The High Roller observation wheel, Las Vegas
VEGAS TOURISM
Welcome to a city that never sleeps—Las Vegas, Nevada. As soon as you leave the airport, you are greeted with a desert breeze, hypnotic neon lights and the sound of slot machines ringing in the distance. The showgirls are getting ready for the evening; the roulette tables are attracting crowds of gamblers; and the Strip starts to buzz.
In this vibrant metropolis, where glittering casinos and world-renowned shows have long defined the landscape, sports are the new player in town. Local teams and international competitions are adding to the excitement—and the reasons to visit Sin City.
The completion of world-class Allegiant Stadium in 2020 gave Nevada’s first NFL team—EVER—a place to play. The Raiders left Oakland, California, and relocated to Las Vegas. The city now hosts a myriad of teams, from the WNBA Aces and XFL Vipers to the NHL Golden Knights and NLL Desert Dogs, and turns sports into even more of an attraction, with red-carpet events, dedicated sportsbooks (establishments that take bets on sports) and major competitions, such as the NCAA Final Four Tournament (2028) and the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix (a nighttime street race) in November.
As you stroll the Strip, the legendary 4.2-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard—where many of the city’s most famous attractions are found—towering hotels, dancing fountains and a parade of entertainers surround you. To maximize your days here, check out this list of authentic tips and experiences to enjoy the classic charm of Vegas and its evolving sports scene.
Walking along the Las Vegas Strip
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Bring comfortable shoes for walking
The Strip, your concrete red carpet for shows, dining and conveniently located accommodations, stretches from the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign in the south to Sahara Las Vegas in the north. That’s a lot of ground to cover, so comfortable shoes are a necessity!
Consider booking a Las Vegas Strip walking tour with a knowledgeable guide to get the inside scoop on the town’s vibrant history.
Stay hydrated—the desert climate is dry
The heat of the arid desert climate demands vigilance. Pack a water bottle and refill it regularly at the grab n’ go cocktail and wine bars to stay refreshed and feeling good.
Take advantage of free attractions
Visual experiences, such as the “Fountains of Bellagio” show and the Mirage Volcano, are timed, so you’re bound to witness their over-the-top spectacles at some point. These stops make quintessential Vegas photo ops and are the perfect place to soak up free entertainment.
Start your trip on a Sunday
A strategic move for budget-conscious travelers—many visitors leave on Sundays, leading to lower booking rates and additional savings. Sunday nights in Vegas also promise some of the week’s best entertainment options.
Serving some of Vegas' culinary delights
Get the best of all worlds and book a food tour
Las Vegas is a gourmet delight for those who believe an excellent vacation starts and ends with the best meals. This is the town where renowned chefs and aspiring culinary innovators come to leave their marks, meaning you’ll find both the finest dining and the most creative casual eats.
Do yourself a favor; skip the reservations and lines and book a Las Vegas food tasting tour, which introduces you to winners of the Food Network’s “Hell’s Kitchen” and other foodie celebrities.
Always cash out before leaving the casino
A tip from the wise—cash out your winnings before running to make a show! You’ve probably heard the phrase “cash out.” Simply put, it means exchanging your chips for cash before leaving the casino.
While holding onto your chips and gambling may be tempting, cashing out before leaving is a smart move. Once you leave the casino, finding another one that will accept chips from a different establishment may be difficult.
Las Vegas Monorail
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Parking can be limited and expensive—use the monorail
Nothing breaks the Las Vegas mood like circling the parking garage or putting down a hefty sum on a parking spot only to have to walk a ways to your final destination. Keep the party spirit alive by using the convenient Las Vegas Monorail, covering a 4-mile route with seven stops. From the MGM Grand to the Sahara Las Vegas, it operates seven days a week from 7 a.m. to well into the night and is a welcome way to rest your feet while taking in the neon cityscape.
Hockey fans enjoying a Vegas Golden Knights game
Vegas Tourism
Plan your entertainment schedule
Las Vegas offers a rotating schedule of both resident and visiting music, comedy, cabaret and variety shows, and, now, sporting events. Some of these programs are more sought after than others, so purchasing tickets in advance is a good idea. Of course, tickets to many shows and games may be purchased on demand, but checking availability is a good idea to avoid any disappointment. Get exclusive discounts and offers on AAA.com/Tickets.
To dive into the sports fervor, check which teams are playing at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino or T-Mobile Arena. Alternatively, you can embrace game-day excitement at sportsbooks, including SuperBook at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino or Caesars Sportsbook at The LINQ Hotel + Experience.
If you want to combine relaxation with game time, head to Stadium Swim at Circa Resort & Casino, where six pools and a colossal 40-foot-tall screen create the perfect setting for watching and betting on sports.
Adjust your bedtime
Most locals will tell you that the best part of the day starts in Vegas in the late afternoon and goes well into the night. Shifting your schedule will give you a feel for what this city was built on: its buzzing nightlife, electric façades and bigger-than-life entertainment offerings.
Skip the lines and explore Vegas nightlife by a party bus with VIP access and complimentary drinks with a Las Vegas nightlife tour.
Plan your trip to Vegas with AAA
Start planning your vacation to Las Vegas today. Work with your AAA Travel Agent to dream up the perfect Vegas trip, ensuring the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.