3 day vegas trip

3 Days in Las Vegas: The Perfect Weekend in Vegas Itinerary

Oh, the glitz and glamour of spending a long weekend in Las Vegas, with its worldwide fame thanks to its neon signs, legendary casinos, luxury hotels, and fabulous entertainment. 

Often referred to as “Sin City,” escaping day-to-day life by running away to spend a few days in Las Vegas has been popular for decades. 

It is no wonder though: there are so many exciting things to do in Las Vegas that it can feel overwhelming!

Thanks to this 3 day Las Vegas itinerary, that stress will be alleviated and you will have a great starting point for your trip to Las Vegas.

A long weekend in Vegas is the perfect amount of time to do some gambling, see a show, and take in the top attractions in Vegas.  

Here’s how to spend a perfect 3 days in Las Vegas, whether it’s your first getaway to Sin City or your 10th!

Note : This Las Vegas travel guide was written for Our Escape Clause by Las Vegas enthusiast Michelle Snell of That Texas Couple . Thanks for joining us, Michelle!

Table of Contents

The Perfect 3 Days in Las Vegas Itinerary

Where to stay for a weekend in las vegas, where to eat in las vegas, nv, getting around during 3 days in vegas, when to visit las vegas, nevada.

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Day 1 in Las Vegas Itinerary:  Welcome to Las Vegas Sign, The Strip + A Night Out

Kick off your weekend in vegas with a selfie at the iconic las vegas sign..

Everyone wants their picture with the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign! 

Luckily, this sign is an easy first stop when trying to explore Las Vegas in 3 days. 

Grab a cab or Uber and ask the driver to head south of the airport to the iconic sign. 

The “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign is in the middle of the road, so be careful when crossing!

Designated as a historic landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this sign is a must-do during your Las Vegas vacation! 

The placement of the sign designates the starting of the Las Vegas strip, so this is the perfect place to kick off your Vegas vacation.

Keep in mind that this is one of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas, so waiting in line to take a photo is common!

The earlier you start your morning (a big ask during a Las Vegas weekend getaway, I know), the better.

Explore the famous Las Vegas Strip.

The Las Vegas Strip has to be one of the most famous streets in the United States. 

Once you arrive, you will immediately see why.

You are engulfed with recreations of iconic structures from around the world. 

You will see a pyramid, the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, and more as you make your way down The Strip.

After checking into your accommodations, get started exploring the Las Vegas Strip, because there is a lot to see! 

Each lavish casino on The Las Vegas Strip has its own unique attraction to lure in visitors. 

For this Las Vegas itinerary, we are going to start at the south end of The Strip and make our way north, stopping at the most famous attractions along the way. 

Of course, if one of these attractions doesn’t appeal to you, just skip it!

Getting Around The Strip

If your accommodations are not near the south end, you can take the city bus to get there, or you can reverse the order listed here. 

The city bus is a surprisingly cheap and easy way to get around tow n!

Keep in mind that the distances on The Strip are deceiving. 

You can look down the street and notice the sign for the hotel right next door… but the walk could take 15-20 minutes! 

The casino properties are huge and you have to go over an elevated pedestrian bridge every time you cross the street. 

The Best Things to Do on the Strip

Here’s what to keep an eye out for when exploring The Strip during the first day of your Las Vegas getaway.

Fair warning: perusing The Strip can easily take all day (or more), so take your time and soak up the over-the-top glitz!

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor

Where else in the United States can you take a picture in front of an Egyptian pyramid?

Only in Las Vegas! 

The pyramid-shaped hotel is the Luxor , and it is here that you will find Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition .  

The Titanic exhibit at the Luxor is a top-notch experience. 

Upon arrival, you are given a card and you become one of the passengers on the ship.

As you explore the exhibits, you are treated to over 250 actual artifacts from the ship. 

There are also several recreation rooms, including a replica of the Grand Staircase. 

At the end of your journey, you get to learn whether your person survived.

Grab your tickets to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition now!

New York, New York Hotel

Like many of the best hotels in Vegas, The New York, New York Hotel is an attraction in itself! 

From the outside, you can see a replica of the New York skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Once inside, you feel as though you have been transported to the city street of New York.  

One of the attractions in the New York, New York Hotel is the popular Big Apple Coaster. 

The Big Apple Coaster is an adrenaline lover’s dream! 

If you want to intensify your ride even more, be sure to add the VR experience!

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas

You can’t miss the Paris Hotel and Casino . Just look for the Eiffel Tower! 

The Eiffel Tower here is a half-size replica of the one that you will find in Paris.  

You can make this a quick stop if all you want to do is take a picture of the tower and the Champs Elysses. 

If you want to spend some more time here, ride the 46-stories of the Eiffel Tower to get an epic view of the Las Vegas Strip.

Taking this ride at night and having dinner atop the tower is one of the most romantic things to do in Las Vegas !  

Book your visit to Las Vegas’ Eiffel Tower today!

Bellagio Fountain Show (+ Beyond)

The Bellagio is one of the best hotels in Vegas for couples and is a must-do stop during your few days in Las Vegas.  

The main attraction at the Bellagio Hotel is the epic fountain show that takes place every 30 minutes right on the Las Vegas Strip! 

The cool thing about this show is that the fountains are synchronized to the music and the songs change throughout the day. 

While here, you need to go inside the Bellagio Hotel also. 

The lobby ceiling is a beautiful display of art by glass artist, Dale Chihuly.  

Just beyond the lobby is the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden. 

The displays at the conservatory are created using natural plant materials and change with the seasons.

If that isn’t enough, the Bellagio is also home to the world’s largest chocolate fountain! 

You can find the 27-foot tall chocolate fountain on display at the Bellagio Patisserie.

The Grand Canal of the Venetian Resort Las Vegas

For a taste of Italy right in Las Vegas, head to the Venetian Hotel and Casino . 

A replica of the beautiful canals that meander throughout Venice greets visitors. 

Hop on one of the gondolas to be swept away to one of the most iconic cities in Italy!

A gondola ride at the Venetian allows visitors to explore the hotel in a unique way. 

Floating through the canals, you will go under bridges and beside cafes as you make your way through the hotel. 

Take note that you have two choices when booking your gondola ride, an indoor ride or an outdoor ride.

Be sure to pick the one that you have your heart set on.

While at the Venetian, be sure you go inside and explore the hotel . 

The lobby is lined with columns and beautiful Italian tile.

As you continue to explore, you will find that the common areas of the hotel are replicas of the gorgeous streets in Venice. 

There is even a reproduction of St. Mark’s Square , the iconic square in Venice. 

Keep your eye out for “street performers” also as they roam the street of Venice entertaining visitors. 

Volcano Eruption at the Mirage

A little further, down the Strip, you will find the Mirage Hotel and Casino . 

One of the most memorable Las Vegas attractions at the Mirage is the volcano–yes, a volcano!

The Mirage volcano erupts daily between 7 and 11 pm.

The eruptions take place on the hour, so this one is easy to fit into your Las Vegas weekend itinerary.

Day 2 Las Vegas Itinerary: Downtown Las Vegas, A Pool Party + Museums

Day 2 of your Vegas itinerary is taking you to the heart and soul of Las Vegas, downtown.

Downtown Las Vegas is the roots of the Vegas that we know today. 

It is here that the iconic casinos originated!

The famous Freemont Street is also located in the downtown area as are some fun museums and quirky hotel attractions.

Vegas Travel Tip : If you are looking for a reasonable hotel deal, check out the downtown area.  Often the hotels here are way cheaper than hotels on The Strip!

Here’s what to do downtown during your second day in Vegas!

Explore the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District .

The Las Vegas Arts District also called the 18b, is an 18 block thriving art community. 

Here you will find an eclectic mix of businesses including boutique clothing stores, art galleries, antique stores, and of course, bars and restaurants. 

The Las Vegas Arts District hosts a First Friday art walk on the first Friday of every month.

If your 3 day weekend in Vegas includes a first Friday, make sure to visit as they often have local artists on-site as well as live performances!

Pay a visit to the Mob Museum.

The Mob Museum , located in Downtown Las Vegas, is a great addition to your 3 days in Las Vegas itinerary. 

This museum immerses visitors in the history and impact of organized crime. 

The Mob Museum’s historic building helps to make the experience even more authentic as many famous mob-related hearings were held here.

A visit to The Mob Museum allows visitors to explore 3 floors and a basement. 

One of the popular exhibits is the “Path to Prohibition” which takes you through the prohibition era and includes a speakeasy bar you can visit. 

There are also exhibits on the history of organized crime, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre wall and evidence, a firearm simulator, and displays outlining the Kefauver Hearings.  

Plan to spend at least three hours at The Mob Museum if you plan to explore all of the exhibits.

Grab tickets for The Mob Museum today!

Attend one of the iconic Las Vegas pool parties.

A visit to Vegas is not complete with participating in one of its iconic pool parties! 

The pools in Las Vegas turn into daytime clubs as DJs play music, bartenders serve up delicious cocktails, and everyone is dressed to impress in their best swimwear!  

You can find at least one pool party every day in Las Vegas. 

Some to take note of are the party at the Wet Republic at MGM Grand , Rehab Beach Club at the Hard Rock, and Encore Beach Club at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas .

Most pool parties charge an entrance fee and can get rowdy. 

If that is not your scene, then you can just lounge around the hotel pool and relax.

Want to make the most of the party? Book a pool party crawl in order to hit up several spots in one afternoon!

Book your Vegas pool party crawl today!

Check out the Neon Museum.

The Neon Museum is an absolute must-see during your 3 days in Las Vegas, and is best visited at night. 

Full of “retired” neon signs from the hotels and casinos of Las Vegas’ past, the Neon Museum is quite a sight at night when the signs are all lit up.

Visitors will find over 200 signs here.  While some of the signs have been restored, many have not. 

Regardless, they are all cool to see! 

You have the option of taking a self-guided tour or an hour-long guided tour during your visit.

Stop by the Fremont Street Experience.

Another must-do on your Vegas itinerary is the Fremont Street Experience. 

Located in Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is an experience like no other. 

The entire street is covered in a canopy that contains 12 million LED lights! 

This alone is unique as it is the largest audio-video light show in the world.

You can witness the 6-minute light show for yourself every hour. 

In addition to the cool show taking place over your head, this area of Las Vegas also boasts a zip line that allows visitors to soar over the crowd below! 

The zip line, known as ZipZilla is 7-stories high and two blocks long!

The Fremont Street Experience is truly like a big street party. There are always free concerts happening in the street, fun bars, and historic casinos.  

Fremont Street is the perfect place to end the second day of your Las Vegas getaway.

Day 3 Las Vegas Itinerary: Discover the Southwest Beyond Vegas

A day trip out of the city is a necessity during your long weekend in Las Vegas!

While it’s easy to forget when surrounded by the neon lights and casinos, Vegas is in a prime location to access some of the most incredible landscapes in the USA, from the Grand Canyon to the Hoover Dam.

Once you get away from the glittering lights of The Strip, you will find that Las Vegas is home to numerous outdoor activities, from hiking to horseback riding .

These day trips can be fun to self-drive, and if you’d like to go independently, we highly recommend renting a car for the day through Discover Cars (they’ll make sure you get the best deal).

If you’d rather not deal with transportation, though, don’t worry–guided tours are also easy to come by, and we’ll link some highly-rated options below.

Here are some of the absolute best day trips from Las Vegas to consider!

Valley of Fire State Park 

If you are a fan of the bright red sandstone that often dots desert terrain, then the Valley of Fire State Park is the perfect day trip for you. 

The Valley of Fire State Park is home to over 40,000 acres of this beautiful stone.

Not only that, but petroglyphs found here date back over 2,000 years!

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) added Park amenities such as campgrounds, roads, and stone cabins in 1931. 

Named The Valley of Fire State Park in 1935, this was the state of Nevada’s first state park.

Today, you can visit the Visitor’s Center to learn more about the history of the park and see exhibits of historical artifacts before heading out on one of the fabulous hikes in the park. 

There are several trails to choose from for all ability levels. 

The Valley of Fire State Park is located about 55 miles outside of Las Vegas.

Getting to the park is easy as there is only one main road through the park, the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway. 

Just driving the Scenic Byway allows for some fabulous views!

Book your day trip to Valley of Fire State Park today!

The Hoover Dam

One of the most popular day trips from Vegas is a visit to the Hoover Dam . 

Built between 1931 and 1936, the Hoover Dam is an architectural marvel and is a National Historic Landmark. 

Located just 30 minutes from Vegas, a trip to the Hoover Dam is an easy day trip. 

During your visit here, you can take a guided tour to learn all about the workings of this historic site.

The dam towers over 700 feet above the Colorado River and houses 17 generators that produce over 4 billion kilowatts of electricity a year. 

If you want a great view of the dam, head to the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.

This popular day trip is a fabulous way to visit the Hoover Dam!

Grand Canyon-West Rim

Everyone should see the Grand Canyon at least once their life, I mean; it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world! 

Lucky for you, the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is accessible on a day trip from Las Vegas.  

Do take note though, the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas, so this does make for a long day. 

If you are up for it, it makes for a very memorable day also.

Some companies even offer a helicopter tour , greatly cutting down on your travel time and creating an incredibly memorable experience (who could forget having lunch on the floor of the Grand Canyon?).

One of the top attractions at the West Rim is the Skywalk. 

The Skywalk will have you walking on glass more than 4,000 feet above the canyon below. 

If that didn’t get your adrenaline going, then soar 500 feet above the canyon on the zip line course!

Book your day trip to the Grand Canyon West Rim today!

Red Rock Canyon

Attracting millions of visitors a year, Red Rock Canyon is a popular outdoor recreation area near Las Vegas.

The canyon is over 195,000 acres and is Nevada’s first Conservation area.  

Hiking, horseback riding, geological features, rock climbing, and enjoying a 13-mile scenic loop drive are among the best things to do in Red Rock Canyon .

The red sandstone mixed with the beautiful gray limestone on the cliff-facing makes the canyon a gorgeous display. 

The geological features found at Red Rock Canyon display the unique quality of the Mojave Desert.  

With more than 25 hiking trails, you are sure to find one that meets your skill level. 

For the more adventurous souls, try your hand at rock climbing while visiting Red Rock Canyon. 

Red Rock Canyon boasts more than 1200 named rock-climbing routes ranging in ability levels.  

Book your day trip to Red Rock Canyon today!

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Another easy day trip from Vegas is Lake Mead.  Lake Mead is located approximately 30 minutes outside of the city. 

While not as well known by tourists, Lake Mead is a fabulous retreat, especially during the warm weather months.  

This incredible recreational area spans over 1.5 million acres, crossing canyons, mountains, valleys, and two lakes. 

Visitors here can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking during their time in the Lake Mead Recreation Area.  

The two lakes found here are Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, both of which are great lakes for recreational activities. 

Lake Mead has over 750 miles of shoreline, making it a great place to spend a day on the water. 

Since you only have 3 days in Las Vegas, I would recommend staying close to all of the action. 

For this to happen, you can choose between staying on The Strip and staying in the historic downtown area. 

Either of these choices makes a memorable base for your long weekend getaway, and each will allow you a fun and unique experience during your visit to Vegas.  

Here are a few popular, well-reviewed options!

The Flamingo Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip will put you right in the center of everything The Strip has to offer. 

This budget hotel has an excellent casino and the famous High Roller Observation Wheel nearby!

Check rates & book your stay at The Flamingo Hotel!

Looking for something outside the Strip?

The Golden Nugget is a popular mid-range hotel in Downtown Las Vegas.

On-site, you will find 10 restaurants, a great spa, and 2 pools. 

For a mid-range hotel on The Strip, consider staying at the MGM Grand . 

Not only does the MGM Grand have a great location, but it is also home to numerous attractions. 

Here you will find shows, concerts, Top Golf, and more!

Check rates & book your stay at The Golden Nugget or the MGM Grand !

Luxury 

Finding a luxury hotel on the Las Vegas Strip is easy as there are plenty to choose from! 

One of the best of these is the famous Bellagio Hotel . 

Imagine having a suite overlooking the fountain show every night! 

Other well-reviewed choices along the iconic Strip include Encore at Wynn Las Vegas , Nobu Hotel at Caesar’s Palace , and The Palazzo at the Venetian .

Check rates & book your stay at the Bellagio!

Finding a great meal in Las Vegas is easy. 

The food here ranges from hot dogs to Michelin Star restaurants, so it is easy to find whatever you are in the mood for. 

If you want a full tour of Las Vegas’ food culture and to enjoy offerings from its many celebrity chefs, this popular food tour is the perfect addition to your weekend and will make sure you sample a wide variety of what Vegas has to offer, while learning about the city’s unique culinary history along the way!

Book your Las Vegas food tour today!

Looking for some more restaurants to enjoy?

Here are a few popular additions to Las Vegas itineraries!

Hash House A Go Go

Hash House A Go Go is known for being one of the best deals on the Las Vegas Strip. 

Here guests are served up huge portions of famous hashes in hot iron skillets. 

These hash skillets include can include eggs, fried potatoes, meatloaf, vegetables, mozzarella, a biscuit, and more.

The gigantic meals here are almost guaranteed to soak up all of those cocktails you’ve had!

Giada at the Cromwell

The famed Food Network star, Giada opened her first restaurant right here on the Las Vegas Strip. 

Giada’s serves up delicious Italian food in a great atmosphere. 

Guests can try dishes such as lemon spaghetti, lobster ravioli, and vegetable Bolognese rigatoni.

Hell’s Kitchen at Caesar’s Palace

Most people are familiar with Hell’s Kitchen thanks to the popular television show featuring Gordon Ramsey. 

Located inside Caesar’s Palace, this restaurant is easily accessible and even offers the option of a prix fixe menu. 

Go for the baked macaroni and cheese during your visit!

It is relatively easy to get around during a Las Vegas weekend getaway. 

Like most big cities, Las Vegas offers taxi cabs, Uber, and Lyft rideshare. 

While The Strip is long, most people do tend to walk this area so that they don’t miss any of the iconic Las Vegas attractions found along it.  

If you don’t want to walk, you can take the monorail which will allow you to navigate the Las Vegas Strip in 15 minutes!

Another option is the Las Vegas Deuce bus.

The Deuce offers two routes that are specifically for the tourist areas of The Strip and downtown.

The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle that also includes an opportunity to stop at the Arts District.

I would not recommend renting a car during your time in Las Vegas unless you are renting it for one of the day trips noted above or you’re road-tripping to Vegas from San Diego , LA, Phoenix, or beyond–Las Vegas makes an excellent stop on a bigger southwest road trip !

Want to self-drive a day trip from Vegas? Check rates and book your rental car today!

While Vegas is undoubtedly a year-round destination, spring and fall are the ideal times to spend a few days in Las Vegas, especially if you want to enjoy Las Vegas without gambling (during the hot summer months, the casinos offer a reprieve from the heat).

The times between March to May and September to November bring moderate weather and some of the best travel deals. 

During this time, the temperatures are mild enough for you to enjoy being outside and can still enjoy the pool parties!

The winter months bring about colder temperatures and increased prices as Las Vegas is a very popular holiday destination. 

Don’t visit in the summer unless you don’t mind putting up with intense heat during your long weekend in Vegas!

Las Vegas is known to be over 100 degrees during the summer months!

3 thoughts on “3 Days in Las Vegas: The Perfect Weekend in Vegas Itinerary”

When booking a room in Las Vegas, beware of the resort fee scam. Not too long ago, I was looking at Vegas off season (winter) room prices, and I found some big print offers at $35 per night. Small print added a mandantory $15-25 per night “resort fee”. While a room at a nice hotel for $50 a night or so, is a remarkable bargain, if you are price shopping, be sure you got the total daily cost of the room (room rate+ resort fee+ any other fees, like parking, + taxes so that you know how much the room really costs after you cut through the scams.

Also keep this in mind. Like an ocean cruise ships, a Las Vegas hotel only exists to extort as much money as possible from your bank account, and they have amazing ways to do that. Example: the Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art is a very, very small museum that displays the hotel’s owner’s collection of a handful of impressionist paintings– standard admission fee, $18. You get 2 rooms of art for $18 at Bellagio. At the Musée d’Orsay in Paris (the Louvre’s impressionist art collection), you get a whole big museum of impressionist art for 13-17 Euros. The National Gallery of Art & The Philips Gallery in Washington DC have lots of impressionist art with a $0 admission fee.

I want to visit Las Vegas soon. I’m looking for coupons and discounts.

Perfect for a girls trip. Yuk for a boy’s trip no doubt. My buddies and I (6 to 10) go once a year to Vegas. It’s a year long trip because we talk about all year. Are sons are invited but no wife’s or women. Used missed the whole point of a Las Vegas trip for us. It’s about feeling special and cutting up as a group. It’s about the gambling the wins the losses and the stories. Are itinerary is catch a early flight together, offer to buy drinks for everyone on the plane (it doesn’t take much alchohol to get a buzz at a high altitude) . We have people who remember us from flights past, what a blast. It’s not unusual for people from the plane to hang out with us in Vegas. We then catch a lucky shoe shine at the airport, ( this is an absolute). Next a limo ride to a fabulous casinio property where we get the VIP treatment checking into our shared adjoining suites. Talk about comeradere. Next is a early dinner then some gambling. Friday morning we wake up early and take a long walk on the strip before breakfast. We then go to the spa for a message, unbelievable. Friday night we go to a great dinner sparing no expense. Then we gamble again. There’s nothing better then a big gambling win, maybe try to bet a thousand bucks on a hard ten. A big win is Exclerating, it can’t be beat. We didn’t go to Vegas to punt. Saturday we call the ” greatest day of the year”. No doubt. We go to our booked sports bar table and watch college football and bet the games. Did I say it’s the greatest day of the year. Las Vegas is about feeling special and hanging out with your best buddies. What a blast . I feel sorry for those who only see Las Vegas for the junkets, don’t get me wrong I love them the Eiffel tower, volcano, fountains, shops and so on. For us Las Vegas is a feeling to get away from real life for a few day’s and just experience feeling special . Oh yeah, on the flight back reality sets in for some and the party atmosphere has dissipated. We don’t allow whining about losses and our comaradre prevails as we start talking about next years trip.

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3 Days in Vegas: The Perfect Las Vegas Itinerary

last Updated: March 27, 2024 las vegas nevada

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Las Vegas and looking for the best 3 day Las Vegas itinerary? Keep on reading for opulent hotels, sugary snacks, and luxurious spa treatments. See, it’s not all kitschy casinos and high-cash table games!

I’ve taken my fair share of 3 day trips to Vegas (heck, I’ve gone just to see Usher perform #noshame and visit the Valley of Fire – my all time favorite day trip). But with all the things to see and do, I always get overwhelmed when attempting to create the perfect Vegas itinerary for you guys!

We’ve been to Vegas dozens of times (now that we live in San Francisco we go multiple a times a year), and are always finding new things to do. While it doesn’t have the beaches we crave in other destinations ( Hawaii , San Diego , and Half Moon Bay , I’m looking at you), we always love our time in the desert.

Want to create your own Vegas itinerary?! Or visiting for the 3rd, 4th, or 5th time? Check out these 100+ things to do in Las Vegas — the ultimate bucket list!

3 days in Vegas is a good amount of time to see the top tourist sites, do a little gambling (I said a little!), and get a little crazy in the clubs/pools. And after your long weekend in Vegas, you’ll be ready to go home back to normal life, I promise you that. Vegas is overwhelming, over-stimulating, and just overall quite a trip.

So when Monique, from get this – My Perfect Itinerary – offered to spill the beans on the perfect 3 days in Las Vegas, I just couldn’t say no. Aaaaand she’s a local, so what could be more fitting?

Enjoy, and lemme know down below in the comments if anything imperative should be added!

A 3 day weekend in Las Vegas is easily doable if you are anywhere on the west coast of the United States. In this guide, I will show you the touristy experiences (actually worth doing) and local tips (I do currently live here!) to give you a well-rounded Las Vegas vacation!

Las Vegas is an extremely famous city known for its epic party scene, amazing year-round weather, luxurious hotels, gambling on every corner, and notable movie spots. Being born and raised in Las Vegas, I will show you the ins and outs of this amazing city!

Where to Stay in Las Vegas?

Were you paying attention when I said Las Vegas is known for its luxurious hotels? Well, if you zoned out in paragraph two… you need to grab a coffee to zone back into this 2,000+ word guide!

Whether it’s your first time in Las Vegas or 100th time, you will want to find a hotel along the Las Vegas Strip for your 3 days in Vegas. When I refer to “The Strip,” this means the four and a half mile strip of hotels and casinos along Las Vegas Blvd. This area is competitive with luxurious and unique hotels, fitting every country you can think of.

Like Egypt? Stay at The Luxor for an Egyptian experience. Their hotel is shaped as an Egyptian pyramid that has a strobe light that (supposedly) can be seen from space!

Like Venice? Stay at The Venetian for some of the best Italian food in the world, gelato shops, and a grand canal weaving through the casino (where you can actually take a gondola ride through the hotel!).

I can go on and on with the unique themes of each hotel, but whichever one tickles your fancy, just make sure you are staying on Las Vegas Blvd between Sunset and Sahara. Since you are only in Vegas for three days, you will want to make sure you are staying in the middle of the action!

IMPORTANT: Just because a hotel has a Las Vegas Blvd address does NOT mean it is on the Las Vegas Strip!

Best Time to Visit Las Vegas?

There is no way to sugar coat it, Vegas is HOT!

The summer is going to be expensive, crowded, and brutally hot. I would 10/10 NOT recommend coming in the summer months.

Plan your 3 days in Las Vegas during either Spring and Fall – you’ll thank me later. The weather is gorgeous during these months (70-80 Degrees Fahrenheit), the crowds are not as bad (keyword here is “as” – Vegas always has A LOT of crowds),  and the pricing is far better.

Psst: If you wanna take any day or over night trips to surrounding National Parks ( Death Valley , Zion , and Bryce are popular from here), do not visit Vegas in the summer. It’s sweltering.

LOCAL TIP: Day clubs are one of the best things to do in Las Vegas. They are open most of the year, but are closed end of Fall and early Spring. The exact dates change yearly, but you can just Google “Las Vegas day club opening/closing day,” and you should be able to find the exact date. Make sure you don’t travel on a date when these are closed!

How to Get Around Las Vegas?

Uber and Lyft are literally swarming every inch of Las Vegas, so you should never have trouble getting one. However, the hotels and airport make it very difficult to get to the pick-up location because for some reason they are still supporting the taxis…  

Hotels will make you walk through the taxi pick-up area and into the parking garage to get to the rideshare area, which if you are drunk and tired this can be very annoying.

And if you aren’t constantly drunk and tired on your vacation, you aren’t doing your 3 day trip to Vegas right!

How Long to Stay in Las Vegas?

Yea, yea, yea, I know this is a guide for the best 3 day Vegas itinerary. And I certainly feel 3 days in Las Vegas is sufficient, especially if you think you’ll be coming back! You’ll see — any more than 3 days and nights in Vegas will surely kick your butt.

BUT, if you’re traveling from far away, you should 100% spend more time here. While Vegas itself is super fun, the day trips around the city are what really make the area so varied!

S ome of the best day trips from Las Vegas are:  

• Valley of Fire State Park
• Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
• Hoover Dam and Route 66
• Black Canyon Kayak Tour (half day) or Emerald Cave Kayaking
• Grand Canyon (West Rim)
• Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks

And now, let’s get this Las Vegas itinerary started!

The Best 3 Day Las Vegas Itinerary

Day 1 in vegas.

UPON-ARRIVAL: WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS

Whether you are driving or flying in to Vegas, you’re first stop will obviously be the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. This is single-handingly the most touristy thing in Las Vegas, but you are a tourist AND YOU ARE PROUD!

This sign is located off of Sunset Rd & Las Vegas Blvd, the starting point of the “Las Vegas Strip.” Make this the first thing you do during your 3 days in Las Vegas to just get it outta the way.

Plus, it’s free and who doesn’t love free stuff? 😉 If you want more FREE things to do in Las Vegas, don’t forget to check out my guide on 40 Free Things to do in Las Vegas !

NIGHT: DINNER AND DANCING

After checking into your hotel, it’s time for some grub! Regardless of what hotel you are staying at, head over to the Venetian to try out Celebrity Chef, Buddy V’s restaurant and bakery . I am sure you have heard of the show cake boss and if not, are you living under a rock?!

For those of you living under a rock…. Cake Boss is a ten-year, award winning tv show that ended in 2017 so that he could focus his energy on opening bakeries and restaurants around the world. Since 2017, he has already opened up bakeries in 10 different states!

LOCAL TIP: Get pastries to go because after a long night of drinking, these will actually taste like heaven. You can thank me later.

After you’re done with dinner, head back up to your room to get ready for the night and to drop off those yummy midnight snacks!

To “pregame” for the night club, you can spend a few hours gambling at one of the hotels. When you gamble on the Las Vegas Strip, you drink for free! A cocktail server will be walking around asking you if you would like anything as long as you are actively playing.

Not really drinking for free I guess, ha!

Night clubs are not open every night, you will need to research which one you want to go to and make sure they are open the night you are traveling. My top five nightclubs choices are:

Any of these are going to have good music and big crowds! Along with this, you will have to pay an arm and a leg for a drink once you get inside. I would recommend having a few drinks either gambling or at a bar before going in.

LOCAL TIP: Most nights, ladies get in for free. The day you choose to go to the club, look out for guys walking around in nice outfits asking you to come on their guest list. You will find them either in front of the club or wandering around the Las Vegas Strip.

Las Vegas Itinerary Day 2

MORNING: SPA DAY

Day 2 of our Las Vegas itinerary begins at the spa, because what’s better than getting rid of a hangover than by soaking in a tub of warm bubbly water? Every hotel will have a beautifully designed spa that matches the theme of the hotel.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking… Why would I waste time going to a spa when I could do that in my hometown?! Because Las Vegas spas are nothing like spas around the U.S. because of the outrageous amount of amenities they offer!

Caesars Palace Spa for example: When you pay for something on their spa menu (massage, facial, etc), you will gain access to their hotel pool, spa hot tub, sauna, steam room, gym, and snow room. YES, you heard that right.. Snow room .

These packages can get pricey, but I think they are worth every penny! You could easily spend several hours here.

Extra option: If spa’s aren’t really your thang, now’s your chance to either check out the Magic Mountains art installation and/or the Neon Museum (both quick uber rides away).

AFTERNOON: POOL PARTIES GALORE

If the spa didn’t get rid of your hangover, hair of the dog sure will! Time for some day drinking at one of Las Vegas’s day clubs. These clubs typically open around 11am and get packed very quick! My top five day clubs choices are:

• Wet Republic
• Encore Beach Club

NIGHT: DINNER AND BELLAGIO FOUNTAINS

I don’t know about you, but after a full day of day drinking, I need some comfort food and a nap! If you aren’t from the west coast, In N Out will be on your itinerary for today. Actually, no matter where you are from, In N Out is always a good idea!

LOCAL TIP: Get the off-the-menu animal style fries, which is french fries with their sauce, grilled onions and cheese melted on top. Trust me on this one.

If you’re still alive after the day club, you can head over to Hyde at the Bellagio to get the best view of the Bellagio fountains. If you go before 10pm, it is just a restaurant and bar. If you go after 10pm, it turns into a nightclub!

I recommend going before it turns into a club so you can sit outside at a table. Order some cocktails and appetizers to enjoy while watching the Bellagio Fountain Show that goes off every 15-30 minutes.

Being a local, I have seen this show millions of times and it still never ceases to amaze me!

After watching the Bellagio Fountains and enjoying your amazing cocktail, head inside the Bellagio to the conservatory & botanical garden to end your night. This should only take about 15 minutes to walk through, but you’re jaw will drop! This conservatory changes with the seasons and is made completely of real flowers.

Day 3 in Las Vegas

MORNING: BRUNCH IT UP!

Sleep in and head out to Hexx Kitchen for a hearty brunch and bottomless mimosas! This is your last day in Sin City, so there’s no better time than now to start drinking! The wait can be long on Sunday’s, so make sure you make a reservation in advance.

LATE-MORNING/EARLY AFTERNOON: SIGHTSEEING

After your belly is full of yummy food and bottomless mimosa, time for some sightseeing. Dealing with crowds, picture-taking tourists, and the heat is A LOT more fun after bottomless mimosas! Not speaking from personal experience or anything…

Stop 1: Head next door to the Paris Hotel to snap a picture with a much smaller version of the Eiffel Tower! The view is spectacular from next to or underneath the Eiffel Tower, but if you want a picture of yourself with the full Eiffel Tower in the background, you can get a much better view from across the street by the Bellagio Valet.

Stop 2: Walk one block along Las Vegas Blvd to The Flamingo hotel to see the FREE flamingo habitat! Located outside near the LINQ connection, you can see flamingos walking around in their gorgeous habitat with a winding coy pond and many waterfalls.

Stop 3: Continue walking along Las Vegas Blvd to the Linq Hotel and High Roller (the big ferris wheel). I would skip the Linq hotel and head right outside to their promenade where you can go shopping and get a delicious cupcake from Sprinkles! You don’t even need to wait in line for Sprinkles, you can walk right up to their cupcake ATM.

After walking around this adorable area, you can buy tickets for the High Roller. This ferris wheel is so unique because it fits 50+ people per pod! You can either buy tickets to just enjoy the view, or you can buy the VIP package that includes open bar during the duration of the ride. You can get pricing and more information here .

Book your High Roller ferris wheel ticket here!

Stop 4: Time to take your touristy-self to the next level and head to the Venetian for a gondola ride (an absolute must on any cliche Las Vegas itinerary guide)! These can be pricey, but even if you don’t feel like spending the money on the ride itself, you should still go see the lagoon either way.

Book your gondola ride here! Includes entry to Madame Tussauds as well!

Since calories don’t count on vacation (that is a saying, right?),  grab a milkshake at Black Tap and walk around the lagoon with these extravagant milkshakes!

**All of these stops are so close together and easily doable – only 20 minutes to walk all four of these stops!**

LATE AFTERNOON/NIGHT: FREMONT STREET

To end your three days in Las Vegas, you will be heading to downtown Fremont Street. This area of Las Vegas is the polar opposite of what you’ve experienced so far. Be expecting art murals on every corner, old school hotels, “coyote ugly” style bars, and VERY naked street performers!

Did I not sell you?

If you don’t have a car, I recommend booking yourself on a night tour of downtown Las Vegas! THIS TOUR got exceptional reviews — I kinda wanna take it myself next time! It also brings you to the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, which looks completely different at night!

Locals and tourists alike flock to Fremont Street because of the fair pricing and lively bars. This area is tightly packed (like most downtown areas around the world), so it makes bar hopping extremely easy. Every bar in this area is very hip and trendy, so getting to check out as many bars as possible should be your game-plan!

I would start on Fremont Street, which will be the very obvious lit up dome covering the entire street. You will see zip lines running across the top, live concerts playing, naked street performers lining the walkway, and bars selling fat Tuesday drinks (the frozen yard drinks).

After checking out Fremont Street, you can begin your bar hopping excursion! Ladies enter for free in all these bars, and most of them guys will need to pay a cover to get in:

• Goldspike: Outside bar with oversized games like beer pong, chess, shuffleboard, corn hole, twister, jenga, and so much more!
• Commonwealth: Double decker bar with a really fun rooftop bar/club.
• Oddfellows: Older style disco bar with a huge dance area in the back.
• Hogs & Heifers: This is a “Coyote Ugly” style bar with bras hanging from the ceiling and bartenders dancing on the bar.
• Corduroy: They have a really fun photo booth in the back that sends pictures right to your phone for FREE!

