Jack's VEGAS guidebook
Must See
Definitely plan to drive by this extraordinary amphitheater behind the Venetian on Koval St. The visuals from the 1.2 million LED pucks can be seen from the strip, so stop by after sunset to check the 20 minute loop of graphics. If you want to go inside, reserve a ticket for the 50 minute movie "Postcard From Earth" or buy a ticket to see Dead & Company with John Mayer or other upcoming performances.
Sphere
Definitely plan to drive by this extraordinary amphitheater behind the Venetian on Koval St. The visuals from the 1.2 million LED pucks can be seen from the strip, so stop by after sunset to check the 20 minute loop of graphics. If you want to go inside, reserve a ticket for the 50 minute movie "Postcard From Earth" or buy a ticket to see Dead & Company with John Mayer or other upcoming performances.
Local Favs
Things you won't find on most tourist lists (but worth checking out!)
This is great late night cocktail bar off the strip. It's actually open 24 hours and it gets busy after midnight. Definitely a local favorite with great DJ and awesome tropical drinks and bites. If you have a large group, get the "barrel service" for $250 (serves 6-8 people) and choose from Mai Tai, Piranha Punch, Painkiller, Scorpion, or Tiki Mule. And please call ahead if you have a big group after 10pm. This is a great first stop to start your Vegas weekend! Very fun and cool vibes.
64 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
The Golden Tiki
3939 Spring Mountain RdThis is great late night cocktail bar off the strip. It's actually open 24 hours and it gets busy after midnight. Definitely a local favorite with great DJ and awesome tropical drinks and bites. If you have a large group, get the "barrel service" for $250 (serves 6-8 people) and choose from Mai Tai, Piranha Punch, Painkiller, Scorpion, or Tiki Mule. And please call ahead if you have a big group after 10pm. This is a great first stop to start your Vegas weekend! Very fun and cool vibes.
Oh it's SO GOOD! It's definitely a local fave for authentic soup dumplings. So many bamboo baskets of six soup dumplings — prepared with shrimp, pork, crab, chicken, beef, or vegetables (prices are $10-$14 for 6). There are small bites, more than 15 different noodle choices, plus stir-fried dishes, rice cakes, fried rice, and a dessert selection featuring a chocolate-filled dumpling.
Xiao Long Dumplings
Oh it's SO GOOD! It's definitely a local fave for authentic soup dumplings. So many bamboo baskets of six soup dumplings — prepared with shrimp, pork, crab, chicken, beef, or vegetables (prices are $10-$14 for 6). There are small bites, more than 15 different noodle choices, plus stir-fried dishes, rice cakes, fried rice, and a dessert selection featuring a chocolate-filled dumpling.
This is an excellent reflexology massage spot close to Desert Blue. It's easy to walk-in and get a massage anytime. If you have a large party, they recommend calling the day before. Hours are 10am to midnight. If you have never had asian reflexology massage...you are in for a wonderful surprise! It starts with a foot soak and face/scalp massage. Then neck and shoulder massage, then feet are dried, then foot+leg massage. Finally you turn onto belly for back massage with hot stones included. It's so good for circulation, jet lag, stretching, and pain relief. They accept card or cash (prefer cash) The rates are: 60 min $45 75 min $60 90 min $70 120 min $100.
Check in on Yelp for $5 off 75 min or 90 min
YY Foot Spa
This is an excellent reflexology massage spot close to Desert Blue. It's easy to walk-in and get a massage anytime. If you have a large party, they recommend calling the day before. Hours are 10am to midnight. If you have never had asian reflexology massage...you are in for a wonderful surprise! It starts with a foot soak and face/scalp massage. Then neck and shoulder massage, then feet are dried, then foot+leg massage. Finally you turn onto belly for back massage with hot stones included. It's so good for circulation, jet lag, stretching, and pain relief. They accept card or cash (prefer cash) The rates are: 60 min $45 75 min $60 90 min $70 120 min $100.
