! There are plenty of free things to do not only on the Las […]

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Explore Las Vegas Without Breaking the Bank

Las Vegas is filled with neon lights, lots of gambling and glitzy shows that lead people to believe that you must save lots of money to be able to enjoy a trip here. Not true! There are plenty of free things to do not only on the Las Vegas Strip making your visit filled with fun and adventure. This guide will take you from the south end of the Las Vegas Strip to the Strat, highlighting the best free attractions along the way. Keep in mind that the Las Vegas Strip is a little over 4 miles from Mandalay Bay to the Strat. With the dry, hot weather in Las Vegas it’s not advised to walk the entire strip, especially in one day.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.

How to get around for cheap or free

While you may need to grab a cab or uber to get to some things, there are other ways to get around that are free or much cheaper than a cab or uber. While not free, the Las Vegas Monorail will get you from MGM to the Sahara with many stops along the Strip. While making your way around use Free Trams. There are three trams operated by the hotels that you can ride. They include the Mandalay Bay-Excalibur tram, the Bellagio-City Center-Park MGM tram and the Mirage-Treasure Island tram.  Anytime you want to cross to the other side of Las Vegas Boulevard, look for a pedestrian walkway (they cross over the top of the street) for a safer journey.

South end of the Strip

Take a Photo at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” Sign: By far, the most recognizable photo op in Las Vegas is a short Uber ride south of Mandalay Bay and completely free. Try to get there in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.

Luxor: Home to the World’s Largest Atrium – While at Luxor, gawk at the world’s largest indoor atrium and check out the sphinx and obelisk wall.  While there stroll out front to Las Vegas Blvd. to get a close-up of pyramid and more sphinx.

New York, New York: Check out Hershey’s Chocolate World: Do you love Chocolate? If so, swing into Hershey’s Chocolate World at New York New York where you can shop for an assortment of 800 varieties of chocolate, star in your own Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup TV ad and take a picture with the goofballs outside. Take a selfie with the Statue of Liberty made of all chocolate while exploring this two-story store. Even if you’re not a chocoholic, this is a fun store to walk through. If you walk outside to Las Vegas Boulevard you can walk across the Brookly Bridge heading to the Park MGM.

New York, New York: Walk the Park. This is an outdoor dining and entertainment area lying between Park MGM and New York, New York. The Park’s foliage, fountains, and art, can be a welcome escape from the casino. Check out Bliss Dance, a 40-foot sculpture of a dancing woman, or stop by for one of their Silent Disco shows.

Bliss sculpture

Head over to MGM Grand and check out the lion in the hotel lobby. This is a smaller version of the iconic symbol of MGM.

MGM Lobby

Make your way down Las Vegas Boulevard and head north to find some more unique stores at Showcase Mall:

The Stranger Things Store at the Showcase Mall (just next to the MGM) is an incredibly fun addition to the Strip. If you are a Stranger Things fan like we are, this is a must-visit! The Stranger Things Store is technically a merch store, but they have far more entertainment than a normal store would have.

Peruse the Coca-Cola Store: Check out the collection of unique Coca-Cola memorabilia that’s on display at this flagship store. Although not free, I recommend trying the soda sampler from around the world. What other countries find to be “good” is very “interesting”.

M&M World: Keeping with the chocolate theme, M&M World features 4 floors of M&M candies and merchandise. Also on display is a replica of Kyle Busch’s M&M-sponsored racecar. For a fee, guests are also able to design and print their own M&Ms.

One last stop at Showcase Mall is the Hard Rock Café. Even if you aren’t hungry, you can look at the Rock memorabilia and stop in at the gift shop.

Mid Strip Must Sees

Your next stop is Aria. I know it’s a lot of crossing Las Vegas Boulevard but remember the pedestrian walkways, so you don’t have to fight traffic. While at the Aria enjoy the Fine Art Collection. Sculptures, paintings, and other fine art by artists like Frank Stella, Henry Moore, and James Turrell among others are scattered about the property. There is always a fun display in the lobby heading towards the Shops at the Crystals.

Chairs in front of Aria

The Shops at the Crystals is a nice stroll to take you to the Cosmopolitan. It’s always fun to window shop and if you’re looking for a bit to eat there are a few restaurants here.

Dog Statues at Cosmo

Next up is the fun art installations at the Cosmopolitan. There is the iconic giant high heel shoe but there are so many more throughout the property. There is Georges Rousse Installation at Starbucks, Do Not Disturb | Please Enter is a one-of-a-kind collection of 12 door hangers, five Art-o-mat machines, each of which dispenses a variety of original artwork, and more. Check MGM website for more information about the art installations. Be sure to stop in the hotel lobby and see the digital art display. It is 8 separate 15-foot-tall pillars that are wrapped in synchronized video screens creating interesting, almost disorienting, illusions.

Bellagio: You can’t miss the fountains as you walk down Las Vegas Boulevard, see website for show times. As you walk into the hotel lobby look up to see Dale Chihuly’s “Fiori di Como”: Chihuly’s 2,100 square foot glass floral sculpture is comprised of 2,000 backlit glass blossoms. You won’t be able to miss the Conservatory with the wonderful seasonal flower display. Be sure to check out the World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain: Bellagio’s Patisserie features a 14 ft. tall chocolate waterfall that circulates up to 2,100 lbs. of chocolate. Not only do we love coming to the flower show for each season, but Bellagio is one of my favorite places to play some slots. They have a great variety of slot machines.

Bellagio Conservatory

Caesar’s Palace: Wander the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace Fall of Atlantis at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace: Fall of Atlantis is a free show detailing the downfall of the long-lost city. Aquarius Aquarium at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace: Located next to the Fall of Atlantis Show is this 50,000-gallon saltwater fish tank that holds 300+ tropical fish. I do enjoy walking through here once in a while to see all the great statues and the great aquarium. Wander through the gardens outside to view the wonderful statues and fountains. You can walk in and check out the infamous Hell’s Kitchen. Of course they have a small gift shop.

Caesars Forum Shops

Treasure Island: See The Carved Woolly Mammoth Tusk, this was carved over generations, the impressive artifact is made special not only by its historic significance but also its intricate detail. The Siren Chopper is steps away from the woolly mammoth tusk, the motorcycle has a unique pirate theme that matches the resort’s theme. Head outside and see the pirate ships. Unfortunately, they no longer do shows. It’s a fun casino to visit to see all the pirate inspired displays.

If you enjoy window shopping, then head to Fashion Show Mall where you can find a variety of stores. There are quite a few restaurants here also. Either way, take the pedestrian walkway over to the Venetian for your next stop. If you are staying on the south end of the Strip, then you might want to head to Wynn first then come back over to Venetian.

Wynn: The Botanical Gardens Lake of Dreams Show at Wynn, running every half hour nightly, Lake of Dreams utilizes over “4,000 lights, holographic and puppetry” to dazzle attendees. The free show is best enjoyed from Bar Parasol, SW Steakhouse, Lakeside, or from the free viewing platform in the resort. Wynn Fountain Show: Located out front of Wynn is a water show that resembles a smaller version of the Bellagio Fountains. Quite honestly it doesn’t compare to Bellagio, but it’s still pretty and fun to watch. Explore the Wynn Plaza Shops: Nothing in this mall is cheap, but it’s worthy of a walk-through. The Plaza Shops are stunning and incorporate artistic displays throughout.  Watch as the waterfall dumps water into the pool, it is stunning.  And my favorite is the Carousel and flower seasonal display in the lobby.

