What Happens in Vegas . . . is Worth Sharing With YOU!
Las Vegas has a reputation for being, shall we say, more of a ‘party’ destination than a family destination. And in truth, we encountered our share of sights and sounds there which would support that notion.
The Stats
But here are some statistics from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority website which are worth considering: In a non-pandemic travel year, Vegas attracts over 43 million visitors; boasts a near 90% occupancy rate among its 150,000+ hotel rooms; and contributes a staggering $57 billion (with a B) in total impact to the local economy.
It’s for you too!
For anyone who is serious about impressive travel destinations – whether your profile is ‘family traveler’, ‘outdoor adventurer’ or ‘thrill seeker of another kind’ – a trip to Vegas is a must, and worth sharing with YOU.
A perfect Southwest beginning…
The developers, business owners, city planners and tourism advisors have done a terrific job creating a one-of-a-kind, urban travel experience that really has to be seen to be believed. For the Benz Group, we were able to find plenty of exciting family “stuff-to-do.” And since you don’t have to travel too far outside the city to find incredible hikes and beautiful desert scenery, Las Vegas ended up being a perfect start to our Southwest Adventure.
For this post, we will break our Vegas trip down into two sections: Our visit to the dazzling Las Vegas Strip (today’s topic), and our hikes in the stunning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Is it Just Me or is it Hot in Here?!
We landed at McCarran International Airport in 114-degree heat and did not see daytime temps below 100 until the day we left. The peak temps we saw occurred on Day 2, our hike in Red Rock, when the thermometer hit 119°. So yes, it was HOT. But the heat was incredibly dry and surprisingly comfortable compared to our very humid Nashville summers.
Oceans 6?
To get pumped for our trip, our family had watched the Ocean’s movie franchise. As a result, we were most excited to see the beautiful, big hotels on the Strip. Let’s just say that they did not disappoint. The main Strip is a four-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard and so our first day consisted of a six-mile round-trip “hike” in and out of, through and around, the breathtaking hotels.
We are definitely hotel people
Being from Nashville, we are partial to the stunning Opryland Hotel and have spent many hours strolling through the Delta, the Garden Conservatory and the Cascades. Naturally, we felt right at home touring the awe-inspiring architecture inside and outside of the Bellagio, the Venetian, the Palazzo, Mandalay Bay, Treasure Island and Caesar’s Palace.
Travel Tip!
Now here is an important Travel Tip: The Strip is well-designed with many conveniently-located overpasses, escalators, and moving sidewalks. With a little forethought and planning, your urban-trek to the hotels and the many landmarks located on either side of the Strip will be easy and fun to navigate. In other words, keeping us safely out of the way of the Lamborghinis and Ferraris which cruise Las Vegas Boulevard at impressive speeds. Check out some of these pictures.
Tantalizing the Senses
What stood out to us were the lights, the colors, the enormous screens, and the constant motion and sound. Above all, the Vegas Strip is not intended to be about relaxation, but about excitement and stimulation. One of the highlights for us was catching the famous Bellagio Fountains Show which runs on a set daily schedule, and re-enacting the closing scene of Ocean’s Eleven. (Move over Matt, Brad and George!)
Oceans 11 Oceans 5
This attraction is completely free and needs to be experienced both during the day and night performances. (Family traveler warning: The Strip after dark is a WHOLE other place! Daddy Starbucks and I ventured out sans kids for this part of the trip, and that was probably a good idea.)
So many fun activities
Other highlights of our urban adventure included the M&M’s World Store, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the Gondolas at the Venetian, and the gargantuan Fashion Show Mall.
Fashion Show is a three-story, high-tech, 2 million square foot “shoppertainment” mecca that is centrally located on the Strip. Thankfully, it offered free parking in its garage due to Covid, which made it an ideal start and stop point for our day.
Accomodations/Food
The story of our Vegas adventure would not be complete without some coverage of our beautiful accommodations, the J.W. Marriott Resort and Spa in Summerlin.
Also, because we are a family of ‘foodies’, we try to include amazing eats on all our trips. Ever in search of the best burgers in America, no swing out West would be complete without a trip to In-N-Out Burger. We hope you enjoy these pics to round out our Day One highlights.
Come on back for more
Keep watching this blog for our Day Two adventure into Red Rock Canyon. If you’d like to read about traveling during Covid-19, click HERE. And if you’d like to learn more about how we get to enjoy such incredible experiences using points-based travel, feel free to reach out to me HERE!
Also, here’s a link to the step-by-step process that we followed to see places that I once thought were completely untouchable for an average family of six, like mine! As well, please follow along on my social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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I’ve been to Vegas once and was thankful my son was only 2 at the time. We also hit the In-N-Out Burger there, not having those in Virginia where we were traveling from. We loved the Venetian and the Bellagio fountain shows too!
Awesome Kristin! Virginia is where I’m originally from. Definitely no In-N-Out there, but then Vegas doesn’t have the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains either!
I haven’t been there yet but my husband was there for a bachelor’s trip. Vegas sounds like a wonderful place to visit!
Alyssa, it’s definitely something that I think everyone should see at least once. Just be prepared and mindful!
