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The 20 Best Movies Set In Las Vegas That Will Inspire You To Visit

Las Vegas has always felt like more than just a city. It's an entertainment hub and a place where someone can have almost any kind of fun they want to have — at virtually any hour of the day or night. The "rules" just feel a little bit different in Vegas than they do anywhere else in the world — sometimes for the better, and sometimes not so much. But either way, it's a place that has a mystique built up around it that lends itself very well to the medium of film and has done so since Hollywood's golden age.

Movies about Vegas are their own subgenre, and almost every kind of movie imaginable has been set in or around the city. A lot of them serve to reinforce the magic, glitz, and glamor of Vegas — while others aren't afraid to show the city's seedier and grittier side. 

Of course, that's precisely what makes Las Vegas so intriguing — those two extremes and all the shades of grey in between. From movies about building up Vegas to movies about tearing it down, and from movies celebrating good luck to movies where characters can't catch a break — these are the ultimate Las Vegas films that will have you itching to visit. 

1. Viva Las Vegas

There is no better place to start than arguably the classic Las Vegas movie — not to mention the movie tied to the song of the same name that is basically Vegas' theme song. "Viva Las Vegas" is considered one of the better Elvis Presley movies — which range from the sublime to the ridiculous — and it really is a fun film that also features an electric performance from Presely's co-star, Ann-Margret. The chemistry between her and Presley burns right through the screen — which is another thing that was often lacking in many of The King's movies.

While the title doesn't give much away, "Viva Las Vegas" is actually a racing movie . Presley plays a driver named Lucky Lewis, who travels to the city for its first-ever Grand Prix race. Of course, everything in the plot is just an excuse for Presley — and sometimes Ann-Margret — to sing and dance in eye-popping musical numbers. There's also the bonus of it being an excellent opportunity to see images of the Las Vegas of the '60s, which looks very different than it does today.

2. The Cooler

Most casino games are ultimately about luck, and it's in a casino's best interest that its customers have bad luck the majority of the time. In "The Cooler," casino manager Shelly (Alec Baldwin) makes sure the odds stay ever in his favor by hiring a man named Bernie (William H. Macy). Bernie's luck is so bad that it seems to permeate the area around him, so he is hired to be a "cooler" — standing near a table where a player is on a hot streak in an effort to "cool" them down. When Bernie becomes involved with a cocktail waitress named Natalie (Maria Bello), his luck begins to change — and so does his effectiveness as a cooler. 

While the premise requires a pretty strong belief in luck as a changeable force, "The Cooler" is an underrated Vegas movie that earned raves for the performances of Baldwin and Bello in particular. As a character, Shelly is also a fan of a more old-school Vegas and doesn't want to succumb to the flashiness of the places on the strip. This leads to the movie being something of a farewell to that dying era of Vegas — hammered home in the closing credits which are overlaid on top of real-life footage of several vintage Vegas casinos being demolished.

3. Vegas Vacation

There's some debate as to whether this is the worst of the "Vacation" movies — with some arguing that the distinction belongs to "European Vacation" instead. Still, being the third-best entry in a franchise — that also includes the bona fide classics "National Lampoon's Vacation" and "Christmas Vacation" — is hardly anything to be ashamed of. Ultimately, "Vegas Vacation" has more than enough of that ol' Griswold family charm to earn its place in the series.

It's fun to see Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) getting flirty with another man for once when that's usually Clark's ( Chevy Chase ) forte. The fact that the man is Wayne Newton (playing himself) is just a stroke of genius. Aging up the Griswold kids, Rusty (Ethan Embry) and Audrey (Marisol Nichols), just enough to join in on the Vegas fun — if not entirely legally — was also a nice touch. And of course, we get yet another reliably hilarious Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) appearance. One could argue that this would've been the perfect movie to bring the series back to the R-rated raunchiness of its original installment, but there's nothing wrong with a good, family-friendly Vegas comedy either. 

4. Diamonds Are Forever

In terms of the chronology of the James Bond movie series , 007 made his first visit to the United States in "Goldfinger" when that movie's titular villain targeted Fort Knox. For Sean Connery's sixth and final (official) time as the suave super spy on film, Bond returned to the U.S. — and in particular, Las Vegas — in "Diamonds are Forever." It's somewhat surprising that it took that long, considering how synonymous the character is with the image of him sitting at a gambling table. Even in "Casino Royale," Bond was gambling in Montenegro, rather than Vegas.

Needless to say, Bond seems right at home at a Las Vegas craps table with a gorgeous woman by his side — in this case, the unfortunately-named Plenty O'Toole (Lana Wood). While it would've been awesome to see Bond spend an entire film in Vegas, or at least return to it a couple of times, its brief appearance in "Diamonds Are Forever" makes it that much more special as a result.

5. Swingers

This movie's attitude to Vegas at the time could be summed up with one memorable quote: "Oh, Mike, you don't want all that ****in' "Pirate of the Caribbean" horse****, or a rock-n-roll grunge tip." That line — spoken by Trent (Vince Vaughn) to Mike ( Jon Favreau ) shortly after they arrive in Vegas in the opening scenes of "Swingers," establishes the idea of the romanticized Vegas, and the reality of the one they're confronted with. Trent and Mike are two guys who want the classic, chill, Rat Pack-era Vegas — perhaps like the one they'd seen in movies — rather than the big, bombastic casinos and resorts that were now the norm.

Nicely coinciding with the swing music revival of the mid-'90s gave "Swingers" the perfect excuse to portray a group of young guys that aren't wooed away by the flashiness of new Vegas, and just want to hold onto whatever was left of old Vegas. The movie might not have spent all that much time in Vegas itself, but the vibe of golden-era Vegas carries on throughout, thanks to the leads' total commitment to that brief period when the decade became the swinging '90s.

If you're going to dive into movies about Las Vegas, it's only right to educate yourself on the history of the city and the man who is largely responsible for making it into what it would eventually become. In the biopic "Bugsy," Warren Beatty plays mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel who travels from New York to California in the '40s to get into the gambling racket. Bugsy soon finds himself dreaming of setting up an entire gambling empire — and sees the opportunity to do just that in a largely undeveloped area of the Nevada desert. This eventually becomes Las Vegas, but of course, the road to building it is not without its bumps.

"Bugsy" was an Oscar darling that year, racking up nine nominations that included best picture, actor, and director (for Barry Levinson). Beatty was only very sporadically appearing in movies by this point, but he generally made it count when he did — and sure enough, his portrayal of the title character was pitch-perfect. As for the movie itself, it's a lavish and engrossing look at when the groundwork was laid for what would become the Las Vegas we know today.

7. Honeymoon in Vegas

Not to be confused with "Leaving Las Vegas" — the Nicolas Cage 1995 Las Vegas movie that earned the actor his first Academy Award — "Honeymoon in Vegas" is instead a lighthearted romantic comedy starring Cage, Sarah Jessica Parker , and James Caan. It sees Jack Singer (Cage) and his fiancée, Betsy (Parker) getting into a sticky situation when they lose a high-stakes poker game to Tommy Korman (Caan). To pay their debts, Tommy demands that Betsy spends the weekend with him as she looks uncannily like his late wife, Donna (also played by Parker). 

Don't expect any "Indecent Proposal" type of steaminess with "Honeymoon in Vegas" — there is an agreement that sex is off the table. Instead, what follows is a lot of misadventures and shenanigans in this rather low-stakes but still extremely entertaining Vegas comedy. The climax of the movie features a group of Elvis Presley impersonator skydivers — which tells you a lot about the kind of goofiness to expect in this somewhat old-fashioned screwball comedy. If you're wondering what version of Nic Cage you'll get here, this is in line with the manic, hilarious Cage of "Raising Arizona," and Parker is on excellent form as well — a lot funnier than she often gets credit for.

8. 3000 Miles to Graceland

Kurt Russell has either played Elvis Presley or at least been in Elvis-adjacent projects several times in his career — from his first film role as a child in the Elvis movie "It Happened at the World's Fair" to playing the King himself in John Carpenter's "Elvis" biopic and providing Presley's voice in the Elvis scene from "Forrest Gump" (via  IMDb ). In "3000 Miles to Graceland," Russell not only plays a man named Michael Zane — who claims to be Elvis' son — but he then plays Elvis himself in a montage near the end of the film. 

All that being said, it's somewhat surprising that "3000 Miles to Graceland" is Russell's only major Las Vegas movie — seeing as how the legacies of Elvis and Vegas are so intertwined. And while it's far from the best Vegas movie, this heist comedy is perhaps among the most underrated. 

Its fun premise sees Russell, Kevin Costner, Christian Slater, David Arquette, and Bokeem Woodbine all dress in Elvis costumes to rob a hotel. In order to make it easier for the group to pull off the heist, they plan it during International Elvis Week — when the city is awash in Elvis impersonators. Everyone in the cast is clearly having fun — especially Russell and Costner — in this inventive black comedy, which deserved much better than its critical panning and Razzie nominations .

9. The Gambler (1974)

There are a bunch of movies called "The Gambler," with some being remakes of others and some being standalone offerings. To make things abundantly clear, this is not the one that starred Kenny Rogers and featured his iconic song of the same name. Nor is it the 2014 Mark Wahlberg movie — that one is actually a lackluster remake of this one. Now that we've established what it's not, let's explain what the 1974 movie called "The Gambler" is: A stellar crime drama starring James Caan in a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination , and doesn't get enough attention when celebrating the late actor's career.

Caan plays Axle Freed, a seemingly mild-mannered and law-abiding college professor who hides a crippling gambling addiction. Axle's obsession lands him in jail and, later, in the crosshairs of some very dangerous loan sharks. Much of the action takes place in Vegas — which is both heaven and hell for someone who is addicted to gambling — and "The Gambler" does a great job of portraying those dizzying highs and devastating lows in a way few other Vegas movies ever have.

Many may dream of a way to "cheat" Las Vegas — to come up with some way to tip the odds in their favor and guarantee big wins — but in such a way that you won't get caught. "21" is based on the true story of a group of college students who did exactly that, using their mathematical brains to count cards and ensure consistent wins at Vegas blackjack tables (via MIT ). While the movie takes plenty of Hollywood liberties and makes the story a lot flashier and more melodramatic than it actually was, it's still a very entertaining look at an extremely fascinating story.

The movie version sees the whole endeavor spearheaded by a student named Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess), who has a big tuition bill due soon and needs money, fast. He conspires with other students as well as professor Mickey Rosa (Kevin Spacey), and soon they have developed a system with which to all but guarantee a win every time at blackjack. After racking up a tidy sum in this scheme, they soon butt heads with the casino security guard, Cole (Lawrence Fishburne), who eventually threatens to get the FBI involved. It's more "Ocean's Eleven" than the original story probably warranted, but putting that aside, "21" is still well worth a watch for anyone who's ever wanted to stick it to a casino.

11. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Journalist Hunter S. Thompson had a unique vision of Las Vegas — which goes without saying, as he had a unique vision about almost everything. This vision was laid out in his 1971 novel "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," which would eventually be adapted into a film by visionary director Terry Gilliam. Johnny Depp plays Thompson in a road movie that technically does have a plot — he and his lawyer, Dr. Gonzo (Benecio del Toro) are traveling to a motorcycle race that Thompson is supposed to be writing about. But along for the ride is a whole bunch of drugs, and it doesn't take long before the movie has lost any semblance of its original plot and is just about a substance-fueled descent into madness.

Coming from Gilliam, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is of course a visual feast, with unsettling camera angles and uncomfortable close-ups conveying the feeling of being lost in a drug-fueled haze. And, like many Gilliam movies, the visuals are the star of the show and the script often feels like an afterthought. Still, getting bogged down in whether or not there is a coherent plot here is completely missing the point, and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is best enjoyed by those willing to see a distinctively unique and debaucherously weird view of Vegas. 

12. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

Vince Vaughn was one of the biggest comedy stars of the 2000s, and one of his best-loved movies from that era is "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story." Vaughn plays Peter LaFleur, who runs a gym that caters to people who don't feel like they belong in the bigger, flashier gyms — facilities like Globo Gym, which happens to be located right across the street and is looking to buy out Average Joe's gym. But how will Peter come up with the money to save his gym and keep it from being shut down by Globo Gym's cocky owner, White Goodman (Ben Stiller)? The obvious answer, of course, is to enter a Las Vegas dodgeball tournament.

The premise is what is. What's important is that it allows for a fun sports comedy set in Las Vegas and featuring Average Joe's doing battle against a series of over-the-top novelty teams — including a German team that allows for a fun David Hasselhoff cameo. If there really was a world dodgeball championship, it probably would be held in Vegas. Would it be this cartoonish and over the top? Maybe not — but movies about Vegas are often at their best when they are portraying that familiar Hollywood caricature of the city. And if you loved this hilarious underdog comedy, you'll likely be excited to hear that Vince Vaughn might be plotting a "Dodgeball" sequel .

13. What Happens in Vegas

It's somewhat surprising that it took until 2008 for someone to make a movie that takes its title from that classic Vegas slogan: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." It's probably less surprising that the movie is about an impulsive, alcohol-fueled Vegas wedding gone wrong. But this Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz rom-com is actually a lot more fun than its generic premise might have you believe. 

Much of the credit for that goes to the cast — not only the two leads but an ensemble full of talent that includes Rob Corddry, Lake Bell, Dennis Farina, Krysten Ritter, Billy Eichner, and Zach Galifianakis, to name just a few. None of the beats that the story takes will surprise you, but that doesn't mean you won't be plenty entertained and laugh out loud a few times along the way. It never gets as randy as its title might have suggested, but that's not necessarily a bad thing in this case.

"Casino" often gets unfairly overlooked when discussing Martin Scorsese's films — particularly his crime epics. It was bound to be forced to live in the shadow of "Goodfellas" as it would be the first movie the director made in this genre since the aforementioned gangster classic. But taken on its own terms — and with a little space from "Goodfellas" — "Casino" is an undeniably excellent film that brings together several Scorsese regulars, and pairs them with his distinctive style in a story about how the mafia had its claws in Vegas back in the '70s.

Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci are great as always here, but it was Sharon Stone who earned an Oscar nomination for her amazing work in the film. Like most Scorsese movies, the cast is full of recognizable faces doing some of their best work. But the real star here is the '70s and '80s Las Vegas backdrop — shown with a style and authenticity that only Scorsese could've accomplished. It might very well be the best Vegas crime movie ever made.

15. Electrick Children

The newest entry in this list is 2012's "Electrick Children," written and directed by Las Vegas native Rebecca Thomas. It tells the story of Rachel McKnight (Julia Garner), a 15-year-old living in a Mormon community who finds out she is pregnant. Convinced she has experienced immaculate conception through an indie rock song she was listening to, she escapes the community with her brother, Mr. Will (Liam Aiken) — who the community believes is the one who actually got her pregnant. They make their way to Las Vegas where the two go on an odyssey through the city and meet a bunch of interesting characters along the way.

Thomas based the story in part on the biblical tale of the Virgin Mary, and also combined elements of her own Mormon upbringing and being raised in Vegas and the conflict those two things caused in her life (via  Interview Magazine ). As such, "Electrick Children" does indeed feel like a film that is both about the authentic Las Vegas experience as well as the mysticism that is often built up around it.

16. Now You See Me

A huge part of the Las Vegas experience is the high-production stage shows, many of which are focused on magic. "Now You See Me" is a great expression of that on screen, with four magicians pulling off elaborate and hard-to-figure-out stunts to the delight of a huge, cheering audience. Of course, a little movie magic is definitely involved here as some of the tricks being done by the magician team would be nearly impossible to pull off in real life, but nobody said this was a documentary.

"Now You See Me" isn't just a movie about flashy magicians, however. The four stars — Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco — are playing a group of magicians who aren't just interested in being entertainers but are using their shows as cover for elaborate heists. While they at first seem like Robin Hood types — as they rob banks and then give the cash to the audience — it turns out that their intentions may actually be even nobler than that. A heist movie with the protagonists being Las Vegas magicians is definitely a novel concept, and "Now You See Me" definitely lives up to it. 

17. Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice

One of the reasons people go to Las Vegas is it gives them an excuse to lose their inhibitions and to try things that they might not try in their regular everyday lives — hence the whole "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" mantra. And that's the premise of the cult classic "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice," which sees two couples travel to Vegas and live out their long-discussed plans of swapping partners for a night.

Released in 1969, the film was definitely risque for its time due to its subject matter, but it isn't as salacious as the premise would suggest. Instead, it's mostly an exploration of monogamy and the emotional risks that can come from experimentation within a relationship. The movie was taken quite seriously in its day, with stars Elliot Gould and Dyan Cannon even receiving Academy Award nominations for playing Ted and Alice Henderson, respectively. Whether viewed as a cautionary tale or just a fascinating look at what can come from this type of Vegas weekend, "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" is well worth a watch and has aged much better than you might expect. 

18. The Hangover

Few movies of the last 20 years or so enjoyed the surprising success that this film did. Released with little initial fanfare, "The Hangover" went on to become a genuine pop culture phenomenon and a box office smash . This raunchy comedy follows a trio of guys — played by Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis — who have to retrace their steps following a wild bachelor party for their friend, Doug (Justin Bartha). In a series of events that they barely remember — seemingly spanning the entire city of Las Vegas — the race is on to find the missing Doug in time for his wedding. 

What follows is an absurd escalation of events, each set piece more hilariously bizarre than the last, in a laugh-out-loud romp — the likes of which don't come around that often. Every 10 years or so there seems to be that zeitgeist-capturing comedy like "There's Something About Mary" that gets word-of-mouth buzz and has people filling up theaters in order to see it with a packed audience — and "The Hangover" was definitely one of those movies.

19. Leaving Las Vegas

In some ways, Nicolas Cage's dueling Las Vegas movies represent the two main extremes often associated with the city. And while "Honeymoon in Vegas" sees the city at its silliest, "Leaving Las Vegas" is a powerful look at people for whom Vegas is the place where they hit absolute rock bottom. Cage won his first — and so far only — Academy Award for playing a writer named Ben Anderson, whose alcoholism is slowly destroying his life. Ben then gets involved with a prostitute named Sera (Elizabeth Shue, also nominated for an Oscar ), in a relationship that ultimately doesn't do either one of them any favors in terms of accountability for their own personal demons.

There's no getting around what a downer this movie is, right up to its tragic ending. But the reality is that Vegas is often a downer, and it has enabled many people to fully embrace their vices to the point that they destroy their lives and relationships. It might not be the sunny Vegas of Elvis musicals or the glamorous Vegas of the classic heist films, but it is still Vegas — depicting a very real, and honest version that will resonate with many.

20. Ocean's Eleven

Starting with the 1960 Rat Pack vehicle, then giving way to the Steven Soderbergh-helmed trilogy of "Ocean's Eleven," "Ocean's Twelve," and "Ocean's Thirteen" in the 2000s, and most recently spawning the female-led follow up "Ocean's 8," the "Ocean's" franchise is now a decade-spanning series of movies that can be hard to keep track of. There isn't a truly bad film in the bunch, though some are objectively better than others, and some scratch different itches. But for our money, the ultimate "Ocean's" movie remains 2001's "Ocean's Eleven" starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon. Completing  the titular eleven are Bernie Mac, Casey Affleck, Elliot Gould, Don Cheadle, Scott Caan, Eddie Jemison, Shaobo Qin, and Carl Reiner.