Venetian: Walk the Streets of Venice: The Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian qualifies as one giant photo opportunity that offers guests a quarter-mile, themed escape to Italy, including the gondoliers’ singing songs as they take their passengers along the canal. While walking through the shops, stop by Tipsy Robot to check out the future(?) of bartending as robots make the drinks. There is another Tipsy Robot at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. Snap a Photo in the Waterfall Atrium at Palazzo: Built into the Grand Canal Shoppes, the “LOVE” lettering is difficult to miss. I’ll admit this is one of my favorite casinos to walk around.

Linq Promenade: This is a nice little stroll when you want to take a break from gambling or just want to enjoy some sidewalk shopping. Besides the shops, there a quite a few restaurants along the way. You can watch the High Roller spin or watch the people ziplining above you. I always enjoy taking a walk through here.

Linq Promenade

Flamingo: I believe everyone should check out the Flamingo Habitat at least once! If you enjoy some peace and serenity, walking through this area in the morning is very enjoyable. You can even toss a penny to Budda when you get to the end by the Flamingo fountain and make your wish. Before we moved to the Las Vegas area, we usually stayed at the Flamingo. The rooms are reasonable, the location is great pretty much center strip and there are Flamingos! Can you tell that I like visiting the habitat?

Horseshoe: Check out the Million Dollar Display at Horseshoe: Emulating Binion’s display, Horseshoe has unveiled a $1 million display of their own comprised of $10,000 bills (they’re not real). This doesn’t quite compare to the original at Binion’s but fun none the less.  See the Poker “Gallery of Champions” near the entrance to their new poker room that pays homage to the greats of the game.

Eiffel Tower Light Show: Paris recently added some sparkle in the form of $1.7 million worth of lights to their half-scale Eiffel Tower replica. The lights are choreographed to music and dazzle guests every half hour from sunset to midnight. You can catch the fountain show in lights at the Bellagio while you’re in the area.

Planet Hollywood: Found in the Miracle Mile Shopping area is a free Rainstorm show that leverages fog, rain, and lighting to simulate an indoor storm.  A newer addition to the mall is a fiery light show that takes place on the exterior facade of the V Theater, if you’re not planning a trip to Miracle Mile shops, don’t go out of your way for this. Spot the Remains of The Aladdin Hotel & Casino: Those who have been coming to Las Vegas for some time know that Planet Hollywood was once known as Aladdin, an Arabian-themed resort. That theme spilled into the “Desert Passage Shops” which are now known as the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. Interestingly, there are still many reminders of the mall’s former identity scattered about the mall. You’ll have to be on the lookout for these as they aren’t readily noticeable. There are two distinct areas within the mall where the original decor survives. One surrounds the V Theater complex and fountain show. The other is nestled under the indoor rainstorm.

North End of the Strip & Beyond

Be aware that if you want to visit Circus Circus and the Strat you should probably take a cab or some other form of transportation. Once you pass the Wynn, there aren’t any more casinos or stores on the Strip until you get to this area. For safety reasons, please don’t walk to either of these.

Circus Acts at Circus Circus: The free show at Circus Circus is the “world’s longest-running circus” and showcases acts of strength, trapeze acts, juggling, and sky dancing. Besides the casino, there are arcade games and rides for your family to enjoy.

Strat: See the City of Las Vegas Showgirl Sign: A newer addition to the northernmost reaches of the Strip is the City of Las Vegas Showgirl sign which features two 50-foot tall, illuminated showgirls, 3-D dice, a roulette wheel, and stacks of chips. the sign is steps away from the Strat.  Also, just outside the STRAT is the photogenic Gateway Arch. Recently, a viewing platform was added, allowing you to snap the perfect picture from a safe vantage point.

Other Free & Fun Activities

Learn Craps: For those unfamiliar with the game, it has an intimidating look but is actually pretty intuitive (and lots amount of fun) once you know what you’re doing. Many casinos, like Cromwell in the middle of the Strip, offer free craps lessons daily. Take advantage!

Take in a Dueling Piano Show: Free entertainment is tough to come by in Vegas, but there are still a few bars like The Piano Bar at Harrah’s and the Bar at Times Square at New York, New York that offer free dueling piano shows.

See Big Elvis at Harrah’s: Pete Vallee, who has a pretty big following, performs for free as Big Elvis at Harrah’s Piano Bar. A highly regarded performance, this show is a must for fans of “The King”.

Hit a Bar with Live Music: There are a number of bars on the Strip with free live music that you can enjoy. Options include Carnaval Court at Harrah’s, Piano Bar at Harrah’s, The Count Room at Flamingo, Gilley’s at Treasure Island and Le Cabaret at Paris.

Carnaval Court

 Sit Back and sing or watch Karaoke: What makes karaoke shows great is the contrast in skill level. Folks from all over the talent spectrum give it their all as they sing to a room of strangers. There are plenty of Karaoke bars on the strip for you to enjoy.

Drink for Free: Yep, drinks are still free while gambling on the Strip, Fremont Street, or at a casino off the beaten path. Bring plenty of small bills for tipping.

Take in the Themes: Especially for first timers, walking through themed casinos like Paris, Luxor, Excalibur, Venetian and New York New York is awe-inspiring.

Walk of Stars: Find your favorite entertainer’s star along the Las Vegas Strip. Artists like Elvis, Donnie & Marie, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra, among others that are permanently memorialized. For a list of where to find the stars go to website.

Elvis Star

Final Thoughts- Enjoy Las Vegas for Free

So, as I mentioned, there are lots of fun and free things to keep you entertained while visiting Las Vegas. If you have a few days or more, take your time walking around, you never know what you might stumble upon. Take advantage of pedestrian walkways, indoor walkways connecting hotels, and free trams to explore comfortably and safely, especially during hot weather. So, pack your camera, grab a map and get ready to experience Las Vegas on a budget!

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Vegas Unveiled: Ultimate First Timer’s Guide https://scenicroutetravelers.com/las-vegas-first-timers-guide-what-you-need-to-know/ https://scenicroutetravelers.com/las-vegas-first-timers-guide-what-you-need-to-know/#respond Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:15:27 +0000 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/?p=3046 Las Vegas is a place where everything feels larger than life, and appearances can be deceiving things that seem close are often much farther than you think. It is a little over 4 miles from end to end. The Strat may look close enough to walk to, but it really isn’t. So, keep this in […]

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Las Vegas is a place where everything feels larger than life, and appearances can be deceiving things that seem close are often much farther than you think. It is a little over 4 miles from end to end. The Strat may look close enough to walk to, but it really isn’t. So, keep this in mind when planning your trip. To help you make the most of your Las Vegas vacation, here are some key tips to keep in mind.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Essential Tips

1. Prepare to Walk a Lot

Las Vegas might look compact, but distances can be deceiving. You’ll find yourself walking much more than anticipated, so bring comfortable shoes and be ready to explore! Depending on when you visit, you might want to take advantage of some of the indoor walkways to get from casino to casino. A good example is you can walk from Mandalay Bay to Excaliber all indoors. There are many restaurants and shops along the way. Another indoor walkway with shops and restaurants if from the Bellagio to Caesar’s Palace. There are a few more places you can do this, so ask at your hotel if you are wondering about specific casinos and they will help you out.

