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Question about going to Vegas for 1st time

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DeeDave

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Oct 11, 2021
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Have thought about flying to Vegas with my wife and 2 of my kids for 3 nights over Spring break.

Trying to find a few things my high schooler and middle schooler would want to do.

Totally fine renting a vehicle and driving around some but don't want to spend all day long in the car.

Have thought about biting the bullet and paying for a day bus tour (one I was looking at is highly rated on Trip Advisor) and maybe going out to the Grand Canyon. I realize that is likely not the best way to see it but I don't think I want to try to fight traffic myself. I realize they likely won't take us to the best viewing spot but I simply want the kids to see it, etc.

Might catch 1 show but not sure.

I know there are a thousand different suggestions of things to do in Vegas but this is a family thing.

Also, if I wanted to drive into California, what would be a good destination that is fun to see that doesn't take 9 hours in a car?
 
Rent a car and go to Hoover D and Grand Canyon. Zipline on Fremont St. Neon Sign Museum. Mob Museum. Meow Wolf. Rollercoaster at Stratosphere. Burger at Guy Fieri's. Breakfast at Hash House a go go, and Babystacks Cafe. KA and O are great Cirque shows.
 
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DeeDave said:
....but I don't think I want to try to fight traffic myself.
Click to expand...
Not a problem...not much traffic going to/from N AZ. Use Google maps. You can drive Route 66 for a short while if you want.

Note....Vegas has 2 strips....Freemont St & S Vegas Blvd.

You will wear yourself out walking around those huge casinos.

Be sure to go inside the Venetian and see the canals. Water show at Bellagio around 9 PM?

Rooms are surprisingly cheap in Vegas....but rental car is likely $$.

You could go W to Death Valley...but it is huge. You don't have to see all of it. It's just inside CA.

Also, Red Rock State Park....has some cool views.
 
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A different angle maybe but when in Vegas with family I think you have to stay at one of the casinos with the nicer pool setups. The Mirage In my opinion is the best and biggest.
Tons of shows and good restaurants - young guys may enjoy some of the buffets they have.
So I would hang your hat on a really nice pool and just maybe doing some walks up and down the strip or go into the old town area and see the lights show.
Vegas is perfect for a 3 day trip
 
DeeDave said:
Have thought about flying to Vegas with my wife and 2 of my kids for 3 nights over Spring break.

Trying to find a few things my high schooler and middle schooler would want to do.

Totally fine renting a vehicle and driving around some but don't want to spend all day long in the car.

Have thought about biting the bullet and paying for a day bus tour (one I was looking at is highly rated on Trip Advisor) and maybe going out to the Grand Canyon. I realize that is likely not the best way to see it but I don't think I want to try to fight traffic myself. I realize they likely won't take us to the best viewing spot but I simply want the kids to see it, etc.

Might catch 1 show but not sure.

I know there are a thousand different suggestions of things to do in Vegas but this is a family thing.

Also, if I wanted to drive into California, what would be a good destination that is fun to see that doesn't take 9 hours in a car?
Click to expand...
Red Rock Canyon, Death Valley.
 
DeeDave said:
Have thought about flying to Vegas with my wife and 2 of my kids for 3 nights over Spring break.

Trying to find a few things my high schooler and middle schooler would want to do.

Totally fine renting a vehicle and driving around some but don't want to spend all day long in the car.

Have thought about biting the bullet and paying for a day bus tour (one I was looking at is highly rated on Trip Advisor) and maybe going out to the Grand Canyon. I realize that is likely not the best way to see it but I don't think I want to try to fight traffic myself. I realize they likely won't take us to the best viewing spot but I simply want the kids to see it, etc.

Might catch 1 show but not sure.

I know there are a thousand different suggestions of things to do in Vegas but this is a family thing.

Also, if I wanted to drive into California, what would be a good destination that is fun to see that doesn't take 9 hours in a car?
Click to expand...
Red Rock Canyon is a good place to visit and it's either in the city limits or just outside.
Valley of Fire State park îs about an hour away (trusting my memory) and is a good place also.

