The Best Things to do in and Around Las Vegas

Las Vegas Travel Tips

G-Free Travel Rating

9/10

Major Airport

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Official Language

English

Currency:

US Dollar (USD)

Power Outlets:

Types A & B

Eating Gluten Free in and around Las Vegas

Las Vegas has some amazing restaurants and we ate at one of the best, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. It was spendy but the food was top notch. We were able to navigate most places that had gluten free options fairly well. There are so many options Vegas offers, you will not have any problems finding something to your taste.

Take in the Strip

Whether you stroll the strip during daylight hours or for its nightlife it is definitely an experience. The themed casinos go all out. You can start in New York, New York, where you can ride a roller coaster or admire a replica of the Statue of Liberty, and end near Caesar’s Place with the Colosseum, which hosts world-class performances. There are plenty of shopping options to stop in and purchase whatever your heart desires. The range from high-end stores to more affordable options is impressive, and sometimes it’s just nice to get into some air-conditioning to cool off.

There are many performers out promoting their upcoming shows some with unique and exotic costumes that are more than happy to take a picture with you (most for a price). We passed a small group promoting their show with snakes wrapped around their shoulders. Unfortunately, this snuck up on my dad, and he quickly moved to the other side of the sidewalk before we realized what was happening. Needless to say, he is not a fan of snakes. This is a good reminder to make sure you are always aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Overall, people-watching is truly the best form of entertainment while strolling the strip, and there is never a dull moment in Sin City.

Enjoy Performances of the Bellagio Fountains

The fountain in front of the Bellagio Casino is iconic. It is specifically made to dazzle your senses. With the lights, water and music it becomes very entrancing.

The fountain doesn’t operate continuously; it starts at 3 p.m. during the week and repeats every 30 minutes. Once it starts to get darker they cycle every 15 minutes. Whether it is during the day or night, find a place to watch them. If you are lucky you may even be able to reserve a table across from the fountains for dinner. This experience truly enhances the ambiance of the restaurant.

The shows are free and can be viewed multiple times.

Catch a Show

Since we were in Las Vegas for a couple of days we were able to catch two shows. We attended “O” by Cirque du Soleil and Kenny Chesney at the Sphere and both shows surpassed our expectations. There are plenty of other types of shows to catch; for example, magic shows, tribute shows and comedy are just a few. The list is ever-changing, so it is always best to check what will be available during your stay.

Cirque du Soleil

There are normally a couple different versions of Cirque du Soleil in Vegas at a time. The ones that were available when we went were:

“O”– The one we attended. This is an aquatic adventure highlighting acrobats, artistic swimmers and world-class divers. The storytelling techniques and the performers’ abilities are both astonishing and defy comprehension. How they can dive and produce such a minimal splash is just mind-boggling.

“KA”- This one is known more for its theatrical and stage defying tricks with the storyline told exclusively through body movement and music. It also highlights world-class acrobatics mixed with fire and martial arts.

“Mystere” – The original Cirque du Soleil and still one of the top performing! These acrobatic tricks include trapeze, bungees and the Chinese Pole.

The Sphere

With only opening a few years ago The Sphere has introduced a whole new way of viewing shows. We attended one of Kenny Chesney’s concerts at the Sphere and it was phenomenal. Since we are past the phase of needing to stand and be right at the front for a concert, there is really no bad seat.

The Sphere’s immersive imagery effects make you feel like you are being transported to the location on the screens. Although 10,000 seats are equipped with motion capabilities (excluding ours); the visual effects still provide a ride-like experience. Some shows may even incorporate scents, further enhancing the feeling of being right at the location depicted in the show. Whether you see a concert, a show or another immersive event you will be left wanting more. If you are interested in the math and science behind the creation of the one and only–Sphere, a groundbreaking geometric model check out their website.

A few points to consider:

Book tickets in advance to ensure you get a spot. Prices will vary depending on the type of show you attend or the package you purchase.
The stairs to get up to the upper seats are quite steep.
Parking is difficult– walking is recommended. Exiting is slow due to gridlocked rideshare pickups, which are strictly policed to prevent further traffic delays.

Try Your Luck at Gambling

This was a first for me and I anticipated I was not going to like it. I would have to say my anticipation was overall right. I did my first gambling at a Caesar’s Palace blackjack table. Besides being completely anxious about what I was supposed to do and feeling like I could have given myself an ulcer, I found the give and take of the games enjoyable. The house won some then, I would win, and we went back and forth until I was ahead $100. At that point, I decided to take the win.