On top of being an incredibly inventive heist movie, "Ocean's Eleven" is ultimately an ensemble of incredibly talented people — that also includes Julia Roberts and Andy Garcia — clearly having the time of their lives filming this movie together in Vegas. The subsequent two movies feel a little too much like they were made just so this group could all hang out together again, but it's with the "original" that the finished product is an experience that is every bit as fun to watch, as it evidently was to make. 

Best Movies Set in Las Vegas – Get Psyched For Your Trip!

By Author Jake Hoffman

Posted on Last updated: October 18, 2023

If you’re anything like me, you burn through movies set in Las Vegas before your trip to help mentally prepare and build excitement for what’s to come.

Most Vegas regulars, at least the degenerates I know, have a go-to pre-Vegas movie playlist.

For me, it’s a routine that must be adhered to before each Las Vegas vacation. Whether you’re a fan of modern movies or ones from earlier incarnations of Vegas with shots of long-lost properties, there are plenty of options.

I figured it would be fun to rank my favorite movies set in Las Vegas – Hopefully, you’re able to find a couple of gems you have yet to see!

Best Las Vegas Movies – Ranked

“Casino” (1995): A Martin Scorsese film that re-visits Las Vegas’ time as a mob town. “Casino” follows Ace Rothstein and his adventure running “The Tangiers”, a fictional casino on the Las Vegas Strip intended to mimic the real story of Stardust.

While not an uplifting movie, “Casino” is one that will have fans of Vegas’ mob era salivating. “Casino” sits atop the rest as the best Las Vegas movie out there. That’s not my opinion. That’s a fact.

“The Hangover” (2009): A comedy that follows a bachelor party as they re-trace their wild night in Las Vegas, “The Hangover’ has been my “night before Vegas” movie for years.

While some movies lose their allure after a viewing or two, this one never gets old.

“Vegas Vacation” (1997): Clark Griswold packs the family up and heads to Las Vegas, however, it doesn’t initially turn out to be the family trip he had envisioned. A hilarious movie about Vegas, the film also catches numerous images of the mid-1990s Strip including Stardust, Riviera, Monte Carlo, Aladdin, Barbary Coast, and Frontier.

Cousin Eddie’s antics, Clark’s misfortune, and Mr. Papagiorio all have me rolling. Every time.

“Ocean’s Eleven” (2001): Danny Ocean (George Clooney) rounds up a gang of 11 to rob Terry Benedict’s casinos which include MGM Grand, Mirage, and the Bellagio.

For my money, there are few scenes more iconic than when the crew slowly disappears while watching the Fountains of Bellagio at the end.

“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1998): Tag along with journalist Raoul Duke as he, and his attorney Dr. Gonzo head to Las Vegas with a suitcase full of narcotics to cover the Mint 400 race.

Buckle up, it’s a wild ride that will make your wildest Vegas trip look tame.

“Rain Man” (1988): Charlie Babbit (Tom Cruise) becomes upset to learn that the majority of his father’s estate is being left to Raymond, a brother he didn’t realize he had who is on the autism spectrum. Charlie goes on a cross-country journey with Raymond, only to end up in Vegas leveraging Raymond’s ability to count cards.

“Last Vegas” (2013): “Last Vegas” follows a group of four older gentlemen as they celebrate a bachelor party in Las Vegas while navigating deep-seated relationship issues along the way. The all-star cast includes Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, and Morgan Freeman.

I feel that “Last Vegas” is a bit underrated by the broader public – It’s one of my favorites.

“Leaving Las Vegas” (1995): In my opinion, “Leaving Las Vegas” is better watched after returning home from your trip to make you feel better about the money you lost, as it’s a tad depressing. The premise of the story revolves around an alcoholic, Ben Sanderson (Nicholas Cage), who moves to Vegas to drink himself to death, although he finds love along the way.

Fortunately, even movies with downtrodden storylines get me fired up for Vegas.

“Swingers” (1996): Initially set in LA, Trent (Vince Vaughn) works with his friend Mike to get over a previous relationship and find new success on the dating scene. They eventually take the party to Vegas, and the rest is history.

Set in the mid-1990s, an abundance of Las Vegas landmarks featured in “Swingers” are no longer around.

“Ocean’s Thirteen” (2007): Danny Ocean (George Clooney) rounds up the crew to rob Willy Bank on the opening night of his new casino “The Bank”. The heist is motivated by the fact that Bank double-crossed his associate Reuben Tishkoff.

“The Cooler” (2003): Bernie (William H. Macy) leverages his perpetual bad luck to be a “cooler” working for a Las Vegas casino to negatively affect the luck of other patrons. Unfortunately for his employer, Bernie falls in love and his luck turns on a dime.

“21” (2008): A group of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology takes their ability to count cards to Las Vegas. What could go wrong?

“Electrick Children” (2012): Among the more bizarre storylines of any other Las Vegas-based movie on this list, Rachel, a 15-year-old born into a devout religious community believes she was impregnated by the contents of a forbidden cassette tape she listened to, although the truth is far more sinister. She then leaves the community for Las Vegas to find the creator of the tape.

Although the plot of the movie is certainly unique, the film offers a rare snapshot of Vegas during the early twenty-teens.

“Diamonds Are Forever” (1971): While Sean Connery stars as James Bond, the storyline seemed to be a bit of an afterthought. The movie’s worth watching before a trip if only due to the images of early 1970s Vegas, where the movie is set. Fremont Street in 1971 shines. Literally.

“Ocean’s Eleven” (1960): Flashback to the golden era of Las Vegas with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, and Frank Sinatra as they pull off an improbable caper. While the re-make starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts is cinematically better, the original will appeal to those that long for Vegas of yesteryear.

“ Viva Las Vegas” (1964): Starring Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, fans of 1960s Las Vegas will deem this an absolute must-watch. As a fan of vintage Vegas myself, the opening 5 minutes are among the best shots of Fremont Street these eyes have seen.

The plot revolves around a racecar driver (Elvis) preparing for the Grand Prix car race while simultaneously falling for Ann-Margret’s character. “Viva Las Vegas” may not have a great storyline (ducks), but those who celebrate Vegas of yesteryear will view it more favorably.

“Honeymoon in Vegas” (1992): Another wild storyline, Jack Singer (Nicholas Cage) and his girlfriend Betsy (Sarah Jessica Parker) scamper to Vegas to get married. Before the wedding, Singer loses $65k in a poker game to an affluent gambler. The Gambler offers to wipe the debt away if he can spend the weekend with Betsy. They agree.

The movie is “OK”, providing a window into early ’90s Las Vegas.

“Showgirls” (1995): An aspiring dancer make the trip to Vegas with the intention of making it big. The story tracks her journey to the big stage. While not exactly critically acclaimed, “Showgirls” is likely the most risque option on this rundown of Vegas movies and provides plenty of mid-90s Vegas imagery.

“The Winner” (1996): The story itself isn’t overly compelling. Essentially, a gambler in Las Vegas is on a tremendous winning streak and can’t lose. This success and his generosity attract a number of people who aim to take advantage of his good fortune.

Although the storyline itself isn’t all that interesting, fans of mid-nineties Vegas will enjoy shots of Fremont Street and the Strip from that era. Tune in to see Sand’s, Harrah’s riverboat facade, Treasure Island’s original sign, Riviera, Barbary Coast, and Stardust.

Hopefully, I was able to help you find a movie or two to add to your pre-trip playlist, or to entertain you on your flight.

Personally, “Casino”, “The Hangover”, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and “Oceans 11” sit atop my personal list of the best Vegas movies out there.

Notable Las Vegas Movie Attractions

For the movie buffs out there, check out Las Vegas Movie Tours . Led by a Las Vegas movie expert, passengers are driven in a limo-like bus around to numerous movie sets around the city. Relevant movie clips play as you pass and the tour guide provides additional “behind the scenes” info.

The Movie Prop Experience in Neonopolis is home to a vast collection of props from movies and shows like “Star Wars”, “Gremlins”, “Breaking Bad”, “Titanic”, and SO much more.

I recently visited and found the attraction to be well worth $20. Kids also can get in for free!

See my full Las Vegas Movie Prop Experience Review !

See Also: Need Ideas? Check out our ideal 3-day Las Vegas itinerary .

Feature Image: ©kuzina1964/123RF.COM

I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.

Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.

More about me, here .

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Monday 16th of January 2023

I can't believe 3000 miles to grace land wasn't on this list

Thursday 14th of January 2021

Nice list of movies, but you left off a great movie. The Cooler (2003).

Friday 12th of February 2021

@RJ, You are 100% right. Got it added! Such a good one.

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25 Essential Road Trip Movies of the Last 25 Years

We’re looking down the horizon and beyond for some of the best road trip movies that defined the genre over the last 25 years! To rev up this list, we selected American movies movies, journeys that begin in the States (where they actually finish is part of the fun). The movies celebrate the sights and sounds of the country, or at least will inspire you to pull out that camping gear, putting the convertible top down, and hitting the open road. These rides can be cross-county ( Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle ), on the freeway ( Dog , Sideways ), trekking across a few state lines ( Little Miss Sunshine , Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas ), hitting a new time zone ( Road Trip ), or even runnin’ coast-to-coast ( Rat Race , Transamerica ). Even the Academy has felt the need for reasonable speed, awarding Best Picture to both Green Book and Nomadland . Carpool lane? Of course: we’ve got an Oscar strapped in the passenger seat!

So whether you’re looking for a map to a long summer drive or fixing a flat in your life, turn to these essential 25 road trip movies of the last 25 years (in chronological order)!

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) 50%

The Straight Story (1999) 94%

Tumbleweeds (1999) 82%

Almost Famous (2000) 91%

Road Trip (2000) 57%

Rat Race (2001) 45%

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) 75%

Sideways (2004) 97%

Transamerica (2005) 77%

Little Miss Sunshine (2006) 91%

Cars (2006) 75%

Zombieland (2009) 89%

Away We Go (2009) 67%

Paul (2011) 70%

We're the Millers (2013) 48%

Chef (2014) 87%

Grandma (2015) 91%

Mississippi Grind (2015) 91%

Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016) 83%

Green Book (2018) 77%

Nomadland (2020) 93%

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) 97%

Bad Trip (2021) 79%

Dog (2022) 77%

Joy Ride (2023) 90%

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The 20 Vegas Films You Must See

The Hangover

Las Vegas has been appearing in movies since at least the early 1940s, and the town’s onscreen image has evolved as the city itself has transformed and expanded. In picking the 20 essential Las Vegas movies, I looked at films primarily set in and/or about Las Vegas, not just movies with one memorable Vegas sequence (which leaves out Swingers or the recent Gloria Bell ). With the Las Vegas Film Festival coming up (April 28-May 5), here are iconic Vegas that, whether great, good, or bad, help paint a vibrant picture of our city on the big screen.

Helldorado (1946)

Like most movies starring singing cowboy Roy Rogers, Helldorado is shamelessly cheesy, with a plot designed primarily to showcase Rogers crooning and riding, joined as always by his trusty horse Trigger (who gets second billing). But it’s also a fascinating document of a Las Vegas that was still part of the Old West. Set during the annual Helldorado Days, the movie stars Rogers as a Nevada Ranger on the trail of some money-launderers, with Rogers’ frequent co-star Dale Evans as a sassy socialite who fancies herself an amateur detective. The movie’s Vegas has flashy casinos bordering open landscape, in a city where many of the roads are still dirt. The Helldorado parade (and the associated beard-growing competition) gets as much screen time as the villains’ dastardly plan, and that balance seems about right.

Meet Me in Las Vegas (1956)

Cyd Charisse stars as an imperious ballerina performing at the Sands in this charming MGM musical, which combines plenty of Vegas atmosphere (including performances by Lena Horne and Frankie Laine and an uncredited Frank Sinatra cameo) with old-fashioned Hollywood song-and-dance numbers. Charisse’s Marie Corvier forms an unlikely pair with Dan Dailey’s aw-shucks rancher Chuck Rodwell, who experiences uncanny luck at the tables whenever he holds Marie’s hand. The sleepy plot provides lots of time for musical showcases, including some stunning footwork from Charisse. Along with learning to appreciate Chuck’s charms, the somewhat snobbish Marie also learns to appreciate performing for Vegas crowds, and the movie effectively sells both Vegas glamour (dig those gorgeous outfits) and the Vegas showbiz work ethic.

Ocean’s Eleven (1960)

The truth is that the 2001 remake of this Rat Pack heist movie is much better, but no other film offers the same distillation of the time when Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. dominated Las Vegas. The movie’s first half is extremely slow-moving, and even once the group of former military buddies embark on their plan to steal from five Vegas casinos, the story isn’t particularly suspenseful or lively. But the hangout vibe is excellent, and seeing these guys (also including Rat Pack members Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop) in their element, full of style and swagger (and, it must be said, more than a little chauvinism), makes it clear why they ruled the Strip. Plus, the exquisitely downbeat ending nearly makes up for all the preceding bluster.

Viva Las Vegas (1964)

The title song of this Elvis Presley musical has had a more lasting impact than the movie it came from, thanks to dozens of cover versions and an adoption as the official song of the city. But Viva Las Vegas remains a defining moment for Vegas onscreen, establishing so many of the persistent, indelible elements of the city’s image, from Elvis to showgirls to quickie weddings to, uh, helicopter tours of Hoover Dam. The movie belongs to Ann-Margret as Flamingo pool manager Rusty Martin as much as it belongs to Presley as racecar driver Lucky Jackson, and their real-life competition for screen time gets the best out of both performers. Presley isn’t much of an actor, and the story is pretty undercooked, but there’s infectious fun in the musical set pieces, and a giddy enthusiasm for everything Vegas that still does wonders for the city.

The Only Game in Town (1970)

A critical and commercial failure at the time of its release, the final film from legendary director George Stevens ( Shane , Giant ) has actually aged well, and its oddball pairing of Elizabeth Taylor and Warren Beatty works in its favor for a story of unbalanced (but undeniable) romance. Adapted by Frank D. Gilroy from his stage play, the movie mostly takes place in the small apartment of Las Vegas showgirl Fran (Taylor), and was shot primarily in Paris, on Taylor’s insistence. But whenever Fran and pianist (and gambling addict) Joe (Beatty) leave the apartment, they head into real Vegas locations (including the old Vegas Village general store), showing the everyday side of working-class Strip entertainers. A sort of gentler, melancholy version of the histrionic Leaving Las Vegas , Game captures the feel of the Vegas grind alongside an engaging (if sometimes stilted) romance.

Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Often cited as one of the worst James Bond movies, Diamonds Are Forever is not exactly a great showcase for the iconic secret agent. It’s full of flat, belabored humor, the plot is confusing and sluggish, and star Sean Connery (returning to the role after one film away) seems bored with the whole project. But Diamonds is a great showcase for Las Vegas, which is the setting for the majority of the movie and shines in all its gaudy, neon-drenched 1970s glory. The eight featured Vegas hotels are as much the stars of the movie as Connery is, especially the International (now the Westgate), turned into the fictional Whyte House, run b

y the movie’s campy Howard Hughes analogue. With its car chases around downtown and guest appearances by Circus-Circus performers, Di amonds proved that Vegas could be the ideal setting for a major action-adventure blockbuster.

One From the Heart (1982)

Francis Ford Coppola’s elaborate Las Vegas-set musical, shot entirely on sound stages at his American Zoetrope Studios, is one of the most notorious box-office failures of all time, but it’s the kind of boondoggle that’s perfect for Vegas: an ambitious, ego-driven piece of artistic kitsch. And while Coppola didn’t shoot a single frame on location, his version of the city is possibly the Vegas-est Vegas can be, with the deliberately artificial casino facades placed right next to the equally artificial sets of the characters’ living and working spaces. Coppola repurposes and heightens genuine Vegas landmarks to provide a hallucinatory world for his almost abstract love story about a travel agent (Teri Garr) and a mechanic (Frederic Forrest) who break up and explore other lovers over the course of a woozy 48 hours, only to be inexorably drawn back to each other.

Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)

Everyone remembers the jumpsuited skydivers known as the Flying Elvises from this goofy Nicolas Cage/Sarah Jessica Parker rom-com, but much of the story embraces Vegas silliness, from the lavishly appointed Ali Baba Suite at Bally’s where New Yorkers Jack (Cage) and Betsy (Parker) stay in anticipation of their wedding, to the fawning VIP host who caters to the whims of shady businessman Tommy Korman (James Caan), to the parade of Elvis impersonators (including a very young Bruno Mars). The story about Tommy forcing Betsy to spend a weekend with him to pay off Jack’s gambling debts is a bit icky, but writer-director Andrew Bergman keeps the tone light even when Cage is delivering one of his signature unhinged rants.

Leprechaun 3 (1995)

There are plenty of low-budget, direct-to-video horror movies set in Las Vegas, but only one of them stars Warwick Davis as a homicidal, rhyming leprechaun. The third movie in the surprisingly long-running Leprechaun series finds the evil imp in Vegas, where he ends up at the Lucky Shamrock casino, chasing down people who’ve taken coins from his pot of gold. The plot and characters are entirely ridiculous, of course, but there are some fun Vegas-related bits (at one point the leprechaun turns some poor guy into a human slot machine), and the city turns out to be a perfect setting for the demented creature, who gets as much joy from cheating and deceiving people as he does from committing horrible and/or ironic acts of violence.

Showgirls (1995)

Is Showgirls one of the worst movies ever made? Is it so bad it’s good, or is it actually secretly brilliant? Paul Verhoeven’s stripper saga is all of those things and more, depending on who you ask, but regardless of your perspective, the movie is never not entertaining. Joe Eszterhas’ screenplay is full of quotably ridiculous dialogue, and the performances are perversely dedicated, especially Elizabeth Berkley in the role that both defined and essentially ended her career. Berkley’s Nomi Malone is a ruthless social climber who uses her sexuality to get what she wants, both at the Cheetahs gentlemen’s club and in the Stardust’s lavish topless show Goddess . Showgirls presents Las Vegas as a corrupt cesspool, but also as a place where people with genuine artistic ambitions come to make it big. In its strange way, it’s a tribute to the town’s own ruthless ambitions.

Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

Nicolas Cage’s Oscar-winning performance as suicidal alcoholic Ben Sanderson is so broad that it frequently veers into camp, but it’s balanced with remarkable effectiveness by Elisabeth Shue as Sera, the lonely prostitute with whom Ben forms an immediate connection. Las Vegas is a key component of Ben’s plan to drink himself to death, and the town itself is portrayed as a somewhat toxic environment. But it’s also a place where people like Ben and Sera come to escape, even if their demons follow them wherever they go. Working from John O’Brien’s semi-autobiographical novel, writer-director Mike Figgis captures the self-destructive melodrama of someone who’s determined to end his life no matter who he hurts along the way. The movie is as overwrought and ungainly as Ben himself, and just as consumed by tragedy.  