LOCAL TIP: Everyone dresses cute/casual for downtown. No need to wear dresses and heels like The Strip nightlife. Most bars are fairly dead until about 10pm, so that is when you should plan to start your night.

BONUS : If you’ve got 4 days in Vegas , promise me (oh promise me) you’ll spend at least one of your days outside of the city. There’s soooo much beautiful nature around the casino-ridden area, it’d be a shame to stay within its boundaries the entire duration of your stay.

That’s a wrap! There is so much to see in Las Vegas, and just when you feel like you’ve seen everything, this city just keeps on growing. And trust me, after partying/exploring for 3 days in Las Vegas, you’ll be ready to head back home for some much-needed rest.

Hopefully you will love this city as much as I do, and crave to come back and see more. If you want to read more Las Vegas guides, you can read more here !

What on this Las Vegas itinerary will you be checking out?

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March 12, 2021 at 10:29 am

One thing not mentioned, another gorgeous drive is up to Mt. Charleston. It's only about 30 minutes or so, & once you gain a little altitude you will feel like you're up in the mountains, pine trees and all! If you go in the summer & it's a zillion degrees in Las Vegas, it will be in the comfy 80's there..just amazing. Stop at the Mt. Charleston Inn & have a meal or a drink, great service & views. In the winter it actually snows!! Go over to Lee canyon, where you can ski, go sledding, & ride the ski lift! It's a wonderful change of pace from the strip..enjoy!!

March 12, 2021 at 11:42 am

Ohhh thanks so much for the tip! I may be headed to LV in July this year so 80's would be great! hahaha

March 13, 2021 at 1:06 pm

Thank you for the excellent guidance. Before the spa (and no spa can beat Qua Baths at Caesars), I kick the hangover in its wimpy ass and go for a run through Hughes Center at dawn. No busy streets to cross except Local and then just nice peaceful sidewalks and manicured landscapes. Nothing beats a five miler ( slow pace…remember we’re hung over), to set the stage for spa, and then pool party

March 27, 2021 at 9:38 am

3 DAYS IS NOWHERE ENOUGH. I DID THE 3 NITE THING MY FIRST TIME IN 82 & EVERSINCE I HAVE ADDED DAYS. UP TO 40 NOW.. I TELL PEOPLE TO TRY AND AT LEAST STAY 5 NITES YOUR FIRST TIME SO YOU CAN ABSORB SOME OF IT…..

March 30, 2021 at 6:16 pm

Listening to this, sounds like a paid advertisement obviously endorsed by the big brands. You must be rich to do this. Alot more can be done on alot less money. 1st suggestion is go to Walgreens and buy your drinks to carry along. Otherwise its $10 per. Best steakhouse a fraction of the cost of the strip, Echo & Rig. But its not close so you should have a car. And if you have a car then go sight seeing. Willow Beach is beautiful. Pioneer Saloon is haunted. Mt Charleston is cool and relaxing and while up there, have a picnic in the meadows of wild horses. And so much more…

March 31, 2021 at 6:18 am

How about visiting the Pinball Hall of Fame or the Mob Museum?

April 4, 2021 at 9:53 am

great additions to any Vegas itinerary!

April 3, 2021 at 4:53 am

You definitely need to stay at the Delano it's next best thing to your Venetian stay and, it's right on the strip. Then stop by Arizona Charlie's to get a reasonable bite to eat. (Good food) and, if you're a Bingo player they play every odd hour. Gambling isn't to bad either. Then if you want to avoid lines Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino is a good spot to eat, reasonable and, good. Needless to say these two are not on the strip but, worth the visit . You definitely gotta get that donut or at least a half dozen from PinkBox Donuts you'll always go back for more. Yum,yum, yummy. Oh yea! If you want to venture out to a great night spot restaurant and, party style laid back superb dining try BLUME it's fantastic no regrets. Just left Vegas March 31,2021 it's getting back to it's old self lookin good. Oh stop by the newly opened Virgin Casino and, don't miss out on Circa down on Fremont now that's worth your visit just an exciting experience. Will be back in May!!

April 4, 2021 at 9:52 am

Thanks for all your tips! Sounds like you had a great time!

April 8, 2021 at 7:23 pm

You also need to see Vegas big production show.

April 12, 2021 at 8:27 am

Also close by is Red Rock Canyon Scooter Tours. They pick you up at your hotel. There's a van version for non-scooter people.

August 7, 2022 at 8:56 am

U mentioned skipping the Linc hotel? Why is that?

September 6, 2022 at 4:52 pm

I almost didn’t read this story since you said you went to Vegas for a Backstreet Boys show and that’s as horrible a time as it gets.

October 11, 2022 at 8:28 am

In the way of transportation/getting around, there also is a monorail, The Deuce bus, and shuttles. Though the monorail runs behind the properties on the east side of The Strip, it can provide a great way to get around without walking the 4.2 miles from one end to the other.

November 3, 2022 at 9:19 am

Thank you so much. Just what I needed to read. We ar going for a week from Ireland. Family thing. But loved your ideas and the fact they are day time events . Will be checking them out. I have been to Vegas many times over the years. Did my fair share of partying there. Now I am on the granny trip. But still plan on blazing some trails. Thanks again

September 29, 2023 at 9:02 pm

Thank you . Loved hearing from a local and wanted some things other than gambling while in town for a few dates. You gave lots of options, even for this one who is not a clubber. Most appreciated, will try some new places since not my first Vega trip.

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Las Vegas Itinerary: A First-Timers Guide to 3 Days in Vegas

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Las Vegas, Nevada reigns as the Entertainment Capital of the World, wooing an incredible number of diverse visitors from every corner of the planet. The city was built on gambling and bawdy nightlife, but today Las Vegas spoils guests with a wide range of activities and attractions.

In fact, there are so many things to do in Vegas that creating a Las Vegas Itinerary can be quite the conundrum. To help fellow travelers – especially Vegas First-Timers – we have created a perfect plan for spending 3 days in Las Vegas.

3 Days in Las Vegas

A 3-Day trip to Vegas allows just enough time for visitors to get a taste of what the city has to offer – and trust us, it has a lot! On a 3-Day Vegas Trip, visitors can see the flashing neon lights, eat at celebrity chef restaurants, gamble at flashy casinos and visit top attractions…and that’s just Day One!

Our trip plan is ideal for a long weekend in Vegas – but it works just as well for weekdays, too. The city is always buzzing, so it doesn’t matter if you are spending a weekend in Vegas or tacking a few extra days onto a business trip, there are no dull days in Las Vegas!

Additionally, we understand that not all travelers planning a trip to Las Vegas intend on spending 3 days in the city. Some visitors are breezing through on a day trip to Las Vegas, while others are planning to spend 4 nights in Vegas. Therefore, we have outlined Las Vegas Itineraries for longer and shorter stays at the end of the article.

First Time Las Vegas: Must-Do Activities

My first time to Vegas was a birthday trip to celebrate with friends. Beyond getting ourselves there, we had done little in the way of research. While the weekend was, no doubt, a memorable one, our very loose plans resulted in missed attractions and overlooked sights.

On a return trip, I was eager to make up for what I skipped on my first time in Vegas. I designed an itinerary for Las Vegas that featured highlights beyond the casinos and pool parties – and it was fascinating!

As I planned subsequent trips (while living in Phoenix for 10 years, there were countless Vegas trips), I challenged myself to see more. On each visit, I realized just how much I missed on my first time in Las Vegas.

To help other travelers, we created our Las Vegas 3-Day Itinerary with first-time visitors in mind; it is essentially a “First Time Vegas Must-Do List.” That said, visitors who had an initial trip experience similar to mine and are making a return trip to the city will certainly find our Vegas Itinerary useful as well!

Pro Travel Tip : How to plan a trip to Las Vegas will depend on your interests, budget and overall time-frame for your visit. While we highlight what we think is the best plan for things to do in Vegas for first-time visitors, our outline can also be used as a base for a couples getaway or even a Las Vegas family itinerary!

Best Las Vegas Itinerary

Our “3-Day Itinerary: Las Vegas for First-Timers” is formatted in a day-by-day trip plan. In addition to our 3-Day trip outline, we include travel tips for alternate length stays – and advice for how to get there (and around), where to stay and what to pack.

Save, Pin or Bookmark this 3-Day Vegas Itinerary to plan your Sin City vacation!

DAY 1 of Your 3-Day Las Vegas Itinerary

On the first day of your 3 Days Itinerary, kick off your trip with a few iconic Vegas experiences.

Swing by the Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Welcome to Vegas! Make your first stop in the city at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Located at the south end of The Strip next to the airport, it is one of the most famous signs in the world. The sign was designed in 1959 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Start your exciting vacation by getting your picture taken in front of the iconic Las Vegas sign!

Pro Tip: There is no better time to visit the famous sign than when you first arrive; it is an absolute must-do in Vegas for first-timers! If you are arriving by plane and taking Lyft or Uber to your hotel schedule a stop at the sign on your way.

Check into Your Accommodations on The Strip

With just three days in Las Vegas, staying on The Strip is essential! There are so many hotels to choose from – and we go into more details on where to stay later in the article. Whichever hotel you choose, get checked in, drop your bags and hit the ground running…by going straight to the casino.

Hit the Las Vegas Casinos

Las Vegas casinos are elaborate and loud. The grand rooms are filled with gambling tables, slot machines and a cacophony of ringing bells and falling coins. The dimly lit, maze-like casinos can be bewildering, but during your 3 day trip to Vegas, the flashing lights and noisy slots fade into the background.

Travel Tip: Best Casino in Vegas for First Timers

Gambling in Las Vegas can be intimidating – but it is a Vegas must-do for first-timers! Choosing the ‘best casino’ for your Las Vegas trip planner is less important that choosing the right time and the right games. One of the best Las Vegas tips is to ease into gambling – otherwise, you can lose a bundle of money in the blink of an eye. 

The slots are a good place to start – and Vegas must-do. Some casinos still have Penny Slot machines, which can literally provide hours of low-risk entertainment. However, it is easy to move around the slot machines – all of which have different (and sometimes confusing) rules for winning.

All casinos have table games – like Blackjack, Poker, Roulette and Craps. Table games are fun, but can get expensive, especially if you don’t know the rules of the game. The best time to learn how to play is during the day, when the tables are less busy and the minimum bets are lowest (sometimes $5 per game, but likely 3 times that amount at the luxury casinos). 

Budget Travel Tip: One of the best things about casinos is that, while you are playing, waitresses will bring you free drinks! Just remember to tip the waitstaff. 

See the Sights on The Strip

Now that you are getting warmed up, it’s time to step out onto The Strip – officially known as Las Vegas Boulevard. The extravagant casino complexes that line the world-famous street are a spectacular sight – especially as the sun starts to set and the neon lights begin to glow.

While the scene in its entirety is astounding, we recommend spending the late afternoon and early evening at the Vegas sights in the center of The Strip. Our top picks (which we detail next) are the Bellagio Fountain, the Eiffel Tower, the LINQ entertainment complex and the Flamingoes. 

Pro Tip: When wandering on the Las Vegas Strip, one of the most deceiving facets is that objects are further than they appear. The colossal size of the casino resorts is staggering…and it means that it can take 15 to 20 minutes just to walk to the property ‘next door’. We talk more about the best ways to get around at the end of the post – but keep it in mind as you plan your trip itinerary.

Bellagio Fountain and Conservatory

Without question, the Bellagio Fountain is a must-see on your Las Vegas 3 Day Itinerary. Bellagio Fountain shows – a water, music and light extravaganza – take place throughout the day and you can find a schedule on the official Bellagio website . Beautiful both day and night, the shows are absolutely free for everyone to enjoy!

After watching the fountain show, pop into the Bellagio Hotel and Casino to visit the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. As you walk through the Bellagio lobby, look up to admire the opulent glass ceiling. All three activities – the fountain, gardens and ceiling – are completely free and must-see sights on a First Time Vegas Itinerary!

Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas

Visiting the imitation Eiffel Tower that stands across the street from the Bellagio is another one of the top things to do in Vegas for first timers. Whether you just stand at the base or go up to the Vegas Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck is up to you! If you have time in your 3 Day Vegas Itinerary, take a walk through the Parisian-inspired hotel and casino, too. 

High Roller Observation Wheel and Promenade at the LINQ

The LINQ Promenade, a shopping, dining and entertainment district, is packed with attractions – and visiting is a must on your 3 Day Itinerary Las Vegas. You can go for a spin on the High Roller at the LINQ – one of the world’s tallest observation wheels – or fly 1,000 feet above the Promenade via zipline. Alternatively, keep your feet on the ground and simply enjoy the lightshow after dark (which is free!). 

Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo Casino

One of our favorite free things to do on a 3 day trip to Las Vegas is visiting the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel. The habitat, which is set on the grounds of the hotel, is home to a flock of flamingos and other feathered friends…and it is completely free! 

Dine Like a Celebrity

Vegas – with thousands of restaurants – has gained a reputation as a foodie city in recent years. In fact, there are more than 50 celebrity chef restaurants in Las Vegas – from Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen to Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen to Giada and Nobu.

The choices are overwhelming, especially if it is your first trip to Las Vegas. Ultimately, where you decide to dine depends on your tastes and budget – or favorite celebrity chef. (That said, our top pick would be an epic burger at Guy Fieri’s.)

Las Vegas Show

Shows in Las Vegas gained popularity in the 1950s…and they have only gotten bigger and better since then. We think a show is a must on a Las Vegas first trip. Ticket prices vary by show, but you can find info and tickets online .

Some of my best weekend trips to Vegas were highlighted by a Vegas show. Garth Brooks at The Wynn is, hands down, one of the best concerts I have ever attended in my life…but sadly his stint in Vegas is over. An exciting line up of concerts are slated for the new love-it-or-hate-it Sphere – but we haven’t made it to a show yet. 

Some of the other top Vegas performances to consider for your 3 Day Vegas trip are Cirque du Soleil (including Love, One, Ka, O and Mystere at Treasure Island), La Reve, Blue Man Group, The Mentalist and David Copperfield. Impersonator shows – which range from MJ Live to Elvis tributes – are classic entertainment in the city. 

Fun Travel Tip : If you are planning a Girls Weekend in Vegas Itinerary, you might want to get tickets to the Thunder Down Under male revue – and, for guys planning a Vegas Bachelor Party Itinerary, check out X Burlesque for a tasteful topless dance show.

DAY 2 of Your 3-Day Itinerary Las Vegas

Next up on your Vegas 3-Day Itinerary: relax and then feast, let loose and have some more fun – Vegas-style!

Ease into your Day with a Vegas Spa Treatment

Start your second day of your three days in Vegas with a refreshing spa treatment. Going to the spa is a fun activity to include on a Vegas Bachelorette Itinerary, a solo Vegas trip or even a Las Vegas Couples Itinerary!

Spa treatments range from traditional packages – like massages, facials and pedicures – to unique procedures. For example, guests can get a water Watsu Massage at Bellagio, a reviving Royal Flush IV treatment at MGM Grand or even a Turkish bath experience in the Hammam at The Cosmopolitan.

Pro Tip : If spas are not your cup of tea, instead do a Casino Shuffle! Visit a few of the casinos that you have always wanted to gamble in – like Aria, Caesars Palace and the Wynn. When I did this with my sister, we played a small amount of money on the slots at each place. It was a fun way to see and experience the grandeur of each casino.

Sample the Fare on a Las Vegas Food Tour

After a relaxing morning, set off mid-day for an absolute feast on a highly rated food tour. A food tour is not only one of the best things to do in Las Vegas for first timers, but for return visitors as well!

Rather than limiting yourself to just one restaurant for lunch, let a guide lead the way to the best tastes on The Strip! The local guide shares insider tips, hidden gems and a little bit of Vegas history, too. Book it now!

Experience a Las Vegas Pool Party

Las Vegas Pool Parties are legendary – and a must on your Las Vegas trip itinerary! Plan to spend the entire afternoon of Day 2 poolside. 

Essentially day time clubs, international DJs spin music and bartenders sling expensive cocktails in an absolutely energetic atmosphere. The parties are wildest on summer weekends, but there is usually at least one resort hosting a pool party every day of the week.

Choosing which pool party in Vegas to go to will depend on your style. One of the best pool parties we attended was Wet Republic Ultra Pool at the MGM Grand. Other popular picks are Encore Beach Club, Bali inspired Ayu, Daylight and Marquee Dayclub.

It is important to note that many pool parties charge a cover fee, enforce a dress code and may have minimum spends – so be sure to check the specifics.

Tip for Travelers: What if you just want to lounge around the pool and take a dip without the daytime debauchery? No stress, every resort on The Strip has a dedicated hotel pool where guests can sunbath and enjoy a casual swim without the party music. 

Enjoy Dinner on The Strip

Now that you are primed for the evening, get changed, re-hydrate and eat something before heading out to the nightclubs. If you are looking for an elevated Vegas experience, dine at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant (just make sure to get your reservations in advance!). For casual Mexican fare, eat at Nacho Daddy, or if you are on a budget, feast on classic American fast-food at In-and-Out Burger.

Dance at the Vegas Clubs on The Strip

Vegas nightclubs – or rather mega-clubs – maintain an electric vibe with some of the world’s best DJs and packed dance floors. Some of the most epic clubs are Tao at Venetian, Omnia at Caesars Palace, Jewel at Aria, Hakkasan at MGM Grand and Marquee at Cosmopolitan. While most exciting for a Las Vegas Weekend Itinerary, visitors will have no problem finding clubs that are open every night of the week.

All clubs have promoters (which you can find on The Strip, through your hotel or in advance by searching online) who offer VIP status and sometimes free drinks. Dress codes can be strict – for example, many places will deny entry to anyone wearing backless sandals…so read the rules before you go.

Vegas Party Bus

Visitors who are less concerned with which club they go to – and those who don’t want to hassle with transportation and cover charges – can opt for Party Bus package . On a Girls’ Weekend in Vegas, we joined one of the party buses that offered VIP entry into three clubs and included onboard drinks. Our bus even had a stripper pole, which was highly entertaining as the night progressed!

Family-Friendly Night in Vegas

If you are planning a Las Vegas family vacation itinerary – or if you simply want to bypass the club scene – rather than hopping on a Party Bus, take the Big Bus Night Tour. The open-air bus passes by the city’s most dazzling nighttime attractions. Get the details!

Luxury Las Vegas Helicopter Experience at Night

Take things up a notch on a helicopter tour of The Strip at night. The epic helicopter ride lets you experience Sin City from a unique vantage point. The ride is highlighted by a sparkling wine toast in flight. Book it now!

DAY 3 of Your Itinerary for Las Vegas in 3 Days

This is it, the last day of your 3 Days Las Vegas Trip! Time to experience a few more of the best Vegas attractions and sights before heading home.

Indulge in a Buffet Brunch

A Sin City tradition, feasting at a buffet during your 3-day trip to Las Vegas is practically a requirement. Evolving from all-you-can-eat extravaganzas into classy culinary adventures, buffets in Vegas are unlike anywhere else in the world.

Although the buffet meals are not as cheap as they once were (in fact, a few are quite expensive!), diners can expect a culinary treat. Most of the buffets have meat carving stations, omelet stations, heaps of seafood (including sushi) and delectable dessert tables. In true Sin City style, a few even include bottomless champagne!

Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan, Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, Bellagio Buffet and The Buffet at Wynn are all top choices! 

Food Tip: If a fancy breakfast buffet is not in your budget, hit up Denny’s for a classic American Grand Slam Breakfast. If you prefer brunch, but not a buffet, then try The Henry for their Short Rib Bene or Alexxa’s where they offer Bottomless Mimosas!

Visit Vegas Attractions

After you have stuffed yourself silly, spend the rest of the morning leisurely taking in more of the top attractions in Vegas. We recommend spending time either on the north or south end of The Strip – but ambitious travelers can likely squeeze in attractions at both ends of The Strip.

South Strip Attractions

Exploring the south end of The Strip is one of our favored daytime activities in Vegas. Casual and entertaining, the South Strip has a lot to offer! We are highlighting a few of our top picks for South Strip sightseeing. 

Roller Coaster at New York New York Hotel

The Big Apple Coaster is a thrilling ride that drops and twists while reaching speeds of 67 miles per hour. But, trust me on this one, you won’t want to go on the ride after a big meal! 

Fine Art Collection at ARIA

ARIA’s Fine Art Collection is featured throughout the resort – not inside a stuffy museum. The artwork is free to all visitors – and you can use this helpful brochure to locate and learn more about each piece. 

M&Ms World

We wouldn’t necessarily say that the 4-story M&Ms Las Vegas store is a must-see in Vegas for first timers, but it is a fun place to visit and pick up personalized souvenirs (plus, it’s free to step inside!).

Mandalay Bay Shark Aquarium

The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is an exceptional aquarium – and well worth the visit, especially for anyone planning a Vegas vacation for family. Buy your Shark Reef Aquarium tickets in advance !

North Strip Attractions

The north end of The Strip also features a few top attractions for your Vegas itinerary. We are sharing a few of our favorites. 

Gondola Ride at the Venetian

A gondola ride at the Venetian is a perfect addition to a Las Vegas itinerary for couples! The boat pilot serenades passengers as they float along the Grand Canal. 

While at the Venetian, you can also check out the world famous Madame Tussauds wax museum. 

Volcano at Mirage

Another fantastic Las Vegas Strip sight – and one to definitely include on a Las Vegas itinerary for family – is the Mirage Las Vegas Volcano. Watching The Volcano erupt is free, but it only happens in the evenings between 8pm and 11pm (on the hour; check the schedule ) – so be sure to time your visit to catch the action. 

Visit Wynn Hotel and Casino

One of the most luxurious hotels on The Strip, some visitors may be timid about visiting Wynn. We believe it is an absolutely beautiful property; besides, it’s free to walk through! Explore the lobby gardens, gaze at the extravagant floral decorations and gawk at the general swankiness of the hotel. 

Take Part in Top Activities: Tours and Classes

In the afternoon, join a tour or class that captures the essence of Vegas. A guided tour introduces the engaging history of Vegas, while a class teaches participants industry secrets. 

On the intriguing Fremont Tour , visitors get off The Strip and get to discover Downtown Las Vegas. Learn about the origins of Sin City, step into the Fremont Street Experience and find out how the culture has evolved over time. 

On the other hand, if you are planning a Vegas Bachelorette Party Itinerary, book an afternoon Stripper Pole Class for your group of girls! Honestly, I was a little nervous when we included this activity in our Girls Weekend in Las Vegas Itinerary – but it turned out to be incredibly entertaining. Book it here!

Explore Fremont Street at Night

Spend the rest of your Vegas trip on Fremont Street and downtown. While attractions on The Strip are well-known for being ostentatious, Fremont tends to be more laid back…but no less entertaining.

Visitors can take an exhilarating ride on a zip line or swim with the sharks at Golden Nugget. Top museums to visit are the Neon Museum (a collection of historic Vegas signs) and the Mob Museum (which details the city’s history with organized crime).

Historic casinos, modern attractions and a slew of low key bars line the street, enticing visitors to stay longer than just a couple of hours. It’s the perfect way to end your 3 days in Vegas!

Las Vegas Day Trips

While our 3 Days in Vegas Trip Planner doesn’t leave any room for excursions, visitors staying longer – or those on a return trip – may want to consider including a Vegas day trip in their itinerary. 

Grand Canyon Bus Tour

One of the most popular tours from Vegas, trips to the Grand Canyon by bus offers a full day of fun! On a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon itinerary, participants enjoy the ride to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon in a coach bus and make stops at some of the top viewpoints. Optional upgrades on Grand Canyon Itinerary from Las Vegas include the Skywalk and helicopter ride. Find out more!

Hoover Dam from Vegas

Rather than booking an All Day Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Itinerary, embark on a shorter tour of Hoover Dam, one of the most incredible modern-day engineering achievements. On the trip from Vegas, a knowledgeable guide will share information about the dam’s history – once there, visitors can walk across the massive structure.

Plus, this tour makes two extra stops. One at Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign and one on the Colorado River at the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for a different view of the Hoover Dam. Get more details!

Valley of Fire State Park Hiking Tour

Set off on a half day hiking trip outside of Vegas in Nevada’s oldest state park, Valley of the Fire. A guide leads the way through beautiful desert landscapes, red rock formations and ancient petroglyphs on an easy, moderate or difficult hike. Reserve your space!

Red Rock Canyon Scooter Tour

Explore desert landscapes and phenomenal natural rock formations by scooter on a half-day Vegas trip to Red Rock Canyon. Learn more!

LA and Hollywood from Sin City

Head to California and the West Coast on a full-day trip from Las Vegas! Participants travel in a small group to Los Angeles to see highlighted attractions, such as the Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. Get the specifics!

Zion Utah National Parks Itinerary from Las Vegas

Zion National Park is a gem of the Western United States! Although not particularly easy to get to on your own, visitors can join an organized day trip to Zion from Las Vegas that includes transportation, entry fees, free time to explore and a picnic lunch. Find out more!

How Many Days in Las Vegas?

Determining how long you should stay in Vegas will depend on a variety of factors – including interests, budget and overall time-frame. We believe planning a 3 Day Las Vegas Itinerary is the perfect introduction to the city. If you are still considering how many days you need in Las Vegas, use our tips below to decide what attractions are essential to you!

Travel Planning Tip: Get (and stay) organized for your Vegas Trip by using our Travel Planning Printables !

More Vegas Itineraries

While we have outlined the best Vegas Itinerary for 3 Days (especially for Las Vegas First-Timers), we understand that not all visitors are spending 3 days in the city. To help other travelers plan their best Vegas itinerary, we are offering our top tips for longer – and shorter – stays.

Vegas for a Day

Trying to plan what to do with 1 Day in Las Vegas is no easy feat – the choices are endless! We think the best way to plan a Las Vegas One-Day Itinerary would be to follow our above advice on things to see in Vegas on Day 1.

If you arrive early enough, start off with a buffet dining experience (or book The Strip Food Tour ). On a One-Day in Las Vegas Itinerary, you could possibly carve out a little time to spend poolside or in a spa.

Las Vegas Itinerary 2 Days

Many visitors are limited to just 2 days on a Las Vegas Weekend Trip – but can still see and do a lot! Using our tips above in what to do in Las Vegas in three days, create a 2-Day Las Vegas Itinerary that best suits your interests. For example, if you are taking a party trip, plan a Las Vegas 2 Days Itinerary using Days 1 and 2 of our outlined 3-Day Vegas Vacation.

On the other hand, if you are most interested in varied experiences, highlights and attractions during your weekend to Vegas, then the best 2-Day Itinerary Las Vegas for you might be to follow Days 1 and 3 instead.

Alternate Las Vegas Itinerary 3 Days

While we believe we outlined the best things to do in Las Vegas in 3 days, fellow travelers might have other interests. With just a few tweaks to our outline, you can plan a perfect Las Vegas 3 Days Itinerary that suits your personal interests. 

If the Grand Canyon or one of the other day trips is more appealing than partying at the pool or touring attractions on The Strip, then substitute a tour in your plan for Vegas in three days. If gambling and casinos are of zero interest, eliminate them completely and add more sightseeing!

Vegas Itinerary 4 Days

In a 4-Day Itinerary Las Vegas, visitors will have plenty of time to see the top city attractions and go on a day tour! In fact, we think the best Las Vegas 4-Day Itinerary would be to use the tips in our 3 Days Vegas Trip Planner – and then book a day trip to see more of the surrounding region. Otherwise, find another pool to lounge around!

Las Vegas Itinerary 5 Days

With 5 days in Las Vegas there is ample time to see the sights, go on a day trip and more! For us, a perfect 5-Day Vegas Itinerary would include our tips above for a 4 Days in Vegas Itinerary, then – on the last day – see any sights and attractions that you skipped in the first four days.

For example, visit more of the iconic casinos, chill by the hotel pool, or ride the roller coaster at New York New York. Essentially, use the last day of your 5 Day Vegas Itinerary as a catch-all to visit any of the sights you were not able to squeeze into your Las Vegas Travel Itinerary in the first four days.

7 Days in Las Vegas Itinerary

With so much on offer, there is no problem planning what to do with 1 week in Las Vegas! To create a Las Vegas Itinerary 7 Days, visitors could approach things at a more leisurely pace.

Rather than going full throttle – like attending a pool party and then going out to clubs – do those activities on two separate days. Spend one full day downtown on Fremont Street, rather than just half a day. And, perhaps, consider adding one more excursion to complete your Las Vegas travel itinerary.

Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas Itinerary

Visitors trying to plan their own Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vegas Itinerary can use our helpful tips in our Weekend in San Francisco article and in our guide to Coastal California .

However, visitors who want to leave the planning to the professionals can book a 7-Day tour of the three cities. Get more info!

Las Vegas Three-Day Itinerary Travel Tips

Now that you know how to plan a travel itinerary for Las Vegas, we have a bit more advice to ensure you pull off that perfect trip!

Las Vegas Tips For First-Timers

Our 3 days in Las Vegas Itinerary is packed with fun things to do for all travelers. However, we have a few first-time Vegas tips to help keep things on track and enjoyable for all!

Stay Hydrated

One of our top Vegas tips for first-timers is to stay hydrated! With an endless flow of drinks and desert sunshine, it is easy for your body to lose fluids and become dehydrated. That can put a real damper on your trip, not to mention, give you a terrible hangover. There are free places to refill – so bring a Collapsible Water Bottle with you.

Stay Together

Everything in Vegas is huge – the casinos, the clubs and the crowds. If you are planning a First-Time Vegas Itinerary with friends or family, stay together! Additionally, have a back up plan or meeting place in case you get separated from your crew or lose your phone.

Watch Your Drinks

Girls – and guys, for that matter – remember to keep an eye on your drinks while at pool parties, dance clubs and even in the casinos. This is a good tip for anyone imbibing anywhere, but especially in a place where you are letting loose and in unfamiliar surroundings. 

Budget Your Vegas Trip

Our last tip for planning your First-Time Las Vegas Itinerary is to create a budget. It is easy to get swept up in spending money in the city. Gambling, partying and sightseeing can all be big expenditures. However, with careful planning (and some restraint), it is possible to plan a trip that will fit nearly every budget.

Free Attractions

If you are seeking free things to do in Vegas, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained! We have already highlighted some of the best free Vegas things to do – but we have a few more money-saving tips.

Walk through the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace for window shopping. Stroll along the canal at the Venetian Resort (rather than riding a gondola). Wander the cobblestone lanes at Paris Hotel and seek out replica landmarks at New York New York.

Travelers with kids should head to Circus Circus, where there are free daily circus act performances. If you have a car, take a short road trip to see the unique and colorful Seven Magic Mountains art installation, with offers free entry. 

How To Get To Vegas

Las Vegas can be reached by plane, bus or car. Having lived in Phoenix, Arizona for several years, we have made the drive between the two cities numerous times. 

Las Vegas Airport

Flights to Vegas land at the McCarran International Airport (LAS), which is located just off the south end of The Strip. The airport is served by all major US airlines and many international carriers. When we need to buy airline tickets, we start our search on SkyScanner for the best deals. We share more tips in our article, Finding Flights for Cheap .

Airport to The Strip

There are several ways to get from the Vegas airport to The Strip hotels. However, properties are not permitted to run their own shuttles, so you will have to book your own. Shared airport shuttles are the least expensive way to get to the Strip, but also generally take the longest.

Taxis, Uber and Lyft pick up passengers from LAS airport as well. However, you can also book Private Round-Trip transport in advance – or, upgrade your arrival with a Limo ride from the airport to your hotel.

How To Get Around

We love to discover cities on foot…but that is problematic in Las Vegas. Not only are the colossal casinos further apart than they appear, but – any time outside of winter – it is very, very hot. Thankfully, there are a few different options when it comes to getting around Las Vegas.

The Monorail is a convenient way to get up and down The Strip – and they offer several ticket options, including single ride, daily passes and multi-day passes, too. The Deuce and SDX are the cheap local buses which cover The Strip and beyond.

Ride-shares are convenient options for getting around – but use designated pick up and drop off points. Vegas visitors can rent a car , but we don’t recommend it if you are sticking mostly to The Strip and Downtown (Fremont) areas.

An entertaining way to combine transport and sightseeing is with the Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Vegas. The open-air, double-decker bus has two routes and makes stops at all the top attractions. Tickets are available for one or two days. Get your tickets!

Where To Stay in Las Vegas for 3 nights

With 3 nights in Vegas, we think it is imperative to stay in a central location on The Strip. Over the years, we have stayed in many different hotels in Las Vegas, even at a few that no longer exist!

We personally like the MGM Grand, which offers reasonable rates, consistently updated rooms and easy access to the Monorail. Located toward the southern end of The Strip, it is well-suited to a variety of guests (from couples to families to bachelor parties). Check rates and availability!

That said, we have also enjoyed staying in the center of The Strip, where some of the best casinos are clustered together for easy access. Affordable options near the center are LINQ, Flamingo and Harrah’s.

Visitors who want a luxury hotel can opt for one of the 5-star hotels in Vegas, like Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, The Venetian and Wynn.

Start your search for Great Vegas Hotels  and use our Top Tips for Booking the Best Hotels !

What To Pack

Deciding what to pack for your 3-day Vegas getaway can be a challenge. If you are going to clubs, you will need stylish clothes and shoes to match. If you plan on taking tours, you will want comfortable outfits. In the end, you may be tempted to pack everything…just in case! Because we don’t recommend over-packing, we do have a few specific packing hacks . 

Comfortable Shoes

If you plan on leaving your casino resort at all, we highly recommend packing comfortable travel shoes . Actually, even if you are staying within one complex, you will likely be doing a lot of walking – the casinos are just that massive.

For daytime walking, I like wearing lightweight and comfortable shoes, like these from Columbia . Foldable Flats are also ideal for Vegas and easy to switch out with heels, if you carry them in your purse!

Sun Protection

The sun in Vegas is intense! Wearing sunscreen at the pool and while touring the city is essential; you don’t want a sunburn to ruin your vacation. To keep the sun off your face, we also recommend wearing a stylish travel hat and good sunglasses . 

Travel Camera

If your Las Vegas Itinerary planner includes any tours, you will definitely want a good travel camera . We suggest the Canon Rebel  with a 18-135mm lens. It is easy to use, takes phenomenal photos and comes bundled with a ton of fun accessories; making it an excellent budget camera .

Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you’ll also want to carry a stylish day bag to tote all your water, sunscreen, camera and other everyday items in. We prefer these small backpacks , but there a loads of styles to choose from. We share our top picks in our blog post, Best Day Bags !

Start planning your trip to Las Vegas ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more trip advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Looking For More Fun-filled USA Weekend Trips? 

We have traveled extensively in the United States and share our best itineraries to help fellow travelers plan their vacations. If you need some inspiration, start with our roundup of the Best Weekend Trips in the USA !

Searching for Top Party Destinations in the US? Gotcha! Get primed with our detailed guides for fun weekends in Indy , Austin , New Orleans , Chicago , NYC and Nashville ! Also check out our lists for Great Winter Vacations and the Top Places to Party for NYE (Vegas is on BOTH!).

Visiting some of the Best Destinations in the US West? Great! We have guides to San Diego , Bend , Malibu , Seattle , Vancouver (WA),  Portland and Denver !

Going on a USA Road Trip? Super! We provide details for some of the most epic road trips in US, including the California PCH , the Oregon Coast and Columbia River Gorge plus our Ultimate Montana Road Trip !

Find all of our honest advice and insider travel tips on our USA Travel Page!

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

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The Ultimate 3 Days in Las Vegas Itinerary (2024)

• Last Updated: January 31, 2024

We’re going to help you build the best possible 3 days in Las Vegas itinerary!

