Selected Las Vegas Attractions
Las Vegas attractions, speaking very generally, are things you go to look at and admire, more for fun and enjoyment, rather than the educational experience. Given here are just some of the Las Vegas attractions I have been to. I've broken them down into those you have to pay to see, those that are free, and those that are free if you have lots of willpower. I suggest calling or checking on-line before going, just to check on the hours of operation. The shows, especially, have been known to change schedules frequently.
The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay: We have been to this several times, always with the kids and grandkids. Someday, I'm going with just a group of adults, so I'm not as distracted. The Auto Collection at the Imperial Palace: This has to be one of the most unique showrooms in the world. Their collection is fantastic, and it is ever-changing, since the cars are all for sale. I went a while back with my step-son, and the cars ranged from a mint VW bug (about $4000, as I recall) to a beautiful Duesenberg at just over $2,000,000. They had a Jaguar XK-E for about $40,000 that I drooled over. I'm almost afraid to go back. My wife will kill me if I bring something home. Madame Tussauds Interactive Wax Museum at The Venetian: Did you get the interactive in the listing? Want to dance with Britney Spears? Shake hands with John Wayne? Land on the moon with Neil Armstrong? ...And have pictures to prove it? Here you can. The Secret Gardens at The Mirage: Here you find two distinctly different type of animals, Mammals that swim, and mammals that walk, and could eat you for lunch. The dolphin pools (complete with under-the-surface viewing windows) are just plain fun. I always enjoy watching these creatures. They always seem to be enjoying life. The White Tigers and White Lions, along with a number of other cats are truly impressive. We have been twice, and will certainly go back again. Stratosphere Tower: The tallest of the Las Vegas attractions, we have been here several times. Excellent view. While up here, I have tried X-Scream (that tips you over the edge at 900 feet off the ground), and, several times, strapped into Big Shot. Penske Wynn Ferrari Maserati at The Wynn: Yes, they charge you to get into an auto dealership. The only time I've been, it was $10.00 a person. For you $10.00, however, you get a certain amount of peace and quiet (the limit the number of visitors) to enjoy imagining yourself behind the wheel. Imagine being the operative word. The cheapest car on the floor cost more than we paid for our house!
One of the neat things about this town, is the huge resorts trying to outdo each other to get the tourists attention (and money). To do this, they offer ever more fantastic, totally free, Las Vegas attractions. If you live here, it's nothing to pop down for a quick visit, or show out of town guest, without spending a fortune. The Lion Habitat at The MGM Grand: If you like the big cats, it's worth a visit. If you're patient enough to work your way through the crowds, you'll eventually get right up to the glass. If you're lucky, you be only a few feet (or less) from one of these animals. You may get to see them with the trainers inside. I'm not sure that's a job I'd want. Bellagio Fountains: Yes, I know you keep hearing about these. See them. See them during the day from your car. See them at night with your lover. Definitely show them to your visitors. In case you haven't guessed, I really like the fountains. The Volcano at The Mirage: I still haven't seen a really good view of this, but the few times I have seen it, it looked very impressive. Besides, it's so Vegas to have a working Volcano right in front of the Valet.
The Grand Canal Shops at The Venetian: Does strolling around Saint Mark's Square sound like a good way to spend an afternoon? No Problem. The Venetian has you covered, and it's free. You can watch the performers, listen to the singing gondoliers, and enjoy the spirit of Venice ... without the pigeons. Of course, given the shops and restaurants that surround the whole thing, not to mention a desire for a gondola ride, it may not stay free for long. The Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace: I love the name of both the mall and the hotel. I haven't been here since they expanded it, but the web site says they have more than 160 vendors. Similar to the Grand Canal Shops, but substitute ancient Rome for Venice. Of course, the Forum Shops were here first, and the statue shows are a kick to watch. As usual, it's free, if you can resist the shops and restaurants. Freemont Street. Experience: Downtown's answer to the Strip hotels extravaganzas. The largest light show in the world, complete with a 400 foot long canopy, and some of your favorite music. The surrounding businesses dim their lights, and the show's on. I've seen it quite a few times, and it's never been the same. If you're downtown anyway, try to time it so you catch this. The World's Larges Gold Nugget, logically enough at the Goden Nugget: I'm not sure this would be worth a trip downtown all by itself, but as long as you're there, why not stop in and take a look. It's on display with a few other nuggets of very impressive size.
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