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15 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas You Can’t Miss

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This post contains affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Whenever people find out we lived in Las Vegas, the most common response by far is “Wow, how was that?” Most people only think of the Strip when they’re visiting Vegas, but our favorite part of living there was how much there was to explore outdoors.

15 Incredible Day Trips from Las Vegas By Car // localadventurer.com

15 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM LAS VEGAS

1. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Distance: 16.4 mi / 20 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Calico Hills, Scenic Loop, Red Springs Loop Hike
What to Eat: 
Other Mama, DW Bistro, Aloha Kitchen

Red Rock Canyon is technically in Las Vegas, but when we lived there, we considered it more like a day trip. It’s nice for a day hike or scenic drive. It’s also a huge climbing destination, and tons of climbers travel here since there are hundreds of boulders and sport climbing routes! Sadly, we got into climbing after we left Vegas, but got our first chance to climb there while visiting last year.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area + 15 Most Popular Day Trips from Las Vegas // localadventurer.comRed Rock Canyon National Conservation Area + 15 Most Popular Day Trips from Las Vegas // localadventurer.com

2. Bonnie Springs Ranch, Nevada

Distance: 26.7 mi / 34 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Old Town, Horseback Riding, Petting Zoo
What to Eat: Bonnie Springs Ranch Restaurant, Suzuya Patisserie, Tonkatsu Kiyoshi

Originally built in 1843, this is a great spot to experience what the west used to be like. You can watch daily reenactments honoring the Old West, check out the shops, or visit the petting zoo. This is a popular spot for families.

Bonnie Springs Ranch, Nevada + 15 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas By Car (photo: Miss Shari) // localadventurer.com
photo: Miss Shari

3. Boulder City, Nevada

Distance: 26.2 mi / 31 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Zipline Bootleg Canyon, Gold Strike Hot Springs, Hoover Dam
What to Eat: The Coffee Cup, Fox Smokehouse BBQ, Southwest Diner

Boulder City is close by but it feels completely different than Vegas. Downtown is a great area to eat and shop, but there is also plenty to do in the area. You can zipline, check out the natural hot springs, go shooting, or tour the iconic Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam // Setting Goals for October.

4. Mt. Charleston, Nevada

Distance: 39.1 mi / 45 min (map)
What to Do / See: Mt. Charleston Scenic Byway, Spring Mountains Visitor Center, Bristlecone Trail
What to Eat: Mt Charleston Lodge, Kame Omakase, Cutting Board Filipino Gastropub

Mt. Charleston is the perfect place to get away especially on days that are blistering hot in the city. It’s typically 10 degrees cooler and gets you away from all the crowds of the strip. Go for a hike, have a picnic, or just enjoy the views along the byway.

Mt Charleston, Nevada + 15 Most Popular Road Trips from Vegas (photo: jpellgen) // localadventurer.com
photo: jpellgen

5. Valley of Fire, Nevada

Distance: 49.1 mi / 55 min (map)
What to Do / See: Fire Wave Hike, Elephant Rock, Rainbow Vista
What to Eat: Carly’s Pizza, Sugar’s Home Plate, Just Eat in Vegas

This was one of our favorite spots to explore near Vegas. There are plenty of hikes to check out, including the Fire Wave, or if it’s really hot, you can enjoy the views from your car on the scenic drive. Seeing the night sky from the park is amazing too!

Fire Wave at Valley of Fire + 15 Most Popular Road Trips from Vegas // localadventurer.comValley of Fire + 15 Most Popular Road Trips from Vegas // localadventurer.com

6. Mojave National Preserve, California

Distance: 58.5 mi / 53 min (map)
What to Do / See: Lava Tube, Kelso Dunes, Rings Trail
What to Eat: No restaurants in the preserve, eat in Vegas or pack food.

We drove by Mojave National Preserve a lot going to and from LA or SD but only stopped by once. Just like Death Valley, it covers a huge amount of land, so we recommend only trying to see a portion of it at a time as a day trip.

Mojave National Preserve + 15 Most Popular Day Trips from Las Vegas (ph: jshyun) // localadventurer.comMojave National Preserve, California + 15 Incredible Road Trips from Las Vegas (ph: jshyun) // localadventurer.com
photo: jshyun

7. St George, Utah

Distance: 119 mi / 1 hr 45 min (map)
What to Do / See: St George Utah Temple, Pioneer Park, Red Hills Desert Garden, Kayenta
What to Eat: Painted Pony, Benja Thai & Sushi, Cliffside Restaurant

Desert red rock meets alpine mountains in St. George, Utah. You can explore museums, shop in town, or enjoy all the amazing outdoor scenery. It’s an easy getaway for a day trip but can easily fill your whole weekend too. It’s also the closest “big” city to Zion National Park.

St George, Utah + 15 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas By Car // localadventurer.com
photo: Carl Berger

8. Red Cliffs National Conservation Area + Snow Canyon State Park, Utah

Distance: 121 mi / 1 hr 45 min (map)
What to Do / See: Silver Reef Trail (Dinosaur Tracks), Chuckwalla Trail, Anasazi Trail
What to Eat: Angelica’s Mexican Grill, Roys Pizza & Pasta, Irmita’s Casita

There are roughly 45,000 acres of public land in the Red Cliffs NCA. It’s surrounded by small communities, and you can easily access the amenities you need before or after visiting. Once in the area, there are a ton of hikes and trails to explore. You can also check out Snow Canyon State Park which is nearby. It is made up of beuatiful red and white Navajo sandstone.

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Utah + 15 Incredible Driving Trips from Las Vegas (photo: junaidrao) // Local AdventurerSnow Canyon State Park, Utah + 15 Incredible Driving Trips from Las Vegas (photo: Thomas Jundt) // Local Adventurer
photo: junaidrao (left), Thomas Jundt (right)

9. Grand Canyon West, Arizona

Distance: 122 mi / 2 hr 10 min (map)
What to Do / See: Grand Canyon Skywalk, Hualapai River Runners, Helicopter Ride
What to Eat: Sa Nyu Wa Restaurant. Not many great options, so pack food.

Grand Canyon West isn’t our favorite part of Grand Canyon National Park, but it is the closest part of the park from Las Vegas. There’s so much to see and do at the Grand Canyon that we prefer making it longer than a day trip, but if you’ve never seen it before and you’re limited on time, it’s worth driving out to see. You can walk along the skywalk or do something more adventurous, like white water rafting or ride a helicopter.

Grand Canyon West + 15 Incredible DayTrips from Las Vegas // localadventurer.com

10. Death Valley National Park, Nevada and California

Distance: 142 mi / 2 hr 11 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin
What to Eat: Toll Road Restaurant, Timbisha Village Frybread Tacos and Shave Ice, Panamint Springs Resort Restaurant

Death Valley National Park is a huge park! You can be in the middle of sand dunes at one moment, then amongst some of the most colorful hills you’ve ever seen the next. If you’re headed up for a day trip don’t try to do it all. Focus on one region of the park. Everything is so far apart. To help you get started, check out these 9 incredible things to do!

Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park + 15 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas By Car // localadventurer.com

11. UFO Road Trip, Nevada

Distance: 147 mi / 2 h 13 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Rachel, Extraterrestrial Hwy, Black Mailbox / Area 51
What to Eat: Little A’Le’Inn, Windmill Ridge, Alamo Diner

If you’re into aliens or just looking for something weird and quirky to do, this is a great road trip with lots of stops. Take photos with the Extraterrestrial Highway Sign, stop at ET Fresh Jerky, or pick up a gift a the Alien Research Center Gift Shop. You’ll also drive through Area 51 and can spend your afternoon wondering what’s going on!

Black Mailbox, Area 51, Rachel, Nevada + 15 Incredible Road Trips from Las Vegas (photo: James Marvin Phelps) // localadventurer.comArea 51, Rachel, Nevada + 15 Incredible Road Trips from Las Vegas (photo: Caacrinolaas) // localadventurer.com
Extraterrestrial Highway, Rachel, Nevada + 15 Incredible Road Trips from Las Vegas (photo: Chris Moran @ TravelNevada) // localadventurer.com
photo: James Marvin Phelps (left), Caacrinolaas (right), Chris Moran @ TravelNevada (bottom)

12. Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Distance: 154 mi / 2 hr 26 min (map)
What to Do / See: Lake Havasu, London Bridge, Rotary Park
What to Eat: Cha-Bones, Barley Brothers Brewery, Shugrue’s Restaurant & Bakery

Lake Havasu is known as a spring break spot, but the beautiful waters are worth visiting without all the crowds. It’s a great way to get in some beach time without heading to the coast. Also, don’t forget to check out London Bridge. In the 60s, the London Bridge was dismantled and shipped to Lake Havasu, so you can actually cross the bridge in Arizona!

