Hoover Dam
A huge concrete arch dam on the Colorado River, on the Nevada-Arizona border, built in the 1930s. Visitors come to see the dam wall, the intake towers and the views over Lake Mead.
Las Vegas
Big shows and casino resorts on the Strip are what the city is known for, and it also serves as a base for excursions to the Grand Canyon.
Attractive locations
Las Vegas Strip
The roughly four-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard lined with giant resort hotels, casinos, shows and neon. Many sights, such as fountain displays and themed replicas, can be seen free on foot.
High Roller
A very tall observation wheel beside the LINQ promenade. Its cabins turn slowly, giving a wide view of the Strip, the surrounding desert and the mountains beyond.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
The retro neon sign at the southern end of the Strip, installed in 1959, is a favorite photo stop and a symbol of the city.
Fremont Street Experience
A pedestrian street in downtown Las Vegas covered by a giant LED canopy that shows light displays at night, with street performers, old neon-lit casinos and a zip line overhead.
Neon Museum
An outdoor collection of retired signs from historic Las Vegas casinos, motels and shops, often seen on guided evening walks when several signs are lit again.
The Mob Museum
A museum in a former federal courthouse downtown about organized crime and the law enforcement efforts against it, using artifacts, film and interactive exhibits.
Fountains of Bellagio
A choreographed water show on the lake in front of the Bellagio resort, with jets shooting high into the air in time to music and lights, a popular sight on the Strip.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
An aquarium inside Mandalay Bay with walk-through tunnels and tanks of sharks, rays, sea turtles, jellyfish and other marine life, laid out like a sunken temple.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
A desert area west of the city with red sandstone cliffs, a scenic loop drive and hiking trails. It is a quiet escape from the casinos.
Sphere
A huge domed venue near the Strip, covered with an LED screen that shows moving images on its outside. Inside, it hosts concerts and immersive films.
Valley of Fire State Park
A Nevada state park north-east of Las Vegas with bright red sandstone formations, ancient rock carvings and short walking trails.
Airports
Harry Reid International Airport LAS
It is about 9 km in a straight line from Las Vegas.
Boulder City Municipal Airport BLD
It is about 36 km in a straight line from Las Vegas.
Getting around
From Harry Reid Airport
Outside baggage claim in both terminals of Harry Reid International Airport, taxis wait under the regulation of the Nevada Taxicab Authority. A flat rate system, shown on a flat rate map, applies to airport trips to several Strip zones, and all taxi companies take cards. Rideshare pick-ups by Uber and Lyft happen in marked areas in the parking garages. The airport is also served by public buses, shuttles and limousines, though not by the monorail.
- Source: Harry Reid International Airport: Taxis (checked 4 Nov 2026)
- Source: Harry Reid International Airport: All options to and from (checked 4 Nov 2026)
Strip buses and monorail
The Regional Transportation Commission runs the Deuce, which serves the Strip, while the DVX goes partly through downtown and Fremont Street. The Arts District and Fremont Street are also reached by a free Downtown Loop shuttle, and the elevated Las Vegas Monorail has seven Strip stations. Walking the whole Strip is harder than it appears, the tourism authority cautions, so combine walking with other options.
- Source: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority: Getting around (checked 4 Nov 2026)
Scams and safe taxis
Taxis and hotel taxi lines
In Las Vegas a taxi cannot be hailed on the street; passengers queue at a hotel taxi line, usually near the valet or main entrance. Licensing of taxi drivers and companies, enforcement of safety and fare standards and handling of complaints are all done by the Nevada Taxicab Authority. Approximate fares are posted by the Authority, and its rider page explains passenger rights, with contact details for anyone who feels theirs were not respected.
- Source: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority: Getting around (checked 4 Nov 2026)
- Source: Nevada Taxicab Authority (checked 4 Nov 2026)
- Source: Nevada Taxicab Authority: Rider information (checked 4 Nov 2026)
Unlicensed paid rides
Whatever name they use, drivers charging for a ride need a licence or permit from the Nevada Taxicab Authority or the Nevada Transportation Authority, the Taxicab Authority says. Cash rides from private drivers, even to cover gas money, are unlicensed transportation, and off-app rideshare rides are also prohibited. Its advice is to use rideshare only via its official app, or a licensed taxi, limousine or certified bus carrier, and to report suspected unlicensed operators to the Authority.
- Source: Nevada Taxicab Authority: Illegal passenger transportation in Nevada (checked 4 Nov 2026)
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan7.7 °C18 mm
- Feb9.7 °C23 mm
- Mar14.3 °C12 mm
- Apr18.3 °C8 mm
- May24.1 °C3 mm
- Jun30.4 °C1 mm
- Jul33.5 °C15 mm
- Aug32.2 °C15 mm
- Sep27.9 °C9 mm
- Oct20.2 °C13 mm
- Nov12.8 °C12 mm
- Dec7.1 °C18 mm
Driest months: Apr, May, Jun. Wettest months: Jan, Feb, Dec.
Festivals and events
sport
Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
An F1 race is run on the Strip at night.
Official sitetrade
CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
Las Vegas hotels cost a great deal that week; the tech show is the biggest in the world.
sport
Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
An F1 race is run on the Strip at night.
Official sitetrade
CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
Las Vegas hotels cost a great deal that week; the tech show is the biggest in the world.
Who can help
Emergency
911 for police, fire and ambulance.
local government
Emergency number 911
Helps with: The nationwide US emergency number. USAGov says to dial 911 immediately in an emergency; for an emergency in another area, contact the local law enforcement agency there.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the United States who is in an emergency.
Phone: 911
local government
Brand USA (Visit The USA)
Helps with: The nation's destination marketing organization. Its VisitTheUSA.com site gives trip-planning information and links to visa and entry requirements. It lists no helpline on the pages read.
Who qualifies: Anyone planning a trip to the United States.
local government
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (VisitLasVegas.com)
Helps with: The authority behind VisitLasVegas.com, the visitor website for Las Vegas. The site lists its Paradise Road address and a toll-free number; the page does not mention a visitor center.
Who qualifies: Anyone visiting or planning a trip to Las Vegas.
Phone: 877-847-4858
Address: 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109