Check in on Yelp for $5 off 75 min or 90 min
Pinkbox is a local Vegas staple which began in 2012. There are new Pinkbox locations on Fremont Street and also on Sunset Blvd. They are known for specialty doughnuts and great coffee. We highly recommend the croissant style doughnuts called Doughcros.
Pinkbox Doughnuts
Pinkbox is a local Vegas staple which began in 2012. There are new Pinkbox locations on Fremont Street and also on Sunset Blvd. They are known for specialty doughnuts and great coffee. We highly recommend the croissant style doughnuts called Doughcros.
If you have ever seen the Japanese hair massages then you need to try Soulo in Chinatown! It's a full head and scalp massage and it feels AMAZING! There is a basic $45 scalp massage + wash and an aromatherapy $75 massage (75 min) which is so worth it! This is a great couples escape too. However, there is a sports bar called Sagos next door if you have people that want to wait and have a drink. I would recommend scheduling 1 month ahead online or via text for a big group.
Soulo Hair Spa CHINATOWN
If you have ever seen the Japanese hair massages then you need to try Soulo in Chinatown! It's a full head and scalp massage and it feels AMAZING! There is a basic $45 scalp massage + wash and an aromatherapy $75 massage (75 min) which is so worth it! This is a great couples escape too. However, there is a sports bar called Sagos next door if you have people that want to wait and have a drink. I would recommend scheduling 1 month ahead online or via text for a big group.
Sightseeing
We love Maverick Helicopters because they have great value, top destinations, and their own beautiful private terminal at the Vegas Heliport. You can take a night flight for under $100pp!
Our favorite tour is called NEON & NATURE. Each heli seats 7 people + pilot. Departing at 6:15pm and fly into Red Rock Canyon. GORGEOUS! Land just south of the canyon when the sun is setting. The pilot brings a big cooler with champagne, water, and sodas. Drink as much as you like! Plenty of time to take lots of photos on the heli and then get back on to fly over the Vegas Strip! Almost 2 hours for $279pp
45 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Maverick Helicopters
6075 S Las Vegas BlvdWe love Maverick Helicopters because they have great value, top destinations, and their own beautiful private terminal at the Vegas Heliport. You can take a night flight for under $100pp!
Our favorite tour is called NEON & NATURE. Each heli seats 7 people + pilot. Departing at 6:15pm and fly into Red Rock Canyon. GORGEOUS! Land just south of the canyon when the sun is setting. The pilot brings a big cooler with champagne, water, and sodas. Drink as much as you like! Plenty of time to take lots of photos on the heli and then get back on to fly over the Vegas Strip! Almost 2 hours for $279pp
We have used BellLimousine .com for many years. Great hourly rates. We recommend booking 2-3 hours when you land for airport pickup. Then you can be driven around Vegas when you land, see the new sights, stop at the grocery/liquor/dispensary before you get dropped off at the resort. It's fun to have the high roller experience right when you get off the plane. You can call Bell directly or book directly at belllimousine .com
Bell Limousine
We have used BellLimousine .com for many years. Great hourly rates. We recommend booking 2-3 hours when you land for airport pickup. Then you can be driven around Vegas when you land, see the new sights, stop at the grocery/liquor/dispensary before you get dropped off at the resort. It's fun to have the high roller experience right when you get off the plane. You can call Bell directly or book directly at belllimousine .com
Food scene
WOW! You are served 6 course dinner TOTALLY IN THE DARK! The vibe is great, music was awesome, and the food was genius! We laughed and smiled so much all night long! The waiters wear night vision goggles and you can't see anything! It's located so close to the Desert Blue Resort too. It's best to book through Vegas com for $10 off and then call the restaurant to reserve your time. Dinner usually takes 90 minutes. Simply unforgettable!
20 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
BLACKOUT Dining in the Dark
3871 S Valley View BlvdWOW! You are served 6 course dinner TOTALLY IN THE DARK! The vibe is great, music was awesome, and the food was genius! We laughed and smiled so much all night long! The waiters wear night vision goggles and you can't see anything! It's located so close to the Desert Blue Resort too. It's best to book through Vegas com for $10 off and then call the restaurant to reserve your time. Dinner usually takes 90 minutes. Simply unforgettable!