I later tried the slots, which quickly became a source of frustration with their constant noise and flashing lights. However, my mom came out winning a couple hundred dollars. While she was pressing her luck with the slots, I tried another blackjack table with a lower buy-in fee. This was the least fun. The house won every game, and before I knew it, I was down $100. Meaning I lost $200 in probably twenty minutes; realizing gambling highs are fleeting and come with significant losses.

Hoover Dam

History

Built during one of the hardest times in American history, the Hoover Dam is a now a world renowned landmark. It is no longer considered one of the biggest dams, but that doesn’t stop the millions of people coming to visit each year. Constructed over ONLY 5 years using over 3 million cubic yards of concrete. That is enough to pave a highway from San Francisco to New York City!!

Hoover Dam was constructed to help tame the Colorado River by controlling its flooding, irrigating 1.5 million acres of land and supplying water to millions of people. It also provides hydro-electric power to nearby houses, which is a great source of renewable energy. To learn more about the Hoover Dam you can jump on a tour while visiting.

Things to Note:

Less than 45 minutes from Las Vegas depending on traffic.
There is a security checkpoint on the Nevada side for vehicles entering the area. There is also a security checkpoint to get into the visitor center.
Exploring Hoover Dam is free. If you want to do a tour then you will have pay extra.
Parking is $10 with a parking garage on the Nevada side.
A small restaurant provides light snacks and drinks.
Water is accessible everywhere. Water refill stations are available both inside the visitor center and above the dam.

Lake Mead

Welcome to America’s first National Recreational Area. Even though Lake Mead is a manmade reservoir, it is over 500 feet deep at its greatest depth, allowing for all sorts of recreational activities. You can go boating, kayaking, fishing and even scuba diving; I bet you weren’t expecting to read that amongst things to do in a desert lake.

For a more relaxing time, find a nice spot on the beach and watch the gentle waves roll in, listening to the soothing sound of water crashing against the shore or relax at a shaded picnic area. Alternately, Lake Mead offers many hiking and biking trails for those of you who would prefer to keep your feet dry.

If you need to get out of the heat, stop by the visitor center to learn the history of Lake Mead. They also have a water bottle refill station and bathrooms available. There is an entrance fee to access this area, which varies depending on whether you enter by car, motorcycle or on foot.

Run a 5K

This isn’t a typical thing that happens in Las Vegas, a city know for its nightlife. We specifically chose to visit during a time when there was going to be a 5k. You may have noticed in our Oahu post that we also mentioned running a 5k as something to do. While we do promote exercising, we are trying to help my dad reach his goal of running a 5k in every state. Outside of us planning 5ks, my dad likes to use the website mainly marathons because it can be hard to coordinate back-to-back 5ks without making 50 separate trips!!

We decided to tag along for this one because I have not been to Las Vegas. I also wanted visit some national parks in Utah, so we figured why not make a vacation out of it? And, of course, we found an opportunity to run a 5k in Utah.

This picture depicts how we started the race with big smiles. As the minutes ticked by, the temperature soared, causing our sweat to evaporate instantly and leaving us drenched in heat. The route offered little shade, so the water stations were a welcome sight. Normally, I don’t stop at these, but to abate a headache I felt it was necessary. Drinking water while running proved to be a challenge I hadn’t yet mastered. Although it seemed like the race was off to a good start for me, it ended in reverse order.

Other Recommendations

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden

If you need a break from the chaos associated with a Casino but don’t want to go far, this is the place for you. With flower arrangements changing every season, you will always be greeted by a delightful display of colors and fragrances. The elaborateness of the arrangements coincides with the hotel itself. It’s a free excursion to relax and rejuvenate.

Spas

Speaking of relaxing and rejuvenating, there are world class spas all around Las Vegas. All working to nourish the mind, body and soul. Several of the services are quite unique; for instance, the Art of Aufguss– a theatrical show held in a sauna that incorporates aromatherapy, choreographed lights, and dancing towels. For those seeking traditional treatments, massages are also available. Prices vary depending on service selected, and advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Gondola Rides

While it won’t be the same as in Italy, it is in keeping with the theme at the Venetian Resort. You get a singing gondolier that steers you through the calm waters of the canal both inside and outside the Venetian. Price per person is $39 USD.

