Las Vegas Travel FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Answers to the most common questions about visiting Las Vegas, Nevada
What time zone is Las Vegas in?
Las Vegas is in the Pacific Time Zone of the United States. It observes Pacific Standard Time (PST) in the fall and winter, and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) in the spring and summer.
What is there to do in Las Vegas besides gambling?
Las Vegas offers a huge range of non-gaming experiences. See a Cirque du Soleil show or residency performance, ride the High Roller observation wheel, take in a concert at Sphere, walk the neon-lit Fremont Street Experience, tour the Neon Museum, shop at the Forum Shops at Caesars, eat at a celebrity-chef restaurant, or take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, or Red Rock Canyon.
How far is the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?
Grand Canyon West is about 125 miles from Las Vegas (roughly 2.5 hours by car). The more scenic South Rim is about 275 miles away (around 4.5 hours by car). Both are popular as day trips from Las Vegas, with plenty of bus, helicopter, and small-plane tour operators running daily.
What is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
The most comfortable weather is in spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when daytime highs sit in the 70s and 80s °F. Summer temperatures regularly top 100 °F. Winter is mild during the day but cold at night, and is usually the cheapest time for hotel rooms outside of major event weekends.
What are the best casinos in Las Vegas?
The Las Vegas Strip is home to some of the most famous casinos in the world — Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Wynn, the Venetian, Aria, and the Cosmopolitan among them. Downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street) has a grittier, old-school casino scene featuring the Golden Nugget, Circa, and the D. Off-Strip, Red Rock Resort and the Palms offer locals-favorite alternatives.
Do I need a car in Las Vegas?
Not if you plan to stay on the Strip. The Strip is walkable (though longer than it looks) and connected by ride-shares, the monorail, and free tram links between paired resorts. If you plan to venture to Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, or the Grand Canyon, a rental car or guided tour is the easiest option.
Are Las Vegas shows worth it?
Yes — Las Vegas shows are one of the best reasons to visit. Multiple Cirque du Soleil productions (including "O" at Bellagio, Mystère at Treasure Island, KÀ at MGM Grand, and The Beatles LOVE at the Mirage successor) run every night, along with magic, comedy, Broadway-style musicals, and residency concerts at venues like Sphere, the Colosseum at Caesars, and Dolby Live at Park MGM. Book early for the most popular shows.
What are resort fees and do I have to pay them?
Almost every Las Vegas hotel charges a nightly resort fee on top of the room rate, typically $30–$50 per night. The fee covers amenities like Wi-Fi, the pool, fitness center, and local calls — whether or not you use them. Yes, you have to pay it. Factor resort fees into the real cost when comparing hotels.
Is Las Vegas safe for tourists?
Las Vegas is generally safe for tourists in the main Strip and Downtown corridors, which are heavily patrolled. As with any large tourist destination, keep an eye on your belongings, avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night, and use licensed taxis or ride-shares rather than unmarked vehicles. Casinos are among the most surveilled environments on the planet.
What outdoor activities are available near Las Vegas?
Despite the desert setting, outdoor activities near Las Vegas are spectacular. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers hiking, rock climbing, and a scenic 13-mile drive. Lake Mead has boating, kayaking, and swimming. Mt. Charleston provides cooler elevation and winter skiing. Further afield, Valley of Fire State Park, Death Valley, and Zion National Park make for unforgettable day trips.
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