Lake Havasu City, Arizona + Best Road Trips from Las Vegas By Car (photo: dconvertini) // Local Adventurer
photo: dconvertini

13. Zion National Park, Utah

Distance: 160 mi / 2 hr 35 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Angels Landing, Zion Narrows (Bottom-Up), Canyon Overlook Trail
What to Eat: 

Zion National Park definitely deserves more than just a day, but being so close, you can absolutely pop up there for just for a day. We drove up just to hike Angel’s Landing. There are plenty of other amazing day hikes in Zion, or you can just enjoy the views from the valley.

The Narrows, Zion National Park + 15 Incredible Road Trips from Las Vegas // Local AdventurerAngels Landing, Zion National Park + 15 Incredible Road Trips from Las Vegas // Local Adventurer

14. Cathedral Gorge State Park

Distance: 165 mi / 2 hr 35 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Miller Point, Cathedral Caves, Moon Caves
What to Eat: Silver CafeGhost Town Art & Coffee Co

We visited Cathedral Gorge State Park during our Ultimate Nevada Road Trip and it was one of our favorite spots by far! It has such a unique landscape and so many corners to explore. There are also a couple of other state parks nearby to check like like Kershaw-Ryan State Park and Echo Canyon State Park, but you can easily fill your day playing at Cathedral Gorge.

Cathedral Gorge State Park + 15 Incredible Day Trips from Vegas // localadventurer.com

15. Route 66 to Seligman, AZ

Distance: 190 mi / 3 hr (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Giganticus Headicus, Keepers of the Wild, Grand Canyon Caverns
What to Eat: Diamond Creek Restaurant, Westside Lilo’s Cafe, Mr. Dz’s Route 66 Diner

For those of you who love road trips, head south to Route 66 and drive to Seligman, AZ. Enjoy the views along this scenic drive and appreciate why this is such an iconic trip.

Route 66 to Seligman Arizona + 15 Best Driving Trips from Las Vegas (photo: Randy Heinitz) // localadventurer.com
photo: Randy Heinitz

More Day Trip Ideas under 3 Hours

  • Lake Las Vegas (20.2 mi / 31 min / map)
  • River Mountains Loop Trail, Henderson (21.0 / 24 min / map)
  • Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Henderson (28.2 mi / 33 min / map)
  • Lake Mead (31.8 mi / 37 min / map)
  • Pioneer Saloon (38.3 mi / 41 min / map)
  • Nelson, NV (43.7 / 43 min / map)
  • Willow Beach (48.7 mi / 56 min / map)
  • Eldorado Canyon & Gold Mine, NV (52.6 mi / 1 hr / map)
  • Pahrump, NV (63.1 mi / 1 h 10 min / map)
  • Overton – Lost City Museum (64.1 / 1 hr 2 min / map)
  • Nipton, CA (64.4 mi /1 hr 2 min / map)
  • Mount Tipton Wilderness Area, AZ (82.8 mi / 1 hr 30 min / map)
  • Armagosa Valley (87.9 mi / 1 h 17 min / map)
  • Shoshone, CA (90.1 mi / 1 h 34 min / map)
  • Laughlin, NV (97.6 mi / 1 h 30 min / map)
  • Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, CA (112 mi / 1 h 43 min / map)
  • Rhyolite Ghost Town (120 mi / 1 h 49 min / map)
  • Dixie National Forest, UT (182 mi / 2 h 40 min / map)

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15 Incredible Places to Visit Near Las Vegas By Car // localadventurer.com15 Popular Road Trips from Vegas You Can't Miss // Local Adventurer15 Best Road Trips from Las Vegas // localadventurer.com

15 Best Road Trips from Las Vegas // localadventurer.com15 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas By Car // localadventurer.com15 Incredible Day / Short Trips from Las Vegas // localadventurer.com
Cathedral Gorge State Park + 15 Incredible Day Trips from Vegas // localadventurer.comZabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park + 15 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas By Car // localadventurer.comGrand Canyon West + 15 Incredible Road Trips from Las Vegas // localadventurer.com

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

“Meet

ESTHER + JACOB

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 50 travel blogs in the world. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city every year and are currently in NYC.

Local Adventurer on Pinterest Local Adventurer on Youtube

Read Next // localadventurer.com

The post 15 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas You Can’t Miss appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Portland + World Wide.


15 Incredible Weekend Trips from Las Vegas

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There are 52 weekends out of the year. How are you going to spend them?

Whenever we go tell people our list of cities we’ve lived in, Las Vegas always seems to catch people’s attention. What most people don’t realize is Vegas is a great home base to get to the Utah parks and also an easy drive to many destinations in California. If you’re tired of hanging out at the Strip, within a few hours, you can be at some of the most amazing landscapes the US has to offer.

Amazing Weekend Getaways and Best Driving Trips from Las Vegas // Local Adventurer #roadtrip #lasvegas

15 INCREDIBLE WEEKEND TRIPS FROM LAS VEGAS

This post contains affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Date Created: April 2, 2018

15 BEST WEEKEND TRIPS FROM LAS VEGAS NEVADA

1. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Distance: 187 mi / 3 h 5 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss:  11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
What to Eat: Pie for the People!, 29 Palms Inn, The Rib Co.
Where to Stay: Fairfield Inn Suites Twentynine Palms, Best Western Inn Joshua Tree, Holiday Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms

Joshua Tree National Park is one of our favorite places to visit. The sunsets are unforgettable and if you rock climb, it’s a giant playground.

Arch Rock Joshua Tree National Park + 15 Amazing Weekend Getaways from Las Vegas #roadtrip #lasvegas #travelling // localadventurer.comJoshua Tree National Park + 15 Incredible Trips Around Las Vegas You Need to Take // Local Adventurer #joshuatree #roadtrip

2. Big Bear Lake, California

Distance: 214 mi / 3 h 55 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss:  7 Popular Things to Do in Big Bear
What to Eat: Big Bear Lake Brewing Company, Peppercorn Grille, Grizzly Manor Cafe
Where to Stay: Cathy’s Country Cottages, Cozy Hollow Lodge, Noon Lodge at Mallard Bay

Big Bear Lake offers something for the whole family. You can visit in the winter to hit the slopes or in the summer for water activities and hiking. We only had a chance to spend two days in the area during our last visit at the turn of the season, but can’t wait to hike and snowboard.

Boulder Bay Park Big Bear Lake, California // Local Adventurer

3. Havasupai Trailhead, Supai, Arizona

Distance: 221 mi / 4 h 2 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss:  Little Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls
What to Eat: Pack Food In
Where to Stay: Camping or Lodges

If you’re lucky enough to snag permits to visit Havasupai Falls, you absolutely should do it. The brilliant turquoise falls backdropped by the rich, red rocks is worth the trek. Check out our posts on How to get Havasupai Falls Reservations/PermitsPacking Guide, and Photo Diaries of Day 1 and Day 2 of our hike.

Mooney Falls, Havasupai Indian Reservation, Supai, Arizona // localadventurer.com

4. Flagstaff, Arizona

Distance: 250 mi / 3 h 52 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Lava River Cave
What to Eat: Nimarcos Pizza West, Delhi Palace, Simply Delicious Cafe Daily Fare
Where to Stay: Little America HotelSonesta ES Suites, Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort

If you love the outdoors but want the comforts of a city, Flagstaff is a great place to head for the weekend. There is plenty to keep you active, but also great restaurants and culture in town.

Wupatki National Monument near Flagstaff Arizona + 15 Best Road Trips from Las Vegas (photo: Alan English) // Local Adventurer #arizona #roadtrip
photo: Alan English

5. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Distance: 260 mi / 3 h 57 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: 9 Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
What to Eat: The Pizza Place, Bryce Canyon Lodge, Bryce Canyon Pines
Where to Stay: Abbey Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus, The Lodge at Bryce Canyon

Bryce has some of the most beautiful hoodoos you’ll ever find. It’s a relatively small park that you can drive through and see all the pullouts, but you can also spend a weekend there to hike and explore deeper into the park.

Bryce Canyon National Park + National Parks Close to Las Vegas + Epic Weekend Trips You Can't Miss // Local Adventurer #bryce #nationalparks

6. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Distance: 260 mi / 3 h 58 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Calf Creek Falls, Devil’s Garden, Zebra Slot Canyon, Peekaboo Gulch & Golden Cathedral
What to Eat: Burr Trail Grill, Hell’s Backbone Grill, Magnolia’s Street Food
Where to Stay: Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch, Red Sands Hotel, Canyon Country Lodge

You can easily drive by or through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument without even realizing it. It’s roughly the size of Delaware and full of amazing discoveries. We drove through as much of it as we could on a weekend trip and did the hike to Zebra Slot Canyon.

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument + 15 Amazing and Short Trips from Las Vegas // Local Adventurer #roadtrip #lasvegas

7. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, AZ

Distance: 187 mi / 3 h 37 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Coyote Buttes North (the Wave), White Pocket, Coyote Buttes South, Paria Canyon
What to Eat: Big John’s Texas BBQ, Into the Grand, El Tapatio
Where to Stay: Marble Canyon Lodge, Cliff Dwellers Lodge, Hampton Inn & Suites

The most well-known portion of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is the Wave, but it’s also one of the hardest to permits to get in the world. That shouldn’t stop you from exploring other parts of the area full of unique rock formations, beautiful canyons, and towering cliffs. Our favorite alternative to the Wave is White Pocket.

