Las Vegas Attractions

The x-Scream Ride

Stratosphere Thrill Rides

Thrill seekers of all ages can experience the ultimate in excitement at the Stratosphere. At over 100 stories above the ground, the Stratosphere boasts the world's three highest thrill rides; the Big Shot, X Scream and Insanity the Ride.

The Big Shot thrill ride catapults 16 riders from the 921-foot high platform up the Tower's mast to a height of 1, 081 feet. Traveling at 45 miles per hour, riders experience 4G's as they reach the very top, and feel negative G's on the way down.

X Scream, at 866 feet is the world's 3rd highest thrill ride. Shaped like a giant teeter-totter, X Scream is an open vehicle that propels riders head-first, 27 feet over the edge of the Stratosphere Tower and dangles them weightlessly above the Strip before pulling it's riders back and over again for more!

The Insanity Ride

Insanity-The Ride consists of an arm that extends out 64 feet over the edge of the Tower and will spin passengers at up to three 'G's.' As the ride spins faster and faster, the riders are propelled up to an angle of 70 degrees. Riders will experience the thrill of being flung over the edge of the Tower and literally facing downward at the City of Las Vegas below. The ride is programmable with various ride options. An unobstructed view of historic downtown Las Vegas rewards those riders brave enough to experience the ride.

Las Vegas Zoo

This is a great way to spend the day with the kids. This may be one of the smaller zoos you have been to but it makes up with some very rare animals. Here you will be privileged to look upon the last of the Barbary apes in America. They also have quite a few exotic birds and animals including wallabies, ostriches, flamingoes and emus. The chimpanzees at this zoo are a huge hit with the smaller kids. Sometimes their antics could even impress older kids.

You can make a choice between a half-day and a full day ecotour of the desert. This could be a great fun-come-learning experience for children as they learn about so many different aspects of the desert.

Gondola Rides

Who could resist the romantic charms of a gondola ride? You could stay at the Venetian Hotel and Casino and experience its authentic gondola ride as a double bonus.

You have a choice of outdoor as well as indoor gondola rides. The gondolier serenades you with the romantic sounds of Venice while you float under bridges and past beautiful landscapes. There are romantic 2-person gondola rides as well as gondola rides for the whole family. Reservations for gondola rides have to be done in person on the same day as the ride.

Madame Tussaud's

This is an absolutely-must-do on your Las Vegas family vacation. The Eax Museum offers you that unforgettable opportunity of golfing with Tiger Woods, singing with Elvis and sailing with the infamous Jack Sparrow. Here you could come face to face with some of Hollywood's most famous faces. Don't forget to take your camera along to record those memorable moments.

Animal Acts

When in Vegas, don't miss the Mirage. You'll find the White Tiger Habitat here where you can see these magnificent beasts in pristine white surroundings. Why white? So the animals can blend in and feel secure to some extent. These creatures are extinct now in the wild so you can count yourself lucky to be able to see them and as a free exhibit at that!

Up until recently you could also have taken in a Siegfried and Roy animal show. However, these have now been permanenetly cancelled following Roy Horn's tragic onstage accident in 2003.

Mirage Aquarium

This is a huge artificial coral reef and contains sixty species of coral from all over the world. It is a 20, 000-gallon saltwater aquarium that is just behind the front desk and displays a host of exotic sea creatures.

You'll also find the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat here. This provides a healthy environment for these wonderful creatures and is also a great place for people to be educated about the role they play in the ecosystem.

If you are over 13, you can become a trainer for one whole day (for a fee) and this makes for a truly magical experience.

Mandalay Baby Shark Reef

If you'd like some more glimpses into marine life, don't forget the Mandalay Baby Shark Reef which happens to be amongst the largest when it comes to marine exhibits in the U.S. There is an entrance fee but it's worth spending that money because it really is one of the best outings you can have in Las Vegas.

Bryce Canyon

Just 270 miles away, in Utah actually, is the Bryce Canyon National Park. If you want breathtaking scenery, here's where to find it. You'll have to pay an entrance fee of $20 for a vehicle but it's worth every penny. The view is absolutely stunning and you should keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the golden and bald eagles and the Great Basin Rattlesnake. If you are there in spring and summer, you could be treated to some wonderful blooms as well. Described by a rancher in the late 1800s as "a hell of a place to lose a cow!".

Floyd Lamb Park

Just 20 miles from Byce Canyon, Floyd Lamb Park became a state park in 1977. You'll find a barbecue area here and some very interesting remains and fossils. Some of them have been identified as giant sloths, mammoths, bison, horses and camels. It also has four well-stocked ponds and if you have a fishing license for Nevada, you could fish here but do remember that the limit per person is just three fish.

Grand Canyon

300 miles southeast of Las Vegaslies the Grand Canyon. This is a great trip if you have a whole day free. You'll have to pay to drive your car in and park but it's well worth it just to take in this glorious bit of American legend. Maybe you could take one of the tours to go round the canyon or opt for one that takes you right to the bottom and then up again. Or, maybe you would like to choose the helicopter ride instead.

Lake Mead

Another attraction close by is Lake Mead where you enjoy the beauty of the Nevada desert at its best. This is a large man-made lake, amongst the largest in the world and is around 1.5 million acres. It was formed by the Hoover Dam and the Colorado River and is a great place to do some swimming, boating and viewing wildlife.

Cirque Du Soleil

Founded in 1984 by two Canadian street performers Cirque du Soleil (Circus of the Sun) has become the new face of Las Vegas entertainment. Using only human performers, they combine street performance and traditional circus skills with more classical arts such as ballet and opera, backed by live music, to deliver a unique and energetic spectacular each night.

Bellagio Fountains

The Bellagio hotel delivers spectacular performances of its fountains with dramatic combinations of water, light and music. Shows run every 15 or 30 minutes, depending on the time of year. The spectacular nature of these displays means its impossible to just walk past.

Las Vegas Wedding Chapels

Over the years, Las Vegas has acquired the distinction of being the most sought out destination for weddings. Chapels portray a touch of traditional elegance, beauty, and charm. They're famous worldwide. There are around ten wedding chapels that come under the category of best chapels and are listed on many online websites.

Las Vegas? (Answers: 12) (Comments: 3)

I am going to Las Vegas for my 27th birthday, and I have only been there once before when I was 14, so I'd like some tips on things to do and see. I want to do some other things besides gambling, so if you know of any unique bars, shows, or locations I'd be happy to hear your suggestions. What are some must see things? Also this is the first vacation that my boyfriend and I will be taking together, so any tips for couples are greatly appreciated as well....thanks everyone!

Where in Las Vegas would be a good place to find a motel with weekly rates? (Answers: 7) (Comments: 0)

I'm planning on moving to Las Vegas from Southern California. I hear that there are motels downtown that offer weekly and monthly rates. How much should I plan on spending? I would want to stay in a motel to find a job and find an apartment. If I stay in a motel for a month and I realize that Las Vegas is not my cup of tea I can move back to Southern California. Currently I'm a 27 year old unemployed male.

What best areas of Las Vegas to live in and what's the best apartment to look into? (Answers: 9) (Comments: 2)

Hi everyone I'm planning on moving out to Las Vegas in a couple years once get enough saved up. I just want to know what's the best area to live in. I need to find a good area that's safe. I've read that Henderson, Boulder City and Downtown are good. Plus, I would like to know what the best apartments that are clean and safe for the most part affordable.