Las Vegas Travel Guide

So you're going to Vegas. Whether it's your first time or your fifth time, you are in for some fun! We flew to Las Vegas to celebrate my brother's 21st birthday! Four days of no work, lounging poolside, good food, enjoying some shows, and drinks, drinks, drinks? Sign me up!
One of our birthday surprises for my brother was that we stayed in one of the penthouse suites at The Mirage. We figured it was a milestone birthday that definitely warranted something extra special.

There are so many hotels to choose from on the strip. You really can't go wrong. Our penthouse at The Mirage was probably one of the nicest hotel suites I have ever stayed in.  The Mirage is almost at the center of the strip and is next to Caesars Palace. It has a Polynesian theme and of course has the typical pool, casino, buffet, bars, restaurant, shops, and conventions center. The Mirage also is the home of 1OAK (which I learned stands for One Of A Kind) and the Cirque du Soleil Love show.

Caesars Palace (and other casinos) have the coolest shops. Not jut because of the variety of brands but because of the architecture. They were built to look like you were outside and the ceilings were even painted in a sky pattern. No wonder no one cares what time it is Vegas...it's always daytime if you want it!

We didn't do much shopping but I have never seen so many high end shops in my life. I wish I would have bought myself a keepsake!

The weather in Vegas was really comfortable, so much better than the humidity here in the east! The days were a dry heat and the nights were super comfortable. Plus there were numerous margarita/daiquiri bars along the strip that you could stop in for a refreshing drink. 

Over the four days we were there we wandered the strip, taking in the sights and eating delicious foods.  

Of course you have to stop at the Bellagio for the fountains. The first performance we saw was set to Elvis Presley's Viva Las Vegas. So fitting!

The Bellagio also had such a beautiful floral exhibit inside. 

And at night we enjoyed taking in a show or two. We saw Penn & Teller's magic show and Cirque du Soleil Love. Even if you aren't a huge Beatles fan it was still an excellent performance. If you're traveling to Vegas I highly recommend both shows!

And of course, the food in Las Vegas could not be better.We sampled so many delicious food, ranging from american staples to sushi! There is literally every kind of food imaginable so whatever you are in the mood for you can find. We really enjoyed:

1. Bacchanal Buffet
2. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill
3. Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen

The best part is that there are dining options for every price point. So you can find super cheap quick bites or the finest filet mignon (if you're into that kind of thing).  On my list for next time is a fancy dinner at  Nobu. 


If you have the desire, you can also take a day trip to the Hoover Dam. We ventured off the strip for quick road trip to the Hoover Dam and is was a perfect day. Unfortunately, their elevator was broken so we couldn't go on the official tour but it was still really neat to walk around the dam (and it's free). It's huge! 

And lastly, we stopped at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada. It was obligatory and they had a tiny parking lot so it was really easy to get to when we were returning from the Hoover Dam.

Overall, Vegas was tons of fun and I can't wait to go back. There was so much to do and we definitely didn't get to all of it. I think my brother enjoyed his Las Vegas 21st Birthday Bash. 

Have you ever been to Las Vegas? What did you like most? Anything you would recommend?