Grand Canyon is, well grand, but it will burn most of a day. It's about 280 miles one way. If you go take the bus.
 
Flameout12 said:
Not a problem...not much traffic going to/from N AZ. Use Google maps. You can drive Route 66 for a short while if you want.

Note....Vegas has 2 strips....Freemont St & S Vegas Blvd.

You will wear yourself out walking around those huge casinos.

Be sure to go inside the Venetian and see the canals. Water show at Bellagio around 9 PM?

Rooms are surprisingly cheap in Vegas....but rental car is likely $$.

You could go W to Death Valley...but it is huge. You don't have to see all of it. It's just inside CA.

Also, Red Rock State Park....has some cool views.
Click to expand...


This sounds reasonable as well. Thanks.
 
If you are only going for a few days, I would not try to squeeze the Grand Canyon into this trip. If you were going to NYC for a few days, you wouldn't try to squeeze a visit to DC into the trip. You'll have a much better time if you treat the Grand Canyon as a stand alone trip on another occasion.
 
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Beatles Love {Cirque Du Soliel} at the Mirage is outstanding even if you're not a big fan of Beatles music. Better than most Broadway shows.

Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill in Caesars is great.

Soak in the Sights - Encore & Aria.
 
DeeDave said:
Have thought about flying to Vegas with my wife and 2 of my kids for 3 nights over Spring break.

Trying to find a few things my high schooler and middle schooler would want to do.

Totally fine renting a vehicle and driving around some but don't want to spend all day long in the car.

Have thought about biting the bullet and paying for a day bus tour (one I was looking at is highly rated on Trip Advisor) and maybe going out to the Grand Canyon. I realize that is likely not the best way to see it but I don't think I want to try to fight traffic myself. I realize they likely won't take us to the best viewing spot but I simply want the kids to see it, etc.

Might catch 1 show but not sure.

I know there are a thousand different suggestions of things to do in Vegas but this is a family thing.

Also, if I wanted to drive into California, what would be a good destination that is fun to see that doesn't take 9 hours in a car?
Click to expand...
Not sure when your kids Spring Break is. Some schools do it early, but most do it around Easter.

On the strip itself I recommend making sure you see the Bellagio Fountains. It’s a Vegas thing. I loved staying at the Venetian. Very upscale. They’ll enjoy taking a gondola ride, shopping, gelato, etc…..Most of the hotels have some really nice pools. If your kids are into laying out by the pool or taking a swim they’ll enjoy it

I would highly recommend Uber on the strip. If you haven’t been, these hotels and casinos look very close together but they’re really not at all. Especially if it’s a hot day it will get old quick. That should be cheaper than renting a car on the days you are in staying in Vegas. Just rent a car when you’re ready to venture out further than the city.

You can look and see what shows are playing in Vegas around your dates. Not sure what type of music your crew is into, but lots of Vegas residencies from pop to country music so it’s possible you could see a good concert if you time it right. If not, sometimes the “lower tier” entertainment is pretty good. We went to a show that was variety and walked away very impressed, even though there were no “stars” and it was much cheaper.

If you like Italian, I highly recommend Battista’s Hole in the Wall. They offer free house wine (red or white). You pick red and she picks white and you’ll have a decent amount of wine to enjoy with your meal. Some people like the buffets but I prefer quality food over quantity. My wife enjoyed it so much we went there twice on our last Vegas trip

If you rent a car go see Hoover Dam. It’s pretty impressive but get there early. It is a long trek to Grand Canyon, but we went anyway….I mean how many times in your life will you be that close to the Grand Canyon? We stayed and toured the South Rim. If you go, you need to just spend the night and hike a little the next day as well. Pack layers. Even if it’s warm in Vegas it can be much cooler at the Grand Canyon.

Route 66 can be accessed from Vegas so you could take a small trip down the mother road as well. It’s cool for the kids to experience if they have not seen anything on that side of the country.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need anything else.
 