The Wave Vermillion Cliffs Arizona + 15 Amazing Weekend Getaways from Vegas. The Wave is a sandstone rock formation popular among hikers and photographers. They only allow 20 people in per day and it's by lottery // Local Adventurer #thewave #arizonaWhite Pocket Arizona + 15 Incredible Weekend Trips from Vegas - White Pocket is an area of sandstone formations in Paria Canyon Vermilion Cliffs National Monument near the border of Utah and Arizona // Local Adventurer #whitepocket #arizona

8. Los Angeles, California

Distance: 270 mi / 3 hr 56 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Ultimate LA Bucket List, Best Instagram Spots in LA, 25 Free Things to Do in LA
What to Eat: 49 Fave Places to Eat in LA
Where to Stay: Beverly Hills Hotel, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Kimpton Everly Hotel

If you’re visiting Los Angeles for the weekend, we recommend focusing on an area of LA or category of what you love to do or you can easily get overwhelmed by the endless options of things to eat, see, and do. You can spend all week eating delicious food, seeing all the museums, visiting the beaches, or even snapping photos aat all the popular instagram spots. Just know you’ll probably be back.

Griffith Observatory LA (25 Most Popular Instagram Spots in Los Angeles) // localadventurer.com

9. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Distance: 270 mi / 4 h 15 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Mather Point, Bright Angel Point, Grandview Point
What to Eat: El Tavor Lodge Dining Room, Canyon Village Marketplace & Deli, Phantom Ranch
Where to Stay: El Tavor Hotel, Yavapai Lodge, Maswik Lodge

You have to visit the Grand Canyon at least once in your life. It really lives up to its name and is absolutely massive. If you don’t have a weekend, you can always visit the Grand Canyon via a helicopter tour.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Tour with Maverick Helicopters.

10. Page, Arizona

Distance: 272 mi / 4 h 18 min (map)
What to Do / See: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, The Wave
What to Eat: Big John’s Texas BBQ, Into the Grand, El Tapatio
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites, Courtyard Page, Comfort Inn & Suites Page

Page, Arizona is a small town that doesn’t seem like much if you’re driving through it, but it makes the perfect home base to explore some of the SouthWest’s best outdoor scenery. Some famous spots nearby include Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and of course, the Wave.

Antelope Canyon Arizona Photo Diary // Local Adventurer

11. Sedona, Arizona

Distance: 275 mi / 4 h 23 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Oak Creek Canyon & Devil’s Bridge Trail, Slide Rock State Park
What to Eat: Casa Sedona, Red Rock Cafe, Indian Gardens Cafe & Market
Where to Stay: Casa Sedona Inn, The Inn Above Oak Creek, Adobe Grand Villas

Sedona is a great spot for a weekend trip. There are so many great hikes where you surround yourself with beautiful rock formations, and at the end of the day, you can treat yourself to a spa and a great meal.

Sedona Arizona + 15 Best Overnight Trips from Las Vegas (photo: Curt Mills) // Local Adventurer #roadtrip #sedona
photo: Curt Mills

12. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Distance: 296 mi / 4 h 29 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Lehman Caves, Bristlecone Pines, Wheeler Peak
What to Eat: Lehman Caves CafeKeruoac’s Restaurant, T&D’s Restuarant
Where to Stay: Stargazer Inn, The Border Inn, La Quinta Inn Ely

Great Basin National Park is a great place to stargaze, explore caves, and hang out with some of the oldest trees in the world. You can read more about it on our Ultimate Guide to Great Basin National Park.

Lehman Caves, Great Basin National Park, Nevada + 15 Amazing National Parks Near Las Vegas and Other Adventures You Can't Miss // Local Adventurer #nevada #outdoorsBristlecone Trail, Great Basin National Park, Nevada + 15 Amazing National Parks Close to Las Vegas Plus Other Adventures You Can't Miss // Local Adventurer #nevada #outdoors

13. Mammoth Lakes, California

Distance: 308 mi / 5 h 8 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Devils Postpile Nationa Monument, Horseshoe Lake, Rainbow Falls
What to Eat: Mogul Restaurant, Good Life Cafe,
Where to Stay: Juniper Springs Resort, The Village Lodge, Westin Monarch Resort

Mammoth Lakes is most popular during the winter when skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes, but if you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the summer and explore the mountains via hiking and biking trails.

Mammoth Lakes California + 15 Beautiful Places to Visit Near Las Vegas By Car // Local Adventurer #mammothlakes #california #roadtrip
photo: Adam Reeder

14. San Diego, California

Distance: 332 mi / 4 hr 49 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Ultimate San Diego Bucketlist, 25 Free Things to Do in San Diego, Most Popular Instagram Spots in San Diego
What to Eat: Carnitas Snack Shack, Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream, Fresh Sea Urchin
Where to Stay: Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Pendry San Diego, Pantai Inn

We spent a whole year in San Diego and it’s still one of our favorite cities in the US. It has such a laid-back vibe, great restaurants, and plenty to explore. We headed to the beaches on some days, and up into the mountains on others. You can also spend a full day exploring museums and experience the diverse culture.

Scripps Pier La Jolla Beach San Diego California (The Best Photography Spots in San Diego) // localadventurer.com

15. Salt Lake City, Utah

Distance: 421 mi / 5 h 45 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Park City, Big Cottonwood Canyon, The Tabernacle
What to Eat: R&R Barbecue, Valter’s Osteria, Takashi
Where to Stay: Grand American Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, Kimpton Hotel Monaco

Whether you want to spend your weekend outdoors, marvel at the amazing architecture, or just rest and relax, Salt Lake City has a wide variety of options to keep you busy and happy over a weekend trip.

Salt Lake City Utah + 15 Best 2 Day Trips from Las Vegas (photo: Thomas Hawk) // Local Adventurer #utah #visitutah #roadtrip
photo: Thomas Hawk

More Weekend Trip Ideas Under 7 Hours

  1. Parashant National Monument, AZ (135 mi / 4 h 31 min / map)
  2. Dixie National Forest, UT (182 mi / 2 h 40 min / map)
  3. Duck Creek Village, UT (200 mi / 3 h 5 min / map)
  4. Cedar Breaks National Monument, UT (205 mi / 3 h 5 min / map)
  5. Storax Sedan Crater (107 mi / 1 h 50 min / map)
  6. Yucca Valley, CA (206 mi / 3 h 53 min / map)
  7. Palm Springs, CA (232 mi / 4 h 3 min / map)
  8. Lake Powell, UT (270 mi / 4 h 13 min / map)
  9. Rainbow Bridge National Monument, UT (268 mi / 4 h 12 min / map)
  10. Fishlake National Forest, UT (278 mi / 4 h 25 min / map)
  11. Salton Sea, CA (296 mi / 4 h 44 min / map)
  12. Phoenix, AZ (298 mi / 5 h 13 min / map)
  13. Salvation Mountain (314 mi / 5 h 4 min / map)
  14. Santa Barbara, CA (359 mi / 5 h 34 min / map)
  15. Pilot Peak, NV (388 mi / 6 h 24 min / map)
  16. Park City (427 mi / 6 h 10 min / map)
  17. Yosemite National Park (456 mi / 6 h 52 min / map)
  18. Moab (Arches & Canyonlands) (457 mi / 6 h 34 min / map)
  19. Sequoia National Park (380 mi / 6 h 3 min / map)
  20. Monument Valley, UT (395 mi / 6 h 13 min / map)
  21. Lake Tahoe (451 mi / 7 h 17 min / map) – over 7 hours but worth a weekend trip

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Bryce Canyon National Park + National Parks Near Las Vegas + Epic Weekend Trips You Can't Miss // Local Adventurer #bryce #nationalparksGrand Staircase Escalante National Monument + 15 Best Road Trips from Las Vegas // Local Adventurer #roadtrip #lasvegasWupatki National Monument near Flagstaff Arizona + 15 Best Road Trips from Vegas (photo: Alan English) // Local Adventurer #arizona #roadtrip
Havasupai Trailhead, Supai, AZ + 15 Amazing Weekend Getaways from Las Vegas - If you're lucky enough to snag permits to visit Havasupai Falls, you absolutely should do it. // Local Adventurer #arizona #havasupaiAntelope Canyon Arizona Photo Diary // localadventurer.com
Sedona Arizona + 15 Best Weekend Trips from Las Vegas // Local Adventurer #roadtrip #sedonaMammoth Lakes California + 15 Best Driving Trips from Las Vegas // Local Adventurer #mammothlakes #california #roadtripMammoth Lakes California + 15 Best Driving Trips from Las Vegas // Local Adventurer #mammothlakes #california #roadtripSalt Lake City Utah + 15 Best Weekend Trips Around Las Vegas // Local Adventurer // Photo: Thomas Hawk #utah #visitutah #roadtrip

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WEEKEND TRIPS FROM PORTLAND

WEEKEND TRIPS FROM ATLANTA

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

“Meet

ESTHER + JACOB

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 50 travel blogs in the world. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city every year and are currently in NYC..

