One of the things I am known for by my friends and family is finding cool things to do or places to eat when visiting a new place. Vegas is not new to me at this point, but it might be for you. Let's list the must-see/must-dos in Las Vegas, other than #INSTCon24, as we "Explore the Ed-cosystem," of course!
Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
Epic picture opportunity here at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign! What's more Vegas than this? Outside near Mandalay Bay.
Hotel-Specific Attractions
I might be cheating a bit by calling this one event, so we'll consider this as three! People watching while exploring "The Strip" and/or old Vegas via Fremont Street is always a good time. Here are a few hotel-specific attractions to check out.
- Float along the Venetian Gondola Ride (indoor and outdoor)
- Watch the Bellagio Fountains
- Climb the Eiffel Tower
- View the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
- Enjoy Flamingo's Wildlife Habitat (free)
- Watch a volcano erupt at Mirage (free)
- 5/16/24 note: Mirage is closing with the last bookings available until 7/14, so the volcano may or may not be available.
Flaming Skull at Chica Las VegasThe Food
Vegas is known for good over-the-top food and massive buffets, with the Bacchanal in Caesar's Palace topping the list. Come hungry, but also come early as there can be a wait to get into eat! Steaks at the Golden Steer are well-known as well- their slogan might be "go big or go home". Take in a show with dinner by visiting Excalibur's "Tournament of Kings" - there be jousting!
Some restaurants have a great view of the Bellagio Fountains, like Lago and the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, so if that is a goal- give those a search. To fulfill your sweet tooth dreams, there are many options with theatrical presentations like "The Flaming Skull" at Chica [at Venetian].
Other Shows & Exhibitions
Just going to go right into listing them.
- Cirque Du Soleil
- David Copperfield at MGM
- Blue Man Group at Luxor
- Madam Tussauds Wax Museum
- Bodies at Luxor
- Titanic at Luxor
The Sphere
The Sphere is one of Vegas's newest engaging multi-sensory experiences. The Venetian (host hotel) has some great views of it, but to actually go inside you'd visit the official Sphere site or visit Ticketmaster. I've never been there yet or seen it in person, so we can all share in this new experience together! Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
Neon Museum
Noted as the largest augmented reality experience of its kind, the Neon Museum has a variety of tours day and night! Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
Panda Party at Meow WolfOmega Mart
Last year in Denver, several fellow Pandas banded together to visit Meow Wolf's "Convergence Station," an interactive and immersive art experience. We have "Omega Mart" from the same creators in Vegas at AREA15. It's a bit pricy for a visit (starting at $49) but definitely a stimulating, fun experience. They are open 7 days a week.
All the Canyons or Hoover Dam Tour
These activities take a larger chunk of time to get to and enjoy. Most folks understand the allure of the Grand Canyon, especially the Skywalk experience. Another canyon to check out is Red Rock Canyon, or experience hiking in the Valley of Fire with its petroglyphs. Before I went on the tour of the Hoover Dam, I didn't think I'd enjoy it much- but it is a dam good tour (really punny & great with kids).
Many of these require pre-planning to identify a time to fit into your travel itinerary. Ready to start making your plans? Let's talk about other places others might enjoy together; it's a great way to get to know your new Panda friends!
Your most lovable panda,
Val King
Learn more about InstructureCon 2024!
Related Blog: Getting into the INSTcon24 Groove - 7 Songs to Get You Started
