Las Vegas has to be one of the most popular vacation spots in North America. By the time I finally went, most people I knew had already been there at least once. It's not only a popular travel spot for college party-goers, but also for sightseeing families and retired couples looking for some warm weather.
The most I'd heard about Vegas is that it is a party city- for the drinkers and gamblers. But there is so much more to Vegas than that! So here's some options for those who are looking for more out of their Vegas trips, as well as what I did while I was there.
1. Visit the Outlet malls
Vegas has several Outlet malls, and they're only a 5 dollar cab ride from the strip. There's one outdoor and one indoor that are both large and have great stores in their own right. I recommend the outdoor outlet if you are more into big name brands. There are also a couple malls on the strip you can visit. While they aren't outlet malls, they have more affordable stores.
2. Visit the family friendly hot spots
M&M's store- if you're a fan of M&M'S, you will love this store, They have merchandise of all kinds as well as a rainbow wall of bulk M&M'S for purchase. Sometimes there are even special seasonal flavors you can purchase. When I went in September, they had Candy Corn M&M's. While they didn't taste like candy corn, they were delicious!
Hershey's World- attached to New York, New York Hotel. Hershey's world has a variety of themed merch as well as candy for purchase. You can even personalize your own chocolate bar wrapper! New York New York is also a very scenic hotel and very cool to walk through. It also has an area with several restaurants that feels like a street on New York- So this place is great to visit all around.
MGM Grand- Within the MGM grand there is a walking area full of shops to explore, including a candy store. This is a great place to spend some of your time.
Of course, there are also options such as the wax museum and vans that will take you on a day trip to the grand canyon, both family friendly activities.
3. Themed Restaurants
Rainforest Cafe- Within the MGM Grand Hotel you can find the Rainforest Cafe. It is one of the largest ones I have ever been to, including a large waterfall. This place is great to take kids- and if you don't have kids, they have amazing food and good cocktails. Some of the drinks even come with a complimentary take home glass- a drink and souvenir in one!
Bubba Gump- If you like seafood, and Forrest Gump, this is the place for you. Cocktails here also come with a souvenir glass to take home. They also have fun here by asking you trivia about the Forrest Gump movie.
4. Walking the Strip
If you want to see some cool stuff on the strip (besides the wonky costume actors) There's plenty to see simply by taking a walk!
-The Luxor at night
-The volcano eruption at Mirage (night)
-The roller coaster at New York, New York
-The exterior of the Excalibur (looks like a castle)
-The fountains at the bellagio
5. Chef restaurants
Of course, many Food Network stars have chosen to have their restaurants in Vegas hotels, as they know it is a vacation hot spot. With restaurants by Giada, Bobby Flay, Gordon Ramsay, and more, you will never run out of unique fine dining options
6.Events on the strip
By far the most fun I had in Vegas were the events I planned to attend. I went to a Katy Perry concert at the MGM which was a once in a lifetime experience, but we also attended Boulevard Brew Fest- which was incredible. It was held across from the Luxor, and for $60 bucks a person you gained entry, $10 in free beer tokens, and access to performances by big bands such as Kings of Leon. If you can find events such as this going on in Vegas while you're going, I can guarantee you will have a good time for a good price.
All in all, if you want to do more than just lay by the pool or gamble, I highly recommend adding some of these things to your itinerary, and planning ahead. Planning ahead can make any good trip a fantastic one!