Local Adventurer on Pinterest Local Adventurer on Youtube

Read Next // localadventurer.com

The post 15 Incredible Weekend Trips from Las Vegas appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Portland + World Wide.

The Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List (101 Things to Eat, See, & Do)

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We’re coming to the end of our 15 month stay in Las Vegas. Jacob read our lease wrong, so it turns out our move out date is in April, not May, which gives us an even tighter schedule to get through our extensive Las Vegas bucket list. You can check out what there is to do by category or use the map at the bottom to see what’s in your area. Click the links to see full posts with more info and photos.

This is an evolving list that continues to change as new things to eat, see, & do pop up in Las Vegas. Don’t forget to check the date at the bottom to see when this post was last updated.

101 Things to Do Las Vegas (The Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List).

Last Updated: June 20, 2017      Originally Created: Jan 21, 2015

THE ULTIMATE LAS VEGAS BUCKET LIST (101 Things to Do in Las Vegas)

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

  1. Welcome to Las Vegas Sign (Southeast)
  2. Bellagio Fountains (the Strip)
  3. Gondola Ride at The Venetian (the Strip)
  4. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens (the Strip)
  5. Go up the Eiffel Tower at Paris (the Strip)
  6. Ice Skating at the Cosmopolitan (the Strip) – winter only
  7. The Big Apple Coaster & Arcade at New York New York (the Strip)
  8. Volcano at The Mirage (the Strip)
  9. Mandalay Bay Beach (the Strip) – need to be a guest here
  10. High Roller at The Linq (the Strip)

The High Roller (101 Things to Do in Las Vegas).

  1.  Caesars Palace, Strip – Make a Sports Bet at Race and Sports Book
  2.  Vdara, Strip – ESPA is the best spa in Las Vegas
  3. Hand of Faith at Golden Nugget, Downtown – Biggest Golden Nugget in Existence. It’s kind of underwhelming but worth a quick stop if you’re walking around Downtown.
  4.  Binions, Downtown – Take your Million Dollar Photo here. Also underwhelming but a quick stop.
  5. Fremont Experience, Downtown

Fremont Street Experience (Ultimate Las Vegas To Do List).

  1. Zappos Tour (Downtown)
  2. Pawn Stars Gold and Silver Pawn Shop (Downtown)

Pawn Stars Gold and Silver Pawn Shop (Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List).

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

  1. Jumping off the Stratosphere with SkyJump Las Vegas, The Strip
  2. Feeding Sharks at the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Aquarium, The Strip
  3. Circus Circus Adventuredome, The Strip
  4. Vegas Indoor Skydiving, The Strip

Vegas Indoor Skydiving (The Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List).

  1. Ziplining with Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon, Boulder City
  2. Grand Canyon Tour via Helicopter or Bus, Southeast
  3. Shark Slide Golden Nugget, Downtown
  4. Test Drive a Lamborghini and Ferrari with World Class Driving – renamed to SPEEDVEGAS

Test Drive a Ferrari (The Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List).

  1.  Shine Alternative, Spring Valley – Take Aerial Silks or Lyra Fitness Classes by Cirque Performers
  2.  Dig This, Westside – Drive a Bulldozer
  3. Flyboard Las Vegas, Lake Las Vegas

Ponte Vecchio (101 Things to Do on the Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List).

  1. Shooting Machine Guns at Pro Gun Club, Boulder City
  2. Sun Buggy & ATV Fun Rides Over Sand Dunes
  3. ATV Tour with DeTour Vegas, Spring Valley

ATV Tours with Detour Vegas (Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List).

SHOWS + VENUES + EVENTS

  1. Cirque du Soleil Show, The Strip –  O, Ka, Mystere, and Zumanity are were favorites. Just a warning in case you are traveling with family, Zumanity has a lot of raunchy, adult humor. We were unimpressed by Zarkana, and Jacob thought the Beatles Love was nothing special. We do want to see Michael Jackson next!
  2. Absinthe, The Strip
  3. Blue Man Group, The Strip
  4. Concert at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, The Strip
  5. Jabbawockeez, The Strip – they moved from hotel to hotel but are currently in MGM
  6. Le Reve at the Wynn, The Strip
  7. Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood, The Strip
  8. See a Stand Up Comedian – we saw Joel McHale when he was in town
  9. Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur, The Strip
  10. Alibi Las Vegas, Downtown – this isn’t like any ordinary dinner theater show or any show we’ve seen for that matter. It’s an interactive experience that is a cross between a show, scavenger hunt, comedy, and mystery, with food and drinks! Great with a large group of friends or a great way to make friends.
  11. First Friday Las Vegas Art Walk, Downtown
  12. Life is Beautiful Festival, Downtown

MUSEUMS + GARDENS + ZOOS

  1. Polaroid Museum and Polaroid Fotobar (the Strip)
  2. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum at The Venetian (the Strip)
  3. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo (the Strip)
  4. Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat (the Strip)
  5. Mob Museum (Downtown)
  6. Neon Museum / Neon Sign Graveyard (Downtown / North Las Vegas)

The Neon Museum (The Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List).

  1. Pinball Hall of Fame / Pinball Museum, University
  2. The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel, Southwest
  3. National Atomic Testing Museum, Eastside
  4. Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour and Botanical Cactus Gardens, Henderson
  5. Lion Habitat Ranch, Henderson
  6. Hoover Dam Tour, Boulder City
  7. Bonnie Springs Ranch Ghost Town, Blue Diamond
  8. Seven Magic Mountains, Sloan – those colorful piles of rocks all over instagram.

OUTDOORS & URBAN PARKS

  1. Hot Springs at Goldstrike Canyon, Boulder City – one of our favorite hikes in the area
  2. Ski or Hike at Mount Charleston – where the locals go to cool off when it gets too hot.
  3. Springs Preserve Museum and Botanical Gardens, Westside
  4. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
  5. Valley of Fire State Park, Overton – an hour away. The Fire Wave is only a short hike.
  6. Boating in Lake Mead
  7. Ponte Vecchio + Gondola Ride at Lake Las Vegas
  8. Star Party on Mount Potosi

Star Party on Mount Potosi (Ultimate Las Vegas To Do List).

FOOD + DRINKS + NIGHTLIFE

  1. Afternoon Tea at Ri Ra at Mandalay Bay, Veranda at Four Seasons, or Cha Garden at Lucky Garden Casino on the Strip
  2. 24 Hour Sprinkles Cupcake ATM, The Strip
  3. Clubbing on the Strip – Nightlife at Hakkasan, Marquee, XS or Day Clubbing at Marquee, Encore, Wet Republic
  4.  Gold Spike, Downtown – lawn games
  5. The Laundry Room, Downtown – Speakeasy at Commonwealth
  6. Banger Brewing, Downtown – Go for the Brewery Tour or Bingo Night

Sprinkles Cupcake ATM (The Ultimate Las Vegas To Do List).

  1. Shake Shack at NYNY or In-n-Out Burger, The Strip – Las Vegas is the only city that has both!
  2. Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, The Strip
  3. Wicked Spoon Buffet, The Strip
  4. Buffet of Buffets, The Strip – the ultimate gluttonous experience. Paris and Rio are the better ones.
  5. Rose. Rabbit. Lie – A Dinner Theater Experience
  6. Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand, The Strip
  7. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand, The Strip
  8. Restaurant Guy Savoy in Caesar’s Palace, The Strip
  9. Bouchon Bakery at the Venetian, The Strip
  10. Picasso at Bellagio, The Strip
  11. Le Cirque at Bellagio, The Strip
  12. Gordon Ramsay BURGR, The Strip
  13. The Steak House at Circus Circus, The Strip
  14. Holesteins Milkshakes at the Cosmpolitan, The Strip – recommendation from our reader, Heather.
  15. Hash House a Go Go on the Strip, Westside, Downtown, or Henderson – we’re not sure why people love this place, but they do. They do have huge portions.
  16. Giada Restaurant in the Cromwell, The Strip – We’re huge fans of Giada’s show and cookbook but was unfortunately disappointed by the food. Still worth a try if you’re a fan.

Giada's Restaurant (Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List).Giada's Restaurant (Ultimate Las Vegas To Do List).