Casino (1995)

While it’s often overshadowed by director Martin Scorsese’s previous collaboration with crime writer Nicholas Pileggi, 1990’s Goodfellas , Casino is every bit the masterful crime epic its predecessor is, another complex examination of loyalty and betrayal among gangsters, in this case the criminal organization that unofficially ran multiple Las Vegas casinos in the 1970s and early ’80s. Robert De Niro gives possibly his last great performance as Lefty Rosenthal stand-in Sam “Ace” Rothstein, and Joe Pesci is delightfully unhinged as Rothstein’s best friend and worst enemy Nicky Santoro. Although it’s fictionalized, the movie is still a fascinatingly detailed look into how the mob controlled Vegas for years, and the difficult, sometimes violent way the city and the industry evolved, led by these bold visionaries who also happened to be vicious criminals. 

The Winner (1996)

Cult filmmaker Alex Cox ( Repo Man , Sid and Nancy ) has disowned his adaptation of Wendy Riss’ play A Darker Purpose , but the movie retains plenty of his off-kilter sensibility, and it works as a sort of Vegas flipside to Repo Man ’s quasi-mystical LA. Vincent D’Onofrio plays an almost otherworldly gambler who appears unable to lose, and who is targeted by gangsters, opportunists and his own sleazy brother as a result. The plot doesn’t make much sense, but Frank Whaley, Rebecca De Mornay, and Billy Bob Thornton all give entertaining performances as the strange characters trying to take advantage of the protagonist. Cox makes great use of both Vegas landmarks (the opening is set at the Pioneer Saloon, and there’s a sex scene atop a piano at the Liberace Museum) and the booming, constantly-under-construction Vegas suburbs of the time, which of course conceal rot and betrayal just underneath.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Hunter S. Thompson’s Las Vegas is not a pleasant place, and Terry Gilliam’s adaptation of Thompson’s seminal novel captures the kaleidoscopic nightmare experienced by Thompson stand-in Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp, in what may be his definitive role) and his lawyer/accomplice Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro) as they navigate the garish horrors they perceive in the Vegas of 1971. The characters’ drug-fueled journey produces a movie that itself feels like a drug trip, which means it can be exhausting and repetitive, but can also provide unexpected revelations. Using Vegas as a stand-in for America’s worst excesses may have become a cliché, but Fear and Loathing embraces its inherent contradictions, allowing its self-destructive characters to take advantage of depravity while also recoiling from it in horror.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)

The bookends of Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s trilogy make Las Vegas look almost impossibly cool, a high-end playground for the crew of suave thieves led by George Clooney’s Danny Ocean. The plots are convoluted, but the characters are impeccably crafted, and the visual style is dazzling. Far superior to its Rat Pack source material, Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven is a lively, funny, and massively entertaining heist movie bursting with great performances, centered on the buddy-comedy che

mistry between Clooney and Brad Pitt. Ocean’s Thirteen is even more of a love letter to Vegas, made at a time when construction on the Strip was booming and new mega-resorts were opening every other month. Both movies capture the energy, glamour and luxury of a Vegas era that came crashing down shortly after.

The Hangover (2009)

Todd Phillips’ raunchy comedy has come to define the hedonistic image of modern Las Vegas, the place where “what happens here, stays here,” and people are free to indulge their darkest desires. The story of three friends trying to piece together their harrowing bachelor party night (in order to locate their missing fourth friend, who’s due to get married) is still consistently funny, with justifiably star-making performances from Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis (and an ultra-luxurious Caesars Palace suite). The movie portrays Vegas as a dangerous adult playground where anything goes, which is equally enticing and terrifying. It’s a place where the characters discover their true selves and actually grow up a bit, although not so much that they can’t repeat the same mistakes in the two (mostly terrible) sequels.

Electrick Children (2012)

Las Vegas native Rebecca Thomas makes the city into an ethereal promised land in her debut feature, a dreamlike fable about a sheltered Utah teenager (Julia Garner) who runs away from a religious compound to seek out the man she believes impregnated her via a holy cassette tape. Garner’s Rachel is a combination of naive and determined, completely ignorant about how babies are conceived but also willing to risk everything to find the father of her child. Garner is fantastic as the open, tender Rachel, who views every new place she visits with wide-eyed wonder. Thomas finds that wonder away from the Strip, in places like Downtown’s Artifice and the Alamo, and at the suburban Desert Breeze Skate Park. The movie builds a sweet teenage romance alongside a sense of the mystical and unknowable.

Fateful Findings (2013)

Las Vegan Neil Breen has become a fixture of the bad-movie circuit thanks in large part to this anti-masterpiece, a stunningly narcissistic piece of outsider art in which Breen stars as a messianic hacker/psychic who is irresistible to women and is the only person who can expose government and corporate corruption to the world. Breen is a terrible filmmaker but also a fascinating figure, a sort of self-made only-in-Vegas character whose unearned confidence in himself takes the place of talent or training. Breen shoots all his self-financed movies in nondescript office buildings and courtyards and in the open desert, although his penchant for stock footage also occasionally includes images of the Strip. Fateful Findings is the purest representation of his baffling, abrasive style, and a reminder that Vegas is still one of the top places for self-indulgent weirdos.

Dealer (2017)

A team-up of some of the most talented local filmmakers of the last few years, Dealer is an omnibus film made by five directors and/or directing teams (Lundon Boyd, Jeremy Cloe, Mike and Jerry Thompson, Ryan and Cody LeBeouf, Adam Zielinski), tied together by Boyd’s character Kelly, a hapless casino card dealer who’s forced into running errands for a mysterious crime boss. Each segment has its own tone, from surreal to sweet to suspenseful, and each highlights a different side of Vegas, from the LeBeoufs’ kaleidoscopic journey through the halls of the Artisan to Cloe’s suburban hangout comedy to the Thompsons’ caper on the waters of Lake Mead. It’s a showcase for homegrown talent that proves its creators are all ready for bigger things.

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Home > Films > R > Rain Man

Wednesday April 17th 2024

Rain Man | 1988

• Locations |
• Barry Levinson
• Dustin Hoffman,
• Tom Cruise,
• Valeria Golino,
• Bonnie Hunt,
• Reni Santoni,
• Archie Hahn

The Oscar-grabbing movie travelled all over the US, but was based in Cincinnati , Ohio , for four weeks, and made use of locations in Indiana and Kentucky .

On hearing of his father’s death, hard-hearted businessman Charlie Babbitt ( Tom Cruise ) travels from Los Angeles , where his business operates out of the docks of San Pedro , to Cincinnati .

Charlie’s childhood home is the Tudor-style mansion at 2 Beech Crest Lane , off Madison Road in Cincinnati ’s East Walnut Hills district, on the Ohio River’s northern shore, northeast of downtown.

The ‘Cincinnati Trust’, where Charlie charms the desk clerk to divulge the whereabouts of the $3 million trust fund, is the lobby of the Dixie Terminal, 120 East Fourth Street at Walnut Street, downtown Cincinnati . The  Dixie Terminal Buildings were completed in 1921 as a combined streetcar terminal, stock exchange and office space for the city's business district. After streetcars were discontinued in the 1950s, the terminal continued to be used for bus services, until 1998 when these too ceased. The complex still houses shops and offices – and its elaborate marble arcade is open to the public.

If ‘Wallbrook’, the home where he finds brother Raymond, looks a bit religiose, with statues of the virgin in the walls, that’s because it’s St Anne’s Convent, 1000 Saint Anne Drive, Melbourne , just to the southeast of Cincinnati over the Ohio River on Route 8, Kentucky . Built 1919 by architect Howard McClorey, it now houses a Montessori school.

Charlie’s father’s funeral was filmed at Evergreen Cemetery, 25 Alexandria Pike, Southgate , just south of Newport , also in Kentucky .

The bridge Charlie and Raymond cross leaving town is the John A Roebling Suspension Bridge , a prototype for the designer’s later Brooklyn Bridge in New York (you can see it from the window of the Dixie Terminal Building ).

The first night away from ‘Wallbrook’ is spent at the Vernon Manor Hotel, 400 Oak Street , Cincinnati , a 1924 landmark in the historic uptown district, loosely modelled on much-used movie location Hatfield House, Hertfordshire , in the UK. Unfortunately, the hotel finally closed its doors in March 2009.

And it’s back to Newport for the café where Raymond reveals his numerical skills by remembering the waitress’s phone number and counting scattered toothpicks. It’s Pompilio’s Bar and Restaurant , 600 Washington Avenue . A southern Italian restaurant, built in 1933, Pompilio’s was granted one of the US’s first post-Prohibition liquor licences.

Serving Cincinnati , though across the border in Kentucky , it’s off to Greater Cincinnati International Airport , where Raymond quotes a few useful statistics, decides that road travel is preferable and the two take the highway, I-275 , which happens to be the ring road around Cincinnati .

The film’s crew was based in Oklahoma City for the cross-States journey. The motel in ‘Amarillo, Texas’, where Charlie realises that Raymond was his imaginary friend, ‘the Rain Man’, was the Big 8$ Motel, 1705 East 66th Highway, El Reno , on I-40 about 15 miles west of Oklahoma City . It later became the DeLuxe Inn, but has since been demolished.

The sign, ‘Amarillo’s Finest’, was added for the movie, and, much to the confusion of passing motorists, was retained as a feature of the motel. The brothers’ room was 117.

The gas station, where the pair stops to make a phone call, is a disused, and now once again dilapidated W.S. Kelly Gas Station and Store , at Cogar , Caddo County , Oklahoma , about ten miles south of El Reno over the South Canadian River.

Twenty miles west of El Reno , south of I-40, is the town of Hinton , where Raymond gets to watch Judge Wapner on the farmhouse TV. Way up about twenty miles north of Oklahoma City , on I-35, is the town of Guthrie , where Charlie takes Raymond to see the doctor at the Guthrie Clinic , on the corner of Oklahoma Street and Division Street .

More road filming took place in south Nevada , en route to Las Vegas . Raymond demonstrates his skill with cards and Charlie teaches him to dance in Caesars Palace , 3570 South Las Vegas Boulevard . The complex has been enlarged since filming. The foursome from Todd Phillips 's 2009 hit The Hangover follow in their footsteps.

Back to Los Angeles , and Susanna ( Valerie Golino ) is dropped off at her apartment, Ocean View Apartments, 1435 South Beacon Street in San Pedro .

Charlie, reborn as a caring brother, turns down a $250,000 offer from Dr Bruner poolside in the Westin Bonaventure Hotel , 404 South Figueroa Street , downtown. Its cylindrical glass towers can also be seen in This Is Spinal Tap , True Lies , In The Line of Fire , Jim McBride ’s 1983 remake of Breathless (with Richard Gere ), Strange Days and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century . Its interior even became the NASA facility for Christopher Nolan 's Interstellar .

Charlie's LA home is (the rear of) 1599 Sunset Plaza Drive in West Hoillywood .

He takes Raymond for pancakes at the Pink Cadillac Cafe (you can’t do the same – the pancake house is now Blue Bamboo, 359 North La Cienega Boulevard , serving up Asian fusion fare), before battling it out with the medical profession (a cameo from director Barry Levinson ) for custody of Raymond.

The meeting takes place in the Wattles Mansion , 1824 North Curson Avenue on the south end of Runyon Canyon Park in Hollywood , a 1905 house and gardens built as the winter residence of an Omaha businessman.

Charlie finally sees Raymond off back to ‘Wallbrook’ at Santa Ana Train Station, 2800 North Main Street, Santa Ana , southeast of Los Angeles .

Visit The Film Locations

Visit: Ohio

Visit: Cincinnati

Flights: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport , 2939 Terminal Drive, Hebron, KY 41048 ( tel: 859.767.3151 )

Stay at: the Millennium Hotel Cincinnati , 150 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 ( tel: 513.352.2100 )

Visit: the Cintas Center , 1624 Herald Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45207 ( tel: 513.745.3428 )

Visit: Kentucky

Visit: Newport

Visit: Pompilio’s Bar and Restaurant , 600 Washington Avenue, Newport, KY 41071 ( tel: 859.581.3065 )

Stay at: the Comfort Suites , 420 Riverboat Row , Newport, Newport, KY 41071 ( tel: 859.291.6700 )

Visit: Indiana

Visit: Oklahoma

Visit: Nevada

Visit: Las Vegas

Flights: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport , 5757 Wayne Newton Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119 ( tel: 702.261.5211 )

Visit: Caesars Palace , 3570 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109 ( tel: 866.227.5938 )

California | Los Angeles

Visit: Los Angeles

Flights: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) , 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045 ( tel: 424.646.5252 )

Travelling around: Los Angeles Metro

Stay at: the Westin Bonaventure Hotel , 404 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90071 ( tel: 213.624.1000 )

32 Great Movies About Las Vegas

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

Las Vegas. Sin City, a place where those who are looking for a little bit of luck can retreat and gamble – a true paradise for those looking to have fun. Which makes it the perfect setting for a movie. 

The famous Nevada city has had several movies set within its confines, from hilarious comedies that are some of the funniest movies out there, to Zack Snyder features that will take you into a zombie apocalypse. From casinos to schools to heists, Las Vegas-set films have it all. These are some of the best movies set in Las Vegas, and where you can stream them.

The Hangover (2009)

If you want a classic comedy, check out The Hangover . Released in 2009, this film follows a group of friends who decide to go to Vegas to celebrate a wedding. The next morning, none of them can find the groom, and they also have no memory of what happened the night before. Now, it's a race against the clock to retrace their steps and find him before time runs out. 

The Hangover is honestly an absolute Las Vegas classic. I feel like whenever I think of the city, this is one of the first films that comes to mind. All of The Hangover movies are funny, but nothing can quite beat the first. The chemistry The Hangover cast has is impeccable and it’s just so dang funny. This movie defined my middle school years and still continues to be one of my favorite comedies to date. You just have to love it.

Viva Las Vegas (1964)

Oh, you want old-school Vegas? You’re getting old-school Vegas. Viva Las Vegas is a classic musical starring Elvis Presley and Anne-Margret in a simple love story. A race-car driver is trying to mind his business while waiting for the ultimate competition - the Grand Prix. However, his life turns upside down when he meets the woman of his dreams in Las Vegas while he’s working to save up money for a new engine. 

I mean, if you’ve ever heard of the song “ Viva Las Vegas ” from Elvis, it’s from this movie. And, with a musical starring the King of Rock and Roll himself, you know the tunes are going to be banging. While Las Vegas in the film looks nothing like Las Vegas does today, it still has that same Vegas vibe, and the chemistry that these two share is great. 

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

If you’re looking for a heist comedy that takes place in Las Vegas, you have to check out Ocean’s Eleven. A remake of the original film released back in the 1960s (which you should also check out if you like this one), this story follows Danny Ocean and his criminal buddies, who decide to pull the ultimate heist in the city of sin - to rob $160 million from a casino owner. The twist? The casino owner’s girlfriend also happens to be Ocean’s ex-wife, creating an even more chaotic scenario. 

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Ocean’s Eleven is iconic for so many reasons. The background of Las Vegas is expertly used and the action scenes are phenomenal, but what does it for me is the outstanding Ocean’s Eleven cast. You have the likes of George Clooney , Brad Pitt , Julia Roberts , Don Cheadle - all of these Hollywood powerhouses in the same film. And if you end up liking Ocean’s Eleven, there’s a whole Ocean’s franchise for you to watch after. 

Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

James Bond ’s contribution to movies set in Las Vegas is Diamonds Are Forever . Like everything Bond (Sean Connery) does, it oozes cool in 1960s Vegas. The main action takes place on Fremont Street decades before it was closed to traffic. That’s a good thing too, since there is a pretty epic car chase along the original Strip. Of course, there is also a great gambling scene featuring Bond playing craps, alongside Plenty O’Toole (Lana Wood). 

The Godfather (1971)

There isn’t a ton of Las Vegas in The Godfather none of the scenes set in Sin City were filmed there. However, who doesn’t think that Moe Greene could be running your hotel in Vegas? Not to mention thinking of Fredo every time you meet a cocktail waitress. In the sequel, many scenes were filmed in Nevada, but again, not in Las Vegas. Still, it’s a Vegas movie. 

Pay It Forward (2000)

In this sweet romantic drama, Pay It Forward stars Kevin Spacey , Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment, telling the story of a young boy who wants to make a difference in the world. So he decides to start a new movement called “pay it forward,” not knowing the impact that it would have not only on his community, but on those he loves, as well. 

Truthfully, this is the only Las Vegas centered movie on this list that I can fully recommend for families, just because many of the others have pretty adult scenes or a lot of gore or violence, but Pay It Forward is just a sweet film. While the reviews at the time of its release weren’t the best, I can look back on it with a smile because I enjoy simple love stories. 

Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

Starring Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue, Leaving Las Vegas is an amazing drama, based on a book of the same name. This film follows a man who has lost his family and his job so he decides to give up on everything and move to Las Vegas so he can drink himself to death and live the rest of his days alone. But, while he’s there, he ends up meeting Elisabeth Shue's character and forming a relationship with her. 

Leaving Las Vegas is arguably the saddest film on this list, as it deals with really heavy issues such as suicide and depression, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a great film featuring wonderful acting. Nicolas Cage is stellar and ended up winning an Oscar for his role in the film, and Elisabeth Shue also scored several nominations, as well. It’s such a great film to watch, especially if you want an amazing movie set in Las Vegas. 

Rain Man (1988)

Many people who go to Las Vegas dream of hitting it big at the blackjack table. Counting cards would be a big help, but it’s not that easy. There is one movie character for whom it is natural though. Ray Babbitt ( Dustin Hoffman ) in Rain Man can’t help but count cards and he’s darn good at it. It’s a little nasty that his brother Charlie (Tom Cruise) manipulates him into it, but it still makes us dream big. 

Vegas Vacation (1997)

Even we have to admit that Vegas Vacation is easily the worst installment in the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise, but that doesn’t mean it won’t put you in the mood for a trip to the Las Vegas Valley. There are some sneaky funny parts, like Wallace Shawn as the unscrupulous dealer, and Ethan Embry's Rusty as "Mr. Papagiorgio." Plus Audrey takes a trip to one of the coolest tourist spots in town, the Neon Museum. 

Bugsy (1991)

You can’t tell the story of Las Vegas without Ben “Bugsy” Siegel. Siegel was a mobster connected to Meyer Lansky and Murder, Inc. in New York. He is credited with the birth of the famous Las Vegas Strip when he built the Flamingo in the 1940s. Bugsy , starring Warren Beatty as Siegel, tells the story of the mobster, and the construction of the Flamingo. Amazingly, the hotel is still open, the oldest hotel on The Strip. 

Honeymoon In Vegas (1992)

Honeymoon in Vegas is one of the most underrated comedies of the 1990s. Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicolas Cage, and James Caan are all brilliant in this movie about a proposal gone wrong in Las Vegas. It’s filled with showgirls, gambling, flying Elvises, and everything else that screams “Sin City.” Cage is especially hilarious in the movie. 

