During this visit, I stayed at the Luxor toward the Southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. This 30-story hotel and casino really has some wild history if you're curious; it is notoriously known to be the most haunted hotel on the Strip. Besides that aspect, it is visually quite a standout with the stark black pyramid shape containing the Luxor Sky Beam which, at 42.3 billion candela, is the strongest beam of light in the world. Not only that, but it is the tallest pyramid in the United States, the 6th largest hotel in the world, and the 3rd largest hotel in Vegas. There is also a free tram that connects the Luxor to its sister MGM Resorts International properties, the Excalibur and Mandalay Bay. Getting to your hotel room is a unique experience altogether, with an elevator that moves upwards diagonally at a 39 degree angle. I loved staying here- there are a ton of options for food, drinks, and shows within a short walk from your room, plus plenty to explore in the casino downstairs too.
No trip can really be complete without a stop by the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. On our last day, we made a stop on the way to the airport for a few quick snaps and we were lucky enough to have just a short wait. However, this is usually not the case so be prepared for the possibility of a long line. If you aren't able to make it here, there is a smaller version of it out front at the next stop!
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The Las Vegas Sign
No trip can really be complete without a stop by the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. On our last day, we made a stop on the way to the airport for a few quick snaps and we were lucky enough to have just a short wait. However, this is usually not the case so be prepared for the possibility of a long line. If you aren't able to make it here, there is a smaller version of it out front at the next stop!
Area 15 from Meow Wolf
As you pull up to the Area 15 building, you'll notice lots of sculptures out front, in addition to a great photo opportunity with the smaller Las Vegas sign I mentioned above. It isn't hard to spend 20 minutes exploring outside before even stepping through the front door.
Not only is this building home to Omega Mart, but you'll also find a nice bar outside of it and a variety of other activities such as virtual reality gaming.
If you choose to do just one thing though, make it Omega Mart. This can easily take up 3 hours of your time with more than 52,000 feet of space in Omega Mart alone and it's hard not to get lost in the countless art installations once you get past the initial storefront (hint- you need to find one of the secret exits).
Every item found here is intentional, and you can even purchase the items you see in Omega Mart! There are over 100 customized items in store, followed by 60 rooms of installations that were cultivated by over 300 artists.
Meow Wolf truly has a talent for making you feel like you've stepped into an alternate dimension with their attention to detail. This is a great option for families and groups of all ages, plus the adults can take a break in the secret bar called Datamosh- if they can find it.
My recommendation is to start off with the Happle- a nice, fruity drink that is finished off with buzz buttons (leaving your mouth a bit numb but in the most interesting way).
Another great pick from their eight specialty cocktails is the Source, featuring a nice mezcal as well as a smoke-filled rosemary bubble. Each option has a completely unique look and ultimately they are a decent price for the level of care taken in crafting a one-of-a-kind experience.
After your time in Omega Mart, you can explore a variety of other activities found right outside; just a few options are zip-lining, an ax-throwing lounge, indoor golf simulators, an arcade bar, Museum Fiasco, Lost Spirits Distillery, a number of VR/AR experiences, and a psychedelic arthouse called Wink World. Additionally, a panoramic skyline ride and aerial experience is available with LIFTOFF, including refreshments and libations while on board.
XS Nightclub
There is a reason that Las Vegas is so well known for its nightlife and day parties alike- the club scene is unlike any other. In my opinion, one of the best ways to prepare for a trip can be connecting with a promoter online that can save list spots for you at the club that piques your interest most. This nightclub is home to Diplo, Carnage, Kygo, The Chainsmokers, and other top artists; you'll easily find performances with Marshmello and RL Grime too! Overall, this club and its gold accents are a great way to unwind- especially if you can make it when the pool is open.
The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
So many resorts on the Strip have beautiful and ornate attractions and I would truly recommend seeing them all but the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has remained the most memorably stunning for me. There is a certain calming and peaceful energy in this space that really helps to balance out the often fast-paced nature of a trip in Vegas- plus it also happens to be yet another great photo opportunity! While at the Bellagio, you cannot miss the fountain show. Depending on the day of the week, shows will start at either 12PM or 3PM and begin every half hour until 7PM, when they start every 15 minutes until midnight.
Sugar Factory
Whether you just have a bit of a sweet tooth or want to grab a drink, you will enjoy stopping by the Sugar Factory. They have an extensive cocktail menu, including shareable options! Regardless of size, they are always topped off with some candy that matches up well with your drinks taste. The one pictured below is called "Life's a Peach" complete with orange pucker powder on the rim and some sweet and sour peach candies.
Other Notable Mentions
On my next trip to Vegas, I will be prioritizing spending a night on Fremont Street to check out the light show, street performers, and music. Another spot I have to see next time is The Modern Vegan; they have an overwhelmingly large menu full of a myriad of plant-based bites. I have so many food recommendations that I did get to enjoy during this three-day trip though and I will be making an entirely different post about vegetarian options I found around Las Vegas very soon.
FTC: This post is not sponsored, all opinions are my own!