This is a great local foodie spot off the strip. Very close to Wyndham Desert Blue and there is a BIG family style chef's table. So many yummy dishes and the staff loves the food so much.
41 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Izakaya Go
3775 Spring Mountain RdThis is a great local foodie spot off the strip. Very close to Wyndham Desert Blue and there is a BIG family style chef's table. So many yummy dishes and the staff loves the food so much.
Need some aloha? Zippy's opened their very first "mainland" location in Las Vegas in October 2023! Many Hawaiians have transplanted to LV over the last 30 years and now there is a Hawaiian favorite bakery & restaurant & general store is here! It's worth a visit for the Zip Pac Delux, fried noodles, Korean fried chicken, grilled cornbread, and chili! And don't forget the Coconut Cake and flaky donut (my fav) for dessert. Open 6am to midnight daily.
Zippy’s Arroyo Crossing
Need some aloha? Zippy's opened their very first "mainland" location in Las Vegas in October 2023! Many Hawaiians have transplanted to LV over the last 30 years and now there is a Hawaiian favorite bakery & restaurant & general store is here! It's worth a visit for the Zip Pac Delux, fried noodles, Korean fried chicken, grilled cornbread, and chili! And don't forget the Coconut Cake and flaky donut (my fav) for dessert. Open 6am to midnight daily.
Cheap Eats
Such a great breakfast/lunch spot and easy to walk her from Wyndham Desert Blue resort. And great prices too! We love this local favorite
Polaris Street Cafe
Such a great breakfast/lunch spot and easy to walk her from Wyndham Desert Blue resort. And great prices too! We love this local favorite
This is great local diner inside Ellis Island Casino just down the street from Wyndham Grand Desert. It's open 24 hours and serves breakfast with great $9 omelet plates until 11am. They are well known for their steak & eggs special and their fish&chips. Both are incredible.
12 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Village Pub and Cafe
4178 Koval LnThis is great local diner inside Ellis Island Casino just down the street from Wyndham Grand Desert. It's open 24 hours and serves breakfast with great $9 omelet plates until 11am. They are well known for their steak & eggs special and their fish&chips. Both are incredible.
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Lip Smacking Foodie Tour
You meet up with your tour guide just outside the Venetian and there are private tables at 4 different high-end restaurants and you are served 3-4 dishes at every beautiful place! You learn awesome back stories on the resorts and you learn about the restaurant's specialties too. The food is OUTSTANDING! So many wonderful dishes!! They do a great job of helping vegetarians and food allergies. $125pp for afternoon or $200 for evening..worth every penny! Great for big groups or families. It's fun to share the tastes together and discuss. We have tried all the other food tours and it's our fav
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*NEW RESORTS* for 2024
There are 4 new BIG resorts in Vegas since the pandemic:
FONTAINEBLEAU- 20 years in the making...finally...the newest mega hotel is across from Circus Circus and features some impressive restaurants and an incredible spa. Gotta check it!
RESORTS WORLD- the mid-strip super hotel is part Hilton/Conrad and HUGE CASINO (over 117,000 ft). Superstars like Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan are scheduled for residencies in their 5,000 person showroom.
CIRCA- the newest resort on Fremont Street and the largest sports book in Vegas history! It's classy and super modern.
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BEST LIMO SERVICE (book for airport pickup)
We have used BellLimousine .com for many years. Great hourly rates. We recommend booking 2-3 hours when you land for airport pickup. Then you can be driven around Vegas when you land, see the new sights, stop at the grocery/liquor/dispensary before you get dropped off at the resort. It's fun to have the high roller experience right when you get off the plane. You can call Bell directly or book directly at belllimousine .com
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VEGAS .com app
You will save $$$ when you book shows/tours/attractions through Vegas com or the Vegas .com app. The app is easy to use and no hidden fees.