Now You See Me (2013)

Next up on the list, we have Now You See Me. Another heist film but with a twist of magic, this fun movie (which also has a great sequel) follows a group of magicians who are skilled in what they do – so skilled, in fact, that they are able to use their magic talent to rob banks and other places, often handing off much of their earnings to the audiences they perform for, while keeping some for themselves. 

This is such a fun heist movie. As someone who loves the magicians who are often featured in Las Vegas, the take they do in Now You See Me – with them all being bank robbers – is just so inventive and something that I really loved to see. It’s creative, and with a talented Now You See Me cast, the chemistry is all there for this magic show. 

Ocean's Eleven (1960)

If you want a real taste of “cool” 1960s Vegas, look no further than the original Ocean’s Eleven starring the members of the Rat Pack as the thieves. Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr, and Dean Martin lead the all-star cast in a movie that was, of course, remade in the 21st century with an equally star-studded cast. If we’re honest, the stories about the making of the movie, with all the stars hanging out in Vegas together, are better than the movie, but it’s still super fun to watch. 

Swingers (1996)

“Vegas, baby!” Those two words might just be the most quoted words from visitors to Sin City. They come, of course, from Swingers . While the movie, starring Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau is really more about LA, you can’t have a list like this and not include it because of the iconic scenes in Las Vegas. From meeting the women at the top of the Rio Hotel at the old Voodoo Lounge to the $100 minimum blackjack table, it’s Vegas through and through.

The Cooler (2003)

Starring William H. Macy, in one of his best films , The Cooler is a fantastic movie that you definitely can’t miss. In this film, a man who works as a casino "cooler" (a person who seems to keep gamblers from winning) is quite good at his job, but everything changes when he ends up meeting a lovely woman - and he falls in love with her. Now, he has to figure out his next move when his gift of cooling people's gambling luck begins to fade. 

The Cooler is one of the best movies on this list. It was critically acclaimed when it first came out, and the film has some amazing acting. Alec Baldwin, for example, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role. William H. Macy got a Satellite Award nomination for Best Actor as well - it’s such a good story and one you should definitely watch. 

Casino (1995)

You know, I’m only just now starting to realize how many crime and heist movies there are on this list because, dang, there’s a lot. Casino, a classic Las Vegas film, stars Robert De Niro , Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci, and tells the story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, an expert handicapper in gambling who is given the shot to run Tangier Casino for the mob. 

Casino, hands down, is the best film on this list in terms of pure quality. Directed by Martin Scorsese , Casino does an excellent job of showing how casinos were once run by mobs and had a lot of dirty business behind them, but also portrays the story of Ace in a way where you can’t help but want to learn more about him as he begins to change. 

Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas (1998)

One of the most revered stories about Las Vegas is, of course, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Starring Johnny Depp, this black comedy is based on the epic book by Hunter S. Thompson and details the story of Thompson and "his attorney" who are tasked with covering the Mint 400 motorcycle race in Las Vegas their trip gets turned upside down. 

While the film originally bombed at the box office, it’s so fun to re-watch now, as the performances are stellar, and of course, Johnny Depp always rocks whatever role he’s usually in. The partnership between Depp and Benicio del Toro, though, as Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo, flows so well and makes their psychedelic story that much more fun.

Showgirls (1995)

There are some things about Showgirls that are laughably bad. The dialog is unintentionally hilarious and the plot is really just an excuse for all the racey scenes and nothing more. Director Paul Verhoeven has said the movie was misunderstood in its day, but it hasn’t aged well, either. Still, it has some great scenes in Vegas and harkens back to the day of showgirls and the shows they performed in, which are all but gone today. 

One of the big reasons that people return to Las Vegas over and over is the dream of hitting it big in the casino. In 21 , the movie based on the true story of MIT Blackjack team, that dream is re-enforced by convincing card players that they can count cards and take down the house. It’s a pipe dream, but it sure looks glamorous! 

Ocean's Thirteen (2007)

Ocean’s Twelve took Danny and the crew to Europe, but the third movie in the series, Ocean’s Thirteen , brings them back to Las Vegas. The target of their heist is different, but the goal is the same, to embarrass and bankrupt him. This time the antagonist is played by Al Pacino and while the movie hits a lot of the same beats as the first one, the heist is different enough to still make it original and fun. Plus, it's always a treat to see Brad Pitt and George Clooney work together .

Con Air (1997)

Con Air is a masterpiece and fans of the movie will always go to the mat for it, even if doesn't always make sense . While most of it takes place in the sky, of course, the plane crashing into the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is the most iconic scene in the movie. The final chase scene all takes place in Sin City, so it definitely counts for this list. Put the bunny back in the box. 

Indecent Proposal (1993)

Robert Redford, Demi Moore, and Woody Harrelson all-star in the controversial movie Indecent Proposal . Like another Vegas movie, Honeymoon in Vegas , the plot centers around a…well…proposal that a rich guy makes to a struggling couple who lose at the tables in Las Vegas. It’s a much darker movie, of course, and it was criticized a lot when it was released for its premise, but it was a hit. It might not get you in the mood to hit it big though. 

Director Doug Limen’s second movie, after Swingers, also takes place in Las Vegas. Go is a very different movie though. It’s a frenetic, wild adventure about locals in Las Vegas partying, and partying hard. While it was a moderate hit when it was released, it was acclaimed by most critics and has a pretty healthy cult following today. The film feels like a blur, in the best way, just like a good trip to Las Vegas does. 

Hard Eight (1996)

True to his style, Paul Thomas Anderson’s Las Vegas movie (in his feature directorial debut), Hard Eight is a brooding, methodically paced character study. It also leans heavily into the darker side of casinos, gambling, and Las Vegas. If you’re looking for a party movie, this one isn’t it. But if you want a great director cutting his teeth on an intriguing story with the glitz in the background, this is the one you want. 

Mars Attacks! (1996)

In the ‘50s and ‘60s, the desert outside of Las Vegas was used to test nuclear devices by the US military, so it makes sense that aliens might pick there to land. Anyway, Vegas is the perfect setting for one of Tim Burton’s best movies , Mars Attacks! The ensemble cast goes all out in this spoof of, and love letter to, sci-fi films of the 1950s. If you want to see Vegas get destroyed, this one’s for you. 

3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)

3000 Miles to Graceland has everything you want in a Vegas movie. A super charismatic cast robbing a casino with plenty of witty banter to around, not to mention all the Elvis impersonators you’ll ever see in one place, drives this underrated gem from 2001. It’s got plenty of action too. 

What Happens in Vegas (2008)

We will concede that most of the romantic comedy What Happens in Vegas actually takes place in New York City, but with a title like that – the catchphrase we’re all familiar with – it has to be here. Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher do what so many others have done, they get a quickie marriage after an epic night out in Sin City. They spend the rest of the movie hating each while falling in love with each other, naturally. 

One From The Heart (1982)

Francis Ford Coppola has made some of the most revered movies in Hollywood history, but One from the Heart is not usually listed among them. His 1982 musical/rom-com set in Vegas has garnered a bit of a cult following in the years since it was released and bombed at the box office. Teri Garr and Frederic Forrest have great chemistry and while the movie was mostly shot on soundstages, there is a great scene with the two of them separately walking around Fremont St. in Downtown Vegas. 

Fever Pitch (1985)

Not to be confused with the 2005 movie starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon, this Fever Pitch , from 20 years earlier is about a degenerate gambler played by Ryan O'Neal trying to win enough money to pay off another gambling debt. It definitely shows the dark side of gambling, as he struggles to get over his addiction while trying to win at the same time. 

They Came to Rob Las Vegas (1968)

Everyone loves a good heist film , and They Came to Rob Las Vegas is a fun one. Anytime a crew gets together to steal from the mob, it’s going to make for an intense heist. Gary Lockwood and Jack Palance star in this oft-overlooked flick that isn’t the best movie on this list but still has some great shots of the city and the surrounding desert. 

Jason Bourne (2016)

The Jason Bourne series has taken Matt Damon’s titular character all over the world and in his return to the franchise in 2016’s Jason Bourne , he finally goes to Las Vegas. The car chase along The Strip is fantastic and if you love Vegas and great car chases , this one is not to be missed. 

Army Of The Dead (2021)

If you want some zombies, we've got the film for you. The Netflix original, Army of the Dead, released in 2021 features Vegas in a post-apocalyptic state, overrun by zombies. However, when a group of mercenaries are given the chance to steal millions of dollars from a casino before the city is nuked, they throw caution to the wind and dive headfirst into the army of the dead in the hopes that this money will change their lives.

Army of the Dead is so much fun. Often compared to Zack Snyder’s other zombie film , Dawn of the Dead, this one takes the setting of Las Vegas to another level. That, paired with the amazing Army of the Dead cast and some sick casino action scenes, makes this movie a hit. 

With all these great picks, I bet it might be hard to pick just one but trust me when I say no matter what you end up picking, you’re going to have a great time watching them no matter what. Now, if you don’t mind me, I’m going to go and re-watch Army of the Dead again for the millionth time.  

Hugh Scott is the Syndication Editor for CinemaBlend. Before CinemaBlend, he was the managing editor for Suggest.com and Gossipcop.com, covering celebrity news and debunking false gossip. He has been in the publishing industry for almost two decades, covering pop culture – movies and TV shows, especially – with a keen interest and love for Gen X culture, the older influences on it, and what it has since inspired. He graduated from Boston University with a degree in Political Science but cured himself of the desire to be a politician almost immediately after graduation.

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The Funniest Movies About Vegas

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas - unless, of course, it becomes a movie. The top funny movies about Las Vegas feature larger-than-life characters trying to live large in Sin City, with hilarious consequences. This is a list of the funniest comedies about Las Vegas including everything from Ocean's Eleven to Beavis and Butt-head Do America to Vegas Vacation .

What films will you find on this list of great Las Vegas comedy movies? In The Hangover , a Vegas bachelor party turns into a hunt for the missing groom. Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, and Ed Helms star in this box-office smash. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is also filled with hysterical dialogue. Other good Vegas films featured on this list include The Grand  and Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 .

Which funny movie about Vegas do you think is the best? Give the best films a thumbs up and add any great comedies that are missing.

The Hangover

In this side-splittingly hilarious comedy, three groomsmen wake up after a wild bachelor party in Vegas with absolutely no memory of the night before, only to find that they've lost the groom. As they retrace their steps to try and piece together the night's events, the trio encounter everything from tigers in hotel rooms to Mike Tyson himself, finding themselves in one uproarious misadventure after another. The city's unpredictable energy and infamous reputation serve as the perfect canvas on which this epic tale of calamity and debauchery unfolds.

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Ocean's Eleven

This star-studded heist comedy brings together a motley crew of criminals led by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon to execute a seemingly impossible plan: rob three major Vegas casinos (the Bellagio, the Mirage, and the MGM Grand) all in one night. The film masterfully combines sharp wit, ingenious plotting, and the glamour and high stakes of the Vegas Strip to create one of the most memorable comedies of all time . The extravagant setting allows the ensemble cast to shine as they navigate the ins and outs of the criminal underworld, casino culture, and their own personal quirks.

• # 140 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Johnny Depp expertly brings to life the eccentric journalist Hunter S. Thompson in this psychedelic black comedy based on Thompson's own semi-autobiographical novel. The film follows Thompson and his madcap attorney, played by Benicio del Toro, as they trip through Vegas fueled by a cocktail of drugs, experiencing hallucinatory encounters with sinister hotel staff, desert-dwelling reptiles, and other troubling manifestations. The vivid backdrop of the Strip's neon-lit excess only amplifies the chaotic absurdity of this landmark counterculture classic.

• # 658 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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Vegas Vacation

The Griswold family takes on Vegas in this fourth installment of the National Lampoon's Vacation series. The bumbling patriarch, Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, scrambles to keep his family together and maintain his sanity amid the temptations and antics that could only happen in Las Vegas. From gambling mishaps to Wayne Newton's unexpected affections for Clark's wife, the madcap escapades of the Griswold clan make for a comedy classic.

• # 177 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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Fools Rush In

Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek star in this hilarious romantic comedy, where a one-night stand in Vegas leads to a whirlwind, impulsive marriage between two opposites. The film uses the impulsivity and unpredictability of Vegas to explore the trials and tribulations of a mismatched couple trying to make it work. With comedic banter and heartfelt moments, this movie proves that sometimes the most unlikely relationships can flourish in the most unlikely of places.

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Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous

Sandra Bullock reprises her role as the tough but endearing FBI agent Gracie Hart in this laugh-out-loud sequel, which sees her traveling undercover to Las Vegas to rescue her kidnapped friends, the reigning Miss United States and pageant emcee Stan Fields (William Shatner). In the glitzy world of Vegas, Gracie must once again don her beauty queen persona while navigating the eccentricities of her surroundings. The glamorous setting provides ample opportunity for outrageous antics and hilarious hijinks as Gracie attempts to save the day.

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A group of lifelong friends, portrayed by an all-star cast including Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline, embark on a boisterous trip to Vegas to celebrate Billy's (Douglas) impending nuptials. As the quartet navigates the debauchery of Sin City, they rediscover the bonds that have held them together for decades in this laugh-out-loud "geriatric Hangover " comedy. The outrageous setting of Las Vegas serves as the perfect backdrop for the aging actors to prove they've still got it.

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Beavis and Butt-head Do America

The dimwitted duo take their first cinematic journey in this outrageously funny road trip movie, believing that they are on a nation-wide quest to score with women but unwittingly becoming embroiled in a dangerous FBI plot. Along the way, they wreak havoc in various iconic American settings, including a hysterical stop at the Hoover Dam and the famous casinos of Las Vegas. The gleaming allure of Sin City is no match for the stupidity and slapstick antics of the adolescent protagonists.

• # 382 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 425 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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Rush Hour 2

The dynamic duo of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker reunite for this hilarious action-comedy sequel, which sees them investigating a counterfeit money laundering operation that leads them to Las Vegas. The film's comedic moments truly shine, with Tucker's rapid-fire wisecracks combined with Chan's frenetic martial arts expertise, as they navigate the vibrant and raucous world of the Vegas Strip. This hilarious follow-up to the first Rush Hour film demonstrates that a trip to Las Vegas is never without its wild adventures and unexpected twists.

• # 279 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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Viva Las Vegas

This classic musical comedy stars Elvis Presley as a race car driver who goes to Vegas to win enough money to repair his car and enter the city's famed Grand Prix. Alongside Ann-Margret's vivacious character, the duo sings and dances their way through Sin City's iconic venues in this uproarious, toe-tapping romp. The vibrant glamour and allure of vintage Las Vegas serve as the perfect backdrop for this delightful, nostalgic film.

• # 159 of 204 on Musical Movies With The Best Songs
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Get Him to the Greek

This uproarious comedy follows the misadventures of a hapless music executive (Jonah Hill) tasked with escorting an unpredictable rockstar (Russell Brand) from London to a gig at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles – with a pitstop in none other than Las Vegas. Their stop in Sin City goes awry in every possible way, with outrageous encounters and drug-fueled chaos that could only happen in a place like Vegas. The neon-lit landscape of casinos and clubs serves as a fitting backdrop for this wild, debaucherous journey.

Honeymoon in Vegas

This outrageous comedy stars Nicolas Cage as a commitment-phobic man who reluctantly agrees to marry his longtime girlfriend (played by Sarah Jessica Parker) in Las Vegas, only to find himself competing for her affections against a wealthy gambler (James Caan). The film revels in the absurdity of the high-stakes world of Sin City, from a skydiving Elvis impersonator squad to a frenzied poker match. Honeymoon in Vegas is a riot of a romantic comedy that embraces the larger-than-life spirit of its location.

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What Happens in Vegas

Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher star in this hysterical romantic comedy about two strangers who wake up to find that they've married each other during a drunken night in Vegas and have also won a massive cash prize. The judge (played by Dennis Miller) orders them to live together for six months before granting a divorce, leading to a series of uproarious escapades as the newlyweds try to sabotage each other. The impulsive nature of Vegas serves as the catalyst for the film's outrageous premise, providing endless comedy fodder.

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Very Bad Things

In this pitch-black comedy, a group of friends on a bachelor party weekend in Las Vegas accidentally kill a stripper, setting off a chain of events that spirals further and further out of control. The dark humor highlights the seedy underbelly of Sin City, revealing the disastrous consequences of indulging in too much excess. With its biting wit and escalating misfortunes, Very Bad Things is a hilariously twisted take on the typical Vegas romp.

Corvette Summer

This quirky 1978 comedy stars a young Mark Hamill as a high school graduate who travels to Las Vegas to recover his stolen custom-built Corvette. Along the way, he encounters a

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This mockumentary-style comedy takes a deep dive into the world of professional poker, centering around six players who come to Las Vegas to compete in the high-stakes tournament, The Grand. With an ensemble cast that includes Woody Harrelson, Cheryl Hines, David Cross, and Ray Romano, the film lampoons Sin City's gaming culture while offering an insightful, hilarious look at the people who inhabit it. This offbeat take on the Vegas genre provides a refreshing, laugh-out-loud exploration of an often-overlooked aspect of the city.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

Steve Carell stars as a washed-up magician attempting to reclaim his fame and prestige in the ever-competitive world of Las Vegas entertainment. Alongside Steve Buscemi and an eccentric rival magician played by Jim Carrey, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone offers a hilarious look at the absurdity and extravagance of Sin City's performance scene. From over-the-top magic tricks to outrageous comedic set pieces, this film captures the essence of Vegas's theatricality and excess.

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Think Like a Man Too

Based on Steve Harvey's best-selling book, this sequel follows the same group of friends from the first film as they head to Vegas for a wedding. With hilarious performances from Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, and Terrence J, the film takes full advantage of its Sin City setting, with extravagant parties, outlandish club scenes, and even a jail cell sing-along. The result is a raucous, laugh-out-loud comedy that showcases the wild antics and unforgettable memories that can only be found in Las Vegas.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

The lovable, bumbling mall cop Paul Blart (played by Kevin James) is back for round two, this time attending a security guard expo in Las Vegas with his teenage daughter. The film takes full advantage of its setting, with the larger-than-life Vegas attractions providing ample opportunity for slapstick humor and sight gags. Despite the odds, Blart must use his unique skills to save the day – and the city that never sleeps.

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Lists about gambling, cards, slots, casinos, bachelor parties, showgirls, and long hot nights spent wandering down the Las Vegas Strip with one of those tall frozen drinks and only one flip-flop. Let's play!

The Family Plan: release date, cast, plot, trailer and everything you need to know

The Family Plan on Apple TV Plus is an all-action comedy movie starring Mark Wahlberg as a dad who is a former assassin.

The Family Plan follows an average, suburban dad whose past comes back to bite him. Mark Wahlberg plays Dan Morgan, who loves his quiet suburban life with his wife Maggie (Michelle Monaghan), daughter, son and baby. 

But unknown to his family, Dan was once an elite assassin! And when his old enemies track him down, he has no choice but to go on the run. Determined to protect his family, Dan packs them into their minivan and takes them on an impromptu road trip to Las Vegas. But can he put his long-hidden skills into action without revealing his true identity?

