Sin City. The City of Lights. Glitter Gulch. Whatever you call Las Vegas, you know that it’s a dazzling mecca of entertainment, fine dining, gambling and all-out debauchery. The best thing about Las Vegas is that there’s truly something for everyone — even if you’re not into gambling, there are shows, exhibits and plenty of other attractions to keep you occupied. Most people might not think about renting a vehicle for a Vegas vacation, but the truth is that it’s extremely practical. Not only are there great rental car deals available at the McCarran International Airport, but renting a car as soon as you land will save you the time, money and hassle of having to hail a cab to your hotel.
Where to Stay
Deciding where to stay in Vegas can be quite the challenge. With each hotel seeming more enticing than the last, it’s usually a matter of budget and personal preferences. Shop online for hotel deals to see what some of the Strip hotel casinos are offering.
- The Aria — In the middle of the Strip. Amazing amenities including a friendly concierge, three distinctive pools, luxurious rooms and fine dining options.
- The MGM Grand — On the south end of the Strip. Nice without going over-the-top, with great seasonal specials. Don’t miss their display of live lions.
- The Wynn — On the north end of the Strip. Steve Wynn pulled out all the stops, and the sheer beauty of it will amaze you.
- The Venetian — In the heart of the Strip. Enjoy a meal at the Eiffel Tower restaurant and a gondola ride in this Venice-themed hotel casino.
- The D — On Fremont Street. If old Vegas is more your style, this downtown hotel casino won’t disappoint.
Restaurants to Try
Las Vegas is a foodie’s paradise. Prepare to be overwhelmed by your dining options, especially if you stay on or near the Strip.
- Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris — French American bistro with top notch service, food and ambiance, especially sitting outside.
- Serendipity III at Caesar’s Palace — Huge portions and the enormous, amazing frozen hot chocolate.
- Andiamo Steakhouse on Fremont Street — One of the best kept secrets in the city. Italian food and some of the best steaks in Vegas.
- Buddy V’s at the Venetian — Italian-American favorites inspired by Buddy Valastro of Cake Boss.
- Tacos & Tequila in the Luxor — Quick and casual dining that’s also tasty.
- Eat on Carson Street downtown — A breakfast and lunch spot that’s worth the drive. Having a rental car will come in handy for this one.
Day Trips from Las Vegas
There is more to the Las Vegas area than the Strip and Fremont Street. While you’ll probably spend the majority of time in these two areas, you should definitely take a day to explore some of the other desert attractions.
- Grand Canyon National Park — A 270 mile drive. Leave early and plan on devoting an entire day to the adventure. If you’ve never seen the Grand Canyon, it’s absolutely worth it.
- Henderson — A quick 30 minute drive. Top attractions include the Clark County Heritage Museum, the Lion Habitat Ranch and the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve.
- Hoover Dam and Lake Mead — About 45 minutes from the city. Truly awe-inspiring engineering come to life. The nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a 1.5 million acre national park perfect for hiking and canoeing.
Having a vehicle available lets you see the many wonderful sights just outside the city limits. Save waiting in line for a cab for evenings when you plan on hitting the town, and enjoy your freedom for the rest of your stay.
Compare rental car deals at McCarran International Airport and start your Las Vegas adventure.