2. Budget for Transportation

While walking will be part of your trip, don’t underestimate how much you’ll need to rely on transportation. Whether it’s taxis, Ubers, or rideshares, plan for those extra costs in your budget. Renting a car is another option, especially if you plan on exploring off the Strip, but be mindful of parking fees. Unless you are going to do exploring off the strip, it usually is most cost effective to do a combination of walking and taxi or rideshare. If you decide you want to rent a car, you are better getting one at one of the casinos that offer rentals than at the airport. Trust me, the airport car rental is not a lot of fun between having to take a shuttle to where the car rental is and the amount of people who are renting cars it can become a hassle, we learned the hard way.

Bellagio Fountains

3. Stock Up on Drinks at CVS or Walgreens

Rather than paying steep prices for drinks at the hotel or casino, grab your beverages from nearby CVS or Walgreens. You’ll save money by stocking up for your room. Even just grabbing a case of water will save you lots of money.

4. Be Cautious of Timeshare Offers

People approaching you on the street or in casinos are often trying to sell timeshares. If you’re not interested, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Same for the people who are offering tickets to shows or attractions. It’s best to get them at the box office or hotel website. Luckily for me, Greg knew what they were doing or I probably would have gotten stuck listening to their sales pitches.

Caesar Palace: Forum Shoppes

5. Taking Pictures with Performers

If you want to take photos with performers dressed as showgirls or other iconic characters, be aware that even if they don’t charge for the photo, they expect tips. Have a few dollars ready for a quick pic. The pictures are great for your memories and a good laugh, but don’t go overboard or you will wonder where all that extra spending money you had went.

6. Free Drinks in Casinos

Yes, you can enjoy free drinks while gambling in casinos, but don’t overdo it. Free doesn’t mean you should go overboard—know your alcohol limit, and drink responsibly. One of the best tips I got was when you order a drink, order a water also and drink both of them before you get another drink. Not only does it keep you hydrated but it slows down consumption.

Gondola Ride at the Venetian

7. Cash Out When You Leave

Before leaving any casino, make sure to cash out your winnings or chips. You may not make it back, and it’s better to have your money in hand than to leave it behind. Casino vouchers are not interchangeable between casinos even if it is the same company, so don’t get stuck with a ticket instead of cash.

8. Always Carry Your ID

Not only might you be carded when entering certain casinos or bars, but if you’re lucky enough to win a handpay at a slot machine, you’ll need your ID to claim your winnings, especially your social security card.

Flamingo Habitat

9. Explore Multiple Casinos

Each casino in Las Vegas offers something unique, from stunning artwork to themed displays. Make it a point to visit several casinos for a full Vegas experience. If you are here for a few days, try to get to all of them so on your next visit you can plan to stay near the ones you like best.

10. Visit Mid-Week for Better Deals

If you can, plan your trip for the middle of the week. Hotels are cheaper, and the crowds are more manageable compared to weekends.

Fremont Street Experience

11. Get a Player’s Card at Each Casino

Sign up for a player’s card at every casino group you visit. For example, a player’s card from Flamingo works at all Caesars Entertainment properties. Even if you don’t return to Vegas, these cards are valid at any casino owned by that corporation nationwide. Player’s cards earn you points that you can use for food and at some stores in the casinos. Using these will usually get you offers for discounted or free rooms depending on how much you play.

12. Must-Do Vegas Attractions

There are some iconic attractions that should be on everyone’s Las Vegas bucket list:

  • Bellagio Fountains
  • Bellagio Conservatory
  • The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
  • Flamingo Habitat
  • Fremont Street Experience
  • The Strip at night
  • Top of the STRAT Observation Deck
  • Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
  • Gondola rides at The Venetian
  • Catching a live show
Las Vegas Strip

Conclusion

With these tips in mind, you’ll be better prepared to navigate Las Vegas like a pro, enjoying the sights, sounds, and excitement “Sin City” has to offer without any unnecessary stress. Las Vegas offers some of the best shows, restaurants and entertainment, so be sure to take it all in. My best advice is to investigate and plan your itinerary before you get to Las Vegas and try to stick to that. Leave yourself plenty of time to explore all the attractions in the casinos and if you enjoy gambling don’t forget to include plenty of time for that!

We love to tell people not only about our experiences but tips that we have learned along the way, to help make their vacations easier and less stressful. We hope to inspire people to find their adventures and make memories. Even if you do a day trip near your home, there are always new things to discover and enjoy. Have fun and enjoy your travels!

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Fremont Street in Las Vegas: 15 Great Must Sees https://scenicroutetravelers.com/fremont-street-in-las-vegas-15-great-must-sees/ https://scenicroutetravelers.com/fremont-street-in-las-vegas-15-great-must-sees/#comments Mon, 26 Aug 2024 21:05:36 +0000 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/?p=2646 Whether you are staying on the Las Vegas strip or off strip you should plan a day to visit Fremont Street. Better yet book a room at one of the many casino resorts on Fremont Street and visit all the great attractions nearby that make downtown Las Vegas a great place! In this article, I’ll […]

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Whether you are staying on the Las Vegas strip or off strip you should plan a day to visit Fremont Street. Better yet book a room at one of the many casino resorts on Fremont Street and visit all the great attractions nearby that make downtown Las Vegas a great place! In this article, I’ll be talking about some great things to do that are free and offer great pictures, but also about some of the things to do on or near Fremont Street that have a fee to visit. Don’t forget your camera to capture your fun and memories.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

History & Photo Ops

1. Vegas Vic Sign – This sign was erected in 1951 in front of the Pioneer Club which no longer exists. It was different from other signs in the area, with a cowboy that talked and waved. It became the unofficial welcome sign for Las Vegas. It is still located on Fremont Street but is in front of a souvenir shop.

2. Fremont Experience light show- this show is on the roof covering Fremont Street. During the day, they do have some lights going but at night they run different themed light shows. Fremont Street is just a fun place to check out even if you don’t want to gamble. I always have fun here. For schedules go to site.

3. There is live music nightly on the outdoor stages with local bands. They also have the free concert series featuring renowned bands such as Seether and Sublime. Be sure to check out the local bands!

4. Largest Sportsbook at Circa – even if you aren’t interested in sports betting, you should definitely check out this three-story sportsbook. It has a 1000 person viewing capacity. It’s a sight to see! While there make sure to get a picture of Vegas Vicki the neon cowgirl. Since the Circa is limited to people over 21 years old this isn’t somewhere you can bring your children. Having said that, if you’re over 21, the Circa is a pretty cool casino with two floors of gambling and the huge sportsbook. We enjoy going here.

5. Rub Happy Budda’s belly at California Hotel & Casino. It’s supposed to bring you luck! It is located in the hotel registration area. Everyone loves a Budda right, why not check him out.