Directed by Simon Cellan Jones, here’s everything you need to know about the Apple TV Plus movie The Family Plan making it an exciting pre-Christmas watch…

The Family Plan release date

The Family Plan premieres worldwide on Apple TV Plus on Friday, December 15, 2023.

How to watch The Family Plan: stream the new Mark Wahlberg action movie online

Is there a trailer for The Family Plan?

Yes there's a trailer for The Family Plan . We see Dan whisk his family to Las Vegas after he’s confronted by an old enemy, telling his wife, "Nothing brings the family together like a road trip". But soon he realises that even on the road, danger is sure to follow him. And he knows the only way to protect his loved ones is "to be that guy one more time". Take a look at the action in the trailer below and a clip of a particularly funny scene below that...

The Family Plan plot 

The Family Plan follows Dan Morgan is Mr Suburbia, loving his life as a devoted husband and hands-on dad to his three children. But what his family doesn’t know is that the car salesman was once an elite government assassin, tasked with taking out the world’s deadliest threats. And when those threats come looking for him, Dan packs his wife, angsty teen daughter, gamer son and adorable baby into their minivan and takes off on an impromptu road-trip to Vegas. To them, it’s the vacation of a lifetime but to Dan it’s a matter of life and death. 

The Family Plan cast — Mark Wahlberg as Dan Morgan

As the lead actor in The Family Plan , Mark Wahlberg plays assassin turned salesman Dan. He’s previously starred in Daddy’s Home, Ted, The Departed, The Fighter, Infinite and Boogie Nights, plus roles in Patriots Day, Instant Family, Entourage and Deepwater Horizon . 

Who else is starring in The Family Plan? 

Pixels star Michelle Monaghan plays Dan’s wife Maggie, while Ciaran Hinds, Jonny Coyne, Zoe Margaret Colletti, Jonny Coyne and Felicia Pearson round out the cast.  

Behind the scenes and more on The Family Plan

The Family Plan is an Apple Original Film hailing from Skydance Media, The Family Plan is directed by Simon Cellan Jones, the man behind Years and Years and The Diplomat . David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger produce for Skydance, alongside Mark Wahlberg and Stephen Levinson through Municipal Pictures. John G. Scotti executive produces.

Director Simon Cellan Jones says: " The Family Plan is a crazy rush of joyful energy that's fun for the entire family. The stakes are high for the Morgan Family, and I hope audiences come away from the film recognizing themselves in the characters and wondering what their own family might do in a similar situation. 

"We all know how easy it is to get stuck in the rut and routine of day-to-day life and The Morgans are no different. But I think you are going to love their journey. Most importantly, it's about having fun. Mark Wahlberg's average dad has a past that comes back to haunt him, forcing him to take his brood on a hilarious family road trip to Vegas. All I can say is this is pretty much the most fun I have ever had making a movie. Fasten your seatbelts!"

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I'm a huge fan of television so I really have found the perfect job, as I've been writing about TV shows, films and interviewing major television, film and sports stars for over 25 years. I'm currently TV Content Director on What's On TV, TV Times, TV and Satellite Week magazines plus Whattowatch.com. I previously worked on Woman and Woman's Own in the 1990s. Outside of work I swim every morning, support Charlton Athletic football club and get nostalgic about TV shows Cagney & Lacey, I Claudius, Dallas and Tenko. I'm totally on top of everything good coming up too.

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Beyond the bright lights: the best las vegas road trips for adventure seekers.

In this article of the top Las Vegas Road Trips, you’ll find links, distances and videos to help you with your planning.

Las Vegas, Nevada is known as the entertainment capital of the world and often finds its way into the itinerary of U.S. road trippers who are looking for a great time. Whether for the thrills of the tables, or the open roads, a Las Vegas road trip has a lot to offer! You can take a stroll down one of the most famous strips on the planet, walk through the grandest entrances to the biggest casinos in the world and party until the sun comes up. Or, hit the road to experience some road trip nirvana at any number of nearby destinations. One of the main advantages of traveling to Las Vegas by car is that you never really have to stay in one place for too long. The roads are the only limit.

Las Vegas actually makes for an awesome road trip home base. The city is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and unique destinations that you can drive to in just a couple hours or less. Here are some of my top Las Vegas Road Trips to consider.

Valley of Fire State Park is one of the best Las Vegas Road Trips not to miss

Located just an hour northeast of Sin City, Valley of Fire is one of my favorite Las Vegas road trips. This place is aptly named because the ancient sandstone formations often look like they are literally on fire when the sun is low on the horizon. The red rocky landscape feels a bit like standing on Mars, which is probably the reason why scenes from Total Recall were shot there. You’ll want to keep your eye out for drawings in the stone, which are known as petroglyphs. For the scenic route from Las Vegas, take 147 and then 167 through the Lake Mead National Park. If you’re in the north end of the city, you can take I-15 out of town and turn onto Valley of Fire road. Click the following link for a dedicated post and video on Valley of Fire State Park .

Mileage: 45-60 miles depending on which direction and area of the city you are located.

Red Rock Canyon is a nearby Road Trip to take when visiting the Strip

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is truly an amazing place to visit, it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the American Southwest. The area features towering red sandstone peaks, vibrant rock formations, and colorful desert landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression. With a 13-mile scenic drive, visitors can take in the panoramic views from the comfort of their car or hop out to hike and explore the many trails in the area, each providing a unique perspective of the natural wonder.

Rock climbing is also popular in the conservation area with the park offering a range of routes for all skill levels. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and a wide variety of birds, making it a great destination for wildlife viewing. With its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and access to the great outdoors, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Las Vegas.

Mileage: Just 15 miles from Vegas and about a 20 minute drive.

Boulder City, Nevada

Boulder City, Nevada is a charming and idyllic community perched above Lake Mead and the dam that created the town. Established in 1931 to house the builders of Boulder Dam ( later changed to Hoover Dam ), Boulder City is not far from its neighbor known for glittering neon lights and high stakes gaming. While just 30 miles from Las Vegas, Boulder City is a world away from the city that never sleeps. There are no bright lights or gambling allowed in Boulder City. Instead, it’s a peaceful place to stroll the streets and visit vintage shops, antique stores, peruse the public art or its many parks. Boulder City is the gateway to many nearby activities, from the Hoover Dam, water sports, lake tours, ghost towns to hiking trails and more. Click the following link for more information on visiting Boulder City , complete with restaurant and hotel recommendations, top sites to see in historic downtown and much more.

Mileage: 26 Miles, about a half hour drive

Las Vegas Road Trips to Escape the Heat…Head up Mt. Charleston

If you want to escape the desert heat, or want to play in the snow during the winter months, head up to Mt. Charleston, also known as Charleston Peak. This massive mountain is located in the Spring Mountains range just 40 miles from Las Vegas. It is the highest peak in the range and the eighth highest mountain in Nevada, with an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet. This is a popular place for hiking, camping, and skiing. The area around the mountain is home to the Lee Canyon ski resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and picnicking in the summer. The mountain also includes a number of campgrounds and picnic areas, as well as the Mt. Charleston Lodge, a popular spot for relaxation and dining.

Mileage: 39 Miles, about 45 minutes

Vegas Road Trip to Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is a marvel of modern engineering located about 30 miles southeast of Vegas. The dam was completed in 1935 and was a major achievement of the Great Depression era. It stands 726 feet tall and it is considered an important source of hydroelectric power and water resource for the western part of the U.S. Visitors can take a tour of the dam and its power plant to learn about its history and construction. There are several tour options available, including a basic tour that takes you through the dam and the power plant, and a VIP tour that offers a more in-depth look at the inner workings of the dam. Other notable experiences include the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge which is a concrete arch bridge that carries U.S Route 93 over the Colorado River, it offers stunning views of the Dam and Lake Mead. Additionally, the Hoover Dam is a popular spot for photo opportunities and visitors can also enjoy a picnic or a leisurely stroll around the dam. The Hoover Dam is open year-round, but the schedule may vary depending on the season.

Mileage: 37 Miles, about a 40 minute drive

Lake Mead Recreational Area

Lake Mead was created by the Hoover Dam, it’s located in the Mohave Desert on the border of Nevada and Arizona, and it is the largest reservoir in the U.S, by volume. It offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride on the lake, go fishing for bass, catfish, and striped bass, or take a dip in the cool waters. Camping is also popular at Lake Mead, with several campgrounds and RV parks available for visitors. Additionally, there are several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape, the Railroad Trail is one of my favorites.

Mileage: 31 miles, about 40 minute drive

Ghost Towns are fun Las Vegas Road Trips to consider

There are two ghost towns near Las Vegas, both are about an hour away, but in different directions. The first is St. Thomas, which was underwater for decades. That was, until Lake Mead began to recede and revealed the city, or what is left of it. Check out the video below to learn more about this fascinating place.

Also nearby is El Dorado Canyon Ghost Town in Nelson, which is a place that encapsulates Nevada’s wild west roots. This is a privately owned ghost town available to pursue on your own, or you can take a tour, which includes a look at the Techatticup Mine that once produced millions in precious metals. The town was established in the late 19th century, during the height of the gold and silver mining boom in the area. The El Dorado Canyon Mine was the main source of income for the town, and it produced gold and silver for several decades.

Today, the ghost town is a popular destination for history buffs and tourists interested in the mining history of Nevada. Visitors can tour the remnants of the old mine, as well as see the remains of the town’s buildings, including an old jail and a schoolhouse. The town also has a small museum displaying artifacts from the town’s history. Despite the harsh desert environment, the ghost town is well preserved and gives an eerie glimpse into the past life of the people who once lived there.

Mileage: 60 miles from Vegas, just over an hour drive

Death Valley National Park is one of the most popular Las Vegas Road Trips

A visit to Nevada wouldn’t be complete without a road trip through Death Valley National Park. This awesome place is the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America, which doesn’t sound too appealing, but it truly is a stunning place for those hardy enough to hack it. The three-million-acre park is home to gold mines, ghost towns, jagged salt formations, volcanic craters, and dried up lakes.

You can reach Death Valley from Las Vegas by taking the US-95 and then the CA-190 into the park. From there, you can get information from the visitor’s center and plan your route. There’s so much to see, that it’s almost definitely worth camping overnight at Furnace Creek to give yourself enough time to soak it up. If you want to extend your trip even further, you can carry on through Death Valley to Yosemite!

Mileage: 125 Miles, about a 2 hour drive

Seven Magic Mountains is a Colorful Roadside Attraction

Seven Magic Mountains is an incredible art installation located just 10 miles south of Las Vegas. The installation consists of seven towering neon-painted stone pillars, each over 30 feet tall. Created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, the installation was completed in 2016 and is intended to serve as a reminder of the natural beauty of the desert and the ways in which human civilization can harmoniously coexist with it. The Seven Magic Mountains are made of locally-sourced boulders and painted with vibrant day-glo colors. They have become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, who come to take photos and enjoy the desert views. Click the following link to get details and watch a video on Seven Magic Mountains .

Outdoor fun in Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond is a small community located in the foothills of the Spring Mountains, in Clark County, Nevada. It is situated about 20 miles southwest of Las Vegas, and is known for its rural atmosphere and proximity to outdoor recreational activities. The town is home to the Blue Diamond Hill Gypsum mine, which is one of the largest open pit gypsum mines in the world. The town has very limited services and amenities, but it’s a perfect place for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain bike riding, rock climbing, and off-roading.

Mileage: 28 Miles, about half an hour drive

Zzyzx – A Vegas road trip stop en route to Los Angeles

Zzyzx is a desert oasis located about two hours from Las Vegas. It is home to the Zzyzx Mineral Springs where there was once a health spa, which was once used as a stopover for travelers on their way to Los Angeles. Today, visitors can explore the surrounding Mojave Desert, and learn about the history of the area. The drive from Las Vegas to Zzyzx is also a scenic one, taking you through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Southern Nevada.

Mileage: 105 Miles, about an hour and a half drive

Save If you have any Las Vegas Road Trips you would recommend, please leave a comment below. If you have any questions about doing a road trip from Las Vegas, leave a comment below. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…

Mike Shubic

Tags: Las Vegas Road Trip , Las Vegas Road Trips , Nevada road trips , road trips from Las Vegas , Vegas road trip , Vegas Road Trips

Great article! I can never forget my trip to Vegas too. From beautiful scenic places to the bustling nightlife of the city. What made the trip even better was renting a Mustang GT from LVC exotic rentals and speeding down the iconic Vegas strip was an experience I can never forget. LVC Exotic Rentals have a range of exotic luxury cars available with great packages and prices as compared to others, I’d definitely recommend checking them out

Thank you so much Ryan! I bet, that would be so much fun to road trip the area in! Thanks for stopping by.

doing a road trip from Florida to the west coast for our 30th wedding anniversary this seems exciting

You will love it…so many great things to see/do in the Southwest. Have a great trip!

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Novel: Lines, Signs & Forks

Featured road trips, roadside attractions, travel experiences, most road tripped man in the world, latest posts.

Where was The Family Plan filmed? All locations explored

M ark Wahlberg's latest venture, The Family Plan , released December 15, 2023, takes audiences on a thrilling ride filled with action and comedy. In this film, Wahlberg takes on the role of Dan Morgan, a former covert assassin who has transitioned into the life of a suburban family man.

Director Simon Cellan Jones, known for his notable work in both British and American television, was responsible for guiding the film to fruition.While Mark Wahlberg and his production company, Municipal Pictures, were instrumental in the creation of The Family Plan .

The film's dynamic storyline necessitated various locations, and the production team didn't hold back, crisscrossing the country to capture the essence of the narrative. There are several locations that serve as the backdrop for this action-packed adventure.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for The Family Plan.

All filming locations of The Family Plan

Atlanta, georgia.

The journey of The Family Plan kicks off in Atlanta, Georgia, where principal photography commenced. Atlanta's urban landscape and diverse settings offer a versatile backdrop for the initial scenes, setting the stage for the Morgan family's unexpected road trip.

Director Simon Cellan Jones, who actively shared behind-the-scenes glimpses on his Instagram page, showcased some shots captured in Atlanta. Notably, the Bethany Bridge in Bartow County was featured, providing a glimpse of the picturesque location that crosses the Allatoona Creek arm of Lake Allatoona.

Canton, Atlanta

Moving approximately forty miles north of downtown Atlanta, the production team found a charming stopover in Canton. This city served as a filming location for specific scenes, including a car dealership and a local ice cream shop creatively transformed into Lambert's Diner, a notable restaurant featured in the movie .

As the Morgan family embarks on their road trip, the filming locations extend to Buffalo, New York. Aerial shots captured via helicopter offer stunning views of Buffalo, contributing to the visual richness of the film . The crew was on site in November 2022, enhancing the movie's diverse backdrop.

Las Vegas, Nevada

The climax of The Family Plan unfolds in the vibrant and iconic city of Las Vegas, Nevada. Serving as the final destination for the Morgan family's impromptu road trip, Las Vegas becomes the backdrop for intense and action-packed sequences.

Recognizable landmarks, including The Bellagio Hotel, The Strat Hotel, and Casino Tower, feature prominently in the movie. Additionally, viewers can catch glimpses of The Hoover Dam in The Black Canyon of the Colorado River as well.

The Family Plan : Plot

Former covert assassin turned car salesman, Dan Morgan ( Mark Wahlberg ) finds himself under unexpected attacks, prompting a road trip to Las Vegas with his family. Suspecting his past catching up, Dan discovers the involvement of his ex-employer McCaffrey.

The journey is marked by challenges, including chases and attacks, that showcase Dan's combat skills. Las Vegas transforms into a battleground as McCaffrey's team launches assaults.

Dan reveals his true identity, shocking his family, who leave for Buffalo, believing he betrayed them. McCaffrey, Dan's father, forces him to rejoin the family business temporarily.

Soon, the family reunites, overpowering McCaffrey's team. In the final confrontation, Jessica impales McCaffrey's associate, Gwen. They face the Las Vegas Police but return to Buffalo. In the end, Dan starts a security firm, and the family embarks on a cross-country road trip to drop off Nina at Stanford, concluding their adventurous journey.

Viewers can watch the movie on Apple TV+ .

A family-friendly road trip through Las Vegas and Death Valley National Park

Stroll the Strip, take in kid-approved entertainment, dive into immersive art, and soak up in the sun in one of the hottest places on Earth

By Amanda Adler

Las Vegas’ iconic “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” marketing campaign from the early 2000s became a cultural phenomenon and helped to further Sin City’s reputation as a place strictly for adults. But in the decade since The Hangover films doubled down on this image, Vegas has worked hard to rebrand itself as a destination for fun-seekers of all ages. 

The city’s new marketing campaign, “What Happens Here, Only Happens Here,” helps shift focus to the diverse array of unique experiences the city has to offer, and families who travel to this glitzy destination and the surrounding desert areas will find seemingly endless PG-rated ways to keep the kiddos entertained.

Follow this road trip itinerary from Las Vegas to Death Valley and you’re guaranteed to enjoy an epic vacation.

1. Las Vegas Strip

Every trip to Vegas should begin by exploring the legendary Las Vegas Strip . Here you’ll find a vast array of over-the-top themed hotels and a bounty of entertainment options for all ages. For a sweet treat, take the kids to the gigantic M&M World and Coca-Cola World stores. Thrill seekers will find what they’re looking for among the wide range of amusements found at The Adventuredome at Circus Circus , while superhero fans can live out their wildest fantasies at the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Families will find plenty to enjoy during daytime explorations, before the nighttime crowds come out to party.

2. Bacchanal Buffet

With more than 4,000 restaurants to choose from, Vegas offers something to suit every palate. But why not head for a place that has a little (or a lot ) of everything on the menu: the oversized Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace. Whether your kids are picky eaters or eager to try new things, this premier buffet allows you to feast on everything from pizza to dim sum, quesadillas, and oysters, making it a true crowd-pleaser for diners of any age. 

3. Mystère by Cirque du Soleil

Las Vegas boasts six resident Cirque du Soleil shows, each of which is sure to provide an exciting evening of entertainment. But the city’s longest-running show, Mystère by Cirque du Sole il , remains the best family-friendly option thanks to its dynamic set, high-energy score, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and stunning feats of skill—not to mention the ticket prices, which include a discounted option for children. The show provides a sense of wonder and palatable excitement that will keep your kids on the edge of their seats throughout the performance.

4. The Cereal Killerz Kitchen

Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, and at The Cereal Killerz Kitche n you can choose from more than 100 cereals to enjoy all day long. This Planet Hollywood establishment bills itself as a “cereal bar,” and here your family can mix and match countless cereal combos to create the perfect bowl of sugary goodness. Milkshakes, sundaes, and even iced coffee concoctions are also inspired by (and topped with) your favorite cereals, making The Cereal Killerz Kitchen the perfect sweet treat for every member of your family.

5. Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart

Omega Mart , a Meow Wolf installation, is an interactive art exhibit designed to (at first) look like a grocery store. Upon further inspection, nothing is what it seems. Step inside for a trippy, mind-bending journey into a surreal world unlike anything you’ve seen before. Yearning for even more immersive entertainment? AREA15 , the building that houses Omega Mart, is also the place to be for those seeking all sorts of interactive experiences. Within this vibrant structure you can race on a zip line, stroll through a bamboo volcano, step inside artistic masterpieces, and more. From virtual reality to the physicality of axe throwing, AREA15 is an immersive playground that’s ideal for adventure seekers. 

Related Omega Mart brings a strange, multi-sensory experience to a Las Vegas ‘grocery store’

6. The Neon Museum

More than 200 rescued signs continue to burn brightly every day at The Neon Museum ’s Neon Graveyard. Here you can enjoy a slice of old Vegas history as you stroll through nearly 2 acres of unrestored Las Vegas signage. Your admission ticket helps support the nonprofit museum’s efforts to preserve these stunning signs from old casinos, defunct business, motels, and more, making it a stop that’s both enriching and eye-catching.

Related Tim Burton’s exhibit at the Neon Museum pays homage to Sin City’s gritty past

7. Death Valley National Park

Located just over 2 hours west of Las Vegas, Death Valley National Par k makes for the perfect addition to your family’s trip to this region. Your kids will love sliding down the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and exploring the salt flats in Badwater Basin. Come summer, Death Valley is one of the hottest places on Earth, so a visit during this time of year requires taking extra precautions to avoid overheating. But this stark desert climate offers the unique chance to see wildlife that thrives in such an extreme climate. Consider an overnight stay at The Inn at Death Valley to allow for an air-conditioned retreat and cool off in their stunning pool with a view of the park.

8. Seven Magic Mountains

On your way back to Las Vegas, take a small detour to view Seven Magic Mountains . The brainchild of renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, this colorful art installation features seven towering totems comprising stacked boulders painted in an array of neon colors. The rainbow hues make for a perfect photo op, and your little ones will feel even tinier as they frolic between the 30-foot-tall structures.

Meet the Author

Amanda Adler

Amanda Adler is a writer who splits her time between traveling the U.S. in her RV and soaking up the air conditioning in her home in Orlando, Florida. While on the road she seeks out national parks, theme parks, kid- and dog-friendly hiking trails, and local businesses that tout their wares as being “craft,” “artisanal” or “bespoke.”

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8 amazing stops on a seattle to las vegas road trip.

With Vegas only being a 2.5-hour flight away from Seattle, most people tend to hop on a plane and get there quickly. I’ve been to Sin City over a dozen times at this point because it’s such a quick getaway and a complete change of scenery. That said, you know I love road trips, so I thought, what if I did a Seattle to Las Vegas road trip instead of flying?

I’ll be honest – this is much longer, but you get to pass through so many amazing cities and four different states. It’s also just a fun way to get there, because how many people can say they’ve done the drive from Seattle to Las Vegas? I put a mix of areas here, including national parks, forests, big cities, and beautiful hiking areas.

You’ll want to plan ahead for this trip, which is why I have an entire section just for my personal tips, detailed explanations of each stop, and a sample itinerary including where to stay for each day. Get your notepad out and let’s dive in so you can start planning your road trip from Seattle to Las Vegas!

Table of Contents

Tips for a Seattle to Las Vegas Road Trip

Before getting revved up and ready to hit the road, there are some essential bits of information you’ll need to know before heading out. So, what do you need to know about the drive from Seattle to Las Vegas?

First up, your destination – Las Vegas . It hardly needs any introduction, but the drive is as much fun as what awaits you when it comes to a road trip to the Neon City. Visually speaking, it’s a tour of some of the country’s most enticing natural spectacles and beloved attractions.

What else should you expect? I’m glad you asked because I’ve pulled together the best tips, pinpointed top-tier attractions, and curated an itinerary in this guide.

If Las Vegas isn’t your vibe, why not check out this epic road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles ?

How Far is the Drive From Seattle to Las Vegas?

Heading for Las Vegas from Seattle offers much variety when deciding which route to take. 

Although each has numerous unique highlights, if you want one that delivers a relatively low drive time, lower mileage, and attractions galore, head the Salt Lake City way.

As for the distance you’re facing on this trek, from Seattle to Las Vegas, you’ll cross 1,264 miles . This route offers endless potential for epic detours and side trips but will increase your driving distance. 

Planning a trip to Big Sur? Here’s a full breakdown of the best stops along a Los Angeles to Big Sur road trip .  

How Long is the Drive From Seattle to Las Vegas?

How long you ultimately take to reach Las Vegas depends on your chosen route. Sure, you can hunker down and drive the Salt Lake City route in one go, but it’s not ideal, and you’ll miss so much of what makes this road trip so memorable.

Considering normal traffic conditions, you can complete this road trip in 17 hours and 45 minutes . Remember that road conditions, such as weather changes and traffic volumes, can slow you down. On the other hand, if you’re not afraid to hit the road running, your travel time can be shorter.

When is the Best Time to Head to Las Vegas From Seattle?

Let’s kick things off with the obvious – Las Vegas is The Entertainment Capital of the World for a reason. As there’s never really a wrong time to head for the city, what each season brings along the way is a major consideration for your trip.

Springtime (March to May) is by far the preferred time to venture out to Las Vegas, thanks to the season bringing out an extra remarkable beauty to the drive’s natural attractions. Alternatively, choose fall (September to November) if you’re after excellent driving conditions with cool daytime temperatures when going on a Las Vegas road trip from Seattle.

Heading to Las Vegas during the summer (June to August) is also on the table, but as you inch closer to the Neon City, you should expect temperatures above 100℉. If you’re going to be outdoors, staying hydrated and taking advantage of the air-conditioned indoor attractions along the way are essential.

A winter (December to February) road trip from Seattle to Las Vegas is a great choice to see the snowy, dreamlike landscapes of the northern parts of the route. However, monitoring road conditions is crucial if you’re set on a winter excursion, as passes may close due to snow or ice.

Seattle to Las Vegas Map

8 Top Attractions on a Seattle to Las Vegas Road Trip

All technicalities aside, the trip from Seattle to Las Vegas is nothing short of amazing, and you can place all your bets on having a treasure trove of attractions along the way. Expect an expanding collection of natural marvels, charming towns, bustling cityscapes, and a kaleidoscope of local cultures.

1. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Ready to go? The first heavy-hitter attraction on your trip sits just an hour and 45 minutes from Seattle, along I-5 S and WA-7 S. After leaving the city, you should reach Mount Rainier National Park after 90 miles.

This massive, distinct, and picturesque national park spans 263,000 acres, surrounding the highest peak in Washington. As an active volcano, Mount Rainier is renowned as the most glaciated peak outside of Alaska, and the valleys around it include a total of five majestic rivers.

It’s a nature lover’s paradise where you’re guaranteed astounding views around every corner, and for those looking for a hike (or two), there are 158 trails to choose from. My personal favorites are Skyline Loop, Bench and Snow Lakes, and Naches Peak Loop.

Another fun trip is driving from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park .

2. Hood River, Oregon

Next up, the road leads you to Hood River as you drive I-5 S and I-84 E, crossing 189 miles. This stretch will take you just over three hours to complete, unless you choose to spend some time in Portland as you head for the city.

Even though it’s small, this atmospheric town packs a big punch, and its perch along the Columbia River Gorge , close to Mount Hood , adds to its allure. While I love going here in the summer, I’ve been to Mount Hood multiple times during the winter because they have several different places to ski.

You can try your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing, and even if you’re a beginner, there are several schools in the area to up your skill. Alternatively, venture out on the Fruit Loop, a 35-mile scenic drive. Some stops worthy of your time include the Kiyokawa Family Orchards and the Marchesi Vineyards .

Just outside of the city, you’ll find a whopping 36 wineries, making Hood River a contender to be Oregon’s wine capital. No matter which you choose, expect laid-back vibes, mountain views, and divine blends. Visit the Wy’East Winery , the Phelps Creek Vineyard , or the AniChe Cellars . I also love going to Full Sail Brewing to try their beer flight.

3. Boise, Idaho

Leaving Hood River, you’ll get onto I-84 E to your next pit stop – Boise, Idaho . Now, this stretch of road does cover 368 miles, so it’s a bit of a drive but very much worth it. Expect a drive time of about 5 hours and 20 minutes.

With the Boise Mountains acting as a backdrop, Boise will surprise you with what it offers. It often goes overlooked, but there are many jaw-dropping nature hikes, captivating museums, and a thriving arts scene.

Along the streets of Downtown Boise lie the city’s cultural, culinary, and retail hub, and you can visit attractions such as the Basque Center or the Boise Art Museum here. If you appreciate nature, head to the Idaho Botanical Garden to admire its 12 themed gardens.

Hungry? I discovered Boise Fry Company on my last trip there and was pleasantly surprised. You’ll have a variety of French fries and dipping sauces to choose from that are so good!

Be sure to venture out into the Boise River Greenbelt on your Seattle to Las Vegas road trip, where a glorious 25 miles of gorgeous parkways and trails await. This is also where you’ll find a series of parks honoring each civic leader of Boise — including baseball fields, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing platforms.

Coming from California? Here’s how to do a San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip .

4. Salt Lake City, Utah

Leaving Boise, you’re in for another long drive as you make your way to Salt Lake City, Utah , via I-84 E. You’ll be covering nearly 340 miles, and considering traffic conditions, you can complete it in four hours and 40 minutes.

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, has a reputation for delivering epic adventures, and that it does. There’s something for everyone, brimming with gourmet restaurants, hidden speakeasies, salt flats, double-feature drive-ins, and an attractive ski scene.

Check out the Utah Olympic Park , which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. It now offers both summer and winter activities, including bobsledding and ziplining. Spend time outdoors at the Great Salt Lake Marina , the Bonneville Salt Flats , Grandeur Peak , or the Sundance Mountain Resort .

Or how about some indoor skydiving? If you’ve never been, a session at iFly Utah will give you a genuine sense of what it’s like to fall through the sky. Maybe you’re a movie buff. If so, head for the Redwood Drive-In Movie Theatre , which has been showing double features since 1948.

5. Park City, Utah

After all the heavy driving, your next destination is only 43 minutes from Salt Lake City. Heading out from Salt Lake, you’ll cover 34 miles via I-80 E, eventually arriving in Park City .

Even though it’s often left in the shadow of Salt Lake, Park City is a standout place for winter adventures and is popular for its many ski slopes. If you’re here during the winter season, go to either Deer Valley Resort or Park City Mountain Resort for the best skiing opportunities.

Aside from that, there’s plenty to do in the city, from glass blowing at Red Flower Studios to craft beer tastings at Offset Bier and dinner at Pine Cone Ridge . For more curated experiences, try your hand at Escape Room Park City , or treat yourself to a wine tasting at Old Town Cellars .

6. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Following Park City, you’re in for a long stretch again as you head to Capitol Reef National Park , which sits 219 miles from the city. You’ll follow I-15 S and UT-24 E and arrive at Capitol Reef after three hours and 40 minutes.

Capitol Reef is a vast natural reserve, a paradise playground for hiking, camping, and spending time beneath the Utah sun. Courtesy of the park’s amazing rock formations, the product of the Waterpocket Fold, catching a sunrise or sunset is its most popular activity. For the best spots, head to Sunset Point or Goosenecks Overlook .

But gazing at its landscapes is just one of the park’s drawing cards. Throughout, you’ll find some exceptional hiking trails like these:

• Hickman Bridge – A moderate 1.8-mile out-and-back hike leading to a natural stone bridge.
• Cohab Canyon – Tackle this 3.4-mile out-and-back moderately tricky hike to see one of the canyon’s deepest fissures.
• Grand Wash – This easy 4.4-mile out-and-back trek is easy to do in two hours for a more laidback hike.

The Petroglyph Pane l at Capitol Reef is another location where you can see petroglyphs that the indigenous Hisatsinom/Wee Noonts people left behind. Stargazers should consider a night in the park to see the sky light up, giving reason to the park’s Dark Sky Park status.

Looking for other national park road trips? Check out my itineraries for a San Francisco to Joshua Tree road trip, Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park road trip , or a San Francisco to Yosemite road trip .

7. St. George, Utah

Your next destination is the vibrant city of St. George, Utah . As you leave Capitol Reef, head along I-15 S for 209 miles, arriving in the town after three hours and 25 minutes. What should you expect, though?

Well, beyond its wonderfully mild climate, St. George boasts picturesque surroundings and numerous historic sites. First up is Pioneer Park , a 52-acre rocky spectacle with popular spots like Dixie Rock and the St. George Narrows .

Aside from the epic landscapes within Pioneer Park, you can head out to the Red Cliffs Recreation Area for even more near-otherwordly cliff formations. For the more adventurous out there, visit Moe’s Valley Bouldering and explore its various climbs. 

Art lovers can visit the Kayenta Art Village — a small community of art galleries and studios with theatres, art festivals, and eateries. Or, check out the schedule at the Tuacahn Amphitheater for grand performances set against the backdrop of red rock formations.

Because you all know I’m a huge national park lover, I highly recommend that you visit Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon while you’re there. Zion is only an hour away, while Bryce Canyon is two hours, but they’re both worth it. While Zion is small, I loved my time there several years ago, getting off at all the stops and doing short hikes.

8. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Finally, the last stop before you hit Vegas is the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. As you leave St. George, you’ll follow I-15 S for 89 miles until you reach the park after about an hour and 30 minutes.

Spanning more than 40,000 acres, the park is home to numerous red Aztec sandstone formations, petrified trees, and Native American petroglyphs. Inside the park, your first priority should be a scenic drive along the White Domes Road (or Mouse’s Tank Road on Google Maps).

After your scenic drive, make your way to the Fire Wave – a stunning sandstone rock formation resembling an ocean wave in hues of red and orange. The 1.5-mile out-and-back hike is relatively easy and doable in an hour.

Looking for an equally long drive? Go on a road trip from Seattle to San Diego .

The Only 6-Day Seattle to Las Vegas Road Trip Itinerary You’ll Ever Need

Okay, time to plan your Seattle to Las Vegas road trip with a 6-day itinerary that’ll make sure you don’t miss out on anything without the fear of rushing. 

Day 1: Seattle to Hood River

Travel Distance: 3 hours and 33 minutes (228 miles)

Leaving Seattle, you’ll drive along I-5 S until you arrive in Hood River. Along the way, spend time exploring Mount Rainier National Park , and once you arrive, head to the Hood River Waterfront Park for some water sports.

Where to Stay: Book your stay at the Best Western Plus , a lovely 4-star property that sits right on the banks of the Columbia River. Standout features include a private beach area, an indoor spa, and the on-site Riverside restaurant.

Day 2: Hood River to Boise

Travel Distance: 5 hours and 45 minutes (368 miles)

Get an early start on your Seattle to Vegas road trip and head out via I-84 E. Considering the extended drive time, leave Hood River early in the morning to ensure you have some time to explore Boise . Pay a visit to Downtown Boise’s restaurants, galleries, and shops, or head out on the Boise River Greenbelt Drive .

Where to Stay: Grab a room at Home2 Suites By Hilton . Situated in downtown Boise, this modern 3-star hotel offers value for money and convenience with its central location. Rooms feature standard mod-cons such as air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and complimentary WiFi.

Day 3: Boise to Salt Lake City

Travel Distance: 4 hours and 57 minutes (339 miles)

Get an early start to day three as you leave Boise and head for Salt Lake City along I-84 E. You’ll arrive in the city in the middle of the day, giving you enough time to explore some of its attractions, such as the Utah Olympic Park and iFly Utah .

Where to Stay: Spend a night at the Grand America Hotel . This 5-star standout delivers an excellent location close to various attractions. While on-site, you can unwind at the full-service spa or indulge in delicious food at the Garden Cafe.

Day 4: Salt Lake City to Capitol Reef

Travel Distance: 3 hours and 25 minutes (218 miles)

On your fourth morning, leave Salt Lake City and make your way to Capitol Reef National Park on I-15 S and UT-24 E. You’ll arrive with enough time to venture out on an exciting hike and catch the sunset at Sunset Point .

Where to Stay: Book a room at the Capitol Reef Resort in Torrey, just outside the park. Aside from its perfect location, the resort offers spacious guest rooms, benefiting from mountain and garden views.

Day 5: Capitol Reef to St. George

Travel Distance: 3 hours and 22 minutes (209 miles)

Ready for another early morning? Depart Capitol Reef and head for St. George on I-15 S, arriving in the city after 209 miles. With enough time left in the day, visit Pioneer Park or go out and discover the Red Cliffs Recreation Area .

Where to Stay: The Red Mountain Resort is an excellent 4-star property at the base of Snow Canyon State Park. On offer are gorgeous rooms with stunning views of the mountains within the park. While on-site, you’ll also find organized activities, a full-service spa, and a restaurant.

Day 6: St. George to Las Vegas

Travel Distance: 1 hour and 47 minutes (120 miles)

The final day of this itinerary sees you leaving St. George and heading to Vegas. Luckily, this is a short trip so you can opt for a mid-morning start. Arriving in Las Vegas, you’ll have a limitless number of attractions to see, but take time and visit the Las Vegas Sphere.

Where to Stay: Harrah’s Las Vegas is an exceptional 3-star hotel and casino outside the city center. It’s ideal as a base when exploring the Vegas attractions, while on-site, the Fulton Street Food Hall is a culinary adventure.

Which of these Seattle to Las Vegas road trip stops are you most excited to visit?

Marissa Pedersen

Marissa is a passionate road trip enthusiast who has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada via car and continues to go on new trips every year to explore more of the country. Her love of road tripping has given her a unique perspective on the best routes, hidden gems, and must-see attractions along the way.

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21 Best Road Trips From Las Vegas

If you live in Las Vegas or visiting Sin City and want to explore beyond the Strip, there is a huge number of road trip options available.

Whether you want to explore the desert, see giant sequoias, spend time in California's biggest cities or relax on a beach, our list of the 21 best road trips from Las Vegas will have you covered.

The following list starts with the closest to Las Vegas and moves on to longer drives further down the list so scroll down depending on how far you're prepared to go! You can also can find a map highlighting the best road trips from Las Vegas below:

1. Nelson Ghost Town and Eldorado Canyon Gold Mine

45 minutes from Las Vegas (45 miles)

Just outside Las Vegas and only a 45 minute drive from the Strip is the ghost town of Nelson. To get here from Las Vegas, head southeast out of the city towards Henderson and keep on going past Boulder City along US-95 and Route 165.

The ghost town was a disused old mining town before the current owners moved in over 25 years ago. The ghost town elements were retained and a little enhanced to make it more interesting and today you can visit the ghost town to see what it's all about.

There's lots and lots of half-rusted old cars which is both really interesting and mighty frustrating if you're a big fan of cars like me. Other props include rattle snakes in a freezer and crashed airplanes. Not all of it is completely authentic...

But that doesn't really matter - you're here to walk around and take some amazing photos. Take a lot of care while walking around - rattle snakes are common so watch out and report any you see to the guides.

