Weekend Getaway to Las Vegas – Travel Guide

Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable 48-hour escape filled with lights, excitement, and iconic Vegas experiences

Glimmering Lights, Big Fun, Two Days of Your Life!

If you're looking to replace your mundane weekends with bright fluorescent lights, shows of unparalleled quality, and astonishing leisure, then a weekend trip to Las Vegas is for you. The World's Entertainment Capital has so much more to offer than just gambling.

From phenomenal shows to amazing attractions like the Vegas Strip and incredible views from the rooftops of restaurants and nightclubs, plus a plethora of exquisite dining options, each minute of your stay will be greater than your imagination.

This ultimate guide will assist you in creating the ultimate travel itinerary. Continue reading to find all of the "must-dos" in Las Vegas.

Located in Downtown Las Vegas, the Discovery Children's Museum allows children to explore, create, and imagine in its colorful three-story building. More than 58,000 square feet of interactive space lets kids enjoy nine unique galleries, including The Summit—a 70-foot-tall climbing tower, Eco City—a small sustainable environment where children learn about ecosystems, Water World—a water-play discovery space, Patents Pending—a hands-on lab about invention, and Fantasy Festival—a play area of castles and ships.

After a day of learning, take a scenic drive out of town to the famous Hoover Dam. This incredible, 726-foot-tall engineering marvel connects Nevada and Arizona. It is 1,244 feet wide and not only produces hydroelectric power but also tames the Colorado River and creates Lake Mead.

Grand Bazaar Shops provides an open-air shopping experience located just outside the Bally's complex. The stores tend to be moderately priced and affordable, with offerings that range from cool sunglasses to application salons, unique apparel to specialty tobacco shops. Hungry? Dive into the variety of delicious options such as ramen, fried chicken, burgers, or just a local beer from the area brewery.

Located just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, the Silverton Aquarium charms guests with its entertaining Mermaid Show, where graceful mermaids swim in perfectly clear water, blowing bubble kisses and posing for pictures, for free. For even more activities, visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, where families can discover an amazing underwater universe with crocodiles, rare sharks, tropical fish, and more.

Container Park, an outdoor shopping and dining development created almost entirely from reused shipping containers, features eclectic shops, local dining, and free live entertainment at the outdoor stage, making it a great place to spend time with their families. Kids will enjoy the interactive park, complete with a large treehouse, slide, and lawn games.

There is free parking available, or you could hop on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus from the Strip and enjoy a short drive to Container Park. The Mirage Volcano is one of the premier free attractions that erupts several times a night, synchronized with music and bright lights.

Depending on the weather, you can view the eruptions every hour on the hour from 7 PM to 11 PM.

At Madame Tussauds, you can step into the spotlight with your favorite stars through lifelike wax figures and take selfies. Afterward, check out the half-sized replica of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline. And at night, you can see the city glow with lights and colors below you.

Experience this modern-day immersive museum through an interactive theater experience, rare artifacts, and hands-on exhibits. Along the journey, you will meet infamous leaders, including Al Capone, Whitey Bulger, Bugsy Siegel, and John Gotti.

In addition to having access to relics such as the actual wall used during the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, you will also visit a reconstructed courtroom where some of the biggest trials in crime have taken place. You can also meet and learn about great crime fighters, including Joe Petrosino, Eliot Ness, and Estes Kefauver. You can visit The Underground, a hidden speakeasy and distillery located underneath the museum, where you can enjoy a well-crafted cocktail and see how signature spirits are made.

Nestled on the west side of Las Vegas is a sophisticated cigar and cocktail lounge that presents a lovely mix of sophistication and leisure. Guests will find a wonderful humidor filled with premium cigars, while the bar offers an exclusive selection of Cognac, single-malt Scotch, and other high-end liquors. La Casa also features a fashionable outdoor patio where you can relax and enjoy the Vegas sky. In addition to its beautiful atmosphere, La Casa is also renowned for its live entertainment. Every night from Tuesday to Saturday, a talented in-house jazz band adds smooth grooves to the lounge for a perfect night out.

Located in the stylish atmosphere of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub is a 60,000-square-foot haven for night lovers. After dark, it's a hopping scene with multiple dance floors, rooftop terrace views of The Strip, plus headline DJ performances. During the daytime, the energy kicks back with pool parties, cabana seating, and bottle service for VIP treatment.

You can enjoy signature cocktails, including The Unicorn, Party Pouch Punch with spiced rum, pineapple, coconut, and hibiscus, and a refreshing Desert Pear Margarita. Tequila drinkers will enjoy the bold, fruity Pineberry Paloma and Lift-Off.

Located in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, The Chandelier is one of the best Vegas clubs. Surrounded by a beautiful crystal chandelier that stretches three stories tall, this lounge has each floor offering its own distinct vibe: the ground floor with its casual bar vibe, located in the lounge of the casino; the second floor, providing a stunning and truly cocktail experience; and the top floor opens up to a chic lounge to socialize and enjoy the view. Menu highlights include the Hotel California, All Night Long, and #FeltCute, offering the iconic "The Verbena," combining tequila, yuzu, ginger, citrus, and topped with a Szechuan button flower.

Experience the thrill of a lifetime high above the LINQ Promenade with a zipline ride that reaches an incredible height of 114 feet. The adventure starts when you take a ride from Las Vegas Boulevard up to the top of the LINQ. Designed for thrill-seekers, the FLY LINQ Zipline is more than 1,000 feet long and will take you flying at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.

Once strapped into your harness, you will fly down to the bottom of the High Roller, and as you fly over the active open-air area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment around you, you will experience breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip.

Take care of that sweet tooth by visiting the Ethel M Chocolate Factory in Henderson, just 11 miles away from the Las Vegas Strip. Enjoy a self-guided chocolate factory tour for free (don't forget to check for complimentary samples). Afterward, enjoy exploring the Botanical Cactus Garden—home to over 300 different types of cacti, succulents, and desert plants.

Half of this garden comes from the Southwestern United States, while the other half features species from farther away—like Australia and South America. If you want more outdoor fun, continue to the Springs Preserve—a beautiful "desert oasis" just west of downtown. You'll find animal exhibits, fascinating desert habitats, scenic walking trails, and a narrated train ride.

The Sphere in Las Vegas presents an imaginative approach to the world of Oz. Using pioneering technology, audiences will be fully immersed in dynamic storytelling by placing themselves beside Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they embark on their journey along the iconic Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City.

Motion-enabled seating and atmospheric effects enhance many of the scenes within the production. The score includes a combination of newly recorded orchestrations of music as well as the use of a state-of-the-art audio system.

The Bellagio Fountains offer an incredible display of water jets soaring into the sky, perfectly synchronized with music and spectacular light shows. The afternoon shows run every 30 minutes and every 15 minutes in the evening. If you're looking for something sweet, check out the Bellagio Chocolate Fountain, a giant work of art and one of the tallest chocolate fountains in the world. You'll see dark, milk, and white chocolate flowing through the many layers.

The fountain is at the Bellagio Patisserie, where you can treat yourself to specialty handmade chocolate or delicate macarons. Then make your way to visit the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, an oasis from the action of the Strip. The climate-controlled indoor garden evolves with each season, showcasing a diverse array of flowers, foliage, and landscapes for visitors to enjoy.

Fashion Show Mall is one of the best shopping centers on the Las Vegas Strip, with events, exclusive discounts, and shops and restaurants. The mall has over 250 boutiques and flagship department stores ranging from Neiman Marcus to Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom to Macy's, Forever 21 to LEGO, and Hot Topic to Urban Outfitters. The large food court offers fare ranging from “grab and go" to fine dining.

Located in the north part of the city, The Las Vegas Farm is an animal lover’s delight, home to adorable animals, including bunnies, goats, pigs, cows, chickens, and horses. Kids are welcome to interact with the animals by feeding and petting them on the farm grounds. Lion Habitat Ranch is about a 20-minute drive from the Strip and is a non-profit organization that cares for big cats.

Here, visitors can see lions up close, feed them, and even have a meal in a designated area while enjoying the lions. If you are looking for a different kind of animal experience, the Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo is a good option, housed within the famous Flamingo Hotel. It is a calm garden environment where visitors can see flamingos, turtles, and exotic birds among koi ponds, waterfalls, and exotic tropical plants.

OMNIA Nightclub, located within Caesars Palace in view of the famous Bellagio Fountains, takes Las Vegas nightlife to the next level. The nightclub boasts three levels, a rooftop terrace with amazing views of the Strip, swanky VIP tables, and incredible DJs creating an electric atmosphere.

The main room features high-octane EDM, while the rooftop terrace provides a moody lounge under the stars away from the action of the main room. Lose yourself in their myriad drinks, from Saffron Negroni to Lemon Myrtle Gimlet, Champagne Cocktail to Apple Martini, and the Cucumber Martini.

Hidden in Downtown Las Vegas, Downtown Cocktail Room offers a classy hideaway with an intimate, speakeasy vibe. Come in between 5 PM and 7 PM for happy hour specials or hang out late to enjoy some local DJ sets. The entrance is a bit hidden and can be found on Art Alley, steps from the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas. Don’t miss out on the exquisite drinks, including mezcal-banana mixtures, coffee-liqueur chocolates with whipped cream, and touches such as absinthe service and punch bowls.

Located inside Mandalay Bay, the House of Blues features delicious food and live entertainment every day. Besides being a restaurant, it is a vibrant music venue that combines Southern culture and Vegas' energy. From gumbo to jambalaya, shrimp po-boys to warm jalapeño cornbread, each curated by hand, the house is decked with all that you'd want. Start your day with brunch at 7 AM, then return to House of Blues at 7 PM to enjoy live entertainment and take part in fun events all night long.

Reserve a stay at Park MGM Las Vegas and enjoy a central Strip location close to shows, restaurants, nightlife, and major Las Vegas venues.