Gluten Free Restaurants

Now that we finally made it to the good stuff there a few things to point out. You will definitely want to make reservations a couple days in advance especially if you want prime dining times. When booking, there is an option to note allergies or other pertinent information for the waitstaff. This feature proved useful as our servers promptly inquired about gluten upon arrival. We hope our list of restaurants in this area will help you get at least one stress free meal.

Rosa Mexicano:

This was a “free” meal provided by Hilton Grand Vacations Club that featured a preset menu. While I don’t recall if gluten-free options were marked, the waitstaff knew which dishes Terry could have. Food was served both family style, where you share dishes with your group, and buffet style, with separate utensils to prevent cross-contamination. I can not speak to a regular dining experience, but I did see the online menu highlights which items can be made gluten-free. Since it is a Mexican restaurant Terry felt comfortable being able to find something to eat.

Yardbird:

Found this restaurant on the FindMe Gluten-Free app when I was researching options prior to our travel. It had the most reviews I have ever seen on the app (>200), so I was instantly intrigued. Since I plan out ~95% of the meals on our trips, it is always a surprise for Terry when we get there. I believe this is the first place that he has been where he could eat gluten-free chicken and waffles, which is probably why everyone raves about them. While Terry does not typically like to eat meat right off the bone he devoured the crispy, flavorful chicken paired with fluffy waffles. In keeping with the Southern charm, they are a bourbon bar featuring a fantastic infused bourbon maple syrup that enriches the flavor of the chicken and waffles. Our waitress, who was very familiar with gluten-free recommendations, promoted trying the chicken and waffles. Additionally, the restaurant has a separate gluten-free fryer.

Mon Ami Gabi:

Terry is very big on eating breakfast so we were drawn here because they had both gluten-free waffles and crepes. The menu was clearly labeled gluten-free. Here we had a little mishap with the ordering versus what was served. Terry ordered the crepe which came out appropriately; however, I ordered the gluten-free chocolate-hazelnut waffle (in case Terry wanted to try some) and it didn’t come out gluten-free. Because I am not celiac and we had waited awhile for the food I didn’t spend the time to send it back. I was glad that I clarified with the waitstaff when he brought out the food because that could have had a bad outcome for Terry had he tried some. Moral of the story always clarify when they bring the food out because in noisy environments the waitstaff may not always hear everything you say or may be a little distracted. Outside of that the food was really good.

Eiffel Tower Restaurant:

The most sought after restaurant in Las Vegas. Located across from the Bellagio Fountains and on the second floor, it offers a spectacular view of the Las Vegas Strip. Be prepared for a leisurely dining experience that will last at least 2 hours. We didn’t anticipate this, so we found ourselves a little rushed trying to make it to our Cirque du Soleil show, but, also not wanting to give up a moment of savoring the magnificent food in front of us. Our waiter knew everything inside and out about the restaurant so Terry didn’t have to worry at all. The menu is not marked gluten free; however, they do have a separate gluten free menu. We all left very satisfied with our meals. Unfortunately, that level of satisfaction comes with a steep price tag. If you are celebrating something and want an elegant dining experience then this is the place to go.

Senza Gluten Free Bakery:

Located a couple miles off the strip it is one you will have to drive to. We headed here after the 5k to get some baked goods for breakfast for the next couple of days, since we were headed to Zion and Terry loves to ensure he has access to some sweets. We indulged in Brazilian cheese bread, buttery scones, warm cinnamon rolls, and savory quiche, ensuring our breakfast was well-covered. They also had cookies and cupcakes for dessert. Terry was happy as could be and couldn’t make up his mind on the different flavors. The food was fantastic. Similar to other gluten free baked items, things did start to dry out a couple days later. To be fair we didn’t have an airtight container to keep things fresh. It is nice to have options for him, especially since it is dedicated gluten free so he could try everything.

A Few We Had On Our List But Never Made It To:

Nacho Daddy
Viva Las Arepas
Marigold Fine Indian Cuisine

When I start preparing I like to have restaurants in my back pocket, so we don’t spend too much time looking for places to eat when we could be exploring the area. This proves nice when you arrive at a restaurant and realize they only accept reservations or the wait time is like two hours.

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