6. The D hotel and casino has the world’s largest Keno board that even if you don’t want to play you should check it out. It is located on the second floor of the casino floor. Kinda of cool just to see it.

7. Stop in at the Golden Gate Casino and explore all the artifacts from this casino including gaming ledgers from the opening of this casino in 1906. These are located by the registration desk. If you love history, you really should do this. It amazes me to think of people gambling that long ago when travel wasn’t that easy yet.

8.Take a free photo with the Million Dollar display at Binon’s Gambling Hall. Just a fun thing to do and seeing all that money made me want to win big!!

9. If you take a walk through the Golden Nugget casino you will come to 200,000-gallon tank aquarium in the pool area. What makes it so special is all the sharks that are in the tank. Really cool for photos. I so want to swim there someday, would love getting close to the sharks. It’s on my bucket list.

10. See a piece of the real Berlin Wall at Main Street Station casino. The only drawback to this is that the wall is located in the men’s restroom. Women can request to be escorted in to see this attraction. We haven’t done this yet but we’ll have to do it soon.

11. When you want to sit for a little bit, go see the new Carousel Bar in front of the Plaza Hotel and Casino. The Plaza has done a lot of renovations, so be sure to check it out. We’ve only been here once, but we enjoyed ourselves and the Carousel is bigger than I thought it would be. Worth checking out.

Tours/Adventure

12. Take a ride on the largest slot machine Slotzilla zipline right on Fremont Street. This is a 12 story zipline that looks like a slot machine. The zipline is 7 stories and runs 2 city blocks with prices starting at $49. You can also ride superhero style with a starting price of $69. This is 11 stories and 5 blocks long. I have wanted to do this since the first time we went to Fremont Street, I just haven’t worked up the nerve yet but I will and then I’ll let you know if it’s worth it.

13. The Mob Museum is one of the places that just scream Las Vegas being that it was pretty much founded by the mob. If you like history at all, I think this is a great choice for you. This is located at 300 Stewart Ave. and open 9 AM- 9 PM daily. General Admission is $34.95 with more options for passes that include interactive displays. There is also an Underground Distillery here with a speakeasy. Check the website for more information.

14. A fun thing to do is to check out Neonopolis. This is where you can go dine, shop and find entertainment. You can eat at one of four restaurants including Dick’s Last Resort. You can shop for toys, watches, sports cards and memorabilia and a few other places. You can throw axes, race cars or enjoy nightlife at one of three lounges. I think it’s a pretty cool area and worth checking out.

15. If for no other reason than its uniqueness, you should go to Container Park which is retail stores and restaurants built in shipping containers. There is also an interactive playground here. It is located at 707 E. Fremont St. We didn’t buy anything here, but it was an interesting place.

Conclusion

As you can see, Fremont Street has many things to entertain you whether you are there to gamble or to learn more about the city and its history. Although some of these won’t take you much time to do, I’m sure you’ll spend time looking at all there is to see in each casino so I would allow at least a day to spend here. If you are interested in gambling or even just relaxing, you might want to stay at least one night here. Circa offers a great pool area, The Golden Nugget has a wonderful spa and the shark tank pool area, The Plaza has new updated rooms and a pickleball court and on and on. I have no doubt you can find a hotel here that would meet your needs. Fremont Street was the original Las Vegas and has so much history, I highly recommend you find some time on your Las Vegas vacation to visit this icon part of the city. And don’t forget your camera!! We always try to give you helpful information to plan your trip and hopefully to inspire you to find your adventure even if it’s not here, but to get out and enjoy this country. If you are interested in more of our adventures, click here for our travel videos. Have fun and plan your adventure!

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12 Things to do on the Las Vegas Strip https://scenicroutetravelers.com/12-things-to-do-on-the-las-vegas-strip/ https://scenicroutetravelers.com/12-things-to-do-on-the-las-vegas-strip/#respond Sun, 28 Jul 2024 20:15:51 +0000 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/?p=2666 If you’re heading to Las Vegas there are many things you can do besides gamble. Many people come for a concert or show & some come for relaxation at a spa or the many pools, but a large majority of people come to gamble and check out what Las Vegs is really about. And if […]

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If you’re heading to Las Vegas there are many things you can do besides gamble. Many people come for a concert or show & some come for relaxation at a spa or the many pools, but a large majority of people come to gamble and check out what Las Vegs is really about. And if you’re at all like me, when I go on vacation, I love doing the touristy things and take lots of pictures. I’ll discuss which of these I recommend doing in Las Vegas. There are a few that don’t cost a thing and the others vary on price.

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Free to all

1. One of the most visited and one of my favorites is the Conservatory and Flower Show at Bellagio. Not only are the displays always beautiful and intriguing but the glass roof just brings so much sunshine that you feel like you are outside in a garden. Each time they change, it always amazes me how stunning they are. They change the themes 4 times a year for each season and in January for Lunar New Year, so if you’re visiting more than once be sure to go back.

2. Also at the Bellagio are the fountains out front on Las Vegas Boulevard. They do water shows daily and the shows at night are with lights. This to me is a must see. The shows during the day are pretty captivating, but the night shows are just downright beautiful with the lights and music. I still wonder at how high the water shoots up. The schedule as of this writing is Monday – Friday 3-6:30 every half hour and 7-midnight every 15 minutes. The weekend schedule starts at noon and runs until 6:30 every half hour and 7-midnight every 15 minutes.

3. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo is also one of my favorites. Not only do they have flamingos in this 4-acre space, but they also have other birds, koi fish, ducks, and some turtles. My favorite is the pelican when it’s not hiding. Just the walk alone through this area is relaxing and it will bring you to the flamingo fountain where there is seating to enjoy the outside awhile. Not only is this one of my favorite things to do, but we love staying at the Flamingo because of the location, right about center of the strip and it’s a little less expensive than some of the other hotels. If interested, click on the ad at the end of this blog.

All the rest

4. The Linq promenade offers two unique experiences on the strip, the first being the High Roller. This is basically a Ferris wheel but with round cabins that soar 550 feet above the strip and takes 30 minutes for one revolution. There are many packages available starting at $29 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-12. There are also packages that include alcoholic beverages served from a bar in the cabin for 21 & older. See link below for more information. I have yet to do this, but I have to think that it would be really pretty at night with all the lights of Las Vegas.

5. Fly Linq is the other attraction on the promenade. This zipline starts on a 12-story tower at the front of the promenade and soars 1,121 feet to the finish at the High Roller. Tickets start at $49. There are some requirements to be able to do this which include you must be at least 60lbs. and not over 300lbs., height restrictions are 3’4″ to 6’8. For riders under 12, they must be accompanied by a 13+year old and any rider under 18 must have waiver signed by parent or guardian. Click here for Linq Promenade information. We haven’t done this, but it looks like a lot of fun.

6. We’ll continue on this end of the strip with the gondola rides at The Venetian. You can take a ride on the canals that run through the Grand Canal Shops on the inside or take a ride on the outside and enjoy the Las Vegas Strip. I have heard some people say that this is a tourist trap, but I totally enjoyed it. I don’t expect to ever get to Venice, so it was the next best thing for me. The gondolier sings for you as you make the trip through the canals. We did the inside and it was pretty cool, but I would still like to do the outside one time. As I said, I love being a tourist and doing the touristy things. We didn’t go so far as to get the photo packages, but they are available if this is something that interests you. They are great mementos. Tickets start at $39.

