What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas...And On This Blog Post
As an Angelino, weekend trips to Las Vegas are very common. Going for the gambling, shows, and parties lure us lustful humans to the sin city and usually take all our money. And if you're reading this and nodding your head, I can't entirely blame you. The food is amazing, girls are hot (and guys too, no sexism here), and parties are lit. Check out how to thrive in Vegas, both within and far beyond the glimmering lights.
Every few months, I decide to take a break and go to Las Vegas, which may seem oxymoronic. A break in Vegas is as foreign an idea to many people as a fish walking down Rodeo (not sure why that's the example I came up with to compare, but hey, my mind works how my mind works). Usually when I ask friends to go to Vegas, they say, "Oh no I don't want to party or gamble," at which point I say, "No trust me there's a lot to do besides partying and gambling," which yields a confused expression in response. I then go on to explain all there is to do in and beyond Sin City, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for what there is to offer in the middle of the desert.
Stay
There are simply too many options to talk about on this one. personally, whenever I go, I stay at the family apartment, which is across the street from the SLS (formerly known as the Sahara-SLS has done a solid job renovating and rebranding). When it comes to hotels in the city, options are endless, and relatively well known. The strip is the strip, with your Bellagio's, Mandalay Bay's and Wynn's. Nothing necessarily new there that I personally can comment on, although I was lucky enough to have stayed in the Nobu Suite at the Nobu Hotel inside Ceasar's Palace which was exactly what you'd expect from a Nobu Suite inside a Nobu Hotel inside Ceasar's Palace: it was crazy amazing, and probably one of the best suites of any hotel in the world.
Generally speaking, if you want the utmost luxury, stay at the Encore (the newer Wynn). For parties, stay at the Hard Rock or Cosmopolitan. The most unique hotel is probably the Venetian, although I say unique while cringing because it exemplifies the reason many people hate Vegas in the sense that it recreates the canals and atmosphere of Venice. Regardless, it is a beautiful hotel with great shops and dining. And the kid in me has to throw this one in here as well: Golden Nugget. If you're above the age of 35 and reading this, you may be thinking, "Oh gosh no, what an old and run-down hotel!". But you would be quite wrong, because along with a complete renovation of the hotel, there is also a water slide through a shark tank that will take the kid out of all you over-35-year-olds.
Do
So like I was saying, Vegas is more than the strip. Yeah you should go watch the fountain show at the Bellagio, and sure go shopping at the forum, and yeah, darty at Marquee and why not watch a Cirque-de-Soleil show after losing $75 gambling. That's all great, but frankly it can get old. My version of Vegas is different.
Going to Vegas means experiencing an entirely different environment, both in regards to the landscape and the demographics. The strip has its own vibe of people, which changes depending on what area of the strip you are in. But what has a more unique, eclectic and engaging demographic is Fremont street. This street, in downtown Vegas (that's right, the strip is NOT downtown), is covered by the longest TV in the world, and that's a fact, not just a random exaggerated observation. Every 15 minutes, there is a music and lights show where thousands of people are standing around and looking up as if a UFO is approaching earth and has hypnotized its entire population. Street performers, naked guys and girls standing around waiting for you to take a picture with them, bands on stage, artists making gorgeous paintings our of spray paint and people literally flying over you (via Slotzilla Zipline) make up this area of Las Vegas, providing an engaging and unique environment away from the strip.
A TV screen to put all other tv screens to shame
Las Vegas (it feels writing out Las Vegas, I feel so inclined to just write Vegas, but for formal reasons I'll remind you of the city's full name) is blessed with a unique geographical location. To the west is the Red Rock Mountains, which is loaded with hikes and scenic vistas over the city and surrounding area. To the east is Lake Mead, America's largest man-made lakes and one of the largest in the world. I love to explore the lake and the natural spots all around it. Taking the boat out for a day to check out Hoover Damn (not a grammar mistake), wake-board and just chill is always a great option and there are many companies that rent out boats for a half/full-day. Goldstrike Hot Springs hike is arguably one of my favorite hikes of all time (just behind Angel's Peak in Zion). After a standard hike down a wide path, the trail turns into a gut wrenching series of small rappels and meticulous maneuvering over and under large boulders. But once you finish the hike, you are rewarded with an amazing view of the Colorado River (with its refreshingly cold water), a collection of hot springs that rival most of the strip's jacuzzies, and waterfalls with the temperature of the perfect shower. Just as a note, the hike is closed during the summer months. I guess the government doesn't want you to die from heat exhaustion.
Trying to survive the hike down Goldstrike Hot Springs trail
Lake Mead offers great water skiing and wake boarding just 30 minutes from the Strip
Another underrated fun activity to do, especially at night just before the city truly comes alive, is to check your bravery riding the world's highest roller coasters at The Stratosphere. There are three separate rides, and all of them will make your heart beat out of your chest.
Eat
Food is everywhere in Vegas. At no point will you be hungry nor will you be satisfied simply because of the obscene amount of options the city has to offer. Every cuisine imaginable has a hole in the wall and a 5-star restaurant. Here are my favorite options.
Best Meat
Bazaar Meat is the go to anti-vegetarian option in the city. Chef Jose Andres never disappoints with his unique blend in flavors and cooking styles, and focusing entirely on meat makes is a personal paradise. Located in the SLS, it is a bit off the strip but if you're a foodie, and especially a meat foodie, this is the place to go, no doubt.
Best View
I recently went to Lago in the Bellagio, which is a brand new, and totally amazing restaurant overlooking the famous fountains. Serving food "tapas"-style, Lago allows you to try a wide spectrum of dishes, all of which are fantastic. Albert is the GM there, and he's one of the coolest GM's in town, so I'd highly recommend trying this place out.
Not a bad place for tapas at Lago
Most Unique
China Poblano Restaurant in the Cosmopolitan is probably the most interesting fusion of food I've ever had. It's another one of Jose Andres' ventures in creating the weirdest, best food out there, and in this case it isn't ridiculously expensive. I got a 10-course sample meal with a 3-course cocktail sample meal for $120 (for a Chef Andres restaurant in Vegas, that's a good price, and individual plates are on average $30).