Las Vegas is like Disney World for adults. I’ve done the club thing in the past and was looking forward to visiting Las Vegas with my husband for a different kind of trip. We were actually in town for a Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare presentation and decided to make good use of our time in Las Vegas. Here’s what we packed into this perfect one day Las Vegas itinerary.
Visit the Hoover Dam
Las Vegas is a great jumping-off point for visiting the Hoover Dam. While it’s not technically in Las Vegas, for anyone who likes a bit of sightseeing, it’s a great addition to any Las Vegas itinerary. We booked this Hoover Dam tour that lasted about three hours. We were back to the strip before noon.
The tour included the following stops:
- Drive through Boulder City with a stop at Hemenway Park to see the Desert Big Horn sheep
- Hoover Dam bypass bridge for views of the Dam and the Colorado River
- Additional Hoover Dam viewpoints
- Lake Mead lookout
Take a Picture with the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
Our Hoover Dam tour wasn’t supposed to include this stop, but our guide asked if anyone wanted to stop at the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign on our way back to the Strip. Even though I’d been to Vegas before, I’ve never actually seen the sign! There was a massive line to take a picture in front of the sign. Our tour guide gave us a pro-tip. If you go right up to the front of the line but stand off to the right side, you can get a picture that’s just as good but without the wait!
Walk the Strip (with an Oversized Daquiri in Hand)
You’ll return to the Strip by midday which is the perfect time to indulge in a sugary strawberry Daquiri that’s longer than your arm. With the Las Vegas heat, it’ll even feel thirst-quenching! The best part of the Strip is checking out the different features at each hotel. Highlights include the Bellagio Fountains, the Canal at the Venetian, and the Eiffel Tower at Paris.
Place a Sports Bet or Hit the Slots
While you’re wandering up and down the Strip, pop into a hotel or two and place a bet or play some slots. The AC will feel good after being out in the sun!
Hit Up an Overpriced Buffet
For lunch, eat at one of Las Vegas’s famous buffets such as Bacchanal at Caesar’s Palace. We decided to eat at the Buffet at the Bellagio. It was $30.99 per person for lunch which isn’t too bad considering how much food we consumed.
Take a Break at the Hotel Pool
In the afternoon, take a moment to relax at the hotel pool. It’s a good chance to rest up for your night out on the town.
See a Show
The last time I was in Las Vegas, I saw Cirque du Soleil O at the Bellagio. This time I chose something a little different…
I’ll admit, I used to watch Criss Angel Mindfreak on A&E so I’ve wanted to see Criss Angel’s live show for a while. Criss Angel’s MINDFREAK opened at Planet Hollywood in January 2019 and it didn’t disappoint. Yes, there were some gimmicky moments and lots of Criss Angel yelling instead of speaking, but the show as a whole is a lot of fun. If Criss Angel isn’t your speed, there are so many shows going on you’ll surely find something you like!
Dinner at a Celebrity Restaurant
After the show, grab dinner at a celebrity restaurant. You will likely need to make a reservation in advance. I picked Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen and was not disappointed.
I ordered the beef wellington and it was amazing! I’d go back to Hell’s Kitchen just to order it again.
Don’t Forget to Gamble…It’s Vegas After All
After dinner, head to a casino for some gambling. We played the slots at Caesar’s Palace for a while before heading to the Flamingo to play blackjack. We picked the Flamingo because the crappier the hotel, the lower the minimum bet. If you’re looking for a late-night, you can bounce around to a few different spots or go to a club. We called it a night by midnight since our next day started early…and I’m usually in bed by nine!
Have Another Day in Las Vegas?
If you have another day to spend in Las Vegas and want to escape the Strip, you can take a tour to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona. While it was a long day, we thoroughly enjoyed this day trip to Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas has so many things to offer on the Strip and in the surrounding area. Whether it’s your first time to Vegas or you’re a seasoned veteran, you can’t go wrong with this perfect one day Las Vegas itinerary.
What is your favorite thing to do in Las Vegas?
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