You are right, Vegas can’t be imagined. You just have to go experience it. You can stay, eat, shop and play keeping it as wholesome as you like or the opposite! So much offered.
You summed it up perfectly Debbie!
I haven’t been to Vegas yet, Good to hear I can still get some good hikes in!!
Tiffany, hiking is always our favorite adventure! And Red Rock Conservation Area is only 20 minutes away. We LOVED it for sure!
I remember when Vegas was not a family destination. It was difficult to find anything for families to do in the city. But things have changed for sure – its like a whole different city. Thanks for sharing.
Beth, I recommend that you still do some research. There are definitely family friendly options now, but you still have to be careful (especially at night)!
I love Vegas! I’m not one for the partying or casinos either and have really enjoyed my visits. The Bellagio Fountain is a must-see for sure. I also love going to see at least one show. Also, the Neon Museum is super fun too!
Jordan, we didn’t make it to the Neon Museum this time, and there aren’t any shows going on right now. I really did want to see the Cirque show. I guess we’ll have to make a return visit!
Can’t wait to be able to travel again. Vegas is always such a fun time!
Siobhan, we were so happy that we ventured out. We’ve missed traveling a lot. With careful and thoughtful planning, you could have a wonderful trip!
Isn’t it fun to overcome the numerous challenges involved in taking teens to Vegas? 😉 My then 16 year old and I went last year and had a blast even though I felt there was barely anywhere I could take her! Fun post!
Thank you Maggie! We stuck with all the family friendly options (and a bunch of hiking)!
How fun! Las Vegas has honestly scared me a little to visit, but it would be cool just to see the gorgeous hotels, the fountain, and just all the lights!
Sydney, I think I felt that way too, before going. Honestly though, I wasn’t frightened at all. Just stay on the Strip and around people at all times. The hotels are unbelievable (and so are the Bellagio fountains)!!
Awesome trip! Your room looks amazing.
We did love the JW Marriott! We were fortunate this trip. We stayed in a Marriot, a Hilton, an IHG property, and a Hyatt!
I think you can make Vegas a family friendly destination although it stresses me out with little kids!
I don’t think I could have done it with “littles”! Sooooo much walking!
I love Vegas! Such a fun trip. Love the water show in front of the Bellagio and the Venetian is very cool too.
I couldn’t agree more Jill. Two of our favorite things!
Looks like a super fun trip! You got some great photos!
Thank you Kristina! I’m in a house full of photographers and videographers!
Love the title and love Vegas. Have been there many, many times.
Thank you Sandra! This was our very first time!
What a cool post! I’ve heard it’s more family-friendly than one would think. Oddly enough, I went about 10 years ago and felt way safer at night.
Thank you Megan! It’s definitely a place that everyone should see!
Very good article; I’ve been before, too, and you did a great job of explaining the accommodations and things to do.
Thanks so much Roselyn! I really appreciate your kind words!
Great overview of all you can do in Vegas! Nicely done!
Thank you Kate!
My experiences in Vegas have been enjoyable. I love the interiors of the hotels and the effort they go to to bring culture and an experience to the visitor!
I completely agree Barbara. The hotels were incredible!!
Living in Southern California, I can drive to Vegas in about 4 hours. We used to go about 5 times a year before we had the kids. It’s so much fun, even if you stay for only a couple of days. The shows are fantastic, too.
Chelsea, we’ll have to get back to Vegas when they are running the shows. That was the only disappointment. No worries though – we still haven’t see all the beautiful National parks north of the Grand Canyon!
Vegas is unlike anything else, isn’t it? I hit a Royal Flush and won $1000 on a video poker machine at the bar at some big hotel, after taking the advice of the hooker sitting next to me!
Wow! That made for quite the adventure!
One day we will be back! This looks like a great adventure!
It certainly was Tiffany. Thank you.
I loved Vegas! I can’t wait til my kiddos are just a little older to take them as well! Your pics are awesome, BTW!
Marianne, thank you.
My youngest son finally had the chance to go to Vegas a couple weeks ago, and to say the least, it isn’t like this anymore. 🙁 He felt a little disappointed, as we’d gone when he was about 7-years-old and now, at 25, it’s not the same with all the glass partitions, mask requirements, no free drinks, etc. I do hope that most of these great spots will go back to something like the old way.
I do want to mention, I LOVE the “Oceans” movies being represented.. when we go some place famous I also make sure to point out those same things. lol 😂 Thank you for sharing!
Denise, I bet it was quite different from when he was 7! Bless his heart! And thanks for the kind words. My kids couldn’t wait to stand right where all the fellas from the “Oceans” movies stood!
We have used Las Vegas as our start and end to many a trip and loved it each time.
Cindy, that’s exactly what we did! And since we haven’t been to any of the gorgeous sites north of the Grand Canyon, we’ll probably do it again soon!
I love Vegas and cant wait to go back one day!! Great info!!
Melissa, thanks for stopping by!
I’ve never been to Vegas! Your post really makes me want to plan a trip!
Wow! Thank you Cindy!
I love the look and style of your blog. It is clean, easy to read, and your photos are stunning. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for the kind words, Candy!