7. The newest addition to the strip is the Sphere. Just seeing it change from outside is really pretty cool and great photo ops, but you can also go inside and enjoy the Sphere Experience. This is an immersive two-part experience with interactive Atrium exhibits and a larger than life showing of Postcard from Earth movie. There is also a large selection of restaurants and bars here. Just be aware that this is rather pricey. We haven’t done this yet, so I can’t say whether I think it’s worth it or not. I’m sure for someone who enjoys this type of experience, it would be worth it. They also hold concerts here, which would be a good way to see if you think you might want to do the experience. Although, I’m sure the concert tickets are pricey too!

8. Our next stop is the Eiffel Tower viewing deck at the Paris Las Vegas. It is about half the size of the original Eiffel Tower. What better way to get a view of the Las Vegas Strip and a great view of the Bellagio Fountains than on top of the Eiffel Tower. Going during daylight hours offers views of the strip and the mountains surrounding Las Vegas. But if you want the magic of the strip at night, you can’t beat this view. Hours are 5 PM to 1 AM daily. Entrance fees start at $25 for adults and $19 for children. Military and Nevada residents can get a 20% discount with valid ID. You can also get discounts with your Caesar’s player card most times. We did this and I recommend doing it at night. Don’t know that I would do it more than once, but it’s worth doing it just for the great views.

9. If you’re looking for a thrill ride, head to New York, New York and take a ride on the Big Apple coaster. This coaster goes over 67mph and features a 180-degree twist and 203 ft. drop. You must reserve a seat in advance and have to be at least 54″ tall. Check ahead for hours of operation as they vary due to weather. Normal hours are 11 AM to midnight daily. Price starts at $25. Coasters aren’t nice to my back anymore, but this one looks really fun. Who knows maybe I’ll do it one day just to say I did!

10. Next is Tournament of Kings dinner and show at Excalibur. This show is adapted from the tale of King Aurthur. Knights fight on live horses to prove their chivalry. The only drawback is that they are closed Tuesday & Wednesday. Hours for other days are 6pm or 8:30 PM show. Tickets are $41.86 plus tax & fees. We haven’t made it to this yet, but I do want to go at least once.

11. Next stop is the last casino on the south end of the strip, Mandalay Bay. Here you can go to the Shark Reef Aquarium. It has more than 200 animals with a walkway through the aquarium to better see them all. Prices start at $29. You can dive with the sharks or feed some of the animals for an additional fee. Hours of operation are 10 AM to 8 PM daily with last admission at 7 PM. It’s a little expensive to me, but if you really love aquariums you may want to check it out.

12. On the far north end of the Strip is The Strat. Please let me emphasize that you really shouldn’t try to walk here from anywhere on the strip. Not only is it quite a jaunt, but there are also some areas without casinos and may not be the safest. Once you get to The Strat, it’s fine. Not only is The Strat the tallest building in Las Vegas, but at 1149 ft. tall it is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States and has phenomenal views of the city. The fee for going up to the observation deck is $30. There are other options such as thrill rides and a sky jump available for additional fees. The observation deck is open 10 AM to 12:30 AM daily. I recommend going up while it is still light out so you can see all the views like the mountains, etc. and staying until dark to see the beautiful city at night.

Shopping

I have to add the many shopping experiences available on the strip, because who doesn’t love to shop? And if you can restrain from buying anything it is totally free! If you are at Mandalay Bay, I recommend walking from there to Excalibur on the indoor walkway. There are many shops and restaurants along the way, plus you get to see more of the casinos. The Shops at Crystals in the Aria has 50 luxury shops plus a few restaurants and galleries. The Miracle Mile shops in Planet Hollywood offer some unique and popular shops and restaurants. If you want to stroll through some sculptures plus shop, I suggest the Forum Shops in Caesar’s Palace. Next up is Linq Promenade with a small variety of shopping. My favorite is the Grand Canal Shops at The Venetian. Not only do you get to walk along the canal, but they will lead you to the Palazzo where you can find more shops and restaurants. Of course, there has to be a shopping mall on the Las Vegas Strip, so if you’re looking for an indoor mall to shop, check out Fashion Show Mall.

Conclusion

As you can see there is a wide variety of things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble. These are some of the popular ones and some of my favorites. As you plan your trip to Las Vegas, make sure to check if any of these you may want to do need advance tickets. I recommend going through the casino website versus one of the ticket sites, they seem to offer some better deals. Also, make sure to check your player’s card at any of these if you have one because some of them offer discounts. We try to inspire people to find their adventure whether it be coming to Las Vegas or taking a day trip close to home. Finding something new is a great way to share time with loved ones and make great memories! Make sure to take lots of pictures and pick up anything that will bring back great memories even just a matchbook! For more of our adventures check our videos here.

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Lake Mead: Nevada’s Outdoor Playground! https://scenicroutetravelers.com/lake-mead-nevadas-outdoor-playground/ https://scenicroutetravelers.com/lake-mead-nevadas-outdoor-playground/#respond Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:59:23 +0000 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/?p=2602 Lake Mead National Recreation Area is actually the first and largest recreational area in the United States, but Nevada is its home and lots of people enjoy coming here to play. There are so many things to do here that it’s not hard to find something for everyone. We have been here before, but we […]

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Lake Mead National Recreation Area is actually the first and largest recreational area in the United States, but Nevada is its home and lots of people enjoy coming here to play. There are so many things to do here that it’s not hard to find something for everyone. We have been here before, but we decided to take a drive on Lakeshore Road one of two roads that meander through the area. So, I’ll tell you a little about our trip and give you some basic information about the park so you can see if it’s sounds like a place you want to visit. Make sure to get your camera ready for the spectacular views!

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General Park Information

Entrance fees into the park are $25 per vehicle, $20 for motorcycles and $15 if you go in on foot or bicycle. You can also purchase annual passes through the park or look into the America the Beautiful lifetime pass which gets you in all national parks. There are also fees for boats and marina pads, but I won’t go into all of that here. Pets are welcome in the park, but must be on leashes no longer than 6 ft. You also have to check certain areas, like beaches, because pets are not welcome everywhere. Cell phone service is spotty here, so be prepared in case of an emergency. Remember that even though this is a lake you are still in the desert and with the dry heat you want to make sure you stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water with you. As with all parks, leave it as you found it. This means, take your trash with you, don’t move or remove any artifacts or land formations, such as boulders in your path and make sure if you have a fire in an approved area that your fire is completely put out before you leave. Drones are not allowed in the park. Check for NPS website for all rules and regulations.

