Las Vegas First Timer’s Guide
My first trip to Vegas was right out of college and suffice to say by the fourth trip, I have discovered different things to do and not to do.
My first recommendation is don’t bring your kids. There are SO many amazing family friendly places in the United States and the world, that Sin City should be at the absolute bottom of your list for family vacation destinations.
My second recommendation if this is your first time to Vegas, stay on the Strip!! There is plenty to do not on the ‘Strip’ but that is where most of the action is and where you’ll get the true Vegas experience!
My favorite attractions in and near Vegas are:
- Exploring the Valley of Fire State Park. It is not as talked about as Red Rocks, but is definitely worth the drive. If you have a car, you can drive there and tour the park yourself. But if you want to relax (I mean, you’re on vacation right?!), then book a tour. The tour we went on was super informative, taught me how to scramble and the guide was hilarious! Book your tour here and you won’t regret it!
- See a show, really any show, you can’t go wrong!
- Also any Cirque De Soleil show is bound to amazing. Last time we went, we went to The Beatles LOVE show. There is nothing like a Cirque de Soleil show, so if you have never been, you MUST go.
- Beer Pong at O’Sheas: Irish pubs are always fun but one that you can play beer pong in makes it even better!
- The High Roller at the Linq is a newer must-do ride in Vegas. It is America’s version of the London Eye. You can drink on this giant roller coaster as it very very slowly goes around and you can see the entire Strip.
- Go in all the casinos, my favorites are: New York New York, Venetian and the Bellagio. Each one is unique and special in their own way so at least walk in and out of as many as you can.
One of the many designs in the Bellagio which change seasonally! 
MMM…chocolate fountain in the Bellagio. 
Venetian ceiling. 
Venetian beauty. 
Gondola ride anyone? 
Trevi Fountain replica
- Do the New York New York Roller Coaster! This was much more thrilling than we imagined and something unexpected in the hustle and bustle of Vegas.
- Go to a legit pool party, bonus points if you hire a driver/limo to take you there. We went to the Sapphire Pool and had a BLAST.
- Fremont Street: This is the old Vegas, what used to be the ‘Strip’. Now it is a covered walkway with entertainment with access to all of the casinos. There is also a nifty zip line over the entire walkway that I recommend. ALSO the hotels and bars are much cheaper down here if you are looking for a more affordable, but still fun place to stay.
- See a concert, the venue at Planet Hollywood is smaller and every seat is great! I have seen Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys here and would definitely go back to see someone else.
There are just countless things to do and trouble to get into in Vegas that you are bound to have fun no matter what you do. Hopefully you find these suggestions helpful and let me tell you what happens in Vegas definitely does NOT stay in Vegas!