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Las Vegas.

Top Las Vegas Attractions

The first time you visit Las Vegas, or any new destination, the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice, and other information about the top tourist attractions in Las Vegas to help with your itinerary planning.

Fremont Street Fremont Street Experience
Stratosphere Tower Stratosphere Tower and Trill Rides
Bellagio Fountains Bellagio Fountains
Liberace Museum Liberace Museum
Hoover Dam Hoover Dam Tour

Fremont Street Experience

 Address Between Main St.& Las Vegas Blvd
 Admissions Free
 Website www.vegasexperience.com

Las Vegas’ famed Fremont Street is a far cry from how it was in the old days. The pedestrian street is now partially enclosed, along with its waving cowboy, with a 90-foot steel mesh “celestial vault”. The 5-block strip was the subject of a $70 million revitalization project that has breathed new life into the area. During the daytime you can take a relaxing stroll along the open-air, landscaped strip. In the evenings, Fremont Street is the center stage for the Sky Parade-a high tech, musical light show. The Sky Parade occurs 4-time throughout the night. Attendees can stroll, shop, dine, or even dance under the brilliant lights along Fremont Street. The Fremont Experience is fun for the entire family.

 

Stratosphere Tower and Trill Rides

 Address 2000 Las Vegas Blvd
 Admissions $4-$8
 Phone 702-380-7777
 Website www.stratospherehotel.com

No matter where you are in Las Vegas, it’s hard to miss seeing the 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower. However, there is more to the tower then just its sheer size. At the top of the Stratosphere Tower there are three thrill rides including the High Roller, the X-Scream, and the Big Shot each with its own allure. If you are daring enough you can take a thrilling ride on the High Roller (the world’s highest roller coaster), blast 160 feet into the air along a 228-foot spire on the Big Shot, or be propelled off the side of a 100 story tower on the X-Scream. All of the Stratosphere’s thrill rides offer thrills, excitement, and spectacular views of Las Vegas; though, they are certainly not for the weak hearted.

 

Bellagio Fountains

 Address 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
 Phone 888-987-3456
 Website www.bellagio.com

The Bellagio’s water show is an enchanting spectacle that shouldn’t be missed while in Las Vegas. And there are no lines and no fees for the event. Every 15 minutes in the morning and every half an hour throughout the rest of the day the Bellagio Water Fountains come alive. The water’s movements are carefully choreographed to various ensembles in a commanding yet playful manner. Pedestrians begin to crowd around the fountain 5-10 minutes prior to the performance but don’t worry it’s easy to find a good spot. The event lasts for about 10 minutes. In the evening, the Bellagio water show is even more dazzling as colorful lights add a splash of mystic to the performance.

 

Liberace Museum

 Address 1775 E. Tropicana Ave.
 Admissions $12
 Hours M-S 10am-5pm, Sun. 12-4 pm
 Phone 702-798-5595
 Website www.liberace.org

The Liberace Museum like everything else in Las Vegas is located in a strip mall. After entering the museum through the giant jewel doorway, you can’t help but be enchanted by the dazzling collection of Liberace’s personal belongings including costumes, pianos, and even cars decorated with jewels in true Liberace fashion. There’s also a magnificent 50lb rhinestone, that’s said to be largest in the world, on display. Everything in the museum is big and gaudy just the way Liberace would have liked it. Crowds vary throughout the day.

 

Hoover Dam Tour

 Address Hoover Dam
 Admissions $10 adults, $4 children
 Phone 866-291-TOUR
 Website www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam

Touring the Hoover Dam is a must-do for first time visitors to Las Vegas. The Hoover Dam is only a short drive away from Las Vegas. Alternatively, shuttle services, to and from the dam, are offered by most of the casinos in town. A day trip to the Hoover Dam makes for a nice break from the casinos. Nearly 3,000 people visit the Hoover Dam daily. And why wouldn’t they? If it weren’t for the Hoover Dam (originally called the Boulder Dam) there wouldn’t be a Las Vegas.

Prior to the completion of the Hoover Dam the surrounding areas were prone to devastating droughts for which there was no relief. When it did rain the surrounding areas flooded. The federal government set out to reclaim the southwest by controlling the Colorado River. The building of the Hoover Dam was a monumental undertaking. Over 5,000 workers were brought in and construction began in 1931. Much to the credit of the laborers, the Hoover Dam, with its 660-foot thick curved base, was completed in 1936, 2 years ahead of schedule and $15 million under budget. Today the Hoover Dam powers much of Arizona, California, and Nevada. Surprisingly, Las Vegas receives its electricity elsewhere.

When you first arrive, you’re sure to be overwhelmed by the Dam’s almost frightening size. It’s mesmerizing to walk across the Dam’s crest. The Hoover Dam towers 726-feet above bedrock and even today is engineering masterpiece. Take your time exploring the site and enjoy the many superb views. When you are ready, make your way down to the reception area. There you can purchase tickets for the tour. Tours run every 15 minutes or so and last about 30 minutes. The tour starts off with a brief but interesting presentation is a small theatre. Afterwards, the real fun begins. Groups of 30 are crammed into an elevator and taken into the Dam’s interior. While there you’ll have to walk through a cave like passageway to get to the engine room. Take notice to the water seepage along the walls, but don’t be alarmed, the Dam didn’t spring a leak. Seepage is apparently normal. Post 9/11 security measures do prevent tours from full entering into the engine room. Afterwards, you can browse the exhibits throughout the Plaza Level or catch an astonishing view from the Visitor Center’s rooftop overlook. And of course there is a souvenir shop and a restaurant on site. The Dam Burger isn’t too bad.

Overall visiting the Hoover Dam is fun, entertaining, and informative experience that shouldn’t be missed.

 


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