Things to do here

Being that this is a lake, let’s start with water sports. You can rent boats and paddle craft at park marinas, take a boat tour to the Hoover Dam, book a trip on a motorized raft or bring your own boat. There are a few beaches where you can swim. If you rent a boat, explore some of the many caves that are around the lake or try your luck at fishing ( license is required). There are many picnic areas throughout the park, with not only picnic benches and restrooms, but small charcoal grills. There were some at all of the overlooks we stopped at on our trip. There is plenty of space to hike (1.5 million acres) but be sure to review maps and stay on designated trails as there is little if no help available close by. There are quite a few trails that allow cycling along with all park roadways. There is plenty of wildlife in the park so keep in mind that they are wild. Keep a safe distance from them and don’t feed them.

Scenic Drives

As mentioned above, we did the Lakeshore Road drive which had several overlooks of not only the lake but the Colorado River. We started at the north end of the lake off of Lake Mead Blvd. and it winds down past Boulder Beach and ends near the Visitors Center. It’s a great ride with lots of beautiful views of the lake, plenty of overlooks and if you feel like swimming, you’ll end up right at one of the beaches. Northshore drive is the other scenic drive that takes you between the Muddy Mountains and the Black Mountains. We haven’t done this drive yet, but I hope to soon. If you happen to be closer to the Laughlin area, check out Lake Mojave which is also part of the Lake Mead recreation area. You can rent boats at the marinas here too. Since we’re not big hikers, this was a great way to see different parts of the lake.

Conclusion

As you can see, Lake Mead Recreation Area offers a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy. Since it is a national park area, it’s important to keep in mind all of the rules which mainly are for your safety. For anyone who loves water sports and outdoor activities, Lake Mead is definitely a place you’ll want to check out. As we explore more of this great place, I will do more blogs on specific areas and what they have to offer, but for now I wanted to give you a general overview of the park to help when you’re looking for places to explore. We hope to encourage people to find their own adventures and have fun! Make sure to take pictures and if so inclined keep a journal so you can look back on your trips and the great memories. If interested in our video of Lake Mead click here.

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Should I stay at Lake Las Vegas on my vacation? https://scenicroutetravelers.com/should-i-stay-at-lake-las-vegas-on-my-vacation/ https://scenicroutetravelers.com/should-i-stay-at-lake-las-vegas-on-my-vacation/#respond Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:31:32 +0000 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/?p=2591 The answer to this question is a question for an answer. What are you looking to do on your vacation? If you are looking for the excitement of the Las Vegas strip and want to see shows, gamble, and have a huge selection of restaurants and shopping, then the answer is Lake Las Vegas is […]

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The answer to this question is a question for an answer. What are you looking to do on your vacation? If you are looking for the excitement of the Las Vegas strip and want to see shows, gamble, and have a huge selection of restaurants and shopping, then the answer is Lake Las Vegas is definitely not the place to stay on vacation. But… if you are looking for some outdoor activities, especially water activities and golf, then Lake Las Vegas might be just the place you are looking for. Let’s dive a little deeper into what Lake Las Vegas has to offer.

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Hotels

The first of two hotels here is the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa. This is a mediterranean-style resort. The rooms are available in both King and Double beds, lake view or not and they do have rooms for mobility/hearing access. All rooms come with a mini refrigerator, separate bath and toilet areas, coffee maker, 37″ TV, hairdryer and iron/ironing board. The suites are king size beds only with all the amenities of the other rooms but with the addition of a seating area with sofa. Other amenities available for all rooms are digital key, free Wi-Fi and concierge service. All rooms are non-smoking, and pets are not permitted. There is an outdoor pool and a fitness center. If you really want to relax, there is a spa with typical services, including 24-hour treatment rooms. You can also get golf packages for the courses here. There is one restaurant, Medici Cafe, that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a gift shop here that serves Starbucks coffee.

The second hotel here is the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa. This too is a mediterranean style hotel which goes with the theme of Lake Las Vegas resort. The guest rooms come in both King and Double with options of pool or lake views. They have the following amenities: desk with chair, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, mini fridge, coffee/tea maker, TV, clock radio with alarm clock. The junior suite comes with all the same amenities but with a sofa couch. The one-bedroom suite also comes with a sofa couch and separate bedroom. It also has a wet bar. All rooms are non-smoking and a no pet policy. There is a pool and fitness center in the hotel along with packages for the golf courses. The spa is not open at the time of writing this. There are 3 restaurants along with a grill at the pool that serve quick snacks and cocktails. The 3 restaurants are: Rick’s Cafe, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Marssa Steak & Sushi, with Japanese cuisine and Marrakesh Express which is only open 6 AM to 10 AM. There is a bridge structure that crosses the lake from here to the Hilton and to shopping at The Village.

The Village

There’s not a lot to say about the village shopping area, it used to have a lot of shops, but now only 3 are open and there is a Mexican restaurant. If you are interested in treating yourself to a spa service, there is a nail salon, hair salon and spa here. It was actually kind of sad to see all of the closed shops and art galleries that looked so empty on the walking bridge across the lake. It’s still nice to take a stroll across the bridge. It is covered and has some great views of the lake, but when the shops and galleries in this area were open it was much more inviting.

Water Activities

The lake itself and all the water activities is what makes this area so unique. The lake is 320 acres of water with many activities. There are different types of packages for entertainment on the lake including, renting flyboards or jetpacks. You can also rent standup paddleboards, kayaks or pedal boats. Something I didn’t know existed are electric surfboards! You can get a package that gives you lessons and time surfing around the shores of Lake Las Vegas. You can also rent electric boats or take a cruise on the lake if you have a special event you want to celebrate. You can also swim, fish, water ski (if you have your own boat) or go hiking in the area around the lake. There is also a stage on the lakeshore near The Village which holds concerts on most weekends. And of course, the golfing, it is supposed to be great here.

Conclusion

As you can probably tell, if you are looking for a vacation involving water, sports and outdoor activities, then Lake Las Vegas might just be the place for you. However, if you are looking for a true “Las Vegas” experience, then this is not the place to come. It is a good 40 minutes to the strip from here with no taxi or bus service. And I’m sure an Uber or Lyft would not be cheap. I had never been here and from things I had read over the years, I really thought it was going to be a really nice place to shop, browse and eat but it was really a disappointment to me. But it may be somewhere that you really enjoy. I try to point out everything I can that I think will help people find a destination that is great for them. I try to show both pros and cons so you can make an informed decision. We hope to get people excited about going on their own adventure, even if it’s just close to home on a day trip. Wherever you decide to stay on your vacation, don’t forget your camera so you can keep your memories alive. There is always something new out there to discover! Enjoy! If interested in our video of Lake Las Vegas, click here:

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6 of Nevada’s Best Hidden Wonders https://scenicroutetravelers.com/nevadas-hidden-wonders/ https://scenicroutetravelers.com/nevadas-hidden-wonders/#respond Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:25:42 +0000 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/?p=2244 When people think of Nevada it’s always Las Vegas, Reno/Lake Tahoe and possibly Hoover Dam. But do you know about all of the other great things there are to do in Nevada? Especially all of the wonderful state parks and history that abounds here. I did a blog about my bucket list places I want […]

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When people think of Nevada it’s always Las Vegas, Reno/Lake Tahoe and possibly Hoover Dam. But do you know about all of the other great things there are to do in Nevada? Especially all of the wonderful state parks and history that abounds here.

I did a blog about my bucket list places I want to visit in Nevada but here are some more places that you should consider visiting, especially if you like to hike, bike or camp in the wilderness.