  1. Poke Express, North Las Vegas – my fave poke place that’s a hole in the wall with a counter filled with so many choices of pre-marinated poke. It’s not the kind that you go to instagram. This is the authentic Hawaiian and is so good and so cheap! They used to be located inside Island Sushi but have moved out on their own.
  2. Raku or Sweets Raku for dessert, Chinatown
  3. Sweets Raku, Chinatown
  4. Ichiza, Chinatown – love their Honey Toast and Japanese Tapas
  5.  Oyster Bar at Palace Station –
  6. Hot and Juicy, Chinatown, the Strip, Southeast – not as good as N’awlins but better than most on the west coast.
  7. Lotus of Siam, Eastside, Downtown – Some articles have said they have best Thai food in the U.S. I personally think LA’s Thai town had much better Thai food, but I hate to admit that this is the best Thai food in Vegas. Make reservations because it gets crowded and don’t expect good service. They know they’re doing well and don’t care. I’m not just talking about the typical bad Asian service. One time I waited several hours and got no food.
  8. Carson’s Kitchen, Downtown – our favorite new restaurant in DTLV
  9. Park on Fremont, Downtown – still drooling over their Philly Mac & Cheese Steak
  10. Heart Attack Grill, Downtown – Diners wear hospital gowns, while nurses and doctors take orders of single, double, triple, quadruple bypass burgers. If you’re over 350 pounds you get to eat for free. You go for the experience, not so much for good eats. The food was pretty gross, but not as gross as I expected.
  11. Tonkatsu Kiyoshi, Southwest
  12. Island Flavor, Southwest – loved their furikake chicken
  13. Bachi Burger, Southeast
  14. Aloha Kitchen at University, Southeast, Sunrise, Westside, or Henderson – always order the Adobo fried rice omelet. It’s so good! Everything else we tried was just okay.

Las Vegas Foodie Fest (Ultimate Las Vegas To Do List).

SEASONAL + SPECIAL EVENTS

101 Things to Do in Las Vegas Nevada - the Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List - from the popular spots everyone has to do at least once to the spots a little more off the beaten path. // localadventurer.com
The Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List (101 Things to Eat, See, & Do).

Taken off the list:

  • Ronald’s Donuts – I think we can all agree that these may be the best vegan donuts, but they aren’t very good for the rest of us.
  • Jersey Boys – so sad to hear that this show came to an end. It was one of our favorites.
  • Serendipity – closed down.
  • Joseph James Brewery Tour – no longer have a taproom or offer tours (check if they reopen here)
  • Roos-n-More Zoo (Moapa) – was our favorite thing to do in Vegas and it’s currently closed.

Roos n More Zoo (The Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List).

WANT TO STAY IN VEGAS? Click Here For Best Prices and Hotel Reviews
Click here to find a RENTAL CAR

Woohoo! I think that’s about it. I have a feeling we may need to take a few trips back out to Vegas to complete them all, but I’m happy with how much we’ve accomplished so far!

We also wrote a post for Buzzfeed on 17 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Las Vegas.

Anything I’m missing that you feel belongs here?
What would be at the top of your Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List?

101 THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS MAP

“Meet

ESTHER + JACOB

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 50 travel blogs in the world. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They move to a new city every year and currently live in Portland, Oregon.

Local Adventurer on Pinterest Local Adventurer on Youtube

Read Next // localadventurer.com

The post The Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List (101 Things to Eat, See, & Do) appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in NYC + World Wide.

The High Roller Las Vegas – Biggest Ferris Wheel in the World

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The High Roller Las Vegas is currently the biggest ferris wheel in the world – bigger than the London Eye and Singapore Flyer. Everyone seems to be competing for that number one spot, and there are ones being built right now that will eventually be taller, but right now this is it! We knew as a Las Vegas local, we had to check it off our ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List.

One of the few places on the Vegas strip that we would visit regularly is the LINQ. Parking was easy and it had more locals than any other part of the strip. The High Roller is part of the LINQ.

The Linq High Roller - World's Biggest Ferris Wheel.The High Roller Las Vegas - The Biggest Ferris Wheel in the World 2015.

When it first opened, there was a long wait, but when we went there were no lines. Woohoo! When we arrived, we did see a long line right outside, but lucky for us, it turned out to be for Weird Al’s signing. How weird is it that we saw Weird Al right before our ride!

High Roller Wheel Las Vegas - Tallest Ferris Wheel in the World.The High Roller Vegas - Tallest Ferris Wheel in the World.The Bar where you can wait - Ferris Wheel Vegas.
Las Vegas High Roller.

Each cabin holds up to 40 people and there are benches on either side. Our ride only had about 15 people in it, which was a good size group. Any more and you’ll probably be stuck at your view with nowhere else to go. We were able to roam around freely and check out the views in every direction.

Ferris Wheel Las Vegas.
Views from the Las Vegas High Roller Wheel.
The High Roller Las Vegas - The Biggest Ferris Wheel in the World.
The High Roller Las Vegas - The Biggest Ferris Wheel in the World.Las Vegas Ferris Wheel View.
The High Roller Las Vegas - World's Biggest Ferris Wheel 2015.
The Linq High Roller.
Ferris Wheel in Las Vegas.
The High Roller Las Vegas - The Tallest Ferris Wheel in the World.
The High Roller Las Vegas - Best Views in Las Vegas.
The High Roller Las Vegas - The Biggest Ferris Wheel in the World.
The High Roller Las Vegas - The Biggest Ferris Wheel in the World.
Sunset on the High Roller Las Vegas - Best Views in Las Vegas.

To take photos, you have to avoid the reflections on the windows, but the glass was dirty too, which made it even harder.

The High Roller Las Vegas - The Biggest Ferris Wheel in the World.Views from the Las Vegas Ferris Wheel.The High Roller Ride Las Vegas.
The High Roller Las Vegas - the Biggest Ferris Wheel in the World.

The entire ride lasted about 30 minutes. The views were not bad, but you’re really looking down at parking lots or the backs of other hotels most of the time until you get near the top. We were expecting a nicer view. Since it’s set back from the strip itself, you don’t get the amazing views down the strip you would get from a hotel. We personally think if you book a room at the Cosmopolitan facing towards Bellagio, that’s one of the best views you can get.

We do think it’s a nice way to escape the Vegas heat since you’re in an enclosed unit with AC! Overall, we probably wouldn’t go on the ride again, but if you make bucket lists, we think it’s something worth checking out once, since it is currently the tallest ferris wheel in the world.

Pro Tips for Your Ride at the High Roller Las Vegas:

  • There is plenty of parking behind the wheel in a large lot. You can also valet right under the wheel. If it’s in the middle of the day, you can park in the LINQ parking deck or Flamingo parking deck to keep your car cool.
  • You can rent an entire cabin with a bartender on board for a private party.
  • You can book your tickets here starting at $26.95 up to $52 for the ride + open bar.
  • Check Groupon before buying tickets. They often have deals like this one.
  • Get 50% off for locals on Tues with a Nevada ID. See other local discounts here.
  • Give yourself some extra time to walk around the LINQ. Check out the polaroid museum or grab a cupcake at the 24 hour Sprinkles Cupcake ATM.

The High Roller
3545 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas NV 89109

Have you been on any observation wheel?
Have you sought out the best views in your city?

xoxo estherJacob

Thank you Caesar’s for providing us with complimentary tickets.
All opinions, photos, text are our own.
Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

The post The High Roller Las Vegas – Biggest Ferris Wheel in the World appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in NYC + World Wide.

Next Best Thing to Venice: The Venetian Gondola Ride in Las Vegas

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Anyone who has been to Venice knows that one of the most romantic activities is a gondola ride. Well, in theory, if the water didn’t stink. But if you hold your nose, the scenery is quite beautiful.

If you can’t make it out to Venice, Italy, then the next best thing happens to be at the Venetian in Las Vegas. It does feel a bit artificial, like Disneyland or all the rest of Vegas, but we think it’s a fun and iconic activity to do on the strip.

The Venetian Gondola Ride Las Vegas.
The Venetian Gondola Ride Vegas.Gondola Rides at the Venetian Hotel Las Vegas.
The Venetian Gondola Ride Las Vegas.
The Venetian Gondola Ride Las Vegas.
Gondola Ride Venetian Hotel Las Vegas.The Venetian Gondola Ride Las Vegas.
Gondola Rides at the Venetian Las Vegas.

Each gondola seats up to four people, but if you’re looking for a more intimate ride, you have the option to rent out the entire gondola, which is what we did.

We did both the indoor and outdoor gondola ride. Since we went when the weather was cooler, we actually enjoyed the outdoor ride much more. Inside, there are tourists leaning over the rails watching and taking photos of you throughout your ride, but outside you get more privacy and open skies. If people are watching, at least they are farther away!

The Venetian Gondola Ride Las Vegas.The Venetian Gondola Ride Las Vegas.
The Venetian Gondola Ride Las Vegas.
The Venetian Gondola Ride Las Vegas.
The Venetian Hotel and Casino Las Vegas.
The Venetian Gondola Ride Las Vegas.
The Venetian Gondola Ride Vegas.

