Top 7 Things I Do Each Trip to Las Vegas
Tomorrow Las Vegas will re-open after two months of closure due to COVID-19. The last time I was in Vegas was in early March before the coronavirus started shutting things down in the United States. Vegas is going to look different for some time, but I am glad to see things starting to open back up.
In the time of quarantine, I started listening to a lot of podcasts; including one about Vegas by TravelZork. In Episode 73, TravelZork and Travel Fanboy discussed their “Must Do” list for Vegas. Their joking about other travel “influencers” coming out with their own lists inspired me to make one.
Here is my list of things I do on pretty much every visit to Las Vegas.
Play Blackjack at Cromwell – The Cromwell is in a great location at center strip. It is a small casino (but part of Caesars Rewards) with low minimums and 3 to 2 blackjack payouts. Plus the dealers are friendly and make the experience fun. The drinks are good; you can get a Grey Goose Dirty Martini which makes me a happy gambler.
Eat at In-N-Out Burger at the Linq Promenade – Coming from Seattle, I only get In-N-Out burger when I am on vacation. Therefore, I associate a lot of good memories with the place. Now that there is an outlet on the strip at the Linq Prominade, I typically stop in for a burger and of course order it Animal Style.
Visit Caesars Qua Spa – I love visiting the spa. It is a serene getaway from the insanity that is Vegas. I don’t usually get a treatment (super overpriced) but instead pay for a day pass. With the fee, you get all day access to the spa facilities, which depending on the location include: jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, salt room, heated stone beds, or even a room where it snows. As a Caesars Rewards Diamond I can get a day pass for a reduced rate at the enormous Caesars Qua Spa or the fantastic and quiet Spa at The Linq. If you want to splurge on a treatment (which includes a day pass), I would suggest checking out The Spa at Encore or the Waldorf Astoria Spa with great views of the strip.
People Watch – Most of my visits to Vegas are solo trips. I always find myself taking some time to grab a drink or something to eat where I can sit and just watch people. Vegas has a little bit of everyone and I love to observe the antics. Okay, and maybe judge a bit.
Drink at Skyfall – There a hundreds of bars in Las Vegas. My favorite is the Skyfall Lounge at Delano (part of Mandalay Bay). Not because the drinks are all that great, but because of the view that is included. It is located on the top floor of the southern most strip property. The elevators to the bar are glass and zip up the side of the building. Grab a table by the windows or head out to the patio.
Eat at a Buffet – Okay, this is definitely a goner in the post-COVID world at least for some time. But when I could, I would try to get to a buffet when in town. I would go for the extremes: either a high price, high quality buffet like at Wynn or Caesars, or a place where you can get a deal (like the early days of the Studio B buffet at M). If you really want to go for it, try the World of Buffets pass (if it ever comes back) and eat your way through 24 hours of buffet madness.
See a (Free) Show – One of my routines is to see a new show for free as part of the Caesars Rewards Diamond Free Show perk. It seems like they add shows pretty regularly to their list and my goal is to see as many of them as possible. If they are terrible, I can leave any time.
I am also a huge fan of Cirque shows, and I truly hope we will see the comeback of this type of theater in the post-COVID world of Vegas. I have seen every resident show in Las Vegas with the exception of Criss Angel Believe (I just had no desire to see him perform and now it is closed). I even saw the short lived Viva Elvis at Aria and R.U.N. at Luxor. There is a good reason why most visitors to Las Vegas have been to a Cirque show.
What are the things you do every time you visit Las Vegas? Share some of your favorites in the comments below.
Like you, I love me some Vegas! I cannot wait to go back, maybe I should rephrase that, I can’t wait to go back when I feel safer. I agree with all your 7 suggestions but I don’t love buffets and frankly, I don’t think they will be back any time soon. I always look forward to checking in on your page to see where you’ve been and see if there were any recent Vegas trips. Even though I’ve gone to Vegas for 28 years now, I learn more about the cities and programs from you than any where else.
Thank you for the very nice comment! I am glad you find my content helpful. I haven’t been able to write as much recently (mostly because I haven’t been able to travel), but I hope to get back to it soon! Is there content you would like to see for the site? Any suggestions?
I cannot think of any real suggestions but I do know there is more to Vegas than the strip. So many sites to see, Hoover Dam, Museum of Natural History, Smith Center for performing Arts. One place I’d love to go is the Valley of Fire, at least that’s what I think it’s called. Petroglyphs from the original Indian settlers there, I have seen them outside of Laughlin, it’s amazing to see something etched in the stones from hundreds of years ago. Red Rocks looks amazing too. So much to see but when I get to Vegas, rarely does anyone with me want to venture off the strip. Ethel M’s was a fun visit though. Anyway, I love living vicariously through you! You do it right!
I have to say I love the Neon Museum, though it tends to be a one time experience rather than each trip. Same thing with Red Rocks; just went for the first time. The 13 mile scenic drive is fantastic even if you don’t get out and hike. Lots to see from the car.