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Gold Butte National Monument

Gold Butte National Monument

Gold Butte National Monument is 9 miles from Mesquite, NV which is about an hour and a half from Las Vegas. Mesquite is a small town that has 3 casino/resorts. Gold Butte is on BLM land and covers 300,000 acres. This park is very primitive with limited cell service, no facilities, and minimal marked trail heads. The road is rough and is recommended that you have a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle. Hiking and horseback riding is permitted to see the beautiful red rock peaks and canyons in this area. There is some rock art in some of the canyons so keep your eyes out when on your hike. Some areas of interest here are Whitney Pocket, Little Finland and if you’re up for it climb 8000 ft. to Virgin Peak. There is also Devil’s Throat sinkhole, but again it’s tough to get to without 4-wheel. You can also take a backcountry byway to a mining ghost town. We are not big hikers, so we probably won’t be going here, but it does sound like a great adventure.

Black Rock Desert

Black Rock Desert

Black Rock Desert is a wilderness area in Humboldt & Pershing counties in Nevada. This too is on BLM land and is about 9.5 hours from Las Vegas. This area is known for the remains of prehistoric Lake Lahontan, where you can see it’s remains of the shoreline. There are lava rocks and alkali flats here and beautiful peaks. Hiking, camping and hunting are allowed in this area, but check the website for restrictions especially for the hunting. The area covers over 314,000 acres. This is not to be confused with Black Rock Playa, this is a true wilderness area with no facilities. There aren’t any specific trail heads here. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the land. If you’re lucky while your hiking, you may see some wild horses and burros.

Ruby Mountains

Ruby Mountains/Lamoille Canyon

The Ruby Mountains and Lamoille Canyon are located in Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service oversees this area. This glacier carved mountain and canyon is 5.5 hours from Las Vegas, in Lamoille, NV. There is a 12-mile scenic byway where you can stop and get pictures or start your hiking adventure at one of the trailheads. One of the popular places in the park, is Rubycrest National Recreation Area. You can fish in the streams and lakes that have endangered Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, so make sure you check on rules and fishing permits are required. Big Game hunting is also allowed in this area, but again you must obtain a license beforehand. You will find the largest mule deer herd here, plus many other animals. Camping is also allowed and available May-November in either tents, yurts or the Ruby 360 Lodge. In the winter, you can enjoy the snow by either snowshoeing or snowboarding.

Cathedral Gorge State Park

Cathedral Gorge State Park

Cathedral Gorge State Park is in Panaca, NV. This is about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas. Best known for its amazing pink cathedral like spirals and cave-like formations to explore, this park offers hiking, camping and has many picnic areas around. Because it is a state park, there is a fee of $5 for residents of Nevada and $10 for non-residents. There is a 4-mile loop hiking trail along with other trails around the park. You can also drive through the park and stop at the pull-offs. There are 22 campsites with flush restrooms and showers along with firepits. I think I missed this on my bucket list, so I’ll have to put it on. If you love camping and hiking, I think this probably should be on your bucket list too!

Kershaw-Ryan State Park

Kershaw-Ryan State Park

Kershaw-Ryan State Park is located about 3 miles from Callente, NV. This is about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas. This is an unusual canyon because it is a long valley nestled between 700-foot-high mountains. Its natural springs provide water not only for the animals, but help wild grapevines, white oak tree and willow trees to grow making it a beautiful, serene area to hike. Since this is a state park, there is a fee for entering $5 for residents, $10 for non-residents. There are 14 miles of trails which include Barne and Rainbow canyons. There are wild horses and other native animals in the canyon, so keep your eyes open and if you’re lucky you will see them. Many times you can see them at the springs getting a drink. Mountain biking is also permitted here, along with camping. Be sure to check this park out.

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park is known for exactly what it’s name implies. There are 6 beehive ovens that were used in the 1800’s to process rich silver ore. The park is located in the Egan Mountain Range, 20 miles South of Ely, NV. It has lots of great forested scenery and the unique charcoal ovens. The park is always open, and you can enjoy camping, hiking, picnicking and fishing here. There are two-day use picnic areas that have covered tables, restrooms and grills. Willow Creek runs through the park where rainbow trout is stocked. There is a trail system for hiking in warmer months and cross-country skiing in winter. Since this is a state park, there is an entrance fee of $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. This park is about 4 hours north of Las Vegas. While you’re here, take a ride up to Ely to learn more history about copper mining in Nevada.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are so many places to explore in Nevada. I’m excited to get to know this state a little better and to explore states around us. Every state has hidden gems, so go out, explore, and have a great adventure!! Please remember anytime you visit the outdoors to leave it as you found it. If you want to see some videos of our adventures, go to: https://youtu.be/x_UIrvC1lWo

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“Powerball Pit Stop: Arizona or California—Where Should Vegas Locals Buy Tickets?” https://scenicroutetravelers.com/california-vs-arizona-for-lottery-tickets/ https://scenicroutetravelers.com/california-vs-arizona-for-lottery-tickets/#respond Sun, 08 Oct 2023 19:37:16 +0000 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/?p=220 The one thing we miss since moving to Nevada from Pennsylvania is being able to buy lottery tickets. I don’t really understand the reasoning behind not having a state lottery, but Nevada doesn’t have one, so that puts Nevada residents at a disadvantage as far as being able to buy tickets, especially when the cash […]

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The one thing we miss since moving to Nevada from Pennsylvania is being able to buy lottery tickets. I don’t really understand the reasoning behind not having a state lottery, but Nevada doesn’t have one, so that puts Nevada residents at a disadvantage as far as being able to buy tickets, especially when the cash amount gets really high for Powerball or any other national lottery.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.

California

Before we moved here, we knew that we could go to Nipton, CA which is right across the state line next to Primm, NV and get tickets at The Lotto Store. From my understanding, Primm used to be a really popular stop for people traveling to and from California. There was a big shopping mall there and 3 casinos. All 3 casinos are now open, but the mall is closed. Primm is located about 40 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. The biggest downfall of coming here to get your lottery tickets is that a lot of people from the Las Vegas area go here and when the prizes are big, it could take you hours of standing in line to get your tickets. We tried it once, and decided it wasn’t worth waiting that long.

*Update: Only Primm Valley resort & casino is open as of the beginning of 2025.

Arizona

We decided to see if we could get tickets in Arizona. And eureka!! We found the Last Stop Travel Center and Arizona Last Stop convenience store. Since we live in Henderson, NV it is only about 35 minutes to get here, and the scenery is beautiful. The road travels through Lake Mead Recreation Center. We have been there quite a few times and not once was the wait more than 5 minutes to get our tickets! Even if you live on the west side of Las Vegas, it shouldn’t take you much more than an hour to get there. Round trip would still be less time than standing in line in Primm. And if you have some extra time, stop at Lake Mead or Hoover Dam. There is also Hoover Dam Lodge and Casino. For AZ last stop see video here

In Conclusion

So, if you live in the Las Vegas area and are wanting to buy lottery tickets, I highly recommend going to the Last Stop. It is right off the highway and is easy on and off. And as I mentioned earlier, the drive is really beautiful. If you’re interested in seeing some video of our trip, click here: https://youtube.com/shorts/0UCoFmUltAA

Shop Calendars.com for Great Deals!