Helpful Tips for Your Venetian Gondola Ride Experience:

  • Indoor or Outdoor ride? We had initially thought the inside canals were connected to the pool on the outside, so it was disappointing to learn that you have to pay for two separate rides (indoor and outdoor) to get the entire experience. If you want the more iconic and touristy experience, get the indoor ride. If you want a more private and relaxing experience, get the outdoor ride. Just make sure it’s not during the heat of the summer.
  • To purchase tickets, look for the Emporio di Gondola storefront just past the St Mark’s Square along the canal.
  • Buy tickets early and plan ahead. If you have to wait around, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to go to. The rides get booked up quickly. We saw a few people walk away in disappointment because there were no more rides left in the day. There was even a couple that just got married that didn’t want to wait 3 hours for the next open slot.
  • If you plan on doing the outdoor ride, we recommend booking close to sunset.
  • After you receive your ride time, you line up at the corresponding line, board the gondola and you’re off. Each of the gondoliers will sing a few songs for you and the ride lasts between 15-20 minutes.
  • They take a photo of you when you board that you have the option to purchase. You can also bring your own camera aboard.
  • If you’re willing to head out a bit further, we really enjoyed the Gondola rides on Lake Las Vegas, which take you under the replica of the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. So much of Italy right in Las Vegas! :P

Gondola Rides at The Venetian
702.414.4300
Price: $21 per person for shared gondola, $84 for a private gondola
Indoor Hours: Sun-Thurs 10AM-11PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-12AM
Outdoor Hours: Daily 11AM-10PM

Is this an activity you would do in Las Vegas? What are some sites you want to see or activities you want to do? Have you seen our list of 101 Things to Do in Las Vegas?

xoxo estherJacob

The post Next Best Thing to Venice: The Venetian Gondola Ride in Las Vegas appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in NYC + World Wide.

Blue Man Group at Luxor Hotel and Casino + Enter Giveaway

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One of our favorite things to do in Las Vegas is see the shows. We made it a point to see them when we visited and when we lived in Vegas for a year, we tried to go least once a month.

A couple of years ago, we saw our first Blue Man Group show. We initially wanted to see it because of all the gags on Arrested Development, but the show is so fun in and of itself. They do such a great job mixing humor with music, and they blend it all together in a production that leaves you grinning ear to ear. Since we last saw them, they’ve moved their show to a specially designed stage at Luxor Hotel and Casino that gets you closer to the action.

The Blue Man Group Las Vegas Show + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.comThe Blue Man Group Las Vegas Show + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.com

If it’s anything like what we saw before, we know we’ll love it, but since we never like vouching for things we haven’t seen in person, we’re headed to Vegas next week! Woot!

We’ll update you on what we think of the new show. We’re also doing the Behind the Blue tour to get an inside look on how they do everything. Besides that, we’ll be stuffing our faces at our fave food spots, enjoying our stay at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, and seeing friends. We haven’t explored Luxor much in the past, so we’re excited to check out the restaurants and explore the casino. Can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend.

The Blue Man Group Las Vegas Show + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.comThe Blue Man Group Las Vegas Show + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.comThe Blue Man Group Las Vegas Show + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.com

On top of that, we are giving away a pair of tickets to the show! See below for all the details and we can’t wait to hear about your experience.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you ever been to a Blue Man Group show? What do you typically like to do when you visit Vegas?

“Meet

ESTHER + JACOB

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 50 travel blogs in the world. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They move to a new city every year and currently live in Portland, Oregon.

Local Adventurer on Pinterest Local Adventurer on Youtube

Read Next // localadventurer.com

This is a sponsored conversation written by us on behalf of Blue Man Group.
All opinions and text are our own.
Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

The post Blue Man Group at Luxor Hotel and Casino + Enter Giveaway appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in NYC + World Wide.

Behind the Scenes at Blue Man Group Las Vegas + Giveaway

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Thank you, Blue Man Group, for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are our own.
Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

We just got back from a weekend in Vegas and had a great time seeing friends and visiting our old stomping grounds (does it count as stomping grounds if we lived there for a year?). We also got a chance to explore Luxor Hotel & Casino for the first time.

The Blue Man Group Luxor Hotel and Casino + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.com

Just within Luxor, they have shops, shows, tons of restaurants, and of course gambling. They even have attractions like Bodies The Exhibition and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition that are great for families. A couple of our friends who live in Vegas came by to meet us and we got tacos at Tacos & Tequilas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo weekend.

The highlight of the trip was seeing the Blue Man Group show! We both saw it twice before, but it’s still one of our favorites. They are always adding new elements to it. If you’ve never been, a Blue Man Group show perfectly marries amazing music, comedy, visuals, and a lot of audience interaction. You have to try REALLY hard not to be stupidly smiling as you watch the show.

Before the show, we joined the Behind the Blue tour to get a behind the scenes look at how all the magic happens and you even get to play some of the instruments. I was totally nerding out hearing about all the intricate details that go on backstage and you even get to sit in a live sound check and see them before they become Blue Men!

The Blue Man Group Las Vegas + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.comThe Blue Man Group Las Vegas + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.com
Behind the Blue - Backstage Tour of the Blue Man Group Luxor Hotel and Casino // localadventurer.comThe Blue Man Group Las Vegas + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.com
The Blue Man Group Las Vegas + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.com
The Blue Man Group Las Vegas + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.com
The Blue Man Group Las Vegas + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.com

If you want to make your experience even more memorable, you can be part of a private meet & greet after the show. We got a chance to interact with a Blue Man and take photos with him.

They’re all incredibly talented and we learned that the hardest part is catching a ridiculous number of marshmallows in your mouth at once without gagging. ;)

The Blue Man Group Las Vegas + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.comThe Blue Man Group Las Vegas + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.comThe Blue Man Group Las Vegas + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.comThe Blue Man Group Las Vegas + Enter to Win Free Tickets // localadventurer.com

We always love visiting Vegas and now we have a new spot to revisit every time we’re back. To get you started planning your next trip, we’re giving away two more tickets to the Blue Man Group show. See below on how to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Meet

ESTHER + JACOB

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 50 travel blogs in the world. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They move to a new city every year and currently live in Portland, Oregon.

Local Adventurer on Pinterest Local Adventurer on Youtube

Read Next // localadventurer.com

Thank you, Blue Man Group, for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are our own.
Photos from the show are courtesy of Blue Man Group.
Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

The post Behind the Scenes at Blue Man Group Las Vegas + Giveaway appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in NYC + World Wide.

49 Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas

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Las Vegas dining has come a long way over the years and is clearly now one of the premier foodie destinations in the world. Cruising up and down The Strip; you’re constantly hit with billboards of the who’s who of celebrity chefs, and while that’s pretty awesome, there’s way more to Vegas than just “The Boulevard”! Amazing food can now be found in literally any direction. So whether you’re looking to dine like a baller or a pauper and everything in between, one thing is for sure…. you’ll never leave this city hungry!

The Ultimate Las Vegas Food Bucket List - dine like a baller or a pauper and everything in between // localadventurer.com