First of all, take everything you think you know about Las Vegas and throw it out the window.

Nevada’s neon-lit oasis in the desert may be known as Sin City. But there’s much more to Las Vegas than casinos and strip clubs.

These days, the city proudly bills itself as the Entertainment Capital of the World.

And it’s really not an overstatement to say this.

From legendary musicians to world-class performances, professional sports teams and so much more, you will definitely be entertained for 3 days in Las Vegas.

While Las Vegas is famous for “The Strip,” there is a lot to discover outside of these massive casinos and resorts.

With a weekend in Las Vegas, you can also do a bit of hiking, check out a museum or two, and even jump out of a plane if you fancy it.

In between your explorations of this adult playground in the desert, you’ll have some amazing options for eating and drinking.

Take your pick from the fancy casino buffets, international cuisine from all corners of the globe, or maybe just a good old greasy burger from In-n-Out.

Speaking of drinking, go ahead and crack open a beer before you head out for the day.

Las Vegas is one of the very few places in the US where you can legally drink in public. Cheers!

The biggest problem with travelling to Las Vegas is that there’s just so much to see and do and it’s quite spread out.

But I’m stoked to give you the best opportunity to enjoy your time there with this epic 3 day Las Vegas itinerary.

OUR TIP: Pick up a hop-on hop-off bus ticket for unlimited transportation for either 1 or 2 days!

Table of Contents

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas

The las vegas strip, shark reef aquarium at mandalay bay, titanic: the artifact exhibition and bodies… at luxor, big apple coaster at nyny, fountains at bellagio, gondola rides at the venetian, volcano at the mirage, dinner and a show, red rock canyon, grand canyon, choose your own adventure, 18b arts district, neon museum, fremont street, when to visit las vegas, where to stay in las vegas, getting around las vegas, best budget accommodation – serene, best mid-range accommodation – mgm grand, best luxury accommodation – aria, best restaurants in las vegas, how to spend a perfect 3 days in las vegas.

So you want to spend a weekend in Las Vegas, do you?

The good news is that it doesn’t even have to be on a weekend. This city is ready to party every night of the week!

Actually, it can be beneficial to visit during the week for many reasons.

First of all, the crowds in Las Vegas are way bigger during the weekend.

This is especially true if there’s a festival or another large event in town. So check the calendar to see what’s going on before booking your flight.

You’ve just landed in Las Vegas and the excitement is high.

Perhaps you even hop on a slot machine and order a beer before even leaving the airport. It’s go time, baby!

Consider purchasing a sightseeing flex pass on Get Your Guide to save a ton of money on activities throughout this itinerary!

Before checking in at your accommodation, you might as well make a quick detour for a photo opp.

Just south of the airport, you’ll find the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.

You can easily jump in a cab or order an Uber and have them cruise you over to the Las Vegas sign to take a few pictures.

Many drivers will also offer to make a pit stop for you at a liquor store.

With your Instagram shot taken and your party supplies secured, you can officially kick off this Las Vegas itinerary.

The Welcome to Las Vegas sign is located in the middle of the road. Every driver in town should know how to get there.

Interestingly enough, the most famous part of Las Vegas isn’t really in downtown Las Vegas at all.

The Las Vegas Strip is actually located south of the city limits in the unincorporated towns of Paradise and Winchester.

The Las Vegas Strip stretches for 6.8 km (4.2 miles) and is full of massive casinos and resorts.

When you think of the Las Vegas skyline, this is what you picture.

Travelling up and down the Las Vegas Strip, you can visit the pyramids of Egypt, the skyscrapers of New York City, and even the Eiffel Tower.

It really is a pretty cool sight to behold and a great way to start day 1.

If you decide to buy the bus pass , you can just hop on the bus and ride it up and down the Strip.

Where and when you decide to hop off the bus all depends on your tastes.

There really is something for everyone along the Las Vegas Strip.

Here are some of the most popular places to add to your 3 day Las Vegas itinerary, going from south to north on the Las Vegas Strip.

Read Next: Check out our post on all the great things to do in Las Vegas to fill your itinerary!

Your journey begins at the southern end of the Vegas Strip at Mandalay Bay.

The main attraction here is the Shark Reef Aquarium, which is home to over 2,000 animals.

Here you can see sharks, rays, turtles, and even a Komodo dragon.

They also have a new exhibit called Polar Journey, which is an interactive look at Earth’s polar regions.

• Cost : USD$36 for adults and $31 for children
• Hours : every day from 10 AM to 6 PM

If you’re a fan of the movie, you’ll definitely want to check out the incredible Titanic exhibition at the Luxor.

Here you’ll find over 250 artifacts recovered from the doomed ship.

There are also impressive recreations of many areas and rooms on the Titanic, including a replica of the Grand Staircase.

Perhaps one of the most unique attractions you can add to your Las Vegas itinerary is BODIES… The Exhibition.

Through an innovative preservation process, they have displayed 13 whole-body specimens here as well as over 250 organs.

Here you’ll get a look at the human body that’s only possible in an anatomy lab.

The exhibit encourages a healthy lifestyle by showing the damage done to bodies through over-eating, smoking, and a lack of exercise.

• Cost : USD$32 for adults and $24 for children. You can also grab a combo ticket for $42 that includes admission to both
• Hours : open daily from 11 am to 6 pm

Read Next: Spending time in the Southwest? Be sure to read our guide on the ultimate 3 days in Phoenix itinerary !

Continuing north on the Strip across Tropicana Avenue, you arrive at New York New York.

This massive casino and resort actually looks like the skyline of New York City, complete with a replica Statue of Liberty!

One of the most fun things to add to your Las Vegas itinerary is a ride on the Big Apple Coaster here.

This epic rollercoaster provides some serious thrills in addition to fantastic views of Las Vegas.

• Cost : $19 for your first ride and $10 for each re-ride (first ride is $23 after 6pm)
• Hours : Mon-Thurs 1pm – 8pm, Fri-Sun 11am – midnight

For a few bucks more, you can tack on the VR experience.

That’s right – you can battle aliens and monsters as you ride a roller coaster.

One of the top things to see in Las Vegas is definitely the fountain show at the Bellagio.

It’s hailed as the most ambitious water feature ever made, and you’ll quickly see why.

Prepare to be amazed at this choreographed display of water, light, and music.

They rotate a wide variety of music, so you can even check it out a few times on your trip.

During the week, the fountain show runs every 30 minutes from 3-8 PM and then every 15 minutes until midnight.

It starts running at noon on Saturday and 11 AM on Sunday.

Best of all, it’s totally free no matter when you see it!

Another popular spot in Las Vegas is the Venetian for their gondola rides.

It’s a little slice of Italy right here in fabulous Las Vegas!

You have the choice between an indoor or outdoor gondola ride.

Either way you go, it’s definitely one of the most romantic things to do in a 3 day Las Vegas itinerary.

• Cost : Mon-Thurs cost $34 per person, Fri-Sun cost $39 per person
• Hours : The indoor rides operate from 10 AM until 11 or midnight and the outdoor ones go from 11 AM until 10 PM.

There are a lot of ridiculous, outlandish things on the Strip, but it’s hard to top the volcano at the Mirage.

Seriously, there’s a volcano right there on the Strip that erupts nightly.

As if the display weren’t cool enough, the music for this show was composed by legendary drummer Mickey Hart of Grateful Dead fame.

He worked with Zakir Hussain (an Indian composer and master of the tabla) to craft an original score. How cool is that?!

You can watch the explosion nightly at 8, 9 and 10 PM. Once again, this is another totally free attraction to add to your Las Vegas itinerary.

Read Next: Want to see more of the Vegas area? Be sure to check out our post on the best day trips from Las Vegas !

As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do to keep you busy on the Strip for a quick trip to Las Vegas.

If you’re motivated, you can check most of those things and then some off your list.

However you choose to spend day 1 on the Las Vegas Strip, you should definitely plan on dinner and a show for your first night in town.

Remember, Las Vegas calls itself the Entertainment Capital of the World. It’s a fair nickname, as your options are nearly endless here.

Each of the large resorts on the Strip has several different options for dining and entertainment.

You could eat sushi then see a magic show. Or you could hit a steak house then see Cirque du Soleil.

Perhaps you’d rather have Italian and see some stand-up comedy.

The choice is yours!

For a list of upcoming shows in downtown Las Vegas, click here .

There are always deals available on shows, especially on weekdays.

When you get out of the show, you’ll walk out to see the Strip in all its neon-lit glory.

Go ahead and take one more walk around, as you’re in for some epic people watching.

We’ve still got a lot to fit into this 3 day Las Vegas itinerary, though, so I recommend taking it relatively easy on night one.

READ MORE: Get out of Las Vegas by taking an awesome Las Vegas to Los Angeles road trip !

It may be a bit tough to avoid the temptations of Las Vegas nightlife. But trust me that it’s worth it to have a more enjoyable day 2.

Today you’re heading out on the day trip of your choosing, and it’ll be way more fun minus a hangover!

Life is all about choices, and you’ve got a big one to make today.

With just 3 days in Las Vegas, you really can’t do it all.

Here are a couple of options that are only around 30 minutes from Sin City.

After exploring all that the Strip has to offer on day one, it’s time to get out into nature.

Thankfully that’s not too difficult, as Red Rock Canyon is just 30 minutes away.

This stunning conservation area is 24 km (15 miles) west of the city.

It makes for an easy half-day trip to add to your Las Vegas itinerary.

As the name would suggest, this area is full of stunning red rock formations.

These were carved over millions of years and it’s an absolutely awe-inspiring landscape to visit.

There’s a one-way loop road around the canyon that gives you access to several different viewpoints and trailheads.

It’s a popular spot to do a bit of hiking, rock climbing, or mountain biking.

Click here to read about all the different hikes and trails.

You have a few different options for visiting the Canyon. The easiest is just signing up for a tour that includes transportation from Las Vegas.

Your options range from open-air van tours, to mountain biking, to scooters, and even hot air balloon rides.

This tour on Get Your Guide is particularly awesome and comes highly recommended.

Alternatively, you can just rent a car for the day. This would allow you to potentially hit Red Rock Canyon and the next spot on our list.

In addition to the rental car cost, expect to pay another USD$15 for a day pass to the area for the vehicle.

One of the most popular places to visit within 30 minutes of Las Vegas is the Hoover Dam.

This engineering marvel was built between 1931-36 during the Great Depression by thousands of workers.

It has 17 generators producing an amazing 4 billion kilowatts of electricity per year!

The Hoover Dam really is an impressive sight to behold, towering 221 meters (726 feet) above the Colorado River.

You can enjoy some incredible views of the dam from the Mike O’ Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which connects Nevada to neighbouring Arizona.

To visit the Hoover Dam, you can jump on a tour out of the city.

Being Las Vegas, you have several interesting options. You can kayak down the river, go on a mountain biking tour, or even drive your own Polaris Slingshot out there.

You can always just rent some wheels and check out both Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam in a day.

Alternatively, book an awesome guided tour here .

If you’re feeling super motivated, you can add a day trip out to the Grand Canyon to your Las Vegas itinerary.

Just be advised that it makes for a very long day, as it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to the West Rim.

That being said, it’s worth the effort if you’re not sure if or when you’ll make it back to see the Grand Canyon.

After all, Las Vegas is the closest airport to the West Rim.

One way to cut down on travel time is to visit on a helicopter tour . There are several different options for these as well as land-based tours of the Grand Canyon.

You should consider saving the Grand Canyon for another time as it is one of the most visited places in the United States for good reason.

You can enjoy your time 3 days in Vegas and then rent a car to get yourself to the Grand Canyon separately.

How you spend the rest of your day 2 depends entirely on what day trip you embarked on.

If you just do Red Rock Canyon or the Hoover Dam, you’ll still have plenty of daylight left by the time you get back to Las Vegas.

Here are just a few of the fun things you can do with your afternoon back in Las Vegas:

• Hit a pool party at one of the casinos
• Play KISS mini-golf at the Rio or Twilight Zone at Bailey’s
• Visit the Pinball Hall of Fame
• Ride the thrill rides at the Stratosphere
• Play Top Golf at the MGM
• Go on the High Roller (giant Ferris wheel)
• Visit the Bellagio Botanical Gardens

See how many awesome things there are to do in 3 days in Vegas?

Of course, you could always just try your luck on the slots, at the tables, or at the sportsbook.

Some people skip out on that part of Las Vegas. But it’s obviously a big draw for others.

If you’re not too tired from this busy Las Vegas itinerary so far, it’s time go out and party it up!

How you choose to spend your night is up to you. There are plenty of other shows that are worth catching. One of the more popular shows is The Beatles “Love” show by Cirque du Soleil.

Las Vegas is also home to some awesome dive bars, comedy clubs, breweries, night clubs, and more.

The world really is your oyster on a trip to Las Vegas.

READ MORE: Plan the perfect 3 days in Chicago .

It’s been a massive Las Vegas itinerary thus far, so don’t feel bad about sleeping in a bit on Day 3.

If you haven’t already done so, today is the day to take advantage of one of the city’s countless buffets.

After a nice big meal (and maybe a Bloody Mary or mimosa), you’re ready to take on your final day 3 in Vegas.

The Vegas Strip may be the most famous area of the city, but downtown Las Vegas is where the city was born.

There’s enough to see and do here to spend the entire day exploring the area.

If you’re the artsy type, you’ll definitely want to spend some time wandering around 18b.

Named for the 18 blocks it covers, this is the arts district of Las Vegas about 15 minutes from the Strip.

This vibrant cultural hub is full of art galleries, boutiques, vintage clothing stores, and much more.

It’s the perfect spot to pick up a unique souvenir or just do some window shopping.

The arts district also hosts many different events. If you happen to be in town on the first Friday of the month, you should definitely head here.

The “First Friday” art walk is a very festive event that draws thousands of people.

For more info and other events, be sure to check out their calendar .

A great addition to any 3 Day Las Vegas itinerary is a trip to the Mob Museum.

This interesting museum takes a closer look at organized crime and its impact on American society.

There are three floors full of exhibits ranging from Prohibition-era speakeasies to 100 years of mob history.

Even with a couple of hours you likely won’t see everything!

Cost : USD$29.95. It costs a bit extra to add some of the special experiences, such as a firearm training simulator

Hours : open daily from 9 AM – 9 PM (closed at 7pm on Sundays)

It doesn’t get much more Vegas than this next stop.

The Neon Museum is full of signs from casinos and hotels of yesterday and is a fun place to check out.

Also known as the Neon Boneyard, it’s home to over 200 signs.

At night, they’re illuminated by ground lighting. Some of them have even been restored to their neon-lit glory!

You have a few options for visiting the museum. It’s possible to take a self-guided tour between 9 AM-7 PM. These cost USD$20 per person.

Alternatively, you can hop on an hour-long guided tour for USD$28. We recommend signing up for an evening tour so you can see the restored signs all lit up. Click here to check out the various ticketing options.

Our massive 3 day Las Vegas itinerary winds down with a visit to Fremont Street.

This sprawling open-air mall is the perfect place to finish up a huge weekend in Las Vegas.

A walk along the Fremont Street Experience is total sensory overload.

The canopied street boasts a whopping 12 million LED lamps and the largest audio-video light show in the world!

There are always free concerts going on here, so check the calendar to see what’s playing.

Make sure you catch the Viva Vision light show on the canopy while you’re down here.

If you need some more thrills, you can take a ride on the SlotZilla zipline.

Fremont Street is also home to several restaurants, casinos, and bars, so stick around as late as you like and enjoy your last night in Vegas!

Las Vegas Itinerary Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do during your 3 days in Vegas itinerary, check out our mini travel guide to help you know where to stay and where to eat.

As far as weather goes, Las Vegas is out in the desert.

The summer can be scorchingly hot. But at least it’s a dry heat and there’s air conditioning virtually everywhere you go.

Temperatures can get pretty low at night during the winter, so bring some warm clothes with you.

Spring and fall tend to make the best times to spend 3 days in Las Vegas.

The next thing you’ll want to do is settle on where to stay in Las Vegas.

Your options are basically endless here. From backpacker hostels to cheap motels, to the massive resorts for which the city is famous.

We recommend checking out the options on Booking.com

When it comes to getting around during your busy Las Vegas itinerary 3 days, you’ve got plenty of options.

There are a few tram lines that operate between some of the bigger casinos.

These are free of charge but not really that useful unless you’re staying in one of those places.

While the monorail is widely regarded as a failure, it may be useful to you at some point in your 3 days in Las Vegas.

It runs from the MGM Grand to the SLS Resort with several stops in between. Click here to check out your options for tickets.

Generally, the most viable public transportation option in Las Vegas is the RTC bus.

These can get you up and down the Strip, east and west on residential routes, and even all the way downtown.

Of course, you can always just get a cab. There are always cabs waiting in front of the bigger casinos.

Uber and Lyft are both available in Vegas as well and are super convenient for getting around.

For further exploration of the area such as visiting the Hoover Dam, you’ll need to either sign up on a tour or rent a car.

Accommodation for your Las Vegas Itinerary 3 Days

There are hundreds of options for accommodation in Las Vegas to suit all budgets.

Here are our top picks for budget, mid-range, and luxury options.

If you’re looking for a decent place to stay without breaking the bank, Serene is a solid choice.

This 3-star hotel has easy access to both the airport and the Strip.

The rooms here are comfortable and there’s a nice outdoor pool you can take advantage of as well.

You can get a room for less than $100 during the week and around $125 on weekends.

Check prices on Agoda

Check prices on Booking.com

There are plenty of resorts in Vegas for under $200 a night before fees. But our pick goes to the MGM Grand.

You’ve got everything under one roof here – a sprawling pool complex, spa, fitness centre, restaurants, bars, shops, and more.

This famous casino also has tons of options for entertainment.

They have comedy, magic, live music, and often host big boxing or UFC fights.

You could honestly never leave the resort and you’d have an awesome vacation here.

Those seeking to live like a high roller in Vegas should book a room at Aria.

This sleek 5-star resort is definitely one of the nicest looking in Las Vegas.

It’s also in a great location right on the Strip.

Staying at Aria, you can catch a performance of Cirque du Soleil or legendary rock bands like Aerosmith .

It’s also really close to T-Mobile Arena where the Las Vegas Golden Knights hockey team plays.

There are so many amazing restaurants in Las Vegas that you could try a new place for every meal and barely scratch the surface.

You can get cuisine from all corners of the globe here. It really is a foodie’s paradise in Las Vegas!

Here are just a few recommendations for where to eat in Las Vegas:

Sage – Farm-to-table New American restaurant with seasonal ingredients and an innovative menu.

Le Cirque – A fancy French restaurant in an opulent space. This is the perfect spot for a date night in Vegas.

Wing Lei – This was the first Chinese restaurant in the US to receive a Michelin star thanks to dishes like their Imperial Peking Duck.

Lago – Delicious Italian food with a view of the Bellagio fountains is what you’ll get at this excellent Vegas restaurant.

Lotus of Siam – Often ranked the best Thai restaurant in the US, this place is absolutely fantastic. They have two locations, and the Sahara Ave location is temporarily closed due to staff shortages from the COVID-19 pandemic. But the Flamingo Road location is up and running! Check their website for updates .

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Forget “I need a vacation from my vacation.” Your long weekend in Vegas will have you so blissed out that you’ll be ready to turn around and do it again. And don’t worry about planning what to do while you’re here. We’ve got the perfect itinerary. Now pack your bags, it’s time to go.

It’s Friday Night in Vegas, Baby!

You’ve arrived at your hotel, and now it’s time to unwind and get into Vegas vacation mode. After check-in, head to the 60th floor of Legacy Club at Circa Resort & Casino and grab a signature Sunset Spritz. Step onto the club’s terrace and take in that dramatic view of the Strip. The night is young, and this Las Vegas weekend has only just begun!

Legacy Club at Circa Resort & Casino

Now it’s time to see a show . Go with a Vegas classic – Cirque du Soleil’s original permanent show Mystère at Treasure Island . Or, if you’re ready to move, dance the night away at the wonderland that is XS Nightclub at Encore .

Mystère at Treasure Island

Selfcare Saturday: Spa Treatments and Retail Therapy

Wake up ready for a new day in paradise by enjoying breakfast at Café Americano at Caesars Palace . Grab a refreshing Rossini and an Italiano 24 – basically, avocado toast, but make it vacation-worthy by stuffing it with heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, truffle oil, and more.

Ready for some Zen yet? Find it at The Spa at ARIA Resort & Casino with its signature aromatherapy massage. Or get your blood flowing at Canyon Ranch  at The Venetian Resort, Hotel & Casino with a yoga class or rock climbing, followed by well-earned spa time. (The spa menu includes over 150 services to choose from!)

Canyon Ranch at The Venetian Resort, Hotel & Casino

Everyone knows that the best Vegas souvenir is fresh attire. And now that you’re fully refreshed from your epic spa experience, you’re ready to shop the luxury boutiques at Resorts World Las Vegas or the 250 shops and eight department stores at Fashion Show Las Vegas .

Fashion Show Las Vegas

Charged from your refreshing day, it’s time for dinner at Larrea, located right off The Strip at the Panorama Towers. Browse the bountiful menu of small plates, fresh pizzas, and fun cocktails. Pick up a bottle of wine or a six-pack at the retail shop on your way out to another night of Vegas adventures.

An Extra-Sunny Sunday

After sleeping in a bit, head down to the Arts District for brunch at Makers & Finders , a restaurant known for its specialty coffee and brunch menu of mouthwatering “Latin comfort food.” What is that exactly? According to Makers, it’s something like The Shortie – eggs Benedict and espresso-braised Angus beef, baby kale, blistered tomato, and salsa verde Hollandaise.

Properly caffeinated and contently full, next up is your trip out to Red Rock Canyon , Nevada’s first national conservation area. Just 17 miles from the Strip, Red Rock offers a scenic drive, miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and plenty of nature to observe.

Red Rock Canyon

But, if you’d prefer a retreat that doesn’t require hiking boots, sunbathe and dip in the sand-bottom pool at the Élia Beach Club at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas . (If you’re staying at SAHARA Las Vegas , take note: The exclusive Alexandria rooftop pool has stunning views of the Las Vegas mountaintops.)

Now you’re ready for a refreshing midday meal at Block 16 Urban Food Hall at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas . Order yellowtail handrolls with yukukosho and tekka spicy dipping sauce and wash it down with Junmai sake on tap from Tekka Bar: Handroll & Sake.

In Vegas, What Happens Here, Only Happens Here, and you’re getting the photo to prove it. As the sun sets on your trip, pose under the legendary Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on your way out of town.

Fortunately, there’s no need to say goodbye for too long. Every visit to Las Vegas holds new possibilities and so much more to experience. So, what are you waiting for?  Book your long weekend in Vegas today .

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Las vegas travel guides, book your vacation, planning a trip to las vegas: the ultimate 3-day itinerary.

Nothing can be more daunting than too many choices, and when you're planning a trip to Vegas, you'll definitely feel some analysis paralysis. But don't sweat it! Your Vegas experts are on the case, and we have planning a Vegas trip down to a science. So pack those bags and get ready for one hell of a good time with our ultimate three-day Las Vegas itinerary.

Las Vegas Trip: Day One

Whether you're only in town for one day or it's the first out of a three-day Vegas trip, you'll want to make the most out of these 24 hours. There’s certainly not a lack of things to do in Las Vegas , but deciding what to do is intimidating. Since we know exactly what you should be checking off your Sin City bucket list, your 24-hour dance with Lady Luck should go a little something like this:

A Vegas Trip Starts with Brunch

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so a visit to one of the best brunch spots in Las Vegas should be high on your to-do list. We’ll point you to The Cosmopolitan . We don’t have a bias, but we do love this one for its massive variety of delicious food and its central Strip location. A Vegas brunch allows you to indulge in a range of worldly cuisine while still feeding the pro-wrestler inside you. More importantly, a Vegas trip is never complete without a bottomless mimosa.

Sightseeing on the Vegas Strip

Once your stomach is bursting with steak and strudel, it’s time to take in the sights. Binoculars, fanny packs, and Hawaiian shirts are optional, but we’re more about seeing as many landmarks as possible on our three-day Vegas trip. We find that the most efficient way to do that is with a Big Bus Tour that whisks you away to every notable destination on your checklist while still giving you plenty of time to explore on your own. So, Let’s start with some casino hopping. Amidst the singing slot machines and the bustling gaming tables, every hotel has a unique theme. One minute you’ll find yourself in the days of the Roman Empire inside the opulent lobby of Caesars Palace , and the next, you’ll be among the Egyptian ruins of The Luxor .

As you make your way down Las Vegas Boulevard, stop at The High Roller or FLY LINQ Zipline located at The LINQ Promenade. This observation wheel is the largest in the United States so chances are you won’t have trouble finding it. The High Roller’s pods have some of the best views in the city and include an open bar for visitors who want to get started on their Vegas drinking with an afternoon cocktail or two. Speaking of afternoon refreshments, the High Roller is surrounded by tons of food options that include the west-coast fast food favorite In-N-Out that is a must for anyone who hasn't tried it before. So go ahead and grab a tasty lunch before continuing your Vegas trip with a full tank.

When you're planning out a Las Vegas itinerary, it's pretty much obligatory that you go to the Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian. These upscale indoor shops transport you straight to Venice, Italy. Including a recreation of the famous canal complete with working gondolas and singing gondoliers to operate them.

As for your foliage needs, you'll want to head over to the Bellagio Conservatory where hundreds of horticulturists arrange thousands of flowers into the most beautiful botanical arrangements in the city. Inspired by various happenings around the world, the Bellagio Conservatory is totally free and is a sight that you must see to believe.

OK, we’re hopping over to another country in Las Vegas land, and this time it’s for dinner and some pre-show action. Dinner on the patio at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas is obligatory. This quaint French café serves up authentic French meals and offers an incredible dining experience. As you’re sipping on bubbly and replenishing your energy reserves, turn your attention to stage west, a.k.a. The Bellagio Fountains . With Performances every 15 minutes beginning at 8 p.m. and ending at midnight, this ultra popular free Las Vegas attraction can be the entertainment to your meal if you schedule your hunger pangs accordingly. Front row seats to the fountains, drool-worthy dishes, and prime people watching – this is what we like to call the Las Vegas dinnertime trifecta.

Partake in The Famous Vegas Nightlife

Once your food digests and you hit your second wind, head over to one of the dozens of fantastic shows on The Strip. Las Vegas has a show for every audience that ranges from hilarious family-friendly magicians to the spiciest of adult entertainment with plenty of options in between. So no matter who you're visiting Sin City with, our live shows are the perfect way to spend an evening out on the town.

Your final mission, should you choose to accept it, is to keep the party going until you leave the tarmac in a bloodshot state. Scratch that dancing itch with the rest of the beautiful party-goers at one of our ultra-famous nightclubs. Omnia inside Caesars Palace is one of our favorites, but there are plenty of other nightlife options both on and off the Strip where you can lose yourself in the heart-pumping music until your evening blurs into that sparkling Vegas abyss. If you don’t see the sunrise when you leave, you probably didn’t do your Vegas vacation right.

DAY ONE VEGAS TRIP PLANNER MUST-DOS

Vegas trip: day two.

Well, check you out, you lived to tell the tale of your first day in Sin City, and you’re ready to start the second day of your Las Vegas itinerary. Since you’ve already gotten a good taste of the Strip, day two is taking us to the place where Sin City got its start: Downtown on Fremont Street .

Check Out Historic Fremont Street

What used to be a small, whistle-wetting pit stop for cowboys passing through has become a neon-lit adult fantasy world. Like the champ it is, Fremont Street holds its reputation for being the best in the West for its undeniable good-time allure. Hosting guests in hotels of yesteryear while keeping up with the current century through modern upgrades and entertainment, Downtown Las Vegas remains the most eclectic and authentic part of the city to date. You can spend the whole day strolling down Fremont Street, soaring above the action on SlotZilla , or just parking it on a bench to people watch and enjoy the free entertainment provided by the Fremont Street Experience.

Once you get your fill of Las Vegas’ past, head back towards the Strip for more of what you can’t find anywhere else. If you dare (and we’re triple dog daring you), take the 829-foot plunge via The Sky Jump at The STRAT for an ultimate adrenaline rush. Don’t worry, you’re completely harnessed into the controlled fall, but we promise that jumping off this tower is a total rush. However, if you prefer the safer side of things, you can also take in the killer 360 views on the Skypod Observation Deck .

A Vegas Trip Needs Some Souvenirs

Need some time for that adrenaline to wear off? Bust out the plastic, because it’s time for some retail therapy. Fashion Show Mall is a great place to chill, grab a bite, and get your wardrobe on point. Loaded with 250 shops, 8 department stores, and 25 food options, this shopping oasis will make sure you go home with some sexy Vegas swag. The best part is, Fashion Show Mall features some of our favorite Las Vegas Strip attractions like Shaq's Fantasy Lab . So if your crew is about to make "shop till you drop" happen, step inside this one-of-a-kind immersive experience for a much-needed break and unique endeavor.

Dinner and Cocktails - Vegas Style

Look at the time; you should probably get cleaned up for a night on the town to finish off the second day of your Las Vegas trip. You’ll start with pre-dinner drinks at the Chandelier Bar . at The Cosmopolitan. You can’t miss it, it’s draped in crystal and takes up three floors of the property and oh yeah - looks like a massive chandelier. Each level of this bar has its own menu with varied drinks created by the on-property mixologist. Take it from us, try the Verbena. You chew on a Szechuan button and feel a few crazy sensations on your tongue as you drink this super yummy cocktail. A perfect pre-dinner indulgence, these special drinks will give you a new cocktail experience and get you ready for your main course. We recommend Secret Pizza for an old-school laid back vibe or STK if you're craving the flavors of an upscale, modern steakhouse.

Enjoy Out of This World Vegas Entertainment

Now that your stomach stopped growling, it’s time to be entertained. Cirque du Soleil is a Las Vegas staple, and we can’t wait to see your face after watching these must-see productions. Since there are several Cirque shows to choose from, you've got your work cut out for you when it comes to choosing just one for your Las Vegas itinerary – but just know that there is no wrong choice with these fantastic, high-flying shows. From stunning high dives into sparkling waters with “O” at Bellagio to tribute shows celebrating pop music idols, the sheer acrobatics and storytelling power of these Vegas spectacles will blow away.

If you want a taste of more Las Vegas nightlife, but your feet are still sore from your previous dancefest, we recommend getting off the Strip to visit Area15 . Here you can enjoy a wide range of psychedelic art installations while sipping on a specialty mixed drink from their neon-lit bar. Area15 is also home to Meow Wolf's Omega Mart where you can explore a 52,000 square-foot maze of alien-like worlds and interactive art hidden within the facade of a not-so-normal grocery store.

DAY TWO VEGAS TRIP PLANNER MUST-DOS

Vegas trip: day three.

Congrats! You’ve made it to your third day in Las Vegas and you deserve some hard-earned rest and relaxation. Of course, this day will still be packed with excitement, but it’ll be a little less like Black Friday shopping and a lot more like a Jimmy Buffet song.

Get Out Into Nature

One thing about Las Vegas that most visitors neglect is the fact that there’s plenty of fun to be had off the Strip. This is not a joke, people travel from all over the world to get their rock climbing and hiking fix within the enormous expanse of Red Rock Canyon or the iconic Grand Canyon that's just a car ride, bus, or helicopter ride away from Sin City. Whether you drive yourself or opt for one of our Grand Canyon Tours , the most important part is that you get yourself to the Canyon well before sundown.

Finish Strong with a Stellar Vegas View

After your day of adventure, indulge in something a little more refined back on the Strip to finish your Las Vegas trip a high note. Las Vegas has plenty of dining options that overlook some breathtaking views where you can savor the tastiest of gourmet dishes.

Take it a few stories up and check out the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck that offers stunning sights of the Bellagio Fountains and other iconic hotels. And if you really want to go out with a bang, take a nighttime Helicopter Tour over the Las Vegas Strip. The sparkle of the bright city lights against the dark desert backdrop will remind you one last time that Las Vegas is a place that you must see to believe.

DAY THREE VEGAS TRIP PLANNER MUST-DOS

More las vegas information.

• Best Day Trips From Las Vegas
• Best Day Daytime Activities in Las Vegas
• 20 Things to Do Under $20 in Las Vegas

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What is the Ultimate Three-Day Las Vegas Itinerary for a First Timer?

Planning your first trip to Las Vegas? It’s an exciting opportunity, even if you’re only coming in for a whirlwind three-day getaway. There may be a lot to do in the shimmering desert city, but you can squeeze in quite a bit during your stay. 

In fact, let’s save you the stress of having to think about it and put together a 3-day Vegas itinerary for you.

Seeing how it’s your first time in Vegas, we’ll cater our choices to ensure you get the best impression of Vegas and are inspired to book a return trip. 

When Should You Book Your 3-Day Trip?

If you already have a time of year in mind, then you can skip this. However, if you’re looking at the calendar and don’t know where to begin, we have you covered.

First and foremost, you might want to skip the middle of the summer unless you plan to park yourself inside or at the awesome Vegas pools all day.

Tip: What is the best month to visit Las Vegas ?

Instead, consider somewhere between March and May or September and November. Yes, the pools are open during some of those months, and you could be swimming as early as late-March and as late as mid-September.

With the rise in sporting events, you need to look at specific weekends. For example, a weekend in November will be reserved for Formula 1. However, you must also look out for significant events like Super Bowl and March Madness Weekends.

Your 3-Day Las Vegas Itinerary

Once you know when you’re coming to Vegas, it’s time to consider what to do while out here.

Day 1 Vegas Itinerary

After You Arrive, Enjoy the Hotel Room and Explore the Resort

After your flight or a long drive in, take some time to enjoy your room and get to know the resort. Start scoping out possible restaurants and on-site shows, look for the pool, and find the best section for slot machines.

Maybe find the spa and reserve a treatment to relax and wash away the jet lag.  

Related: One Day Itinerary in Las Vegas

Explore the Strip and Casinos

Since it is your first time in Vegas, one of my favorite things is to see the sights, people watch, and walk through many of the casinos on the strip.

Tip: There are always new casinos , attractions, and venues, even if you have been to Vegas several times. Keep in mind that the distance between casinos may look short, but it takes time to walk between each casino on the strip.

Evening: A Fine-Dining Welcome and The Deuce or the Eiffel Tower

The first night is perfect for getting a feel for Vegas. The best way to do that is to try one of the many unique restaurants in Las Vegas. There is an endless amount of suggestions and plenty of options at each casino resort.

I would reserve at least a few weeks in advance.

Some suggestions include:

• Gordan Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace
• SW Steakhouse at Wynn, overlooking Wynn Lake of Dreams
• Yardbird at Venetian
• Spago or Picasso overlooking the Fountains at Bellagio
• China Poblano or Holsteins at Cosmopolitan
• Carbone at Aria Resort

Top off your first night in Vegas with a view of all the city offers. You can do this by riding the double-decker bus called The Deuce, which starts south of the Strip near the rental car center and stops at the Fremont Street Experience.

There are also Big Bus Tours on the strip.

There are more than 20 stops along the way, including the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Our advice? Don’t wait in line for a photo. Grab one while you’re on the bus. Otherwise, you could be waiting quite a while for a rushed shot.

See the Strip by purchasing tickets to the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck. You may be tempted to check out the High Roller, but the Eiffel Tower offers a much better view of the strip, is far less restricting, and has a much lower probability of breaking down mid-ride.

The High Roller also has smudged plexiglass, whereas the Eiffel Tower uses a metal mesh barrier that’s easier to see and take photos through. 