DeeDave said:
Have thought about flying to Vegas with my wife and 2 of my kids for 3 nights over Spring break.

Trying to find a few things my high schooler and middle schooler would want to do.

Totally fine renting a vehicle and driving around some but don't want to spend all day long in the car.

Have thought about biting the bullet and paying for a day bus tour (one I was looking at is highly rated on Trip Advisor) and maybe going out to the Grand Canyon. I realize that is likely not the best way to see it but I don't think I want to try to fight traffic myself. I realize they likely won't take us to the best viewing spot but I simply want the kids to see it, etc.

Might catch 1 show but not sure.

I know there are a thousand different suggestions of things to do in Vegas but this is a family thing.

Also, if I wanted to drive into California, what would be a good destination that is fun to see that doesn't take 9 hours in a car?
Click to expand...
Fremont St. is not for kids. We saw a guy leading a woman around with a dog collar. All she was wearing from head to toe was body paint . There was also two dominatrixes wearing barely nothing with whips offering to whip people.
We went over the Easter holiday last year and stayed with my nephew who is stationed there with the air force for nine days. If you go to the Grand Canyon, the West Rim is closest. Go early in the day to beat crowd. You will be on an Indian Reservation. Everyone was extremely friendly. I wish we had taken the helicopter tour that lands in the botttom.
We ate at the Stratosphere one evening . Most expensive meal I have ever had, but the view is incredible. Get reservations way ahead of time, like now. Even if you don’t eat there, I believe you can still go up for the view and roller coaster ride.
We went to downtown Vegas twice during the daytime and once at night. The hotels are very spread out, not like you see on TV. I recommend going through Cesar’s Palace and just exploring. There is one section that has a dome roof like the sky with shops and statues everywhere. Very beautiful and a unique experience.
The Bellagio has a water show every 30 minutes to music and it is a must see. The Mirage had a volcano and fire show as well that is impressive.
There were no shows last year due to Covid, so check ahead to see about now.
 
Just got back about a month ago. It was our first time.
Assuming it’s the kids first trip out west? If so make sure they get a window seat on the flight.
Vegas is expensive. The excursions to the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon were actually one of the cheaper days we had. It’s about $53 per person to see the Grand Canyon west rim. That’s without any extras. But you have to see it. There is no fence on the edge so be careful.
Also we tried to save whenever possible. The day we did the above we ate breakfast in Boulder City which is reasonable. We held the car a second day and went to Valley of Fire State park. It’s neat and if your group likes to walk around and explore that’s an option.
Stayed at Paris Las Vegas. Walked an actual 50 miles in the 5.5 days.
Ignore the people asking “ you gonna be here a couple days?”. It’s a timeshare where they will give you discounts in return for a sales pitch.
Weed is everywhere! The stink at times is rough. Beware the old man at Fremont dressed as a cop. He supposedly is collecting money for animal shelters but who knows? He acts like you done something wrong and 5 min later you’re talking animals. Fremonts ceiling was actually the most cool thing there to us. But we can’t stand weed smell and it’s prevalent there. Seems like anything goes there.
Trevi in the Venetian has happy hour with $10 pizzas. Very good.
We enjoyed our stay and will go back sometime. The sights were awesome. Also there are some people that will break your heart. The homeless just lay in the street. I always wondered why be homeless in an expensive city like Vegas (where if someone gives you a $5 it won’t go far) but I imagine it’s because of the steady influx of people.
 
There use to be a small Hotel and Casino called Ellis Island just off the strip. Minimum BJ bet was a dollar or two and you could get a Big cut of Prime Rib, Bake Potato with Greens and a cold beer for under $20. Only issue was the cigarette smoke in there was not good. I spent about six months out there working and would stay the weekends in Vegas (company paid)... found it 100% better to gamble off the strip
 
Of course anything goes it’s Vegas, I personally wouldn’t take my kids to Vegas till after they were 21 but that is me. To many great places to see that would be more entertaining and age appropriate. That’s just my personal opinion.
 
actually now considering flying into Reno, NV and driving down to stay in Yosimete for a night.
 
