I’ve always loved visiting Las Vegas, but not for the reasons you’d expect. I’ve never enjoyed drinking alcohol. I’m not a huge fan of the taste and I don’t like the idea of being drunk. I’m not very interested in gambling either. I can’t justify losing so much money to maybe win a little bit, and the card games might as well be rocket science. If you’re like me, the traditional reasons to see Vegas won’t seem appealing. However, I’ve fallen in love with all the other attractions that Sin City has to offer. Here are 7 unexpected reasons to love Las Vegas:
1. There are some awesome animals on the strip.
The Mirage Hotel, which is one of the most popular hotels on the Las Vegas strip, is home to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. They have several lions and tigers in their care, as well as many dolphins, including a new baby dolphin named Lady Ace.
If you don’t want to pay for a dolphin experience, there are several animal friends you could run into just walking around. In my Vegas adventures, I’ve befriended various parrots, a few snakes, and quite a few dogs.
2. The ambiance of the themed hotels is incredible.
Only in Vegas can you experience multiple parts of the world in just one day. The themed hotels are a spectacle in and of themselves, such as The Venetian or The Paris, because of the atmosphere the themes create. The attention to detail is impressive, and there are lots of cool things to look at. These hotels are huge, so you’ll discover something new every time you go. Plus, there is nothing quite like riding a gondola through a real canal or enjoying a crepe while observing the half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower.
3. The food is amazing.
There are some excellent dining experiences on the Las Vegas Strip, and not all of them will break the bank. One of my favorites is the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in the Paris Hotel. You ride an elevator up 11 stories to eat inside of the Eiffel Tower and look down on beautiful views of the strip and the Bellagio Fountains. There are many other restaurants in Las Vegas with their own unique flavors and experiences, such as Minus5 Ice Experience, The Chocolate Lounge, Top of the World Restaurant, or BLACKOUT dining in the dark.
4. Vegas has stores you won’t find anywhere else.
The Las Vegas Strip has some of the most unique shops I’ve ever seen. As a chocolate lover, I’m a big fan of the multi-story M&M’s World Las Vegas and Hershey’s Chocolate World. I also loved the custom coke bottles you can create to commemorate your trip or a special occasion in the Coca-Cola store. If you’re into more high-end stores and the latest fashion, check out the Miracle Mile Shops, the Shops at Crystals, and the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
5. Las Vegas has an awesome theater scene.
Las Vegas offers a lot more on the performance front than just showgirls and strippers, though you do have plenty of options should that interest you. They have many high caliber productions, ranging from elaborate Cirque Du Soleil shows to traditional theater. Throughout the day, lesser-known artists put on comedy shows or small-cast performances to amuse both families and adults.
6. Magic happens on the strip nightly.
Las Vegas is home to many famous magicians currently doing residencies, including David Copperfield, Criss Angel, Penn & Teller, and more. Most of the magicians do at least two shows per day, so you can experience multiple types of magic in one evening. These magicians perform their most famous stunts, as well as some new tricks right in front of your eyes. Sometimes they even include audience members in the show!
7. The city is an amusement park.
This is a city that likes to have fun, and part of the fun of Vegas is that you can find amusement park rides throughout the city. The NewYork NewYork hotel is home to the Big Apple Roller Coaster and Arcade. If you are a really big thrill seeker, check out the rides at the Stratosphere Tower. If you are brave enough, you can ride a roller coaster over 800 feet in the sky. One of their rides, called SkyJump, currently holds the Guinness World Record for highest commercial decelerator descent.
Whether you are into the typical Las Vegas nightlife or not, this city offers so much more than what meets the eye. Make sure you try something new the next time you pay a visit to Sin City. You won’t regret it!
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Excellent article.
Great article