You could always do both, though!

Day 2 Itinerary

Morning: Go for a Walk or Stay In and Swim

Since this is your first day, you should start by seeing the city. If weather permits, start your walk down the Strip early.

At just over 4 miles long, walking the full length can take about 2 hours. However, you should plan to make some stops. You don’t need to see every casino or resort. Some favorites you should consider stepping inside, and their main attraction(s) you should look for include:

The Bellagio Hotel & Casino

• The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
• The Fountains of Bellagio

The Paris Las Vegas

• The Base of the Eiffel Tower

Caesars Palace

• The Forum Shops
• Many sculptures and statues

The Venetian Las Vegas

• The Canal Shoppes

Wynn Las Vegas

• Lake of Dreams

These are just a handful of sights to see. There are many free things to see or do on the Strip .

If you’re not up for a walk, now’s the time to head down to the pools. During busier seasons, available seating gets snatched up very quickly. Morning is great for the pool because the sun isn’t at its strongest.

There are many excellent hotel pools on the Vegas Strip , but if you are looking for a pool party, check out:

• Drai’s atop the Cromwell
• Wet Republic at the MGM Grand
• Encore Beach Club at the Encore
• Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan

Afternoon: Grab a Casual Bite, Then See an Attraction

If you went for a walk or spent your morning swimming, you’ve probably built up quite the appetite. There are so many places to eat on the Strip, and many are higher-end establishments. There are some tried and true eateries to try for a simple or casual lunch.

You may be drawn to places like Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips for the name power, but for a more well-rounded Las Vegas lunch experience, we recommend:

• Sadelle’s at the Bellagio
• Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris
• Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge
• Yardbird Table & Bar at The Venetian
• The Crack Shack at Park MGM
• Holsteins at The Cosmopolitan

After you’ve eaten, you should do something touristy. There are several attractions worth seeing, and it’s possible you can squeeze in more than one before your evening starts. To fill in the time and have some fun, check out:

• Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum at the Venetian
• Area15 on Rancho Drive just off the Strip
• Gondola Ride at the Venetian
• Fremont Street in Downtown Vegas

Evening: See a Show, Then Hit a Nightclub or Lounge

Luckily, Las Vegas’ nightlife doesn’t end early. So, you have plenty of time to make the most of your night. First, see one of the city’s finest shows. There are a few to choose from, and we recommend:

• The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at Mirage/Hard Rock Hotel
• Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil at Mandalay Bay
• The Mac King Comedy Magic Show at the Excalibur
• Absinthe at Caesars Palace
• Vegas! The Show at Planet Hollywood
• Penn & Teller at the Rio

After the show, you can find something quick to eat to stay energized as you enter the second leg of the evening. Vegas is home to some of the nation’s finest nightclubs, and now is your chance to experience one of the best.

Regardless of which of the following clubs you choose, be sure to buy tickets in advance or book a bottle service to really get a taste of what it’s like to be a VIP:

• Hakkasan at the MGM Grand
• Omnia at Caesars Palace
• Drai’s at the Cromwell
• Marquee at the Cosmopolitan
• TAO at the Venetian

If clubs are not your thing, there are many casino bars and lounges within each casino.

Day 3 Itinerary:

Morning: A Big Vegas Breakfast

Room service is one of the best parts about staying in a Vegas resort. On the day you leave, don’t even scramble to find a restaurant that does breakfast.

Have it brought to you and relax in the comfort of your hotel room. Ordering room service also gives you time to pack and prepare for the day so you’re not rushing around to get things done before leaving for your flight. 

Tip: You can enjoy many breakfast buffets on the strip as well.

Before You Leave: Hit the Casino One Last Time or Hit the Spa

Living in Vegas, you always hear about the tourists who put their last $20 into a machine right before leaving for the airport and walk away with 20 times that amount. Give it a try. You have to pass the casino to leave anyway, so why not? Maybe you’ll be the next last-minute Las Vegas success.

You could also book one last trip to the spa as a way to relax your body after a very active few days. It’s a great way to prepare for the flight or drive back home, as a massage or other treatment can refresh and relax your body.

At the Airport: Don’t Catch Up on Gambling

We get it. Maybe you didn’t do as much gambling as you wanted during your stay. The machines at the airport, though, aren’t where you should be spending the last of your gambling cash. Research has shown that the airport slot machines actually pay out less frequently than those in the Strip resorts.

Instead, at the airport, reflect on your experience, look through the many photos you took, and start planning your next Vegas getaway.

Tom Hamiliton - Author/Editor Vegas Q&A

Through this website, I aim to be your trusted companion, answering common Vegas Questions and sharing money-saving hacks to ensure you have an unforgettable and wallet-friendly vacation in the dazzling world of Las Vegas.

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Weekend in vegas itinerary – a perfect 3 days in las vegas.

I am SO excited for you to visit Las Vegas!! 🙂

As a born & raised local, you can trust that I have crafted the perfect 3 days in Las Vegas! You will be getting the perfect balance of site seeing, partying activities, historic sights, and exploring the two famous areas of the city. Not only that, but I am detailing a few “must-pack” items, best area / hotels to stay, bonus ideas to extend your trip, and so much more!!

This weekend in Vegas itinerary is not going to be tailored to couples looking for a romantic get-a-way. It is filled with the most popular things in Vegas, which include day clubs and night clubs. Personally, if just my husband and I were traveling to a destination, the last place we would want to go is a club. If you feel the same, I would recommend my Best things to do in Vegas for couples guide instead! A lot more romantic ideas, great dinner spots, and fun bars!

This Las Vegas itinerary is going to be perfect for couple’s trips and friends trips! So if that’s you, keep reading! 🙂

As a Las Vegas born & raised local, I have borderline too many free guides on traveling to Las Vegas. Check them out below!! 

• Vegas Packing List – For Ladies!
• BEST Instagram Spots in Las Vegas
• Best Things to do in Vegas Besides Gambling!
• 10 BIG Mistakes to Avoid in Las Vegas!
• Best Bars in Downtown Las Vegas
• 15 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
• 40 FREE Things to do in Las Vegas
• Girls Guide to Las Vegas
• How to spend your 21st Birthday in Las Vegas

There is a chance this guide contains affiliate links, which means I might make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) that goes towards little Rosie’s dog treats!

Weekend in Vegas Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Brunch at the best spot on the Las Vegas Strip, a perfectly crafted walking tour to explore The Strip’s best sites & nightlife recommendations! 

Day 2: Day Club & my go-to bars on the Las Vegas strip!

Day 3: Explore downtown Las Vegas with the best rooftop bar in town!

+ TONS OF BONUS IDEAS FROM A LOCAL!!

Where to stay in Las Vegas?

There are so many great options on where to stay in Las Vegas, but the main two areas you will want to focus on are the Las Vegas Strip OR Downtown. These are both great options and is just going to depend on what you want to do while you’re in Las Vegas and your budget.

Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas Strip is the flashy, modern, and epic nightlife scene you are probably wanting when you picture your 21st Birthday in Las Vegas. Along the strip is where you will find most the famous sites, best nightlife, and most crowds. With all this of course means most expensive! Staying on the Las Vegas strip you will be staying in luxurious hotels with expensive restaurants. If money is not a big issue, I would definitely recommend staying in the middle of all the action.

If you are wondering what is the Las Vegas strip, it is the area of Las Vegas Blvd between Sunset and Sahara. Past Sahara, you are in a worse part of town in between the Strip and Downtown.

Looking for an exact hotel? Here are my top picks per price range:

$$$: Encore or Wynn (connected), Waldorf Astoria , Bellagio , or Aria .

$$: MGM Grand , Mirage , Venetian , and Caesars . 

$: Excalibur , Treasure Island, Luxor , or any Best Western type of property.

Excalibur Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip

Hey you! Like how I edited this photo!? It was done in ONE CLICK using my Lightroom presets ! 

Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown is going to give you the best bang for your buck, not only on hotel prices but restaurant prices too. This area is old school, trendy, and attracts a younger and local crowd. If you want to wander the streets looking at street murals, going to trendy coffee shops and bar hopping, this is the area for you!

I LOVE downtown and spend a lot of time in this area as a local. The only downside is it is not walking distance from the Las Vegas strip, so if you plan to go to a lot of nightclubs and day clubs, you will need to take an Uber/Lyft. Luckily, Uber and Lyft are abundant in Las Vegas and you will have no problem getting one at any time of the night.

I think Downtown is a great option if you are looking to spend more money on your experiences rather than the hotel you are staying at. You will still get to be in a fun and lively area, walking distance from bars and restaurants!

$$$: Circa or Golden Nugget

$$: Downtown Grand or The D

$: The Downtowner

TIP: If you end up staying in Downtown Vegas, make sure you dedicate a night to bar hopping! Click here for a full guide on best bars in Downtown Las Vegas!

Best time to go to Las Vegas?

Anytime except for winter months are always going to be a good time. It is fairly warm in Las Vegas year-round, and extremely hot in the summer months. If you come in spring and fall (May & October specifically), you will get amazing weather (70-80 Degrees). The summer is extremely hot, but every hotel has a great pool and you can enjoy the day-clubs that are only open late spring – early fall.

If you travel to Las Vegas in the winter months, you will still have a great time, the only downside is you won’t get to enjoy the day clubs. The benefits of coming is seeing all the holiday decorations and less crowds!

Recommended Read: Best Instagram Spots in Las Vegas!

A few “must pack” items for this las vegas itinerary – from a local.

• Hangover Cure !! 
• Good walking shoes for all the exploring on the Strip! These are my all time favorite shoes! They are cute enough to wear with a sundress or jeans, but unbelievably comfortable. I wore these for the first time in Paris and didn’t even need to break them in!
• Travel Sized Jewelry holder!  There is nothing worse than your necklaces getting all tangled up and not being able to use them!
• Anything from my Vegas Packing List !

Day 1: Exploring the Las Vegas Strip – My Favorite sites!

On your first day in Las Vegas, you will be getting to explore the Las Vegas Strip! The strip is about a 2.5 mile stretch in the middle of the city, home to insanely impressive resorts, unlimited gambling options, art installations, shopping, world-renowned restaurants, and TONS of photo opps! 

I have lived in Las Vegas my entire life and am still attempting to see everything the Strip has to offer. There is simply not enough time in the world to see everything, but in this little walking guide, it will show you all my favorite highlights. 🙂

Start off your morning with brunch at Mon Ami Gabi . This French restaurant has a patio that is situated right on Las Vegas Boulevard, has a view of the Bellagio Fountains, and has a fantastic brunch menu ! Keep in mind, they only have brunch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. You will want to make a reservation well in advance if you want to secure a spot on their patio!

After you are fueled up with brunch, its time to explore some of my favorite sites on the strip! Mon Ami Gabi is located at the The Paris Hotel . At this hotel, you can check out the Eiffel Tower replica & the Arc di Triumph replica. 

TIP: Make sure you wear good walking shoes this day. There is SO much to explore and you could walk miles and not even notice since there is so much to keep you entertained! These are my favorite travel shoes because they look cute with jeans or a sundress and require no breaking in.

Across the street, you will find the beautiful Bellagio hotel ! This is by far one of the most impressive hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and has been featured in countless movies. The Bellagio fountain schedule is every 30 minutes until 8pm and then every 15 minutes after 8pm. It is so impressive and an absolute must-see for your first time in Vegas!

After you watch the fountain show, head inside the Bellagio to check out their Bellagio conservatory . This is an indoor art installation made of real flowers. I really can’t describe how impressive this is (really, then entire Bellagio Casino) and even if you have spent a weekend in Vegas before, I think it 100% worth going again because it changes every season and is never the same!

Even as a local, I constantly stop by the Bellagio Conservatory. It is one of the rare things on the Las Vegas strip that even the local’s love to see!

If you head north down Las Vegas Blvd, the next hotel you will reach is the Caesars Palace Casino . Along Las Vegas Blvd, you will see the Trevi Fountain replica, beautiful sculptures and fountains, and the Colosseum replica! If you want to do a little bit of shopping, this is the perfect place to do so!

Right on Las Vegas Blvd there is an entrance to the Forum Shops at Caesars! If you are spending this weekend in Vegas during the summer months, this is a great break from the heat since this mall is indoors and air conditioned! 🙂

Instagram: @MyPerfectItinerary

Last stop on the list is the Venetian Hotel & Casino ! This is my all-time favorite hotel on the Las Vegas strip, and honestly there are so many amazing hotels it’s impossible to choose. Saying the Venetian is my favorite really says something! 

There is a beautiful lagoon that wraps on the inside and outside of the hotel, amazing Italian restaurants, and the entire property really makes it feel like you are walking the streets of Venice. 

TIP: Make sure you get the best milkshakes EVER at the Black Tap Milkshake Bar right on the lagoon! 

For dinner & nightlife recommendations, here are my top picks. But seriously, it’s hard to go wrong in Las Vegas. The nightlife is 10/10!!

Restaurants: 

• SW Steakhouse at the Wynn is the ultimate date night / romantic splurge restaurant! 
• Beauty & Essex , Kassi Beach House , Catch , and Delilah’s are cute restaurants for girls trips or couples trips!

Nightclubs:

• Hakkasan at MGM Grand
• Omnia at Caesars
• Zouk at Resort’s World
• XS at the Wynn / Encore
• On the Record at Resort’s World has private karaoke rooms, big screens to watch sports, amazing bar food, and games!
• Piano Bar at the NYNY hotel – SO much fun!! They have a dueling piano show on the weekends that is such a blast!
• Vanderpump Cocktail Garden at Caesars has great cocktails and appetizers! 
• Chandelier Bar at the Cosmo is a three story bar that looks like you are inside a chandelier!
• Barber Shop is also at the Cosmo, which is a really fun speakeasy with live music.

Day 2: Day Club and Piano bar at night

Are you hungover yet? 

For day two it’s time to get up and rally and head to one of the best day clubs in Las Vegas! If you are traveling to Las Vegas in the day club’s summer months (March – September), you can do a traditional day club that is at one of the casino’s pools. Day clubs and standard pool access are completely different though, let me make that clear!

My favorite day club in Las Vegas is Wet Republic . They always have the best DJ’s, great atmosphere, always busy, and lots of cabanas and shaded areas. If you are traveling with a group, I would definitely recommend opting in for a table so you have a spot to hang out. 

If you are traveling to Las Vegas during the offseason (October – February), you can either do one of the bonus ideas I listed at the bottom of this guide, or you can go to Lavo’s Party Brunch . This “brunch” is a day club on the weekends that is completely indoors! They run this day club year round on Saturday’s!

I LOVE Lavo’s party brunch because they sit you at a table like a normal brunch where you can order food and drinks. Once you are done eating, they clear your table so you can dance right on your table!

After you are done partying all day, it’s time for a much-needed afternoon nap, hangover dinner, and some options if you want to continue exploring the Las Vegas Strip! Again, here are my favorite recommendations for bars in Las Vegas:

Chandelier Bar at the Cosmo

Day 3: Neon Museum & Sunset drinks at Circa & Bar Hopping in Downtown Las Vegas

On your last and 3rd day in Vegas, it’s time to head to my favorite area of Las Vegas, Downtown ! 

Downtown Las Vegas is SO much fun and gives you a taste of what old-school Vegas was like. In this area, you have amazing rooftop bars that overlook the Las Vegas strip, art districts with murals and art installations, fair prices, and of course.. the famous Fremont Street!

To start your day off, you will heading to one of the most unique sites in Las Vegas, The Neon Museum !

And before I lose ya.. I know what you’re thinking. “Monique, I’m in Viva Las Vegas, why the heck would I want to go to a Museum?!”

Well my friend, first off, Vegas is very hard on the liver LOL. Give yourself a few hours break to do something non-drinking related. Two, this is a museum that is so unique and is one of my favorite things to recommend to people coming to Las Vegas! Just trust me, okay?!

This photo was edited with my one-click photo filters! Click here to check them out 🙂

The Neon Museum is located in Downtown Las Vegas and is the resting grounds / graveyard of all the old vintage sings from Las Vegas Hotels! It is so much fun to walk through the neon boneyard and spot all the old famous signs!

This museum usually only take an hour or two! If you want the best photos of the museum, try to go an hour or two before sunset! 🙂

Click here to check out ticket options!

Next up, watch the sunset at the best rooftop bar in Las Vegas!! The Legacy Club at the Circa Hotel is by far the best rooftop bar in Las Vegas. Because it is located in downtown, you get an unobstructed view of the Las Vegas Strip. 

It used to be first come first serve, but now you must pay a $75 minimum per person if you want to go at sunset time. Personally, I think it’s still worth it if you buy some drinks and dinner, but it’s completely up to you! You can also go at night after the sun already sets and the minimum spend amount goes down to only $25.00!

NOTE: The Circa hotel is the one and only 21 and over casino in Las Vegas! You can not even step inside this casino unless you are over 21 years old. They ID at the door, and then you are free to explore. Just keep that in mind if you have someone in your group that is not 21 yet. 🙂

After you’ve watched the best sunset of your life and enjoyed some overly-priced but delicious cocktails, it’s time to hit the bars in Downtown Las Vegas!

The atmosphere in downtown versus the strip feels like you are in a completely different city. The Strip is luxurious bars and over-the-top nightclubs while downtown is more trendy bars, not as busy, and filled with the locals! Here are my top 5 bars in Downtown Las Vegas:

• CommonWealth – Everyone’s favorite bar! They have a rooftop with string lights and a live DJ. 
• Corduroy – A good classic bar that has a fun photo booth in the back!
• Odd Fellows – Regular bar in the front, disco club in the back!
• Gold Spike – HUGE outdoor bar that has giant yard games, food trucks and live music!
• Discopussy – This one is new and I haven’t been yet. All my friends say it is a blast! 
• Obviously, walking down Fremont Street is an absolute MUST!

Recommended read: Best Bars in Downtown Las Vegas!

If you want to skip the bars and just do a dinner instead, here are my top  Recommendation in Downtown Las Vegas:

• $$$$ Splurge / Nice Restaurants: Oscar’s Steakhouse or Hugo’s Cellar
• $$ Regularly Priced Restaurants: Le Thai , Carson Kitchen , Pizza Rock.

Bonus Ideas for extending your Weekend in Las Vegas

• Do a day trip to one of many national or state parks that are close to the city! Check out my free guide on Best Day Trips from Las Vegas!
• Spa day! Vegas hotels take spas to an entirely different level. The amenities that are included with your spa treatment are snow rooms, saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, salt rooms, etc.!
• Meow Wolf is a newer attraction in Las Vegas that is located right off the strip. It’s a gigantic, immersive, art installation that you can spend hours exploring.  I haven’t been (yet), but all my friends said it’s a must-see!!
• Food Tour – Vegas is just as known for it’s food as it is for its clubs, gambling and other activities! 
• See a show! Any of the Cirque Du Soleil shows are unbelievable! 

Valley Of Fire State Park in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Q&A’s

 How to get around in Las Vegas?

Uber, Lyft, and Taxis are everywhere in Las Vegas! If you want to be fancy, there are also plenty of limo and private driving services to hire for your trip!

Is 3 days long enough in Las Vegas? 

YES, absolutely!! Honestly, any more than a long weekend and I think your liver might give out LOL! 3 Days in Las Vegas is plenty of time to see all the best sites, get your party-on, and explore both famous areas of the city. 

How would you spend a weekend in Vegas?

I would spread out my time between seeing everything Vegas has to offer! Spend a few hours gambling, drinking at the top bars and night clubs on the strip, exploring my favorite part of town; DOWNTOWN, and doing some unique sight seeing like the Neon Museum!

What is the best month to go to Las Vegas?

I would say Spring or Fall are the best months! The summer can be SO hot, but it is also when all the day clubs are in full-force. If day clubs aren’t a priority for you, I would definitely aim to come with the weather is more pleasant, like October! 🙂

Does it get cold at night in Las Vegas? It doesn’t really get cold at night in Las Vegas unless you are coming in the winter months! Usually if anything, it is still very warm and you are still able to wear shorts and a tank top. The weather app is almost always accurate in Las Vegas since the weather is predictable!

Okay, that’s a wrap! I hope this guide was borderline too informative! 😉 This weekend in Vegas is perfectly crafted so you can see all of the best sites in just 3 days. If you want to extend your 3 days in Vegas, be sure to check out my bonus ideas section above for more ideas! 

Like I said before, I am a born & raised local of Las Vegas. I have SO many free guides to help you plan your trip. Of course, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to DM me on Instagram or leave a comment below so I can help out! 🙂

Still not done planning your Las Vegas itinerary? Be sure to check out these guides:

Thanks so much for stopping by! Like this guide? Pin it here!

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Discover the Ultimate 3 Day Las Vegas Itinerary 2024

Planning a 3 day Las Vegas itinerary, but overwhelmed by the city’s limitless entertainment options? With over 40 million visitors flocking to Sin City each year, crafting the perfect itinerary can be quite daunting.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through an unforgettable 3-day journey in Las Vegas—striking the right balance of iconic sights, thrilling activities, and epicurean delights.

Ready for your ultimate Vegas vacation? Let’s dive in!

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Day 1: Exploring The Las Vegas Strip

As soon as you step onto the Las Vegas Strip, you’re enveloped in a world of glitz and glamor that’s hard to find anywhere else. Iconic hotels and casinos like the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and The Venetian draw tourists from all over with their dazzling displays of luxury.

Experiencing this opulence is an essential part of what makes visiting Las Vegas so unique – it’s where every moment feels straight out of a movie scene.

Soak up the energy around you as the neon lights glisten against the backdrop of the night sky, it truly captures Las Vegas’ spirit and sets your 3-day Las Vegas itinerary off on a high note!

Enjoy World-class Entertainment Shows And Performances

✅ Book your ticket to Cirque du Soleil in advance to avoid disappointment.

On my first of 3 days in Las Vegas, I make it a point not to miss the city’s famous world-class entertainment. 

On my last visit, Cirque du Soleil was at the top of my list, with their breathtaking acrobatics and shows like Love and Mystere serving as a testament to the amazing human flexibility and strength.

Beyond these stunning shows, smaller niche performances like Absinthe offer an intriguing mix of vaudeville magic – something very different from your standard Las Vegas fare but equally memorable! 

With each dazzling performance exceeding the last, these shows provide an unforgettable journey into the heart of Sin City’s entertainment scene.

Watch The Fountains And Visit The Conservatory At Bellagio

As I strolled along the dazzling Las Vegas Strip, one of the highlights of my trip was undoubtedly watching the mesmerizing Fountains at Bellagio. These iconic fountains are an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the city.

With their intricate choreography and synchronized water jets dancing to a mix of past and present music, it’s truly a captivating experience.

The best part? Watching these spectacular shows won’t cost you a dime! That’s right – they’re completely free for visitors to enjoy.

While there, be sure to head inside and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. This hidden gem within the iconic Bellagio Hotel & Casino is a captivating oasis that showcases stunning displays of flowers and plants, redesigned seasonally.

From vibrant blooms to mesmerizing sculptures, each visit offers something new and breathtakingly beautiful. As an added bonus, admission to these gardens is also free, making it a must-see attraction for any traveler exploring Las Vegas.

Visit The High Roller Observation Wheel At The LINQ

Another must-visit attraction in Las Vegas is the High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ . Standing tall at 550 feet above The Strip, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city that are sure to leave you in awe.

With its 28 fully enclosed cabins, this giant Ferris wheel takes around 30 minutes to complete a full revolution, giving you ample time to soak in the stunning scenery below.

Located between Harrah’s and Flamingo Resorts on The LINQ Promenade, this world-renowned attraction is definitely worth checking out during your visit to Las Vegas.

✅ Book your tickets here

Experience The Eiffel Tower Experience

Whether you’re a fan of architecture or simply looking for a memorable experience, make sure to include a visit to the Eiffel Tower Experience in your Las Vegas itinerary.

This half-scale replica of the iconic landmark in Paris, France stands an impressive 460 feet above ground, offering breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.

As you ascend to the observation deck, you’ll be able to take in 360° views of Las Vegas that are simply mesmerizing. Whether it’s day or night, this high-altitude attraction provides a unique opportunity to soak in the beauty and grandeur of Sin City from a whole new perspective.

My favorite time to visit is just after sunset when the lights of Las Vegas start to come alive.

Visit Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

✅ Save money on a combined trip to Madame Tussauds and a famous gondola ride

As you work your way down the strip, I highly recommend squeezing in a visit to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas during your three-day trip. Located at the Venetian, this world-renowned wax museum features over a hundred meticulously crafted and astonishingly lifelike celebrity figures.

From Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Brad Pitt to music icons such as Elvis Presley and Beyoncé, you’ll be amazed at how realistic these wax replicas are.

As part of your Las Vegas adventure, immerse yourself in the interactive exhibits, snap photos with your favorite celebrities, and even get up close and personal with sports legends like Muhammad Ali.

Experience The Vibrant Nightlife And Bustling Atmosphere

As night falls on your first day in Las Vegas, prepare to immerse yourself in the Las Vegas nightlife. The vibrant scene promises an experience unlike any other, with the city truly coming alive under a blanket of neon lights.

Every corner of The Strip teems with energy – bustling casinos lure you in with the promise of big winnings and unforgettable memories. Meanwhile, world-class restaurants offer culinary delights to satiate every palate before wild nightclubs beckon you to dance till dawn.

One of the best ways to see Las Vegas at night is on the Big Bus Las Vegas Open Top Night Tour . It’s great fun and gives you the chance to soak in the city lights without working up too much of a sweat!

Day 2 In Las Vegas: Venturing Beyond The Strip

On Day 2, venture beyond the Strip for an unforgettable experience exploring the awe-inspiring natural beauty that surrounds Las Vegas.

With options like a day trip to the Grand Canyon, discovering the architectural marvel of Hoover Dam, or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon, you are sure to be amazed!

Also, don’t forget to make a stop at Downtown Las Vegas for even more excitement.

Take A Day Trip To The Awe-inspiring Grand Canyon

If you choose to get away from the crowds for a bit, take a day trip to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon . Just a few hours away from Las Vegas, this natural wonder will leave you breathless with its stunning landscapes and breathtaking views.

At the South Rim, you can marvel at the vastness and beauty of one of America’s most iconic landmarks. Take a leisurely stroll along scenic viewpoints like Mather Point or Yavapai Observation Station, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas that stretch for miles.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider hiking down into the canyon on one of its many well-marked trails.

For those looking for a more unique experience, Grand Canyon West offers thrilling attractions like the Skywalk, a glass-bottomed bridge that extends over the edge of the canyon. You can also take helicopter tours or even go rafting down the Colorado River, immersing yourself in this majestic setting.

It’s the perfect excursion for your 3 day Las Vegas itinerary.

✅ Book a trip to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam . This is one of the most popular excursions in Las Vegas!

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, or want to truly make the most of your time here, then consider booking a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon . It’s an incredible way to see Las Vegas and this awesome natural wonder, and you certainly won’t forget the experience!

Explore The Architectural Marvel Of Hoover Dam

During your trip to Las Vegas, another option is to venture beyond the famous Strip and explore the awe-inspiring Hoover Dam. This architectural marvel is not only a National Historic Landmark but also one of the engineering wonders of our time.

Built between 1931 and 1936, the dam is located just 30 minutes away from Las Vegas, making it a perfect day trip option. 

✅ We recommend combining it with a trip to the Grand Canyon (with the best tour listed above) but if you want more time at Hoover Dam then this trip is one of the best .

Don’t miss out on visiting the power plant inside the dam and experience firsthand the ingenuity behind providing electricity to millions of people in the region. The Hoover Dam is truly a must-see attraction that showcases human achievement in engineering and will leave you in awe of its grandeur.

Discover The Natural Beauty Of Red Rock Canyon

Hiking enthusiasts may be more interested in a Red Rock Canyon Day Trip from Las Vegas . Just a short drive away from the bustling strip, this natural wonderland offers a serene escape from the glitz and glamor of the Strip.

With its towering red sandstone cliffs, picturesque hiking trails, and stunning desert landscapes, Red Rock Canyon is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Whether you choose to take a relaxing drive along the 13-mile Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive or embark on an invigorating hike through one of its many trails, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views at every turn.

Don’t forget to stop by the Visitor Center where you can learn more about this captivating conservation area and plan your adventure accordingly. Red Rock Canyon is a true gem that shouldn’t be missed during your visit to Las Vegas.

Visit Downtown Las Vegas

One of the highlights of my 3-day trip to Las Vegas was exploring downtown Las Vegas. Known as the heart and soul of the city, downtown Las Vegas offers a different perspective compared to the famous Strip.

It’s where it all began, and you can feel that rich history as soon as you step foot on Fremont Street. The area is packed with attractions, dining options, and entertainment choices that cater to every taste. From world-class casinos to unique shops and vibrant street performances, there’s always something exciting happening in downtown Las Vegas. 

Whether you want to try your luck at vintage slot machines or simply soak up the lively atmosphere, visiting downtown Las Vegas is an absolute must-do for anyone looking to experience more than just the glitz and glamor of the Strip.

Day 3: Shopping, Dining, And Culture

On your final full day be sure to indulge in world-class shopping, savor exquisite culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene for an unforgettable day of culture in Las Vegas.

Shop At Luxury Malls And Outlets

Las Vegas is not just known for its vibrant nightlife and world-class entertainment, but also as a shopper’s paradise. With its impressive array of luxury malls and outlets, shopping in Las Vegas can be an unforgettable experience.

At Fashion Square Mall, you will find everything from renowned department stores to high-end boutique shops, there are over 250 retailers offering a range of luxurious brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci, and Fendi.

These malls feature more than just shopping – they offer a complete sensory experience with stunning architecture and unique design elements.

Whether you’re looking for high-style fashion or simply want to immerse yourself in the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas, the luxury malls and outlets here will leave you with memories that last long after your visit.

Spend Some Time At The Pool Or Spa

One of the best ways to unwind and relax during your visit to Las Vegas is by spending some time at one of the many luxurious pools or spas in the city. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip and rejuvenate yourself in a tranquil oasis.

With its sunny weather and stunning poolside settings, Las Vegas offers an ideal environment for lounging by the pool or indulging in a pampering spa treatment. Whether you prefer soaking up the sun, taking a refreshing dip, or enjoying a soothing massage, there are plenty of options available to help you recharge and rejuvenate.

So take some time for yourself amidst all the excitement that Las Vegas has to offer!

Indulge In Culinary Delights At Renowned Restaurants

Las Vegas is a true paradise for food lovers like me. With a multitude of renowned restaurants to choose from, it’s impossible to resist indulging in the culinary delights this city has to offer.

From classic American steakhouses serving mouthwatering cuts of meat to exotic Asian fusion cuisine that will transport your taste buds to new heights, Las Vegas truly caters to every palate.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience bottomless mimosa brunches with international cuisine offerings – they are an absolute treat! And if you’re looking for something unique, why not embark on a food tour? You’ll get the chance to sample delicious dishes from local restaurants while learning about their intriguing backstories.

Immerse Yourself In The Rich Arts And Culture Scene

Las Vegas may be famous for its glitzy casinos and vibrant nightlife, but it also offers a rich arts and culture scene that should not be missed. From world-class art galleries to live performances, there is something for everyone.

Let your creativity soar by exploring the various art museums and galleries scattered throughout the city. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art showcases renowned masterpieces from artists such as Picasso and Warhol.

For a taste of local talent, visit the Arts Factory in Downtown Las Vegas, where you can browse through unique works by emerging artists.

In addition to visual arts, Las Vegas is home to several performing arts venues that host incredible shows and performances. Catch a Cirque du Soleil show at one of the many theaters on the Strip or enjoy a Broadway-style production at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Conclusion: A Memorable 3-day Itinerary Showcasing The Best Of Las Vegas

If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, this 3-day itinerary will ensure you experience the very best of what the city has to offer.

From exploring the iconic Las Vegas Strip and enjoying world-class entertainment shows to venturing beyond the hustle and bustle for awe-inspiring sights like the Grand Canyon and Red Rock Canyon, this itinerary caters to all interests.

End your trip by indulging in luxury shopping, dining at renowned restaurants, and immersing yourself in the rich arts and culture scene. With this carefully curated plan, your three days in Las Vegas are bound to be unforgettable.

Shannon is an adventure enthusiast, nature lover, and art dabbler who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. She’s a huge fan of discovering new places to visit and the outdoor lifestyle and is a regular contributor at threedaysinvegas.com .

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How to Spend Three Days in Las Vegas: A 2023 Itinerary

Las Vegas is a spectacular city that belies the barren desert that surrounds it. Any night of the week comes with an unbeatable array of opportunities, from mouthwatering restaurants, magical live shows, epic replicas and a splash of gambling. 

Home of the ultimate urban playground, the iconic Strip is full of wacky characters, bright lights and promises behind every door. Each location providing travelers with endless casino floors, pumping nightclubs and dozens of dining options.

From the Eiffel Tower to the Venice Canals, you can travel all over the world thanks to the replicas that line the 4 mile (6.7km) Strip. Aside from the wonderful Fremont Street, it all goes down in Las Vegas along that crazy stretch of tar. 

Where to Stay in Las Vegas: The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels

I don’t know about you, but when I came to planning my first trip to Vegas, I was immediately overwhelmed. Mostly, I was wondering: should I stay on the Strip or would I hate my life if I did so? Personally, I’m not a huge partier, so I was concerned that choosing a hotel on the Strip would result in me spending my entire trip engulfed in noise and chaos.

But there’s a reason why the vast majority of visitors to Vegas opt to stay on the Strip: it’s central, within walking distance to all the most popular spots, and offers up that iconic Las Vegas experience. I loved my time there!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Las Vegas, then, I recommend choosing a hotel that’s located in the central -Strip region. If you’re flash with cash and looking to splurge, you can’t go wrong with the famous Bellagio . The one. The only . And if you nab yourself a fountain view room? You’ll have the best seat in the entire city.

Beyond the Bellagio, the best accommodation options in this area are ARIA , the Venetian / Palazzo , the Wynn / Encore , and the Cosmopolitan . Flamingo is a more affordable option that’s loved by many, along with Planet Hollywood , Paris , and Bally’s . Park MGM is one of the few hotels that’s entirely smoke-free, if that’s a priority for you.

I won’t lie to you, though: Vegas hotels are expensive ! If you’re on a tighter budget, then, I recommend basing yourself in the even-more-eclectic Downtown area. Hotels are many, many times cheaper in this part of town, but you’re not too far from the Strip. If you won’t have access to a rental car, you can grab an all-day SDX bus pass for $8, which runs every half an hour from Downtown along the length of the Strip. When it comes to hotels, I have just one recommendation: the Golden Nugget . It’s easily the best hotel in the area, with one of the best pools in the city.

Although there is no ‘low season’ in Vegas, there’s no doubt that things really heat up in the summer months. I’m not just talking about the influx of crowds, the town can see temperatures of over 100f (40c). For this reason, avoid the intense heat and save on peak season prices by going to Vegas in the spring or fall. 

With that out of the way, let’s get down to the fun part and dive into the best restaurants, activities and experiences that Las Vegas has to offer in our ultimate 3-day itinerary.

Day 1: The Las Vegas Experience

Welcome to Las Vegas! For any first timer to Sin City, a stop at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign is a rite of passage. Ever since 1959, the iconic sign has been the first port of call for excited vacationers and has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

You can find it south of the Strip, next to McAllen International Airport. In fact, if you flew, why not stop on your way into town? In a trip packed with casinos and live shows, a picture at the sign won’t cost a single penny.