Two main things:

1. Vegas is VERY expensive. Although you’ll see low prices at the best hotels during midweek, you’ll pay out the nose for all of the little stuff. Want a cup of your in-room coffee at Madalay Bay? — five bucks. Want to drink the bottle of water in your room? — seven bucks. The stocked refrigerator in your room? Move anything in it and you’ll pay for it. Our $65 room there one night ended up being billed as $350. We didn’t use anything because we brought our own stuff to our room in a rolling cooler. We had to fight the hotel at checkout for $200 we were wrongly billed. BTW, you’ll see lots of people with large coolers checking into the luxury hotels. These people are experienced at how hotels rip guests off with their”cheap” nightly prices.

2. Weed and cigarette smoke everywhere — even outside! My sinuses were irritated for the next four days. There is also a prevailing “stink” everywhere from the locals who are either homeless or addicted gamblers.

That said, I limit my Vegas trip to the Caesar’s Palace SportsBook. To me, it’s the only thing nice about the city.
 
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hahnenkampf said:
Two main things:

1. Vegas is VERY expensive. Although you’ll see low prices at the best hotels during midweek, you’ll pay out the nose for all of the little stuff. Want a cup of your in-room coffee at Madalay Bay? — five bucks. Want to drink the bottle of water in your room? — seven bucks. The stocked refrigerator in your room? Move anything in it and you’ll pay for it. Our $65 room there one night ended up being billed as $350. We didn’t use anything because we brought our own stuff to our room in a rolling cooler. We had to fight the hotel at checkout for $200 we were wrongly billed. BTW, you’ll see lots of people with large coolers checking into the luxury hotels. These people are experienced at how hotels rip guests off with their”cheap” nightly prices.

2. Weed and cigarette smoke everywhere — even outside! My sinuses were irritated for the next four days. There is also a prevailing “stink” everywhere from the locals who are either homeless or addicted gamblers.

That said, I limit my Vegas trip to the Caesar’s Palace SportsBook. To me, it’s the only thing nice about the city.
Click to expand...

Thanks. That is good info. The weed and cig smoke doesn't sound fun.
 
DeeDave said:
Can you go west (and then south) and make it to Yosimete instead of trying to use Tioga?
Click to expand...
5+ hrs one way. It might be better to fly into Oakland. That way you can do downtown SF if you want.
Yosemite has a lot of iffy weather.

Look at flying into PHX. You can hit some cool places up and back from the Grand Canyon. 3 hrs from Phoenix to the GC entrance. You'll be able to spend good part of a day there & pick the day with the best weather.
Mostly scenic drive up and back.
Sedona, Verde canyon train in Cottonwood, Jerome, Bearizona...plus some cool stuff in PHX. They also have casinos in AZ...some are similar to the Vegas ones.
 
hahnenkampf said:
Two main things:

1. Vegas is VERY expensive. Although you’ll see low prices at the best hotels during midweek, you’ll pay out the nose for all of the little stuff. Want a cup of your in-room coffee at Madalay Bay? — five bucks. Want to drink the bottle of water in your room? — seven bucks. The stocked refrigerator in your room? Move anything in it and you’ll pay for it. Our $65 room there one night ended up being billed as $350. We didn’t use anything because we brought our own stuff to our room in a rolling cooler. We had to fight the hotel at checkout for $200 we were wrongly billed. BTW, you’ll see lots of people with large coolers checking into the luxury hotels. These people are experienced at how hotels rip guests off with their”cheap” nightly prices.

2. Weed and cigarette smoke everywhere — even outside! My sinuses were irritated for the next four days. There is also a prevailing “stink” everywhere from the locals who are either homeless or addicted gamblers.

That said, I limit my Vegas trip to the Caesar’s Palace SportsBook. To me, it’s the only thing nice about the city.
Click to expand...

