This Las Vegas travel guide covers everything you need to plan a great trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world: mega-resorts, headline shows, celebrity-chef restaurants and round-the-clock energy on the Strip. It is also a superb base for desert day trips to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.
This guide is written for American travellers: it covers how to get there, when to go, where to stay, what it costs in US dollars and the experiences worth your time.
Las Vegas travel guide: quick facts
| Las Vegas at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Nevada |
| Nearest airport | Harry Reid International (LAS), 10 minutes from the Strip |
| Getting there | About 4–5 hours from Los Angeles; 4.5 hours from the Grand Canyon South Rim |
| Best time to visit | March to May and September to November |
| Time needed | 3 days |
| Best for | Couples, groups, foodies and show lovers |
Why visit Las Vegas
Las Vegas is ideal for couples, groups, foodies and show lovers. Its headline experiences include The Strip, Fremont Street Experience, Sphere and Red Rock Canyon, and it pairs well with Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. It is a place that rewards slowing down rather than rushing between sights.
How to get to Las Vegas
- By air: Harry Reid International (LAS), 10 minutes from the Strip.
- By road: About 4–5 hours from Los Angeles; 4.5 hours from the Grand Canyon South Rim.
- Rental cars: available at Harry Reid International (LAS); book early for summer and holiday weekends.
Getting around Las Vegas
A car is useful for day trips, but the central districts are walkable and well served by rideshare. Rideshare apps work everywhere, and many downtown hotels charge high nightly parking fees, so think twice before keeping a car for city days.
Top things to do in Las Vegas
The Strip
A 4-mile boulevard of themed mega-resorts, from the Bellagio fountains to the Venetian’s canals. Allow at least an hour or two here.
Fremont Street Experience
Downtown’s pedestrian mall with an LED canopy light show. It is a highlight for most visitors.
Sphere
The giant spherical venue whose immersive shows and exterior displays have become a landmark. Book ahead in peak season.
Red Rock Canyon
A 13-mile scenic drive and trails just 30 minutes west of the Strip. Sunset is especially beautiful here.
Hoover Dam
An engineering marvel on the Arizona border, about 45 minutes away.
The Neon Museum
A boneyard of restored historic Vegas signs.
High Roller
A 550-foot observation wheel at the LINQ. Book ahead in peak season.
Valley of Fire State Park
Red sandstone formations about an hour northeast.
Other favourite experiences include shows and residencies, pool clubs in summer, fine dining, day trips into the desert and helicopter flights over the Strip. See our full list of things to do in Las Vegas.
Pack smarter
- Best travel backpacks BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Best phones and wearables for travel Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Top-rated wireless earbuds VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best time to visit Las Vegas
The best time to visit Las Vegas is March to May and September to November. Here is how the seasons compare:
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | Ideal: warm days, cool nights, wildflowers. |
| Summer | June–August | Very hot, often above 100°F at low elevations; hike only at dawn. |
| Fall | September–November | Excellent hiking weather and clear skies. |
| Winter | December–February | Mild days and cold nights; snow possible at higher elevations. |
Shoulder seasons usually offer the best mix of weather, prices and crowds.
Where to stay in Las Vegas
- Center Strip: Walkable to the most famous resorts.
- South Strip: Big resorts near the airport.
- Downtown/Fremont: Cheaper rooms and vintage casinos.
- Off-Strip: Quieter resorts with better value.
Typical nightly rates:
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $110–170 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $180–300 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $350–700 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
Book early for summer weekends and holidays, and compare total prices, including taxes and any resort or parking fees.
What to eat in Las Vegas
Don’t leave without trying buffets, steakhouses, celebrity-chef restaurants and late-night tacos. Food trucks and markets are a great way to sample local flavours on a budget.
Suggested 3 days in Las Vegas
- Day 1: The Strip and Fremont Street Experience.
- Day 2: Sphere and Red Rock Canyon.
- Day 3: Hoover Dam, The Neon Museum, High Roller and Valley of Fire State Park.
For a detailed day-by-day plan, see our Las Vegas 3-Day Itinerary: Strip, Shows and Desert Day Trips.
What to pack for Las Vegas
- Breathable clothing and a sun hat
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Insect repellent
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $540–$900 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,400–$2,314 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Accessibility and family travel
Most major attractions, museums and transit systems are wheelchair accessible, though older buildings and historic districts can have steps and uneven sidewalks. Families will find plenty of stroller-friendly parks and child-friendly museums, and many attractions offer discounted tickets for children and seniors.
Practical tips
- Most Strip resorts add a nightly resort fee of roughly $35–55; compare total prices.
- Summer temperatures often exceed 105°F; plan outdoor trips for early morning.
- Weeknights are much cheaper than weekends.
- Walking between “neighbouring” resorts takes longer than it looks.
- Tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our road trip gear picks
- Dash cams worth buying VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - Best budget 12V portable fridges VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Best portable power stations VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby places to add to your trip
- Grand Canyon National Park: The Grand Canyon is a mile-deep, 277-mile-long gorge carved by the Colorado River, one of the most awe-inspiring sights on Earth.
- Zion National Park: Zion is a canyon of soaring sandstone walls in southern Utah, famous for Angels Landing, The Narrows and its shuttle-only scenic drive.
- Joshua Tree National Park: Joshua Tree is where two deserts meet, with spiky Joshua trees, giant boulders and some of the best stargazing in Southern California.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Las Vegas?
Plan 3 days to see the highlights without rushing, and add a day for day trips or hikes.
What is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
The best time is March to May and September to November.
How do you get to Las Vegas?
Fly into Harry Reid International (LAS), 10 minutes from the Strip. By road, it is about 4–5 hours from Los Angeles; 4.5 hours from the Grand Canyon South Rim.
How much does a trip to Las Vegas cost?
Hotels typically cost $180–300 a night for mid-range rooms, and most travellers spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Is Las Vegas good for families?
Yes. It suits couples, groups, foodies and show lovers, and families do best with a central base, early starts and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.
Final thoughts on Las Vegas travel guide
Las Vegas rewards travellers who plan the essentials and leave room for surprises. Book key stays and timed-entry or tour reservations early, travel in the shoulder seasons if you can, and give yourself time to enjoy the places that charm you most.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Best Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gambling
- Las Vegas 3-Day Itinerary: Strip, Shows and Desert Day Trips
- Grand Canyon Travel Guide: South Rim, Hikes and Planning Tips
- Zion National Park Travel Guide: Angels Landing, The Narrows and Tips
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips