Las Vegas strip is a 4 mile stretch which has huge hotels that are the replica in both exterior and interiors of famous destinations. To mention as few, Paris Paris - Replica of Eiffel tower, Venetian - The Italian city of Venice, Excalibur - medieval castles and architecture, Mirage - Egypt Pyramid, New York New York - Statue of Liberty and downtown New York.
Some may ask, is Las Vegas not a family destination? The answer is thankfully, yes it is a family destination!. You can still enjoy Las Vegas, even if you have kid(s) - there are so many casinos like circus circus, stratosphere and others which have full fledged rides like corkscrew rides inside the casinos! Mandalay bay hotel & casino in the strip, has artificial beach, golf course, shark reef aquarium. Likewise, every hotel has a few thrill rides or some attractions housed in them. Big shot thriller at Stratosphere, shoots passengers straight up until they are 1,081 feet above the Strip is one of the best that you cannot experience anywhere else in US.
Vegas is also famous for spectacular shows. The famous free shows are dancing fountain show at Bellagio which takes place in front of the Bellagio Casino/Hotel on the strip, every fifteen minutes, volcano eruption at mirage, Fremont street experience show, Treasure island battleship show. This will take place in front of the hotel where public can just stand and watch. These shows repeat every 15 - 30 mins. Apart from these shows there are several other shows such as cirque de soleil, which is a hi-tech spectacle, where you need prior reservations. Though they are a bit expensive, it is worth watching.
Make sure you see the spectacular night view of the Las Vegas city from the stratosphere tower point and Eiffel tower of Paris Paris.
In the evening you can just walk around the strip. Walking on a colorful street surrounded by awesome buildings, people partying with full enthusiasm is really a wonderful experience. During the day you can spend time in the casinos. You can also take a trip to the Hoover dam. The largest dam in America. It is just 1 hour drive from the strip. You can also plan a picnic to Lake Mead which has beautiful scenic views. If you have planned a long vacation, you can also club seeing Grand Canyon. It is one of the seven wonders. It is 4 hrs drives from Vegas.
When ever possible, plan your trip to Vegas, when it is not long weekend. In this way, you will get better deals in the hotels for stay. We went on road trip from San Jose, California to Las Vegas. Total distance is about 525 miles and is a 8 hrs journey!
Here are some tips for safe, hassle free road trip:
1. Plan your drive during the day light
Though, we may lose some vacation time in driving during the day, it is advisable because, it is risky to drive late night with sleep taking over, headlight glare, also you will get better road side assistance during the day time rather at night, incase of any breakdown.
2. Taking a Break
Take break for at least 10 mins in a rest area after 150 miles or so.
3. Adhere to perfect driving
As the drive is through hilly areas with lot of curves and narrow roads, make sure you follow all the driving instructions related to speed, signaling during lane change, etc so that you will not get into any accident.
4. Rent a car
If you own a used car, and your drive is more than 3 or 4 hrs, It is always better to rent a car and drive. In that case, you will get quick roadside assistance through the rental as their network will be faster to act to an emergency.
5. Phone Numbers
Have all the list of emergency numbers of your insurance, friends for immediate help, doctors
6. Gadgets
Make sure you take all your gadgets like Camera, iPod, GPS, Mobile along with their CHARGER.
7. Fueling
On this route, you have to pass through the Mojave Desert. So when you reach Bakersfield, make sure you fill up the car gas fully. Because there are no gas stations on this route and one or two will be there but they charge couple of dollars per gallon more. Also make sure you take enough water bottles when you travel this route.