Tours down the gold mine take place at 9am, 12pm and 2pm as long as there's at least 4 adults (although they may take less in the off-season). The tours will take you through the richest mine in Nevada that operated for almost 80 years and closed as World War II broke out.

Bring another layer with you - the tour can take over an hour and it can feel a little cool inside the mine.

2. A short drive to the Valley of Fire State Park

50 minutes from Las Vegas (49 miles)

The Valley of Fire is a rocky part of the Mojave desert under an hour's drive out of Las Vegas.

If you're looking for a day road trip out and want to go into the desert but don't want to make the 2+ hour drive to Death Valley, the Valley of Fire is a great option.

Follow the I-15 north from Las Vegas for half an hour and follow the turning onto the Valley of Fire Highway which will take you into the park.

The unique mix of rocks, layered colors and amazing hiking routes is the oldest State Park in Nevada, being first designated back in 1935 after opening the year before.

The park was home to ancient Ancestral Puebloan tribes and you can find petroglyphs (wall drawings) that are thousands of years old in the park.

As with other deserts near Las Vegas, temperatures in the summer get very hot. Average daily highs from June to August are over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bring lots of water if you're planning to visit in the summer but March to April and October to November are much better when the weather is mild making it much more pleasant.

3. Visit Lake Mead and see the Hoover Dam

55 minutes from Las Vegas (39 miles)

For those who want to get out of Las Vegas but don't want to go far, the closest place to go is the Hoover Dam. It's in at #3 in the list because visiting the Dam and the nearby Lake Mead from Las Vegas requires some local driving but you won't have to go too far.

The Hoover Dam is a world famous installation that helps Vegas have water and electricity supplies despite the city being located in the middle of one of the driest deserts in the world.

Built during the Great Depression, Hoover Dam was much bigger than any dam ever built before it and Lake Mead continues to be the largest water reservoir in the United States today.

Talking of Lake Mead, it's not just there to turn the turbines of the dam. You can go on a cruise around the lake, hire a boat or relax on Boulder Beach.

In the afternoon, you can take a drive along Northshore Road - it starts just outside Henderson and goes for over 50 miles towards the Valley of Fire State Park (#2 above).

It's a great drive with scenic places to stop along the way and you can combine a visit to the Valley of Fire with Lake Mead for a great (although long) day road trip out of Las Vegas.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

4. A trip to the desert - Mojave National Preserve

1 hour from Las Vegas (59 miles)

Las Vegas sits in the middle of the Mojave desert with parts of the driest part of North America spanning corners of California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.

The Death Valley National Park (#5 below) and Joshua Tree National Park (#8) are the two best known places to go and explore the hot and inhospitable Mojave desert, but the less known and less popular Mojave National Preserve is much close to Las Vegas.

Although a lot of the Mojave National Preserve is rocky desert, there's a few interesting parts to explore.

The Cima Dome and the Shadow Valley next to it are home to a forest of Joshua trees. The term forest is a little generous here as the trees are quite spread out and you won't find birds singing in the branches or creatures living in the undergrowth, but this is the most dense area for Joshua trees anywhere and you'll see more here than in the Joshua Tree National Park!

The Mojave Desert Lava Tube is further west and you'll need a reasonable SUV or car capable of going offroad to navigate several miles of dirt track to get here.

The Lava Tube is a series of rooms underneath the surface of the desert that feel like caves - they were created when molten lava made its way through the ground creating the unique space.

Make sure you stop at the Castle Mountains National Monument . Again - you'll need something with 4-wheel drive and decent tires to get here, but sitting right on the edge of the preserve, this is one of the prettiest parts with a little more in terms of plants and wildlife to see.

5. Feel the heat in Death Valley National Park

1 hour 55 minutes from Las Vegas (126 miles)

If spending a few days in the hottest place on Earth and some of the least hospitable environments anywhere on the planet sounds like fun, the Death Valley National Park is less than 2 hours away from Las Vegas .

If you thought Vegas was too hot in the summer, the average (yes... average) daily high is above 120 degrees from June through to August. I'd pick one of the other 20 entries on this list if you're looking for a road trip in the middle of the summer.

If you come from November to March, the weather is much milder and you'll have a much better trip exploring the varying landscapes that Death Valley has to offer. There are dried out salt flats from where lakes and seas once covered the valley, there's rocky sections with mountains and even sand dunes.

Death Valley is the largest National Park in the United States excluding Alaska and is a designated International Dark Sky Park. This means there's no artificial light anywhere within the park at night and if you're camping on a clear day, the view of the stars above is phenomenal.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas through Death Valley National Park

6. Go fishing on Lake Havasu, Arizona

2 hours 30 minutes from Las Vegas (153 miles)

Lake Havasu sits on the Arizona - California border south of Las Vegas. Like many lakes in Southwestern United States, the lake is an artificially created reservoir after the Colorado River flowing through the local valley was dammed by the Parker Dam in the 1930s.

Today the lake is a popular destination for 2 main reasons: the fishing and London Bridge.

Fishing is a hugely popular activity on the lake - there's an abundant population of bass in the lake and big fishing competitions happen frequently where people from across the United States come to compete.

London Bridge is a very unusual sight sitting across a canal in Lake Havasu City and connecting it to Thompson Bay. The name gives away where the bridge came from - in 1968 the local government won an auction for the sale of the original London Bridge that was being replaced in central London.

After a $2.5m winning bid for the bridge, each brick was meticulously taken apart and labeled so that the whole bridge could be shipped and reconstructed in Arizona.

It certainly looks very quirky and majorly out of place (in a weird good way) and well worth the visit to Lake Havasu!

7. Be at one with nature in Zion National Park, Utah

2 hours 40 minutes from Las Vegas (160 miles)

Zion National Park in southwestern Utah might just be one of the most scenic National Park in the entirety of the United States and it's less than 3 hours away from Las Vegas on a road trip !

To get to Zion National Park, follow the I-15 north out of Las Vegas and keep on going until you cross the border into Utah. From here, State Route 9 will take you right into the heart of the park.

The main part of the park centers around Zion Canyon. Although it sits in-between deserts, the canyon is surprisingly green with forests and hundreds of species of birds and animals.

Zion National Park has some of the best trails you're likely to find anywhere - there's well made overlooks, paths carved through the rock and hikes for all abilities.

The Weeping Rock and Canyon Overlook trails are reasonably easy and take less than an hour. For the more experienced hikers, the Narrows is 16 miles long and involves hiking through a narrow canyon and wading through a cold river.

Some will hike the Narrows starting at the bottom and turn around once the going gets more tough making it a little easier and doable in a day.

If you'd like to hike up to Angels Landing, you will need a permit and will need to make a reservation. Check the Zion National Park's website for more details.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park

8. See the amazing trees in Joshua Tree National Park

3 hours 10 minutes from Las Vegas (187 miles)

Joshua Tree National Park is just over 3 hours away from Las Vegas on a road trip , about halfway on the way to San Diego.

Follow the I-15 out of Vegas and when you get to the edge of the Mojave National Preserve, cut right through it passing through Cima and Kelso to save half an hour against the "faster" interstates that go the long way around.

In fact, the Mojave is also on this list at #4, so if you've got enough time, you might as well combine these into one desert exploring road trip.

Joshua Tree National Park is named after the unique trees that grow here that look like a person standing up with arms stretched upwards. You'll definitely see plenty of them on your way around as well as rocks and lots and lots of desert.

Joshua Tree is one of the hottest deserts in the United States with daily highs during the summer months averaging 100 degrees Fahrenheit which can make hiking and camping tough.

If you time your visit right and come in the spring, March and April is the bloom season for desert flowers (yes - that's a thing!) and the temperature only rises to a mild 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park

9. Explore the wilderness of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

3 hours 45 minutes from Las Vegas (245 miles)

The Grand Staircase-Escalante is a large wilderness that was declared a National Monument only in 1996.

The monument occupies a large swathe of southern Utah that was the last part of the United States to be mapped and remains one of the least explored parts of the country although the monument's size was reduced dramatically under President Trump in 2017 to allow for commercial exploration.

Despite this, there are some amazing places to see here. The Zebra Slot Canyon is a narrow gorge with striped rocks that you can hike through. Be careful though - the hike is very tough and requires squeezing through very narrow gaps and making your way through water going up to neck height!

The Devil's Garden is one of those postcard-type sights with large rock hoodoos eerily standing around in the middle of the desert.

Many of the sights in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument can be reached from the small town of Escalante in the north. The I-15 and Utah-20 will take you to Route 12 which is the road that winds its way through the wilderness and eventually reaches Escalante.

Zebra Slot Canyon and the Devil's Garden are both a short drive south from the town and further south are the Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and the Jacob Hamblin Arch from the picture above.

10. Bryce Canyon National Park

3 hours 50 minutes from Las Vegas (260 miles)

Bryce Canyon is a small National Park that is not a canyon, but a collection of unique rock formations that look like amphitheaters with people-shaped rock formations that look like an audience sitting watching the spectacle.

You won't need more than a day to explore the 56 square miles of the park. There are trails that lead around the perimeter of the most popular parts of the park but don't forget that amphitheaters are located 8,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level (2,400 to 2,700 meters) so bring an extra layer of clothing - it can feel much cooler up there than down in the desert.

Bryce Canyon is located right on the way to most of the main sights in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument so you might want to combine them into a single road trip. Zion National Park is also on the way in case you have a lot of time on your hands.

If you want to avoid the crowds and get some good photos, try to get to the park early - you might want to stay somewhere not too far and get here before sunrise for some epic views of the sun rays poking through the crowds of hoodoo rocks.

11. See the size of the Grand Canyon

4 hours 15 minutes from Las Vegas (275 miles)

Grand Canyon is the most popular destination for a road trip from Las Vegas . The 277-mile long canyon has some of the most spectacular scenery close to Las Vegas making it the most popular starting point for the 5 million visitors that come to the Grand Canyon every year.

It'll take you about as long to get to the North Rim as it will to the South - the South Rim is a more popular destination with better facilities and the Grand Canyon Village which is why you might want to opt for the route around the north of the canyon instead.

If you'd specifically would like to visit the South Rim, you can find our detailed road trip guide here .

There are lots of places you can stop to see the Grand Canyon. Most people will go straight to the Grand Canyon Village area of the National Park, but there are other spots that have far fewer people that are just as amazing - the Toroweap and Twin Point Overlooks along the north rim are both good options.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk on the south rim is much closer to Vegas - it'll take a little over 2 hours to get there, but you'll have to share the view with a lot of other people and other than a short walk to Guano Point, there's not much else to do here and no trails.

One of the best trails along the bottom of the canyon and along the Colorado River is the Havasu Falls Trail - it'll take you past the Little Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, Tigabo Supai and Mooney Falls which area all amazing. For those who are happy to venture further, Beaver Falls and Beaver Canyon further downstream are worth the hike.

If you approach the Grand Canyon via the north and have time, add a stop in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument - these beautiful rocks have distinctive layers of different shades of red and yellow and soft sweeping lines that are great for a quick break along the journey.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

12. Hike through the Red rocks of Sedona

4 hours 20 minutes from Las Vegas (280 miles)

If you haven't heard of the Red Rocks of Sedona, you most definitely have seen them on TV or in a movie.

The amazing rock formations include the towering Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge and Bell Rock, but there's a lot more to explore than just the big name options.

There are two state parks - the Red Rock State Park being the best known and the Slide Rock State Park to the north of Sedona. For those who want to do a drive through tour, you can drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway (Route 179) to see many of the amazing sights without getting out of your car.

But if you've come this far, you really should get out and explore. There are amazing trails that will take you right up to the rocks, over stunning red rock arches and through canyons.

The drive from Las Vegas will take you to Kingman before hopping on the I-40 to Flagstaff. You can make a stop in the city before driving south to Sedona.

With so much to explore, you can easily spend a long weekend exploring the areas around Sedona and still not cover most of it.

It may not be as hot as the Mojave desert and Death Valley in particular, but summer temperatures still reach average daily highs of 95 degrees Fahrenheit so bring lots of water. If you have the luxury of choice, visiting in the spring and fall will be more comfortable.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Sedona

13. The Hollywood road trip: Los Angeles and Malibu

4 hours 45 minutes from Las Vegas (304 miles)

If you want to escape the desert and head to the City of Angels, then get on the I-15 and follow it until you cross the Angeles National Forest. Traffic around L.A. can be a big factor in whether it'll take you less than 4 hours to get into the city or something closer to 6 - leave early in the morning so that you are entering Los Angeles at around 1pm when the traffic shouldn't be too bad on the freeways.

Los Angeles has so much to see and do, you can spend a week or two and still feel like you've hardly seen it all! You've got to visit Hollywood and walk the Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard no matter how cliche it might sound!

After measuring your hand and feet against the celebrity prints, head for the Sunset Strip and then down to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. I'm not the type to shop here, but the people watching is fascinating as they carefully park their Ferrari to go bag shopping.

Don't miss out on stops in Culver City, Santa Monica State Beach and Venice Beach as you make your way around the city. If you are coming with kids or like a day out at a theme park, Universal Studios in Hollywood and Disneyland in Anaheim are both amazing.

As you venture further west past the Pacific Palisades, you'll discover Malibu Beach which stretches for miles and miles along the coast with the Santa Monica Mountains to your right.

The beach can get busy at weekends and over the summer but you can still find great spots if you drive a little further towards El Matador Beach past Point Dume.

If you drive a few minutes inland, the Santa Monica Mountains have spectacular hiking trails with views of the Pacific Ocean down below which is perfect for an afternoon activity after spending the morning soaking up the sun.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles

14. Relax by the seaside in San Diego

5 hours from Las Vegas (332 miles)

San Diego may be a solid 5 hours' drive from Las Vegas , but there's lots of options to stop along the way and it's a great city to visit and spend a few days in so it's got to be worth you considering for your road trip from Las Vegas.

The easiest way to get to San Diego is to follow the I-15 out of Las Vegas towards Los Angeles and keep on following the I-15 until you're in San Diego 5 hours later. You can save a few minutes by cutting through the I-215 to avoid getting closer to LA's notorious traffic jams.

However a few detours can add great places to stop and cut the journey up into shorter stints. If you head towards the California coast, the towns of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente are great pit stop options as is Carlsbad's Legoland.

If you go the slower but more direct route, Joshua Tree National Park (#8 above), Salton Sea and Palm Springs are all great places to visit in and around the Coachella Valley.

San Diego itself is a city that almost always has perfect weather due to its unique position on the coast and the prevailing ocean currents.

You can roam through the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter or have a fish taco in La Jolla overlooking the resident seals relaxing in the cove.

Spend some time in the huge Balboa Park - not only is it perfect for a stroll, but you'll find museums, entertainment venues and the world-famous San Diego Zoo all within its grounds.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to San Diego

15. Go hiking in the Yosemite National Park

5 hours 20 minutes from Las Vegas (340 miles)

Yosemite is the most famous of the California National Parks and one of the best known in the country. Getting to Yosemite from Las Vegas is relatively easy - it's one of the few parts of the Sierra Nevada Mountains where you can drive across, although the Tioga Pass is closed when it gets snowy which means it's shut for the winter from some point in late October.

The majority of the visitors that come to Yosemite only go to the Yosemite Valley which only covers a tiny fraction of the whole park which stretches over 1,000 square miles.

You should still visit Yosemite Valley to see the Merced River flowing past the famous El Capitan rock but if you want to see more nature and walk the wild trails, head further out in the park.

Yosemite Valley gets busier later on in the day as some people from San Jose, the Silicon Valley and San Francisco come on day trips or for the weekend. Coming in the morning on a weekday will mean far fewer people although you'll still have to book ahead if you want to camp or hike the wilderness.

Death Valley National Park (#5 above) and Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks (#19 below) are good additional stops on the way to or back from Yosemite if you have enough time.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park

16. Visit the Mormon Capital in Salt Lake City, Utah

6 hours from Las Vegas (421 miles)

Salt Lake City is famous for its location, surrounded by mountains on 3 sides and the lake on the other. It's also known as the home of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the city is a fascinating visit.

The road trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City is over 400 miles long but these are about the easiest 400 miles you'll ever have to drive. Get on the I-15 headed north that runs exactly 1 block to the west of the Strip and stay there. 6 hours later you'll find yourself right in the middle of Salt Lake City which is where you should park up!

Although less than half of the population in Salt Lake City is Mormon, you can see the signs of the church's presence throughout the city. The Mormon Temple is the grandest and largest in the world and you can see it on Temple Square with the Reflecting Pool in front of it.

Unfortunately the temple is closed to visitors and those who are not members of the church as are most of the other significant Latter-Day Saints buildings around the city. The temple is also undergoing a major reconstruction so it's likely to not be as great a sight for a few years yet.

However you can visit the Tabernacle which puts on shows through the year and spend some time in the mountains surrounding the city. Literally minutes away from downtown you can find amazing hiking routes in the winter and big ski resorts in the winter!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City

17. See the saguaro cacti en route to Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson

6 hours 30 minutes from Las Vegas (434 miles)

Sitting a few miles from the border with Arizona, a road trip from Las Vegas to the Copper State is an obvious option.

This route covers a lot of desert with stops in Phoenix/Scottsdale and Tucson - if you want to cover more of Arizona, reroute via Sedona on the way to Phoenix and visit the Red Rock and Slide Rock State Parks (See #12 above).

You can also learn more about the road trip from Las Vegas to Phoenix on our detailed road trip guide .

As you make your way over Hoover Dam (worth the slight detour), you'll begin noticing how the Mojave desert gradually changes into the Sonoran. The elevation lowers a little, the rocks and sand become a little more red in color and Joshua trees make way for the saguaros.

If you don't know what a saguaro is, check the registration plates on the Arizona cars around you - those giant cactus plants with the thick green arms that can reach over 40 feet (12 m) in height.

These cacti (or is it cactuses?) grow to be 150 years old or even older and the ones with several arms are the oldest - it takes them 50 years to just get up to waist-height!

Phoenix and Scottsdale are a large metro area with an endless number of things to do - the art scene in particular is buzzing with the Heard Museum, art galleries and various pop up exhibitions to visit.

Scottsdale has a more relaxed small town vibe to the tall skyscrapers of Phoenix and if you want to go out for dinner or drinks after, Scottsdale is where you should head.

Tucson has an interesting mix of architecture with a colonial style that looks very European. You won't forget you're in the middle of a desert though - the city's main attraction is the Saguaro National Park on the outskirts that also houses the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Phoenix

18. Marvel at the natural wonders of Monument Valley

6 hours 30 minutes from Las Vegas (400 miles)

Monument Valley sits on the border between Utah and Arizona and you may be surprised to know that it is not a National Park or a National Monument.

In fact, it has no real designation because it is located on the land of the Navajo Nation Reservation and can therefore not be classified as Federal or State protected land.

Although you're spoiled for choice for road trips to see amazing nature from Las Vegas, Monument Valley has to be high on your list for the totally unbelievable view that will open up.

The giant red rocks are spread through the valley as though they fell out of the sky and landed here in an ancient time and some of them measure over 1,000 ft (300 m) from the ground which is a pretty impressive height.