Pose With All the Famous Landmarks

Once you have checked in to your hotel and freshened up, it is time to explore Las Vegas! Start strongly by exploring some of the iconic hotels and casinos on the Strip. Aside from gambling, nothing screams Las Vegas like copying major landmarks. You can travel around the world is just a couple of miles.

Outside of the New York, New York Hotel you can pose in front of the Brooklyn Bridge and witness the Statue of Liberty without having to take a step out of Nevada. If you’re ready for some action-packed adrenalin, jump on the Big Apple Coaster, which features a 144ft (44m) drop and speeds of up to 67mph (108kmph).

After the ride, walk north along the Strip passing the MGM Grand, the M&M’s World, and the Bellagio Fountain. As you stroll by street performers and endless characters, you will see the Eiffel Tower appear in the distance. Just like in Paris, you can make your way up to the viewing deck for a romantic view down the Las Vegas Strip. Tickets cost $14, but it’s common to see discount tickets around town for as low as $10.

Hit Up the Bellagio

Across the Strip from the Paris Hotel is the Bellagio, an iconic and stunning Las Vegas hotel home to one of the top free attractions in town. The Bellagio Fountains put on a show every half hour during the afternoon and increases in regularity between 8pm and midnight. 

If you’re lucky, you will see them from your spot atop the Eiffel Tower. Crowds gather around the water’s edge in anticipation, so if you want a front-row seat, arrive ten minutes before the captivating show begins.

What Happens in Vegas…

Las Vegas’ reputation precedes itself, it is known around the world as a mecca for gambling. In every direction you turn you will have a slew of casinos to choose from. Since you are already next to the Paris Hotel, why not dip inside and enter its colorful, indoor wonderland? The bright blue skies painted on the wall could have you believing it’s a brisk 10am when it’s actually on the verge on midnight. 

Casinos don’t have clocks for a reason. But if you’re a first time casino visitor, it is easy to get swept up in the excitement and lose your holiday budget. Ease yourself into the experience with the penny slot machines before you jump into blackjack and roulette.

One ‘budget friendly’ part of the experience is the free drinks on offer for anyone playing the slots or high rolling on the poker tables. Just remember to have some cash handy for the tip.

Alternatively…

Dance the night away! If trying your hand at baccarat doesn’t sound like your perfect Las Vegas evening, then put on your dancing shoes and head to the club. 

By now you should know that Vegas does nothing half-hearted. Nightclubs here aren’t just clubs, they’re mega-clubs. Sin City attracts some of the best DJs in the world. Some of the more prominent clubs include Jewel, Hakkasan and Omnia. 

Almost every major hotel in Las Vegas has their own nightclub and with such a number to choose from it’s best to see which has a special event that night. When you are roaming the Strip keep an eye out for promoters for the chance to grab a VIP pass and free drinks.

Where to Eat

When it comes to eating out in Las Vegas, you can easily blow a hole in your wallet dining at some of the 50 plus celebrity restaurants in town. Luckily there are some great budget options that won’t take you far from the Strip, if at all. 

For lunch on day one, stop by Tacos El Gordo serving quintessential Tijuana-style tacos. With handmade corn tortillas, mouthwatering meats and fresh veggies, this is one delicious lunch option that will keep money in your pocket. As it is open until midnight, you can even stop by for a late-night snack.

For dinner, you can spoil yourself with amazing French cuisine at Mon Ami Gabi or Italian at Lago, both of which have magnificent views of the Bellagio Fountain. But if you’re in search of something a little more laid-back, dress casual and head to Beer Park. This elevated bar comes with a view of the fountain alongside Bavarian sausages and brisket burgers. Down it all with craft beer and cocktails on tap.

Day 2: Food & Live Shows

After trying in earnest to cure the hangover and calm the head, it’s time to get back on the horse. Begin your second day in Sin City with a trip to the LINQ Promenade. Here you will find shopping, dining and of course, plenty of entertainment. But the chief attraction is the aptly named High Roller, the tallest observation wheel on earth. Grab yourself an epic view of Las Vegas and beyond. To save on time, you can book this skip-the-line ticket .

To grab a 1000ft view of the city and get your heart racing, trade the High Roller for the Promenade Zipline.

Get Your Food On

As Las Vegas grew into a world-renowned entertainment city, it quietly became a culinary giant. For first-timers or return visitors, a great way to not only explore the city but also its diverse food scene is to take a sightseeing food tour . Don’t limit yourself to one lunch, combine multiple restaurants for one epic meal. 

On the tour you also will see flamingos, the largest chocolate fountain on the planet and skip the line in each of the five restaurants you visit.

Fremont Street Time!

Once the tour is over, jump in an Uber or taxi and make your way to the Strip’s little brother. Fremont Street is no less quiet than what you have experienced so far, but it is certainly less over-the-top. On Fremont Street you will trade the in-your-face atmosphere of the Strip for a laid-back vibe, with classic casinos, art murals and coyote ugly-esque bars. 

For a fun late afternoon experience make your way to Goldspike, where you can try your hand at oversized yard games such as jenga, twister, beer pong and corn hole. As the sun goes down, walk over to the rooftop bar at Commonwealth for a superb view of the evening sky aflame with amber colors.

After the previous night of gambling and dancing into the early hours, night two is a chance to catch one of the dozens of live shows occurring every night in the Sin City. From famous musicians to circus acts, and standup comedy, you are genuinely spoiled for choice. Before you head down to Las Vegas, check out Vegas.com for up-to-date shows. Who knows, your favorite performer may be in town. 

To save money, you can purchase an explorer pass that can provide discounted shows, tours, museum visits and activities such as the High Roller observation wheel.

Las Vegas may be not be famous for its natural surrounds, there are a lot of day trips you can take that will help balance out your Vegas experience. Red Rock Canyon is one such example, and being only 20 minutes away by car, the canyon is the perfect place to escape the wonderful chaos of Sin City. 

Red Rock Canyon comes with incredible geological features such as towering sandstone peaks. With plenty of water in hand, jump on one of the hiking trails and explore this beautiful area. Or join a half-day tour that includes a pick up and drop off from your hotel lobby. 

With the first night being such a big one, you may feel like the only way to relax and feel better is with splash of day drinking at one of Las Vegas’ many day clubs. Wet Republic at the MGM Grand is the place to go for a hair of the dog afternoon. Lounge by the pool, take a dip to cool off and sip on your cocktail as international DJs create the perfect afternoon vibe. Grab yourself a ticket ahead of time, while an early arrival will help you land the best lounges in the house. 

We don’t blame you if you have a late start to the day. In fact, we have planned for it. Gather yourself together and make your way back to the Paris Hotel where you will find the best brunch in town at Hexx Kitchen and Bar. 

Slowly wake up with wonderful views of Vegas and the Bellagio Fountain from the expansive patio. Tuck into the huevos rancheros or the buttermilk pancakes, washing them down with two hours’ worth of bottomless mimosas. 

For dinner, just like the night before, you will face endless options. A steak dinner is common anywhere on the Strip. But for tonight, let’s head to the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, home to Ping Pang Pong. 

Ping Pang Pong has been voted one of the best 10 Chinese restaurants in America by Travel + Leisure. But don’t arrive expecting crazy high prices, as this restaurant perfectly balances quality and budget friendly meals. Ping Pang Pong offers all the classic Chinese dishes but the lamb tenderloin takes the cake. 

Day 3: A Relaxing End

After breakfast, it is time to do a little bit of shopping. Your Sin City escapades may stay in Vegas, but it doesn’t mean you can’t bring some things home with you!

Like anything in Vegas, you will have an abundance of flagship stores, malls and outlets to choose from. The Forum Shops in Caesars Palace is one of the most popular malls in the US. This massive center features a variety of high-end designer stores such as Versace, Fendi and Louis Vuitton. But for us regulars, you will find all the usual suspects, including one of the largest H&M stores in the country. 

If you haven’t shopped ‘til you dropped, then wander over to the Miracle Mile Shops that combines everything great about Vegas. With dozens of restaurants, bars and live entertainment, you will be able to break up each store with some light-hearted shenanigans. The best nachos in town are also within the Miracle Mile Shops. Stop by Nacho Daddy for gourmet nachos and award-winning margaritas.  

The last stop on your Las Vegas adventure will take you to The Venetian. Now that you’ve ticked off a trip to Paris and New York, it’s only fitting that you get to enjoy a gondola ride around Venice.

While obviously not the real thing it is no less, a fun, relaxing way to reflect on 3 days in Vegas. You will have two options for the gondola ride, inside or out. Both cost the same ($29 Mon-Thur & $36 Fri-Sun) but many choose to enjoy the inside experience.

The inside ride takes you by the upscale Grand Canal Shoppes, restaurants and St Mark’s Square, with romantic lighting and a painted blue sky above. If you get a good one, your gondolier will show off their beautiful singing voices, tell fun facts about Venice and let you know to kiss your partner as you cross under the bridge.

When in Vegas you may be surprised at how close you are to one of the most iconic national parks on earth. The west rim of the Grand Canyon is around a 2.5 hour drive from the Strip (the popular south rim is a 4.5 hours’ drive). If you have a car, you can do it all yourself, exploring all the highlights of the west rim at your leisure.

But there are a variety of excellent tours that will do all the hard work for you, leaving you to do nothing but enjoy the views. One of the most popular bus tours offers an upgrade so that you can check out the stunning Grand Canyon Skywalk. 

If you are short on time, you can see the Grand Canyon from above along with epic views of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead thanks to this airplane tour . With hotel pickup and drop-off included, sit back, relax and see all the amazing sights around Las Vegas.

We wouldn’t blame you for wanting to return to Hexx for another morning of bottomless mimosas. But if you want to switch it up, make your way to the crudely named Eggslut. This breakfast restaurant serves up delicious comfort food with egg, of course, being the key ingredient. Anything here is sure to make you happy, but if you are a fan of breakfast sandwiches, then do yourself a favor and order the Fairfax.

If you aren’t out on a tour of the Grand Canyon or downing the delectable dishes at Nacho Daddy, then grab pizza for lunch at Pizzeria Francescos. Found in Treasure Island, the New York-style pizza lives up to the billing. A meal here won’t cost much either, with the usual check coming in at around $10 per person.  

Final Thoughts

Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Las Vegas. It is enough opportunity to dive into the famed nightlife of Sin City without the bright lights of the world’s entertainment capital burning a hole in your head. 

Depending on your goals you could easily spend three days in Vegas hitting up as many live shows as possible, or jumping between blackjack tables at each casino. 

However you choose to enjoy your three days in Sin City, you’re bound to create a lot of unforgettable memories. But remember to leave them in Vegas.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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The Ultimate 3-Day Las Vegas Itinerary

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Whether you’re a gambler or not, you just hit the jackpot by landing on this massive 3-day Las Vegas itinerary. Read on for a detailed look at several fun things to do in Vegas along with a bunch of practical info about visiting the neon oasis in the Nevada desert.

While it’s still known as Sin City, Las Vegas is much more than casinos, bars, and strip clubs. Sure there are still plenty of those, but the more appropo nickname these days is the Entertainment Capital of the World.

There’s basically nothing you can’t do in Vegas. Where else in the world could you battle a zombie apocalypse, play KISS-themed mini-golf, go to a circus, get wild at a pool party, and have Elvis marry you…. all in one weekend?!

Oh yeah, and let’s not forget about the world-class culinary scene and epic nightlife. You can easily plan your entire 3-day Las Vegas itinerary around where you eat and party, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!

Excited yet? I know I am! I’m honestly planning two trips to Vegas this year at the moment and am pumped to share some tips with you on making the most out of a visit to Sin City. Let’s get this show on the road!

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, I receive a small commission. This will never cost you extra. Please read the  disclosures  to learn more.

3-Day Las Vegas Itinerary

Welcome to las vegas sign, tour of the strip.

• Dinner, drinks, and a show on the Strip

Day Trip to Red Rock Canyon or the Hoover Dam

• Mob Museum/Neon Graveyard
• Fremont Street

Brunch Buffet

Choose your own adventure, day one of your 3-day las vegas itinerary.

Once you’ve checked in and set your bags down, it’s time to get this Vegas party started. For day one, I recommend all the best things to do on the Las Vegas Strip to take in all the sights. 

If you need that pic with the “ Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas ” sign for the ‘gram, go ahead and start your journey off there. While you’re down on the southern part of the Strip, I recommend popping into the Pinball Hall of Fame to play some classic games. 

Heading north, you’ve got so many options it’ll make your head spin like the wheel at the roulette table. There’s the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay ($20), Titanic exhibit at Luxor ($32), Big Apple Coaster at NYNY ($19), High Roller Ferris wheel at the LINQ ($23 day, $34 night), and so much more. 

With just a 3 day Las Vegas itinerary, you won’t be able to see and do it all. I recommend making a list of Las Vegas must see attractions based on your own personal tastes. It’s also a good idea to check out websites like Groupon to see if there are any good deals on entrance tickets.

Even if you don’t gamble, it’s fun to wander through the massive casinos on the Strip. One of my personal favorites is the Bellagio , where you can watch the fountain show outside and head in to explore their conservatory and botanical gardens. 

Dinner, Drinks, and a Show on the Strip

Whenever you feel a bit parched or famished, you’ve got endless choices for food and drink. From fast food joints up to Michelin Star restaurants and dive bars to classy rooftop joints, there’s something for everyone here. For the nicer places, it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance.

They call Las Vegas the Entertainment Capital of the World, and for good reason. No matter what night of the week it is, there are dozens of shows going on here. On any given night, there’s live music, sporting events, stand-up comedy, magic shows, and of course the incredible Cirque du Soleil . 

Since there are so many shows going on, there are always deals to be had. Drop by one of the Tix4Tonight booths on the Strip to see what shows are running a promotion while you’re in town. Sometimes you can save up to 50% off tickets. 

Day Two of Your 3-Day Las Vegas Itinerary

Moving right along with this jam-packed Las Vegas itinerary, day two starts off with a whole new adventure. Well, you’ll probably want to grab a coffee and some breakfast first. It’s going to be another big day in Vegas!

While the Strip is fun and all, when you plan a trip to Vegas, you should definitely include at least one jaunt outside the city. The most popular options include the Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam, both of which are easily visited in half a day.

Just half an hour from the neon lights of Vegas is the impressive Red Rock Canyon ($15 per vehicle). It features a scenic 13-mile loop that you can drive, and there are also several hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties. Just be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and water for the intense desert sun and heat!

It takes a bit longer to reach the Hoover Dam (about an hour from the Strip), but it’s well worth it to take a tour of this engineering marvel ($30 for a tour). You can choose to rent a car and get yourself to either place or just hop on a tour. 

Back in the city, you’ll probably want to swing by the hotel to rest for a bit and get ready for another night on the town. Or perhaps you’d rather hit the casino floor and try your luck. Then again, sitting by the pool with a cocktail sounds pretty awesome. You’re definitely spoiled for choices on a 3-day Las Vegas itinerary!

Mob Museum or Neon Graveyard

Once you’re ready to make moves, head downtown to the old-school part of Vegas. There’s enough to see and do here to keep you busy for the rest of the day and well into the night.

If you’re into museums, there are a few cool options over this way. The Mob Museum ($30 for general admission) is a fascinating place to learn all about the mafia, while the Neon Graveyard ($28 for a guided tour) features dozens of huge signs from Vegas icons of yesteryear. Visit both for a fun way to spend an afternoon outside of the casinos.

Fremont Street Experience

Once the sun goes down, you’ll want to check out the Fremont Street Experience . Here you’ll find a giant LED screen that has a light and sound show every hour from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

There’s also usually live music going on as well as plenty of street performers. It’s definitely one of the most fun and free things to do in Las Vegas.

Day Three of Your 3-Day Las Vegas Itinerary

If days one and two weren’t amazing enough, just wait for the last of your 3-day Las Vegas itinerary.

After that epic 2-day Las Vegas itinerary, it’s time to chill and indulge a bit on the third and final day. And nothing says “indulgent” like a brunch buffet with free-flow French champagne!

There are plenty of options for brunch in Vegas. Some choices include the weekend jazz brunch at the Wynn ($68) and the Gospel Brunch at Mandalay Bay ($40) with New Orleans creole cooking.

If you’ve still got some time to kill before your flight out of town, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Walking off that glutinous meal certainly isn’t a bad idea, but doing it in the hot Vegas sun is.

Thankfully you’ve got some awesome options for fun things to do in Vegas that are indoors. My personal recommendation is to check out the psychedelic art installation that is Meow Wolf . It costs $45 and is worth every penny. 

Another one of my favorite semi-active, indoor things to do in Vegas is the neon-lit, KISS-themed mini golf course at the Rio . It’s only $12 for a round and you can jam out to a live radio DJ spinning all the KISS hits while you play.

Las Vegas is also home to several escape rooms if you’re into that. One of the most unique things you can do here is battle an oncoming zombie apocalypse in a simulation at Adventure Combat ops . I told you there was a dizzying array of options in Vegas!

That about does it for this beast of a Las Vegas itinerary. Grab one last beer and pop a few coins in the slot machine if you want – nobody’s gonna judge you here! Chances are you won’t be the only tipsy and sleepy person on your flight. Viva Las Vegas!

Other Popular Things to Do in Las Vegas

If you have extra time to spend in Vegas or want to swap out any of these activities, here are some great ideas:

• Bellagio Fountain Show: This is a great free thing to do in Las Vegas. The fountain outside the Bellagio Resort has a musical and light show every 30 minutes from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight.
• Mob Museum: This museum has artificats, history exhibits, and stories about organized crime throughout the USA. They also have a speakeasy basement and do moonshine tastings during the weekends.
• Check Out the Hotels: Many of the hotels have fun things to do inside including Chihuly glass collection inside the Bellagio and the Canyon Ranch Spa inside The Venetian . The LINQ Hotel also has a ferris wheel where you can get a great view of the city.
• Explore the Casinos: Even if you don’t want to risk your money gambling, some of the casinos are fun to visit since they are themed. The Flamingo Casino has a tropical themed casino as well has a wildife habitat with rescued flamingos, turtles, and Ringed Teal Ducks. MGM Casino is the largest in the world and worth checking out just to see the massive layout with all the machines and games.
• Bungee Jump at the STRAT: If you want to do something to get your adrenaline pumping, try bungee jumping at The Stratosphere Hotel. You jump from 829 feet and get amazing views of The Strip.

How to Get to Las Vegas

If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, chances are you’ll be flying in. McCarran International Airport (LAS) is located just south of the Strip and has tons of options for direct flights. You can fly direct to Vegas from most major cities in the US as well as several in Canada and Mexico.

It’s easy to find some really cheap fares into Vegas, as they just want to get you in the door. They figure you’ll spend plenty of money once you get there! There are even slot machines waiting at the airport as soon as you get off the plane.

Las Vegas is also popular as a stop on the quintessential American road trip. It’s about 4-5 hours from either Los Angeles or Phoenix and just a few hours away from national parks like Joshua Tree and the Grand Canyon.

One thing to keep in mind when planning your Las Vegas itinerary is that weekends and holidays can be crazy busy here. If you can drive or fly in during the week, you’ll find better deals and way less traffic and crowds.

Finally, you can travel to Las Vegas by bus from a few different destinations. Companies with routes serving Vegas include Greyhound , Megabus , and FlixBus . We once caught the Megabus from LA for just $5 each, leaving us with more money for fun things to do in Vegas!

How to Get Around Las Vegas

Las Vegas is not only full of options for restaurants, shows, casinos, and fun things to do but there are also lots of travel options. They start right when you arrive at the airport and continue through your stay.

Travel to and from the Airport

From the airport, you have several options for getting to your accommodation. On the budget end, you can catch a local RTC bus from either terminal. You can grab a pass that’s good on all local routes for 2-hours for $6, 24 hours for $8, or 3 days for $20. 

Personally, I’m a big fan of using the bus to get around Las Vegas . You save a lot of money compared with taking cabs or renting a car, and there are some solid people watching when you ride the Deuce bus up and down the Strip.

If you’d rather just get a cab, there are always plenty available at the airport. The city is split into zones with fares ranging from $19-27. There’s also a $2 charge tacked onto trips to and from the airport. 

Rideshare Apps

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also popular choices. It can be a little tricky to find the pick-up locations at the airport, so just ask around if you end up wandering in circles. For detailed information about getting to and from the airport, click here to check out their website.

When you’re at one of the big casinos on the Strip, chances are several drivers are already waiting out front. It’s definitely a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

A fun way to get around on the Strip is by taking a ride on the Las Vegas Monorail . It connects the MGM Grand to the Sahara with several stops in between. It’s not exactly the most convenient way to get around Vegas, but for $5 a ride it’s worth hopping on at least once.

Free Shuttles

There are also several different free shuttles that you can take advantage of. Many of these are run by hotels that are off the Strip to help their guests get to and from the top Las Vegas tourist attractions. 

Car Rentals

As far as renting a car goes, I would say that’s only necessary if you want to head out of town on a day trip. Who wants to deal with traffic and parking in Vegas? Leave the driving to someone else and have yourself an adult beverage or two!

When to Visit Las Vegas

There really is never a bad time to tackle this Las Vegas itinerary. The city is bumping 24/7/365 and there are always special events going on. That being said, some times are definitely more pleasant than others.

It being the middle of the desert, it can get uncomfortably hot in the summer. It’s still tolerable, though, as all the casinos blast the air conditioning and many of them are connected by covered walkways. You will feel like you’re about to melt on the sidewalk when you have to step outside, though.

The winter months can get downright chilly in Vegas, so that’s not the best time to visit if you’re hoping to sunbathe and hit pool parties. For the most pleasant weather, try to plan your 3 day Las Vegas itinerary in spring or fall. 

More important than the weather, if you ask me, is the event schedule. Vegas hosts conventions and other big events throughout the year and prices are always higher at those times. Be sure to check the calendar to see what’s going on and plan accordingly.

If I’m not traveling to Vegas for a specific event, I usually try to go from Sunday to Wednesday. Rooms are typically half the price or less early in the week than they are on the weekend, and you’ll have way smaller crowds to deal with.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

As with most things in Vegas, your options for accommodation run the gamut. There are budget hostels, mid-range chain hotels, and of course the massive luxury casino resorts that Sin City is famous for.

One thing to keep in mind when booking a place to stay in Vegas is the not-so-sneaky resort fee that most places tack on to the bill. This can be up to $50 extra per night, per room, so it’s definitely something you want to keep in mind. 

Here are a few different options for where to stay on this 3-day Las Vegas itinerary for all budgets:

• Budget — Hostel Cat : If you’re looking for more affordable accommodation, Hostel Cat is a great option! They are the closest hostel to the strip so you save in transportation costs. And they foster a great community atmosphere with plentiful space to meet others. Join the group trips to enjoy the nightlife with their hostel discount. Hostel Cat is located at 1236 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104 .
• Mid-Range — The D Casino & Hotel : In a prime location just a three-minutes’ walk from the Fremont Street Experience, The D is in a great area. This hotel offers a fun and energetic atmosphere just a short walk from many Vegas attractions. It’s a solid mid-range hotel at a budget price. It’s located at 301 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 .
• Luxury — Aria Resort & Casino : Aria is where it’s at! One of the newest resort hotels just minutes from the Strip, this is the place to see and be seen. Rooms are luxuriously decorated and even have blackout curtains for when you go to bed in the wee hours. Aria is located at 3730 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89158

Where to Eat in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is definitely a foodie’s paradise, as you can find basically every type of cuisine and restaurant imaginable here. My best advice is to pick a couple of nice places you really want to try and make reservations for dinner. 

Other than that, you’ll always be able to find something tasty nearby. Every big resort on the Strip has dozens of options for eating and drinking, including the famous buffets.

Here’s a little list of some of the best places to eat in Vegas to get you started:

• Breakfast : Hash House a Go Go , The Egg & I
• Buffets : Sterling at Bally’s , Jazz Brunch at Wynn , Bacchanal at Caesar’s
• Fast Food : In ‘N Out , Tacos el Gordo
• Sushi : Mizumi , Nobu
• Asian : Lotus of Siam , Yunnan Garden
• Mexican : Madero Street Tacos , Border Grill
• Pizza : Pizza Rock , Secret Pizza
• Fine Dining : Joel Robuchon , CUT by Wolfgang Puck , Le Cirque

Las Vegas is Waiting for You!

You know that old saying “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?” Well, that clearly isn’t true anymore, as the word is out that Vegas is a top travel destination that appeals to far more than guys trying to reenact “The Hangover” at a bachelor party.  It’s a top pick for one of the favorite cities in the United States .

Whether you’re a single traveler, a couple, a group of friends, or a family, there’s something for you in Vegas. It’s such a fun place to visit that chances are you’ll be plotting your return before your Las Vegas itinerary is even finished! 

If you have some recommendations for things to do in Vegas, places to stay, can’t-miss restaurants, or anything else, just leave a comment below!

You Might Also Like

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This is a post written by contributor, Sasha. He is a teacher, writer, and video producer from Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State (Go Green!) and has since lived in China, Indonesia, Mexico, and Colombia. Sasha and his wife Rachel run Grateful Gypsies, where they write about teaching ESL, digital nomad life, long-term travel, live music, and more.

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A solo traveler's guide to 3 days in Las Vegas

You may be traveling solo, but you're never truly alone in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is a great place for bachelorette parties, trade shows, and surprise elopements. Yet it's also a world of endless possibilities for solo travelers. Nevada's largest city thrives on social energy for single visitors, whether you're enjoying entertainment, great eats, or fun at the casinos. Take three days to experience the most compelling corners of Las Vegas with the spirit of the community as your most loyal companion.

The Strip is loaded with great hotels, but it's hard to overlook Resorts World Las Vegas . One of the newest resorts on the Strip has a convenient location, spectacular rooftop pool deck, and contemporary furnishings. Between Hilton, Conrad, and Crockfords, there’s a hotel for every type of vacation, with a choice of price points to best suit your needs and preferences. The property is ultra-modern with a high-energy casino and two convenient self-parking garages.

Resorts World is conveniently located near some of the most popular activities in Las Vegas. Just a short ride away, you can visit two free attractions at Bellagio: the resort's iconic Fountains of Bellagio and Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens , which houses extensive, seasonal floral displays.

Stroll The LINQ Promenade where you’ll find Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club , which has a stylish lobby lounge to mix and mingle, or take a ride on the High Roller observation wheel, which stretches 550 feet in the air, completing a full rotation in 30-40 minutes.

On the south end of the Strip, 1923 Prohibition Bar at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino hosts Ghost Stories, an interactive show with a touch of magic. It's a great way to meet people on the fly. Any football fan will love the private behind-the-scenes tours of Allegiant Stadium , home of the most recent Super Bowl. Walk through the locker rooms, get an up-close look at the Al Davis Memorial Torch, and step on the field like an all-star.

You'll also want to explore new immersive experiences that stretch the limits of creativity like the Paradox Museum , ARTE MUSEUM , FlyOver Las Vegas , Play Playground , and of course, the groundbreaking Sphere , which hosts concerts and the Postcard From Earth film by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker, Darren Aronofsky.

A Vegas vacation isn’t complete without seeing a Cirque du Soleil production. Mystère at Treasure Island is the longest-running Cirque show on the Strip for good reason. It's like a greatest hits of everything to love in a performance: comedy, high-flying stunts, and a high-tech stage that shifts and evolves for each act.

When it's time for breakfast, visit Dominique Ansel at Caesars Palace for a croissant done right by one of Europe's best pastry chefs. The restaurant has fresh coffee and a vending machine that serves "cookie shots" loaded with a pour of milk.

Head to The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for a can't-miss lunch deal: a set three-course menu at estiatorio Milo s, a Greek restaurant that flies in fresh seafood daily. You'll love the vibrant produce in the tomato salad and the house-strained yogurt, topped with honey for a decadent desert.

For dinner with a view, head over to Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, where you can sit on the patio to people-watch and take in the energy of the Strip. Enjoy French bistro classics like Steak Frites and Beef Bourguignon or opt for the can’t-miss caviar service. For another scenic supper, try Top of the World , which has its own sky-high views with a rotating dining room on the 106th floor of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower.

Your best bet: Put the decision in someone else's hands and book "Savors of the Strip" with Lip Smacking Foodie Tours . You'll join a small group, visiting three top restaurants in three hours while trying signature dishes and learning some fun facts and Vegas history along the way.

Solo visitors can meet someone new, dancing all night long at party destinations like LIV Nightclub at the newly opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas , which has DJs like Calvin Harris and Tiësto on the lineup. The nightclub is relatively intimate by Vegas Strip standards, with a dramatic big-screen backdrop and centralized turntable booth.

If line-dancing is more your speed, Blake Shelton's Ole Red is a new honky tonk at the Grand Bazaar Shops with three levels overlooking a wide stage and an outdoor terrace facing Bellagio’s fountains. You can even book a cabana on the rooftop.

Ole Red is in front of Horseshoe Las Vegas , which has The Cabinet of Curiosities , a cocktail lounge decorated with oddities and artifacts. Scan QR codes with your phone to learn the details behind each one and figure out a way to get inside The Lock, a hidden speakeasy in the back.

Circa Resort & Casino is the biggest resort on Fremont Street. The 60-floor tower has one of the largest sports books in the world and Stadium Swim, a rooftop pool deck with a massive screen for watching sports.

Wander the Fremont Street Experience , a five-block pedestrian mall with neon lights, timeless casinos and unique attractions like the Slotzilla zip-line ride. Vintage signs and marquees are preserved and restored at The Neon Museum , an outdoor "boneyard" that welcomes guests day or night. You can also learn about Vegas history at The Mob Museum , renovated from the old Downtown courthouse with The Underground , a working speakeasy and distillery in the basement.

Find time to visit the up-and-coming 18b Arts District, which has become a culinary destination in its own right. Try a slice of Detroit-style pizza at Good Pie , indulge in handmade pasta or seasonal Italian favorites at Esther's Kitchen , belly up for a barbecue feast at SoulBelly , and savor fresh bread and pastries at 1228 Main by the team behind Wolfgang Puck's Vegas operation.

Fremont East is your top stop for breakfast, between the PublicUs coffeehouse and eat. , which serves comfort food favorites done right. Turn lunch into an adventure with the Original Taco Foodie Tour, where electric scooters take participants from one restaurant to another.

The Fremont Street Experience is a party all by itself with multiple stages for live music. Big-name acts take the stage for concerts between spring and fall for the Downtown Rocks free concert series. Test your luck at the casino, pick up a few souvenirs and party on the rooftop balcony at Troy Liquor Bar, the top dance spot at the Golden Nugget .

The Arts District overlaps with Brewery Row, where the likes of Able Baker Brewing , HUDL and Hop Nuts serve their own beer along with vibrant tap rooms like The Silver Stamp and Servehzah. Wine drinkers will prefer Garagiste , which has an excellent selection of labels from around the world and knowledgeable bartenders to explain the differences.

Vegas is booming in the West Valley with growth in areas like Summerlin (a master-planned community against the backdrop of the beautiful Spring Mountains), Centennial Hills in the northwest corner of Vegas, and the fast-rising Southwest, where Durango Casino & Resort opened in late 2023. The hotel is a sleek blend of indoor and outdoor spaces (with lots of natural light in the casino) and an impressive lineup of restaurants, including The George Sportsmen's Lounge, which has reinvented the game-day viewing experience with interactive elements.

You're only a short drive (or rideshare) away from natural wonders like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area , Spring Mountain Ranch State Park (host of the outdoor Super Summer Theatre series) and the brand-new Ice Age Fossils State Park, where trails wind through rugged areas that recovered evidence of large animals from more than a thousand years ago.

Durango is across the street from restaurants like Amari and The Sundry food hall at the UnCommons, a mixed-use space with a bustling courtyard. The Downtown Summerlin outdoor shopping plaza has Fine Company and Harlo Steakhouse , two excellent restaurants by local chefs. You'll enjoy more great choices at another retail park, Tivoli Village , with Italian fare from Al Solito Posto and house-butchered steaks from Echo & Rig .

Chinatown, just west of the Strip on Spring Mountain Road, is a must-visit culinary destination, featuring a wide variety of Asian foods, from dumplings at KJ Dim Sum and ShangHai Taste to Japanese tasting menus at Kaiseki Yuzu , Kame , and Yui Edomae .

Nightlife is becoming more sophisticated in the suburbs with stylish poolside cocktail lounges like the Rouge Room at Red Rock Casino Resort Spa and Bel-Aire Lounge at Durango Casino & Resort. Locals also love to stay up late at "vibe dining" restaurants like La Neta Cocina y Lounge and Jing at Downtown Summerlin. And don't overlook Herbs and Rye , which has a reputation as an off-Strip "industry clubhouse" for its exceptional craft cocktail program and hard-to-top happy hour with steaks half-price.

Las Vegas is one of the most exciting destinations in the world right now, with a world of possibilities to shape a three-day vacation that meets the dreams of any solo traveler. Visit Las Vegas in the near future and craft an inspired getaway that's full of inspiration, activities, and culinary delights.

The Ultimate Las Vegas Itinerary 2024: 3 days in Vegas local edition

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Planning a 3 day trip to Vegas? You have come to an excellent place! A long-time local (over 20 years living in Las Vegas), prepared The Ultimate 3 days in Las Vegas Itinerary including all Las Vegas MUST sees and dos, just for visitors like you. Let’s dive in!

Known as one of the world’s most famous travel destinations , Las Vegas resides on the bucket list of many. And with good reason too, the entertainment capital of the world is a city that quickly built its name since it started in 1905.

From the non-stop parties, gambling, and a city that is known for fun all around, you truly can’t go wrong with planning a trip to Las Vegas AKA Sin City.

Lucky for you, I have been a Las Vegas local for over the last 20 years of my life, so it is safe to say that I know a thing or two about this city.

In this ultimate Las Vegas itinerary, I will give you all the insider tips to have the most amazing 3 days in Las Vegas.

Where to stay in Vegas?

First things first, you will want to get yourself checked into a hotel. With over 100 casinos in the Las Vegas district, finding a nice hotel room to spend your 3 days in Vegas won’t be hard.

I always recommend that people stay in the middle of the strip as it is closer to all the action, and just a nicer area in general.

While hotels a bit further from the main area of the strip and in downtown are cheaper, always remember that you get what you pay for. This saying is especially true in Las Vegas.

My top three favorite hotels are:

Caesar’s Palace

Based on the Roman time, Caesar’s Palace is one of the best and most popular hotels in Las Vegas. With a mall that is home to over 157 stores and an immense choice of restaurants, this hotel is worth every single penny to stay at.

Also, conveniently located right in the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard, this hotel is the perfect pick for any Vegas trip.

Paris Hotel and Casino

What I love about The Paris Hotel , is that not only is the location absolutely perfect but this casino is definitely a more cost-friendly option and won’t break the bank. But don’t let that fool you, it is still one of the nicest hotels in Vegas.

The Paris Casino has everything from an exact (but smaller) replica of the Arc de Triomphe and a replica of the Eiffel Tower as well. It will have you questioning if you are really in Vegas or Paris, France.

Aria is one of the more upscale hotels in Vegas but the perfect place to spend your 3 days in Vegas. It is one of the latest additions to Sin City as it was just recently built in 2009.

With that being said, everything in the casino is brand new and has a very modern feel. Including a high-end mall with all the latest fashions.

You can also search for other available accommodations below:

Best time to visit Vegas?

Although Las Vegas attracts visitors all year round, the best time to visit this small Nevada town is spring and autumn . It’s no secret that summer Vegas temperatures usually reach above 115° and winter temperatures get freezing cold.

Coming during the spring or fall will allow you to enjoy perfect temperatures while visiting the city. 

Las Vegas 3 day Itinerary Local Edition

Las vegas itinerary day 1, start your day by taking a walk on las vegas boulevard.