Date Updated: Jun 17, 2018     Originally Created: Feb 21, 2017

49 BEST PLACES TO EAT IN LAS VEGAS

THE STRIP

  1.  Joel Robuchon (MGM Grand, French, $$$$) – “Chef of the Century” by the guide Gault Millau, Robuchon’s famous 16-course dinner may bust some bank accounts, but it is absolutely incredible. The “Le Boeuf” (Beef Châteaubriand and foie gras, “Rossini” style with aged Porto) is decadence defined.
  2.  Picasso (Bellagio, French, $$$$) – Chef Julian Serrano brings together an amazing marriage of French and Spanish cuisine. Whether dining inside surrounded by original works of Pablo Picasso or the outdoor patio viewing the Fountains of Bellagio, it’s a win-win. Their “Pan Seared U-10 Day Boat Scallop with Potato Maousseline and Jus de Veau” is the greatest scallop I’ve ever had.
  3.  E by Jose Andres (Cosmopolitan, Spanish, $$$$) – Reservations to this incredible 20+ course dinner can only be requested online and then they actually send out golden tickets via mail in a wax sealed envelope. That’s only where the Willy Wonka comparisons start because the food is so cutting edge and creative, I half expected some oompa loompas to come out and serve dessert! The “foie gras cotton candy empanada” is what dreams are made of!
  4.  Carnevino (Palazzo, Italian, $$$$) – This Italian steakhouse by Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich is a carnivore’s wet dream. I love the “Dry Aged Bone-in Ribeye” medium rare, which is rolled out to the table in a mini-oven and carved tableside.
  5.  Sage (Aria, American, $$$$) – No matter what you have, an excellent gourmet meal is a guarantee. The foie gras brulee is divine!
  6.  Rao’s (Caesars Palace, Italian, $$$) – Why deal with a two month waiting list for a table at the original location in NYC? This Vegas outpost can fit everyone! Dine in the Christmas room and order the best meatballs ever.
  7.  Bazaar Meat (SLS, Steakhouses, $$$$) – Get a group together and order the whole suckling pig. At $540, this must be ordered a couple of days in advance and will feed about 6 people.
  8.  Bacchanal Buffet (Caesars Palace, Buffets, $$$) – The biggest buffet in buffet history. With over 500 items to choose from, this is a feast of epic proportions. You’ll need to take a lap around the place before committing to anything.
  9.  Flock & Fowl (The Strip, Chinese, $$) – Chef Sheridan Su takes Chinese Hainan Chicken to a whole new level.
  10.  Harvest by Roy Ellamar (Bellagio, American, $$$) – No butter or lemon necessary for their incredible roasted Maine lobster.
  11.  Nobu (Caesars Palace, Japanese, $$$$) – Sure, they’re located in most major cities, but this location touts the most expansive menu of any Nobu around. They put miso marinated black cod on the culinary map and there’s a reason why it’s still the standard.
  12.  Gordon Ramsay Steak (Paris, Steakhouses, $$$$) – The most famous chef on TV backs up his reputation with his beef wellington. Eyeballs will roll back.
  13.  Estiatorio Milos (Cosmopolitan, Greek, $$$$) – This gorgeous Greek restaurant offers one of the most delicious prix fixe lunches on the Strip. The charcoal broiled, sashimi quality Mediterranean octopus is a treat that is sublime.
  14.  Tacos El Gordo (The Strip, Mexican, $) – Definitely the busiest restaurant in Las Vegasafter 2am, the al pastor is what keeps everyone coming back.
  15.  Andrea’s (Wynn, Asian Fusion, $$$) – Save room for their enormous Mt Fuji dessert.
  16.  Sterling Brunch (Bally’s, Buffets, $$$$) – The grandest weekend brunch in all the land! $85 gets you all you can drink Perrier Jouet Champagne, lobster, caviar, king crab, lamb chops and a whole lot more. Get ready for that afternoon nap.
  17.  Hakkasan (MGM Grand, Cantonese, $$$$) – One of the fanciest spots for Chinese on the Strip and their “Roasted Chilean seabass with Chinese honey” is fantastic.
  18.  Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak and Stone Crab (Caesars Palace, Seafood, $$$) – Why fly to Miami? Stone crab season runs from 10/15-4/15, so get them while they’re fresh.
  19.  Sushi Roku (Caesars Palace, Japanese, $$$) – While officially no longer on the menu, they will still make their yellowtail foie gras upon request. Thank me later.
  20.  Yardbird & Southern Table (Venetian, Southern, $$) – You’ll probably never spend more for fried chicken in your life, but you’ll know where the money went.
  21.  Bouchon (Venetian, French, $$$) – Thomas Keller offers a fantastic brunch and the “Poulet et des Gaufres” (roasted chicken with bacon-chive waffle, maple syrup, Tahitian vanilla bean butter & sauce Chasseur) guarantees that you will have an awesome day. Pictured below is a TKO from Bouchon Bakery.

Bouchon Bakery (+ The Ultimate Las Vegas Food Bucket List - dine like a baller or a pauper and everything in between) // localadventurer.com

SPRING VALLEY

  1.  Ace Donuts (Spring Valley, $) – Two old Korean ladies who are absolutely killing it with the best cronuts in Las Vegas? Confirmed.
  2.  Other Mama (Spring Valley, Sushi Bars, $$) – Their “Whole Grilled Branzino” is an epic dish. So good in fact, I eat the eyeballs every time.
  3.  DW Bistro (Spring Valley, American, $$) – Their blend of Jamaican and New Mexican flavors is a symphony for taste-buds. The “Jerk Pork” dinner consisting of roasted pork shoulder, velouté pan sauce, sweet potato mash is marvelous.
  4.  Rosallie (Spring Valley, French, $$) – If butter were to send a love letter, it would come in the form of their plain croissant. Outstanding!

DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS

Park on Fremont (+ The Ultimate Las Vegas Food Bucket List - dine like a baller or a pauper and everything in between) // localadventurer.com

  1.  Park on Fremont* (Downtown, American, $$) – This was our favorite spot in downtown vegas. We’d stop by to scarf down the Philly Mac’n’cheesteak pictured above.
  2.  Pizza Rock (Downtown, Pizza, $$) – Tony Gemignani is a 12-time world pizza champion. His Napoletana-style Margherita pizza actually won the World Pizza Cup in Naples, Italy. They only make 73 of them a day, so get there early.
  3.  Carson Kitchen (Downtown, New American, $$) – The crispy chicken skins served with smoked honey is the only way to start a meal here.
  4.  Market Street Café (Downtown, California Hotel & Casino, American, $) – This café brings in the masses with their famous oxtail soup, available only from 11pm-9am (not a typo).
  5.  The Goodwich (Downtown, Sandwiches, $) – Out of this world sandwiches! Get the pig o’ the week.

CHINATOWN

  1.  District One (Chinatown, Asian Fusion, $$) – Serving both traditional and elevated Vietnamese dishes, this spot is famous for their lobster pho and Instagram-worthy big bone soup.
  2.  Veggie House (Chinatown, Vegan, $$) – Las Vegas even has love for vegetarians! Chef Kenny is a wizard with soy proteins and his faux meats are second to none. His “General Tzo V Chicken” is a revelation, even for carnivores!
  3.  Chada Thai & Wine (Chinatown, Wine Bars, $$) – The finest Thai cuisine in the city. Their homemade crab curry served with thin rice noodle known as “Sen Mee Kang Pou” is fantastic if you can take the heat!
  4.  Sweets Raku (Chinatown, Desserts, $$) – This open kitchen, made to order Japanese dessert course spot is culinary artistry.
  5.  Hobak (Chinatown, Korean, $$) – This successful Korean BBQ chain recently opened up their first one outside of their homeland in Las Vegas and is already the best in town. The “Hobak Aged Short Ribs” makes a convincing argument.
  6.  Ramen Sora (Chinatown, Ramen, $) – Going with Miso, Shoyu or Shio broth is your call, but their deluxe ramen with extra chashu is the only call.

WESTSIDE

Oyster Bar (+ The Ultimate Las Vegas Food Bucket List - dine like a baller or a pauper and everything in between) // localadventurer.com

  1.  Oyster Bar @ Palace Station (Westside, Seafood, $$) – The combo pan roast is a creamy tomato stew with shrimp, lobster and crab that is the reason the average wait for a seat at this bar is usually over an hour.
  2.  Shang Artisan Noodle (Westside, Noodles, $) – Noodles made to order and delicious whether they’re hand pulled or knife shaved. The “Shang Beef Noodle Soup” is their signature bowl. The beef pancakes are incredibly juicy and an excellent starter.
  3.  Yonaka (Westside, Japanese, $$) – Modern tapas with a focus on Japanese cuisine. The “Sake Orenji” consisting of scottish salmon, orange supreme, yuzu tobiko, thai chili, and orange oil makes for a wonderful introduction.
  4.  Rollin Smoke Barbeque (Westside, Barbeque, $$) – The premier BBQ pitmasters in Las Vegas. Their burnt ends are total beef bliss.

EASTSIDE

  1.  Naked City Pizza (Eastside, Pizza, $$) – Their “Royal Sub” with in-house hot Italian sausage, capicola, mozzarella, iceburg lettuce and tomato is a fat kid’s dream come true.
  2.  Aloha Kitchen* (University, Hawaiian, $) – Vegas is home to some spectacular Hawaiin food. This was probably our favorite and you definitely need to try the Adobo Fried Rice Omelette.

SOUTH

Tonkatsu Kiyoshi (+ The Ultimate Las Vegas Food Bucket List - dine like a baller or a pauper and everything in between) // localadventurer.com

  1.  Tonkatsu Kiyoshi (Southwest, Japanese, $$) – The only legit spot in the city turning out deliciously deep fried and breaded Japanese katsu. The pork tenderloin dinner is the star of the menu.
  2.  Bachi Burger (Southeast/Various, Burgers, $$) – Asian-fusion burgers at their best! The “Miyagi-San” burger with grass fed wagyu, chili mayo, bacon, fried egg and onion rings gives anyone the power to destroy all Cobra Kai.
  3.  Sushi House Goyemon (Southwest, Japanese, $$) – Serving up some of the best all you can eat sushi anywhere! They offer daily fresh catch specials on the board like salmon belly, mentaiko and grilled yellowtail collar.
  4.  Gelatology (Southwest, Desserts, $) – Desyree Bettencourt is the genius, mad scientist creating eye-opening flavors of frozen treats daily. Pear and gorgonzola gelato? How about potato chips and dip? Beets? Rosemary crème brulee? Go crazy, my friend, go crazy.
  5.  Suzuya Pastries and Crepes (Southwest, Desserts, $) – I love everything here, but the Yuzu Panna Cotta is a must try.

NORTH

  1.  Kame (Northeast, Japanese, $$$$)  – Chef Eric serves up extremely creative omakase course dinners on the daily. The lobster tail sashimi is a consistent highlight.
  2.  Cutting Board Filipino Gastropub (Northwest, Gastropub, $$) – No nation has mastered the art of cooking pork belly better The Philippines and this spot shines with that ingredient across the board. Get the lechon!