We stay off the strip and it's very inexpensive. We traded for a one bedroom timeshare that had a fireplace full kitchen. Nice pool and grills. They had a bus that went to the strip every hour. We rented a car but parking on the strip is tough. We went to some very expensive restaurants and some that were very inexpensive. Depends on the location.
 
lexgamecock said:
We stay off the strip and it's very inexpensive. We traded for a one bedroom timeshare that had a fireplace full kitchen. Nice pool and grills. They had a bus that went to the strip every hour. We rented a car but parking on the strip is tough. We went to some very expensive restaurants and some that were very inexpensive. Depends on the location.
Click to expand...
lexgamecock said:
We stay off the strip and it's very inexpensive. We traded for a one bedroom timeshare that had a fireplace full kitchen. Nice pool and grills. They had a bus that went to the strip every hour. We rented a car but parking on the strip is tough. We went to some very expensive restaurants and some that were very inexpensive. Depends on the location.
Click to expand...
Yep, I agree with being able to do it on the cheap. when I lived in LA, I would drive to Vegas and stay at a Best Western motel off the strip and walk to Caesar’s Palace. The motel had a little kitchenette so I could do my own meals and such. But a lot of people want to do the full blown Vegas experience— which can get very expensive.
 
hahnenkampf said:
Yep, I agree with being able to do it on the cheap. when I lived in LA, I would drive to Vegas and stay at a Best Western motel off the strip and walk to Caesar’s Palace. The motel had a little kitchenette so I could do my own meals and such. But a lot of people want to do the full blown Vegas experience— which can get very expensive.
Click to expand...
Man yeah, escorts and blow will slap clean a wallet out. Friends experience of course.
 
hahnenkampf said:
Two main things:

1. Vegas is VERY expensive. Although you’ll see low prices at the best hotels during midweek, you’ll pay out the nose for all of the little stuff. Want a cup of your in-room coffee at Madalay Bay? — five bucks. Want to drink the bottle of water in your room? — seven bucks. The stocked refrigerator in your room? Move anything in it and you’ll pay for it. Our $65 room there one night ended up being billed as $350. We didn’t use anything because we brought our own stuff to our room in a rolling cooler. We had to fight the hotel at checkout for $200 we were wrongly billed. BTW, you’ll see lots of people with large coolers checking into the luxury hotels. These people are experienced at how hotels rip guests off with their”cheap” nightly prices.

2. Weed and cigarette smoke everywhere — even outside! My sinuses were irritated for the next four days. There is also a prevailing “stink” everywhere from the locals who are either homeless or addicted gamblers.

That said, I limit my Vegas trip to the Caesar’s Palace SportsBook. To me, it’s the only thing nice about the city.
Click to expand...
If I’m you at this point I would just go to Cherokee NC. A lot closer and you can do the sports book stuff there now.

I agree with everything you said
 
If you’re going to travel a bit make a trip out to Sedona Arizona. You will not be disappointed!!! If you go from Vegas make sure you stop off for a bit in Jerome, it’s an old mining ghost town with a lot of history.

Jerome Arizona Ghost Town

Jerome, Arizona was once a booming mining town - Jerome AZ turned into a veritable ghost town, but today it is a thriving arts community and tourist mecca. Read this overview of Jerome, find a Jerome map, directions, photos and tourist resources, nearby attractions and more.
www.arizona-leisure.com
 
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Stay at the MGM Grand, rent a cabana and hang out at the lazy river / pool complex for one day. Do a bus tour to the Grand Canyon and be sure to add the helicopter ride around the GC and to the bottom so you can then ride the pontoon boat. It is amazing. On day three drive out to the Valley of Fire and go for a hike.
 
DeeDave said:
actually now considering flying into Reno, NV and driving down to stay in Yosimete for a night.
Click to expand...
Yosemite is the most awe inspiring place I've seen. Its amazing. Keep in mind that the short route from Reno will be closed. It will be a 5 hour drive but the scenery is beautiful. Send me your phone and Ill send you some pics.
 
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