One thing that I love about taking morning walks along the strip, is that in the early morning hours, you will be greeted by empty streets and it is the perfect time to explore.

Take in all the beauty of each different casino as you get ready for your day.

Hit up a day club

There is nothing wrong with starting the party early. Las Vegas is not only known for its out-of-this-world nightclubs but also for its amazing day clubs as well.

While most day clubs are poolside, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and some sunscreen. There is nothing better than catching a nice tan while enjoying a few drinks.

Check out this guide on what to pack for your trip to Las Vegas , including how to dress appropriately!

Visit The Bellagio’s Botanical Gardens

The Bellagio constantly goes above and beyond to woo their guests. The Bellagio’s Botanical Gardens are redesigned each season with thousands of different vibrant flowers that make up a unique chosen theme.

It is definitely a sight worth seeing and also makes for the perfect photo opp to add to your Vegas itinerary.

Ride the New York, New York roller coaster

If adrenaline rushes are your cup of tea, the New York, New York has an amazing rollercoaster which I strongly recommend. With all kinds of twists, turns, and loops, this rollercoaster is one of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas.

Located right on Las Vegas Boulevard, you will also catch some great views of the strip.

If you would like to see the real New York, here is a one day itinerary for you !

Visit the Fashion Show Mall

The Fashion Show Mall is a huge indoor shopping mall located in the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard. With close to 300 stores and around 25 restaurants, the Fashion Show is the perfect place to go for a nice day full of shopping .

The stores include none other than all the most famous stores and department stores, including Macy’s, Forever 21, Dillards, Nordstrom , and so much more.

Ride the High Roller

Standing at an impressive height of 550 feet, the High Roller is the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. It takes a total of 30 minutes to go around, and while you can opt in for just a ride around, you can even rent a pod with an open bar included.

Enjoy a nice cocktail while catching some seriously breathtaking views of the city.

Insider Tip: Many times lines can get long, so I suggest that you buy a skip-the-line ticket in advance .

Check out the Bellagio Fountains

Bellagio is known for its world-famous fountain show. During your three days in Las Vegas, make sure to add the Bellagio fountains show to your Vegas itinerary.

I highly recommend watching it at night as it is that much better while surrounded by the glistening city lights. The water dances so perfectly to a song picked out by The Bellagio. Truly a sight that is not to be missed.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS: Unique and Fun Things to do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Itinerary Day 2

Start your day with a morning hike at Red Rock

Located a short 45-minute drive from Las Vegas, Red Rock is a great off-the-beaten-path activity for when you’re visiting.

There truly is no better way to start your day than with nature. With a variety of fun hikes through the red-tainted mountains, Red Rock is a must-add to your Vegas itinerary.

Note: You can join a small tour from Las Vegas on a half-day trip. They pick you up from your hotel too. You can book in advance online through GetYourGuide .

Visit the shark reef at the Mandalay Bay

With a tank of over 1.3 million gallons, the shark reef at the Mandalay Bay is one of the biggest aquariums in North America.

Featuring 15 different species of sharks and over 2000 animals, visiting the shark reef on your Vegas trip is definitely a great experience to have.

Go see one of Las Vegas’s world-famous shows

It’s no secret that Vegas is known for its over-the-top entertainment shows. From the blue man group, to the different Cirque du Soleil shows, mind-blowing magic shows and so much more.

During your 3 days in Las Vegas, it is an absolute must to go see one of the shows out here.

Vegas is known solely for its entertainment aspect, they always go above and beyond to put on the best performances for its guests. So with that being said, a Vegas show will not disappoint.

Indulge yourself in a Las Vegas buffet

One thing that I will forever vouch for in my home city is the food scene. Just as casinos go over the-top with their nightclubs, day clubs, shows, etc… It is no different with their restaurants.

And what better way to try out all the different, delicious gourmet meals than to visit an all-you-can-eat buffet?

Vegas has an abundance of different buffets, all with amazing cuisine. I would highly suggest visiting one during your trip.

You might also like: Top day trips from Phoenix, Arizona

Walk around downtown Las Vegas

Let’s take it back to before the strip made its debut. Downtown Las Vegas, aka Fremont, was the original Las Vegas. Home to all the oldest hotels, Fremont is the perfect place to have a fun night in Vegas.

With a suspended ceiling with over 12.5 million LED lightbulbs, Fremont offers a free 6-minute light show, every hour.

While the show in itself is a must-do in Vegas, also make sure to check out all the downtown hotels. There is also a great Fremont Street walking tour .

PRO TIP: Downtown Las Vegas is considerably cheaper than the Las Vegas Strip.

Las Vegas Itinerary Day 3

Take a helicopter ride to the grand canyon.

An activity that is definitely not for the weak-hearted but on the other hand is so much fun; Taking a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon .

We all know that the Grand Canyon is one of the seven wonders of the world, well what better way to get a glimpse of it than from a birds-eye view?

Las Vegas has some killer helicopter tours that will take you over to the Grand Canyon for the experience of a lifetime. You can book it in advance by clicking here .

If you are not a fan of helicopters, you could also take this awesome small-group Grand Canyon South Rim sunset tour.

Tip: There is also available a helicopter flight over Las Vegas during the nighttime.

Take a gondola ride through the Venetian canals

You don’t have to be with your honey to take a gondola ride through the Venetian canals. While it is known to be a romantic activity, I’ve seen everyone do it from parents and children to friends and even strangers.

If flying to Venice, Italy is a little bit out of your price range then no worries. The Venetian is made to represent Venice, Italy.

Check out this post: Tips for visiting Venice, Italy

Take a hot-air balloon tour

Another famous Vegas activity is a hot air balloon tour . See the city from high above with this breathtaking tour and gorgeous views of the city while gliding across the sky.

While I personally never got to do that, it’s been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember.

Party like there is no tomorrow

What better way to end your 3 day Vegas trip than with a bang? Go to one of the many nightclubs Vegas offers for a night full of dancing, good company, and some boozy drinks!

They always have different promotions going on at all the different clubs, so make sure to keep an eye out for a good deal.

Here are some nice nightclubs to check out:

From an outdoor deck, a shapeshifting chandelier, and 4 entire stories, it’s not hard to see why OMNIA is one of the best clubs in Las Vegas.

After investing over $107 million into building this out-of-this-world club, Las Vegas surely has outdone themselves. Located in Ceasar’s Palace, OMNIA is one of my top recommendations for a Las Vegas nightclub.

There are a few reasons as to why Drai’s is one of Las Vegas’ best clubs. Not only is it a nightclub, but during the day it turns into a day club.

So whether you like to party under the moonlight or in your bathing suit, under the sun, Drai’s is the place to be.

Located inside the MGM, Hakassan is one of the biggest and most popular nightclubs in Las Vegas.

You will find only the best DJ’s in the world performing here so get your dancing shoes on, because you are in for a wild night with this club.

Another favorite: Great Bachelorette party spots in North America

Take a free gambling lesson

One thing that many people do not know is that the casinos out in Vegas offer free gambling lessons for newcomers. If you’re not too sure how the table game works, take a lesson and quickly become an expert.

But also, gambling could be highly addictive. Always make sure to gamble responsibly.

Other Cool Day Trips from Las Vegas are:

Hoover Dam Experience with Power Plant Tour

Death Valley Day Tour

Valley of Fire State Park Tour

Zion National Park Day Trip

Bryce and Zion National Parks Combined Tour  

Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour with Pickup

In Conclusion: 3 Days in Las Vegas Itinerary

I hope you enjoyed my guide on how to spend 3 amazing days in Las Vegas. This city is filled with an abundance of things to do and is finally ready for you. Viva Las Vegas!

This is a guest post: by Caresa from the blog This Spontaneous Life

About the author: Hi! I’m Caresa. Minimalist, traveler, blogger, and owner of This Spontaneous Life . I recently sold all my belongings to be able to travel the world without any materialistic limitations. I thrive on helping people follow their travel dreams and motivating them to get out there and see the world. I am a firm believer that we need to make the most of our time while we are on this earth so follow me on my journey and let me help you live your best life. Until next time! xx

You can follow Caresa’s adventure on Facebook and Pinterest .

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The Perfect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7-Day Las Vegas Itineraries

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Nevada | Vegas | The Perfect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7-Day Las Vegas Itineraries

Whether it’s your first time in Sin City or you’ve been here before, it helps to have a Las Vegas itinerary to make the most of your trip.

Taking the time to plan which activities you’ll do and when will save you lots of aggravation while maximizing your time. To make it even easier, this guide includes some Las Vegas itinerary templates .

While I’ve included ideas for up to a week in Vegas, 2-3 days is enough to see the best attractions. Of course, if you have more time, you can take advantage of even more cool things to do outside Las Vegas . I also recommend getting a Las Vegas city pass and reading our guide on where to stay in Las Vegas   and our guide on how to plan a trip to Las Vegas.

The Perfect 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 7-Day Las Vegas Itineraries

Finally, remember that these itineraries are just ideas, and your agenda will depend on your interests and budget. You may prefer to stick to activities on the Strip, or you may want to take a day trip from Las Vegas !

• Las Vegas in a day , a Las Vegas birthday itinerary idea
• 2-day Las Vegas itinerary , the best Las Vegas weekend itinerary
• 3-day Las Vegas itinerary , a Las Vegas bachelor party itinerary idea
• 4-day Las Vegas itinerary , a romantic Las Vegas couples itinerary
• 5-day Las Vegas itinerary , the perfect first-time Vegas itinerary
• 7 days in Las Vegas itinerary , the best Las Vegas family vacation itinerary

Keep reading to see my suggested Las Vegas weekend itinerary and ideas for birthdays, family vacations, and couples getaways in Sin City .

Las Vegas in a day, a Las Vegas birthday itinerary idea

If you’re going to do Las Vegas in a day , you need to be meticulous in your planning. This Las Vegas itinerary is a good place to start because it includes the top Vegas attractions that any visitor to Sin City should see.

First, opt for a ticket for the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus , which will let you easily move from one spot to the next. The bus tour travels along the Strip and Downtown, making 9 stops and arriving every 45 minutes. You can get on and off at your leisure at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign , the STRAT , and other landmarks.

One of those stops is the LINQ Promenade , a haven for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The centerpiece attraction is the High Roller , one of the world’s largest observation wheels.

I also recommend spending your day at some of the best hotels in Las Vegas . For example, The Venetian is home to the Grand Canal Shoppes and Madame Tussauds . It’s also worth seeing the Bellagio Fountains and the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas .

Las Vegas in a day itinerary

Begin your day in Las Vegas by visiting the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign . You can catch the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus  there and take it to the LINQ Promenade .

After exploring this entertainment area, hop back on the bus and get a tour of Downtown Las Vegas . If you’re not interested in downtown, you can walk over to The Venetian and check out Madame Tussauds and the gondola rides at the Grand Canal Shoppes .

Later, head back to the LINQ Promenade and ride the High Roller during sunset. At night, walk to the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas , where you’ll have a great view of the Bellagio Fountains . The water show is one of the best free things to do in Vegas , although if you want to see it from the Paris viewing deck, you should reserve a ticket  (It is also included at the Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass  ).

2-day Las Vegas itinerary, the best Las Vegas weekend itinerary

If you’re wondering what to do in Vegas for the weekend , you have plenty of options. A 2-day Las Vegas itinerary allows you to make the most of your trip and even venture a bit outside the city. Weekends are also the best time to plan a birthday or friends’ trip because you can see the main attractions and enjoy the nightlife.

I recommend taking the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus  during the day to see some landmarks and popular resorts. For example, New York-New York has the Big Apple Coaster and Arcade , which is fun for all ages.

Then, you can take the bus downtown and take in the Fremont Street Experience and other attractions in downtown Las Vegas . Shortly before sunset, head to the LINQ Promenade and ride the High Roller . Then, enjoy the city views at night atop the SkyPod at the STRAT .

With another day in Vegas , you can use the first half for a Hoover Dam tour. Then, rest up before hitting a Vegas pool party or doing a bar crawl .

Las Vegas 2-day itinerary

Seeing the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign is a rite of passage, so start there. This is also where you can catch the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus , which will transport you around the Strip.

If you like thrill rides, stop at New York-New York ‘s Big Apple Coaster before continuing downtown. Then you can do the Las Vegas Downtown – Fremont St. walking tour , one of the best things to do in downtown Las Vegas .

Later on, head to the LINQ Promenade , where you can eat, shop, and ride the High Roller . You can also get awesome views from the 1,149-foot-tall SkyPod at the STRAT . The SkyPod has a late-night bar and lounge, so it’s the perfect place to wrap up a Las Vegas couples itinerary .

A Las Vegas weekend itinerary is ideal because you can experience some daytime activities in Las Vegas before diving into the nightlife.

First, take a break from the Strip with a half-day Hoover Dam tour . When you return to Vegas, take a quick break, then do go to a pool party in Las Vegas. If that’s not your thing, you can take in the scene at Fremont Street , perhaps with a ride on the SlotZilla zip line or a visit to the Mob Museum , one of the best Las Vegas museums .

In the evening, grab cocktails at a swanky lounge or do a bar crawl .

3-day Las Vegas itinerary, a Las Vegas bachelor party itinerary idea

Throwing a bachelor party in Las Vegas is quite the experience and your chance to go all out on activities. A 3-day Las Vegas itinerary gives you enough time to go wild in the city and explore the natural surroundings, too.

You can start this Las Vegas bachelor party itinerary with some go-kart racing at Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix . Then, take a midday break at the LINQ Promenade . In the evening, pre-game at Señor Frogs’ open bar , then go clubbing.

For day 2 of this bachelor/bachelorette itinerary in Las Vegas , take a break from the Strip. I recommend exploring one of the most impressive natural wonders near Vegas, the Grand Canyon . Here, you can hike to some magnificent viewpoints and capture incredible photos.

On the last day, spend the morning doing one of the most popular activities for bachelor/bachelorette parties in Las Vegas, like blasting a few rounds at a shooting range, playing paintball, or even enjoying a morning in the Spa. Then, check out the hottest Vegas pool parties . If you prefer to stay dry, check out the Fremont Street Experience downtown.

To cap off your Las Vegas itinerary , do a bar crawl and enjoy the drinks and music.

Las Vegas 3-day itinerary

Begin your 3-day Las Vegas itinerary with a thrilling go-kart race at Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix . It’s especially fun with friends, and it’s a good way to escape the crowds for a bit.

Once you return to the Boulevard, visit the LINQ Promenade . Here, you can grab a bite to eat, do some shopping, ride the High Roller , and check out the other attractions.

After dark, gear up for an exhilarating evening at Señor Frogs’ open bar , then enjoy yourself in one of the best nightclubs in Las Vegas .

I suggest dedicating the second day of your Las Vegas itinerary to a day trip, like the Grand Canyon . The great thing about Sin City is that it’s close to so many beautiful natural areas. What could be better than visiting this wondrous canyon?

While you’re here, check out some of the best lookout points and hiking spots. You may even want to consider a Grand Canyon helicopter tour to make the event extra special.

If you need some Las Vegas trip ideas for your last day in the city, consider one of the most popular activities for bachelor parties such as paintball, going to a shooting range, or axe throwing. If that is not your thing, your team may enjoy spending the morning at one of the museums in Vegas . The Erotic Heritage Museum is lots of fun and quite fitting for a bachelorette party!

Upon returning to the Strip, suit up for a wild party at some of the best pools in Las Vegas . Or for something quieter, the Fremont Street walking tour is a great alternative.

To round out your night, a Vegas bar crawl is a popular Las Vegas bachelor party idea .

4-day Las Vegas itinerary, a romantic Las Vegas couples itinerary

With a 4-day Las Vegas itinerary , you can take full advantage of the best things to do in Vegas . I still recommend taking the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus  because it’ll take you along the Strip and downtown.

Also, be sure to check out the LINQ Promenade and consider visiting the nearby Springs Preserve . You can round out day 1 with the Bellagio Fountains show, maybe from the Eiffel Tower at Paris Hotel.

After that whirlwind day, you’ll appreciate getting away from the city with a visit to the Grand Canyon . Then, on day 3, spend the morning in one of the best spas in the City. And after that, for a couple’s itinerary in Las Vegas , the Erotic Heritage Museum is a great idea. Another fun thing to do in Las Vegas as a couple is to go to the STRAT SkyPod for after-dinner drinks.

Finally, spend your last day taking a day tour to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, or Zion National Park . You can’t go wrong with either option, as they’re some of the best day trips from Vegas .

Las Vegas 4-day itinerary

For your first day in Sin City, I recommend getting a head-start by visiting the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign . Capture a memorable photo, then catch the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus , which will take you around the Strip.

Then, take a break from the Boulevard and visit one of the top attractions outside Las Vegas , like the  Springs Preserve .

Afterward, return to the Strip or check out downtown Las Vegas with a Fremont Street walking tour . If you want to stay on the Strip, I recommend going to Madame Tussauds at The Venetian and the gondolas at the Grand Canal Shoppes .

Then, stop at the LINQ Promenade and enjoy a sunset ride on the High Roller . At night, walk to the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas to watch the Bellagio Fountains . It’s one of the best things to do in Las Vegas at night , although if you want to see it from the Paris viewing deck, you should reserve a ticket .

For one of the most exciting Las Vegas family vacation itineraries , you must visit the Grand Canyon . This national park is absolutely gorgeous, so it’s a wonderful place to visit as a couple, with friends, or with children. Plus, on the way, you’ll pass the Hoover Dam , another place worth visiting.

Once you get to Grand Canyon Village , also known as the South Rim, you can see some of the most famous lookout points. One of the best is Hopi Point , where you can get panoramic views of the canyon, but if you want to have a completely different view of the canyon, I can’t recommend enough taking a helicopter tour at Grand Canyon.

After your day trip from the day before, rejuvenate with a massage or treatment at one of Las Vegas’ best spas . Then, use your free time exploring the Strip and doing some couples’ activities in Vegas . A few ideas are the Ethel M Chocolates Factory or the Fremont Street Experience .

In the evening, go to the Erotic Heritage Museum and visit the SkyPod at the STRAT . It’s one of the coolest rooftop bars in Las Vegas and the perfect way to end day 3 of this Las Vegas itinerary .

To end your 4-day Las Vegas itinerary , take a day tour to a nearby attraction. There are so many awesome day trips from Las Vegas , so it can be hard to choose. I recommend going to Zion National Park or visiting Antelope Canyon and neighboring Horseshoe Bend .

If you visit Zion National Park , you’re in for a treat because this place is full of beautiful hikes, overlooks, and natural structures. The hike at Angels Landing is a must-do, and you shouldn’t miss the iconic views at Court of the Patriarchs and the Virgin River .

The other day trip I recommend is Antelope Canyon , a gorgeous slot canyon with red, water-carved curves. Bring your camera, because when the light filters through the canyon walls, it’s one of the most ethereal scenes.

Plus, Antelope Canyon is very close to Horseshoe Bend , so you can visit both in one day. This imposing meander on the Colorado River is 984 feet tall, so you can imagine the views from here. It’s certainly worth adding to your Las Vegas trip itinerary !

5-day Las Vegas itinerary, the perfect first-time Vegas itinerary

Five days is ideal for a first-time Vegas itinerary . This way, you can see the best attractions on and off the Strip and have plenty of time to take in all the sights.

Start with a tour on the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus , which will take you down the Boulevard and through downtown. You’ll be able to hit the most popular spots like the LINQ Promenade , the Grand Canal Shoppes , and the Mob Museum . Later in the day, take the Las Vegas Downtown – Fremont St. walking tour and finish with a Bellagio Fountains show.

The next day, spend some time perusing the best museums in Las Vegas , like Madame Tussauds and the Neon Museum . In the evening, check out the FlyLINQ Zipline and the Big Bus Night Tour . You can’t also leave the city without trying your luck in one of the  best casinos in Las Vegas.

I recommend using the last few days of your Las Vegas itinerary to take a multi-day tour. I like this one , which goes to Antelope Canyon , Grand Canyon , Zion , Bryce Canyon , and Monument Valley .

Las Vegas 5-day itinerary

As a newbie to Sin City, you must see the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign . There, you can catch the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus  and ride down the Strip. The bus will take you into the downtown district, where you can visit the Mob Museum , one of the top museums in Las Vegas .

Downtown Vegas is lots of fun and should definitely be on a first-time Vegas itinerary . You can learn more about this area by taking the Las Vegas Downtown – Fremont St. walking tour .

Afterward, hop back on the bus and go to The Venetian to see the Grand Canal Shoppes . Even if you just walk around there, you’ll be amazed by the architectural replicas of Italian landmarks. Since the LINQ Promenade is a short walk away, I recommend heading there and riding the High Roller observation wheel. It’s a great place to watch the sunset or see the Bellagio Fountains water show.

The great thing about a 5-day Las Vegas itinerary is that it gives you more time to explore and take in all the activities. Since you’ll have the time, I suggest visiting Madame Tussauds and the Neon Museum. These two Las Vegas museums offer unique exhibits you’ll only find in Sin City! Plus, they’re popular kid-friendly attractions in Vegas , so they’re perfect for adding to a Las Vegas family itinerary .

During the latter part of the day, check out the FlyLINQ Zipline at LINQ Promenade , and soar over this bustling entertainment hub. You can round out the evening with a Big Bus Night Tour to see the Strip’s most famous landmarks. For example, I recommend stopping by some of the most popular casinos in Las Vegas.

After exploring the best attractions on Las Vegas Strip , it’s time to start your multi-day trip. This 3-day tour begins with a visit to Zion and Bryce Canyon.

Zion National Park is a gorgeous area with narrow canyons, mountains, natural pools, and wildlife. During your tour, you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities to capture the majestic cliffs and iconic sights like Weeping Rock . You can also embark on one of the park’s top hikes, such as the Emerald Pools Trail , which features waterfalls and turquoise lagoons.

Afterward, you’ll go to Bryce Canyon , a national park characterized by hoodoos or natural sandstone spires. These red-orange structures create some magnificent arches and bridges, as well as Bryce Amphitheater . After exploring the beauty of this park, you’ll wrap up day 3 of this Las Vegas itinerary at a Bryce Canyon campsite.

Day 4 of this Vegas itinerary begins with an early morning drive past Lake Powell , a scenic reservoir along the Colorado River. Along the way, your tour guide will take you to Antelope Canyon , one of our favorite day trips from Las Vegas .

Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s paradise, although anyone can appreciate the water-carved slot canyon and its striated walls. You’ll want to have your camera ready to capture the filtered light beams coming through the canyon.

The next part of your journey takes you to Monument Valley , a vast desert landscape. You’ll board a 4×4 Jeep and ride through the Navajo lands while learning about the history of this spectacular place. Finally, you’ll have the memorable experience of camping under the stars.

The last stop on this 5-day Las Vegas itinerary is the beautiful Grand Canyon . You’ll start with a visit to an authentic Navajo Trading Post and have the option to do a helicopter flight over the canyon. I highly recommend adding this to your Las Vegas itinerary . The Grand Canyon is one of the best road trips from Las Vegas , and a Grand Canyon heli-tour is an unforgettable experience.

If you don’t take the flight, you can take a hike along the canyon rim and hear from a knowledgeable guide about the area’s history and geology. Get acquainted with this massive natural wonder and witness the views from its famous lookout points. At the end of the day, your tour group will head back to Vegas.

7 days in Las Vegas itinerary, the best Las Vegas family vacation itinerary

If you have the time and budget for a 7-day Las Vegas itinerary , there is plenty of fun to be had! You’ll be able to maximize your trip and see the best of the Strip, downtown Las Vegas, and the surrounding areas.

To start, check out the most popular Vegas attractions and sights by taking the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus . Be sure to check out iconic landmarks like the LINQ Promenade and Madame Tussauds . In the evening, go to the   Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas  to watch the mesmerizing Bellagio Fountains show.

Begin day 2 at a Las Vegas waterpark , then visit the Las Vegas Natural History Museum . Later, get an adrenaline rush by riding the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York and soaring along the FlyLINQ Zipline .

For days 3-5, take a multi-day tour like this one that goes to Antelope Canyon , Grand Canyon , Zion , Bryce Canyon , and Monument Valley .

When you return to the city, get some chill time at one of the best Las Vegas pools . Then, visit the nearby Red Rock Canyon and get your nature fix.

Finally, end your ultimate Las Vegas itinerary with a stop at the Valley of Fire , one of the most beautiful places off the Vegas Strip .

Las Vegas 7-day itinerary

For your first day in Las Vegas , get acquainted with the city by seeing some of the top attractions on the Strip . It’s always nice to start with a visit to the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign . From there, catch the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus  and check out the downtown district.

You can take the Las Vegas Downtown – Fremont St. walking tour   or walk over to The Venetian , one of the best Vegas hotels . The resort is home to Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, a fun place to go in Las Vegas with kids . The hotel also has the Grand Canal Shoppes , which mimic Venice, Italy, and its historical landmarks.

Later, stop at the LINQ Promenade to ride the High Roller , perhaps at sunset. After dusk, go to the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas and watch the famous Bellagio Fountains show. You’ll have to reserve a ticket for the viewing deck in advance.

If you plan on making this a Las Vegas family vacation itinerary , begin your second day at a Las Vegas waterpark . Mandalay Bay Beach at Mandalay Bay and Splash Zone at Circus Circus are right on the Strip. Or you can visit a nearby water park, like Lake Las Vegas or Cowabunga Bay .

Another fun family activity is going to a Las Vegas museum , like the Natural History Museum . After some chill time, you can experience some thrills on the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York and the FlyLINQ Zipline .

Since you have 7 days for your Las Vegas travel itinerary , you have enough time to take a multi-day trip. My top recommendation is this 3-day tour , which begins with a visit to Zion and Bryce Canyon.

The beautiful mountain peaks, hiking trails, and canyon structures of Zion National Park will take your breath away. You’ll have lots of chances to capture lovely photos during your tour, as well as explore popular hikes like the Emerald Pools Trail .

After spending a few hours in Zion, you’ll go to nearby Bryce Canyon . This national park is known for its sandstone hoodoos, which create intricate shapes, arches, and natural bridges. Your tour guide will point out famous landmarks like the Bryce Amphitheater , and you’ll spend the night camping in the impressive national park.

Your Las Vegas travel itinerary continues with a drive past Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon . This is one of the most popular day trips from Vegas , and you’ll quickly see why. The curvaceous, striped walls of this slot canyon will mesmerize you, especially when the light filters through the walls.

Once you take in the unique environment of Antelope Canyon, you’ll continue the trip to Monument Valley . Better yet, you’ll see this incredible desert dreamscape while riding in a 4×4 Jeep. A Navajo guide will tell you all about Monument Valley’s history, and then you’ll spend the evening at a starlit campsite.

Day 5 of the Las Vegas itinerary will take you to a traditional Navajo Trading Post, where you can peruse the offerings. Then, you may opt for a Grand Canyon helicopter tour , something I wholeheartedly recommend.

If you don’t do the flight, you can witness the majestic magnitude of the Grand Canyon on foot. Visiting this natural wonder is one of the best road trips from Las Vegas , so take your time hiking along the canyon’s rim and admiring its viewpoints. You’ll have some free time to take it all in before heading back to Sin City.

Now that you’re back in the city, why not recharge with a visit to one of the best pools in Las Vegas ? Chilling out by the water is one of the best things to do in Vegas during the day when the beating sun is at its most intense.

Some of the most popular pools belong to Las Vegas’ top hotels , so consider booking a room there. For example, the Garden of the Gods Pool at Caesars Palace is an elegant European oasis, while Encore Beach Club at The Wynn is perfect for a Las Vegas bachelorette itinerary .

Once you feel refreshed, you may want to visit nearby Red Rock Canyon . This state park offers beautiful views and attractions, many of which you can see along the Scenic Drive . For a more exciting adventure, take an e-bike tour along the route.

Red Rock Canyon also has family-friendly hikes like the Petroglyph Wall , Lost Creek Canyon , and Calico Hills . The park is about 20 minutes from the Strip, so you can easily fit it into a 7-day Las Vegas itinerary .

For the last day of your Las Vegas itinerary , I suggest visiting the Valley of Fire . Some people find it hard to believe that this incredible park is just 45 minutes from Vegas. Here, the landscape is defined by bright red Aztec sandstone that forms natural arches, peaks, and canyons.

Besides the fiery sandstone, the Valley of Fire is home to colorful landscapes like the Rainbow Vista and Pastel Canyon . You’ll also find impressive natural structures like Arch Rock , Elephant Rock , and the Beehives .

Be sure to travel along the park’s Scenic Drive, also known as Mouse’s Tank Road . I also recommend doing a hike or two to see the Fire Wave and the ancient pictographs . I guarantee you won’t regret ending your Las Vegas trip itinerary here!

How many days do you need in Las Vegas?

It’s hard to see all of Las Vegas in a day , but if you’re short on time, 2 days is enough. Ideally, I recommend a 3-day itinerary for Las Vegas so you can see all the top attractions.

I hope this gave you some trip ideas for Las Vegas ! Leave me a comment below to tell me your favorite Las Vegas travel itinerary , or to ask me any questions you have. Enjoy your trip to Sin City!

Ascen Aynat

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Perfect Las Vegas Itinerary 3 Days – How to spend 3 days in Las Vegas

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Looking for the best Las Vegas Itinerary 3 days? We got you covered!

Las Vegas is a popular resort city located in the state of Nevada in the United States of America. Vegas is famous for its nightlife, casinos, flamboyant lifestyle, and amazing entertainment and they say, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”. Well, you don’t have to stick to that, you can explore some of the COOLEST things in Las Vegas Itinerary 3 days and share that with friends, family and the world.

We visited Vegas a couple of times, which were 1- 2 years apart and this Las Vegas Itinerary is based on our experience from those trips.

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Las Vegas Itinerary 3 Days – How to spend 3 days in Las Vegas?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Getting to Las Vegas Nevada

Las Vegas is located in Nevada’s Mojave Desert in the USA . Las Vegas is serviced by McCarran International Airport., which is well connected to all major cities in the US and the world.

We flew to Las Vegas from Canada and you will be surprised that during winter months in Canada , there is always a flight sale to Las Vegas. We have traveled to Las Vegas with a budget of $500 per person covering our flight, hotel, and a day tour.

We stayed at the Las Vegas Strip during our visit. We booked our accommodation reservation at the Excalibur Hotel . The cost of stay at this hotel was $65 with a $30+ resort fee per night. The hotel was shaped like a medieval castle. It had a casino, shopping centers, and restaurants in its arena. This hotel also boasts of a medieval-themed restaurant.

You can get an airport shuttle to reach your hotel/resort or book a cab to Las Vegas Strip. Excalibur hotel had an airport shuttle service for $15. Typical airport shuttle costs between $12 – $20 from the airport to the strip. Book airport shuttle here.

Day 1 Las Vegas Itinerary  – Explore the Strip, Mandalay Bay Reef, Bellagio Fountains, Gondola ride, Evening Lights tour of Vegas, and Vegas Downtown

After checking in to the Excalibur Hotel, we ventured on our Vegas exploration starting with the Strip itself. Excalibur Hotel is located on the southern end of the Strip, beside Mandalay Bay Hotel and this is our home for the next three days.

If you only have one day in Las Vegas, you should explore all of the Strip as well as the downtown area, to get a taste of what Vegas has to offer!  

Mandalay Bay Reef

We started the exploration with Mandalay Bay Reef. The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is an underground aquarium (at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino). I know I know – of all entertainment events in the city and we choose this.

Well, we had never been to one, so we liked the experience here. And if you have family traveling with you, definitely make a stop here.

The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay has an entry fee of $20-25 for adult access. You can also dive with the sharks or just enjoy the aquarium as we did.

Book your Shark Reef Aquarium access tickets here

Explore Las Vegas Strip

We made our way from the hotel lobby and corridors towards Hotel Luxor – which is a pyramid-shaped hotel. If interested, you can attend exhibitions on display at the Luxor hotel.

From Luxor, wander to New York New York Hotel . Head outside, explore and pose in front of the Brooklyn Bridge or capture the Statue of Liberty in all its glory.

Paris Hotel is close by, don’t forget to admire the Eiffel Tower here.

Continue walking to M and M store, and quench your candy love (Salil LOVES candies). On your way, you will find tons of restaurant and bar options as well, so feel free to stop by and eat.

During the day, as we were out and about exploring we prefer eating at fast food or street food stalls. We left fancy dinners for the night.

Anyhow, continue your strip exploration as you head to Hotel Aria and Cosmopolitan . I LOVED the interiors of both these hotels, so luxurious.

Remember, there are tons of things to see during the day at the Strip and many of them are free, including the water fountains at the Bellagio where we will be heading next.

Bellagio Fountains

Bellagio Hotel is a STUNNING hotel in the Las Vegas Strip . The entire building looks like romance in concrete and liberally sprinkled with water fountains (or imagine love potion, if you will). The Bellagio fountains put on a show every day without fail to mesmerize the visitors to the city.

Fountain shows occur every 30 minutes from 03:00 pm to 08:00 pm Monday through Friday.

And from 08:00 pm to midnight, it occurs every 15 minutes. On Sundays, it’s the same drill, but it starts an hour early. On Saturdays/holidays, the show starts an hour later (30 minutes from 12:00 pm to 08:00 pm and 15 minutes from 08:00 to midnight).

The fountain show at the Bellagio is captivating – there is a stunning display of aquatic art and background music. You can sit by the fountains, admire them (and get lost in your thoughts or their music)

Up next on the walking tour are Hotels Flamingo, Caesar’s Palace, and Treasure Island. During our visit, we stopped at a few food stalls by Caesar’s and Treasure Island for food and frozen margaritas to go.

Our last stop at the strip was at the Hotel Venetian. The hotel is very serene and beautiful from inside. I loved the painted walls, ceilings, and gondolas inside the hotel. This really transported us to Venice. You can opt for a romantic gondola canal ride and entry to the Madame Tussaud’s tour here

If you prefer to explore the Las Vegas Strip with a tour guide, then book this walking tour of the Las Vegas Strip.

From the Venetian , we head back to our hotel to get ready for a special night tour.

Night (Illuminations) Tour of Las Vegas

We took an evening tour of Vegas to experience all the lights and illuminations. This tour covered the strip, starting with a pick up from our Hotel Excalibur all the way to the Stratosphere and to Downtown Las Vegas.

Book your Night tour of Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street Here

We were given free time in the downtown area to explore the Fremont Street Experience. Fremont Street experience takes place in a 24-hour mall, with huge LED canopy showcasing music and video, casinos, and restaurant access.

Golden Nugget Hotel is also located nearby Fremont Street. You can expect free entertainment here as well as great cheap food. My hot dog and drink were $1.50 only!

The evening tour will drop you back at your hotel. The night is still young, so you can either head to a casino nearby or for drinks.

Additional Sightseeing: We missed the Neon Museum on both of our trips, but it is on our Las Vegas bucket list to explore next. This living museum is a testimony to Vegas’s flamboyant quarters, where historic signs are displayed.

The Neon Museum is located in the northern part of the city, and about 13 minutes from the hotel we stayed in. And there is an entry fee to get inside. 

Day 2 in Las Vegas Itinerary – Red Rock Canyon, Shopping in an outlet mall, food tour in Vegas, evening show and events 

Day 2 of Las Vegas Itinerary started with a quick breakfast at the hotel Excalibur. There are many fast-food chains and restaurants at the hotel for food options.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts in Las Vegas. Located in the Mojave Desert, the conservation area is only 21 minutes by car. You can also book a half-day tour to the Canyons, with free pick up and drop off included from any Vegas hotel. 