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]]> https://scenicroutetravelers.com/california-vs-arizona-for-lottery-tickets/feed/ 0 Best Places in Nevada to put on your Bucket List https://scenicroutetravelers.com/nevada-bucket-list/ https://scenicroutetravelers.com/nevada-bucket-list/#respond Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:38:51 +0000 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/?p=67 Since we moved to Nevada, I’m realizing that there are many more places to visit than I first thought. I knew about Reno and Lake Tahoe, Red Rock Canyon, etc. but I keep finding more and more places that I had no idea were here. So, I decided to make a bucket list for myself […]

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Since we moved to Nevada, I’m realizing that there are many more places to visit than I first thought. I knew about Reno and Lake Tahoe, Red Rock Canyon, etc. but I keep finding more and more places that I had no idea were here. So, I decided to make a bucket list for myself and for anyone else that would like to know what there is to do in Nevada besides go to Las Vegas. If you are visiting Las Vegas, I put in the distance of each place from Las Vegas.

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Grapevine Canyon

Near Las Vegas:

Mount Charleston-which is located in the Springs Mountain Natural Recreation area. Approximately an hour from Las Vegas, this drive takes you from desert to mountain in a short amount of time. This is also the name of a town near the mountain where you can hike, picnic or do a scenic drive. There is also a visitors’ center, in summer you can ride the ski lift in Lee Canyon and ski in the winter. And so much more!

El Dorado Canyon & Ghost Town in Nelson, NV. This is about an hour from Las Vegas. You can do a mine tour in Techatticup Mine and see the ghost town. Reservations are required for gold mine tours.

Valley of Fire

Grapevine Canyon also known as Christmas Tree Pass located in Bridge Canyon wilderness area and Avi Kwa Ame also known as Spirit Mountain Wilderness area in Lake Mead National Recreation Area near Laughlin, NV. It’s about an hour and a half from Las Vegas. You can hike to the canyon and at the base is a large concentration of Petroglyphs. It’s about 3-miles round trip or continue on the trail into the canyon which is a 16-mile hike.

Laughlin is next on my list since it’s so close to Grapevine Canyon. Not only do they have casinos, which we love, but there is also a riverwalk and water activities.

Laughlin

Next is Valley of Fire State Park in Overton, NV. This is 50 miles NE of Las Vegas. Since it is a state park, there is a fee of $10 for NV residents and $15 for non-residents. Best known for Elephant Rock formation, there are plenty of other sites here. You can drive the park and stop at the overlooks or hike the many trials.

Of course, I have to add Sloan Canyon right here in Henderson to my list. There are hiking trails and beautiful scenery here to get pictures of, but the petroglyphs are what I want to see! The petroglyph’s hiking trail is what Sloan Canyon is best known for. This is on BLM land.

Sloan Canyon

More of NevadaNye County

Rhyolite Ghost town is on my list. This is Beatty, NV about 120 miles NW of Las Vegas. This is in Nye County, so let’s continue with places in Nye.

Amargosa Valley this town is at the entrance to Ash Meadows Wildlife Reserve and Big Dune where you can see some huge sand dunes. This is only about an hour and a half from Las Vegas and if you are planning a trip to Death Valley, which is next on my list, Amargosa Valley is a great place to stay the night.

Just a quick couple things about Death Valley, it does have a $30 per vehicle entrance fee. If you just want to drive the scenic route, it is 100 miles. If you plan to do some hiking, you might need a couple days to see everything.

Death Valley

A bit further from Las Vegas, but still in Nye County, is Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park in Austin, NV. This is 5 hours from Las Vegas. Again, since it is a state park, there is an entrance fee, $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. There is a ghost town and ghost mine here, but the biggest attraction is the largest skeletal remains of an Ichthyosaurus, an ancient marine animal.

Another place in Nye County on my list is Tonopah, NV. This is about 3 and a half hours from Las Vegas. This is a tourist town for sure with 2 well known places to check out. The first is the Mizpah Hotel and the other is the Clown Motel. Any CSI fans will remember this place. I just have to see it some day!

Clown Motel

Great Basin National Park is another place I would like to visit. It’s located in Baker, NV and is about 4.5 hours from Las Vegas. There’s hiking & fishing. 2 Visitors centers. There is a cave with pictographs, and it has Nevada’s only glacier.

Lake Tahoe

Reno Area

Let’s head up to the Reno area next. So, I’ve always wanted to go to Reno, since it is known as the “Biggest little city in the world”. I think of it as a mini–Las Vegas. Besides the casinos, there is plenty of other things to do including a river walk. Reno is about 7 hours from Las Vegas.

With Reno comes Lake Tahoe. Another place I’ve always wanted to visit. Pictures I’ve seen are beautiful. I’ll be sure to let you know all about it when we get there.

Not far from Reno is Pyramid Lake. It is about 35 miles NE from Reno. You can fish, hike, and Kayak on the lake. If you want to swim or camp here, you must get a permit. There is a museum and visitor center here. This area is where they hold the burning man ceremony. It is also on native land so be sure to follow all of their rules while visiting.

Pyramid Lake

In Fallon, NV you will find Grimes Point. Here you will find Hidden Cave Archeological Site. In order to visit inside the cave, you must go on a guided tour. You can do a quarter mile self-guided hike around the cave without making a reservation. You will see some petroglyphs around the cave, but many more in the cave itself.

The rest of Nevada

Another state park I would like to visit is Echo Canyon State Park. This is located in Pioche, NV. This is approximately 3 hours from Las Vegas. Again, a $5 fee for NV residents or $10 for non-residents is required. There is a 65-acre reservoir here. Fishing, boating and hiking are some of the activities available here.

How could we not include our state capital of Carson City? This is 7 hours from Las Vegas. There is a lot of history here including nearly 50 landmarks on the Kit Carson trial. You can also take a train to Virginia City and see the old mines. Of course, there are modern places here also, but visiting the museums and other historical sites makes it a place I would like to visit. Make sure you check out the Nevada State Museum along with all of the other museums here.

Carson City

Last but not least, we have to include Rachel, NV. Better known as the town outside of Area 51. This is roughly 2.5 hours from Las Vegas. This town has really adopted all of the alien lore surrounding Area 51. If you love all the alien touristy stuff, then this is a place you should visit. Make sure you grab a bite at the Little Aleinn!

Rachel, NV

Conclusion

There are still so many other places to see in Nevada and I’ll continue to more blogs about more of them, but this is a list of places I would like to visit. Two places I didn’t mention are Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam because I have been there, but you definitely want to check them out. As you can see there are great things to do in Nevada and pretty much anywhere you look. If you’re interested in traveling to Nevada, I hope this gave you a starting place of things to do here. Even if you aren’t planning a trip here, look in your area, I’m sure you’ll find places you never realized were nearby. Do a weekend road trip or just a day trip and find a new adventure. We love to travel and hope to inspire others to find new things to explore. Don’t forget to take your camera to preserve your memories. Click on the picture below for a really good travel camera. Please read about more of our adventures, especially if you are looking for a new travel adventure.

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