BONUS

  •  Cafe Rio* (Multiple Locations, Mexican, $) – Although it’s a chain, we ate here at least once a week! The Sweet Pork Barboa Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing is amazing!! You can even ask for a tortilla on the side – Esther & Jacob

More: 25 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas + Your Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List + Best Weekend Getaways from Las Vegas + Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

MAP TO HELP YOU GET AROUND

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PHILIP

Philip Tzeng loves living in Las Vegas and is a terrible cook. Follow where his stomach takes him on yelp and instagram.

The post 49 Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in NYC + World Wide.


L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Las Vegas

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Las Vegas has a ton of celebrity chefs and restaurants. Ever since our meal at the French Laundry, we’ve been wanting to try more Michelin rated restaurants in town. Because we had some foodie friends coming to visit, it was our perfect opportunity to make our rounds.

Joel Robuchon is known as the “Chef of the Century” and has two restaurants on the strip. His flagship restaurant, named after himself, is a recipient of a three-star Michelin rating, and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon is a one-star Michelin restaurant with a more casual atmosphere. We have friends who have been to both, who told us the food itself is comparable. The only real difference is the atmosphere. Since we’ve been on a tight budget and wanted to try some other restaurants too, we decided to go to L’Atelier and save Joel Robuchon for a future date. :)

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Las Vegas - MGM Restaurants.L'Atelier Las Vegas.
Atelier Joel Robuchon - MGM Restaurants.

As you enter the restaurant, you get a glimpse of the open kitchen where the chefs are hard at work putting together each dish. There is plenty of bar seating available so you can watch them prepare your meal. We decided to go with a table so that we could catch up.

L'atelier de Joël Robuchon Las Vegas.
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Las Vegas.

The menu gives you a few different choices. You can go with their Discovery Prix Fixe ($168), which gives you 9 courses and a couple different options for supplements, or you can choose from one of their create your own menu options. You can get a pre theatre meal ($49) in case you’re headed to see a show, or choose from two Menu sizes ($81-109) for a larger meal (5-6 course). I decided to try the Discovery Prix Fixe while Jacob got Menu A so that he could help me with mine. Our friends both got Menu B, and we pretty much shared all our dishes.

L’amuse-Bouche (foie gras parfait with port wine reduction and parmesan emulsion) on left; bread made in house at their bakery on right.

Amuse Bouche - L'Atelier Menu.Atelier Joel Robuchon.
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon MGM Las Vegas.

Les Endives (endive meli melo with foie gras shavings) on left.

Les Endives - L'Atelier Joel Robuchon - Places to Eat in Vegas.L'atelier de Joel Robuchon Las Vegas Fine Dining.

Les Crevettes (shrimp carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette with caviar supplement).

Shrimp Carpaccio - L'atelier de Joel Robuchon Las Vegas.

La Daurade Royale (king snapper ceviche on top of fresh creamy cilantro avocado) on left; Les Calamars (marinated calamari with baby vegetables in coriander white wine broth) on right.

La Daurade Royale - Joel Robuchon Chef - MGM Restaurants.Les Calamars - L'atelier de Joël Robuchon Las Vegas.

L’œuf de Poule (soft fried egg with smoked salmon and baby winter salad) on left; Le Foie Gras (seared foie gras served with kabocha pumpkin gnocchi and chestnut confit) on right.

L'Ouef de Poule - Atelier Joel Robuchon MGM Las Vegas.Les Pates - Latelier - Restaurants in Las Vegas

Le Celeri-Rave (celeriac remoulade with fresh wasabi mayonnaise and black truffle).

Le Celeri Rave - L'atelier de Joel Robuchon Las Vegas - Las Vegas Food.

La Saint-Jacques (sea scallop cooked in teh shell with chive oil on an artichoke jus) on left; Le Foie Gras (foie gras herb tortellini served in a bouillon with white soy sauce) on right.

La Saint Jacques - L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Las Vegas.Le Foie Gras - L'atelier Joel Robuchon - Fine Dining Las Vegas.

Le Saumon (salmon on a bed of spring vegetables with ginger baby spinach).

Les Saumon - L'atelier de Joel Robuchon Vegas.

Les Pates (spiced maine lobster over orecchiete pasta) on left; Le Saumon (fresh salmon confit atop collard green and juniper berries with kale emulsion) on right.

Les Pates - Latelier - Fine Dining Las Vegas.Le Saumon - L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Las Vegas Fine Dining.

Les Bœuf (glazed beef cheeks “burgundy style” wrapped in cannelloni, cumin carrots).

Le Bœuf - L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Las Vegas.

Le Bœuf (short ribs cooked in a red wine with glaze vegetables); Le Cochin de Lait (suckling pig confit, sauteed cabbage with ginger and black truffle) on right.

Le Bœuf - Atelier Joel Robuchon - Restaurants in Las Vegas.Le Cochon de Lait - LAtelier de Joel Robuchon - MGM Las Vegas.

Les Fruits Tropicaux (litchi mousse on a thin blackcurrant tuile, caribbean sorbet).

Les Fruits Tropicaux - L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Las Vegas.

Birthday chocolate cake on left!; Le Chocolat (spiced “cremeux” on sage crumbles with ginger ice cream).

Birthday Chocolate Cake - LAtelier - Fine Dining Las Vegas.Le Chocolat - L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Las Vegas.

Le Victoria (pineapple sorbet with cheesecake cream and jasmine gelee).

Le Victoria - L'Atelier Las Vegas.

Le tartes on left; Le cafe / expresso on right.

Le Tartes - L'Atelier Menu - MGM Restaurants. Le Cafe - L Atelier Joel Robuchon Las Vegas.
All photos taken with a Canon 5D Mark III and 35 mm f/1.4 L lens.

Overall the food was solid. I’m always impressed by the precision in preparation for French cuisine. His famous and signature Pommes Puree (mashed potatoes) was underwhelming and there wasn’t anything that really stood out about the other dishes except the shrimp carpaccio. Maybe we expected too much from the chef of the century. For having only 1 michelin star, it’s one of the better restaurants. The best part of the meal was enjoying the company of friends and having an excuse to dress up.

Between the different orders, I would recommend building your own menu with Menu B. We typically like trying the Prix Fixe as that should highlight the best of the best dishes, but in hindsight Menu A or B was the way to go.

  L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato
Have you been to any Michelin rated restaurants? Which ones?
What restaurants would you recommend in your city?

xoxo estherJacob

The post L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Las Vegas appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in NYC + World Wide.

Touring the Iconic Hoover Dam Las Vegas

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One of the most iconic structures in the US is the Hoover Dam. It’s located less than an hour away from Las Vegas, and we knew we couldn’t leave without visiting.

Attractions in Las Vegas.
The Hoover Dam Las Vegas.The Hoover Dam Las Vegas.

There are a couple tour options, but we decided to take the full hour tour. Throughout the tour, we got a chance to hear about the history of the Hoover Dam, see the huge pipes that transport almost 90,000 gallons of water each second through the generators, enjoy a panoramic view of the Nevada wing of the power plant, and get access to the visitor center.

Las Vegas Tourist Attractions.
The Hoover Dam Las Vegas Tour.The Hoover Dam Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Hoover Dam Tour.
The Hoover Dam Las Vegas Tour.
Las Vegas Tourist Attractions.

The visitor center is made up of different exhibits and galleries that educate you on how everything works. There are some great interactive displays that kids can enjoy and test their skills.

Las Vegas Hoover Dam Tours.

Our favorite part of the tour is the observation deck where you get to see an amazing view of Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, and the Colorado River.

What to see in Las Vegas.
What to See in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Hoover Dam Visit.The Hoover Dam Las Vegas.
Hoover Dam Observation Deck.
The Hoover Dam Las Vegas.

The sun was so blinding! Don’t forget your sunglasses. :O

The Hoover Dam Tour Reviews.

After spending about two hours on the tour and exploring the exhibits, we headed outside to see the views from the street.

The Hoover Dam Tour Reviews.Las Vegas to Hoover Dam.
What to Do in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas to Hoover Dam Tour Reviews.Las Vegas Hoover Dam.
Hoover Dam Location.
Boulder City Hoover Dam Visit.Things to do in Las Vegas.

Lake Mead is really beautiful, but at the same time, it was sad to see how low the water is getting. You can really get a sense of the drought from here.

Lake Mead Drought in Nevada.

Regardless of what route you decide to go, you should definitely check out this American icon. It does so much to support the southwest in both electricity and water, plus the history of how this behemoth was built is fascinating.

Hoover Dam Las Vegas GPS Coordinates

Parking Garage: 8AM to 5:15PM, $10 Fee
Powerplant Tour (30 min guided tour): 9:25AM to 3:55PM $12-15
Hoover Dam Tour (1 hr guided tour): 9:30AM to 3:30PM $30
Visitor Center Admission: $10

Have you been to the Hoover Dam?
What other American icons have you visited?
What’s next on your list to visit?

xoxo estherJacob

The post Touring the Iconic Hoover Dam Las Vegas appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in NYC + World Wide.





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