You can drive north or south of the Grand Canyon to get here and although the northern route is 30 miles shorter, they will both take about the same amount of time.

Seeing as you're going right past it, you really should make a few stops along the Grand Canyon (#11 above) to see the amazing sights below and maybe take a hike depending on how much time you've got. The Horseshoe Bend further along the canyon near Page is a great spot for an amazing photo.

Parts of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are also on the way if you follow the north route and a small detour from the south route will take you to the Red Rock State Park near Sedona (#12 above).

In fact, if you extend your trip and add in the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Utah and follow different routes to and from Monument Valley, you'll see most of the amazing nature sights in the region in one epic road trip!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Monument Valley

19. See giant sequoias in Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks

8 hours from Las Vegas (455 miles)

Kings Canyon and Sequoia are two neighboring National Parks that seamlessly merge into each other in California's Sierra Nevada.

The 8-hour drive might put you off, but the time it takes to get here depends a lot on where in the parks you want to get to. The most popular destinations are in the western parts of the parks - Route 180 runs deep into the park to Kanawyers and is only accessible from the west.

Some of the most popular hikes and General Sherman, the world's largest tree also require you to loop around Sierra Nevada.

However, if you want to walk among the giant sequoia trees and hike through the mountains without seeing the "must see" sights, you can drive along California Highway 395 and take one of the small roads that runs into the parks from there and hiking one of the trails from the east.

Kearsarge Pass and Mount Whitney Trailheads are both great options and will take you about 4 and a half hours to get to.

As you'll be passing right through the Death Valley National Park (#5 above), you may as well add it onto your itinerary. The combined road trip will take you through the world's hottest desert and one of the most incredible lush forests that are only 2 hours away from each other!

20. Arches & Canyonlands National Parks, Utah

8 hours from Las Vegas (521 miles)

The two National Parks in eastern Utah sit either side of the town of Moab. As both of these parks are incredible for hiking and exploring the wilderness, Moab gets busy during the summer months as the tourist season hits its peak. If you can delay your road trip until after Labor Day, you'll likely get better value accommodation and there'll be less people about.

Canyonlands is the larger of the two parks and you can get close to most of the sights by driving - the main road that leads into the park is the Grand View Point Road and it has plenty of places to park for the trails and overlooks including the Grand View Point right at the end of the road.

White Rim Road goes around the perimeter of the park and comes off the Grand View Point Road before you get to the visitor center - this road is open to SUVs, 4x4 vehicles and off-road bikes, but it's a little more than a dirt track and progress can be slow so allow plenty of time to drive if you're planning to go that way.

Arches is a smaller park and is closer and quicker to get to from Los Angeles than Canyonlands which means a lot more people spend time here. Many of the amazing rock formations are an easy stroll from the nearest parking spot making it easy to see a lot of the sights without too much effort.

You might need to make a reservation for a timed-entry permit while visiting Arches National Park. Please check the national park's website for up-to-date information.

Each park costs $30 to enter although you can get the America the Beautiful National Parks pass for $80 which gives you unlimited access to National Parks across the country for one car including all passengers, so you really should get that and use it for a few more trips later on!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Arches National Park

21. A long road trip across the Sierra Nevada to San Francisco

11 hours from Las Vegas (650 miles)

San Francisco may be a long drive from Las Vegas , but if you're really wanting to go on a proper road trip and have time to hand, this might just be the ultimate destination.

When planning the route for your road trip from Las Vegas, ignore the navigator directions. The I-15 and I-5 are not the most exciting of roads and there's better things to see between Vegas and the Fog City than Barstow and Bakersfield.

Time permitting, I would first head up to Death Valley (#5 above) and spend a night or two stargazing in one of the best places in the world to see the stars without light pollution.

After that, head north along the east side of the Sierra Nevada to Mammoth Lakes and then go over the Tioga Pass along California Highway 120.

This road will take you right through the heart of Yosemite (#15 above) which is well worth some of your time and a stop in the Yosemite Valley towards the end of the drive.

If you're not driving in the summer, the likelihood is that this road will be closed due to heavy snow. In this case your options are to keep on driving north towards Lake Tahoe and then taking the Carson Pass Highway (usually open throughout the winter) or the Lincoln Highway to Sacramento.

When you finally do get to San Francisco, there's so much to do you won't get close to doing it all even if you stay a week. See our guide to the best things to do in San Francisco to get inspired!

On the way back, you can come down the west side of Sierra Nevada and drive the super scenic State Route 180 that splits the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks (#19 above), see the world's largest tree and then drive down the (even more scenic) Route 198 south.

A stop in the mountains of the Mojave desert (#4 above) on the way back will complete what would be one seriously epic road trip from Las Vegas that seems to include half of all the other destinations I've mentioned for shorter routes!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to San Francisco

Below is a shortlist of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas if you are looking for some last-minute inspiration!

Best road trips from Las Vegas

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Everything we learned about Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga from new CinemaCon sneak peek

George Miller wowed audiences with five minutes of footage from his “Mad Max: Fury Road” prequel.

Furiosa is back — and the road ahead of her looks tough.

At Warner Bros.’ presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, director George Miller and stars   Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth introduced five minutes of new footage from Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga , the upcoming prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road .

The extended sneak peek began with a single car cutting across the wasteland as a narrator threatens, “If you find him, he's mine." Enemies kidnap a young Furiosa from her mother, who chases after her while holding a rifle in an eerily similar fashion to Charlize Theron in Fury Road . A voice echoes, “Protect the Green Place” — the mythic oasis that plays a key role in Fury Road , which we actually see glimpses of in this footage.

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

From there, the villain Dementus (Hemsworth) demands to find the Green Place. Furiosa’s mother bursts onto the scene to save her, but the titular heroine must watch helplessly as Dementus essentially crucifies her mom. "Promise me you'll find your way home,” Furiosa’s mother says desperately. “Plant this seed. Protect the Green Place."

We then see Furiosa locked up in a similar manner to Max (Tom Hardy) in the opening of Fury Road as Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme) negotiates with Dementus to take her for himself to prevent a war. Several scenes of Furiosa training alongside War Boys as she grows up follow.

Later, Furiosa meets Praetorian Jack (Tom Burke), with whom she appears to have a romantic connection. Jack seeks to help Furiosa in her quest to find the Green Place and return home. Toward the end of the footage, Furiosa cuts off her hair, saying, "My mother, my childhood — I want them back.”

Warner Bros. Pictures/YouTube

At the end of the footage, a character (presumably Dementus) says, “This is the history of the wasteland whispered to me by Furiosa herself. The question is, do you have it in you to make it epic?" Someone refers to the titular heroine as “the darkest of angels,” and the footage concludes.

Before premiering the footage, Miller explained to the audience that Furiosa initially materialized as he was building the world and lore of Fury Road . “In order to tell the story in Fury Road , we had to know everything that happened,” he said. “[That] story was told in three days, this story is told in 10-13 years.

“We wrote the backstories for everybody for Furiosa for all those years, and then also for Mad Max in the years before,” he continued. “When Fury Road had enough traction, we thought, ‘Oh we gotta do Furiosa . And here we are — just finished last week.”

Warner Bros./ Youtube

Taylor-Joy also expressed her enthusiasm for the project. “The way that Charlize portrayed her — I never imagined I would have this opportunity,” she said. “It's unlike any experience you will ever have... George is fully running and completely in control of three full units. Absolutely everything you see on screen has been painted by George.

“Anya needed to be someone who you could spend all those months in the wasteland with — someone who is really resolute, very disciplined, and very, very smart,” Miller said of the actress. “If the apocalypse came, she is one of the people I'd like to hang out with.”

Hemsworth also briefly broke down his character. “A twisted cruel character on one hand, but in order for him to lead this horde of bikers across the wasteland and inspire them… there needed to be an element of charisma,” he said. “We wanted to interweave elements of charm and wit and humor, but there had to be a spontaneity to it… the way he moved, the way, he spoke was about manipulation, but also grabbing groups of people and saying, ‘I know what your problems are and have the answers to them.’”

“We'd had the script for a long time and I couldn't really think of an actor to do it,” Miller said of Dementus. “It is an unusual character... I knew of Chris, and we somehow met and we talked, and in that conversation, which was very far-reaching and multi-leveled, I thought ‘God, this guy's got basically a lot of dimensions to him.’”

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga hits theaters May 24.

Want more movie news? Sign up for Entertainment Weekly 's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.

Related content:

• Witness her! Furiosa trailer reveals Anya Taylor-Joy in Mad Max prequel
• Mad Max prequel Furiosa promises 'great Biker Horde' and a young Immortan Joe
• George Miller breaks down all the head-shaving, lore-filled, epic moments in new Furiosa trailer

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Have you paid to park at the Sphere - Las Vegas Forum

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I am looking at seeing the movie at the sphere on our June visit. Both myself and my sister have mobility issues so I plan on getting parking as close to the sphere as possible. I checked on ticketmaster and prices to park seem to have come down. I was wondering if anyone has parked in the parking at the sphere and if so how did it go and how smooth was the parking service and how far of a walk was it from parking to the facility.

4 replies to this topic

Do you have a disabled parking permit? If you do, bring it with you so you can access the limited handicapped parking.

Personally, with what they charge for parking, I would just take an Uber and get dropped off right at the entrance.

We were just at The Sphere in early April. At the time the parking was $18. My daughter is in a wheelchair so we have a handicapped license plate but all handicapped parking was blocked off. The signage was terrible. We were near the south side of the parking lot where there is a ramp up to the entrance doors. The ADA entrance is on the far north side of the entrance doors. Again no signs anywhere to tell you where to go.

Once inside we had to be taken upstairs on a freight elevator with other handicapped people and down areas for employees only. You are then on a floor with robots and holograms if you would like to see them but all areas are very busy.

Next you need to find the elevators up to where your seats are located. Definitely get ADA seats as all other seats have very steep stairs.

Getting out of the venue was also hard as again there was no signage on where to go. An upper level employee took pity on us and took us down in the VIP elevator to the robot floor and then took us to the hallways to the freight elevator to get outside.

Not a great experience as this is a brand new venue that should have planned better for ADA needs. We have been in back hallways, kitchens and even basements to get to some areas in casinos but they were older and not brand new. I did not like the movie, my daughters were bored and said it was too long but my husband really like it. It is like a giant IMAX.

Thank you for the information. Neither myself or my sister are WC bound. She at 80+ just had knee replacment so long walks are a issue, and I have an heart issue so long walks not good. We will have out HC parking tag as we are driving out to vegas from Indiana taking route 66. I saw on ticketmaster parking only $18 which to me is really cheap given I just paid $85 for "special parking" for a concert here in Indiana later this summer.

Both of us can use the escalators and I am planning on getting HC seating at the 400 level so we don't have to use the steep stairs.

"I did not like the movie, my daughters were bored and said it was too long but my husband really like it. It is like a giant IMAX."

The movie is only 50 minutes...but I can see why some wouldn't like it. I'm with your husband. I thought it was great. I just thought of it as a short Sci-Fi movie.

$18 seems somewhat reasonable as depending on where you are staying, the taxi or rideshare may be double that.

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The USA road trip from Manchester Airport as direct flights launch to Las Vegas

Virgin Atlantic is launching a direct route from Manchester to Las Vegas this summer

• 10:52, 17 APR 2024

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An all-American road trip is on most people’s travel bucket list - and now you can tick off some of the USA’s most iconic locations thanks to a new route from Manchester Airport . In June Virgin Atlantic will launch its direct service to Las Vegas from the northern travel hub.

Las Vegas is known for its glamorous casinos, entertainment complexes and sports attractions. But it’s also an ideal location to explore America’s West Coast from.

You can plan a roadtrip across the states of Nevada, Arizona and California. Explore the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon, get up close to giant Sequoia trees or experience Hollywood glitz in Los Angeles - they’re all within reach of Las Vegas.

READ MORE: I flew to Africa for a one-night spa break and it was cheaper than my local health club

Below is a round up of some of the essential pit stops to include on a West Coast road trip. You could tick off all of these highlights, and more, on a two-week trip.

The Grand Canyon

277 miles long and more than a mile deep, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the great natural wonders of the world – and only a two-hour drive from Las Vegas, making it a great starting point for a West Coast road trip. The Colorado River has eroded the canyon over the course of the last six million years, exposing over two billion years of the Earth’s geological history. The Grand Canyon sits at the heart of a National Park, brimming with great hikes and outdoor activities.

As it winds out of the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River meets the Hoover Dam – one of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering. Taking more than five years to build and opened in the late 1930s, the 725ft dam was first conceived as a way of controlling flooding but is now a major source of power for the states of Nevada and Arizona.

Death Valley

Heading towards California from the Hoover Dam, within three hours you’ll reach Death Valley – at almost 300ft below sea level, it’s the lowest point of elevation in North America, and has an extreme microclimate. In July 1913, a temperature of 56.7C was recorded here, which remains a world record. Temperatures regularly reach the high forties in the summer, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen if you plan on jumping out of your air-conditioned car for a selfie or two!

Sequoia National Forest

Just over a hundred miles the other side of Death Valley, you’ll hit the breathtaking Sequoia National Forest, filled with Giant Sequoias - the largest tree on Earth. The tallest specimen in the forest, General Sherman, is 275ft tall and thought to be between 2,500 and 3,000 years old.

Los Angeles

Journeying south from Sequoia, you’ll soon find yourself in America’s second-largest city. There’s a lot more to LA than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood – it has some of the country’s best beaches, several elite sports teams, and is a cultural melting pot with cuisines from all four corners of the world. The Griffith Observatory is a leading centre for space research and its giant Zeiss telescope is free for the public to use every evening – but make sure to book a slot.

Extending for almost 450 miles along California’s rugged Pacific coastline, Highway 1 links Los Angeles to San Francisco and is an essential part of any West Coast road trip. There’s about eight hours of driving involved, so if you’re travelling as a group and aiming to get through it in one day, make sure you take turns behind the wheel.

As you leave LA behind, you’ll pass through plush beachfront neighbourhoods like Malibu and Santa Barbara, the adoptive home of Harry and Meghan, before reaching ‘Big Sur’, a 100-mile stretch of wild and uninhabited mountain ranges that has been designated a State Park. Parts of the highway in this area are literally cut into cliff-faces overhanging the sea, offering dramatic views. At the other end, you’ll pass along the beachfront at Monterey Bay and cut through the redwood forests of Big Basin State Park before reaching San Francisco.

San Francisco

California’s second city has a unique character. Its grid system of streets is set on hilly terrain, so a simple stroll around town means trekking up some steep inclines – unless you catch the iconic tram that runs between Powell Street and Fisherman’s Wharf, and has changed little in over 100 years.

San Fran is packed with things to do. Top sights include the Golden Gate Bridge, the ‘Painted Ladies’ (a row of colourfully-painted Victorian houses) and the Transamerica Pyramid, a quirky skyscraper with an unusual design aimed to steady it against earthquakes. Just offshore is the notorious Alcatraz prison, which is now an open-air museum and can be reached by ferry from Pier 33 on the city’s seafront.

California’s Wine Country

Cross over the Golden Gate Bridge and head around an hour north, and you’ll find yourself in America’s answer to Tuscany. Napa Valley is California’s ‘Wine Country’, with over 1,700 vineyards and a burgeoning reputation for quality. Its climate and soils are ideal for cultivating grapes of many kinds, but the speciality here is in rich red wines. California produces more than 80 per cent of American wine, and the heart of that industry is right here. You can take it all in from a hot air balloon tour over the valley, if you’re not afraid of heights!

Yosemite National Park

Looping back towards Vegas, your next port of call is Yosemite National Park, a jaw dropping wilderness and the second-oldest National Park in the US after Yellowstone. Its steep-sided valleys, enormous waterfalls and forests are impressive at any time of year, but visitors in the Autumn will be treated to one of nature’s great spectacles as the leaves turn to various hues of gold, yellow and red.

…and finish off in Las Vegas

Before flying home, stay in Vegas for a few days and see what the self-styled ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ has to offer. If casinos aren’t for you, why not visit one of the largest aquariums in North America, check out Vegas’ answer to the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and the Sphinx of Giza, and then take it all in from the top of the world’s largest observation wheel – which is particularly impressive after dark, as the city lights up.

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Bats, Wantz Lead To Big Bees Blowout

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The Salt Lake Bees started a six-game road trip to Las Vegas with a dominating 12-2 victory over the Aviators on Tuesday night. The Salt Lake bats had scored just 24 runs in the first nine games of the season but broke out in a big way at Las Vegas

The Salt Lake Bees started a six-game road trip to Las Vegas with a dominating 12-2 victory over the Aviators on Tuesday night.

The Salt Lake bats had scored just 24 runs in the first nine games of the season but broke out in a big way at Las Vegas Ballpark, scoring runs in each of the first five innings to take a 6-1 lead and then provided plenty of insurance with a six spot of runs in the ninth. The top three batters in the Salt Lake lineup – Jordyn Adams, Ehire Adrianza and Hunter Dozier – each hit their first home runs of the season and combined to drive in seven runs. Willie Calhoun finished with three hits, including a pair of doubles and Bryce Teodosio continued his torrid start to the season with a 3-for-4 night to raise his average to .469. Every batter in the Salt Lake lineup reached base safely as the team pounded out 12 hits and walked 10 times.

Reigning PCL Pitcher of the Week Andrew Wantz got the start for the Bees and provided another strong start, giving up just two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out eight over 5.2 innings of work. Relievers Jimmy Herget, Tyler Thomas and Hans Crouse backed up Wantz with 3.1 innings of shutout ball. Wantz has 23 strikeouts this season, leading all of Minor League Baseball.

The Bees and Aviators have five games remaining in the series with games Wednesday-Saturday beginning at 8:05 p.m. before a 1:05 day game on Sunday.

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Las Vegas Cycling Events 2024: Dates, Itinerary & Tickets Price

In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, the year 2024 is set to be an exciting one for cycling enthusiasts. The Las Vegas Cycling Events 2024 are anticipated to be a thrilling spectacle, drawing in participants and spectators from all corners of the globe. These events, meticulously planned and executed, will showcase the city's commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. The 2024 cycling events will feature a variety of races, catering to different skill levels and age groups, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive experience for all. The city's stunning landscapes will serve as the backdrop for these events, providing participants with a unique and unforgettable cycling experience. The Las Vegas Cycling Events 2024 are not just races, but a celebration of the sport, the city, and the spirit of competition. Mark the calendar and prepare to witness a grand display of athleticism, endurance, and sheer willpower.

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Road to Las Vegas

Did the American Dream die in 2008? Road To Las Vegas follows the profound struggles of the Melton family, as they search for happiness. It illuminates the the profound effects the global fi... Read all Did the American Dream die in 2008? Road To Las Vegas follows the profound struggles of the Melton family, as they search for happiness. It illuminates the the profound effects the global financial crisis has had on America’s poor. Did the American Dream die in 2008? Road To Las Vegas follows the profound struggles of the Melton family, as they search for happiness. It illuminates the the profound effects the global financial crisis has had on America’s poor.

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