6 Things That Happen in Vegas That Don’t Need to “Stay” in Vegas – Part 1

“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” has become the tag line for everything + everywhere when things happen that we don’t want to talk about. “What happens on the cruise stays on the cruise!” Yea, we’ve all been somewhere sometime when that saying applies. And Vegas definitely has earned that tag line. There are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas that you wouldn’t necessarily want to share with the world.

“…maybe this post will change your mind…”

If you’re not a fan + thinking “Las Vegas is not for me” I totally get it. When you think of Las Vegas the first thing you think of is “adult” entertainment. But if you are at least a little bit curious about what else Las Vegas may have to offer then maybe this post will change your mind about perhaps planning a visit to Sin City.

I am actually going to take you on a G-rated tour (I know, but it is possible HA!) of the City That Never Sleeps, show you some places + things that might convince you of the fact that this iconic city is much more than a party town filled with gambling + strip shows + bars. Seriously, there is.

Because there is just too much to cover I’ll be breaking this post up into 5 parts:
Part 1: SEEING is Believing
Part 2: PAYING Attention to the Details
Part 3: EATING Your Way Thru Vegas
Part 4: SHOWING the Best of the Best
Part 5: LISTENING to the Music
Part 6: DRIVING Outside the City Limits

Part 1. SEEING is Believing

…and it’s UNbelievable when you realize that the following attractions are FREE! There are many things you can do in Las Vegas that will cost you absolutely nothing + yet are nothing short of spectacular!a

a. Fountains of Bellagio

There’s nothing more spectacular than seeing the Fountains of Bellagio up close + personal right smack in front of the Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip.

Note: This video was taken from the Las Vegas Observation Wheel/High Roller (which I will cover in Part 2 of my Las Vegas blog post) so it won’t have the full effect of the music which accompanies each rise + fall of the waters. As it turns out we rode up the High Roller with a mother who was trying to get her son to stay still so she could take a picture HA! Sometimes that can be entertaining, sometimes not.

Consider checking out this fantastic show. You can see it every 30 minutes from 3-8pm + then every 15 minutes from 8pm-12am. Sundays you can enjoy it every 30 minutes from 11am to 7pm. Don’t miss it!

Tip for the Fountains of Bellagio: Come early as space fills up quickly. I suggest you be ready + waiting as soon as a show comes to an end + people move out of the way. Totally worth it.

b. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden

While you’re at the Bellagio you may as well wander into the hotel + stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory + Botanical Garden – IMHO it is a must-see at Christmastime. The Bellagio Conservatory Team goes over the top on the displays, transforming this 14,000 square foot space to reflect the vibrancy + colors of Christmas. But then it is pretty spectacular every other season as well. Whether you visit in winter, spring, summer or fall each season will have you spell-bound + give you a completely new experience.

Here is a sampling of what Christmastime looks like at the Bellagio.

c. Mirage Volcano Eruption

The Mirage Hotel is the location for yet another show to which everyone is invited. Stand in front + watch this gorgeous pond with its beautiful waterfalls transform into an eruption of lights + water to mimic that of a volcano. Come at 8pm, 9pm or 10pm daily if you want to see for yourself how magnificent Volcano Las Vegas really is!

d. Fremont Street Experience Light Show

The light show at the Fremont Street Experience is truly something to behold. Showing nightly every hour on the hour from 8pm to 1am, Viva Vision can be seen on the world’s largest video screen at 1500 feet long + 90 feet wide, suspended 90 feet up in the air over the pedestrian-only Fremont Street. Featuring the music from many popular bands + well-known songs will cause you to rock out with the music or at the very least bring you back to an earlier time. Either way it will make you feel good!

While the light show is going you can also enjoy watching as people fly above you on the SlotZilla Zip Lines (or you can get up there + try yourself for $25) as well as listen to live bands performing on the three stages. You will also find street performers dancing + playing instruments + even doing magic. Fremont Street is a party in + of itself.

Tip for the Fremont Street Experience: I would recommend coming to the early shows at 8pm or 9pm if you want to avoid the R-rated street performers that do make an appearance nightly especially on the weekends.

e. Iconic Las Vegas sign

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign welcoming you to Las Vegas located on the south end of The Strip is no longer a must-see location in Las Vegas. It has become a must-DO for visitors all over the world. At one time many years ago it was just a sign like you have in many towns around the country. But now it is a great opportunity to take selfies + group pictures not only with the sign but for Vegas performers that may happen to be there.

Most of the time you will find showgirls or Elvis or other impersonators there ready + willing for you to take a picture with them. And because of this phenomenon there is usually a line. But due to the popularity over the years the city has put in a 12-car parking lot making it easier + safer for visitors to park their cars + see it.

Tips for the Las Vegas sign:
1. Be patient + be ready to wait in line.
2. Don’t be that guy that tries to take a souvenir lightbulb.
3. Be ready to tip the performers. They don’t do this for free.
4. Offer to take the picture for others.
5. Have a great time!

f. Caesar’s Palace

There are no words to describe Caesar’s Palace – just to say that you have to come + see it for yourself. Caesar’s Palace continues to be the epitome of Las Vegas glitz + glam.

The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace is the most successful mall in the United States which spreads 600,000 square feet + includes 60 retail establishments + 12 restaurants. It is impressive to say the least. But even if you’re not in the market to go shopping, roaming this breath-takingly beautiful space is definitely something worth doing. High on my recommendation list.

g. Gold + Silver Pawn Shop

Even if you’ve never seen the television show “Pawn Stars,” you’ll have fun browsing through all the fun + crazy items the Gold + Silver Pawn Shop has for sale. 

Tip for Gold + Silver Pawn Shop: This place has become really popular. There can sometimes be a line so be prepared to wait.

h. The Monorail – the best ride in town

Although this item is NOT free, it used to be + I thought it important to include in Part 1. of Las Vegas. Getting around to all of the hotels can’t be much easier than taking the Las Vegas Monorail. Even though it’s no longer free it’s still cheaper than taking a taxi or Uber around town all day long.

One-way tickets are $5 so it’s much more economical to buy a daily pass for $13. And a 3-day pass is $29. They have also introduced Mobile ticketing which makes it that much easier. Just buy your tickets online + they will send you an email that includes your email ticket. Just scan + get on board!

I’ve included the map here for you. Click on it to see where it picks up + drops off.

Tip for the Las Vegas Monorail: This map of The Strip is a perfect reference to download + print. Take it with you + you’ll know where all the hotels are located in relation to one another.

Click here to book your hotel, flights + shows. Viva Las Vegas!

So… was I able to convince you even just a little bit that Las Vegas is a destination you might consider in the future?

But wait, I’m not anywhere near finished telling you all about it! There are some other things in Las Vegas that may not be free but they are still G-rated + pretty impressive, definitely worth seeing or doing. Be sure to check out my next post:

Part 2: PAYING Attention to the Details