This tour takes 4 hours to complete bringing you back to Vegas, a little after 1:00 pm. More on this day tour here.

The Red Rock Canyon is known for its stunning geological features such as the towering red sandstone peaks, which are easily recognizable and iconic. Inside the conservation area (to the south) are hiking trails and seasonal waterfalls. It is a perfect place for a quick hike, walk or climb before returning to the Strip.

There is an entry fee to get into the area which is $15 for a vehicle. You can also buy an annual pass for $30. 

Las Vegas South Premium Outlet Mall & Food Tour

How about some delicious food and then shopping in the evening? After the Red Rock Canyon tour, take a food tour of Vegas in the afternoon. Book your food tour here

The best thing about this FOOD tour is that you can try cuisines from 4 different places, whilst exploring the Las Vegas strip with a local guide.

Next comes shopping!  With tons of flagship stores and malls like the Grand Canal Shoppes or the Forum Shops at the Caesars, you can shop till you drop.

Las Vegas South Premium Outlet Mall is a very popular shopping place with over 140 retail stores of designer & household brands. Get your gift shopping done right here.

If shopping is not your thing, use the evening for entertainment. Y ou can head to a fancy place for dinner and drinks or book a live show. On one of our stays in Las Vegas, we went for dinner at the Venetian and on another night, we were at the New York City Hotel.

We also tried our luck playing at slot machines (na, didn’t win any). One of the guides told us that it is better to gamble at older resorts as you have more chances of winning. We don’t know, but just a thought.

Las Vegas Itinerary 3 days – Day trips from Las Vegas

Your day 3 in Las Vegas Itinerary is for a day trip outside of the city. Here are a few day tour options for you to consider 

• Day tour to Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon South Rim – Check out the tour here
• Day trip to the Death Valley from Las Vegas – Check out the Death Valley tour here
• Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend tour
• Do something fancy with a helicopter tour and explore Grand Canyon West Rim

We embarked on a day trip to Grand Canyon on the south rim via a guided tour. Here is the tour we recommend – keep in mind this is a FULL day tour with an early morning pick up from your Las Vegas Strip hotel. 

The pick up was on time and we were provided with a boxed breakfast. Our first stop was at the Hoover Dam . The Hoover Dam is a concrete dam built in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border of Nevada and Arizona. It was built between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression. Take pictures and admire this modern creation.

After crossing the Hoover Dam, you will be entering the US state of Arizona. The landscape slowly changes from here and very soon you will be traveling on historic Route 66 . Route 66 was one of the original and primary highways in the United States. The original route actually no longer exists.

But in this guided tour, you get to learn about Route 66 and its history. Before your lunch stop, you will see mid-western-style restaurants and salons on the way.

After lunch, the real fun begins at the Grand Canyon – south rim. You will be spending 3-3.50 hours at the Grand Canyon. A short hike is possible and there is a cafe and souvenir store located in the Grand Canyon National Park.

We spent time hiking and exploring the different lookout viewpoints at the Grand Canyon. The beauty of the Canyons is mesmerizing.

The Grand Canyons and the cravings that you see on them are created by the Colorado River, that flows through it. The Colorado River has been cutting and creating these stunning waves on the canyon while simultaneously deepening and widening it.

For many years, this area was inhabited by Native Americans, who built settlements within the canyon. There are many forested areas nearby as well.

We saw the sunset at the Grand Canyon National Park, so this FULL day of sitting on the bus was worth it, after all.

After the tour of the National Park, we head back to Las Vegas using the same route, and this time, we saw the Hoover Dam all lit up. It was beautiful. Definitely worth adding a day trip to Grand Canyon from Vegas. 

If you have some energy left, then head out for drinks – like we did to celebrate the time in Las Vegas!

Read Grand Canyon: North Rim vs South Rim – Which one should you go to?

Travel Tips for Las Vegas 3 day itinerary

Here are some quick and handy tips to prepare for your trip to Las Vegas Nevada USA

Travel Documents

As always, don’t forget your passport and travel documents. Tourist visa to the USA must be applied for in advance and secured prior to flying to the country. Depending on your application, you could be granted a visa for up to 10 years.

Passport holders from Canada do not need a visa.

Currency and Budget for Las Vegas

US dollars are used in Las Vegas. Credit cards are widely accepted. You can also get cash in USD from any currency exchange office, to cover your expenses.

Las Vegas could be an expensive trip or a cheap one, it all depends on you.

• Hotels – You can easily score a good hotel deal in Vegas. Remember to include the resort fee as it is not shown upfront when you are booking your hotel. Read the 10 Best Hotels to stay in Las Vegas 
• Food – You will find TONS of places to eat cheaply, either in a fast-food chain or hot dog stall. Food and drink inside the hotels and casinos will be expensive. Taking a food tour as suggested in the itinerary will help you keep costs low and also explore the culinary side of Las Vegas.
• Sightseeing – Las Vegas is popular for its architecture and the exuberant nightlife. If you are staying at the LV Strip you will get to see it all (and people watch). In one of our trips, like the first day of this itinerary, all we did was walk the strip and take in all the stunning hotel views in. Remember all the sights were FREE.
• Shopping, Shows, and Casino – These are the expensive ticket items! If you plan on doing any of these – like – tons of shopping, shows, and gambling – the budget WILL go out of hand. I did that with shopping *oops*. I don’t have much advice on shopping or gambling (other than setting a budget prior to your trip), but here are an attractions pass to save you money on the shows. Grab one right here .
• TIP: To avoid overspending in Vegas, start with a budget. If you plan on shopping, set your budget at home and stick to it. Carry cash for drinks and food and limit the spending accordingly.

Vegas Weddings and Chapels

Las Vegas is also known for its quick weddings. Some of the city’s chapels are very old and very vintage-y. You can even get Elvis Presley to get you married, isn’t that cool? Find one here

I heard there is a drive-through wedding window as well. Check one out right here!

There is no waiting period to getting officiated in LV. You will have to get a marriage license from here

There are tons of options to choose from with regards to venues, from big parties to elopements.

We hope you enjoyed our 3 day Las Vegas weekend itinerary, and are on your way to planning an exceptional getaway to the sin city!

Additional United States Travel Resources

• Find the MOST Romantic things to do in Las Vegas here
• Top Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Day tours 
• Explore San Francisco California San Francisco Itinerary 4 days here
• Get the Winter Guide to vacationing in the United States Best winter destinations in the USA here

PIN! Las Vegas Itinerary 3 Days – How to spend 3 days in Las Vegas?

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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11 Comments

Looks like you had a blast in Las Vegas? It’s amazing isn’t it, so marvellously over the top and crazy! We also enjoyed seeing the various themed hotels, the food in many of them was amazing, and we did a couple of shows too. Such fun!

Las Vegas is high on my bucket list, and looks like you had an amazing time. I would like to go there soon 🙂

Fabolous Las Vegas! You had quite the outing there! There is just so much to see and do there. I’ve been twice and still didn’t know there was an aquarium at Mandalay Bay! And I’m glad you didn’t get married there!

Interesting. This looks super cool. I haven’t read it all yet, but I’ll be back to read the rest of it.

Great thanks so much for stopping by!

I love this man. PLEASE keep posting! Can’t wait to read your next blog!

Thanks so much!

This entire post absolutely ROCKS! Thank you for all the hard work you put into it. It really shows.

Wow it is good to you that you have used your three days happily

Thanks, Mobeen!

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Las Vegas 3 Days Itinerary for 2024

Check out our detailed Las Vegas 3-Day itinerary if you plan a trip 2024 to this amazing city! We have often been to Vegas and always enjoy this place, so we share the best experiences with you. Las Vegas is called a Sin City that never sleeps. It is the capital of gambling, but you will also find great shops, excellent restaurants, unique entertainment, and mysterious nightlife here! What is the best time to go to Vegas? How to plan a trip to Vegas to fulfill three days perfectly? What to do if you go first time to Vegas? All the information we reveal in our Las Vegas 3 Days Itinerary 2024.

Las Vegas Itinerary – Our Experiences

Las Vegas has much more to offer than gambling and casinos. This city is fantastic and offers world-class entertainment. My partner Chris and I have been to Vegas more than ten times. We often arrive there for an Arizona road trip or Utah road trip because of the great rental prices and excellent localization. So, it’s a perfect place to start a road trip.

On each visit, we spend some time enjoying the city. We photograph Vegas (here, you can see 10 of the best photoshoot locations in Las Vegas ) or go to some amazing shows, like David Copperfield at the MGM Grand or Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil.

We only share our proven places, photos, activities, and our best experiences from Las Vegas.

What is The Best Time to Go to Las Vegas?

The best time to go to Las Vegas is between March-May and September-November . There is a couple of reasons for those months. The weather is favorable – it’s not too hot, and most hotels’ swimming pools are open. And you will find a lot of price deals for hotels and attractions.

Summer is also sweltering and crowded. But if you must go during summer, book everything in advance. This will avoid getting stuck in lines at the most exciting attractions.

Las Vegas Itinerary – How to get to LV?

Las Vegas McCarran International Airport is very well connected to cities in the USA, Europe, and Asia. Except for local airports, people often fly to Los Angeles and drive to Las Vegas. Driving from Los Angeles will take about 5-6 hours, and the distance is 270 miles.

Las Vegas is a city where you can spend a week without being bored. There are so many attractions and things to do. Moreover, it is a great base for exploring the Southwest and the most beautiful places in the USA. Also, check out our recommendations for the best day trips from Las Vegas .

Las Vegas Itinerary – Best Places to Stay in Vegas

Like no other city, Las Vegas has an incredible number of hotels available at excellent prices. The choice is unlimited until no event or conference is held in the city. The city is made of hotels. Some hotels are cities within a city.

The Las Vegas Strip is a fabulous place to spend the night. The hotels are stunning. Prices are competitive in Las Vegas, so we often start and end our Southwest travels here. You can get very affordable deals if you book your hotel in advance.

Is Las Vegas expensive? Check here. In our opinion, if you book your stay ahead, you can find a reasonable price. Last time, before our hike to incredible Havasu Falls , we stayed three nights in Vegas to prepare for our backpacking adventure to Havasu Creek Waterfalls .

We paid $100 per night in a 4-star hotel but booked it months ahead. With current prices and inflation, this is probably impossible, but still, if you plan your trip ahead, you can find great deals!

Beast deals in Vegas

Check the Deals Finder below for the best Las Vegas hotel options for your stay!

Most of the Las Vegas hotels have resort fees to increase their base rate, which is usually attractive. If you want to avoid it, you can still find some hotels that don’t have a resort fee. Please also remember that in the last couple of years, many hotels have introduced parking fees, so before deciding where to stay, count all the costs carefully.

Finally, you can consider getting a loyalty card. We are fans of Ceasars Rewards because we saved a lot of money with the membership. And you can get the best room prices. But other hotels definitely have similar loyalty cards. You can check the best rates in Las Vegas on the map below.

Las Vegas 3 Days Itinerary – Buy Las Vegas Pass

If you plan to use many Las Vegas attractions and stay 3 days in Las Vegas, buying a pass that will save you 50% of the money might be a perfect idea! We recommend Las Vegas Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions .

It’s a great solution. Enjoy 2, 3, 4, or 5 days of Las Vegas activities for one low price. Choose from 35+ museums, tours, and top attractions, and save up your money. You can enjoy one premium attraction choice between a Las Vegas Strip helicopter ride, a Zion National Park tour, and tickets to Ka by Cirque du Soleil. Book it below:

Las Vegas Itinerary – Where to Eat in Vegas?

Las Vegas is not only a city of hazards but also a place to eat in excellent restaurants. So you should start your day with a great breakfast, and there are plenty of places to choose from. We will give here three of our breakfast, lunch, and dinner recommendations—you can use one for each day if you want.

Breakfast in Las Vegas

Overlook Grill ($$)— This elegant restaurant is in The Cosmopolitan Hotel, adjacent to the Boulevard Pool. It is open seasonally, so make sure it is accessible when you visit Sin City. We recommend trying their Avocado Toast Benedict or Blackened Mahi-Mahi Sandwich!

Grand Lux Cafe ($$)— This beautiful place to start your day has more than one location. Our favorite is at The Venetian Hotel, and we recommend it for breakfast, but it’s open 24 hours a day. The best option to start your great day might be one of the morning cocktails accompanied by Chilaquiles or a Fresh Garden Omelette.

Bruxie ($$) – This restaurant is in New York, New York hotel next to Park Avenue. It should be your choice if you are fun of waffles because they are the best. We were trying Bacon, Egg & Cheddar, and Green Eggs & Ham, which were delicious! If you are late for your breakfast, you can still order it because they serve it all day.

Las Vegas Itinerary – Lunch in Las Vegas

We are sharing a few lunch propositions with you below:

Nine Fine Irishmen ($$) – This Irish restaurant is in New York, New York hotel. And it is perfect for staying for lunch. The Irish Cheesesteak Sandwich and NFI Burger with original Irish beacon are favorites.

Maggiano’s Little Italy ($$ ) – If you are more after Italy than Ireland, visit this chain restaurant located in the Fashion Show Mall. You can find all the Italian classics at their best – starters, salads, and pasta. We can, for sure, recommend fantastic bruschetta and mozzarella marinara.

Mon Ami Gabi ($$$)— This slightly more expensive restaurant is in a different league. It is located in the Paris Las Vegas hotel and offers French-style meals, like Oysters du Jour or Scallops Gratinees. It also offers typical American meals with a French accent, like Maine Lobster Rolls or regular cheeseburgers.

Las Vegas Itinerary – Dinner in Las Vegas

Peppermill restaurant ($$) – The restaurant centrally located on Las Vegas Blvd between the Wynn and the Riviera offers you a savory dinner. If you trust our personal recommendations, you should order Savory Ribeye Steak or BBQ Pork Ribs accompanied by spinach salad and rosemary rustic bread.

Firefly Tapas Kitchen ($$) – We love Spanish-origin cuisine; this place is an excellent example. Of course, it seems that it’s not the best idea to order something from the massive selection of tapas for dinner, but I would hesitate. However, consider Firefly Burger or Seafood Paella if you want to go the traditional way. Finish them with caramel flan.

Crush ($$) – If you decide to see the magic after David Copperfield at the MGM Grand show, you could enter this exquisite restaurant. They have an excellent selection of wines priced reasonably, and you can consider ordering Crispy Shrimp, Togarashi Sea Bass, and Summer Berry Tiramisu.

Las Vegas Itinerary – How to move around the city?

If you rent a car, park it and leave it at the hotel. There is a huge problem with parking spaces in the city. If it is your first time in Las Vegas, start with a relaxing walk on the Strip and see some of the unique hotels. Vegas is a walkable city. If you don’t like walking, you can catch the hop-on/hop-off bus .

The price is affordable, and you will see the best highlights. What we recommend here is to consider a three-day hop-on/hop-off bus ticket. Thanks to this, you will be able to move between the most important attractions of Vegas during your 3-day stay in an easy, fast and cheap way. Another option to move around the city at an affordable price is to use a Monorail Train . You can also use a taxi or Uber, but you will pay more.

Day 1 of Las Vegas 3 Days Itinerary

Eiffel tower experience in paris hotel.

Start your trip with a spectacular view of Vegas. We highly recommend the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck Entrance Ticket . We are sure it’s worth paying for this incredible view.

The panorama from the Viewing Deck is incredible. If you have always dreamed of going to Paris and taking the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but it has never come true, maybe it’s time to try it in Hotel Paris, Las Vegas.

The replica is half-scale of the original French monument, but the experience is similar. Everything was designed to remind the unique construction of Paris. You will get to the panoramic observation deck and look at The Strip, the mountains around Las Vegas, and even the Mojave Desert. Observing the magnificent Bellagio Hotel Fountains from this perspective might also be a good idea!

Gamble in Caesars Palace

The Fantastic Caesars Palace Hotel opened in 1966 and has never lost its level of luxury. At the entrance, you will spot a 20-foot sculpture of Julius Cesar welcoming you. But for your luck, follow the signs to the Appian Way Shops, find an 18-foot replica of Michelangelo’s Statue of David, and touch his big toe for good luck.

A lot of people coming to Vegas and staying in Caesars Palace Hotel are asking for room 2452 – featured in the movie “The Hangover.” Unfortunately, this room was only inspired by the Forum Classic Emperor Suite and built in the studio for movie production purposes.

Las Vegas Itinerary – Gondola Ride in The Venetian

The Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino is our favorite hotel in Las Vegas, and we love to stay there if it has rooms available. What is really strange is that it can run out of rooms, even though it has 7,000 of them (combined with The Palazzo), which makes it the biggest in the United States.

We believe that this is probably because this hotel reminds us of beautiful Venice, Italy, with its Grand Canal and the streets of Venice.

You can have a gondola ride here and enter Madame Tussauds museum , and it’s a lot of fun! You can feel like you are in Venice!

This trip is worth buying if you want to give your loved one a romantic and fun surprise. It’s worth booking in advance. In our opinion, it is one of the best experiences of the Las Vegas 3-day itinerary.

Rides at the top of Stratosphere

Coming to Vegas by car, you will first notice the tower of the Stratosphere Hotel (the name is: The STRAT Hotel, Casino and Skypod). It is 1149 feet tall and fits 2427 rooms! It is not only the tallest building in Las Vegas but also in Nevada .

You can choose to stay in this hotel not only because of the cheap room price (it is usually less expensive because the hotel is a little bit remote from the main Strip activities) or the grand casino but also because of the three rides at the top. You will choose between The Big Shot, Insanity, and X-Scream. All of them are equally terrifying and exciting at the same time.

If you decide to stay in a different hotel, it is worth buying at least a STRAT Tower SkyPod Observation Deck Ticket , and STRAT Tower – Thrill Rides Admission . But do it in advance, due to the popularity of those fabulous attractions.

Las Vegas Itinerary – Admire Fountains at Bellagio

The first day of our three-day visit to Las Vegas is slowly ending. In the evening, treat yourself to a beautiful artistic experience.

You should plan this attraction after sunset. Fountains at Bellagio Hotel are at their best in the dark with all those lights on. And you must see them in person because they were destined to romance your senses. During the day, you can admire them every 30 minutes, but at night, even more often – every 15 minutes.

At Bellagio Hotel, more than a thousand fountains dance in front of the hotel, enhanced by music and light. The display spans over 1,000 feet, with water soaring as high as 460 feet into the air.

Night Show “O” by Cirque du Soleil at Bellagio

If you plan to visit Vegas and see those fountains, think that you can leave Las Vegas – the Entertainment Capital of the World – without seeing one or more of the shows that uphold the city’s title! So, if you are already in the Bellagio Hotel , why don’t you see the “O” by Cirque du Soleil ?

In this timeless production, they weave an aquatic tapestry of artistry, surrealism, and theatrical romance. “The international cast of world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers, divers, and characters perform in, on, and above water to create a breathtaking experience in a magnificent theatre reminiscent of a European opera house.” Book your ticket ahead .

Day 2 of Las Vegas 3 Days Itinerary

On the second day of this three-day Las Vegas Itinerary, you can explore the other side of The Strip, around hotels like Luxor Hotel , Excalibur Hotel , or Mandalay Bay Hotel .

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

First thing in the morning, might be a good idea to take a ride to the famous Las Vegas sign – it will be less crowded, and lines should be shorter to make the must-have selfie or picture.

Many people ask how to find the sign. The easiest way is to set up Google Maps at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South. To your surprise, it’s not Las Vegas but the neighborhood town of Paradise. 

Shark Reef Aquarium in Mandalay Bay

The vast Mandalay Bay Hotel stands next to the Las Vegas sign, so visiting it on your way back to the city center is a good idea. People are usually coming here for awesome gambling, lovely rooms, and epic clubs, but there is more to experience.

The main attraction in this hotel is the Shark Reef Aquarium . Here, you can see more than 2,000 animals, including sharks, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, piranha, and a Komodo dragon. This unique exhibit gives you the chance to dive with a higher concentration of exotic sharks than you’d ever find in the wild. Become an Aquarist for a day and feed our stingrays, sharks, or turtles in our Animal Encounters program.

Shark Reef Aquarium is introducing its newest exhibit – the world premiere of Polar Journey, An Interactive Adventure. Open for a limited time, this interactive experience gives guests a glimpse into the Earth’s polar regions and the animals that call them home.”

Las Vegas Itinerary – Visit The Luxor Pyramid

Next to Mandalay Bay , you will pass a tremendous black mysterious pyramid and some Egyptian-style monuments. The Luxor Hotel & Casino once opened in 1993, the tallest building in Las Vegas. The hotel’s pyramid is similar in size to the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid of Egypt.

When the resort opened, it featured the Nile River Tour, which was a river ride that carried guests to different parts of the pyramid and passed by pieces of ancient artwork on a river that encircled the casino. The casino also featured King Tut’s Tomb and Museum, a duplicate of King Tutankhamen’s tomb as found in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt.

You can enter the Atrium through the Great Sphinx of Giza replica at Giza. It covers the moving pathway leading into the Atrium. The original sphinx is 70 feet high, while the Vegas replica is 110 feet.

Encounter the Medieval Style of The Excalibur

In 1990 it was opened as the largest hotel in the world with over 4000 rooms. Excalibur Hotel was designed in line with the “theme resort” strategy popular among some casino operators during the 1990s, which included the traditional Las Vegas gaming experience and family-oriented elements.

You can step in if you like medieval-style scenery (however, it was significantly reduced during one of the recent renovations) or would like to get a reasonable room rate (Excalibur is known for its competitive prices). And you can check if the rumor about the haunted 10th floor is true or not…

Las Vegas Itinerary – Evening Show in MGM Grand Las Vegas

We already mentioned that The Venetian has 7000 rooms and is considered the biggest in the United States in the “under one roof” category. But MGM Grand Hotel, with its 6852 rooms, is 3rd biggest in the world and 1st biggest in the category of a single hotel.

Similar to The Excalibur, when it was opened in 1993, it was themed “Wizard of Oz.” At that time, it was a general idea to build more family-friendly objects to attract not only gamblers. It quickly failed, and the hotel was redesigned to get rid of the theme.

But we would like to emphasize the show in the MGM Grand Hotel Las Vegas – David Copperfield nightly performance . The price for his Show is affordable. The famous magician has so far sold 33 million tickets and grossed over $4 billion US Dollars, more than any other solo entertainer in history.

In 2015, Forbes listed his earnings at $63 million for the previous 12 months, ranking him the 20th highest-earning celebrity worldwide.

We strongly recommend booking tickets to David Copperfield at the MGM Grand Show and seeing it live. Even if you have seen it on TV, the live show (changing over time) is spectacular. You would not believe what your eyes will see.

This man is a legend. The Society of American Magicians awarded him “Magician of the Century” and “King of Magic.” It was a magical experience for us. In our opinion is one of the best experiences of the Las Vegas 3 days itinerary. We loved it!

Day 3 of Las Vegas 3 Days Itinerary

On day three, you are probably already a little tired of all those luxury hotels, so we propose different kinds of activities, like shopping and one of the best rollercoasters in the United States.

Shopping in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an excellent place for shopping. You can visit places like Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, or shops at Planet Hollywood Hotel. Shops downtown might be more expensive but have a better choice of products.

If you don’t want to break the bank and haven’t already won in the casino, you should head to Premium Outlets – they have over 150 stores with reasonable prices and excellent choices.

But if you prefer to indulge your shopping fantasies, maybe your option is Fashion Show Mall – one of the largest enclosed malls in the world. They have 250 stores, including famous brands like Calvin Klein, Guess, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Louis Vuitton, among many others.

And believe us, if you start browsing items in those stores, it’s hard to stop, so book the proper amount of time for this activity in your Las Vegas 3-day itinerary.

Rollercoaster ride in New York, New York

When approaching the New York, New York hotel, you will notice a couple of things. It will surely be a replica of the Liberty statue, a Brooklyn Bridge model, and the Rollercoaster. Of course, we don’t need to mention famous architectural pearls like the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, or Grand Central Terminal. You will find it all here.

The best way to see all those attractions of New York at a 1/3 scale is to take a Roller Coaster Ride. It was a fantastic, thrilling experience. I almost lost my glasses while on the roller coaster was driving.

So don’t forget to take off your glasses, caps, or hats while driving. We can highly recommend Big Apple Coaster at the New York-New York Hotel, as we had a lot of fun and thrills. In our opinion is one of the best experiences of the Las Vegas 3 days itinerary. It’s great fun for all families.

If you are traveling to Las Vegas with kids, it might be an excellent option to visit the part dedicated to children where no real money is used, but you have coupons for winning and swap them for awards.

This is probably the only casino-like place where all kids are welcome! After that, you can visit Hershey’s Chocolate World – your kids will love it!

Las Vegas 3 Days Itinerary – Other Things To Do in Las Vegas

Day trips from vegas.

Even though we believe in giving you plenty of propositions to fulfill the whole 3 days of your Las Vegas itinerary, it might not suit you best. If you are looking for other attractions or just better diversification, read this section carefully. Las Vegas is great for day trips to the Southwest. We wrote a separate article about Vegas day trips .

Moreover, its competitive prices make Las Vegas an excellent base for exploring Arizona or Utah. So you can check out our detailed Arizona Road Trip Itinerary or Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary .

Las Vegas area with organized tours

You can use those hints below to extend your Las Vegas 3 days itinerary or to spend some time during the sunny days out of the city. There are plenty of places to visit near Las Vegas by car, just an hour or two drive, and it might be a good idea to visit them if you are already in Vegas. You can purchase an organized tour with a guide and transport or explore each of the following places on your own. Let’s briefly describe our best Las Vegas day trips recommendations:

Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire – You will drive about one hour to reach the Valley of Fire, located 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. It is a state park covering 46000 acres of rock formations made from Aztec sandstone. On a sunny day, those rocks look like being on fire and, thus, the park’s name. You can drive just an hour or two and stop at the selected overlooks in the park. If you have more time or like to hike, there is more to do – even for a couple of days. Hikes are short and long, even with an overnight option (permit required). If you don’t have a car, don’t worry. You can always book this wonderful excursion .

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon – Visiting Grand Canyon is a lifetime experience. It’s a trendy destination reachable from Las Vegas. The best, but also the most expensive option, is a helicopter tour. It might offer options like Grand Canyon Tour & Helicopter Landing Experience or from Las Vegas Grand Canyon Helicopter West Rim Flight . Or you can do a trip to Grand Canyon yourself – it is just 2 hour drive from Las Vegas. Follow our tips in the article The Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints & Travel Guide to South Rim.

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon – For sure, you have seen amazing pictures taken in this canyon plenty of times. It’s not located very close to Las Vegas, but still, you can make it. And even better, this excursion might be done together with Horseshoe Bend. We can recommend booking Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour.

Lake Mead  – This 30 minutes drive destination offers a lot but is barely known to people visiting Las Vegas. Except for quite a popular Hoover Dam with the Powerplant Tour, you have a couple of hot springs, plenty of water activities (houseboat, scuba dive, kayaks, or fishing), and hikes. Everyone can find something for themselves in this paradise. If you want to go on an organized tour, please check Lake Mead ATV Tour .

Las Vegas 3 Days Itinerary – Related articles to plan a perfect Southwest road trip

• Las Vegas Photo Shoot Locations – check the best spots for photos in sin city.
• Arizona Natural Hot Springs – go for half a day hike to beautiful hot springs!
• Grand Canyon Viewpoints South Rim – spend a day in Grand Canyon and prepare for a great tip.
• Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary – it’s a ready-to-go Utah Mighty 5 itinerary that starts and ends in Las Vegas.
• Arizona Road Trip Itinerary – it’s a detailed and ready-to-go 14 days Arizona road trip that starts and ends in Las Vegas.

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Agnes Stabinska is a writer, photographer, and co-founder of The Van Escape. She loves wildlife, landscape photography, and outdoor adventures, especially hiking, camping, and exploring U.S. national parks. Although she has traveled to many countries for almost 20 years, her favorite places are Alaska, the American Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest, which she often visits and explore with her partner, Chris. Their travel tips, itineraries, and recommendations will help you get away from it all and plan a wonderful vacation.

13 Comments

Thank you for making Las Vegas seems so affordable for us. We are used to think that Las Vegas is an expensive, exquisite destination but the way you have presented it, it makes it more easy to explore. The Venetian hotel looks amazing and this mix of new architectural styles creates a new atmosphere for the wanderlust. 

Your post reminded me of my two days in Las Vegas three years ago. I wish I read your post before visiting. Your details of tours would help someone like who has a short time in the city. I never visited Grand Canyon then and now I know how to go there next time. Very helpful

Las Vegas is expensive, thank you for tips for budget travel. I would love to visit here for casinos and Venetian hotel! Else I am not much city person. Bu yeah again day trips to Grand canyon and Antelope canyon will make me happy!

This brings back memories of our visit there- we stayed at MGM Grand with David Copperfield shows which I unfortunately missed. There are so many Hotels there and you have a good tip regarding resort fees and other hidden fees. Although a lot of the sightseeing are for free. 

These budget tips for Las Vegas is such a boon! Had been always dreaming to get there. The day trip suggestions like Grand canyon and Antelope canyon are the BEST! I am not much of a gambling fan so these day trips are the ones I will spend my time on.

I always thought that vacationing in Las Vegas costs a lot of money so it’s never on my radar! Aside from the “casino” and “luxury” environment, what’s more interesting about this post are the nearby adventures – I didn’t think that there are lots of outdoor activities near Vegas

I just miss Las Vegas. It has been years since we last visited and we can’t wait to go back. I love the idea of the Las Vegas Pass. Thank you for sharing this. We would love to revisit as many attractions as possible so, this is just perfect. 

Las Vegas has always been a fun weekend trip for me. Especially since living in SoCal makes it super close! I loved your list of activities, there is so much fun packed into this article! Some of my favorites were the Bellagio Fountains and the Top of the Stratosphere. The Valley of Fire and Lake Mead are great day trips from Vegas as well! Great post, thank you so much for sharing!

I’ve always thought that Las Vegas is such an expensive place to visit. This has been one of my dream destinations and I’m glad that it is not that costly to visit this place. Hopefully to visit Las Vegas after the coronavirus pandemic!

It has been far too long since we last visited Las Vegas. We are not big gamblers but we found so much to see and do in the area. We used the monorail for the first time on our last visit. A good option when we were too tired to keep going. Will have to plan on a day trip to the Valley of Fire next time. A good overview of ways to spent a few fun days in Vegas.

Great suggestions for a 3 day trip to Las Vegas. However, I feel that one day would be enough for me. The David Copperfield Show sounds interesting – good to know that it is better to make a reservation in advance.

I can totally see that you enjoyed a place like Las Vegas after all those natural wonders you’ve visited. However, I’m mostly underwhelmed by obviously overwhelming places. All those men-made larger-than-life spots are not for me. However, I can see myself going there on a day trip – but maybe that wouldn’t give me the real LV-experience?!

Your suggestions reminded me of my trips there. I didn’t stay for 3 days, but I got to take the elevator to the deck of the Eiffel Tower. It was a fun experience. On our second visit I thought about doing one of the rides in the Stratosphere Hotel. But after seeing people screaming, better not doing it. I didn’t need a trip to the ER. lol. So many interesting attractions in your list that I still have to do.

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The Best 3 Day Itinerary for Las Vegas with Kids

Las Vegas is the last place I thought I’d be writing an article for a family travel blog but when we decided to connect our trip to California with a visit to the Grand Canyon we were looking for a cheap place to fly five people home from. Tickets out of Las Vegas couldn’t be beaten! After doing a little research we were surprised to find that mixed into the adult glitz, glamour, and gaming there are a ton of fun things to do in Las Vegas with kids too! So we decided to add a few days for exploring. Boy, are we glad we did!

Between all the outdoor activities, awe-inspiring animal encounters, thrilling rides, museums, shows and sweet treats we had a total blast exploring Las Vegas. We know that you would too! So we are sharing our three-day itinerary for Las Vegas with kids to give you an idea of all the family-friendly attractions, restaurants, hotels and shows there are to enjoy along with some travel tips to help you plan that perfect Las Vegas family vacation and save big on your visit!

LAS VEGAS WITH KIDS 3 DAY ITINERARY

We divided our itinerary days up geographically by South Strip Attractions, North Strip Attractions and a third day to take a day trip and visit Downtown. We found 3 days in Las Vegas to be a good amount of time to see the top tourist sites in a way that minimizes any backtracking. With so many great sights, attractions, and entertainment choices available you would have no problems filling a fun vacation itinerary even longer.

Disclosure – Any and all opinions expressed are that of Mom Abroad. No compensation was received for this post. However please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase using the link.

DAY 1: SOUTH STRIP ATTRACTIONS 

Las vegas sign.

We started our day of exploring Las Vegas South Strip attractions at the world-famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. This classic neon sign has been an emblem of Las Vegas since 1959 appearing on millions of postcards and countless movies. The sign sits in the center of the median of Las Vegas Boulevard, half a mile south of Russel Road. Since we had a car, we simply utilized the free parking area just off to the side of the sign. The only caveat is that you enter by driving southbound on Las Vegas Boulevard. If you are driving from the Strip you will need to make a U-turn to access the parking lot. If you don’t have a vehicle it would be a cinch to take an Uber or Lyft or even walk if you are staying in one of the Southern-most hotels on the Strip, like Mandalay Bay.

Don’t be deterred if you arrive and there is a lengthy line. Photo ops move quickly. You may find that costumed actors like “Elvis” are on hand to pose with you. They will often work with a handler who can take photos with your camera for a nominal tip. We found that them to be total pros, knowing just how to pose people quickly to get the optimal shots.

WORLD OF COCA-COLA

We then parked our car back at the hotel and headed for the  World of Coca-Cola . Located in the Showcase Mall just north of the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip, the Coca-Cola store celebrates the iconic soda, selling a vast array of Coca-Cola brand apparel, accessories, housewares, and other novelty items. We didn’t come just to shop though. The Beverage Bar located on the second floor sells an “Around the World” tray of soda samples that allows you to taste different drinks popular in other countries. We received a 4 oz. portion of 16 different sodas split over two trays. That’s a lot of soda for just one person but perfect for sharing among a family. Along with the soda trays, you get a list of all the drinks and what country they are from. We had a lot of fun, seeing everyone’s reaction to some of the more, shall we say, “unique” flavors.

M & M’s WORLD

Located on the strip in the Showcase Mall next to the MGM Grand, M&M’s World features four floors of chocolate-themed displays for kids and an abundant opportunity to buy M&M branded gear and goodies in a rainbow of colors. We let our kids pick some of the M&M’s from the giant tubes that line an entire wall of the store. Even using a coupon, we spent $40 on this pay per ounce candy. There is some free fun to be enjoyed here though! We took in a cute action-adventure short 3-D movie on the fourth floor that stars the M&Ms characters and some live actors. There is also an area where you can personalize your own M&M’s and watch them being made as well as a replica of the M&M NASCAR stock car.

EIFFEL TOWER

Next, we headed to the Paris hotel for a bit of the City of Lights experience right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. The property offers up some of France’s most iconic sites such as a replica of the L’Arc de Triomphe, the Paris Opera House, and the Louvre but the pièce de résistance is the 46 story half-size replica of France’s famous Eiffel Tower.

The experience begins with a glass elevator ride up 460-feet above Las Vegas. Once at the top we enjoyed an amazing 360-degree bird’s eye view of the Strip, the Bellagio fountains, and the valley. Access to the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck in included with the Go Card Las Vegas but it’s important to note that it is for the daytime tours only between 9:30 AM-5:00 PM. It’s a wonderful way to get the feeling of being in France for a fraction of the cost while at the same time taking in one of Las Vegas’ most quintessential experiences.

REAL BODIES AT BALLY’S

From the Paris Hotel, it was a short walk to the neighboring property, Bally’s, to take in the “ Real Bodies ” exhibit included with our Go Card Las Vegas . This powerful and moving mini-museum highlights the amazing things the human body is capable of and is an intriguing experience if you have curious kids like we do. The immersive displays showcase over 20 real human bodies that have been meticulously dissected and preserved in ways that demonstrate various aspects of the human anatomy organ by organ, system by system with a focus on how everything is connected. It’s very educational and led to some great discussions with our kids about bodily functions like breathing, hunger, and the rhythm of the heart.

BELLAGIO CONSERVATORY AND LOBBY

Using one of the many bridges pedestrian bridges that go over Las Vegas Boulevard we crossed over to The Bellagio Hotel. The Conservatory and Botanical Garden here is another fantastic free attraction for families in Las Vegas! Located just past the lobby inside a sky-lit atrium a team of master horticulturalists and landscape designers construct stunningly beautiful scenes using trees, flowers, plants, and structural elements. The elaborate displays change seasonally as well as during major holidays. We were blown away by this impressive attraction. It doesn’t take long to visit but should be on your list of things to do in Las Vegas with kids. The Conservatory is open for 24 hours a day, except for the days between seasonal displays but can get quite crowded.

In addition to the flower display, the Bellagio has the most amazing display of Chihuly glasswork covering the ceiling of the lobby. Stop and take a minute to take in the 2,000-square foot blown glass installation known as Fiori di Como’. Our kids loved all the colors!

BELLAGIO FOUNTAIN SHOW

After checking out the inside the Bellagio we stepped out front for what is undoubtedly the hotel’s most famous attraction and signature spectacle; the Bellagio Fountain Show . Millions of gallons of water are sprayed to heights of 240 feet above the hotel’s massive 8.5-acre artificial lake in a computer-controlled fountain show synchronized in time to the music.  The choreography of the fountains changes with the music which ranges from classical to contemporary. The free show is easy to catch as it runs Monday through Friday every half hour between 3 pm-8 pm then every 15 minutes to midnight. On the weekend it runs from 12 pm-8 pm every half hour and 8 pm-midnight every 15 minutes. The elegant performance looks slightly different from every angle, but we recommend getting there at a few minutes early to nab a spot for an unobstructed view.

PLANET HOLLYWOOD LUNCH

For lunch, we headed to the Planet Hollywood Restaurant located inside the huge retail realm of the Forum Shops in Caesar’s Palace. Our Go Cards included a $15 credit towards any food or beverage purchase which completely covered the cost of our meal. There were a variety of dishes to choose from on the classic, American fare menu under the $15 price point. Plus, the family-friendly atmosphere, music, and flat-screen T.V.s showing Hollywood favorites kept the kids entertained. As well as the Hollywood-themed puzzles and trivia on their placemats. Originally started by famous celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, and Arnold Schwarzenegger the restaurant chain includes a sprinkling of movie memorabilia throughout the dining area. You won’t want to miss checking out the authentic costumes and props.

FALL OF ATLANTIS SHOW

After lunch, we made our way deeper into the Roman-themed retail realm that is the Forum Shops to find the “Fall of Atlantis Show”. This free 15-minute pyrotechnic packed show features 9-foot-tall animatronic Greek gods fighting for power over the empire. Without giving too much away, the story captivates kids with special effects like fireballs and water fountains even if it can be a little hard to hear the dialogue. My advice is to try and snag a spot up close at least ten minutes before the show. The show plays every hour on the hour beginning at 11:00 am daily and running until 10:00 or 11:00 pm depending on the day. The backside of the attraction features a large aquarium the kids will enjoy as well.

NEW YORK NEW YORK BIG APPLE COASTER

We continued south along Las Vegas Boulevard to the New York-New York. The hotel occupies a full block of the strip with scale models of famous Big Apple attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. One notable addition amongst the replicas is the red steel coaster that weaves its way through the faux Manhattan skyline. The taxi-cab themed coaster starts with a slow climb to build-up your anticipation before rapidly dropping 80 feet. You pick up speed fast and make your way through a series of hills, inversions, vertical loops, and a corkscrew spiral all while whizzing by replicas of New York City icons. Our Go Card Las Vegas included a ticket for one ride on the Big Apple Roller Coaster however it’s important to note that participants must be 54” to ride. There is a large arcade located just outside the ride entrance for those who are too short or just not crazy about coasters.

HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD

Also located inside the New York, New York hotel is Hershey’s Chocolate World . The 2-story, 13,000 square-foot flagship store showcases over 800 Hershey’s chocolate and candies and offers store-exclusive gifts, products, and treats. Kids can customize their own candy bars and S’mores or send an e-card to friends and family back home from the social media booth. Be sure to check out the little details, like the store light fixtures and of course, posing with the fun sculptures made of candy is also a must!

EXCALIBUR HOTEL

The Excalibur Hotel was our next stop. This cartoonish Arthurian castle is regarded as one of the most “family-friendly” properties on the Strip. While we only took a walk around to explore, the hotel is home to a Fun Dungeon arcade and the Tournament of Kings Dinner Show. The medieval-themed dinner show consists of fighting, dancing, singing, toasting, and jousting. Eating with your hands is mandatory here! What kids wouldn’t get a kick out of doing that while rooting for their favorite valiant knight?

LUXOR -TITANIC & BODIES

Next-door to Excalibur is another family favorite hotel; The Luxor . This Egyptian themed resort is hard to miss with its pyramid shape, giant Sphinx of Giza replica and intense beam light bright enough to be seen from space. The atrium inside is the world’s largest at 29 million cubic feet and includes more eye-catching Egyptian decor. There are also several family-friendly attractions housed inside the Luxor. The hotel hosts “ Bodies “, a similar exhibit to the “ Real Bodies ” one we explored at Bally’s earlier in the day. Since the Bally’s exhibit allows photos and the Luxor one does not we don’t have any interior photos to include for this post, however, admission is included in the Go Las Vegas Card .

Admission is also included to the “ Titanic; The Artifact Exhibition ” also located inside the Luxor’s lobby. The 25,000 square-foot exhibit tells the story of the luxury ocean liner that sank on a calm night in 1912 when it struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean. Actual artifacts recovered from the ship are on display including luggage, the ship’s whistles, floor tiles from the first-class smoking room, a window frame from the Verandah Cafe, and an unopened bottle of champagne with a 1900 vintage sticker. In addition, the exhibit features a piece of Titanic’s hull, a full-scale re-creation of the Grand Staircase and Promenade Deck as well as recreations of the passenger rooms. No photos are allowed inside this attraction either.

BLUE MAN GROUP

Las Vegas also offers an incredible array of spectacular shows. While most are geared towards adults, Las Vegas does have plenty of shows that are appropriate for the whole family to enjoy. We ended Day 1 of our Las Vegas Itinerary with one of the best; Blue Man Group . Which was also conveniently located inside the Luxor hotel. This wild and wacky show is a multi-sensory experience that defies categorization. It’s a delightful blend of rock-concert, comedy, dance party and interactive elements that brings the audience together for a euphoric, very colorful celebration of life.

Audience members interact with the blue-painted performers and may even be chosen to be part of the show itself. There is even a public meet-and-greet photo opportunity with the cast and musicians in the lobby after the show.

You’ll want to wear comfortable, easily washable, or non-dry-clean-only clothes, just in case you get splashed with “material” from the stage. Audience members seated in the ‘splash zone’ seats are provided with disposable plastic ponchos. It’s not necessary to sit up-front to have a great view. The intimate theater design ensures there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. Shows last between 90-105 minutes with no intermission so this is something to keep in mind with little ones.

Go Las Vegas Card 3, 5 and 7-day “All-Inclusive” passes include a choice of one “premium experience.” Blue Man Group tickets are one of the premium experience options. This makes the Go Cards an even better value when you consider the cost of the tickets on their own.

DAY 2: NORTH STRIP ATTRACTIONS

High roller wheel.

Our second day of exploring Las Vegas focused on North Strip attractions. We started at the LINQ Promenade an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that sits just off the Strip between the Flamingo and LINQ hotels. There are more than a dozen places to have a meal from fancy options to grab and go fare like In-N-Out Burger and Sprinkles cupcakes. We just passed through on our way to the LINQ Zipline and High Roller Wheel also located in the LINQ Promenade complex.

The centerpiece of the LINQ entertainment complex is the High Roller Wheel , the tallest observation wheel in the world. It is, without a doubt the coolest Ferris Wheel we have ever experienced. Measuring 550 feet tall and 520 feet in diameter, this wheel takes thirty minutes to complete one revolution and gives you amazing 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Las Vegas Strip and surrounding city. Our Go Las Vegas Card included daytime entry valid from 11:30 am – 4:59 pm. We found this to be a fantastic time to visit as we ended up having one of the 28 glass-enclosed air-conditioned pods all to ourselves. It was a fantastic way to get off our feet for a while and enjoy a peaceful break in the middle of our busy day.

FLAMINGO WILDLIFE HABITAT

Just off the LINQ Promenade, we found the entrance to the Flamingo Hotel . This hotel is home to yet another one of Las Vega’s free kid-friendly attractions; The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat . Birds of a decidedly pink feather hang out here in the lush outdoor courtyard just steps away from the Casino floor. While the vibrant Chilean flamingos are the main attraction, you can also spot swans, ducks, turtles, koi, a couple pelicans and parrots who do photo ops (for a fee). If you time your visit right, you can also catch one of the daily live feedings. Our kids enjoyed just wandering around the grounds enjoying the wildlife, waterfalls, and lovely shady foliage.

LINQ ZIP-LINE

Another amazing experience included with our Go Las Vegas Card is the Fly LINQ Zipline . This twenty-million-dollar project features ten parallel zip-lines measuring 1,121-feet-long. Our passes included a flight in the seated position any time before 5 PM. The seated position was a perfect option for our family! Once we were all geared up with safety harnesses, weights, and a bag to keep all our belongings safe, we had a blast racing each other across the LINQ promenade at up to 35 mph. Before you leave, be sure to check out the photo taken of you in action and in full flight. You’ll have a chance to purchase a photo of yourself or your group before exiting near the base of the High Roller Observation Wheel.

SENOR FROGS

All that Zip Lining and adventuring works up a thirst so we crossed over Las Vegas Boulevard to Senor Frogs at the Treasure Island Hotel. Our Go Las Vegas Card passes included an hour of open-bar drinks and 20% off all food purchases. Our kids were able to enjoy some awesome alcohol-free smoothie concoctions in a fun souvenir glass as part of this deal. Being that it was early in the afternoon we snagged a quiet table on the patio overlooking the Las Vegas Strip and the old pirate ship that had been used for Treasure Island’s nightly show while we enjoyed sharing some delicious appetizers like the enormous nachos and Mexican street-corn.

MARVEL AVENGERS STATION

Refueled we ventured inside the Treasure Island Hotel to check out the Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N . attraction. This interactive and educational experience puts you right into the world of the Marvel Universe as you train to become an “agent” of the “Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network” –S.T.A.T.I.O.N. -get it?

The attraction includes a huge range of props and Avengers’ operational equipment from the movies including Captain America’s uniform and shield, Bruce Banner’s laboratory, Vision’s birth cradle, Thor’s hammer, Ant-Man’s helmet, and Hawkeye Our favorite gallery displayed all the Iron Man suits. Many of the galleries feature interactive and hands-on elements such as being able to hop on Captain America’s motorcycle. The experience culminates in a face-off as a team in a fight against Ultron. It was one of our favorite attractions included on the Go Las Vegas pass!

MIRAGE VOLCANO

The giant volcano in front of the Mirage resort was the first outdoor experience on the Strip and remains a fun stop when visiting Las Vegas with kids. The Volcano rumbles to life two to three times daily with a mix of, fire, water and light effects choreographed to tribal music and the sounds of an actual erupting volcano. The experience is most impressive at night, but it still makes for a great photo op during the day. The free show begins every hour on the hour from 8 pm to 10 pm but times change throughout the year so check the Mirage website for more info. There is also a beautiful 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium filled with artificial corals behind the check-in desk. The lobby of the hotel also features a rainforest themed atrium with lagoons, waterfalls, lofty palms, and beautiful plants.

VENITIAN GRAND CANAL SHOPS

We crossed back to the other side of Las Vegas Boulevard to check out the Venetian Hotel and Gran Canal Shops. One of the best things about visiting Las Vegas with kids was the little glimpse it gave us of other cities around the world. The Venetian was another fun take on an iconic city. The stunning interior simulates a blue sky while more than 70 specialty stores and restaurants with faux Italian facades and architecture line a replica of a Venetian Canal. Gondoliers pilot boats under bridges and beside cafes while serenading guests with Italian songs and “living statues” perform daily in a replica of St. Mark’s Square. The highlight for our family was a trip to the gelato counter for a sweet treat that was every bit as good as I remember it being in actual Italy.

MADAME TUSSAUD’S

Also inside the Venetian Resort is Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. We learned from our visits to San Francisco and Los Angeles just how much our kids enjoy a visit to Madame Tussauds . Something about striking the perfect pose with the amazingly life-like representations of their favorite characters and celebrities tickles their fancy and is such fun for them. The first Madame Tussauds to open in America, the Las Vegas iteration features eight themed rooms ranging from television and film to music, sports, and Las Vegas legends. This was yet another attraction completely covered by our Go Las Vegas Card . Our admission even included the Marvel Superheroes 4D Experience an immersive experience that pairs 3-D film technology with special effects like wind, water, and even smells.

VEGAS THE SHOW

The Go Las Vegas Card also allows you to choose one of several included Las Vegas shows for each day of your pass. The first thing we did in the morning was pick up tickets for the early showing of VEGAS the Show at the Saxe Theater inside the Miracle Mile Shopping center. We returned after dinner to see this Broadway-style production. The show tells the story of Las Vegas through the decades in a fun way that helped our kids understand more of how the city came to be and how it got its glitzy reputation. Skilled performers paid homage to iconic stars like Elvis, Tina Turner, and the Rat Pack while more circus-like acts were just pure fun to watch!

STRATOSPHERE

If you’re not absolutely exhausted after the show and are looking for more thrills, you’ll want to check out the Stratosphere ! The tallest free-standing tower in the U.S. is home to three adrenaline-filled rides at the top; Insanity, X Scream, and The Big Shot. You’ll spin around, shoot into the sky, and drop off the edge of the building. Pick one or do them all – it all depends on how brave you are! While you are up there — take in a 360º view across Vegas and see where Strip ends, and the desert begins. While the Go Card doesn’t include ride, tickets come with general admission to the Observation Deck, plus VIP Skip the Line Access. You must redeem your pass before midnight to gain entrance to the observation deck.

DAY 3: HOOVER DAM & DOWNTOWN

Just forty-five minutes outside of the strip between the border of Nevada and Arizona is the Hoover Dam . This marvel of modern engineering is well worth the short day trip from Las Vegas to see. Originally called the Boulder Dam it was constructed in 1935 to prevent flooding in the area, to help with irrigation in the desert and to generate hydroelectricity. These days, in addition to providing power the Dam also welcomes more than a million visitors each year as one of America’s most recognized landmarks.

There are three tour options ; a self-guided tour of the Visitor’s Center ($10), the half-hour Power Plant tour ($15) and the one-hour Guided Dam Tour ($30). The Power Plant tour takes you through the Dam’s original construction tunnels to a viewing platform overlooking a 30-foot diameter penstock. Here you can feel the vibration created by water rushing through the pipe. You also get the chance to see 8 of the commercial generators in the Nevada Powerhouse.

We opted to do the one hour Guided Dam Tour because it included everything in the Power Plant tour as well as a visit to the historic tunnels and a ride in the original elevator to the top of Hoover Dam. Being inside the inspection tunnels at the center of Hoover Dam and being able to view the Colorado River from the inspection ventilation shaft was the coolest part of the experience. We’d highly recommend doing the full tour if your kids can hang for an hour.

We also had access to the visitor center and took some time to explore the interactive exhibits and galleries that educate you on how everything works. There are also some incredible vista points you won’t want to miss like the top-floor observation area and along the walkway at the top of the dam.

CONTAINER PARK

After heading back to Las Vegas, we headed to Container Park for dinner. This unique open-air shopping mall in Downtown Las Vegas is made from shipping containers. The complex features boutique shopping and dining, at the center of which is an interactive playground. Kids love the huge treehouse and a 33-foot-tall slide, bridges, and giant foam Lego-style building blocks.

There are several small restaurants to choose from for dinner. We recommend Big Erns Barbeque. The food was as good as it smelled, and the staff is fun to interact with. The portions are also very sharable for a family.

At the entrance of Container Park, everyone will get a kick out the giant mechanical praying mantis sculpture that shoots flames from its antennae in rhythm to music. Speaking of music, the area also hosts kid-friendly concerts and movie-nights.

FREEMONT STREET EXPERIENCE

Just down the road from Container Park is the Freemont Street Experience , otherwise known as Downtown Las Vegas. This area offers a covered pedestrian mall with live entertainment filling the airwaves, a zipline overhead and casinos on every side. It hosts some of Las Vegas’ more historic casinos like the Golden Nugget and definitely has more of a kitschy feel. This was a great area to shop for inexpensive souvenirs. The most notable attraction here is the “Viva Vision” light show. The 1,500-foot long video screen canopy, the largest in the world, is embedded with over 12 million LED bulbs that light up with eye-popping animation synchronized to music every hour on the hour between 6 pm-1 am for six minutes.

Note that the Viva Vision show takes place in the evenings only. We stayed for the first show and then scooted out of the area as it had more of an adult-only feel as it gets later. Our kids got a kick out of performers in unusual costumes, similar to what you might see at Times Square in New York City—but I also want to warn you that while some of the costumes will delight your kids—superheroes, Transformers and the like—you may also spot men and women in some pretty risqué get-ups. Consider what your kids can handle before hanging out here after dark.

TIPS FOR EXPLORING LAS VEGAS WITH KIDS

Explore by day.

Vegas is known as a “Sin City” for a reason: there are plenty of flashy outfits, “cover your kids’ eyes” billboards and conspicuous ads on the taxis that you may have to explain to your kids. The proportion of things that are inappropriate goes up as the sun goes down. So, stick to exploring Las Vegas with kids during the day. In Vegas, the party vibe only really begins when the sun sets. Solicitors, intoxicated people, and other characters are out in abundance at night. If you stick to touring during the day, you shouldn’t have too much trouble avoiding the more questionable side of Sin City.

USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

While everything seems walkable, just getting from point to point in one hotel may make your kids (and YOU) exhausted. Plan your itinerary to group nearby attractions together and make use of public transportation or taxis. The Go Las Vegas Card also comes with access to the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus –this can be a wonderful way to save little legs from getting too tired.

If you plan to visit Las Vegas with kids, you also might want to take advantage of the Las Vegas Monorail which connects the resorts along the east side of the 4-mile Las Vegas Strip from MGM Grand to SLS Las Vegas. There are seven stops at popular points of interest. Kids under 5 years old ride free of charge and older kids and adults can take advantage of a multi-day pass option. Our Go Las Vegas Cards included a 24-Hour monorail pass for unlimited rides. With trains arriving every 4-8 minutes throughout the day, we never had to wait long.

There are also several free trams that run between some of the hotels on the west side of the strip that can save you some walking. There is a tram between the Monte Carlo, City Center and Bellagio and another that runs between Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. There’s also a tram that runs between The Mirage and Treasure Island.

COORDINATE CLOTHING

It can get very crowded on the strip. It may same cheesy, but I highly recommend some type of coordinated clothing for your group, so they are easy to keep track of and spot if you get separated.

STAY HYDRATED & COOL

If you vacation during the hottest times of the year in Las Vegas, make sure to drink plenty of water, avoid too many outdoor activities on the same day and plan some family time at a kid-friendly pool.

USE A SIGHT-SEEING PASS

Finally, I must recommend once more that you use a sightseeing Pass to save money. Las Vegas with kids can get expensive, so make sure to take advantage of the many free kid-friendly attractions listed above and utilize a sightseeing pass like the Go Las Vegas Card . Your days will be full of fun without spending a ton!

As you can see from our itinerary, there is a ton to do and see in just 3 days in Las Vegas with kids. So go ahead and Viva las Vegas –with the whole family!

If you are looking for more travel tips and destination information be sure to subscribe to Mom Abroad and come join the conversations over on the Mom Abroad Facebook Page or follow our adventures on Instagram.

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Coconino & Clark Counties 3-Day Adventure: Grand Canyons to Glitzy Vegas

April 20, 2024 · 2 min read

Embark on a thrilling 3-day journey through Coconino and Clark Counties, where natural wonders and urban excitement collide. Day 1 is dedicated to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, a full day's immersion into one of the world's most spectacular natural attractions. After soaking in the grandeur, spend 2.5 hours marveling at the mesmerizing Antelope Canyon, a photographer's paradise. Day 2 takes you to the heart of Las Vegas, starting with The Mob Museum, offering a glimpse into the notorious history of organized crime, followed by the vibrant Fremont Street Experience. Cap off the day with the diverse offerings of Downtown Las Vegas, indulging in its entertainment for 3 hours. Your final day is all about the iconic Las Vegas Strip, a full day to explore the epicenter of entertainment, concluding with the enchanting Bellagio Fountain show. This itinerary promises a blend of natural beauty and city thrills, tailored for an unforgettable experience.

• Day 1: Majestic Canyons and Colorful Vistas

Grand Canyon National Park

Kicking off our Coconino County adventure, we begin with the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park, a treasure trove of geological wonders and panoramic views. As the sun rises, casting its golden glow over the vast expanse, you'll have the entire day to explore the myriad of trails, gaze down into the mile-deep chasm, and witness the ever-changing play of light and shadows. The Grand Canyon, with its layered bands of red rock revealing millions of years of history, is not just a national park, but a profound experience that speaks to the soul.

Attraction Info

• Arizona, United States
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 days
• Open 24 hours，South Rim Visitor Center upcoming schedule: April 7-April 20: 10am-4pm 5 days a week (closed Tues/Weds) April 21-May 4: Closed for staff training. May 5-May 24: 8am-3pm daily.

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Antelope Canyon

After immersing ourselves in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, we'll journey to the mesmerizing Antelope Canyon, a mere 2.5-hour visit that promises to be a highlight of the day. This slot canyon, known for its wave-like structure and the light beams that shine down into the openings of the canyon, creates a surreal and photogenic spectacle. The play of light across the canyon walls, forming shifting patterns and hues, makes Antelope Canyon a photographer's paradise and a unique natural phenomenon that's not to be missed.

• Arizona 86040, USA
• Suggested tour duration: 2.5-3 hour
• Open from 7:50am-4:10pm

Where to Stay Tonight

Clarion inn page - lake powell, knights inn page.

• Day 2: Delving into the Dazzling Heart of Vegas

The Mob Museum

Kickstarting our second day with a dose of intriguing history, The Mob Museum stands as a monument to the notorious battle between organized crime and law enforcement. Nestled at 300 Stewart Ave, this museum offers a captivating glimpse into the criminal underworld that once ruled the streets. Over the course of two hours, you'll traverse interactive exhibits, absorbing tales of infamous mobsters and the relentless agents who sought to bring them to justice. It's a riveting journey through America's checkered past that's both educational and entertaining.

• 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 9:00am-9:00pm

Fremont Street Experience

Just a stone's throw from the tales of crime and punishment, the Fremont Street Experience awaits to dazzle you with its vibrant energy. This characteristic neighborhood is a sensory overload with its massive LED canopy, street performers, and the incessant hum of excitement. Spend an hour immersed in the electric atmosphere where the old Vegas charm meets modern-day entertainment. It's a place where every step is an encounter with the unexpected, ensuring your visit to Fremont Street is nothing short of spectacular.

• E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States
• Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
• Open 24 hours

Downtown Las Vegas

Continuing the exploration, Downtown Las Vegas invites you to dive deeper into its characteristic neighborhoods for three immersive hours. This is where the city's heart beats strongest, with a blend of historic sites, cultural hotspots, and a burgeoning food scene. Wander through the streets where the past and present of Vegas coalesce, offering a richer understanding of the city beyond the glitz of its famed Strip. Downtown is a treasure trove of experiences, from the artsy to the eclectic, ensuring your day is filled with unforgettable moments.

• Las Vegas, NV, USA
• Suggested tour duration: 3 hour

El Cortez Hotel and Casino - 21 and over

Oasis at gold spike - adults only.

• Day 3: Glitz and Glamour on the Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas Strip

Starting off the final day of our Coconino and Clark County adventure, we immerse ourselves in the iconic Las Vegas Strip. This characteristic neighborhood is not just a street but a vibrant canvas of entertainment, luxury, and neon lights that stretch across the heart of Sin City. Spend your day marveling at the architectural wonders, shopping in high-end boutiques, and perhaps trying your luck at one of the world-renowned casinos. The Strip is an attraction that truly encapsulates the spirit of Las Vegas, offering an unforgettable experience that lasts from the golden hour of morning to the neon glow of night.

• Nevada, USA
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day

Bellagio Fountain

As the sun sets on our Coconino and Clark County journey, the Bellagio Fountains offer a spectacular finale. Located at 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, this mesmerizing water show is a symphony of light, music, and water designed to captivate and enchant. With performances every 15 to 30 minutes, you'll have plenty of opportunities to witness this free attraction. Each show is a unique display of high-flying water jets, intricately choreographed to a variety of musical themes. An hour here feels like a moment, as the fountains dance and your heart sings along with the rhythms of Las Vegas.

• 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States

Bellagio Hotel & Casino

Jockey resort suites center strip.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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20 Incredible Places To Visit Within a Few Hours of Vegas

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 27, 2024

Something a lot of people don’t know about Las Vegas is that it’s a great base for exploring the surrounding region. So once you’ve had your fill of the Strip, or if you have no interest in it at all, check out this list of awesome places you can reach in less than half a day of driving!

We’ve picked these spots because they’re all an easy drive from Las Vegas and each one offers something a little different. Whether you’re after a peaceful day in nature, a dive into some fascinating history, or just a good old adventure, there’s something nearby that’s sure to catch your eye and give you a break from the city’s buzz.

1. Death Valley National Park, CA

You can get to this huge national park in as little as 90 minutes if you use the Stateline Road from Pahrump. Other good ways to get there from Vegas are via Amargosa Valley and from Beatty, which is later on this list. Once in the park, you can easily spend a week or more exploring the amazing landscapes.

Fun Fact: Holds the record for the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth at 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius) in Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913.

2. Lone Pine, CA

Driving through Death Valley is the fastest way to get to this town at the base of the Sierra Nevada. Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the Lower 48, graces the skyline. The town is a fun place to visit, and it’s a major gateway to the recreational areas on the eastern side of the Sierra.

Fun Fact: This small town has served as the backdrop for numerous films, especially Westerns, featuring the picturesque Alabama Hills and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Another iconic film, though not a Western, that was also shot in the Alabama Hills is “Tremors” (1990), a cult classic featuring subterranean monsters in a deserted landscape. The unique geography of the area contributed significantly to the atmosphere of the film.

3. Mojave National Preserve, CA

Desert mountains and wilderness without crowds await visitors here. There’s also a very large Joshua tree forest, and the Kelso Dunes are a spectacular destination. Access is easy from Interstate 15.

Fun Fact: The Mojave National Preserve is home to the largest concentration of Joshua Trees in the world, as well as the nearly extinct desert tortoise.

4. Joshua Tree National Park, CA

After visiting the Mojave National Preserve, you can continue on to this popular national park. It can be exceptionally beautiful during the spring wildflower bloom and in winter when there’s snow on the rock outcrops and the namesake plants, which are not really trees but more like cactuses.

Fun Fact: Renowned for its unique rock formations and starry night skies, Joshua Tree National Park is a favorite for both climbers and astronomers. The park’s geology and desert flora, including the iconic Joshua trees, create an amazing landscape that’s almost other-worldly.

5. Keyhole Canyon, NV

South of the city is this collection of granite peaks and canyons. Popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and viewing rock art created by ancient Native Americans.

Fun Fact: Keep an eye out for pictographs and prehistoric rock art that provides a glimpse into the cultural history of the region’s early inhabitants.

6. Red Rock Canyon, NV

When you look to the west, you’ll see several tall red mountains not that far away. Those sandstone peaks are the showcase features of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s a world-famous rock climbing destination, but it’s also a great place to hike or just do some sightseeing.

Fun Fact: Not only is Red Rock Canyon known for its towering red sandstone peaks, but the area is also home to more than 600 species of plants, making it a vibrant desert ecosystem.

7. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV

The construction of the Hoover Dam created Lake Mead, the major source of drinking water for Las Vegas. Within the recreation area, you can enjoy swimming, boating, and hiking. One highly recommended hiking destination is the Bowl of Fire, where the sandstone cliffs and pinnacles are an unusually intense red.

Fun Facts: It’s the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water capacity, formed by the Hoover Dam.

8. Hoover Dam, NV

You can also go visit the dam responsible for Lake Mead. It’s one of the largest dams in the world. A bypass constructed in recent years makes visiting the dam easier by diverting a lot of traffic away; it used to be that the only way south into Arizona was a slow, winding road that went over the dam itself.

Fun Fact: When it was completed in 1936, it was both the world’s largest electric-power generating station and the world’s largest concrete structure.

9. Mt. Charleston, NV

The Spring Mountains are the tall peaks northwest of the city. They get enough winter snow to support ski areas, and they’re high enough to provide welcome relief from the Vegas summer heat. Mt. Charleston is the highest peak in the range.

Fun Fact: It features the only ski resort in Southern Nevada, and its landscape is a stark contrast to the surrounding desert.

10. Arc Dome Wilderness, NV

Arc Dome is the high point of the Toiyabe Range, an “island range” so named because it rises high enough above the surrounding desert to support plants and wildlife that thrive in cooler climate zones. If you love getting away from everything, you’ll love this area, which has a very remote feel.

Fun Fact: The area includes Arc Dome, a prominent peak standing at 11,773 feet, which is the highest point in the Toiyabe Range.

11. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Ash Meadows is a desert oasis close to the California line. It’s also the location of Devils Hole, a spring that supports the world’s entire naturally occurring population of the critically endangered Devils Hole pupfish. Devils Hole is actually a detached unit of Death Valley N.P. located within the refuge.

Fun Fact: The refuge contains 24 species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, making it a high point of biodiversity in Nevada.

12. Valley of Fire State Park, NV

This is one of the most scenic state parks in the country. The red sandstone is amazing in both form and color, and several trails allow you to explore narrow canyons, desert scenery, ancient rock art, and more.

Fun Fact: Known for its stunning landscapes, Valley of Fire State Park features wave-like formations of red sandstone that create a vibrant display, especially at sunrise and sunset. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails that lead to fascinating sites, including ancient petroglyphs carved into rock faces by Native American tribes centuries ago.

13. Cathedral Gorge State Park, NV

This state park is pretty small, but it’s totally worth the trip. Here, erosion has carved the soft rock formations into wild shapes and patterns that you have to see to believe, especially in the glow of sunrise and sunset.

Fun Fact: Cathedral Gorge is known for its dramatic, spire-like rock formations, which resemble cathedral spires and were formed through erosion of soft bentonite clay.

14. Great Basin National Park, NV

This destination is a bit more of a haul than many others on this list, but you’ll get to enjoy one of the more lightly visited national parks in the country. There’s a lot to do here. Some examples: visit a grove of ancient bristlecone pines, hike to a “rock glacier” (permanent ice located beneath a field of boulders), tour a beautiful cavern, hike to mountain lakes and a natural arch, and hike to the summit of Wheeler Peak, the park’s highpoint and the highest mountain entirely within Nevada.

Fun Fact: Named after the vast Great Basin region, this park showcases a striking mix of deserts and snow-capped mountains, offering visitors a vivid snapshot of Nevada’s diverse landscapes.

15. Beatty, NV

As mentioned earlier, Beatty is a great gateway to Death Valley NP, but it’s a fun little town that has other things to recommend. One is having one of the best candy stores in the country. Another is being able to hike up Beatty Mountain, the colorful peak just outside town. It has great views and a lot of interesting rock formations.

Fun Fact: Besides being a gateway to Death Valley, it’s near Rhyolite, one of the most photographed ghost towns in the West, famous for its historic ruins.

16. Mesquite, NV

If you like the casino scene but find Vegas a little overwhelming, try Mesquite. It’s like a mini-vegas located close to the Arizona border off I-15, and you’ll pass through on your way to the next three places on this list.

Fun Fact: Known for its world-class golf courses, Mesquite offers more than just casino action, with some of the best golfing available in the region.

17. Virgin River Gorge, AZ

After entering Arizona, I-15 soon passes through a spectacular canyon called the Virgin River Gorge. There isn’t much to do here in terms of official trails, but there are some recreation sites that allow access to the river, which is usually shallow. I included this place here rather than with the other Arizona location because you pass through it on the way to the next two places.

Fun Fact: This gorge was once used as a filming location for the classic road movie “Thelma & Louise,” giving it a bit of Hollywood history amidst its natural beauty.

18. Snow Canyon State Park, UT

Snow Canyon is a gorgeous state park located near St. George. It has nice trails and views, and you can find ancient rock art here. It’s also a popular rock climbing destination. If you’re in the area and looking for a less-crowded alternative to the next place on this list, check out Snow Canyon.

Fun Fact: Snow Canyon isn’t named for wintry weather but after early Utah leaders Lorenzo and Erastus Snow. The park is known for its fascinating volcanic cones and lava tubes.

19. Zion National Park, UT

Zion Canyon can get really crowded, but it’s so spectacular that you shouldn’t miss seeing it. With a good map and a sense of adventure, you can then get away from the crowds and explore the amazing backcountry of this national park that’s hands-down one of the best in the system.

Fun Fact: Zion National Park was originally named Mukuntuweap National Monument before it was renamed in 1919 to appeal more to the general public. (Smart move!) It’s also one of the few places in the world where you can see all four North American desert types converging.

20. Kingman, AZ

After you leave the Hoover Dam area, there’s very little development as you drive south into Arizona. Maybe that’s why Kingman almost seems to appear out of nowhere. It’s a good base for exploring the pretty mountains in the area, and you won’t have to worry about crowds there.

Fun Fact: Kingman proudly hosts the world’s first electric vehicle museum, a cool spot for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It’s also a key stop on the iconic Route 66, where you can dive into the past at classic car shows and soak up the nostalgia of America’s famed highway.

Featured Image Credit: Vlad Teodor/Shutterstock

The World’s Most Beautiful Mountain Ranges

For as long as humans have existed, mountains have inspired and daunted us. They’re the basis for countless legends, and although they can be deadly, have an irresistible pull on us, drawing millions of sightseers, hikers, climbers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts every year. Making a definitive list of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world is subjective, but the ones here are certainly strong contenders.

Best Place to See the Grand Canyon Sunrise at South Rim

If you’re wondering  where the best place to see the Grand Canyon sunrise  at South Rim is, you’re not alone. With more than six million visitors to the national park each year, there are plenty of people trying to find the best place to see the show.

And what a show it is! Mother Nature does not disappoint. It was easily one of the most memorable sunrises we’ve ever seen!  There are some things you should know before you go,  though, and we’ll do our best to answer all your questions for you.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best 3-day cruise itineraries for 2024.

Plan a long weekend getaway aboard a cruise for fun, scenery and entertainment.

The Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Hop aboard the Carnival Radiance for a short but fun-filled cruise weekend.

Whether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Conrad Schutt | Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

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Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
• Beach Packing List
• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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